We find ourselves before the monitor this wintry Saturday morning. It is gently snowing tiny flakes outside. We are expecting a couple inches by late afternoon. Of course the snowteam/scareteam has been in full force on the nightly news about this "big storm" since about Wednesday. Seriously -- for two frickin' inches of snow. I am sure the local citizenry have been out in force scarfing up all of the milk, bread, and eggs at the grocery store. I guess snow brings on an irresistible urge to make French Toast?
I can only remember one time that we were "snowed in" and could not get out to get food. That was during the blizzard of '78. Even then, within a day or two, we were able to get to the store. We could have made it the next day had we chosen to walk. I suspect some people who live out in the hinterlands have been snowed in a few times, but those people know they have a long drive to the nearest food store and plan accordingly.
All of this talk about food makes me hungry. I could go for some bacon about now. Who wants to fry me up some bacon? I guess I will have to settle for some apple oatmeal or a bowl of Wheaties.
We met up with some friends last night and ate some pizza. We played some euchre and had a beer or two (two actually, and just me; the wife hates beer). We had a lot of laughs. Some days life is good. Any time spent with me is good though. That is even true if you only spend time with my general genius through this old blog. Go ahead, testify!
The boy is going with his girlfriend to the Winter Formal this evening. It is not formal, in fact, he will not even wear a jacket. He will sport a tie though. If the roads are too slick he will have to stay in town to eat. Unfortunately there is only an Applebees in this one-horse town, and it will be packed with other teenagers whose parents will not let them make the drive into Capital City either due to the roads.
The retail environment has become so pitiful here. If you want to buy men's clothing there are two choices -- the farm store and WalMart. One has to make the drive to Indy (30 - 40 minutes) if you want to buy a pair of Dockers. But we do have eight or nine pizza joints and a handful of Mexican and Chinese eateries to go with our THREE McDonalds. Such is the price we pay when living in a small town. I would have it no other way.
I have that song "caroling, Caroling" stuck in my head. Only one line though: "Caroling, caroling through the drifting snow" It is on an endless loop. Please make it stop. I bet it would if you made me some bacon...
Clearly I am rambling. If you are still reading at this point I thank you. I hope you have a great Saturday. Who knows, maybe you will get laid!
December 4, 2010
December 3, 2010
The Hoosierboy Flag is at half mast
I just heard Cubs great Ron Santo has passed away. sourceWords fail me right now. The radio broadcasts will not be the same.
Is it strange I chose my favorite Cubs hoodie to wear this morning -- before hearing the news?
RIP Ron. You are a Hall of Famer in my book.
December 2, 2010
Dear Progressives and Liberals
I will type this slow, so you liberals can better understand.
1. Extending the current tax rates is not giving anyone a tax cut. Not the undefined "rich", not millionaires -- NO ONE. If you are currently paying 13% of your income in taxes and next year you will pay 13% of your income in taxes -- that is not a reduction nor a "cut". By the same extension, if you increase the budget for a favorite Federal Program, but not by as much as you originally had planned -- that is not a "cut".
2. If, by some chance, I were to have my taxes lowered, the Government is not "giving me a tax cut". They are giving me nothing but my own money. A tax cut means the Government is taking less from me. It is my money -- not Washington's. This is a fundamental fact the progressives out there cannot comprehend -- wealth belongs to the individual -- not the Government. If you are in the 40-plus percent of people who do not pay income taxes, any "refund" you get is not a refund, but rather the Government took money from me and gave it to you. It is not possible to get a refund on something for which you did not pay. Robin Hood was a thief and a fucking Commie bastard. There is no free lunch and I am getting sick of picking up the tab.
3. Maybe we should, maybe we should not extend Unemployment Benefits. We could likely pay for the extension through the unused TARP or stimulus funds. Maybe GM could use some of its IPO money to pay you and I the money they got. In any case unemployment compensation does not create jobs. It does not put money into the economy. That money was taken out of the economy when it was taken from me and my employer. See Number two above.
4. Coolidge, Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush all cut taxes. The result was higher tax receipts to the Government. GDP increased and unemployment was reduced. The Laffer economic theory has been tried four times. It has worked all four times. The Keynesian model has failed every time it has been used. Government spending does not improve the economy. The Government cannot produce money. It can only print money -- which devalues the currency, or they can take it from me and you in the form of taxes. See Number two above.
5. The Government cannot create jobs in the private sector. Any Government Job is created by taking wages and money from you and I and giving it to someone else. A business does not pay taxes. It passes those costs to the consumer.
1. Extending the current tax rates is not giving anyone a tax cut. Not the undefined "rich", not millionaires -- NO ONE. If you are currently paying 13% of your income in taxes and next year you will pay 13% of your income in taxes -- that is not a reduction nor a "cut". By the same extension, if you increase the budget for a favorite Federal Program, but not by as much as you originally had planned -- that is not a "cut".
2. If, by some chance, I were to have my taxes lowered, the Government is not "giving me a tax cut". They are giving me nothing but my own money. A tax cut means the Government is taking less from me. It is my money -- not Washington's. This is a fundamental fact the progressives out there cannot comprehend -- wealth belongs to the individual -- not the Government. If you are in the 40-plus percent of people who do not pay income taxes, any "refund" you get is not a refund, but rather the Government took money from me and gave it to you. It is not possible to get a refund on something for which you did not pay. Robin Hood was a thief and a fucking Commie bastard. There is no free lunch and I am getting sick of picking up the tab.
3. Maybe we should, maybe we should not extend Unemployment Benefits. We could likely pay for the extension through the unused TARP or stimulus funds. Maybe GM could use some of its IPO money to pay you and I the money they got. In any case unemployment compensation does not create jobs. It does not put money into the economy. That money was taken out of the economy when it was taken from me and my employer. See Number two above.
4. Coolidge, Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush all cut taxes. The result was higher tax receipts to the Government. GDP increased and unemployment was reduced. The Laffer economic theory has been tried four times. It has worked all four times. The Keynesian model has failed every time it has been used. Government spending does not improve the economy. The Government cannot produce money. It can only print money -- which devalues the currency, or they can take it from me and you in the form of taxes. See Number two above.
5. The Government cannot create jobs in the private sector. Any Government Job is created by taking wages and money from you and I and giving it to someone else. A business does not pay taxes. It passes those costs to the consumer.
December 1, 2010
But Christmas music makes me happy
It is cold and gray. Snow flurries are spinning through the air. Winter has arrived. The highs are expected to be in the mid-thirties for the next week or so. I do not mind the cold, it is the clouds all of the time that depress me.
Four months until Spring.
Four months until Spring.
November 30, 2010
November 29, 2010
Stormy Monday
I have the classic blues song "Stormy Monday" going through my mind this morning. Not for the weather, but more for my mood.
It is a rare thing for me to get up and not want to go to work. This is especially true after two days of vacation and a two day Holiday. Last Monday was the last day I worked. I am not sure what my problem is. My sugar was really high this morning, so maybe that is it.
In any case, I am sure my sunny outlook on life will return, sooner or later.
In the meantime, listen to this. Maybe you can catch my mood. Misery loves company.
The Allman Brothers recordings done at the legendary Fillmore East remains one of the finest live records ever.
It is a rare thing for me to get up and not want to go to work. This is especially true after two days of vacation and a two day Holiday. Last Monday was the last day I worked. I am not sure what my problem is. My sugar was really high this morning, so maybe that is it.
In any case, I am sure my sunny outlook on life will return, sooner or later.
In the meantime, listen to this. Maybe you can catch my mood. Misery loves company.
The Allman Brothers recordings done at the legendary Fillmore East remains one of the finest live records ever.
November 28, 2010
Islamaphobe? -- you bet
It has become well documented how the press fails to mention the political party of politicians caught breaking the law -- if the person in question is a democrat.
Are we seeing a similar tendency when detailing attempted acts of terrorism? A young naturalized Somali Mohamed Osman Mohamud is accused of trying to detonate a bomb during the annual Christmas Tree lighting in downtown Portland, Oregon. source
I am willing to put a crisp new Jackson on the table betting this young man is a follower of the teachings a certain 7th century Prophet. Anyone want to bet me on this?
Are we seeing a similar tendency when detailing attempted acts of terrorism? A young naturalized Somali Mohamed Osman Mohamud is accused of trying to detonate a bomb during the annual Christmas Tree lighting in downtown Portland, Oregon. source
I am willing to put a crisp new Jackson on the table betting this young man is a follower of the teachings a certain 7th century Prophet. Anyone want to bet me on this?
November 27, 2010
Wherein you find the Author in a Chatty Cathy kind of mood
Good morning Blog world. I hope your Thanksgiving went well and you managed to eat enough food to last a week. I did.
The wife got a significant amount of Christmas shopping done yesterday. No, she did not hit the stores early. There was not much in the early-bird ads that appeared on the various wish lists. I know she was in heaven -- all day at the stores, the over-used debit card smoking in her hand. She wanted me to go with her, but I flat-out told her "NO" in no uncertain terms. Not only was I not getting in the middle of all those crowds (have I mentioned I really don't like people much -- except for you?), she really only wanted me to be her mule. I know how these things work.
Me, I put up one of the Christmas trees -- the big eight footer. Gosh, I am getting old. I used to shoulder that big old box and lift it up and down from the attic over a six foot stepladder. Now I could not even lift it up the two steps from the garage floor to the house. I had to have the boy help me. Getting old sucks. I guess I am going to have to add strength training to my daily exercise. I will put up the little skinny six foot "Charlie Brown" tree later this morning. Then we have the drudgery of decorating the damn things. The wife bought new bows for the various wreaths outside, so I have to take them down so she can put on the new bows.
I turned on the outside lights last night, I am clearly biased, but I think the house looks good. Maybe I will try to take a picture and post it. Maybe not. If you have not yet figured it out, what gets posted here is subject to my whim of the day.
For the first time in a couple of years I put our Christmas countdown calendar. It is a cheap wooden frame with a Christmas tree painted on it. The tree has a series of magnets. Each day you take an "ornament"' a magnet of a drum or ball or present, and stick it to the big tree. There is a sleigh and Santa magnet for Christmas Eve. It is kind of a non-secular advent calendar. We have had it forever. The kids all loved it growing up, but it caused many fights and arguments when they started getting old enough to count backwards to determine who would get to put on the final magnet. We finally had to keep a note in the box so we could make sure each kid got a chance to put on the Santa in turn.
The wife hates this gaudy calendar with a passion, it does not match her country Christmas decorations at all. I like the tradition, so I put it up while she was gone. The boy was thrilled. He mentioned he will have no argument about putting up the final magnet this year. I guess he does not think he will have to fight me over the honor. I may be old and weak, but I bet I can still kick his skinny ass. The first thing the wife said when she came home was "I do not want that thing up this year". I told her the boy wanted it up, so she reluctantly gave in.
Enjoy your Saturday.
The wife got a significant amount of Christmas shopping done yesterday. No, she did not hit the stores early. There was not much in the early-bird ads that appeared on the various wish lists. I know she was in heaven -- all day at the stores, the over-used debit card smoking in her hand. She wanted me to go with her, but I flat-out told her "NO" in no uncertain terms. Not only was I not getting in the middle of all those crowds (have I mentioned I really don't like people much -- except for you?), she really only wanted me to be her mule. I know how these things work.
Me, I put up one of the Christmas trees -- the big eight footer. Gosh, I am getting old. I used to shoulder that big old box and lift it up and down from the attic over a six foot stepladder. Now I could not even lift it up the two steps from the garage floor to the house. I had to have the boy help me. Getting old sucks. I guess I am going to have to add strength training to my daily exercise. I will put up the little skinny six foot "Charlie Brown" tree later this morning. Then we have the drudgery of decorating the damn things. The wife bought new bows for the various wreaths outside, so I have to take them down so she can put on the new bows.
For the first time in a couple of years I put our Christmas countdown calendar. It is a cheap wooden frame with a Christmas tree painted on it. The tree has a series of magnets. Each day you take an "ornament"' a magnet of a drum or ball or present, and stick it to the big tree. There is a sleigh and Santa magnet for Christmas Eve. It is kind of a non-secular advent calendar. We have had it forever. The kids all loved it growing up, but it caused many fights and arguments when they started getting old enough to count backwards to determine who would get to put on the final magnet. We finally had to keep a note in the box so we could make sure each kid got a chance to put on the Santa in turn.
The wife hates this gaudy calendar with a passion, it does not match her country Christmas decorations at all. I like the tradition, so I put it up while she was gone. The boy was thrilled. He mentioned he will have no argument about putting up the final magnet this year. I guess he does not think he will have to fight me over the honor. I may be old and weak, but I bet I can still kick his skinny ass. The first thing the wife said when she came home was "I do not want that thing up this year". I told her the boy wanted it up, so she reluctantly gave in.
Enjoy your Saturday.
November 26, 2010
Friday Five
Back in its original form, I offer the Friday Five. Here are lyrics from songs you should know. Without using a search engine, answer in the comments the Title and Artist of the song. No cheating now.
Play along it is fun. Do it for the orphans, do it for the starving kids in India. Give it try, if you loved me you would. Playing along will get you off of Santa's Naughty List...
Here we go, we will start with an easy one:
1. Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free
2. Hey hey mama said the way you move,
Gon' make you sweat, gon' make you groove.
Ah-ah child way you shake that thing,
Gon' make you burn, gon' make you sting.
Hey hey baby when you walk that way,
Watch your heartache drip, can't keep away.
3. Well, I built me a raft and she's ready for floatin'
Ol' Mississippi, she's callin' my name
Catfish are jumpin'
That paddle wheel thumpin'
Black water keeps rollin' on past just the same
Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me
4. Don't turn your back on me, baby.
Don't turn your back on me, baby.
Yes, don't turn your back on me, baby,
Don't mess around with your tricks;
Don't turn your back on me, baby,
'cause you might just wake up my magic sticks.
You got your spell on me, baby.
You got your spell on me, baby.
Yes, you got your spell on me, baby,
Turnin' my heart into stone;
I need you so bad,
Magic Woman I can't leave you alone.
5. Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell
Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high
Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder
The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for
Bonus: What do these songs have in common and why are they featured today?
Have fun, put yourguesses answers in the comments.
Play along it is fun. Do it for the orphans, do it for the starving kids in India. Give it try, if you loved me you would. Playing along will get you off of Santa's Naughty List...
Here we go, we will start with an easy one:
1. Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free
2. Hey hey mama said the way you move,
Gon' make you sweat, gon' make you groove.
Ah-ah child way you shake that thing,
Gon' make you burn, gon' make you sting.
Hey hey baby when you walk that way,
Watch your heartache drip, can't keep away.
3. Well, I built me a raft and she's ready for floatin'
Ol' Mississippi, she's callin' my name
Catfish are jumpin'
That paddle wheel thumpin'
Black water keeps rollin' on past just the same
Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me
4. Don't turn your back on me, baby.
Don't turn your back on me, baby.
Yes, don't turn your back on me, baby,
Don't mess around with your tricks;
Don't turn your back on me, baby,
'cause you might just wake up my magic sticks.
You got your spell on me, baby.
You got your spell on me, baby.
Yes, you got your spell on me, baby,
Turnin' my heart into stone;
I need you so bad,
Magic Woman I can't leave you alone.
5. Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell
Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high
Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder
The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for
Bonus: What do these songs have in common and why are they featured today?
Have fun, put your
November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
If you spend all of your time focusing on all that is wrong and bad in your life, you will miss out on the good things.
You have plenty to be thankful for, I know I do.
You have plenty to be thankful for, I know I do.
November 24, 2010
Cry me a river
I just got back from my daily walk. I cut it a bit short this morning. I am a wimp these days. The temperature was 31 F. The temperature with the wind chill figured in was a frigid 16 F. Yes, I got cold and came home early. As winter goes on I will get used to the chill and cope better. We have had some cold days this fall, but just Monday of this week it was 71 F! WTF? It is supposed to start in raining in a bit and a flood watch is in effect. rain is expected to continue through Turkey day. Sounds like a fun day to drive, eh wot?
November 23, 2010
Concrete proof of Zombie Invasion
Zombies actually invaded the US in the late 1960's. Below is confirmed video proof.
Dreaming of Grits
I am on vacation the balance of the week. My company has a firm "use 'em or lose 'em" policy. I had 7 days left, so I decided to take a couple this week. I will use the balance around Christmas. I have no plans. I will screw around on the old blog, read a little and maybe watch a movie or two.
I have to take the wife's car back to the body shop for a quick final repair (they were waiting on one part). I need to get the oil changed in my company car, but I may wait until next week to take care of that.
We had a heck of a storm front move through last night. It reminded me of a spring storm in its speed and intensity. The Christmas lights seemed to have survived. The storm came from the NW and my house faces South, so the bulk of the house protected the decorations.
Insert your own pithy windup here, I have no more boring stuff to share with you at this time.
I have to take the wife's car back to the body shop for a quick final repair (they were waiting on one part). I need to get the oil changed in my company car, but I may wait until next week to take care of that.
We had a heck of a storm front move through last night. It reminded me of a spring storm in its speed and intensity. The Christmas lights seemed to have survived. The storm came from the NW and my house faces South, so the bulk of the house protected the decorations.
Insert your own pithy windup here, I have no more boring stuff to share with you at this time.
November 22, 2010
Airports I have known
Hamburg, Frankfurt, Torino (Turin), Charles De Gaul, Heathrow, Schipol, LAX, Albany, Pittsburgh, Binghampton, Rochester, Syracuse, White Plains, Newark, JFK, LaGuardia, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Dulles, Washington National/Reagan, Baltimore, Johnstown, State College, Altoona, Allentown. Dayton, Louisville, Cincinatti, Indianapolis, Greenville NC, Greenville SC, Hickory, Atlanta, Birmingham, Naples, Tampa, Orlando, Tulsa, Portland (OR), Seattle, Denver, Sioux City, Minneapolis, Memphis, O'Hare, Midway, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Detroit, Pellston, Dallas, Raleigh, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Toronto, St. Louis, Evansville, and Wichita.
I might have forgotten one or two.
I might have forgotten one or two.
The not so friendly skies
There has been a lot of talk about airport security in the old blog world in recent days. I have tossed around a few opinions myself in posts and comments elsewhere. I am not a security expert. I am not an airline expert. I will venture I have flown commercial more than the average person. I have long ago lost count count, but let me say in the last 15 years I have flown way more than 600 flights. At one point I enjoyed Chairman's Preferred/Platinum status (for about four years straight). For those of you not familiar with frequent flier programs that means I walked to the gate and automatically got a seat in First Class, at no extra charge, and other fliers got bumped back to coach. I had free membership at the exclusive airline lounges and clubs. That status was given to me because I routinely flew 100 or more segments a year. You do the math. For those of you who flunked third grade -- there are 52 weeks in a year, and I had three weeks vacation.
I have been to almost every major airport in the nation and many in Europe. I have been to the small airports where, in the old days, the person who took your ticket and checked your bags also ran the security checkpoint and loaded your bags on the plane -- all before pulling the chocks and wanding the pilot from the terminal. I have experienced it all. Today, I still fly an average of one or two round-trips a month. I would posit myself as an experienced traveler.
I really have no issues with undergoing security at airports. To be honest, I have no desire to be part of a religious fanatics suicide plan. Diving straight down to the unforgiving ground from thirty thousand feet or becoming part of a missile hitting a building has little appeal to me. But I have little patience for the stupid, feel good security measures.
In the days after the Unibomber we were routinely stopped and asked if we had guns or bombs or explosives in our bag. If I did, would I admit it? What was the point?
After 9/11 the TSA instituted a number of senseless regulations. The airport rent-a cops are fanatics about cars parking next to the terminal for more than a minute or two. A nutjob hell-bent of placing a car bomb next to the terminal needs no more than a few seconds. He could drive the car and detonate it a la the Beirut Marine Barracks/Riyadh, etc. Or he could just walk away from the car. It would take a few minutes for a security force to recognize the car was abandoned and that is all it would take to blow the car remotely or with a timer. I am not a terrorist, but if I can figure this out... So my point is this measure is symbolic rather than a practical security step.
I have already talked a little about the ID check chokepoint. This step slows every airport security checkpoint. A would-be terrorist knows this ID will be checked, so wouldn't all but the most incompetent bomber make sure his ID matched the ticket? I have to check my ticket to see how my name appears. My Driver's Licence has only my middle initial, my passport has my full middle name. The ticket must match exactly, or else I cannot fly. The 9/11 hijackers all had valid IDs. We know who they were. The shoe bomber had a valid ID, so did the attempted Christmas bomber from last year. Many times the TSA ID checker matches the ticket to the ID, but not the face to the ID, so what is the point? How about a spot check of IDs, random checks instead, so the one incompetent bomber intent on earning his virgins gets caught? Has the checking of IDs caught a single would-be terrorist? Again symbolism of actual security.
Now we face the full body scanners and pat-downs. We are patting down three year olds, but considering not checking women in burkas. Last time I checked, it was members of the faith that favors full-body coverings for the females of the sect, not little kids, blowing up planes and driving them into skyscrapers. We might as well face reality. If a person is so determined to blow up a plane he is willing to strap a bomb to his child, he is going to find a way eventually. We cannot know if the hot chick's implants are PET or silicone or saline. We cannot know if a suicide murderer has swallowed the ingredients are planted a bomb up his rectum.
We do not allow tourists to climb to the top of Lady Liberty without a background check and waiting list. We will let any Tom, Dick, or Mohamed climb to the top of the pedestal. Wouldn't a bomb planted under the statue's feet will blow it up as surely as one planted in her armpit? Wouldn't a round fired from an RPG in a speedboat have a similar effect? So what is the point?
I am not suggesting we roll over and accept we cannot win. I am saying we should install real measures, not feel-good symbolism like checking every one's ID. If putting TSA hands on my junk means we all will fly safe, then by all means grope away. Just make sure you grope everyone. Oh, and let us be honest. Every act of terrorism in the skies for the past 15 years has been committed by Muslim males between the ages of 19 and 40. Perhaps admitting that fact that is the best place to start with real security.
I have been to almost every major airport in the nation and many in Europe. I have been to the small airports where, in the old days, the person who took your ticket and checked your bags also ran the security checkpoint and loaded your bags on the plane -- all before pulling the chocks and wanding the pilot from the terminal. I have experienced it all. Today, I still fly an average of one or two round-trips a month. I would posit myself as an experienced traveler.
I really have no issues with undergoing security at airports. To be honest, I have no desire to be part of a religious fanatics suicide plan. Diving straight down to the unforgiving ground from thirty thousand feet or becoming part of a missile hitting a building has little appeal to me. But I have little patience for the stupid, feel good security measures.
In the days after the Unibomber we were routinely stopped and asked if we had guns or bombs or explosives in our bag. If I did, would I admit it? What was the point?
After 9/11 the TSA instituted a number of senseless regulations. The airport rent-a cops are fanatics about cars parking next to the terminal for more than a minute or two. A nutjob hell-bent of placing a car bomb next to the terminal needs no more than a few seconds. He could drive the car and detonate it a la the Beirut Marine Barracks/Riyadh, etc. Or he could just walk away from the car. It would take a few minutes for a security force to recognize the car was abandoned and that is all it would take to blow the car remotely or with a timer. I am not a terrorist, but if I can figure this out... So my point is this measure is symbolic rather than a practical security step.
I have already talked a little about the ID check chokepoint. This step slows every airport security checkpoint. A would-be terrorist knows this ID will be checked, so wouldn't all but the most incompetent bomber make sure his ID matched the ticket? I have to check my ticket to see how my name appears. My Driver's Licence has only my middle initial, my passport has my full middle name. The ticket must match exactly, or else I cannot fly. The 9/11 hijackers all had valid IDs. We know who they were. The shoe bomber had a valid ID, so did the attempted Christmas bomber from last year. Many times the TSA ID checker matches the ticket to the ID, but not the face to the ID, so what is the point? How about a spot check of IDs, random checks instead, so the one incompetent bomber intent on earning his virgins gets caught? Has the checking of IDs caught a single would-be terrorist? Again symbolism of actual security.
Now we face the full body scanners and pat-downs. We are patting down three year olds, but considering not checking women in burkas. Last time I checked, it was members of the faith that favors full-body coverings for the females of the sect, not little kids, blowing up planes and driving them into skyscrapers. We might as well face reality. If a person is so determined to blow up a plane he is willing to strap a bomb to his child, he is going to find a way eventually. We cannot know if the hot chick's implants are PET or silicone or saline. We cannot know if a suicide murderer has swallowed the ingredients are planted a bomb up his rectum.
We do not allow tourists to climb to the top of Lady Liberty without a background check and waiting list. We will let any Tom, Dick, or Mohamed climb to the top of the pedestal. Wouldn't a bomb planted under the statue's feet will blow it up as surely as one planted in her armpit? Wouldn't a round fired from an RPG in a speedboat have a similar effect? So what is the point?
I am not suggesting we roll over and accept we cannot win. I am saying we should install real measures, not feel-good symbolism like checking every one's ID. If putting TSA hands on my junk means we all will fly safe, then by all means grope away. Just make sure you grope everyone. Oh, and let us be honest. Every act of terrorism in the skies for the past 15 years has been committed by Muslim males between the ages of 19 and 40. Perhaps admitting that fact that is the best place to start with real security.
November 21, 2010
Sunday
I dragged the Christmas stuff out yesterday. The boy and I put the lights around the house, except on the second roof peak. Two sets of lights had portions that did not work and have to be replaced. Instead of climbing up and doing half of the section, I will do it all today. We stopped by Target to grab some replacements. I did not put up the wreaths and other decorations, Noe did I put lights on the bushes yet. I am a firm believer that Christmas season starts after Thanksgiving. The lights were only on to make sure they worked and then I turned them off.
The annual Colts/Patriots game is on today. The Colts cannot defend the run, the Pats cannot defend the pass. Earlier in the week I called it 31-13 , patriots. Today I am going to modify my prediction; 34- 20 Patriots. I makes me sick to type that prediction, but such is life.
Have a great Sunday.
The annual Colts/Patriots game is on today. The Colts cannot defend the run, the Pats cannot defend the pass. Earlier in the week I called it 31-13 , patriots. Today I am going to modify my prediction; 34- 20 Patriots. I makes me sick to type that prediction, but such is life.
Have a great Sunday.
November 20, 2010
Confessions
Only a few of you die-hard regulars check in on a Saturday, but you are the kind of people who would not be afraid to tell me the truth if I asked if my ass looks fat in these jeans (Does it?). Like Blanche DuBois, I have always depended upon the kindness of strangers. I am counting on you, Dear Reader, to tell me the truth.
Now that I have buttered you up, does anyone listen to, enjoy, or even find the Friday Covers posts interesting? Would it help if it featured naked chicks or guys with washboard abs?
I listened to Christmas music most of yesterday afternoon while working. It is supposed to be relatively warm (50's) today. I may try to put up my Christmas lights around the roof. I will not turn them on however until the day after Thanksgiving.
Rob Smith isn't dead. I saw him in the Charlotte Airport Thursday evening. To be precise, he walked past me a couple of times while I was lounging in gate C6. He avoided eye contact. If it wasn't him it was his Doppelgänger. Maybe I was just tired.
Enjoy your Saturday.
Now that I have buttered you up, does anyone listen to, enjoy, or even find the Friday Covers posts interesting? Would it help if it featured naked chicks or guys with washboard abs?
I listened to Christmas music most of yesterday afternoon while working. It is supposed to be relatively warm (50's) today. I may try to put up my Christmas lights around the roof. I will not turn them on however until the day after Thanksgiving.
Rob Smith isn't dead. I saw him in the Charlotte Airport Thursday evening. To be precise, he walked past me a couple of times while I was lounging in gate C6. He avoided eye contact. If it wasn't him it was his Doppelgänger. Maybe I was just tired.
Enjoy your Saturday.
November 19, 2010
Friday Covers
Here we have a 19 year Steve Winwood belting out some serious blues-driven rock. Winwood formed Traffic and Blind Faith before going solo. BTW, that is Steve Winwood's brother on bass.
Chicago released their cover in 1969 when they were still the Chicago Transit Authority. We sometimes forget Chicago could really rock back before they started doing ballads in the 1980's, following REO and Styx into pop music Hell.
Keith Emerson gave us a disco-infused version for the Stallone film Nighthawks.
Los Lonely Boys gave us a version pretty faithful to Winwood's original.
Random ramblings
I had the pleasure of taking to the friendly skies this week. Alas, I was neither groped nor subjected to full body scanners on either leg of the trip. I always say a cheap thrill is better than no thrill. I do find one aspect of the TSA screening interesting. I have flown four times in the past two weeks. Only one screener actually looked at me when checking my ID. They made sure the name on the ID matched the ticket, but not once did they check to make sure my face matched the ID. What is the point?
There has been a lot of talk about earmarks in recent days. I believe it is important to limit Government spending where possible. But we should not take our eyes from the real goal -- shrinking Government at all levels. We need to have serious discussions on not just cuts to Federal Programs, but eliminating them where possible. We cannot let a few bridges to nowhere get in the way of serious cuts to the Departments of Energy, Education and Defense. We need a serious discussion about raising the retirement age and trimming Medicare/Medicaid. And as an aside -- Dick Lugar your RINO days are numbered.
The wife's car is back in the shop. She said it just died on the street last night. It did it three times in four blocks this morning on her way to work. She said it just dies, the dash goes black, the engine stops and before she can even come to a stop or put it in park, the engine starts again on its own! have you ever heard of such a crazy thing? I came and got her after it died the third time this morning and drove it to the shop, but it would not do it for me. Do any of you gear heads have any solutions?
There has been a lot of talk about earmarks in recent days. I believe it is important to limit Government spending where possible. But we should not take our eyes from the real goal -- shrinking Government at all levels. We need to have serious discussions on not just cuts to Federal Programs, but eliminating them where possible. We cannot let a few bridges to nowhere get in the way of serious cuts to the Departments of Energy, Education and Defense. We need a serious discussion about raising the retirement age and trimming Medicare/Medicaid. And as an aside -- Dick Lugar your RINO days are numbered.
The wife's car is back in the shop. She said it just died on the street last night. It did it three times in four blocks this morning on her way to work. She said it just dies, the dash goes black, the engine stops and before she can even come to a stop or put it in park, the engine starts again on its own! have you ever heard of such a crazy thing? I came and got her after it died the third time this morning and drove it to the shop, but it would not do it for me. Do any of you gear heads have any solutions?
November 17, 2010
I have a plan
The damn cursor is taunting me this morning. It is flashing a secret Morse-type code mocking my pathetic efforts to post something, anything of interest.
I have nothing to post, but I do have a plan.
I am going to surf the interwebz, reading my regular blogs to see if there is anything I can pilfer and expand into a post of my own. It won't be the first time I have resorted to such tactics. I am not proud. But I am willing to bet I am not the first blogger to use this method of generating posts.
Shakin' it here, Boss...
I have nothing to post, but I do have a plan.
I am going to surf the interwebz, reading my regular blogs to see if there is anything I can pilfer and expand into a post of my own. It won't be the first time I have resorted to such tactics. I am not proud. But I am willing to bet I am not the first blogger to use this method of generating posts.
Shakin' it here, Boss...
November 16, 2010
A brief glimmer of sunlight
Not in the Midwestern sky, we are getting a dose of the same rain that is drenching the Southeast. No, the shop called and the problem with the wife's car is not with the battery, but an error in a sensor that had the cooling fan running all of the time. They reset the code and the issue has gone away. They checked all through the day and the fan did not run and the battery stayed charged. The diagnostic costs were small. Time will tell, but hopefully that fixed the problem.
Tuna salad on fresh white bread also goes a long way toward making a gloomy day a little better.
Tuna salad on fresh white bread also goes a long way toward making a gloomy day a little better.
You really are the wind beneath my wings
It is a cold fall day here in God's favorite State. I suspect it will set into a drizzle later in the morning.
I had the battery on the wife's car checked yesterday. The good news is the battery is fine. The bad news is the cooling fan comes on at random, running the battery down. It seems there are electrical problems, and they are never cheap. We just dropped $1,600 a few weeks ago on the boy's car. I am about ready to take up shank's mare going forward. *^&$%#@ cars.
In the category of "stuff you don't care about but fills blog space", I had my last visit with the diabetic nurse and nutritionist this morning. They say I am doing fine. I am doing a good job of sticking to my diet and getting regular exercise. My evening blood sugar is great, but my morning numbers are still out of control. They are random, no matter what I eat or do it seems to have no effect. I visit the Doctor tomorrow, so I suspect some new/different medicine (or at least dosages) is in the works. My blood pressure has been pretty good, until the nurse checked this morning. I guess I was nervous? Who knows, the body is a mysterious vessel.
Go forth blog readers and be productive today. One of us has to be.
I had the battery on the wife's car checked yesterday. The good news is the battery is fine. The bad news is the cooling fan comes on at random, running the battery down. It seems there are electrical problems, and they are never cheap. We just dropped $1,600 a few weeks ago on the boy's car. I am about ready to take up shank's mare going forward. *^&$%#@ cars.
In the category of "stuff you don't care about but fills blog space", I had my last visit with the diabetic nurse and nutritionist this morning. They say I am doing fine. I am doing a good job of sticking to my diet and getting regular exercise. My evening blood sugar is great, but my morning numbers are still out of control. They are random, no matter what I eat or do it seems to have no effect. I visit the Doctor tomorrow, so I suspect some new/different medicine (or at least dosages) is in the works. My blood pressure has been pretty good, until the nurse checked this morning. I guess I was nervous? Who knows, the body is a mysterious vessel.
Go forth blog readers and be productive today. One of us has to be.
November 15, 2010
Monday -- as subtle as a two by four to the cranium
I followed the wife to the garage door as usual this morning. I like to see her off to work. She started the car, it ran for a few seconds and died. She tried to restart. Nothing. Dead as a doornail. The battery was completely discharged.
I scrambled for shoes while she went to my car. Since my car was parked outside, the windows were frosted over. I grabbed the scraper while she sat in the driver's seat, waiting like a NASCAR driver for me to do the pit stop. Off she went. I have told her she should allow a few extra minutes, but she does not listen to me any more than you.
I dug out the battery charger and hooked it up. The needles remained pegged at zero. Not a good sign. I will check again in a few hours.
We just got the car back from the body shop Friday afternoon. I cannot imagine that had anything to do with our issues, other than they did clean the engine. I suspect it is just bad timing. It looks like the battery is a bitch to get to. It sits down low with a charging module on top of it. Like many GM batteries it has the terminals on the side. I hope I can get it started so I can drive to get a new battery. It looks like it will be a pain to take it out and change it myself.
It is always something, isn't it?
I scrambled for shoes while she went to my car. Since my car was parked outside, the windows were frosted over. I grabbed the scraper while she sat in the driver's seat, waiting like a NASCAR driver for me to do the pit stop. Off she went. I have told her she should allow a few extra minutes, but she does not listen to me any more than you.
I dug out the battery charger and hooked it up. The needles remained pegged at zero. Not a good sign. I will check again in a few hours.
We just got the car back from the body shop Friday afternoon. I cannot imagine that had anything to do with our issues, other than they did clean the engine. I suspect it is just bad timing. It looks like the battery is a bitch to get to. It sits down low with a charging module on top of it. Like many GM batteries it has the terminals on the side. I hope I can get it started so I can drive to get a new battery. It looks like it will be a pain to take it out and change it myself.
It is always something, isn't it?
November 14, 2010
It is a gloomy Sunday morning
I think me and Mr. Roberts are going to try and get off this old tub of a supply ship and get to the real war.
What are you up to today?
What are you up to today?
November 13, 2010
If I were king of the fast food world
San Fransisco has banned Happy Meals and any fast food meal that contains toys. So, If I were the CEO of McDonald's/Wendy's/Burger King/Etc., I would immediately announce my corporation was buying back the franchises of any of my restaurants in San Fransisco. I would then announce an immediate closing of all stores within the city --permanently. I would make sure that the press release pointed out the intrusive nany-state government was the reason. The people of San Fransisco could deal with the loss of jobs, taxes and the empty stores that lie in the wake of sticking the local government nose into places it does not belong.
Think of the lost job opportunities for young people and retirees looking to supplement their income. Think of the lost payroll taxes, corporate and property taxes. Think of the loss of jobs as these small businesses no longer make local purchases.
Think of the lost choice for families and corporate drones looking for a cheap lunch or dinner. The stores in the suburbs would boom. The economy of the City by the Bay would suffer.
The results would make other cities and towns think twice before following suit.
Of course, corporate America has no balls these days.
Oh, and I would like to mention one undisputed fact: Depauw swallows...
Think of the lost job opportunities for young people and retirees looking to supplement their income. Think of the lost payroll taxes, corporate and property taxes. Think of the loss of jobs as these small businesses no longer make local purchases.
Think of the lost choice for families and corporate drones looking for a cheap lunch or dinner. The stores in the suburbs would boom. The economy of the City by the Bay would suffer.
The results would make other cities and towns think twice before following suit.
Of course, corporate America has no balls these days.
Oh, and I would like to mention one undisputed fact: Depauw swallows...
November 12, 2010
Friday Covers - the bestest edition ever
Otter, this one is for you. You will never remember the Fragile Album in the same way.
The classic original, performed live
Asia covers it, but it is the same Steve Howe on lead guitar
And now for something really different, and honestly the whole point of this "Friday Covers":
OMG, my side hurts.
The classic original, performed live
Asia covers it, but it is the same Steve Howe on lead guitar
And now for something really different, and honestly the whole point of this "Friday Covers":
OMG, my side hurts.
D'ja miss me?
A belated THANK YOU to our veterans. I was travelling most of yesterday and did not have access to the 'puter. I thought I had prescheduled an appropriate 11/11 post, but it did not go off as planned. Such is my life.
I spent the week in the corporate mushroom factory (you know the joke -- kept in the dark, fed a lot of shit). Four days, and I made a 20 minute presentation. It seems like a good use of time to me. Really, this meeting wasgood better than usual. On Wednesday night we took a dinner cruise around Manhattan. It was most excellent, since I have only seen the place from the air or driving across the Bronx to get to the GW Bridge. We started around mid-town on the west side (near where Chesty landed the plane in the Hudson) and circled around to the Williamsburg bridge. We then turned around and and went back with a side trip to go around the Statue of Liberty. Awesome sight. I have only seen the Lady from the air or from the Jersey highways. Too bad I left my camera at home and only had my shitty iPhone camera. I do have a lot of blurry photos of the Statue and the bright city lights and a couple of the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the local tried to sell me the bridge, but he would not take a check. My bad luck, I guess. I had some most awesome views of The City, Brooklyn and Jersey (Hoboken?).
I am definitely going to have to come back in the summer and take the trip out to Ellis island and the Statue. I would also like to see Grant's Tomb someday.
In other news, I am not one to get caught up in other people's weight. Unlike some of myintolerant Progressive occasional readers, I do not think there is any correlation between fat and intellect. I will say that if you are so fat you have to back off the shuttle bus, you probably outta put down that donut. Beep, beep, beep...
It is Friday, already and I am so far behind on work and bloggity stuff. But I have taken time from my precious sleep (yes the time stamp is accurate on this post) to get caught up in my obligations to you. I hope you appreciate the things I do to bring you limited entertainment and that sort of creepy internet peeping tom view of my pathetic life.
I spent the week in the corporate mushroom factory (you know the joke -- kept in the dark, fed a lot of shit). Four days, and I made a 20 minute presentation. It seems like a good use of time to me. Really, this meeting was
I am definitely going to have to come back in the summer and take the trip out to Ellis island and the Statue. I would also like to see Grant's Tomb someday.
In other news, I am not one to get caught up in other people's weight. Unlike some of my
It is Friday, already and I am so far behind on work and bloggity stuff. But I have taken time from my precious sleep (yes the time stamp is accurate on this post) to get caught up in my obligations to you. I hope you appreciate the things I do to bring you limited entertainment and that sort of creepy internet peeping tom view of my pathetic life.
November 10, 2010
November 7, 2010
Ramblin man
Good morning blogtastic world. Did you remember to reset your clocks? The good news is now the sun is up around 7:00 am instead of 8:00, but it will now get dark at 5:30 in the evening. It is now time for the requisite twice a year whine. I hate resetting the clocks. I do not see the point of DST. If it really saved energy (it doesn't), wouldn't we want to have as much daylight in the evening during the time of year when it gets dark the earliest? Aren't we doing this backward? This is one program from My Man Mitch that I hate.
We went and visited some friends last night. My buddy and I sat outside and smoked a couple of fine stogies while the ladies went to the mall. I enjoyed it, but not as much as I could have. It was colder than heck outside (upper 30s maybe low 40s). On the bright side, I did not have to worry about my beer getting warm! Later we met up with the wives for a nice dinner and then we went back to their house and played some cards. As usual, the men kicked the ladies ass in Euchre. All in all; a good Saturday. The funny thing is, we rarely do things with other people. Yesterday, right after we made these arrangements, another couple called and asked us out for dinner. We had two invitations in less than five minutes. I guess we might have something to do for next week now.
I have a long week ahead of me. Posting will likely be light. I have to be at the airport for a 7:00 am flight. That means I have to be out of here no later than 4:30, probably 4:15. I will have to shower and finish packing, so that means I am looking at getting up by3:15 or so. What a good way to start a week of endless droning meetings -- tired as hell. The regimented schedule and carb-heavy meals are going to play hell with my medical needs. Even getting in my daily workout is going to be tough.
Boo hoo for me. Enough already. I hope your Sunday is going well.
Here are a couple of NFL predictions. Colts lose a squeaker to the Iggles. They have just too many injuries. The Bears lose to the up-to-now winless Bills. That offensive line for the Bears is truly offensive. You know as the game goes on Cutler will become desperate and make some bad decisions.
We went and visited some friends last night. My buddy and I sat outside and smoked a couple of fine stogies while the ladies went to the mall. I enjoyed it, but not as much as I could have. It was colder than heck outside (upper 30s maybe low 40s). On the bright side, I did not have to worry about my beer getting warm! Later we met up with the wives for a nice dinner and then we went back to their house and played some cards. As usual, the men kicked the ladies ass in Euchre. All in all; a good Saturday. The funny thing is, we rarely do things with other people. Yesterday, right after we made these arrangements, another couple called and asked us out for dinner. We had two invitations in less than five minutes. I guess we might have something to do for next week now.
I have a long week ahead of me. Posting will likely be light. I have to be at the airport for a 7:00 am flight. That means I have to be out of here no later than 4:30, probably 4:15. I will have to shower and finish packing, so that means I am looking at getting up by3:15 or so. What a good way to start a week of endless droning meetings -- tired as hell. The regimented schedule and carb-heavy meals are going to play hell with my medical needs. Even getting in my daily workout is going to be tough.
Boo hoo for me. Enough already. I hope your Sunday is going well.
Here are a couple of NFL predictions. Colts lose a squeaker to the Iggles. They have just too many injuries. The Bears lose to the up-to-now winless Bills. That offensive line for the Bears is truly offensive. You know as the game goes on Cutler will become desperate and make some bad decisions.
November 6, 2010
Timely Bills
Some of you readers might remember I wrecked the wife's SUV back in January. It was on January 7, 2010 to be exact. The car was totalled as I slid off an icy snow covered country road and hit a telephone pole. Fast forward to yesterday.
I brought in the mail as I usually do and threw it on the table. I refuse to open the bills. In the stack was a water bill, a bank statement and our telephone bill (do not even ask why we still have a land line...it is a long disagreement around here). The wife came home from work and opened the bills. When she got to the telephone bill she cried a WTH? Then she started laughing. AT&T billed me for the telephone pole. The have given me thirty days to cough up $1,239.23 or they are turning it to collections! This is the first statement we have received. It only took them TEN MONTHS to bill me.
I called Geico. The very nice claims specialist told me the claim was closed in May. She read over the claim report and said they had tried to contact AT&T for months. The record showed over THIRTY phone calls, and three letters (including one certified) to find out what my insurance owed and to pay the claim. She told me to send them the bill and she would take care of it.
AT&T does not have time to bill debts, they are too busy calling me, sending me letters and coming to the door several times a week trying to get me to sign up for their AT&T Universe. Sometimes they have come twice in one day. I told the asshole last time if they come to the door again I was cancelling all my phone service.
Very long-time readers might remember that before AT&T bought Ameritech, I had repeated problems with AT&T "slamming" my phone bill charging me for long-distance service I did not sign up for. If I were to make a list of the worst companies in America, AT&T would be pretty high on that list.
We got some snow flurries last night, enough to stick on the grass and top of cars. It melted soon enough, but the reality of fall and the coming winter was sent home. I guess the Christmas displays in the stores do not seem so out of place when it is snowing.
Have a great Saturday.
I brought in the mail as I usually do and threw it on the table. I refuse to open the bills. In the stack was a water bill, a bank statement and our telephone bill (do not even ask why we still have a land line...it is a long disagreement around here). The wife came home from work and opened the bills. When she got to the telephone bill she cried a WTH? Then she started laughing. AT&T billed me for the telephone pole. The have given me thirty days to cough up $1,239.23 or they are turning it to collections! This is the first statement we have received. It only took them TEN MONTHS to bill me.
I called Geico. The very nice claims specialist told me the claim was closed in May. She read over the claim report and said they had tried to contact AT&T for months. The record showed over THIRTY phone calls, and three letters (including one certified) to find out what my insurance owed and to pay the claim. She told me to send them the bill and she would take care of it.
AT&T does not have time to bill debts, they are too busy calling me, sending me letters and coming to the door several times a week trying to get me to sign up for their AT&T Universe. Sometimes they have come twice in one day. I told the asshole last time if they come to the door again I was cancelling all my phone service.
Very long-time readers might remember that before AT&T bought Ameritech, I had repeated problems with AT&T "slamming" my phone bill charging me for long-distance service I did not sign up for. If I were to make a list of the worst companies in America, AT&T would be pretty high on that list.
We got some snow flurries last night, enough to stick on the grass and top of cars. It melted soon enough, but the reality of fall and the coming winter was sent home. I guess the Christmas displays in the stores do not seem so out of place when it is snowing.
Have a great Saturday.
November 5, 2010
Dear Liberals/Progressives/Democrats
Those of you believe the election results were about "throwing out the incumbent" should take The Obama's advise and look at science and facts. How many incumbent Republicans lost their re-election bid? How many conservative Republicans lost their re-election bid (0). How many State legislatures changed hands? Of those that changed, how many went from Democrat-controlled to Republican controlled? How many went from Republican controlled to Democrat controlled(0). This election was not an anti-incumbent referendum.
I would like to offer a friendly Post Script to the republican Party. This was also not about you. The Rovian faction led directly to the election of The Obama. The American people want a return to fiscal sanity. They do not want big-government programs and earmarks. It is time to cut, and nothing -- not even Defense-- is sacred. The Defense Department has ballooned out of control, it is top heavy and social program heavy. If the program does not directly support our combat troops now or in the future it can and should be cut. Find that waste The Obama claimed was rampant if Medicare and Medicaid and use it to cut the deficit. There is no longer a third rail. If you, the Republican leadership, do not have the cojones to do the job, The People will find a third party that will. The Whigs disappeared because they had become indistinguishable from the 1850's Democrats. Let history be a lesson.
I would like to offer a friendly Post Script to the republican Party. This was also not about you. The Rovian faction led directly to the election of The Obama. The American people want a return to fiscal sanity. They do not want big-government programs and earmarks. It is time to cut, and nothing -- not even Defense-- is sacred. The Defense Department has ballooned out of control, it is top heavy and social program heavy. If the program does not directly support our combat troops now or in the future it can and should be cut. Find that waste The Obama claimed was rampant if Medicare and Medicaid and use it to cut the deficit. There is no longer a third rail. If you, the Republican leadership, do not have the cojones to do the job, The People will find a third party that will. The Whigs disappeared because they had become indistinguishable from the 1850's Democrats. Let history be a lesson.
November 4, 2010
Can we stop the bullshit now?
If you believe people who make $250,000 a year are wealthy, then I guess it is all a matter of perspective. If you define a "working person" as someone who makes less than that amount you are a fool. $250,000 is not enough money to live the life of the idle rich. In fact, most people who make that kind of money work harder and longer hours than the average American. They are the business owners, the CEOs and Vice Presidents of companies. The people who make that kind of dough went to school for long years to become doctors, lawyers and architects. They are plant managers and are paid to make the hard decisions most of us are ill-equipped to make. Those $250,000 folks are small business owners working 16 and 18 hours a day.
I make nowhere near that kind of salary-- not even in the same area code. But I do know this -- the men and women who do make that kind of jack work hard for their money. The Paris Hiltons of this world are few and far between. Whether you make your pay twisting on lug nuts at a Chrysler factory, running groceries across the laser eye at WalMart or putting in 16 hour days as the President of a small company -- we are all "Working Americans".
I make nowhere near that kind of salary-- not even in the same area code. But I do know this -- the men and women who do make that kind of jack work hard for their money. The Paris Hiltons of this world are few and far between. Whether you make your pay twisting on lug nuts at a Chrysler factory, running groceries across the laser eye at WalMart or putting in 16 hour days as the President of a small company -- we are all "Working Americans".
November 3, 2010
Election 2010
I am 48 years old. I have been voting since 1980. In every election, other than those I did an absentee ballot, I have used an electronic voting machine. It is not hard. You push the button next to the candidate of your choice, and at the end pull a lever or push a button to record your vote. My long-winded point being that the process is not hard and not new in this part of the State.
In this mid-term election the ballot was thin: a few county offices (most unopposed), State Representative (unopposed), Congressional Representative and Senator. There was one ballot initiative and whether to retain some Judges. It literally took me less than two minutes to do my civic duty.
It took me more than 30 minutes to vote. Mostly because the idiots in line in front of me were clearly confused by the whole process. At my precinct there were but two machines. One guy spent twenty fucking minutes voting. How is that even possible? He did not ask, or appear to need help using the machine. I guess he just could not make up his mind. How can it take 20 minutes (actually 21) minutes to push a dozen buttons? Since the election was preordained in my county/district/state that the Republican candidate would win, I almost just left out of frustration. I stuck it out and did my American duty.
I will have some more commentary later. I am torn between taking the high road or doing a nah-nah told you so post.
November 2, 2010
Football thoughts
At this point I think Peyton Manning could take a hot dog vendor from Lucas Oil Stadium, practice with him for a week and throw him a touchdown pass in a game.
Can there be any doubt Manning is one of the greatest football players to ever don the pads?
Can there be any doubt Manning is one of the greatest football players to ever don the pads?
November 1, 2010
Always looking at the cup as half full
You guys know I am an incurable optimist. Really. Stop laughing. I always try to find the silver lining in the stormclouds.
Anyway, one of the biggest challenges the Obama administration has faced is finding jobs for Americans. We can all agree on that. Some have argued the Administration's policies have hurt employment and job creation. I say those very policies are going to create a bunch of new jobs throughout the nation as Republicans and anyone who is not a Democrat gets elected. If the polls are right, lots of new people will have new jobs. All because of Obama, Pelosi and Reid.
Anyway, one of the biggest challenges the Obama administration has faced is finding jobs for Americans. We can all agree on that. Some have argued the Administration's policies have hurt employment and job creation. I say those very policies are going to create a bunch of new jobs throughout the nation as Republicans and anyone who is not a Democrat gets elected. If the polls are right, lots of new people will have new jobs. All because of Obama, Pelosi and Reid.
I love my new coffee maker
My schedule is all messed up this morning. I had to take the wife to work. I then dropped off the keys to her car at the body shop. The boy and I left it there last night -- post Trick or Treat. I am getting to my blog reading, coffee, and breakfast late as a result.
We had a ton of Trick or Treaters last night. I bet you have seen the depictions of Halloween on TV, where the streets are full of running, laughing kids and parents in the twilight hours? That is my neighborhood. We have so many kids hitting us up for candy that we usually just stand on the porch and hand out the goodies. So many kids come that we would never shut the front door otherwise. The wife spent nearly fifty bucks on candy at WalMart and we have less than a half bag left. I was happy to see we did not have as many teenagers as usual, the crowd was mostly small kids. During the rush, the wife ordered pizza delivery. I gave the drivers a nice tip and a free dip into the candy bowl for his trouble.
Now that Halloween is over get ready to be bombarded with Christmas in all of its commercial glory. I noticed last night a paint commercial for Lowes or Home Depot ( I cannot remember which -- that must must make their ad men happy) had subtly changed. It is the one where the couple has trouble covering up the stripes in their living room. Now at the end, they proudly show off the room, only in last night's version there is a Christmas tree and presents in the corner!
Get out and vote tomorrow. If you want to continue the current administration policies then vote for your local Democrat candidate. If you believe the way to create jobs and economic prosperity is increased government spending, then vote a straight "D". Do you believe that the greatest threat we face is global warming and that we must find a way to curb greenhouse gases? Then a vote for a Democrat will get Cap and Trade legislation passed. Skyrocketing utility bills will force even the most hardcore of us to lower our thermostat and walk to work where possible. If you like that approach to energy conservation then vote for your favorite Big-Government Democratic Party candidate. If you favor government run healthcare, higher taxes and more legislation then cast your ballot for the Democrats.
If any or all of the above appeals to you about as much as swimming in a malaria and feces infected cesspool, then vote for anyone who is not a Democrat.
Most importantly, just vote.
We had a ton of Trick or Treaters last night. I bet you have seen the depictions of Halloween on TV, where the streets are full of running, laughing kids and parents in the twilight hours? That is my neighborhood. We have so many kids hitting us up for candy that we usually just stand on the porch and hand out the goodies. So many kids come that we would never shut the front door otherwise. The wife spent nearly fifty bucks on candy at WalMart and we have less than a half bag left. I was happy to see we did not have as many teenagers as usual, the crowd was mostly small kids. During the rush, the wife ordered pizza delivery. I gave the drivers a nice tip and a free dip into the candy bowl for his trouble.
Now that Halloween is over get ready to be bombarded with Christmas in all of its commercial glory. I noticed last night a paint commercial for Lowes or Home Depot ( I cannot remember which -- that must must make their ad men happy) had subtly changed. It is the one where the couple has trouble covering up the stripes in their living room. Now at the end, they proudly show off the room, only in last night's version there is a Christmas tree and presents in the corner!
Get out and vote tomorrow. If you want to continue the current administration policies then vote for your local Democrat candidate. If you believe the way to create jobs and economic prosperity is increased government spending, then vote a straight "D". Do you believe that the greatest threat we face is global warming and that we must find a way to curb greenhouse gases? Then a vote for a Democrat will get Cap and Trade legislation passed. Skyrocketing utility bills will force even the most hardcore of us to lower our thermostat and walk to work where possible. If you like that approach to energy conservation then vote for your favorite Big-Government Democratic Party candidate. If you favor government run healthcare, higher taxes and more legislation then cast your ballot for the Democrats.
If any or all of the above appeals to you about as much as swimming in a malaria and feces infected cesspool, then vote for anyone who is not a Democrat.
Most importantly, just vote.
October 31, 2010
Sermons from the Church of Hoosierboy
It is a breezy cool Sunday morning. I know fall is really here and old man winter is coming down the street. It is 7:51 am and it is still dark outside. I do not mind the cold or the snow of winter, it is the late sunrise and early sunsets that get to me. I know there are places in the Northern part of the state and most of Michigan that see a perpetual cloud cover in winter, making the short daylight hours seem even more gloomy.
Back during my cubicle days, I would leave for work before the sun came up and most days I did not leave until after it had set. My glimpse of sun was a small sliver from the front offices, or when I was in the breakroom. In those days I could not wait to escape to take lunch, Now, I can look out my office window or go outside and walk around at my leisure. It is so refreshing, even if it is only for a minute or two. I often think about going back to production control or management, bur the idea of set 7-5 working hours depresses me. I will take my flexible schedule, even if it sometimes means 14 or 18 hour days. Dealing with idiot drivers and the hassles of the TSA are a small price to pay for the ability to see the sun.
In a few weeks I have to travel to the Corporate offices to attend a sales meeting. Woo hoo, I am thrilled (and your sarcasm meter should be pegged on high at this moment). Anyway, my boss sent an email to his "team"* stating we need a certain report in early. The reason -- he is going to be at the Corporate office that week! Yes, you guessed it --at the frickin' sales meeting. The same sales meeting his entire "team" will be attending! What a coincidence.
We take the wife's crumpled car in to get fixed finally on Monday. What a pain in the arse. It took a while, but the other guy's insurance finally came through and paid. The insurance company did not even send an adjuster, they just paid the lowest of the two estimates, I guess since they were only about $60 apart. The total damages were more than four grand.
I think I have rambled on enough here. I am going to read a few blogs and then take my morning exercise. Then I believe I am in the mood for some cowboys and horses. Lonesome Dove, Big Jake, or Joe Kidd?
Big Dick, where are you?
Oh, Happy Halloween. Try not to eat too much candy.
Am I the only one who is amazed I can fill up so many posts, so often, with utterly stupid, meaningless, drivel? For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone stops by here anymore.
*There is a whole post there -- I hate being be called Team. I am an employee
Back during my cubicle days, I would leave for work before the sun came up and most days I did not leave until after it had set. My glimpse of sun was a small sliver from the front offices, or when I was in the breakroom. In those days I could not wait to escape to take lunch, Now, I can look out my office window or go outside and walk around at my leisure. It is so refreshing, even if it is only for a minute or two. I often think about going back to production control or management, bur the idea of set 7-5 working hours depresses me. I will take my flexible schedule, even if it sometimes means 14 or 18 hour days. Dealing with idiot drivers and the hassles of the TSA are a small price to pay for the ability to see the sun.
In a few weeks I have to travel to the Corporate offices to attend a sales meeting. Woo hoo, I am thrilled (and your sarcasm meter should be pegged on high at this moment). Anyway, my boss sent an email to his "team"* stating we need a certain report in early. The reason -- he is going to be at the Corporate office that week! Yes, you guessed it --at the frickin' sales meeting. The same sales meeting his entire "team" will be attending! What a coincidence.
We take the wife's crumpled car in to get fixed finally on Monday. What a pain in the arse. It took a while, but the other guy's insurance finally came through and paid. The insurance company did not even send an adjuster, they just paid the lowest of the two estimates, I guess since they were only about $60 apart. The total damages were more than four grand.
I think I have rambled on enough here. I am going to read a few blogs and then take my morning exercise. Then I believe I am in the mood for some cowboys and horses. Lonesome Dove, Big Jake, or Joe Kidd?
Big Dick, where are you?
Oh, Happy Halloween. Try not to eat too much candy.
Am I the only one who is amazed I can fill up so many posts, so often, with utterly stupid, meaningless, drivel? For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone stops by here anymore.
*There is a whole post there -- I hate being be called Team. I am an employee
October 30, 2010
Saturday Music
You may not have heard this song. It is from one of Mellencamp's early albums, before he went all liberal on us. The lyrics describe Midwest small town life perfectly.
Have a great Saturday.
October 29, 2010
Meet your host
It is Friday. Yesterday was payday. It is cold out, below freezing. I guess fall is in the air. How long until Indian Summer? Do you want to hear about my many aches and pains? I thought not. I thought my attitude toward blogging would be better today. Trust me, it is me, not you. MTS left me a comment a couple of posts ago that has inspired me this morning, however.
Here are some things about me you may not know. I am sure I have related much of this previously. In fact, I may have done this same post in the past. But what the heck, it gets us through a Friday!
Here are ten things about me you may not know:
1. I do not like to be touched. I do not want to be hugged by strangers or semi-strangers. I am not even too crazy about non-immediate family members hugging me. I do not mind shaking hands. Kissing is out of the question.
2. I do not have a toenail on my right big toe. The freak industrial accident that caused the disfigurement would make you sick to your stomach. Or a doctor removed it because of a chronic ingrown toenail. You choose.
3. I was born six weeks premature. Weird coincidence; I was born on the first day of spring, my brother Otter on the first day of fall.
4. I studied French for four years in high school and two years in college. I cannot understand a word of that language when it is spoken to me, and can only speak a few words of it anymore. I can read it a little. I can probably understand, speak and read German as well as French these days. I never studied German at all. I have been to Germany a half dozen times, France only once.
5. I have been to 42 states (of Obama's 57). I have been in Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, France, The Netherlands, and Italy.
6. I have twice jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.
7. The taste of whiskey/bourbon/scotch will make me instantly vomit. Damn you Hogshead Bill.
8. I drink my coffee black and ice tea unsweetened..
9. My favorite candy is JuJubes. I am also fond of Dots and red licorice. I have had none of them in the past two months.
10. There are only 16 cigars in my humidor. I am dangerously low. I enjoy a variety of cigars, natural and maduro. I do not like sizes over 50. My current favorite is the H. Upmann Chairman's Reserve Robusto. I have smoked Cuban cigars, they are over rated for the price. These days I prefer better quality smokes over a cigar every day or so. I smoke outside or in the garage. I do not like cigarettes.
There you have it, a few things that you may or may not know about the old Hoosierboy. Tell me something about you.
Here are some things about me you may not know. I am sure I have related much of this previously. In fact, I may have done this same post in the past. But what the heck, it gets us through a Friday!
Here are ten things about me you may not know:
1. I do not like to be touched. I do not want to be hugged by strangers or semi-strangers. I am not even too crazy about non-immediate family members hugging me. I do not mind shaking hands. Kissing is out of the question.
2. I do not have a toenail on my right big toe. The freak industrial accident that caused the disfigurement would make you sick to your stomach. Or a doctor removed it because of a chronic ingrown toenail. You choose.
3. I was born six weeks premature. Weird coincidence; I was born on the first day of spring, my brother Otter on the first day of fall.
4. I studied French for four years in high school and two years in college. I cannot understand a word of that language when it is spoken to me, and can only speak a few words of it anymore. I can read it a little. I can probably understand, speak and read German as well as French these days. I never studied German at all. I have been to Germany a half dozen times, France only once.
5. I have been to 42 states (of Obama's 57). I have been in Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, France, The Netherlands, and Italy.
6. I have twice jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.
7. The taste of whiskey/bourbon/scotch will make me instantly vomit. Damn you Hogshead Bill.
8. I drink my coffee black and ice tea unsweetened..
9. My favorite candy is JuJubes. I am also fond of Dots and red licorice. I have had none of them in the past two months.
10. There are only 16 cigars in my humidor. I am dangerously low. I enjoy a variety of cigars, natural and maduro. I do not like sizes over 50. My current favorite is the H. Upmann Chairman's Reserve Robusto. I have smoked Cuban cigars, they are over rated for the price. These days I prefer better quality smokes over a cigar every day or so. I smoke outside or in the garage. I do not like cigarettes.
There you have it, a few things that you may or may not know about the old Hoosierboy. Tell me something about you.
October 28, 2010
True
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."
She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."
"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."
The man smiled and responded, "You must be an Obama Democrat."
"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."
An oldie but a goodie.
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."
She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."
"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."
The man smiled and responded, "You must be an Obama Democrat."
"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."
An oldie but a goodie.
On being and nothingness...with apologies to Sartre
Here I am, in a usual position these days. I am staring at a blinking cursor on a blank form in Blogger. When I click "publish post" this will be post 2,861. My first post was on March 22, 2005. I have posted nearly every single day in the more than five and one half years since I started. I will not object if you claim the work here represents quantity over quality.
The point of this post was to say I am sick of politics. I am sick of being Hoosierboy. I am sick of this blog. I am sick of my life.
On the bright side, I will likely delete this posts later. I will find a joke I have to share with you. I will feel an overwhelming need to give you my righteous opinion. Tomorrow I will be here again. Like the cowboys in the movie I never saw -- I cain't quit you.
The point of this post was to say I am sick of politics. I am sick of being Hoosierboy. I am sick of this blog. I am sick of my life.
On the bright side, I will likely delete this posts later. I will find a joke I have to share with you. I will feel an overwhelming need to give you my righteous opinion. Tomorrow I will be here again. Like the cowboys in the movie I never saw -- I cain't quit you.
October 27, 2010
Insert a pithy title
I just got home from a trip to Evansville, IN. I took US 50 across the hills and forests of Southern Indiana. It was a nice curvy drive. There was not much color left in the trees. It has been so dry most of the leaves are just turning brown and falling off. The massive stroms and wind yesterday did not help.
When I got home I discovered there was no paper...again. You see the asshole not only fails to deliver my paper at least once a month, but has taken to throwing it on the street in front of the house the past few days. Wednesday is trash pickup day in my neighborhood. On trash day the city runs the street cleaner in my neighborhood. I am pretty sure what happened to my paper, assuming it was even delivered.
The newspaper lady explained that you have to call before 9:00 am to report a missing paper if you want one delivered the same day. They will "try" to have today's paper delivered tomorrow. The fishwrap cannot understand why they are losing subscribers.
When I got home I discovered there was no paper...again. You see the asshole not only fails to deliver my paper at least once a month, but has taken to throwing it on the street in front of the house the past few days. Wednesday is trash pickup day in my neighborhood. On trash day the city runs the street cleaner in my neighborhood. I am pretty sure what happened to my paper, assuming it was even delivered.
The newspaper lady explained that you have to call before 9:00 am to report a missing paper if you want one delivered the same day. They will "try" to have today's paper delivered tomorrow. The fishwrap cannot understand why they are losing subscribers.
October 25, 2010
Actual product
I would to be in the marketing meeting when this product was named. They are either marketing geniuses, or complete idiots.
Click to biggerize.
October 24, 2010
Power to the people
Did you know that if Wal-Mart was an independent country it would be China's third or fourth largest trading partner? The amount of products that we buy from China, directly or indirectly is staggering. Many of the products you get from China are not only about to become far more expensive, but harder to get. In the coming weeks you will see fewer choices in clothing and consumer goods. There will be some empty shelves in the electronics and small appliance sections of your favorite stores.
The old hard-line Communist rulers of China cared little for the opinion of the Western world. Today, China realizes their economic fate is tied to the fortunes of the US and Europe. We need them, but they need us to feed their ever growing economy. Modern China is willing to at least pretend to care about the Western World's opinion on human rights and environmental abuses.
China has been blasted by the environmentalists for years. The pollution around the industrial centers is astounding. The EU and especially the Obama Administration has pushed China hard to adopt carbon emission standards. After all, according to green-weenies, the US, China and India are the cause of Global Warming. India is doing nothing to curb emissions. The US is spending billions on solar and wind power. We are subsidizing the electric car. The Obama wants us to turn down our thermostat and raise utility rates to force us to use less energy.
China has addressed the global concerns in a different way. The leaders know they can never afford to change over and modernize the power plants. While China is looking to use more windpower and hydroelectric power, the power demands for a billion people can not be met while going "green".
China will meet their goals of reducing emissions this year. How? They are routinely shutting of the power plants a couple days a week. The Government tell the consumers in advance they will be without power on designated days. One or two days a week, the manufacturing plants, stores and homes are without electricity. There is no power at all -- zero, zip, nada. If the plant is not producing power it is not producing evil greenhouse gasses. The Democrats want to tax consumption until emissions are reduced. China just says there will be no consumption.
The people are affected, the manufacturing plants are affected. Fewer days of production means fewer goods produced for export. The immutable Law of Supply and Demand means higher prices to the end user -- the shoppers of Wal-mart and Kmart! That, my friends is how a socialist state handles such things. I bet Obama, Waxman and Al Gore are creaming their pants dreaming of such power.
You can bet The Obama is sitting there in the White House, listening to Michelle bitch about how much she hates the place. He is wishing like hell he could shut of the power to those coal states. The ones about to wreck his plans for a socialist utopia. The AlGorites would be all for such a plan. To them, I bet it sounds like a good idea to limit the power on certain days. It is for our own good. You know we are just scared, and dumb about such things like science and logic.
One thing is for sure, if the Government were to try such tactics, the "ignorant" masses would be at the gates of the White House with torches and pitchforks. Washington DC would have to become an armed encampment. It is going to take of few more years of indoctrinating our kids to get a population of sheep willing to give up their freedom.
I hope.
The old hard-line Communist rulers of China cared little for the opinion of the Western world. Today, China realizes their economic fate is tied to the fortunes of the US and Europe. We need them, but they need us to feed their ever growing economy. Modern China is willing to at least pretend to care about the Western World's opinion on human rights and environmental abuses.
China has been blasted by the environmentalists for years. The pollution around the industrial centers is astounding. The EU and especially the Obama Administration has pushed China hard to adopt carbon emission standards. After all, according to green-weenies, the US, China and India are the cause of Global Warming. India is doing nothing to curb emissions. The US is spending billions on solar and wind power. We are subsidizing the electric car. The Obama wants us to turn down our thermostat and raise utility rates to force us to use less energy.
China has addressed the global concerns in a different way. The leaders know they can never afford to change over and modernize the power plants. While China is looking to use more windpower and hydroelectric power, the power demands for a billion people can not be met while going "green".
China will meet their goals of reducing emissions this year. How? They are routinely shutting of the power plants a couple days a week. The Government tell the consumers in advance they will be without power on designated days. One or two days a week, the manufacturing plants, stores and homes are without electricity. There is no power at all -- zero, zip, nada. If the plant is not producing power it is not producing evil greenhouse gasses. The Democrats want to tax consumption until emissions are reduced. China just says there will be no consumption.
The people are affected, the manufacturing plants are affected. Fewer days of production means fewer goods produced for export. The immutable Law of Supply and Demand means higher prices to the end user -- the shoppers of Wal-mart and Kmart! That, my friends is how a socialist state handles such things. I bet Obama, Waxman and Al Gore are creaming their pants dreaming of such power.
You can bet The Obama is sitting there in the White House, listening to Michelle bitch about how much she hates the place. He is wishing like hell he could shut of the power to those coal states. The ones about to wreck his plans for a socialist utopia. The AlGorites would be all for such a plan. To them, I bet it sounds like a good idea to limit the power on certain days. It is for our own good. You know we are just scared, and dumb about such things like science and logic.
One thing is for sure, if the Government were to try such tactics, the "ignorant" masses would be at the gates of the White House with torches and pitchforks. Washington DC would have to become an armed encampment. It is going to take of few more years of indoctrinating our kids to get a population of sheep willing to give up their freedom.
I hope.
October 23, 2010
A Titanic Visit
I had a great day yesterday. We went here. Some of the exhibits were the same as I remembered from visiting the museum 20 years ago when it was downtown.
I really enjoyed the Titanic exhibit. I had no idea tickets on the luxury liner were so expensive. First Class accommodations ran in the neighborhood of $90,000 in today's dollars and Second Class would have set you back the today's equivalent of $45,000.
When you entered the exhibit you were given a "Boarding Pass" to the Titanic. The pass was in the name of an actual passenger and the flip side listed the actual known history of the passenger. At the end of the exhibit (just before you got to the cheesy stuff for sale) you learned your fate. Did you survive the icy terror of April 14, 1912? I like to think my alter-ego, one Frederick Edward Giles, died a hero giving his seat on a lifeboat to a woman or child.
We had a great time, I enjoyed a much-needed day off work. Good for me. Sucks to be you.
Have a great weekend.
I really enjoyed the Titanic exhibit. I had no idea tickets on the luxury liner were so expensive. First Class accommodations ran in the neighborhood of $90,000 in today's dollars and Second Class would have set you back the today's equivalent of $45,000.
When you entered the exhibit you were given a "Boarding Pass" to the Titanic. The pass was in the name of an actual passenger and the flip side listed the actual known history of the passenger. At the end of the exhibit (just before you got to the cheesy stuff for sale) you learned your fate. Did you survive the icy terror of April 14, 1912? I like to think my alter-ego, one Frederick Edward Giles, died a hero giving his seat on a lifeboat to a woman or child.
We had a great time, I enjoyed a much-needed day off work. Good for me. Sucks to be you.
Have a great weekend.
October 22, 2010
It is beautiful day in the neighborhood
The boy is on fall break. The wife has the day off. I just took a vacation day too.
No work, no blog, no Friday Five, no nothing.
Have a great day, I will.
No work, no blog, no Friday Five, no nothing.
Have a great day, I will.
October 21, 2010
Confession
October 20, 2010
Huh?
Can anyone explain why there are handicap parking spaces in the "cell phone" waiting lot at the Indianapolis Airport?
Scratching my head here boss.
Scratching my head here boss.
Stop me before I tell you it was 15 miles uphill to school
I am not sure how old I was when we started smoking cigars in the shed out back, maybe eight or nine. That was back in the day when a busy Mom could send her kids to the store down the street to pick up a pack of Salems and a gallon of milk. It was no big deal to use your Coke bottle return money to purchase a pack of Swisher Sweets or Dutch Masters.
This time of year I was probably using my hard-earned dimes to purchase plastic Dracula teeth or paraffin lips.
October 19, 2010
October 18, 2010
Mucked Up Monday
Greetings. We find ourselves deep into a Monday. You will not be surprised I have little to report. I had a great weekend (Freddie -- the answer is no!). I am not sure what I did, but the weekend went by fast.
On the health front I have been exercising daily. My sugar is good in the evening but still out of control in the morning. I met with the diabetic nurse/nutritionist this morning. She is happy I am doing well on the carb-counting diet, but somewhat concerned my morning sugars are still out of control. I am a little disappointed too. I have worked hard at being a good boy, and nothing I do seems to work for my overnight control. It is still a month before I go back to the doctor. Hopefully I can get things better by then. The good news is my blood sugar is now only slightly above average, even with the morning numbers being elevated. The concern is the range of morning numbers, they are up and down. Over all, my sugar is less than 25% of the levels when I was diagnosed.
Now that I am eating more fruits and vegetables I thought for sure I would become more progressive in my political outlook. I was promised the world would cheer. I guess I need to eat even more broccoli. I still think liberalism is a failed policy and only morons would think the socialist form of government could ever work. Don't worry Dave, perhaps I could still have a heart attack. Do not lose hope!
I have been re-reading Tom Sawyer. I loved the book as a boy, and I am enjoying the heck out of it now.
There you have it, a whole post of crap you do not care about. I am back to work.
On the health front I have been exercising daily. My sugar is good in the evening but still out of control in the morning. I met with the diabetic nurse/nutritionist this morning. She is happy I am doing well on the carb-counting diet, but somewhat concerned my morning sugars are still out of control. I am a little disappointed too. I have worked hard at being a good boy, and nothing I do seems to work for my overnight control. It is still a month before I go back to the doctor. Hopefully I can get things better by then. The good news is my blood sugar is now only slightly above average, even with the morning numbers being elevated. The concern is the range of morning numbers, they are up and down. Over all, my sugar is less than 25% of the levels when I was diagnosed.
Now that I am eating more fruits and vegetables I thought for sure I would become more progressive in my political outlook. I was promised the world would cheer. I guess I need to eat even more broccoli. I still think liberalism is a failed policy and only morons would think the socialist form of government could ever work. Don't worry Dave, perhaps I could still have a heart attack. Do not lose hope!
I have been re-reading Tom Sawyer. I loved the book as a boy, and I am enjoying the heck out of it now.
There you have it, a whole post of crap you do not care about. I am back to work.
October 16, 2010
Dear Dan Coates
If you think vowing to strengthen an already shaky Federal Entitlement (Medicare) is the way to woo Hoosier conservative voters, you have not been reading the tea leaves. You and the other "moderate" (Democrat light) Republicans should start paying attention. Too bad our choice for Senate candidate in Indiana is bad and terrible.
BTW -- Dick Lugar you should be looking at vacation property. I suspect the People of Indiana will no longer require your services the next time your office comes for vote.
You Republicans get this one final chance to prove you are the Party of Reagan and not Bush/Rockefeller. If you guys fail the American people like you did from 2000- 2006, you will not be around as a major party by 2016. We are sick and tired of the Washington tax and spend agenda.
BTW -- Dick Lugar you should be looking at vacation property. I suspect the People of Indiana will no longer require your services the next time your office comes for vote.
You Republicans get this one final chance to prove you are the Party of Reagan and not Bush/Rockefeller. If you guys fail the American people like you did from 2000- 2006, you will not be around as a major party by 2016. We are sick and tired of the Washington tax and spend agenda.
October 15, 2010
Can we get a few facts straight?
We are getting hip-deep into election season. No matter which side of the political divide you find yourself, we need to acknowledge one simple fact. We have to stop blaming Republicans for the failure to pass the Democrat agenda. The Republican Party cannot be the "party of NO". Republicans lacked the votes for more than a year to even filibuster a bill in the Senate. There was a super majority in the House. The failure to pass Cap and Tax, or more comprehensive healthcare, or immigration or whatever other progressive dream lies completely in the hands of the ruling party. Remember that Pelosi and company met behind closed doors with Democratic Party leaders and crafted Obamacare. The minority party was not invited. It is hard to compromise when your input is not required.
So as you head to the polls in a few weeks, keep in mind every time Obama, Pelosi, Reid or your local Democratic Representative or Senator blames his Republican opponent for the failure to get legislation passed, that claim is a falsehood. Think about that when you go to pull the lever on the voting machine. Do you really want to vote for a fucking liar?
So as you head to the polls in a few weeks, keep in mind every time Obama, Pelosi, Reid or your local Democratic Representative or Senator blames his Republican opponent for the failure to get legislation passed, that claim is a falsehood. Think about that when you go to pull the lever on the voting machine. Do you really want to vote for a fucking liar?
October 14, 2010
Signs you live in "flyover country"
I finally got around to reading the wife's accident report last evening. There were several preprinted boxes at the top of the form to be used by the investigating officer. They included number of vehicles, number of commercial vehicles, number of pedestrians and the final box is the one that cracked me up -- number of deer.
I am willing to bet that is a check box not seen on many accident report forms in New York City.
I am willing to bet that is a check box not seen on many accident report forms in New York City.
House cleaning
I dumped a bunch of links from the sidebar. Sometimes I get a little click happy. If I deleted you by mistake leave me a comment or shoot me an email. If you want a link do the same.
These things are not personal.
These things are not personal.
Friday Covers -- Thursday Edition
Today we are going to look at covers of the Taj Mahal great "She Caught the Katy"
Here is Wet Willie;
Taj with Bonnie Raitt:
And my favorite version from The Blues Brothers and the movie of the same name:
Here is Wet Willie;
Taj with Bonnie Raitt:
And my favorite version from The Blues Brothers and the movie of the same name:
October 13, 2010
Finally, some good news
After weeks months years decades of bad luck, something has finally gone right at the Hoosierboy homestead. Of course, that means something really bad is about to happen. The giant hand of fate takes great delight in setting me up for a beatdown.
Anyway, you might remember the wife's car was hit on the way to work last week. You can read about it here. The driver had no insurance and the insurance listed for the vehicle (in Indiana the car must be insured, not the driver) was not valid. After a week of calls, our carrier finally found the owner and the correct insurance carrier for the POS 1989 pickup that pulled into the side of my wife's Buick. The vehicle is covered! I am going for estimates today and hopefully we will have her car fixed in the next week or two.
As I said, I am looking over my shoulder. Something bad is bound to hit. Fate will not let this piece of good news pass without retaliation.
Anyway, you might remember the wife's car was hit on the way to work last week. You can read about it here. The driver had no insurance and the insurance listed for the vehicle (in Indiana the car must be insured, not the driver) was not valid. After a week of calls, our carrier finally found the owner and the correct insurance carrier for the POS 1989 pickup that pulled into the side of my wife's Buick. The vehicle is covered! I am going for estimates today and hopefully we will have her car fixed in the next week or two.
As I said, I am looking over my shoulder. Something bad is bound to hit. Fate will not let this piece of good news pass without retaliation.
October 12, 2010
Hey, Hey
This is picture of the former Jets reporter Jenn Sterger. She is the person Brett Favre allegedly texted and harrassed. I like her. She has many assets, including a Cubs hat.
Explicit pygmy sex photos
This is where normally I would offer mundane descriptions of my boring life. Perhaps I would offer some humor or political insight. Not today.
I could tell you how I have folded a load of white clothes from the dryer. Or how I have done a whole load of towels and folded them and put them away (are you getting hot ladies?).
I could tell you about work or my lunch.
I will not mention that "pygmy sex" is still the #1 search term folks use to get to my blog.
I could write a whole post telling you what I will not write about today...
I could tell you how I have folded a load of white clothes from the dryer. Or how I have done a whole load of towels and folded them and put them away (are you getting hot ladies?).
I could tell you about work or my lunch.
I will not mention that "pygmy sex" is still the #1 search term folks use to get to my blog.
I could write a whole post telling you what I will not write about today...
October 11, 2010
Sigh
We find ourselves facing yet another Monday. It is funny how that day seems to keep coming around. I am tired today, I did not sleep well. We spent most of Saturday doing yard work, finally trimming bushes, pulling weeds and plants, generally cleaning up the jungle that is the front flower beds. We did a little more work before the football game yesterday. I still managed to walk 2 miles both Saturday and Sunday morning. I am not sure if I will get my exercise today.
I am completely unmotivated to work today. I am in desperate need for a vacation. Like most businesses we are entering 2011 business plan time and days poring over numbers is not fun to me. The never-ending battle of management wanting a high forecast and sales wanting a lower forecast just gets old, especially when I have been paying the financial penalty for higher-up over aggressiveness the past three years. A faltering economy and aggressive business plan does not lend itself to more bucks in my meager bank account.
I have a job, and that is something in today's Democrat-controlled economy.
I am completely unmotivated to work today. I am in desperate need for a vacation. Like most businesses we are entering 2011 business plan time and days poring over numbers is not fun to me. The never-ending battle of management wanting a high forecast and sales wanting a lower forecast just gets old, especially when I have been paying the financial penalty for higher-up over aggressiveness the past three years. A faltering economy and aggressive business plan does not lend itself to more bucks in my meager bank account.
I have a job, and that is something in today's Democrat-controlled economy.
October 9, 2010
2840
I have to be honest, I have a massive case of "I don't give a crap" today.
Have a great Saturday. I am going for a walk. Sinatra or Supertramp on the old iPod this morning?
Have a great Saturday. I am going for a walk. Sinatra or Supertramp on the old iPod this morning?
October 8, 2010
Friday Covers
The original Hollies version is a great romantic story. It is also the kind of tune that gets stuck in your head.
A version by a band called Sugarplum Fairy, a pretty faithful copy. The band is from Sweden
Oooh oooh that smell, can't you smell that smell
I have a peculiar morning routine. I get up around 6:15 to get the boy up for school. Around 6:50 I go back to bed and wake up the wife. Some days I go to sleep until around 7:30, most days I do not.
This morning it was a chilly 37 F in the old hometown. I jumped back into bed and nudged the spouse. I told her it was time to get up. I snuggled next to her for a moment. I hate to say it, but she smelled like a skunk. I sniffed a bit and thought to myself, "wow". I decided not to say anything. Just then the boy yelled "Dad, why does it smell like a skunk in here?"
I guess a skunk sprayed something right in front of the house. You could smell it strong in the boy's room (at the front of the house), and less in the living room. The odor was faint in the bedroom. I guess the wife did not stink after all.
I told her that I was sorry, but I thought the odor was her. She laughed and said she was thinking the same thing (only that it was me); as soon as I came into the bedroom it started to stink!
Anyway, the incident passed quickly. I guess we have a skunk in the neighborhood. That is better than a snake.
This morning it was a chilly 37 F in the old hometown. I jumped back into bed and nudged the spouse. I told her it was time to get up. I snuggled next to her for a moment. I hate to say it, but she smelled like a skunk. I sniffed a bit and thought to myself, "wow". I decided not to say anything. Just then the boy yelled "Dad, why does it smell like a skunk in here?"
I guess a skunk sprayed something right in front of the house. You could smell it strong in the boy's room (at the front of the house), and less in the living room. The odor was faint in the bedroom. I guess the wife did not stink after all.
I told her that I was sorry, but I thought the odor was her. She laughed and said she was thinking the same thing (only that it was me); as soon as I came into the bedroom it started to stink!
Anyway, the incident passed quickly. I guess we have a skunk in the neighborhood. That is better than a snake.
October 7, 2010
Calling Tom Jefferson
As if many of us needed a reason to understand the Federal Government has become way too powerful, way too intrusive, on the everyday lives of its citizens, we learn that the Feds are even regulating what font your city and town must use on your local street signs. link
It is bad enough far-away bureaucrats are determining how much you should weigh, what your kids learn and eat in school, what kind of car you should drive and, if Obama has his way, what temperature you set your thermostat. Now they Feds know best what lettering should be on the street sign down on the corner.
Is there anything those fuckers won't try to regulate? No wonder the Tea Party Movement is growing.
It is bad enough far-away bureaucrats are determining how much you should weigh, what your kids learn and eat in school, what kind of car you should drive and, if Obama has his way, what temperature you set your thermostat. Now they Feds know best what lettering should be on the street sign down on the corner.
Is there anything those fuckers won't try to regulate? No wonder the Tea Party Movement is growing.
Things I observed while travelling this week.
Wisconsin is the Dairy State. I think every dairy farmer in upper Wisconsin was spreading cow manure on his fields Tuesday. Wow, did that place stink.
In a completely unrelated note, my very first sales call was on a customer who made manure spreaders. There is big money in spreading crap. Any politician in Washington can attest to that.
In a completely unrelated note, my very first sales call was on a customer who made manure spreaders. There is big money in spreading crap. Any politician in Washington can attest to that.
October 5, 2010
When it rains it pours volume XLVI
The bill to fix the transmission in the boy's car is going to be around $1,600 (see the post earlier in the month).
The wife just called. She was hit on the way to work this morning. It was the other guy's fault. He pulled out from a drive right into the side of her car.
He has no insurance. He is a fucking illegal Mexican. She said they did not arrest him.
Why isn't the criminal in jail and on his way to deportation hearings? Oh wait, they are just good people who want to work. Stephen Colbert told me so.
She is fine. The car is drivable.
The wife just called. She was hit on the way to work this morning. It was the other guy's fault. He pulled out from a drive right into the side of her car.
He has no insurance. He is a fucking illegal Mexican. She said they did not arrest him.
Why isn't the criminal in jail and on his way to deportation hearings? Oh wait, they are just good people who want to work. Stephen Colbert told me so.
She is fine. The car is drivable.
October 4, 2010
Things I know Volume XXXVII
The Colts defense sucks.
Management can blame the two turnovers in the red zone all they want, but 28 points against the Jags should win the game.
What coach, even at the middle school level would call a time out with less than a minute to go in the 4th quarter when the other team has the ball?
And why did he try to ice the kicker, when the kick team finally got lined up there was only three seconds left on the play clock. Why let the kicker gather his thoughts and calm down?
Management can blame the two turnovers in the red zone all they want, but 28 points against the Jags should win the game.
What coach, even at the middle school level would call a time out with less than a minute to go in the 4th quarter when the other team has the ball?
And why did he try to ice the kicker, when the kick team finally got lined up there was only three seconds left on the play clock. Why let the kicker gather his thoughts and calm down?
October 3, 2010
Free speech for me, not for thee
h/t Doug Ross
October 2, 2010
Whoopi wants a prize
I read in this morning's insert to the fish wrap where Whoopi Goldberg wants to win a Nobel Prize. What is it about people in the entertainment industry that makes them seek constant acknowledgement. I guess you have to have a narcissistic bent to become a politician or entertainer.
People in the entertainment industry spend a great deal of time planning and attending award shows. The Critics Choice, The Oscars, The Golden Globes, The Tonys, The Grammys, The World Music Awards, The HipHop Awards, The Best Blond Actress on Tuesday Awards, when does it all end? Country Music Stars seem to have some kind of Gala every other month.
Politicians are just as bad. They are always lining up to get some kind award from the Junior League or Save the Dalmatians Society or the Ted Kennedy Let a Woman Drown Foundation.
What is wrong with doing good works because you want to? Why not help people because it is the right thing to do? What is it about a certain type of person and the constant need for recognition? Hell, I had my Eagle Scout badge mailed to me. There was no cake, no ceremony. I knew I had accomplished the rank, so what? I felt the same about graduation from High School and College, but Mom overruled and I attended both ceremonies. Again, I did not get the point.
So if Whoopi wants a Peace Prize, I say give her one. The award lost any meaning a long time ago. Obama gets one for being elected, and Arafat gets one for...well I am still not sure what he did, and Carter and AlGore are just a few of the awardees who won because they were politically popular among the Eurolibs. As far as I am concerned, The Peace Prize is like winning Prom Queen, only with a big cash payout. The press release for the Nobel Peace Prize should always read as follows:
I say let Whoopi win. She has no chance to win a prize in brains, beauty or political astuteness. Hell, given her personality, she could never even win Miss Congeniality. I guess she needs something to feel good about.
People in the entertainment industry spend a great deal of time planning and attending award shows. The Critics Choice, The Oscars, The Golden Globes, The Tonys, The Grammys, The World Music Awards, The HipHop Awards, The Best Blond Actress on Tuesday Awards, when does it all end? Country Music Stars seem to have some kind of Gala every other month.
Politicians are just as bad. They are always lining up to get some kind award from the Junior League or Save the Dalmatians Society or the Ted Kennedy Let a Woman Drown Foundation.
What is wrong with doing good works because you want to? Why not help people because it is the right thing to do? What is it about a certain type of person and the constant need for recognition? Hell, I had my Eagle Scout badge mailed to me. There was no cake, no ceremony. I knew I had accomplished the rank, so what? I felt the same about graduation from High School and College, but Mom overruled and I attended both ceremonies. Again, I did not get the point.
So if Whoopi wants a Peace Prize, I say give her one. The award lost any meaning a long time ago. Obama gets one for being elected, and Arafat gets one for...well I am still not sure what he did, and Carter and AlGore are just a few of the awardees who won because they were politically popular among the Eurolibs. As far as I am concerned, The Peace Prize is like winning Prom Queen, only with a big cash payout. The press release for the Nobel Peace Prize should always read as follows:
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Announced, Seriously, This Is Not a Joke.
I say let Whoopi win. She has no chance to win a prize in brains, beauty or political astuteness. Hell, given her personality, she could never even win Miss Congeniality. I guess she needs something to feel good about.
October 1, 2010
twenty-two
Best wishes for the happiest of 22nd birthdays to my oldest son (and middle child), Brad.
This is one of my favorite pictures of him. He was about five in this picture. The scan kind of washed out the lower face features. He does have a mouth and nose. Here is another to make up for the poor quality.
September 30, 2010
Na na na na nahna nah nut
Today is my youngest boy's birthday. He is 17. He is a young man, but still my little boy. I try not to let him know I feel that way. All he wants for his birthday is a new stereo for his car, one that allows him to play his iPod over the stereo. Too bad his car is still in the shop. We do not yet have a price tag or completion date for rebuilding/replacing the transmission. I guess we will give him the money for the new stereo and he can buy the stereo when his car finally decides to come home.
I got up early to make him a hot breakfast. We are going out to dinner to one of his favorite places tonight. His brother, sister and brother-in-law will be joining us. It will be a joint celebration, since his older brother has a birthday tomorrow. Last year we went to where B (the older boy) wanted to go. Since the oldest boy is away at college, it is hard to get together multiple times.
Keep in mind the above when I post tomorrow. It will not be a rerun. Different day, different kid's birthday.
I got up early to make him a hot breakfast. We are going out to dinner to one of his favorite places tonight. His brother, sister and brother-in-law will be joining us. It will be a joint celebration, since his older brother has a birthday tomorrow. Last year we went to where B (the older boy) wanted to go. Since the oldest boy is away at college, it is hard to get together multiple times.
Keep in mind the above when I post tomorrow. It will not be a rerun. Different day, different kid's birthday.
September 29, 2010
Chapter 19, wherein I encounter one of the dumbest people to ever take to the friendly skies
I have flown commercial a bunch of times. Less than some people I know, but I would guess more than your average tourist. I have never kept a complete count, but I know I have way more than 500 takeoffs to my credit.
I have experienced some amazing stuff flying. There was the guy who honestly could not work the seatbelt. I once sat next to a woman so terrified to fly she gripped my arm the entire flight, leaving bruises. I saw a guy piss into the air-sick bag while we were on the runway at Schipol (that one is in the archives somewhere). Monday I experienced passenger stupidity that would have to even make the list for a flight attendant.
We were coming into Charlotte Monday night. The plane was well down the glide slope, flaps extended, gear down. We were maybe 100 feet above ground, less than a minute from landing. I suddenly hear the attendant in the back scream "sit down, sit down". An instant later the attendant in front is yelling over the PA "Lady you must sit down immediately, we are seconds from landing".
This stupid woman got out of her seat and started up the aisle, I guess to go to the head? The woman got back to her seat literally less than 10 seconds before the plane touched down. I do not care if you have never flown, you know when the plane is about to land. A glance out the window should be a major clue, even at night. I have never seen an act of such stupidity in 20 years of flying. This stupid bitch endangered herself and the passengers around her.
Every day I am reminded of some advise I was gifted by my first boss -- "Remember, HB, people are basically stupid".
I have experienced some amazing stuff flying. There was the guy who honestly could not work the seatbelt. I once sat next to a woman so terrified to fly she gripped my arm the entire flight, leaving bruises. I saw a guy piss into the air-sick bag while we were on the runway at Schipol (that one is in the archives somewhere). Monday I experienced passenger stupidity that would have to even make the list for a flight attendant.
We were coming into Charlotte Monday night. The plane was well down the glide slope, flaps extended, gear down. We were maybe 100 feet above ground, less than a minute from landing. I suddenly hear the attendant in the back scream "sit down, sit down". An instant later the attendant in front is yelling over the PA "Lady you must sit down immediately, we are seconds from landing".
This stupid woman got out of her seat and started up the aisle, I guess to go to the head? The woman got back to her seat literally less than 10 seconds before the plane touched down. I do not care if you have never flown, you know when the plane is about to land. A glance out the window should be a major clue, even at night. I have never seen an act of such stupidity in 20 years of flying. This stupid bitch endangered herself and the passengers around her.
Every day I am reminded of some advise I was gifted by my first boss -- "Remember, HB, people are basically stupid".
September 27, 2010
A few of life's truths
I received thsi last week in an email:
1. I think part of a best friend's job is to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start with # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my driveway.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer their call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
22. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.
1. I think part of a best friend's job is to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start with # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my driveway.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer their call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
22. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.
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