I am not Catholic, but I read once that confession is good for the soul. Last week's posts were all canned. Yes, the recordings were all Memorex (that makes sense to those of you of a certain age). I was in the sunny (sometimes) South all of last week. I had a great time. All of the posts were written at least a week in advance, some have been in the can for more than a month.
You never know what you get in the blog world, fresh baked posts or the stuff that has been on the shelf a while. A real person or a fat guy in the basement rubbing one out to pygmy sex video porn. You never know.
I saw an old lady on a Rascal Scooter rear end another lady on a Rascal Scooter. She hit hard enough the back end flew up upon the rapid stop. I checked to see if they were OK, but the old ladies were too busy cursing each other to answer. That is true. One had on a pair of those massive Blue Blocker sunglasses. Just another instance in my life where i was wishing I had a permanent video camera recording events around me.
I saw 12 police cars heading south on I-75 just south of Atlanta late Friday night/Saturday morning. All had blue lights flashing. All passed in a few minutes. It had no effect on me, I was Northbound. I kept hearing the old TV Sheriff from some show or movie in my head --"You inna heap of trouble, Boy". It was something serious. I don't care enough to try to look it up, though.
How about those Butler Bulldogs? You NCAA fans are cursing their bracket busting ways. The bulldog is an appropriate mascot. They play tough tenacious defense that just wears down their opponents. Will they have enough for UConn? We should know shortly after midnight Monday/Tuesday.
This post was typed fresh this morning. See -- it is still steaming like the pile of crap it is.
April 3, 2011
April 2, 2011
One more thought
You do remember yesterday was April Fool's Day, right?
You can't get rid of me that easy.
You can't get rid of me that easy.
April 1, 2011
March 31, 2011
Busy
You will have to entertain yourself today.
If you are at work I would suggest a non-sexual diversion.
If you choose, you may discuss my genius in the comments.
If you are at work I would suggest a non-sexual diversion.
If you choose, you may discuss my genius in the comments.
March 29, 2011
Today's earworm
Compare and contrast to Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga.
Thus endeth today's music lesson.
March 28, 2011
Sarah Palin is unelectable
There is little about Sarah Palin I do not like. Her conservative principles are firm. She is a real American. I am a little disturbed she quit as Alaska's Governor, and the reasons may be accurate, but it is still a tough spin.
The liberals hate Palin more than any political figure in history; more than Reagan, more than either Bush, more than Nixon. The liberal press has destroyed her. The women's libbers loathe her (I would think she should be the poster girl for the NOW chicks).
She terrifies the RINO's, she makes progressive crap their collective drawers.
She will never ever be elected President.
Discuss.
The liberals hate Palin more than any political figure in history; more than Reagan, more than either Bush, more than Nixon. The liberal press has destroyed her. The women's libbers loathe her (I would think she should be the poster girl for the NOW chicks).
She terrifies the RINO's, she makes progressive crap their collective drawers.
She will never ever be elected President.
Discuss.
March 27, 2011
A Priest, a Rabbi, an Iman, and a Baptist Preacher walk into a bar...
I had a long, well reasoned post all written in my head. Who wants to read about politics and Public Radio anyway?
It is Sunday. Spend some time with your family, or a good book, or an entertaining movie. Save your heavy thoughts for Monday.
Have a great day.
It is Sunday. Spend some time with your family, or a good book, or an entertaining movie. Save your heavy thoughts for Monday.
Have a great day.
March 26, 2011
A post where your author gets all artsy-fartsy
The coffee is hot
but the weather sure is not
a morning haiku
Rain makes flowers grow
spring snow and frost makes them dead
March in Hoosierland
Fruit Loops Lucky Charms
a spoon, bowl a little milk
wish I had bacon
Perhaps you should just go read what poetry Jean has to offer instead.
but the weather sure is not
a morning haiku
Rain makes flowers grow
spring snow and frost makes them dead
March in Hoosierland
Fruit Loops Lucky Charms
a spoon, bowl a little milk
wish I had bacon
Perhaps you should just go read what poetry Jean has to offer instead.
March 25, 2011
Brilliant Commentary and I Need Your Input
There is a reason for that. Hoosiers was filmed in Hinkle Fieldhouse.
If you have never seen the film, Hoosiers was the story of a small town basketball team that overcame the odds to win a State Championship. The story is based on the real-life story of Milan High in 1954. Bobby Plump hit the last second shot to win the game. He also went on to be a star at Butler. Weird coincidence? The real game also took place at Hinkle.
The "Milan Miracle" is the stuff of legend in the Hoosier State and kids were once weaned on the tale along side Mother Goose and the Grimm Brothers. Many a child of the 1960s and 1970s shot basket after basket in the drive or against a hoop on the barn reliving the last second game winning shot. Now days, kids just dream of being one of four State Champions. Why no, I am not bitter. Why do you ask?
Since it is Friday, I think we will do an impromptu Friday
Hoosiers
Rocky
Brian's Song
Major League
Breaking Away
Rudy
The Natural
Bull Durham
Raging Bull
Tin Cup
Your vote may differ. What are the best sports movies?
March 24, 2011
Manufacturing Dreams
I had the weirdest dreams this morning. They remained in my mind even after I woke up, slowly dissipating like fog in the morning sun until they are just a blurry memory as I write.
I was back in the widget factory. I was giving a tour, I guess, I was describing each department and machine. The whole thing was from a weird point of view, like a documentary shot from slightly above. We could look down at an angle at the machines, not a top view, but I was not at ground level either.
I described the screw machines, how they were set up, secondary, the CNCs, heat treat and the various grinding operations. I described in detail the complicated assembly process. The time was in the early days of my employment at the plant, when it ran in batch mode, lots of waste and useless movement of materials. Work-in-process inventories cluttered the floor space. In my dream I described in detail the antiquated semi-hand assembly process.
It was all very strange. It is very weird in that for a good while it was my job to transform that plant into a smooth, quick-reacting just-in-time factory. The tour was in the pre-changeover days, and I made special emphasis on the waste and poor manufacturing flow.
I could hear the machinery, smell the oils and coolants, feel the plant (this makes sense to anyone who has worked in heavy manufacturing). It is strange how memories from fifteen or twenty years ago can be so vibrant.
I am not sure what spurred these long buried memories. Perhaps it was a discussion with a customer earlier this week if manufacturing will ever come back on shore. We still make more "stuff" than any country on earth, but so many of the components we need to manufacture and assemble cars and machinery are all sourced overseas in this global economy. So much expertise is gone; the old guys who fabricated the tooling, who faced every problem and had the answer buried in their work experience.
This morning I pulled out a stack of business cards, encircled with a thick rubber band. It is several inches thick. Each card represents a customer, a contact, a company from my past. All no longer active. The name on the card represents a company closed, a contact retired, let go, outsourced.
i know the answer, most of those industries and plants are not ever coming back to power the employment of the rust belt. Too many operated like the plant in my dream. Too many were destroyed by the unions, by high taxes, by costly energy. For too many years the big corporations failed to reinvest in their manufacturing until it was cheaper to close than upgrade the plants. Cheap labor from Asia and Mexico were a more attractive offer. I guess I will have to be content to visit those plants in my dreams.
I was back in the widget factory. I was giving a tour, I guess, I was describing each department and machine. The whole thing was from a weird point of view, like a documentary shot from slightly above. We could look down at an angle at the machines, not a top view, but I was not at ground level either.
I described the screw machines, how they were set up, secondary, the CNCs, heat treat and the various grinding operations. I described in detail the complicated assembly process. The time was in the early days of my employment at the plant, when it ran in batch mode, lots of waste and useless movement of materials. Work-in-process inventories cluttered the floor space. In my dream I described in detail the antiquated semi-hand assembly process.
It was all very strange. It is very weird in that for a good while it was my job to transform that plant into a smooth, quick-reacting just-in-time factory. The tour was in the pre-changeover days, and I made special emphasis on the waste and poor manufacturing flow.
I could hear the machinery, smell the oils and coolants, feel the plant (this makes sense to anyone who has worked in heavy manufacturing). It is strange how memories from fifteen or twenty years ago can be so vibrant.
I am not sure what spurred these long buried memories. Perhaps it was a discussion with a customer earlier this week if manufacturing will ever come back on shore. We still make more "stuff" than any country on earth, but so many of the components we need to manufacture and assemble cars and machinery are all sourced overseas in this global economy. So much expertise is gone; the old guys who fabricated the tooling, who faced every problem and had the answer buried in their work experience.
This morning I pulled out a stack of business cards, encircled with a thick rubber band. It is several inches thick. Each card represents a customer, a contact, a company from my past. All no longer active. The name on the card represents a company closed, a contact retired, let go, outsourced.
i know the answer, most of those industries and plants are not ever coming back to power the employment of the rust belt. Too many operated like the plant in my dream. Too many were destroyed by the unions, by high taxes, by costly energy. For too many years the big corporations failed to reinvest in their manufacturing until it was cheaper to close than upgrade the plants. Cheap labor from Asia and Mexico were a more attractive offer. I guess I will have to be content to visit those plants in my dreams.
March 23, 2011
Indiana Democrats
You took the money, now do the work. You have cheated stolen from the taxpayers for 32 days now.
You fled the State, sore losers in the last election. You took your pay and ran away. If you ever come back the taxpayers will likely be on the hook for a special session. You will want to be paid for it too.
Fucking thieves.
I would not be surprised to see your crybaby brothers and sisters in Congress try the same act.
If you Indiana Repubs roll over and negotiate with these low-life scum, it will be the end for you too.
You fled the State, sore losers in the last election. You took your pay and ran away. If you ever come back the taxpayers will likely be on the hook for a special session. You will want to be paid for it too.
Fucking thieves.
I would not be surprised to see your crybaby brothers and sisters in Congress try the same act.
If you Indiana Repubs roll over and negotiate with these low-life scum, it will be the end for you too.
March 22, 2011
I was thinking...
In the past 50 years, have more people suffered radiation burns or sun burns?
Have more people suffered radiation poisoning or sun poisoning?
Nuclear power or solar power?
On this date in 2005 I published my first post. More than 3,000 posts and 6 years later, I am still presenting my unique perspective.
Have more people suffered radiation poisoning or sun poisoning?
Nuclear power or solar power?
On this date in 2005 I published my first post. More than 3,000 posts and 6 years later, I am still presenting my unique perspective.
March 21, 2011
Obama and why you are paying nearly $4 per gallon for gas
President Obama yesterday praised Brazil for its new offshore oil industry and said he wants to buy as much oil as possible in this new win-win partnership — although we have piled up $5 trillion in new debt, curtailed new petroleum exploration off shore and in the West, as well as kept Alaska off-limits. Our near-term energy future apparently lies in borrowing money to buy oil from those we praise for drilling where we never would ourselves. sourceYep.
And let the protest begin
I suspect Cindy Sheehan and Code Pink will be setting up shop in Lafayette Park near the White House today. Maybe they are camped down the street from the Obama house in Chicago.
Surely the Left is up in arms? We are attacking a legitimate regime in Libya. There is no American interest at stake. It is likely over oil. "Blood for oil", will the Progressives shout.
For goodness sake, the Colonel only violated one stinkin' UN Resolution. It was US warmongering when Saddam violated 12.
Let me understand. We have to interfere in Libya because a a crazy frickin' dictator attacks his own people in open rebellion? Is it not a problem if those people are Kurds? Qadaffi helped foment terrorism. Hussein only paid blood money to the families of suicide bombers in Israel.
The Libyan operation is a coalition, because Canada, Italy, Britain, France and others are involved. GW was a "Cowboy" in Iraq because he went in with Canada, Italy, Britain and others. I guess adding France makes all the difference. After all, their last military victory was under Napoleon, and he lost his last war. 1815 was not so long ago, I guess.
Clinton bombed Iraq and an aspirin factory in Somalia to cover up his diddling of Monica (cigar anyone?). What is The Obama up to?
What are the college kids to do? Should they protest the evil war in Libya or the evil Republicans in Wisconsin. Decisions, decisions.
EDIT: How about that -- not all Democrats are hypocrites
Surely the Left is up in arms? We are attacking a legitimate regime in Libya. There is no American interest at stake. It is likely over oil. "Blood for oil", will the Progressives shout.
For goodness sake, the Colonel only violated one stinkin' UN Resolution. It was US warmongering when Saddam violated 12.
Let me understand. We have to interfere in Libya because a a crazy frickin' dictator attacks his own people in open rebellion? Is it not a problem if those people are Kurds? Qadaffi helped foment terrorism. Hussein only paid blood money to the families of suicide bombers in Israel.
The Libyan operation is a coalition, because Canada, Italy, Britain, France and others are involved. GW was a "Cowboy" in Iraq because he went in with Canada, Italy, Britain and others. I guess adding France makes all the difference. After all, their last military victory was under Napoleon, and he lost his last war. 1815 was not so long ago, I guess.
Clinton bombed Iraq and an aspirin factory in Somalia to cover up his diddling of Monica (cigar anyone?). What is The Obama up to?
What are the college kids to do? Should they protest the evil war in Libya or the evil Republicans in Wisconsin. Decisions, decisions.
EDIT: How about that -- not all Democrats are hypocrites
March 20, 2011
I'll stare you down
This is one of my favorite pictures of your humble author, Here I am staring down the photographer as a smart-aleck 14 year-old. That would make me a freshman in high school. My Mom's perfect handwriting on the back tells us the year was 1976.
edit picture removed. You should check in more often!
At this age I was pretty confident I could kick anyone's ass, although I weighed maybe 100 pounds. Like most boys that age, I was terribly full of myself.
Not like now.
My hair was thick and wavy and unruly. I desperately wanted to be able to grow long hair, feathered at the sides like the cool kids. Instead I had waves and curls. I also wanted to be tall and good looking.
Alas, I was who I was.
I was not in any way as innocent as I looked back in our bicentennial year.
This flashback was brought to you by the numbers four and nine. Which combine to make my age as of today.
edit picture removed. You should check in more often!
At this age I was pretty confident I could kick anyone's ass, although I weighed maybe 100 pounds. Like most boys that age, I was terribly full of myself.
Not like now.
My hair was thick and wavy and unruly. I desperately wanted to be able to grow long hair, feathered at the sides like the cool kids. Instead I had waves and curls. I also wanted to be tall and good looking.
Alas, I was who I was.
I was not in any way as innocent as I looked back in our bicentennial year.
This flashback was brought to you by the numbers four and nine. Which combine to make my age as of today.
March 19, 2011
In a cold sweat
I used to never get cold. I wore T-shits all winter and never, ever zipped my coat. That was back in the days when my blood was literally maple syrup.
Now that my blood sugar is better and mostly under control, my healthier, thinner blood does not warm me so much. For the past year or so I get cold. In the core of my body. I get the shivering teeth chattering kind of cold. I don't like it, but it is a fact of life. These days I often wear a sweatshirt over my faded Nike tees. When I go outside I wear a hat and gloves and my coat is zipped to my neck. Winter walks find me in a stocking cap and a hoody under my winter coat. Friggin' wimp I am these days.
Last night I mosied off to bed around 11:30. That is my usual time. I am one to fall asleep instantly. But for some reason I was still awake after midnight. I got up and went to read a little. As I sat in the chair I began to get warm. I asked the Wife if she thought it was hot in the house, she thought not.
I fetched a diet root beer and sat at the table. I looked down and my shirt was dark with sweat. Damp patches showed in the pits and under my manboobs. My back looked like I had just spent the past 30 minutes working out, not reading sea stories. (want to give me hug?).
I showed my Wife, she asked me if I was OK, if I was having a heart attack or something? I told her I felt fine. I checked my pulse, it was normal. I told her I guess I was having sympathetic hot flashes. She was not amused.
After a bit, I returned to normal. By the time I went to bed (after falling asleep in the chair), I was actually a bit cold.
I feel fine this morning. Old age ain't for the faint of heart.
And yes, if it happens again I will call the doctor. Or at least my Mom.
Sorry, I know there is nothing worse than hearing old people talk about their health. I really had nothing else this morning.
Now that my blood sugar is better and mostly under control, my healthier, thinner blood does not warm me so much. For the past year or so I get cold. In the core of my body. I get the shivering teeth chattering kind of cold. I don't like it, but it is a fact of life. These days I often wear a sweatshirt over my faded Nike tees. When I go outside I wear a hat and gloves and my coat is zipped to my neck. Winter walks find me in a stocking cap and a hoody under my winter coat. Friggin' wimp I am these days.
Last night I mosied off to bed around 11:30. That is my usual time. I am one to fall asleep instantly. But for some reason I was still awake after midnight. I got up and went to read a little. As I sat in the chair I began to get warm. I asked the Wife if she thought it was hot in the house, she thought not.
I fetched a diet root beer and sat at the table. I looked down and my shirt was dark with sweat. Damp patches showed in the pits and under my manboobs. My back looked like I had just spent the past 30 minutes working out, not reading sea stories. (want to give me hug?).
I showed my Wife, she asked me if I was OK, if I was having a heart attack or something? I told her I felt fine. I checked my pulse, it was normal. I told her I guess I was having sympathetic hot flashes. She was not amused.
After a bit, I returned to normal. By the time I went to bed (after falling asleep in the chair), I was actually a bit cold.
I feel fine this morning. Old age ain't for the faint of heart.
And yes, if it happens again I will call the doctor. Or at least my Mom.
Sorry, I know there is nothing worse than hearing old people talk about their health. I really had nothing else this morning.
March 18, 2011
A post that starts out with nonsense and goes downhill from there
It is finally Friday. For some reason this week has been a long one. Temps hit above 70 yesterday. Woo wee, it was nice. The sun was shining. Too bad the wind was blowing strong, but I will take what I can get. I snuck (sneaked?) out at lunch and enjoyed a nice H. Uppman Chairman's Reserve Robusto. This was my first stogie since before the New Year.
How did you do on your basketball brackets? I missed three games yesterday. That is pretty good for me. Although I am by birth and residence a Hoosier, I do not really care too much for basketball.
I know, I may have to renounce my Indiana citizenship. Seriously, Basketball is not the king it once was in the Hoosier State. Class Basketball, cable TV, shopping malls, modern times, and football have all combined to weaken King Basketball. No longer can you count on massive gyms being filled on a Friday night.
The girls basketball programs have sued to make sure they play an equal number of Fridays. Now we see boys games all through the week. I get the fairness thing, but no matter how many lawsuits are filed, you cannot make a sport popular. All the change has done is lessen the popularity of the boys program. I hate to bring politics into it, but that is always the result of trying to legislate "fairness". The result is lowering the outcome for all.
Class Basketball destroyed the old local rivalries. It weakened the overall product. But it has been 15 years. The old way can never return. Those of you from other States cannot comprehend what it was like to sit in a high school gym filled with 5,000 screaming, rabid fans.
How did you do on your basketball brackets? I missed three games yesterday. That is pretty good for me. Although I am by birth and residence a Hoosier, I do not really care too much for basketball.
I know, I may have to renounce my Indiana citizenship. Seriously, Basketball is not the king it once was in the Hoosier State. Class Basketball, cable TV, shopping malls, modern times, and football have all combined to weaken King Basketball. No longer can you count on massive gyms being filled on a Friday night.
The girls basketball programs have sued to make sure they play an equal number of Fridays. Now we see boys games all through the week. I get the fairness thing, but no matter how many lawsuits are filed, you cannot make a sport popular. All the change has done is lessen the popularity of the boys program. I hate to bring politics into it, but that is always the result of trying to legislate "fairness". The result is lowering the outcome for all.
Class Basketball destroyed the old local rivalries. It weakened the overall product. But it has been 15 years. The old way can never return. Those of you from other States cannot comprehend what it was like to sit in a high school gym filled with 5,000 screaming, rabid fans.
March 17, 2011
Basketball thoughts
So far I am 2-0 in my NCAA Bracket. Past history shows my picks will be as accurate as a Washington Generals three pointer by Sunday.
I am pretty sure I am in good position to win my office pool though. I am the only entry.
Do you think there are a lot of teams looking around and thanking the basketball gods they are not in a bracket with Butler?
edit. Now 2-2, missed the Louisville upset. Since I had Louisville winning the next round too, that is already two losses. Like I said, by Sunday my paper will be fit for nothing but fire starter.
I am pretty sure I am in good position to win my office pool though. I am the only entry.
Do you think there are a lot of teams looking around and thanking the basketball gods they are not in a bracket with Butler?
edit. Now 2-2, missed the Louisville upset. Since I had Louisville winning the next round too, that is already two losses. Like I said, by Sunday my paper will be fit for nothing but fire starter.
Dear Progressive Readers -- an open challenge
Few, if any of my old progressive readers show up here any more. They never comment. I guess the drubbing they took in the last election made them scurry back to their holes, clutching their blankies and crying for Mommy. Or perhaps they came to the conclusion I was right all along?
I would like to open up the forum and sincerely I would like the Obama supporter from 2008's opinion. Just as I had no issue criticising GW, I wonder how you who voted for The Obama feel about him now?
Since Obama was elected gas prices at the pump are up almost 90%. Unemployment has increased from just over 5% to 9% and higher. The deficit has tripled. The value of the dollar has fallen. Wars and strife have erupted in Iran, Korea, and all across the Mideast. The Afghan War continues, with no end in sight. The threat of terrorism is increased, not diminished. Gitmo remains open for business. Americans overwhelmingly rejected the Democrat agenda in the last election. Ocean levels have not decreased. Food prices jumped last month the highest rate in 36 years. Housing starts are the lowest since the Government started keeping track in 1959.
Is this the Hope and Change you thought you were getting? Is the Absentee in Chief living up to your expectations? We know The Obama has improved his golf game. He is spending some quality time on his NCAA Brackets, but how is he doing on the domestic and international fronts?
In the interest of fairness, I will even give you the keys to do a guest post, if you believe the comment section is not adequate for your rejoinder.
I would like to open up the forum and sincerely I would like the Obama supporter from 2008's opinion. Just as I had no issue criticising GW, I wonder how you who voted for The Obama feel about him now?
Since Obama was elected gas prices at the pump are up almost 90%. Unemployment has increased from just over 5% to 9% and higher. The deficit has tripled. The value of the dollar has fallen. Wars and strife have erupted in Iran, Korea, and all across the Mideast. The Afghan War continues, with no end in sight. The threat of terrorism is increased, not diminished. Gitmo remains open for business. Americans overwhelmingly rejected the Democrat agenda in the last election. Ocean levels have not decreased. Food prices jumped last month the highest rate in 36 years. Housing starts are the lowest since the Government started keeping track in 1959.
Is this the Hope and Change you thought you were getting? Is the Absentee in Chief living up to your expectations? We know The Obama has improved his golf game. He is spending some quality time on his NCAA Brackets, but how is he doing on the domestic and international fronts?
In the interest of fairness, I will even give you the keys to do a guest post, if you believe the comment section is not adequate for your rejoinder.
March 16, 2011
Random Ramblings -- Midweek Edition
I woke this morning with that gosh-awful Steve Miller Band song Abracadabra echoing in my brainpan. I hate anything ever recorded by the Steve Miller Band. If a song by him comes on the radio, I instantly turn it off. I would rather listen to feminine hygiene commercials. I would rather listen to farm reports. I would rather listen to Tiny Tim. The sound of cats having sex with pygmy goats would give more auditory pleasure.T he only thing worse is Afternoon Delight by the Starland Vocal Band. They only insulted our sense of taste and decency with one song. Steve Miller did it repeatedly. And yes, I mean to include Quicksilver Messenger too. He should have named his band Hoover. You know, 'cause they suck.
It does not help that I once had a complete asshat of a neighbor who happened to be named Steve Miller.
I saw on the news that health food stores around Indy are sold out of iodine tablets. People are panicking that they are going to get radiation poisoning from the nukes in Japan. So far the leaked radiation levels are similar to what you would get from a chest X-ray. But the scare-team news is all in a lather. Of course common sense would tell you that it would take world-ending release of radiation amounts to have any effect on ignorant Hoosiers, but sane reasoning does not get in the way for the no-nukes crowd. I am willing to bet that 99.999% of those in a panic also voted for The Obama. Anyone taking odds?
Never ones to let a good crisis go to waste, the lefties like Joe Can't Retire Soon Enough Lieberman are already claiming we should back away from nukes in this country. I am still not sure how the lefties think we are going to power our electric cars. We cannot generate power with nukes, with coal, with natural gas or hydroelectric dams. How many windmills and solar panels will it take to get enough power to charge your Government Motors Volt? After all, the 24 mile range does not get one very far. I know, we can harness the power of the oceanic tides to power our electric cars.
It does not help that I once had a complete asshat of a neighbor who happened to be named Steve Miller.
I saw on the news that health food stores around Indy are sold out of iodine tablets. People are panicking that they are going to get radiation poisoning from the nukes in Japan. So far the leaked radiation levels are similar to what you would get from a chest X-ray. But the scare-team news is all in a lather. Of course common sense would tell you that it would take world-ending release of radiation amounts to have any effect on ignorant Hoosiers, but sane reasoning does not get in the way for the no-nukes crowd. I am willing to bet that 99.999% of those in a panic also voted for The Obama. Anyone taking odds?
Never ones to let a good crisis go to waste, the lefties like Joe Can't Retire Soon Enough Lieberman are already claiming we should back away from nukes in this country. I am still not sure how the lefties think we are going to power our electric cars. We cannot generate power with nukes, with coal, with natural gas or hydroelectric dams. How many windmills and solar panels will it take to get enough power to charge your Government Motors Volt? After all, the 24 mile range does not get one very far. I know, we can harness the power of the oceanic tides to power our electric cars.
March 15, 2011
The Ides of March
Me and Julius were just talking, things seem quiet today. Caeser thinks he will take a walk in the Forum with our buddy Brutus.
March 14, 2011
Random Thoughts for a Monday Morning
Democrats are still AWOL from the Indiana House. Par for the political course, Democrats take the money and refuse to do the work. The welfare party in action.
Speaking of work, there is supposed to be another union protest at the State House today. When do these supposedly hard-working union chaps actually work, anyway? They seem to spend far more time in protest than actually doing whatever vital work they reportedly perform.*
Further on the subject of work -- the boss is watching. Maybe you should fill out those brackets on your own time. Unless the boss is the guy running the pool. Back in the days I worked in the cubical farm, the boss always ran the NCAA office pool.
I have a confession. Some days I miss working in the big office environment. I have worked basically alone for the past 12 years. I am way more productive, but I miss the jokes, the coffee breaks, the office pools, etc. You know, actually communicating with other human beings on a daily basis. I do not miss the office politics, the resident douchebags and the rigid working conditions. If I want to look out the window, I can in my home office. At the cubical farm I could see daylight if I stood and looked in the distance I could see a sliver of sky and the far horizon.
Trade-offs; life is full of 'em.
* Edit Now we know H/T Nathan at Rants of a Fuzzy Curmudgeon.
Speaking of work, there is supposed to be another union protest at the State House today. When do these supposedly hard-working union chaps actually work, anyway? They seem to spend far more time in protest than actually doing whatever vital work they reportedly perform.*
Further on the subject of work -- the boss is watching. Maybe you should fill out those brackets on your own time. Unless the boss is the guy running the pool. Back in the days I worked in the cubical farm, the boss always ran the NCAA office pool.
I have a confession. Some days I miss working in the big office environment. I have worked basically alone for the past 12 years. I am way more productive, but I miss the jokes, the coffee breaks, the office pools, etc. You know, actually communicating with other human beings on a daily basis. I do not miss the office politics, the resident douchebags and the rigid working conditions. If I want to look out the window, I can in my home office. At the cubical farm I could see daylight if I stood and looked in the distance I could see a sliver of sky and the far horizon.
Trade-offs; life is full of 'em.
* Edit Now we know H/T Nathan at Rants of a Fuzzy Curmudgeon.
March 13, 2011
Time for my semi-annual rant
The wife bought me a new mouse pad. I did not have one before and my desk top was showing signs of wear. It did not really bother me, but it drove her nuts. So now I have a cool mouse pad in the shape of a home plate, the big red "Cubs" surrounded by a blue circle that is the logo of my beloved Chicago Cubs emblazoned in the center.
Woo-eee, I can tell by that last sentence I have been reading far to many 19th Century novels.
I did the clock-change thing this morning, so my mood is not the greatest. I woke up at6:30 7:30 and it was dark outside If we have to go along with this pretend notion we are somehow "saving daylight", can we at least wait until the kids can go to the bus stop when it is light? I guess the Golf Lobby is more powerful than the 'Let's Not Hit My Kid Walking To School Because It Is Dark Out' lobby. Daylight Savings Time does not save daylight. The sun shines the same number of hours each day, regardless the time we set on our clocks.
The concept might have had some small credence when working people went to bed shortly after sunset, but in today's world of artificial light and late night TV, most of us get far less sleep than our grandfathers. One could only sit around in the parlor listening to Fannie play the pianoforte for so long in the evening.
For you environmental weenies out there -- no energy is saved if instead of turning your lamps on at night you must burn your curly pig-tail bulbs more in the morning. Thus endeth sermon until fall, when we go through the same idiocy once again.
I need to find something to get into a good mood again. I need a good light-hearted movie. Maybe me and Elvis will Follow that Dream. Better yet, maybe me and Elvis will go to a clambake. I better go check the DVD cabinet.
Have a good Sunday. *
*I ran a spell check after I typed that last sentence and I wrote Have a good Sinday instead of Sunday. Dr. Freud call you office...
Woo-eee, I can tell by that last sentence I have been reading far to many 19th Century novels.
I did the clock-change thing this morning, so my mood is not the greatest. I woke up at
The concept might have had some small credence when working people went to bed shortly after sunset, but in today's world of artificial light and late night TV, most of us get far less sleep than our grandfathers. One could only sit around in the parlor listening to Fannie play the pianoforte for so long in the evening.
For you environmental weenies out there -- no energy is saved if instead of turning your lamps on at night you must burn your curly pig-tail bulbs more in the morning. Thus endeth sermon until fall, when we go through the same idiocy once again.
I need to find something to get into a good mood again. I need a good light-hearted movie. Maybe me and Elvis will Follow that Dream. Better yet, maybe me and Elvis will go to a clambake. I better go check the DVD cabinet.
Have a good Sunday. *
*I ran a spell check after I typed that last sentence and I wrote Have a good Sinday instead of Sunday. Dr. Freud call you office...
March 12, 2011
Jerry Lee Lewis, Blue Oyster Cult and Earthquakes
Good morning blog world. It is finally the weekend. What a long week; it seemed to last at least five days.
Given my determination to post something everyday, I am typing these words as fast as my index fingers can go. I have a confession. I sometimes write my posts days or even weeks in advance. Sometimes I throw them up with nary a thought. You will not be surprised by that, I guess. This is one of those make-it-up-as-I-type offerings.
I had the idea of posting some Jerry Lee Lewis this morning. Then Prudence got a hold of me (Prudence is one hot chick) and I decided "a whole lot of shakin' goin' on" is probably in bad taste, given the earthquakes in Japan this week. But the tune is stuck in my skull.
I read where of of Japan's nuclear plants is in danger of a meltdown. I can only think this sounds familiar. Doesn't every Godzilla movie start with this plot?
first 1956 version of Godzilla a few times -- the one with Perry Mason -- but I thought it was stupid too.
I would apologize for the digression, but I am not sure what I digressed from or to. Perhaps I should just go read what you have to say this morning.
Oh -- and fuck you NFL -- both sides.
Given my determination to post something everyday, I am typing these words as fast as my index fingers can go. I have a confession. I sometimes write my posts days or even weeks in advance. Sometimes I throw them up with nary a thought. You will not be surprised by that, I guess. This is one of those make-it-up-as-I-type offerings.
I had the idea of posting some Jerry Lee Lewis this morning. Then Prudence got a hold of me (Prudence is one hot chick) and I decided "a whole lot of shakin' goin' on" is probably in bad taste, given the earthquakes in Japan this week. But the tune is stuck in my skull.
I read where of of Japan's nuclear plants is in danger of a meltdown. I can only think this sounds familiar. Doesn't every Godzilla movie start with this plot?
Oh no, they say he's got to goToo soon? I remember going to the theater to see Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster as a kid, but I really can not remember much about the movie, but that it was stupid. I am not a big monster movie kind of guy anyway. I have seen the
Go go Godzilla, yeah
Oh no, there goes Tokyo
Go go Godzilla, yeah
I would apologize for the digression, but I am not sure what I digressed from or to. Perhaps I should just go read what you have to say this morning.
Oh -- and fuck you NFL -- both sides.
March 11, 2011
Weekend Funny -- Friday Afternoon Edition
This remains one of the funniest scenes in any movie ever.
Bonus:
They call me mellow yellow
I flew in from Charlotte last night and boy are my arms tired. Well, I am tired anyway. After a delay in Charlotte of nearly an hour, I banged my luggage through my front door around 11:30 in the PM. My day started around 7:00, so it was long day. But then, that is why I get the big bucks. Hah!
I have two conference calls on tap this morning, so maybe you can get a real post later. Maybe not.
I cracked up last night at the airport. I must of still had my "be nice and charming" face on after visiting with customers earlier in the day. My normal "I hate people vibe" was not coming on strongly, I guess. As I was walking from the gates toward the terminal a middle aged lady asked me if I had just come from Charlotte. I replied in the affirmative. She said she was on that flight also. She asked me the way to baggage claim. After giving her the directions (keep walking and go down the escalator) she walked along with me. We were going the same direction, although I was heading straight for my car.
She told me they had just come from Jamaica. I guessed that already. She had on shorts and it was in the thirties. She had her hair done up Bo Derrick style. No white woman looks good in that look, but for some reason they all have their hair done that way while in Jamaica. It is hilarious to see the plane disgorge passengers from the Caribbean in Charlotte, half the middle-aged chicks are sporting cornrows and beads.
The nice lady proceeds to tell me her flight from Charlotte was delayed almost an hour.
Think about that a moment. We had just discussed we were on the same flight. I guess the braids were pulled just a little too tight.
You would have been proud. I did not even respond. I guess I am getting mellow in my old age.
I have two conference calls on tap this morning, so maybe you can get a real post later. Maybe not.
I cracked up last night at the airport. I must of still had my "be nice and charming" face on after visiting with customers earlier in the day. My normal "I hate people vibe" was not coming on strongly, I guess. As I was walking from the gates toward the terminal a middle aged lady asked me if I had just come from Charlotte. I replied in the affirmative. She said she was on that flight also. She asked me the way to baggage claim. After giving her the directions (keep walking and go down the escalator) she walked along with me. We were going the same direction, although I was heading straight for my car.
She told me they had just come from Jamaica. I guessed that already. She had on shorts and it was in the thirties. She had her hair done up Bo Derrick style. No white woman looks good in that look, but for some reason they all have their hair done that way while in Jamaica. It is hilarious to see the plane disgorge passengers from the Caribbean in Charlotte, half the middle-aged chicks are sporting cornrows and beads.
The nice lady proceeds to tell me her flight from Charlotte was delayed almost an hour.
Think about that a moment. We had just discussed we were on the same flight. I guess the braids were pulled just a little too tight.
You would have been proud. I did not even respond. I guess I am getting mellow in my old age.
March 10, 2011
Books, Books, Books
I received my new Kindle for Christmas. Since that time I have read 17 books. Most are old classics, some are new titles. I am greedy and have always hoarded books. I have 35 more volumes in my queue waiting to be read.
Here is the list of the read volumes:
Star Island by Carl Hiaason
The Fort By Bernard Cornwell
The Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
El Dorado by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
I Will Repay by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
The Elusive Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
The League of the Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
At this point I was a little tired of Sir Percy and his gang
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Dead Zero by Stephen Hunter
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
Trap Line by Carl Hiaason
Key Weird by Robert Tacoma
Fat, Forty and Fired by Nigel Marsh
Under Enemy Colors by S. Thomas Russell
A Battle Won by S. Thomas Russell
Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat
and I am currently reading
Frank Mildmay Or, The Naval Officer by Frederick Marryat
As you can see, once I get on an author I like, I stick with him or her for a while. I had read The Scarlett Pimpernell as a kid, so I was glad to reacquaint myself with that fine adventure story set during the French Revolution. The sequels I had not read before. The books by S. Thomas Russell are in the spirit of Patrick O'Brian, of course not as good, but well worth a read. It goes without saying the Bernard Cornwell book is excellent.
The Marryat books are new to me. Marryat was a British Naval officer in the time of the Napoleonic Wars. He writes in the wordy style of the 19th Century, but so far I find him an entertaining read. Midshipman Easy is hilarious, and clearly the British sense of humor has not changed in two hundred years.
Fat, Forty and Fired is a fun, quick read. It is the story of a down-sized executive and the year he spent trying to rearrange the priorities in his life. It is told with humor and honesty.
I have three more Marryat books waiting, but I think I am going to take up Eddie Rickenbacker's autobiography next. But I have to admit, The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson by Robert Southey is a tempting choice. But to be honest with myself, I will probably stick to Marryat until he bores me.
What are you reading?
Here is the list of the read volumes:
Star Island by Carl Hiaason
The Fort By Bernard Cornwell
The Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
El Dorado by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
I Will Repay by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
The Elusive Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
The League of the Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
At this point I was a little tired of Sir Percy and his gang
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Dead Zero by Stephen Hunter
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
Trap Line by Carl Hiaason
Key Weird by Robert Tacoma
Fat, Forty and Fired by Nigel Marsh
Under Enemy Colors by S. Thomas Russell
A Battle Won by S. Thomas Russell
Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat
and I am currently reading
Frank Mildmay Or, The Naval Officer by Frederick Marryat
As you can see, once I get on an author I like, I stick with him or her for a while. I had read The Scarlett Pimpernell as a kid, so I was glad to reacquaint myself with that fine adventure story set during the French Revolution. The sequels I had not read before. The books by S. Thomas Russell are in the spirit of Patrick O'Brian, of course not as good, but well worth a read. It goes without saying the Bernard Cornwell book is excellent.
The Marryat books are new to me. Marryat was a British Naval officer in the time of the Napoleonic Wars. He writes in the wordy style of the 19th Century, but so far I find him an entertaining read. Midshipman Easy is hilarious, and clearly the British sense of humor has not changed in two hundred years.
Fat, Forty and Fired is a fun, quick read. It is the story of a down-sized executive and the year he spent trying to rearrange the priorities in his life. It is told with humor and honesty.
I have three more Marryat books waiting, but I think I am going to take up Eddie Rickenbacker's autobiography next. But I have to admit, The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson by Robert Southey is a tempting choice. But to be honest with myself, I will probably stick to Marryat until he bores me.
What are you reading?
March 9, 2011
Boo hoo
The news was filled this morning with the gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair in lament of the eeeeviiilllll Republicans cutting funding for Pell Grants. The future amount of grants will be reduced. Pell Grants are given to the poor to help defray college costs.
Some of the "poor" students were interviewed this morning on what losing free money from the taxpayers might mean. One complained she might now have to take out loans and "owe a bunch of money" when she graduates. Another said he may have to get a part time job to help pay for college.
Going back to my earliest posts this has been a sore subject for me. I have put two kids through college. My oldest has graduated, my middle child still attends. Both worked while attending classes. Both owe tens of thousands in student loans. My daughter's student loan payments are the equivalent of a luxury car payment. My son works thirty hours a week and goes to school full time and will have accrued over $40,000 in student loans when he finally graduates.
The "poor" students often do not work, get their college paid for, and enter the workforce debt free -- all on the back of the taxpayers. I have no issue helping the needy get an education. An educated society is a benefit to us all. I do think that all students should have to maximize the Stafford loans (those are the ones government backed) before we give away the free money.
Before the Democrats start wailing about cheating the "poor" out of a college education, perhaps they can ask why tuition for colleges and universities raises at about 200% the rate of inflation EVERY YEAR. I have been paying tuition for six years between two different colleges (one private and one public) and both have had a minimum increase of 5% every single year. Now that is something to investigate and cry over.
Don't even get me started on the whole scholarship scam.
Some of the "poor" students were interviewed this morning on what losing free money from the taxpayers might mean. One complained she might now have to take out loans and "owe a bunch of money" when she graduates. Another said he may have to get a part time job to help pay for college.
Going back to my earliest posts this has been a sore subject for me. I have put two kids through college. My oldest has graduated, my middle child still attends. Both worked while attending classes. Both owe tens of thousands in student loans. My daughter's student loan payments are the equivalent of a luxury car payment. My son works thirty hours a week and goes to school full time and will have accrued over $40,000 in student loans when he finally graduates.
The "poor" students often do not work, get their college paid for, and enter the workforce debt free -- all on the back of the taxpayers. I have no issue helping the needy get an education. An educated society is a benefit to us all. I do think that all students should have to maximize the Stafford loans (those are the ones government backed) before we give away the free money.
Before the Democrats start wailing about cheating the "poor" out of a college education, perhaps they can ask why tuition for colleges and universities raises at about 200% the rate of inflation EVERY YEAR. I have been paying tuition for six years between two different colleges (one private and one public) and both have had a minimum increase of 5% every single year. Now that is something to investigate and cry over.
Don't even get me started on the whole scholarship scam.
Weird stuff
A. Did you know that the word "race car" spelled backwards still spells "race car"?
B. Did you know that "eat" is the only word that if you take the 1st letter and move it to the last, it spells its past tense "ate"?
C. And have you noticed that if you rearrange the letters in "illegal immigrants" and add just a few more letters, it spells out: "Go home you fucking free-loading, benefit-grabbing, kid-producing, violent, non-English speaking assholes and take those other fucking hairy-faced, sandal-wearing, bomb-making, goat-fucking, raggedy-ass bastards with you"?
How weird is that?
sent to me by Otter
B. Did you know that "eat" is the only word that if you take the 1st letter and move it to the last, it spells its past tense "ate"?
C. And have you noticed that if you rearrange the letters in "illegal immigrants" and add just a few more letters, it spells out: "Go home you fucking free-loading, benefit-grabbing, kid-producing, violent, non-English speaking assholes and take those other fucking hairy-faced, sandal-wearing, bomb-making, goat-fucking, raggedy-ass bastards with you"?
How weird is that?
sent to me by Otter
March 8, 2011
Tax the Rich
Our favorite liberal ignoramus Michael Moore (does anyone else thing he resembles Ignatious J. Reilly, the hero of John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces?*) has offered some pontifications recently. He believes we are not broke as a country or as individual states, but that the rich are not paying their fair share. He made this appallingly stupid statement while aiding in the protests in Wisconsin. A few thoughts spring to mind.
A. Moore is a big supporter of unions, except when he refuses to use them himself, to keep costs down in his so-called documentaries.
B. If Moore feels so strongly he should lead by example. I suspect he will soon be showing his financial records and demonstratble proof he actually paid extra taxes to do his part. Perhaps I missed that press conference. It may have been a joint affair with Senator John Kerry making public his Military Records.
I am willing to venture if we took every cent earned by the filthy rich -- those who make more than $250,000 income, according to the Democrats -- we could not pay off the massive 1.6 TRILLION dollar deficit projected by the current administration. We have a spending problem in Washington (and in most states and municipalities), not a revenue problem.
In fact, I wonder if we confiscated 100% of every dollar earned by the rich (taxed 100% on dollar one) if we could even raise enough revenue to pay the current deficit?
Remember 1.6 trillion dollars looks like this:
$1,600,000,000,000.00
* Here is the description of Ignatious J. Reilly: "A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either side like turn signals indicating two directions at once. Full, pursed lips protruded beneath the bushy black moustache and, at their corners, sank into little folds filled with disapproval and potato chip crumbs." Compare and contrast:
A. Moore is a big supporter of unions, except when he refuses to use them himself, to keep costs down in his so-called documentaries.
B. If Moore feels so strongly he should lead by example. I suspect he will soon be showing his financial records and demonstratble proof he actually paid extra taxes to do his part. Perhaps I missed that press conference. It may have been a joint affair with Senator John Kerry making public his Military Records.
I am willing to venture if we took every cent earned by the filthy rich -- those who make more than $250,000 income, according to the Democrats -- we could not pay off the massive 1.6 TRILLION dollar deficit projected by the current administration. We have a spending problem in Washington (and in most states and municipalities), not a revenue problem.
In fact, I wonder if we confiscated 100% of every dollar earned by the rich (taxed 100% on dollar one) if we could even raise enough revenue to pay the current deficit?
Remember 1.6 trillion dollars looks like this:
$1,600,000,000,000.00
* Here is the description of Ignatious J. Reilly: "A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either side like turn signals indicating two directions at once. Full, pursed lips protruded beneath the bushy black moustache and, at their corners, sank into little folds filled with disapproval and potato chip crumbs." Compare and contrast:
March 7, 2011
Most irresponsible cuts ever -- Democrat Dick the Turbin Durbin
Let us say you worked hard and received $100.
You owe your kid an allowance. You take $1.75 from that $100 and give it to little Junior. Most would argue you are a cheap bastard. But more importantly, you would not really miss that $1.75.
You would not go hungry. You would not be forced to forgo any items you planned to purchase before you gave up that $1.75. After $98.25 is still a nice chunk of change.
Now lets look at similar scenario. The awful cuts implemented by the Evil republicans in the Continuing Budget Resolution amounted to 1.75% of the budget. That is right, our elected Representatives managed to find a whopping 1.75% of governmental spending we could do without.
Somehow cutting less than 2% of the budget is a massive, irresponsible cut according to the Democrats.
You owe your kid an allowance. You take $1.75 from that $100 and give it to little Junior. Most would argue you are a cheap bastard. But more importantly, you would not really miss that $1.75.
You would not go hungry. You would not be forced to forgo any items you planned to purchase before you gave up that $1.75. After $98.25 is still a nice chunk of change.
Now lets look at similar scenario. The awful cuts implemented by the Evil republicans in the Continuing Budget Resolution amounted to 1.75% of the budget. That is right, our elected Representatives managed to find a whopping 1.75% of governmental spending we could do without.
Somehow cutting less than 2% of the budget is a massive, irresponsible cut according to the Democrats.
Hope and Change, Indeed
President Obama cannot seem to make up his mind what to do in Libya. He was wishy-washy on the turmoil in Egypt. He is unable to decide whether to support the forces of democracy in Iran. Obama does not know what to do about North Korea, or Syria. or Lebanon. or the Palestinians. or the Chinese. or Tunisia, or Yemen, or the Russians, or Pakistan. When it comes to Iraq he just shuts his eyes and pretends the country does not exist.
It took the President months to make a policy decision regarding surging troops into Afghanistan. The President was AWOl, in the Obamacare negotiations, and has stood firmly on the sidelines as budget deals are brokered in Washington. He has no firm policy to jump start the economy. Obama did nothing as floods and ice storms ravaged the Midwest early in his Presidency. President Obama has no policy plans to handle the illegal immigration problem. The decision to get a dog tooks weeks and weeks.
So far, the only quick decisive decision Obama has been able to deliver is to call some policemen racists in the case of the Harvard Professor break-in.
I am not sure we should have expected any better from a person who had zero executive or management experience. He may have no idea how to take a decision, but the community organizer roots are strong.
It took the President months to make a policy decision regarding surging troops into Afghanistan. The President was AWOl, in the Obamacare negotiations, and has stood firmly on the sidelines as budget deals are brokered in Washington. He has no firm policy to jump start the economy. Obama did nothing as floods and ice storms ravaged the Midwest early in his Presidency. President Obama has no policy plans to handle the illegal immigration problem. The decision to get a dog tooks weeks and weeks.
So far, the only quick decisive decision Obama has been able to deliver is to call some policemen racists in the case of the Harvard Professor break-in.
I am not sure we should have expected any better from a person who had zero executive or management experience. He may have no idea how to take a decision, but the community organizer roots are strong.
March 6, 2011
I like this song
Here is another video of my boy's band. Listen or don't. It is my blog and I will post what I like.
They just won a battle of the bands in Muncie, Indiana. they will be touring all over the place this summer.
March 5, 2011
Something new for you to listen to
There are two songs on the video.
This is my son's band. They have gotten some very limited local airplay. You can hear more here.
Those of you who are long-time readers will admit he has come a long way. Listen to Restless, Thanks Barbara or any of the tunes from the "Casual Friday" release and I think you will agree.
Yes, my progeny is Bradley Thomas. Perhaps I am just that parent who proudly points out his kid is the ONLY kid in step in the whole marching band...
March 4, 2011
Why I may soon need blood pressure medicine.
I went to the drug store earlier this week to get my diabetes medicine refilled. They had to get an updated script from the doctor and they told me to come back the next day. I had a few days on hand so it was not a problem.
I went back yesterday and they told me I could not get a refill. According to their records, I filled my prescription last on February 12, and the insurance would not pay for more already. I will admit it seemed like I had just refilled the medicine. I pointed out to the clerk that if I was out then they shorted me last time.
Running some quick addition in my head I mentioned that if I refilled on February 12, that was 18 days ago. When I refilled I had a day or two of pills on hand. I told her I bet the druggist only gave me 30 pills, even though I take one pill twice a day. I said it had to be a mistake on their part. After pretty much calling me a liar and accusing me of hoarding drugs, taking too many, losing the medicine, abusing the pills, selling them, and trying to cheat CVS, the insurance company, and probably her personally, she agreed to talk to the pharmacist.
The pharmacist heard her out, looked at the screen and said "We probably counted wrong". He then told her to give me enough to last until the 9th, the earliest the insurance company would allow a refill. The ninth is six days away. She came back and gave me SIX pills, gratis. The only problem is I need TWO pills every day. I pointed out my medicine would be gone on Monday, and I could not get more until Thursday. The clerk told me the six was all the pharmacist could give me. I pointed out once again they are only providing enough for ONE F-ING PILL A DAY, and that is how we came to this position to start with.
I went home as pissed as I have been in a long time. I tried to call the doctor to no avail. I called the pharmacy to talk with the pharmacist. I got another clerk. I again pointed out that they must have shorted me last month, only giving me enough for one a day, not two, and explained the math to her. She asked me what they should do about it? I said I need more pills, you obviously shorted me. She said she would talk to the pharmacist.
After a while, the second clerk came back and asked how many pills I need to last until the ninth. I told her six. She asked six or twelve and told me I need to get my story straight. I said six and explained they had given me six earlier. She asked why I did not ask for twelve if that was what I needed.
I asked if I could come and get the extra pills. She said she did not know how I would get them if I did not come to the store. I swear to the Maker those were her exact words.
I went back to CVS and waited in line. Again. I explained I was there to pick up my medicine. Blank look. She checked the bins and there was no prescription. "Nothing for you.", she said. I explained the whole thing again. Blank look. She asked me what I wanted them to do? I grabbed the back of her neck and slammed her face-first into the counter.
Not really , but I wanted to.
She talked to the pharmacist and finally got me enough pills to last until the ninth. As I left, I pondered again the loss of customer service in this country. Boy, is the clerk at CVS going to be unhappy next week when I pour out my pills right there on the counter and count them. Then I am going to have my prescriptions transferred elsewhere. I am not sure where that will be in this one-horse town, but I will find someplace.
CVS will never miss me.
* I take complete blame here -- I should have noticed the qty was light when I refilled in February. But the drug store did nothing to make the issue easier to fix.
I went back yesterday and they told me I could not get a refill. According to their records, I filled my prescription last on February 12, and the insurance would not pay for more already. I will admit it seemed like I had just refilled the medicine. I pointed out to the clerk that if I was out then they shorted me last time.
Running some quick addition in my head I mentioned that if I refilled on February 12, that was 18 days ago. When I refilled I had a day or two of pills on hand. I told her I bet the druggist only gave me 30 pills, even though I take one pill twice a day. I said it had to be a mistake on their part. After pretty much calling me a liar and accusing me of hoarding drugs, taking too many, losing the medicine, abusing the pills, selling them, and trying to cheat CVS, the insurance company, and probably her personally, she agreed to talk to the pharmacist.
The pharmacist heard her out, looked at the screen and said "We probably counted wrong". He then told her to give me enough to last until the 9th, the earliest the insurance company would allow a refill. The ninth is six days away. She came back and gave me SIX pills, gratis. The only problem is I need TWO pills every day. I pointed out my medicine would be gone on Monday, and I could not get more until Thursday. The clerk told me the six was all the pharmacist could give me. I pointed out once again they are only providing enough for ONE F-ING PILL A DAY, and that is how we came to this position to start with.
I went home as pissed as I have been in a long time. I tried to call the doctor to no avail. I called the pharmacy to talk with the pharmacist. I got another clerk. I again pointed out that they must have shorted me last month, only giving me enough for one a day, not two, and explained the math to her. She asked me what they should do about it? I said I need more pills, you obviously shorted me. She said she would talk to the pharmacist.
After a while, the second clerk came back and asked how many pills I need to last until the ninth. I told her six. She asked six or twelve and told me I need to get my story straight. I said six and explained they had given me six earlier. She asked why I did not ask for twelve if that was what I needed.
I asked if I could come and get the extra pills. She said she did not know how I would get them if I did not come to the store. I swear to the Maker those were her exact words.
I went back to CVS and waited in line. Again. I explained I was there to pick up my medicine. Blank look. She checked the bins and there was no prescription. "Nothing for you.", she said. I explained the whole thing again. Blank look. She asked me what I wanted them to do? I grabbed the back of her neck and slammed her face-first into the counter.
Not really , but I wanted to.
She talked to the pharmacist and finally got me enough pills to last until the ninth. As I left, I pondered again the loss of customer service in this country. Boy, is the clerk at CVS going to be unhappy next week when I pour out my pills right there on the counter and count them. Then I am going to have my prescriptions transferred elsewhere. I am not sure where that will be in this one-horse town, but I will find someplace.
CVS will never miss me.
* I take complete blame here -- I should have noticed the qty was light when I refilled in February. But the drug store did nothing to make the issue easier to fix.
Today's Earworm
I was wandering around in The Cheese Aisle and Ellison mentioned the classic Kinks hit Lola. Now I dig the Kinks, but for my money I think Well Respected Man is one of their best efforts. But you really can't go wrong with anything they did.
March 3, 2011
Cubs in mid-season form already
It looks like it may be a long season.
PHOENIX -- Carlos Silva and Aramis Ramirez were involved in a dugout skirmish after a three-error first inning Wednesday, including one by the Cubs third baseman, and manager Mike Quade said he would address the team on Thursday.
Quade said he planned to talk to the players after Wednesday's game, a 12-5 loss to the Brewers, as his team made five more errors. The spring total now is a 1-3 record, 14 errors and one altercation. source102 years and counting.
A veritable cornucopia
I have the Beatles Let it Be swimming around in my head this morning. I am going to go out on a limb and guess you do not need me to post a video of that song to know what it is?
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Volume #134 of things overheard when travelling that cracked me up:
Location: In a truckstop men's room in northern Indiana.
Trucker #1 to Trucker #2 as they enter said men's room: I always use the kid's urinal 'cause I need the room.
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So I met with a couple of engineers yesterday. One of them I have known a long time, the other I had never met. As they entered the room I shook the hand of #1, and turned to #2, who I did not expect to be in the meeting. I extended my hand and said "Hi, Joe Average" and gave a business card. Engineer #2 said "Oh, I forgot to bring a card. Nice to meet you." Engineer #1 interrupted to tell me "He has been helping me with this project". The problem -- Engineer #2 never told me his name. In the course of the meeting and subsequent lunch, no one referred to Engineer #2 by name. As the conversation turned almost immediately to business, I did not have an opportunity early to ask him his name. As the day wore on, it seemed impossible to ask. How do you spend a couple of hours with a guy and then ask "What is your name, anyway?".
I have been doing this a long time, and rarely have I lost control of the situation this completely. I still have no clue who the guy was. I only hope he is copied on some return emails or something. I think I will call him Tony Pickett on my expense report for the luncheon. I went to elementary school with a Tony Pickett and the guy kind of look like old Tony.
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Yesterday on the radio I heard a comedian tell this joke (paraphrased):
"I just got back from entertaining the troops. Yeah, Cub Scout Troop 197 over on the west side."
Way back in the dark ages, when I was a young 13 year old Boy Scout, I had to prepare and lead a campfire for an obscure requirement (XXX for those of you in the know). We were at summer camp and I invited five or six nearby troops to the big event. I lit the fire and then introduced myself. I told them my name was Joe Average, but for the rest of the evening they could call me Bob Hope, because I was there to entertain the troops. I suppose the joke was not all that funny, but I think it was witty for an adolescent.
I do wonder if that comedian was a young Boy Scout attending summer camp at Ransburg Reservation back in 1975? It sure seems like the same joke to me.
The wife says neither joke is too funny. In fact, her response was something like, "Wow you were a dork way back then too?".
Ouch.
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Volume #134 of things overheard when travelling that cracked me up:
Location: In a truckstop men's room in northern Indiana.
Trucker #1 to Trucker #2 as they enter said men's room: I always use the kid's urinal 'cause I need the room.
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So I met with a couple of engineers yesterday. One of them I have known a long time, the other I had never met. As they entered the room I shook the hand of #1, and turned to #2, who I did not expect to be in the meeting. I extended my hand and said "Hi, Joe Average" and gave a business card. Engineer #2 said "Oh, I forgot to bring a card. Nice to meet you." Engineer #1 interrupted to tell me "He has been helping me with this project". The problem -- Engineer #2 never told me his name. In the course of the meeting and subsequent lunch, no one referred to Engineer #2 by name. As the conversation turned almost immediately to business, I did not have an opportunity early to ask him his name. As the day wore on, it seemed impossible to ask. How do you spend a couple of hours with a guy and then ask "What is your name, anyway?".
I have been doing this a long time, and rarely have I lost control of the situation this completely. I still have no clue who the guy was. I only hope he is copied on some return emails or something. I think I will call him Tony Pickett on my expense report for the luncheon. I went to elementary school with a Tony Pickett and the guy kind of look like old Tony.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday on the radio I heard a comedian tell this joke (paraphrased):
"I just got back from entertaining the troops. Yeah, Cub Scout Troop 197 over on the west side."
Way back in the dark ages, when I was a young 13 year old Boy Scout, I had to prepare and lead a campfire for an obscure requirement (XXX for those of you in the know). We were at summer camp and I invited five or six nearby troops to the big event. I lit the fire and then introduced myself. I told them my name was Joe Average, but for the rest of the evening they could call me Bob Hope, because I was there to entertain the troops. I suppose the joke was not all that funny, but I think it was witty for an adolescent.
I do wonder if that comedian was a young Boy Scout attending summer camp at Ransburg Reservation back in 1975? It sure seems like the same joke to me.
The wife says neither joke is too funny. In fact, her response was something like, "Wow you were a dork way back then too?".
Ouch.
March 2, 2011
And you were there...
On this date in history, Wilt the Stilt knocked down 100 points in an NBA game.
on March 2, 1962 in Hershey,PA, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks (at is always good when the Knicks lose) in a defense struggle --169-147. Only 4,127 fans showed up to see the game, and it was not televised.
details
on March 2, 1962 in Hershey,PA, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks (at is always good when the Knicks lose) in a defense struggle --169-147. Only 4,127 fans showed up to see the game, and it was not televised.
details
March 1, 2011
Urbana, not the the best choice for a hidey-hole
Indiana Democrats remain off the job at the Statehouse. They originally left in protest over a Right to Work Bill. The wussy Repubs have agreed to pull that legislation, but the crybaby Democrats are still AWOL. Pat Bauer's wig remains recalcitrant as well. So far your antics are not working, Indiana Democrats. Perhaps you should try stamping your feet, holding your breath and rolling on the floor until you get your way. It cannot make you look any sillier than running away.
As a fellow Hoosier, I am worried about the mental health of Indiana Democrats. In their hurry to escape the confines of Hoosierdom, in their haste to cross the icy Wabash River, I am afraid they have chosen their hideout poorly. If one has to spend a long time in hotel, the cheapest possible location or most convenient motel chain may not be the best choice. For goodness sake I hope you guys are at least getting frequent guest points. Here is a handy hint -- if you check out, then check back in, some hotel chains count that as separate stays. More points, Baby. Even Pat Bauer's wig likes more points.
I guess I have missed out on the Champaign-Urbana area's charm the many times I have passed through the cities. I would have thought the vacationing Democrats could have chosen a more scenic and urbane (urbane/Urbana get it?) area to hide in. Dillinger hid out in the scenic Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Indiana Democrats have hot tubs in Urbana. Heck, at least I would stay in the Galena area, the Democrats could visit Grant's home. Then they could take a day trip to the Field of Dreams baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. Perhaps the absent Democrats could visit Springfield while they are in Illinois to see the Lincoln Home and Tomb. There is a Military Cemetery in nearby Danville. Oh, never mind, Democrats hate all things military.
Not only do Indiana Democrats have poor decision making skills when it comes to legislating, their choice of hidey-hole remains suspect. I Googled "Things to do in Illinois". The Things to Do website lists the areas in Illinois to find interesting stuff. The eastern part of the State is not even listed!
Fear not, Indiana Democrats. Your intrepid host has searched out a few scintillating activities in Urbana to occupy your time. You will not have spend every waking minute caucusing with your fellow Dems, or driving endless loops through the U of I campus ogling coeds. You can visit the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music:
A popcorn wagon! I imagine that will offer hours of endless fun for the Indiana Democrat. I bet Pat's rug would even enjoy a historical popcorn wagon. It beats working and doing the people's business, I am sure.
By now I bet some of you Indiana Democrats are getting a little tired of soaking in the hot tub and staring at the four walls of a motel by the Interstate. Trust me, I have been there. Well not really, I usually show up for work, but I have spent a lot of time in hotels and motels. It can be tiresome. I hope I have given you a couple of field trip ideas to help fill your days until such time you decide to come to work.
As a fellow Hoosier, I am worried about the mental health of Indiana Democrats. In their hurry to escape the confines of Hoosierdom, in their haste to cross the icy Wabash River, I am afraid they have chosen their hideout poorly. If one has to spend a long time in hotel, the cheapest possible location or most convenient motel chain may not be the best choice. For goodness sake I hope you guys are at least getting frequent guest points. Here is a handy hint -- if you check out, then check back in, some hotel chains count that as separate stays. More points, Baby. Even Pat Bauer's wig likes more points.
I guess I have missed out on the Champaign-Urbana area's charm the many times I have passed through the cities. I would have thought the vacationing Democrats could have chosen a more scenic and urbane (urbane/Urbana get it?) area to hide in. Dillinger hid out in the scenic Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Indiana Democrats have hot tubs in Urbana. Heck, at least I would stay in the Galena area, the Democrats could visit Grant's home. Then they could take a day trip to the Field of Dreams baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. Perhaps the absent Democrats could visit Springfield while they are in Illinois to see the Lincoln Home and Tomb. There is a Military Cemetery in nearby Danville. Oh, never mind, Democrats hate all things military.
Not only do Indiana Democrats have poor decision making skills when it comes to legislating, their choice of hidey-hole remains suspect. I Googled "Things to do in Illinois". The Things to Do website lists the areas in Illinois to find interesting stuff. The eastern part of the State is not even listed!
Fear not, Indiana Democrats. Your intrepid host has searched out a few scintillating activities in Urbana to occupy your time. You will not have spend every waking minute caucusing with your fellow Dems, or driving endless loops through the U of I campus ogling coeds. You can visit the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music:
Musical instruments and period band uniforms are among the holdings of this campus museum. In addition, it's home to the private letters of Herbert L. Clarke and former University of Illinois band directors A. Austin Harding, Mark Hindsley and Harry Begian. Of course, the museum's true gems are the letters, personal library, and original compositions donated by legendary composer and conductor, John Philip Sousa. sourceOr perhaps our travelling Democrats may like to visit the Champaign County Historical Museum at Cattle Bank.
Housed in one of the region's oldest standing commercial buildings (the historic Cattle Bank), this museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of Champaign County. Special exhibits change seasonally, and permanent holdings include an outstanding collection of handmade quilts and a working 1919 Cretor popcorn wagon that often makes appearances at downtown events. source
A popcorn wagon! I imagine that will offer hours of endless fun for the Indiana Democrat. I bet Pat's rug would even enjoy a historical popcorn wagon. It beats working and doing the people's business, I am sure.
By now I bet some of you Indiana Democrats are getting a little tired of soaking in the hot tub and staring at the four walls of a motel by the Interstate. Trust me, I have been there. Well not really, I usually show up for work, but I have spent a lot of time in hotels and motels. It can be tiresome. I hope I have given you a couple of field trip ideas to help fill your days until such time you decide to come to work.
February 28, 2011
Monday Blues
I can go ahead and post for most of the Midwest -- severe storms and heavy rain moved through last night. Lots of rain and thunder and lightning. You would have thought it was late May as opposed to late February.
There was nothing on the old TV worth watching last night. The wife gifted me with a copy of the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD for Christmas, and I finally had the opportunity to watch the second disc. The first half was good, but disc two --wow. The compilation is well worth the price, but just hearing a couple songs makes the purchase worth while. Buddy Guy, Ron Wood and Johnny Lang team up on a fun and awesome version of the Rolling Stones tune Miss You. That song happens to be not only my favorite Stones tune, but one of my all-time favorites, and this version did not disappoint. This song is the one I usually sang to my babies when it was my turn to get up and soothe them in the middle of the night. I can no longer hit the high ooh ooh ohh ohh ohha hoo, but then I no longer have babies to sing to sleep. Here, listen for yourself and see if it is not all awesomeness:
Check it out around the 4:00 mark, and see Buddy do some great ad-libbing.
The second song that completely rocked the DVD was a Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood knockdown of the old Hendricks tune Voodoo Chile. I think Jimmy would approve:
There is not much I can say after hearing that. Have a great Monday.
There was nothing on the old TV worth watching last night. The wife gifted me with a copy of the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD for Christmas, and I finally had the opportunity to watch the second disc. The first half was good, but disc two --wow. The compilation is well worth the price, but just hearing a couple songs makes the purchase worth while. Buddy Guy, Ron Wood and Johnny Lang team up on a fun and awesome version of the Rolling Stones tune Miss You. That song happens to be not only my favorite Stones tune, but one of my all-time favorites, and this version did not disappoint. This song is the one I usually sang to my babies when it was my turn to get up and soothe them in the middle of the night. I can no longer hit the high ooh ooh ohh ohh ohha hoo, but then I no longer have babies to sing to sleep. Here, listen for yourself and see if it is not all awesomeness:
Check it out around the 4:00 mark, and see Buddy do some great ad-libbing.
The second song that completely rocked the DVD was a Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood knockdown of the old Hendricks tune Voodoo Chile. I think Jimmy would approve:
There is not much I can say after hearing that. Have a great Monday.
February 27, 2011
In your best Andy Rooney voice
Or Andy Hardy, whatever.
Yesterday the family decided they wanted lunch out, so I was sent to Subway to pay way too much for a lunch meat sandwich. Sometimes it is best not to fight, since the alternative was to go to the store and buy food so we could make lunch. A lose/lose situation.
To top things off, I had to go to the bank, since not only did we not have lunch stuff in the house, we also did not have money in the various wallets. So I headed to the ATM, one of the true miracles of the modern age. One puts in a plastic card, types a series of numbers and voila (ta da for you non-French reading types) out comes good old US greenbacks, dollars, cash, the currency of the realm.
As I drove up the one-way street beside the bank I noticed there was a line at the drive-up cash machine. I moved into fourth place and realized "that guy" was at the ATM. You know him. He is completely befuddled by the contraption. He has to insert his card three times before he gets it stripe down and to the right. The picture next to the card slot is too confusing. Then real issues arise for our modern Guy Fawkes of the ATM. He reads every screen in complete detail, unsure of his next step. He mumbles to his mate "Hey Mable, do I want to deposit or withdraw money?" She just stares across his shoulder at the offensive screen. Her lipstick smeared cigarette makes her squint. The confused ATM user turns down the radio as if that will make the whole process simpler.
Once he determines which screen lets him take out cash our intrepid ATM user then is faced with a tougher decision. How much cash to take out. He and Mabel discuss their impending shopping trips. She opines she could just write a check at the grocery (another story altogether -- and I know I will somehow be in line behind her when the time comes). Finally our couple decides they will ask the magic machine for $90. Too bad the instructions indicate withdrawals must be in multiples of $20.
Slow ATM guy types 9-0. The machine beeps an error and says you must withdrawal in whole dollar amounts in multiples of $20. He turns to Mabel and laughs, "Heh, I just tried to take out ninety cents". I bang my head on the steering wheel. while cursing full throat at the asshole who had the temerity to sell this old fucker the Chevy Truck that allowed him to get to the ATM in the first place. Our man of the hour then types in 9-0-0-0. The machine again refuses to cooperate.
"The damned machine won't give me my money". He types 9-0-0-0 again. And again. He hits the keys harder this time, that will help. Again, no dice. He stares at the screen for about three minutes. "Oh, it has to be a multiple of $20". They then have a lengthy conversation to decide if $80 is enough, or if taking $100 is more than they need. They decide to take $80.
"We can always come back tomorrow and get more", she says. "This machine banking is so handy".
Finally our hero gets his cash. I am no longer hungry. I am numb. Lunch time has passed and I think about our supper plans. Ed and Mabel take another five minutes to count the money, examine the receipt, and put everything away in the wallet before slowly, and I mean slowly, driving away from the machine.
The next driver pulls up. She puts in her plastic card and is completely confused. "What is a PIN Number?" she asks her companion...
Yesterday the family decided they wanted lunch out, so I was sent to Subway to pay way too much for a lunch meat sandwich. Sometimes it is best not to fight, since the alternative was to go to the store and buy food so we could make lunch. A lose/lose situation.
To top things off, I had to go to the bank, since not only did we not have lunch stuff in the house, we also did not have money in the various wallets. So I headed to the ATM, one of the true miracles of the modern age. One puts in a plastic card, types a series of numbers and voila (ta da for you non-French reading types) out comes good old US greenbacks, dollars, cash, the currency of the realm.
As I drove up the one-way street beside the bank I noticed there was a line at the drive-up cash machine. I moved into fourth place and realized "that guy" was at the ATM. You know him. He is completely befuddled by the contraption. He has to insert his card three times before he gets it stripe down and to the right. The picture next to the card slot is too confusing. Then real issues arise for our modern Guy Fawkes of the ATM. He reads every screen in complete detail, unsure of his next step. He mumbles to his mate "Hey Mable, do I want to deposit or withdraw money?" She just stares across his shoulder at the offensive screen. Her lipstick smeared cigarette makes her squint. The confused ATM user turns down the radio as if that will make the whole process simpler.
Once he determines which screen lets him take out cash our intrepid ATM user then is faced with a tougher decision. How much cash to take out. He and Mabel discuss their impending shopping trips. She opines she could just write a check at the grocery (another story altogether -- and I know I will somehow be in line behind her when the time comes). Finally our couple decides they will ask the magic machine for $90. Too bad the instructions indicate withdrawals must be in multiples of $20.
Slow ATM guy types 9-0. The machine beeps an error and says you must withdrawal in whole dollar amounts in multiples of $20. He turns to Mabel and laughs, "Heh, I just tried to take out ninety cents". I bang my head on the steering wheel. while cursing full throat at the asshole who had the temerity to sell this old fucker the Chevy Truck that allowed him to get to the ATM in the first place. Our man of the hour then types in 9-0-0-0. The machine again refuses to cooperate.
"The damned machine won't give me my money". He types 9-0-0-0 again. And again. He hits the keys harder this time, that will help. Again, no dice. He stares at the screen for about three minutes. "Oh, it has to be a multiple of $20". They then have a lengthy conversation to decide if $80 is enough, or if taking $100 is more than they need. They decide to take $80.
"We can always come back tomorrow and get more", she says. "This machine banking is so handy".
Finally our hero gets his cash. I am no longer hungry. I am numb. Lunch time has passed and I think about our supper plans. Ed and Mabel take another five minutes to count the money, examine the receipt, and put everything away in the wallet before slowly, and I mean slowly, driving away from the machine.
The next driver pulls up. She puts in her plastic card and is completely confused. "What is a PIN Number?" she asks her companion...
February 26, 2011
I need you so
I had this tune stuck in my cruller this morning:
Why not, it is catchy and the best song The Cars ever put out. I heard on the radio the other day The Cars are back together and putting out their first album in more than thirty years. Damn I am getting old. And since I am rambling this morning, I might mention the Candy-O album cover was pretty awesome too:
Saturday is upon us. I am in a good mood because I got some good work news yesterday just at quitting time. A prospect I have been working for more than a year has decided to source some business with us. That is two new customers in two weeks. This salesman gig just may work out after all (See that is a joke, I have been doing it for about 15 years now). The wife claims I have a dry sense of humor.
Wouldn't life be much easier if there were a sarcasm font? *
The side and back yards are standing in water due to the snow/rain/snow/ice/rain we have had in the past several days/weeks/months. More rain is expected this weekend. Boating anyone? Say that out loud in a snobby voice, it is a lot of fun. You know what voice. Watch a few movies from the 1930s if you don't.
Clearly I am in a silly mood. Time to do something else.
*I stole this from someone. Consider this credit to that great wit Anonymous -- sayer of many brilliant things.
Why not, it is catchy and the best song The Cars ever put out. I heard on the radio the other day The Cars are back together and putting out their first album in more than thirty years. Damn I am getting old. And since I am rambling this morning, I might mention the Candy-O album cover was pretty awesome too:
Saturday is upon us. I am in a good mood because I got some good work news yesterday just at quitting time. A prospect I have been working for more than a year has decided to source some business with us. That is two new customers in two weeks. This salesman gig just may work out after all (See that is a joke, I have been doing it for about 15 years now). The wife claims I have a dry sense of humor.
Wouldn't life be much easier if there were a sarcasm font? *
The side and back yards are standing in water due to the snow/rain/snow/ice/rain we have had in the past several days/weeks/months. More rain is expected this weekend. Boating anyone? Say that out loud in a snobby voice, it is a lot of fun. You know what voice. Watch a few movies from the 1930s if you don't.
Clearly I am in a silly mood. Time to do something else.
*I stole this from someone. Consider this credit to that great wit Anonymous -- sayer of many brilliant things.
February 25, 2011
An uneven start
The phone rang around 5:30 this morning. It was the automatic system informing me school was on a two-hour delay. I lie (lay? -- I never could conjugate that verb) awake a few minutes and knew I was not going back to sleep. For one thing, I was sweating, the bed was hot. I realized the wife had thrown off the covers in the night, effectively giving me double blanket and sheet. I like to be cold when I sleep and the warm cocoon was just too much.
I made some coffee and fetched the paper. I read last night's emails and fired off some of my own. I watched a bit of the weather and read some blogs.
As it neared the time to start waking the family I decided to make some cinnamon rolls.
The snow and sleet have stopped, the wind howls around the eves of the house. Friday is underway.
No Democrats were bashed in making this post.
I made some coffee and fetched the paper. I read last night's emails and fired off some of my own. I watched a bit of the weather and read some blogs.
As it neared the time to start waking the family I decided to make some cinnamon rolls.
The snow and sleet have stopped, the wind howls around the eves of the house. Friday is underway.
No Democrats were bashed in making this post.
February 24, 2011
A basic civics lesson
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.I am pretty sure that oath does not mean "I will support and uphold whatever laws I like and approve of". Failure to uphold the law is an impeachable offense. It is not the role of the Executive branch to create law, but to enforce law. Whatever you may think of the Defense of Marriage Act, it is the law of the land until it is repealed by Congress or repudiated by the Courts.
It is not the roll of the Justice Department or the President to pick and choose what laws to enforce.
Example #9,654 of why Democrats do not understand the Constitution.
Dear Democrats
If you are currently voting and supporting the Democrat Party you are pathetic. I am not sure I can find a single Democrat that cares for anything more than perpetuating their own political power. They do not care about the electorate, about the democratic process or the basics of the Constitution. Show me one Democrat that is not a self-centered envious economically challenged lightweight.
For God's sake one Democrat judge just ruled that thinking about an economic activity is economic activity and that taking a decision not to participate is participating in economic activity, thus subject to the Commerce Clause. Ponder that -- deciding not to buy
For a group of people who claim to represent the common man they sure make a lot of harmful decisions. Failure to drill our own oil reserves is having disastrous consequences for our economy. The spend, spend, spend of the current administration has mortgaged future generations to an unsustainable level. To quote the Reverend Wright 'The chickens have come home to roost" as the ponzi scheme known as Social Security inches to insolvency and the overwhelming burden of Democrat Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs bankrupt our national treasury.
For more than 100 years the programs and platform of the liberals and Democrat Party have proven an abject failure. The current Democrat ideologues have made a mockery of the bankruptcy laws in the governmental takeover of GM and Chrysler. The underfunded governmental pensions in Indiana are a direct result of paying unsecured creditors (the UAW union) instead of secured creditors in the Chrysler filing. The Democrats defied the clear wishes of the people in passing Obamacare. Federal Judges have put the Obama administration in contempt of court in the continued illegal moratoriums on off shore drilling.
The Democratic Party has again thwarted their Constitutional and moral obligations by childish refusal to participate in the legislative process in Wisconsin and Indiana. The Democratic Party has shown they will not, can not listen to the will of the people they have sworn to represent.
The Democrat Party does not represent the constituents, the people, but only the Democratic Party. Voting for such craven individuals in the future shows not only an ignorance of politics, of economics, of the Constitution, of civics,but an inability to appreciate the power of the franchise and the freedoms we are blessed to have.. In short, I am surprised you do not need instructions to remind you to breathe in and out.
If you are aa Democrat and are insulted by this, too bad. But I will be glad to argue the sallient points.
For God's sake one Democrat judge just ruled that thinking about an economic activity is economic activity and that taking a decision not to participate is participating in economic activity, thus subject to the Commerce Clause. Ponder that -- deciding not to buy
For a group of people who claim to represent the common man they sure make a lot of harmful decisions. Failure to drill our own oil reserves is having disastrous consequences for our economy. The spend, spend, spend of the current administration has mortgaged future generations to an unsustainable level. To quote the Reverend Wright 'The chickens have come home to roost" as the ponzi scheme known as Social Security inches to insolvency and the overwhelming burden of Democrat Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs bankrupt our national treasury.
For more than 100 years the programs and platform of the liberals and Democrat Party have proven an abject failure. The current Democrat ideologues have made a mockery of the bankruptcy laws in the governmental takeover of GM and Chrysler. The underfunded governmental pensions in Indiana are a direct result of paying unsecured creditors (the UAW union) instead of secured creditors in the Chrysler filing. The Democrats defied the clear wishes of the people in passing Obamacare. Federal Judges have put the Obama administration in contempt of court in the continued illegal moratoriums on off shore drilling.
The Democratic Party has again thwarted their Constitutional and moral obligations by childish refusal to participate in the legislative process in Wisconsin and Indiana. The Democratic Party has shown they will not, can not listen to the will of the people they have sworn to represent.
The Democrat Party does not represent the constituents, the people, but only the Democratic Party. Voting for such craven individuals in the future shows not only an ignorance of politics, of economics, of the Constitution, of civics,but an inability to appreciate the power of the franchise and the freedoms we are blessed to have.. In short, I am surprised you do not need instructions to remind you to breathe in and out.
If you are aa Democrat and are insulted by this, too bad. But I will be glad to argue the sallient points.
February 23, 2011
Dear Indiana Democrats
Elections have consequences -- B. Obama
I do not posses the vocabulary to adequately describe my contempt, my utter repugnancy regarding the failure of the Democratic Party to fully participate in the legislative process in Indiana and Wisconsin. Like a spoiled brat facing defeat, they have gathered up their basketball and run away. The people have spoken and the Democrat, Big Government agenda was soundly defeated. Unable to accept the loss of power, the Democrats have fled to the People's Republic of Illinois.
Not only do the policies of the Democrat Party stifle job creation, the Democrats of Indiana are doing their best to give money to the hotels and restaurants of neighboring state!
It is sad that I have to point out the obvious to some of our elected Democrat Party officials. In a Representative Democracy a key component of the democratic process is the minority has its say while the majority has its way. Such is the consequence of elections.
The Democrat Party representatives from Indiana are upset the State is considering a bill to make Indiana a "right to work" state. This means a person cannot be forced to join a union as a condition of employment. How can people who are supposedly "for the little guy" be against letting an individual make his own choice to join a union or not? We all know the answer to that question. The unions cannot allow potential members to opt out, because the vast majority of current union members will drop from the rolls and few if any potential new hires will be willing to give part of their own money to the corrupt, left leaning union thugs. Of course the unions will lose money and the contributions to the Democrat Party will dry up.
 |
| Nice wig you cowardly jerk |
Oh, and Mitch -- kiss your Presidential ambitions bye- bye with your support of the Democrat Party's craven actions.
February 22, 2011
So What?
I have a massive case of the "I don't Give A Shits" today. No motivation. I have to drive a couple of hours through what looks to be terrible weather to see a customer. Another night in a damn hotel.
I would past the whole Seven Dwarfs "work, work, work" song but I am too lazy to look it up.
Happy Tuesday, I guess.
I would past the whole Seven Dwarfs "work, work, work" song but I am too lazy to look it up.
Happy Tuesday, I guess.
February 21, 2011
Screwing Off On President's Day
It is President's Day and for some reason that means a holiday at my company. I have no plans, I will screw off on the old interwebz, read a little and maybe watch some TV. I watched The Dirty Dozen last evening. I bet I have seen that movie fifty times.
Today I am honoring President William Henry Harrison (1773 - 1841). In his one short month (32 days) in office William Henry did not sign an executive order, propose a single piece of legislation, appoint a single judge, pardon a big donor, get a blow job from an intern, or allow his czars and bureaucrats to implement a single Presidential Policy. Too bad we cannot convince our current legislators or President to take a break for a month or two in his honor. Now President Harrison did not decline from politics from a Tea Party-like preference for limited government, rather he scored a massive case of pneumonia shortly after his inauguration and spent the next month on his sickbed, succumbing to the illness.
Harrison was an Indian fighter of some repute, defeating the unified tribes at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Harrison was the last President elected who was born prior to the Declaration of Independence. As governor of the Northwest and Indiana Territories, he is best known as an advocate of expanding slavery. He won the Presidency on his reputation as a war hero from the war of 1812.
So here's to old William Henry. A very short tribute on President's Day.
Today I am honoring President William Henry Harrison (1773 - 1841). In his one short month (32 days) in office William Henry did not sign an executive order, propose a single piece of legislation, appoint a single judge, pardon a big donor, get a blow job from an intern, or allow his czars and bureaucrats to implement a single Presidential Policy. Too bad we cannot convince our current legislators or President to take a break for a month or two in his honor. Now President Harrison did not decline from politics from a Tea Party-like preference for limited government, rather he scored a massive case of pneumonia shortly after his inauguration and spent the next month on his sickbed, succumbing to the illness.
Harrison was an Indian fighter of some repute, defeating the unified tribes at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Harrison was the last President elected who was born prior to the Declaration of Independence. As governor of the Northwest and Indiana Territories, he is best known as an advocate of expanding slavery. He won the Presidency on his reputation as a war hero from the war of 1812.
So here's to old William Henry. A very short tribute on President's Day.
February 20, 2011
It is raining
We survived the surprise party last night. I had a great time. I laughed until my face hurt. My old roomie was certainly surprised the whole gang showed up. There was one story that nearly killed me with laughter, one that I had forgotten.
In the fraternity the rooms were considered suites. There were two rooms and a small sleeping room. The original design was two rooms with two desks and a sleeping room with two sets of bunk beds in the middle. In every case the desks were moved into one room and the second room was made into a living room/party room. This room was usually filled with cast-off couches, recliners and in the early 1980's, elaborate stereo systems that took up a lot of room.
One of the roommates had stinky feet. They smelled bad. At one point we made B keep his shoes outside the room the stink was so terrible. Now roommate G was always complaining about the foot smell. One day, while he was at class we took a couple of B's smelly socks and stuffed them deep into G's pillow case. That night we climbed into our bunks early, just to see the reaction.
G came to bed and started bitching about the smell. We gagged on our pillows, laughing so hard. G punched his pillow in frustration. He moaned that the smell was even worse. This went on for days and days, until G finally did his laundry (probably weeks) and found the dirty socks. Believe me, sonsofbitches and motherfuckers were the least of the oaths flung our way.
That tale is probably not the college hijinks you expected. Maybe this is one of those "you had to be there stories".
In the fraternity the rooms were considered suites. There were two rooms and a small sleeping room. The original design was two rooms with two desks and a sleeping room with two sets of bunk beds in the middle. In every case the desks were moved into one room and the second room was made into a living room/party room. This room was usually filled with cast-off couches, recliners and in the early 1980's, elaborate stereo systems that took up a lot of room.
One of the roommates had stinky feet. They smelled bad. At one point we made B keep his shoes outside the room the stink was so terrible. Now roommate G was always complaining about the foot smell. One day, while he was at class we took a couple of B's smelly socks and stuffed them deep into G's pillow case. That night we climbed into our bunks early, just to see the reaction.
G came to bed and started bitching about the smell. We gagged on our pillows, laughing so hard. G punched his pillow in frustration. He moaned that the smell was even worse. This went on for days and days, until G finally did his laundry (probably weeks) and found the dirty socks. Believe me, sonsofbitches and motherfuckers were the least of the oaths flung our way.
That tale is probably not the college hijinks you expected. Maybe this is one of those "you had to be there stories".
February 19, 2011
2994
I woke about 6:30 this morning, bladder full. I slipped into the bathroom and then out to the kitchen to get a glass of water. The full moon was shining bright, low in the western sky. I tried to go back to sleep. My wife was gently snoring in her favorite position; her back to me.
I looked at the clock. It was a little after seven. There was just enough light from the rising sun to see as I pulled on yesterday's Nike T-shirt and some jeans. I went into the bathroom and did my poke-the-finger thing. The readings were acceptable this morning. I padded to the kitchen. The old coffee from yesterday was still in the filter. I threw it away and began the coffee making ritual. While it brewed I slipped on my shoes and went outside to get the paper.
The moon was almost covered by some thin clouds. The air was warm for a February morning. I offered a silent prayer of thanks for the blessings God has given me and headed inside. The paper was filled with local nothing. The local boys lost a basketball game, a local factory announced its' closing. More unemployment. Obamanomics in play once again. I poured a cup of coffee and filled a bowl with Lucky Charms. I know. Breakfast and the morning paper done, I refilled my coffee cup and dropped into my office chair.
The laptop hummed to life. A quick click on the "e" desktop icon, a tap on the drop down menu brought me here -- post 2994.
Next month I will have been at this for six years, if my often-faulty math is correct. We have become comfortable friends, you and I. You know my stories, understand my dry sense of humor. The blog world changes. Old bloggers are gone and done, new ones come along. The same with readers. Some of you have stopped by to share my life for years, some found me today, by accident or purpose.
I am in a weird reflective mood today. We are going to a surprise party this evening. An old college buddy turns fifty. I have not seen him for a few years and I am excited to go. The wife is going because she knows I want to. She could take it or leave it. An evening listening to us reliving past lives and watching me drink beer is not on her bucket list, I am sure. The old stories are not so amusing to her anymore, she has heard them far too often, and was part of most of them as they happened. She is not too interested in the past. I spend a lot of time there, in my mind, in this blog, in the books I read, the music I play.
There will be a lot of teasing about old farts tonight I am sure. I will join right in, since accident of birth leaves me 48 -- for another month -- as some of my closest friends turn fifty. Don't think for a minute I won't point that out.
There you have my Saturday; the morning routine and the evening plans. Black ink on a white background. The curtains to a window on my life pulled back a fraction to let you see in. You peek. Are you hoping to see me dancing naked wearing a Groucho nose and clown shoes? Do you hope to catch me crying at the ending of Breakfast at Tiffany's? If you want good writing and quality entertainment you are shopping at the wrong store. Whatever your reasons for lurking outside my blogging widow, I thank you.
I hope your Saturday turns out as nice as the one I have planned.
I looked at the clock. It was a little after seven. There was just enough light from the rising sun to see as I pulled on yesterday's Nike T-shirt and some jeans. I went into the bathroom and did my poke-the-finger thing. The readings were acceptable this morning. I padded to the kitchen. The old coffee from yesterday was still in the filter. I threw it away and began the coffee making ritual. While it brewed I slipped on my shoes and went outside to get the paper.
The moon was almost covered by some thin clouds. The air was warm for a February morning. I offered a silent prayer of thanks for the blessings God has given me and headed inside. The paper was filled with local nothing. The local boys lost a basketball game, a local factory announced its' closing. More unemployment. Obamanomics in play once again. I poured a cup of coffee and filled a bowl with Lucky Charms. I know. Breakfast and the morning paper done, I refilled my coffee cup and dropped into my office chair.
The laptop hummed to life. A quick click on the "e" desktop icon, a tap on the drop down menu brought me here -- post 2994.
Next month I will have been at this for six years, if my often-faulty math is correct. We have become comfortable friends, you and I. You know my stories, understand my dry sense of humor. The blog world changes. Old bloggers are gone and done, new ones come along. The same with readers. Some of you have stopped by to share my life for years, some found me today, by accident or purpose.
I am in a weird reflective mood today. We are going to a surprise party this evening. An old college buddy turns fifty. I have not seen him for a few years and I am excited to go. The wife is going because she knows I want to. She could take it or leave it. An evening listening to us reliving past lives and watching me drink beer is not on her bucket list, I am sure. The old stories are not so amusing to her anymore, she has heard them far too often, and was part of most of them as they happened. She is not too interested in the past. I spend a lot of time there, in my mind, in this blog, in the books I read, the music I play.
There will be a lot of teasing about old farts tonight I am sure. I will join right in, since accident of birth leaves me 48 -- for another month -- as some of my closest friends turn fifty. Don't think for a minute I won't point that out.
There you have my Saturday; the morning routine and the evening plans. Black ink on a white background. The curtains to a window on my life pulled back a fraction to let you see in. You peek. Are you hoping to see me dancing naked wearing a Groucho nose and clown shoes? Do you hope to catch me crying at the ending of Breakfast at Tiffany's? If you want good writing and quality entertainment you are shopping at the wrong store. Whatever your reasons for lurking outside my blogging widow, I thank you.
I hope your Saturday turns out as nice as the one I have planned.
February 18, 2011
Here in flyover country
I am back from my quick 24 hour sojourn in Gotham City. The visit lasted 23 hours and 56 minutes too long. Weird, the traffic in Chicago is worse than what I usually face in New York, but I hate the New York visits so much more. Perhaps I am more familiar with the Windy City? I had a great view of the Mall and Monuments as I connected through Reagan Airport yesterday afternoon.
Flying still sucks. As I sat in various airports this week I tried to do a quick addition. I think I have now made over 600 commercial flights. I am estimating on the low side. In reality it is probably more in the 700 range. I have never done an actual count and it is too late to start now. That total is way less than a lot of business travelers and far more than most people. At least I am long past the days of 100 plus flights a year. If I travelled like that now, I would blow my brains out. Undressing at the airport, emptying the bags for the TSA -- what a pain. And sadly, does anyone really feel any safer for the remarkable inconvenience? There is no greater example of the idiocy of Governmental policies than airport screening. Does anyone remember the days of the Unibomber when screeners would ask you if you had guns or bombs in your bag? Like I would admit it if I did.
It is Friday, and that counts for something. I am off for the Monday Holiday so I have a three day weekend to look forward to. It is warm today, in the low fifties. It would be nice to get in a good cigar, but I doubt it is going to happen. I have a desk full of work to get done. In addition, I have already broken my New Years Resolution to do my expenses in a timely fashion. I still haven't done my January receipts, forget February. I believe I have mentioned how I hate doing expenses?
Flying still sucks. As I sat in various airports this week I tried to do a quick addition. I think I have now made over 600 commercial flights. I am estimating on the low side. In reality it is probably more in the 700 range. I have never done an actual count and it is too late to start now. That total is way less than a lot of business travelers and far more than most people. At least I am long past the days of 100 plus flights a year. If I travelled like that now, I would blow my brains out. Undressing at the airport, emptying the bags for the TSA -- what a pain. And sadly, does anyone really feel any safer for the remarkable inconvenience? There is no greater example of the idiocy of Governmental policies than airport screening. Does anyone remember the days of the Unibomber when screeners would ask you if you had guns or bombs in your bag? Like I would admit it if I did.
It is Friday, and that counts for something. I am off for the Monday Holiday so I have a three day weekend to look forward to. It is warm today, in the low fifties. It would be nice to get in a good cigar, but I doubt it is going to happen. I have a desk full of work to get done. In addition, I have already broken my New Years Resolution to do my expenses in a timely fashion. I still haven't done my January receipts, forget February. I believe I have mentioned how I hate doing expenses?
February 16, 2011
Today's earworm
Do yourself a favor and check out the live version from Yessongs
Bonus
Is there a better bass player in the world?
February 15, 2011
Crack the Code, read the post
vtsvk yjr vpfr, trsf yjr apdy.
apdyomh eozz nr zohjy yjr mrcy gre fsud -- O jsbr yp hp yp givlomh Mre Uptl. Niy O eozz apdy dpqr hppf qidov gpt upi yp rmkpu.
If you crack the code, do not give it away, help your fellows by dropping a hint in the comments. Here is an example: m=q
apdyomh eozz nr zohjy yjr mrcy gre fsud -- O jsbr yp hp yp givlomh Mre Uptl. Niy O eozz apdy dpqr hppf qidov gpt upi yp rmkpu.
If you crack the code, do not give it away, help your fellows by dropping a hint in the comments. Here is an example: m=q
Education Reform
There has been a lot of talk about education reform lately, not only here in Indiana, but nationwide. With two educators in the family I have a little perspective on the issue.
I believe we can solve much of the problem with two simple actions. I also have some ancillary ideas on education as well. Before I get to the meat of the issue, we all need to acknowledge the role of education in society. It is not the job of the school to make sure your kid has something to eat. If you are poor, you are getting food stamps and assistance. The school should not be providing breakfast and dinner. Lunch is provided to keep the school day flowing. Just as factories and businesses have lunchrooms, so the school provides lunch. Parents have a significant role to play in education. If your kid is failing to get the education you think he deserves, start the process by looking in the mirror. In some cases the public school is at fault, in many instances lazy parents are to blame.
The first way to improve schools is to provide vouchers for students. If a parent wants to send their kid to a charter or private school then they should be given the a voucher for the same amount the taxpayers are spending on public schools. As far as using the vouchers to move from one public school to another, I am open to arguments. I understand the teachers/schools argument that moving the best and brightest from a given school, leaving only the can't learn/won't learn makes for a failing system. On the other hand, it is not fair to force a student to attend a crappy school all for reasons of geography. It is a chicken/egg problem.
Second, grading teachers based on the student's test scores is a crazy idea. Some classes are just smarter than others. My daughter's graduating class sported 7 students with perfect GPAs. Five were National Merit Scholar finalists or semifinalists -- from a class of ;less than 250. Fifteen of the class scored above 1400 on the SATs. Obviously the following class' standardized test scores dropped significantly. This did not mean the school, nor the teachers failed.
Judging solely on test scores has several negative results beyond those I discussed above. Anyone who believes cheating on the standardized tests does not occur is delusional. Schools, teachers and school systems do anything possible to make sure the scores meet the required levels. Students should get a well rounded education, not just learn what is necessary to pass the test.
There are some lousy teachers out there. My kids and your's have had them. Both my boys were put behind in math from Middle School because the teacher they had did not bother/could not teach the material. Both struggled through high school math, always getting by, but having to work very hard just to keep up. Those teachers need to be weeded out. Tenure should be abolished. No one should be guaranteed a job, just because they worked at it for three or five years.
Teachers want to be treated and paid as professionals and they should accept the same professional standards as the rest of us. Teacher Unions (and ALL public sector unions) should be abolished. Each teacher should be evaluated by the principal each year. I will even allow that the lead teacher or peer review could be part of the evaluation. Teachers that cannot teach should be fired, just as any other under performing employee. I bet we would all be surprised at the number of teachers who become suddenly energized when the job is not safe for life.
That is it. Vouchers and abolishing tenure will do the trick. When teachers are working to keep their job, just like the rest of us, they will put more effort into the job. I bet using the same lesson plans from a decade ago (even when the texts change) will become a thing of the past. Students will learn, test scores will improve.
We do not need more tests, more state or federally mandated rules. Just better teachers. Improve the teacher, improve student learning, and the failing schools will magically improve.
I believe we can solve much of the problem with two simple actions. I also have some ancillary ideas on education as well. Before I get to the meat of the issue, we all need to acknowledge the role of education in society. It is not the job of the school to make sure your kid has something to eat. If you are poor, you are getting food stamps and assistance. The school should not be providing breakfast and dinner. Lunch is provided to keep the school day flowing. Just as factories and businesses have lunchrooms, so the school provides lunch. Parents have a significant role to play in education. If your kid is failing to get the education you think he deserves, start the process by looking in the mirror. In some cases the public school is at fault, in many instances lazy parents are to blame.
The first way to improve schools is to provide vouchers for students. If a parent wants to send their kid to a charter or private school then they should be given the a voucher for the same amount the taxpayers are spending on public schools. As far as using the vouchers to move from one public school to another, I am open to arguments. I understand the teachers/schools argument that moving the best and brightest from a given school, leaving only the can't learn/won't learn makes for a failing system. On the other hand, it is not fair to force a student to attend a crappy school all for reasons of geography. It is a chicken/egg problem.
Second, grading teachers based on the student's test scores is a crazy idea. Some classes are just smarter than others. My daughter's graduating class sported 7 students with perfect GPAs. Five were National Merit Scholar finalists or semifinalists -- from a class of ;less than 250. Fifteen of the class scored above 1400 on the SATs. Obviously the following class' standardized test scores dropped significantly. This did not mean the school, nor the teachers failed.
Judging solely on test scores has several negative results beyond those I discussed above. Anyone who believes cheating on the standardized tests does not occur is delusional. Schools, teachers and school systems do anything possible to make sure the scores meet the required levels. Students should get a well rounded education, not just learn what is necessary to pass the test.
There are some lousy teachers out there. My kids and your's have had them. Both my boys were put behind in math from Middle School because the teacher they had did not bother/could not teach the material. Both struggled through high school math, always getting by, but having to work very hard just to keep up. Those teachers need to be weeded out. Tenure should be abolished. No one should be guaranteed a job, just because they worked at it for three or five years.
Teachers want to be treated and paid as professionals and they should accept the same professional standards as the rest of us. Teacher Unions (and ALL public sector unions) should be abolished. Each teacher should be evaluated by the principal each year. I will even allow that the lead teacher or peer review could be part of the evaluation. Teachers that cannot teach should be fired, just as any other under performing employee. I bet we would all be surprised at the number of teachers who become suddenly energized when the job is not safe for life.
That is it. Vouchers and abolishing tenure will do the trick. When teachers are working to keep their job, just like the rest of us, they will put more effort into the job. I bet using the same lesson plans from a decade ago (even when the texts change) will become a thing of the past. Students will learn, test scores will improve.
We do not need more tests, more state or federally mandated rules. Just better teachers. Improve the teacher, improve student learning, and the failing schools will magically improve.
February 14, 2011
Love is in the air
 |
| My two favorite Valentine Girls |
The fourteenth day of the second month has rolled around. That means it is Hallmark Card Day St. Valentine's Day. A few times in the past I have offered my own true life love story -- the tale of my first date with my wife. I am sure you have all seen it more than once by now, so I will not offer it up again. One can only watch 27 Dresses, When Harry Met Sally or Breakfast at Tiffany's so many times, and my love story also gets old. But if you must, you can find it in the archives here. There on the right is a picture of my two favorite girls, taken some 24 years ago.
Anyway, fellas, buy your wife/girlfriend/significant other something today. I do not care if it is a made up holiday. I do not care if she says she does not go for that kind of stuff-- she does. Even if she is a practical girl, a gift that says "I love you" is still a lovely gesture. Flowers, cards, stuffed animals, one of those fake roses found next to the cash register at the gas station, a Payday candy bar scrawled with "I love you baby" with a Sharpie is better than nothing. It is all about the effort, Dude. You do not have to blow her away with a candle-lit dinner, diamonds and soft music. Just let her you are thinking of her, that she is important in your life.
Ladies, your man just wants some nookie. No sentiment is required.
The wind is howling today, but it promises to be warm -- in the low 40s. Not exactly a heat wave, but far better than the teens and twenties we have seen since mid-November. Most of the snow is finally melting. I did see two different jack-asses at WalMart yesterday in shorts and tank tops. The white-trash gene runs deep in this part of the nation.
It is Monday, time to do some work.
February 13, 2011
If I were king of the forrrreesssst
Well, well, well. It is Sunday morning in Obamaland. Millions of people still believe the Government somehow just gives away money and benefits. Half of America does not pay income taxes. Locally more than 50% of the students are getting free or reduced lunches. We still remain the only country in the world not drilling our own oil resources. Somehow there is a belief it is better to buy what we need than produce it.
Do you want to be depressed like my on this fine Sunday? Do a little research. Add up the number of laws introduced into Congress last year. Add in what your State and Local Government saw fit to legislate and regulate. Is it really possible we need so many rules in a free society? In more than 200 years haven't we covered most of the stuff we need to have an ordered populace?
How about we demand our elected officials take a break? They only come to their respective Capitals to do the required fiscal and spending bills. Then each and every one of them goes home -- in the case of Washington officials, not to Georgetown or Frederick, but to their hometown and state. They could save on per diem, they could reconnect with the people. They will not need to do fundraising, or meet with lobbyists. There will be no Congressional junkets, no fact-finding tours, no trips to exotic locales for conferences, or "business development". Seriously, China is not going to open factories in the United States.
Let's go a step further. I say we start over. We do not need a Constitutional Convention -- we already have the more perfect union. We just follow the blueprint established by our forefathers. Get rid of all Federal employees and departments. Start over again. If we really need an Department of Education debate the merits n the New Congress. If the National Endowment for the Arts is where we want to spend our hard-earned taxes, so be it. But every department will have new employees. new management. term limits -- bring 'em on for elected officials and for the bureaucrats. Just because we have done it a certain way in the past does not mean there is not a better way.
I say every new law in the new Government must show how it meets Constitutional muster. Every new law will sunset n 10 years. If it is still a good idea after a decade, it will be passed again. No legislation by regulation and fiat from various agencies. If lawmakers are spending their time voting on the latest EPA idea, then he is not dreaming up new ways to limit my freedoms.
Foreign aid has to be cut. Starting next year all aid will be reduced 10%. A further 10% will be cut each year after that until the US money well is dried.. If we can't educate Ghana on the threat of AIDS in a decade, then we never will. I get that some places need help, but charity begins at home. We have enough debt without borrowing money to give to someone else. Would you take out a second mortgage in order to donate to the Salvation Army? Then why are we stealing from our kids piggy bank to give to Egypt or Palestinian Terrorists?
Look, I cannot solve all of the country's problem is one Sunday morning blog post, but these ideas are a start.
Do you want to be depressed like my on this fine Sunday? Do a little research. Add up the number of laws introduced into Congress last year. Add in what your State and Local Government saw fit to legislate and regulate. Is it really possible we need so many rules in a free society? In more than 200 years haven't we covered most of the stuff we need to have an ordered populace?
How about we demand our elected officials take a break? They only come to their respective Capitals to do the required fiscal and spending bills. Then each and every one of them goes home -- in the case of Washington officials, not to Georgetown or Frederick, but to their hometown and state. They could save on per diem, they could reconnect with the people. They will not need to do fundraising, or meet with lobbyists. There will be no Congressional junkets, no fact-finding tours, no trips to exotic locales for conferences, or "business development". Seriously, China is not going to open factories in the United States.
Let's go a step further. I say we start over. We do not need a Constitutional Convention -- we already have the more perfect union. We just follow the blueprint established by our forefathers. Get rid of all Federal employees and departments. Start over again. If we really need an Department of Education debate the merits n the New Congress. If the National Endowment for the Arts is where we want to spend our hard-earned taxes, so be it. But every department will have new employees. new management. term limits -- bring 'em on for elected officials and for the bureaucrats. Just because we have done it a certain way in the past does not mean there is not a better way.
I say every new law in the new Government must show how it meets Constitutional muster. Every new law will sunset n 10 years. If it is still a good idea after a decade, it will be passed again. No legislation by regulation and fiat from various agencies. If lawmakers are spending their time voting on the latest EPA idea, then he is not dreaming up new ways to limit my freedoms.
Foreign aid has to be cut. Starting next year all aid will be reduced 10%. A further 10% will be cut each year after that until the US money well is dried.. If we can't educate Ghana on the threat of AIDS in a decade, then we never will. I get that some places need help, but charity begins at home. We have enough debt without borrowing money to give to someone else. Would you take out a second mortgage in order to donate to the Salvation Army? Then why are we stealing from our kids piggy bank to give to Egypt or Palestinian Terrorists?
Look, I cannot solve all of the country's problem is one Sunday morning blog post, but these ideas are a start.
February 12, 2011
Mmmmm, Kidney Pie
Good morning fellow blogworld travellers. We find ourselves on the cusp of a warm-up here in Hoosierland. Finally. This global warming has been kicking my ass. I know I am not alone, most of the country has seen a harsh winter so far. I have some bad news, though. Winter is still far from over. It is a sad commentary when we are celebrating a warm up when the temperatures are just going to be what is normal or average for this time of year.
Do you ever get recurring dreams? Not the kind where you dream the same thing for days on end, but a dream that you have several times in a night? For instance I kept dreaming about an email I need to send to a customer. I would wake up and think, WTF?, go back to sleep and have the same dream again. I think I had the dream a dozen times in the last few minutes (hours?) before I got up this morning. Perhaps the proper term is worrying instead of dreaming? I don't know, but sometimes these recurring dreams are not about work, but stupid stuff. It is like my brain is an old LP record that gets stuck, playing the same bits repeatedly. I used to rarely dream, but since I went on my diabetes medicine I have more dreams and they are more vivid. Perhaps it is a function of sleeping better and more deeply? I don't know, but the repeating dreams drive me crazy. If I am going to get stuck on something why couldn't benaked women visions of my naked wife or something similar?
Late yesterday afternoon the demon chewing on my right kidney had his fill and moved on. The pain left as suddenly as it came on. There is some weird shit going on, I tell you.
Hey, look at that! I have filled a decent-sized post without saying anything. Just yesterday I was discussing with my wife my lack of talent in any area. I guess I was wrong. reading nearly six years of back posts at this poor excuse for entertainment will tell all and sundry I am very good at wasting your time. Quantity over quality works every time.
Enjoy your weekend.
Do you ever get recurring dreams? Not the kind where you dream the same thing for days on end, but a dream that you have several times in a night? For instance I kept dreaming about an email I need to send to a customer. I would wake up and think, WTF?, go back to sleep and have the same dream again. I think I had the dream a dozen times in the last few minutes (hours?) before I got up this morning. Perhaps the proper term is worrying instead of dreaming? I don't know, but sometimes these recurring dreams are not about work, but stupid stuff. It is like my brain is an old LP record that gets stuck, playing the same bits repeatedly. I used to rarely dream, but since I went on my diabetes medicine I have more dreams and they are more vivid. Perhaps it is a function of sleeping better and more deeply? I don't know, but the repeating dreams drive me crazy. If I am going to get stuck on something why couldn't be
Late yesterday afternoon the demon chewing on my right kidney had his fill and moved on. The pain left as suddenly as it came on. There is some weird shit going on, I tell you.
Hey, look at that! I have filled a decent-sized post without saying anything. Just yesterday I was discussing with my wife my lack of talent in any area. I guess I was wrong. reading nearly six years of back posts at this poor excuse for entertainment will tell all and sundry I am very good at wasting your time. Quantity over quality works every time.
Enjoy your weekend.
February 11, 2011
I need a milkshake
I have this nice post all written in my head on education reform. It will have to wait. I don't feel like writing today.
February 10, 2011
Thank You John Steinbeck
For years I felt I had an obligation to finish any book I started. I had the mistaken belief that there would be some redemptive quality if I just stuck it out to the end. That attitude allows me to claim on my "I read it" list such legendary tomes as Don Quixote, The Inferno, War and Peace, The Vicar of Wakefield, and that total overrated piece of shit Moby Dick. I suffered through Hawthorne, Defoe and Sinclair. I made it through Sister Carrie and the remarkably similar Communist Manifesto.
It was The Grapes of Wrath and those damn turtles crossing the road that finally convinced me life is too short to read crappy books. Since then I have failed to finish lots of authors. I lose not a minute of sleep in tossing aside the latest bestseller if it fails to entertain me(see Grishom's Ford County). Currently, I find myself reading a book I bought for the Kindle. I only paid $2.99 for it, but that was too much. Three dollars too much, if you get my meaning. I should have used the "try it free" preview feature. Another lesson learned the hard way.
At what point do you give up on a book? When I grab a novel by an unknown author from the library I have no issue tossing it after a dozen pages or so. But as a cheap bastard, I have a harder time giving up on something I paid for. I am about 1/3 through the book now. It is not funny. The plot is inane, and the story spins in a predictable fashion. It is almost as if I wrote the thing. I won't give you the title, because there is a certain segment of the population that will try to read this crap book, just too see if it is as bad as I claim. I know, I am just such a person.
I guess I will give it a few more pages then move on to other stuff. I have at least a dozen books waiting, paid and unpaid. I am sure any will be more entertaining than the current selection.
It was The Grapes of Wrath and those damn turtles crossing the road that finally convinced me life is too short to read crappy books. Since then I have failed to finish lots of authors. I lose not a minute of sleep in tossing aside the latest bestseller if it fails to entertain me(see Grishom's Ford County). Currently, I find myself reading a book I bought for the Kindle. I only paid $2.99 for it, but that was too much. Three dollars too much, if you get my meaning. I should have used the "try it free" preview feature. Another lesson learned the hard way.
At what point do you give up on a book? When I grab a novel by an unknown author from the library I have no issue tossing it after a dozen pages or so. But as a cheap bastard, I have a harder time giving up on something I paid for. I am about 1/3 through the book now. It is not funny. The plot is inane, and the story spins in a predictable fashion. It is almost as if I wrote the thing. I won't give you the title, because there is a certain segment of the population that will try to read this crap book, just too see if it is as bad as I claim. I know, I am just such a person.
I guess I will give it a few more pages then move on to other stuff. I have at least a dozen books waiting, paid and unpaid. I am sure any will be more entertaining than the current selection.
February 9, 2011
Egyptian Waffles
We all have that mental picture of the hardy frontiersman holding a wet finger aloft to gauge the wind before making that long shot on the dusky heathen hidden in the distant rocks. Except no marksman of repute would even bother with the wet finger technique. Assessing the wind with a finger to the air serves as no guideline to the wind across the valley or even a few dozen yards away.
In a similar fashion you never see an NFL placekicker do the finger to the wind experiment. It is the inexperienced and novice that resorts to such amature tactics.
Holding a finger to the wind does not work in determining ballistics and it will not serve as an effective tool in foreign policy. The Obama Administration has no idea how to handle the various crises in the Mideast, so they change their position daily depending on the prevailing winds. Except by the time the Obamaites have placed the policy making finger to test the wind, the politics of the moment have changed, making all involved look like bumbling armature fools.
We should not be surprised the key players in the administration have no clue on foreign policy. None have management or decision making skills. Obama has no experience running anything except a campaign. Biden is a career politician and Hillary has no foreign policy expertise of any kind. Yes, her husband was President, but that in no way makes her qualified. My wife has been married to me nearly 27 years. I would not venture to claim she could discuss the merits of my widgets to a prospective customer. That is not a slam against the love of my life, but rather pointing out the obvious fact that one does not gain skills through osmosis. Or, in Hillary's case, even sleeping in a bedroom down the hall from the President. She did manage the Bill's Bimbos Eruption Team during the campaign, but that left her ill-prepared to handle current global crises. I am not sure how she is going to blame Egypt on the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy when it seems Obama's old leftist buddies from the Weathermen and Code Pink are among the groups stirring up the trouble in Cairo.
The Obama serves us a side of Egyptian Waffles everyday simply because he does not have the ability to manage the situation. Taking hard decisions and looking out for America's best interest is so far from his mind, his beliefs and his skill set, that the very idea is impossible. The Obama cannot solve the Egyptian issue by apologizing or blaming Bush. He is out of answers. The playbook is empty. He did not learn how to assuage allies while encouraging terrorists and be always on the winning side at Community Organizer School.
But not to worry, I am sure Michelle can solve the food crisis in Egypt by advising them to just eat more broccoli. It is clear the starving poor are not getting proper nutrition.
As for the domestic front. all it takes is a little more spread the wealth rhetoric, a few more Government give-aways and we can all be happy. No need for the private sector to create jobs when our largess comes from the Government. Broccoli? Heck let 'em eat cake.
In a similar fashion you never see an NFL placekicker do the finger to the wind experiment. It is the inexperienced and novice that resorts to such amature tactics.
Holding a finger to the wind does not work in determining ballistics and it will not serve as an effective tool in foreign policy. The Obama Administration has no idea how to handle the various crises in the Mideast, so they change their position daily depending on the prevailing winds. Except by the time the Obamaites have placed the policy making finger to test the wind, the politics of the moment have changed, making all involved look like bumbling armature fools.
We should not be surprised the key players in the administration have no clue on foreign policy. None have management or decision making skills. Obama has no experience running anything except a campaign. Biden is a career politician and Hillary has no foreign policy expertise of any kind. Yes, her husband was President, but that in no way makes her qualified. My wife has been married to me nearly 27 years. I would not venture to claim she could discuss the merits of my widgets to a prospective customer. That is not a slam against the love of my life, but rather pointing out the obvious fact that one does not gain skills through osmosis. Or, in Hillary's case, even sleeping in a bedroom down the hall from the President. She did manage the Bill's Bimbos Eruption Team during the campaign, but that left her ill-prepared to handle current global crises. I am not sure how she is going to blame Egypt on the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy when it seems Obama's old leftist buddies from the Weathermen and Code Pink are among the groups stirring up the trouble in Cairo.
The Obama serves us a side of Egyptian Waffles everyday simply because he does not have the ability to manage the situation. Taking hard decisions and looking out for America's best interest is so far from his mind, his beliefs and his skill set, that the very idea is impossible. The Obama cannot solve the Egyptian issue by apologizing or blaming Bush. He is out of answers. The playbook is empty. He did not learn how to assuage allies while encouraging terrorists and be always on the winning side at Community Organizer School.
But not to worry, I am sure Michelle can solve the food crisis in Egypt by advising them to just eat more broccoli. It is clear the starving poor are not getting proper nutrition.
As for the domestic front. all it takes is a little more spread the wealth rhetoric, a few more Government give-aways and we can all be happy. No need for the private sector to create jobs when our largess comes from the Government. Broccoli? Heck let 'em eat cake.
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