I am off work to commemorate Good Friday. I am not sure what I am going to do, it looks like another rainy day is in the forecast. I will take some time to reflect upon the day. I will offer some prayers of thanks.
My laptop died earlier this week. At random the "blue screen of death" flashed. I did not have time to read all it said but I am pretty sure when the words "initiating memory dump" appear, nothing good is going on inside the plastic shell. I sent it off to the tech guru at the home office. He said he had to replace the hard drive. He has shipped it overnight back to me and I should get it sometime today.
I am ready, I have been using the clunky old HP desktop that resides in our living room since Monday morning. It is old and slooowww. This computer has served us faithfully for at least 7 or 8 years now. Nope, I went and looked. We got this baby in 2002 It was fast as an Indy car and State of the art at that time. Now I think the wife's iPhone has more power. It has suffered through several major virus attacks. "Hey Daddy, this warning has been flashing on the screen for a couple of weeks now. I just keep closing it. Is that OK?".
We have no big plans for the weekend. We are going to my Mom and Dad's for Easter dinner on Sunday. My brother and his son should be there. My daughter and son-in-law will come, but it looks like both my boys will have to work. Such is the hazards of working in the restaurant business on a holiday.
The youngest just went to reserve his tux for the prom. I think he has mixed emotions about going. He sees most of the preparations as a pain. On the other hand, when you ask him if he is looking forward to going he says "Yes, my date is hot". While only a junior, he somehow snagged one of the most popular senior girls as his date. Chicks dig him. He clearly does not take after his old man.
Well, I think those boring details of my mundane life will just about wrap up a post for this morning. The good news is there is not one single political bit in there. The bad news is I am off work. That means you may get multiple posts today, unless I find another way to occupy my time.
Now I am off to the interwebz. I hope some of you have found a way to entertain me on this Holy Friday morning.
April 21, 2011
New law is mean and scary or inspired by Nazis or something like that
Earlier this year the Democrats in the Indiana House of Representatives came to work the minimum number of days to collect their annual pay. Then they left the State on a Union-paid walkout that lasted for weeks (longer than Wisconsin).
In retaliation the Senate Republicans have passed a bill imposing fines of $1,000 if a legislator fails to show for work for more than three days (unless he/she is sick). Based on the hysterics this has caused among the professional left and Democrats in general, the bill must also include a requirement to strangle puppies, corncob kittens and kill your first born child. Read this article. The comments are so over the top I cannot believe it. Clearly the Progressives must have nothing better to do than engage in long comments at the Indy Star. Expecting elected legislators to actually come to work apparently is similar to living in the Third Reich or under the thumb of despotic Communists or something. Expecting your Representative to actually participate in debate and vote and do the job for which he/she was paid is akin to forcing citizens to go to church or putting us in concentration camps.
I don't know about you, but if I fail to show up for work for three days or more without a doctor's excuse I would not expect to have a job tomorrow. As an employer of the State Legislators, should I expect any less?
One of the features of a Representative Democracy is that the minority has its say and the majority has its way. The Democrats may not like or accept the populace rejected their agenda in the last election. I was not thrilled by the Democrat rule for much of my life -- but that is the way politics works. So, the Democrats do not like the union and education reforms proposed by the Republicans? Then they can change the law the next time they are in charge! If Democrats find the proposed law forcing them to actually show up at work so heinous they can repeal it the next session -- providing they can convince the voters the Democrat agenda is best for the people of Indiana.
That is the great thing about our form of government. Every two or four years we can elect another group to change whatever we did not like about the previous politicians. The American people did not like the profligate spending of the past few Congress. So we elected some people who claim they will be more fiscally responsible. If they fail to reign in spending, or if we decide we like a lot of Federal spending by the time another election rolls around we can elected some new people that fit our ideal political theory.
If we do not like what our elected representatives are up to, we can vote against them the next time. If this law is so horrible, the Democrats need to convince their constituents to throw out the Repubs and elect Dems instead. I bet they will have a hard time finding enough citizens in Indiana who agree the best course of action is to just run away.
I could be wrong.
In retaliation the Senate Republicans have passed a bill imposing fines of $1,000 if a legislator fails to show for work for more than three days (unless he/she is sick). Based on the hysterics this has caused among the professional left and Democrats in general, the bill must also include a requirement to strangle puppies, corncob kittens and kill your first born child. Read this article. The comments are so over the top I cannot believe it. Clearly the Progressives must have nothing better to do than engage in long comments at the Indy Star. Expecting elected legislators to actually come to work apparently is similar to living in the Third Reich or under the thumb of despotic Communists or something. Expecting your Representative to actually participate in debate and vote and do the job for which he/she was paid is akin to forcing citizens to go to church or putting us in concentration camps.
I don't know about you, but if I fail to show up for work for three days or more without a doctor's excuse I would not expect to have a job tomorrow. As an employer of the State Legislators, should I expect any less?
One of the features of a Representative Democracy is that the minority has its say and the majority has its way. The Democrats may not like or accept the populace rejected their agenda in the last election. I was not thrilled by the Democrat rule for much of my life -- but that is the way politics works. So, the Democrats do not like the union and education reforms proposed by the Republicans? Then they can change the law the next time they are in charge! If Democrats find the proposed law forcing them to actually show up at work so heinous they can repeal it the next session -- providing they can convince the voters the Democrat agenda is best for the people of Indiana.
That is the great thing about our form of government. Every two or four years we can elect another group to change whatever we did not like about the previous politicians. The American people did not like the profligate spending of the past few Congress. So we elected some people who claim they will be more fiscally responsible. If they fail to reign in spending, or if we decide we like a lot of Federal spending by the time another election rolls around we can elected some new people that fit our ideal political theory.
If we do not like what our elected representatives are up to, we can vote against them the next time. If this law is so horrible, the Democrats need to convince their constituents to throw out the Repubs and elect Dems instead. I bet they will have a hard time finding enough citizens in Indiana who agree the best course of action is to just run away.
I could be wrong.
April 20, 2011
That 2:00 AM wake up call
Like many things the Government does, the intentions are good. I must have missed the reports in the paper, but I skip a lot of the articles. The County has begun calling county residents in times of dangerous weather. It is a broadcast call, similar to what the local schools use to notify us of delays and cancellations. The purpose is to augment the old sirens with modern technology.
Yesterday we got our first call. Around noon or so, the phone rang and an electronic voice told me the county was under a flood warning. "Hmm, huh"? says I to myself, "What was that all about?". I shrugged it off and thought no more about it.
Some wild weather came through the area last evening. Thunder, lightning, strong winds and heavy rain came with watches and warnings. The wife was aggravated the weather guys interrupted her favorite show, But there was no further phone calls from the system I did not know about and had only called me once before. In fact I forgot all about the phone call.
I went to bed around eleven-thirty. I slept well with the rain pelting the windows and thunder echoing from the rafters. I like a good spring storm. Then at 2:07 in the morning the phone rang. Those calls scare the shit out of me. I have two kids away from the nest and my parents are getting older. My best friend has continuing and worsening heart problems. The phone call was not welcome.
I answered with trepidation. Middle-of-the-night phone calls are never good news.
An electronic voice told me the county was under a flood warning. What the fuck? Not to downgrade the danger a rising river can mean to some folks, but I live a few miles from the nearest body of water capable of flooding. I get standing water in my side yard every time we get a heavy dew, but I am never in flood danger.
If a flood threatens my home I will have been pre-warned: the animals will have been vacating my neighborhood two-by-two in the preceding weeks. The news will have been reporting on the kook down in French Lick building the Very Big Boat.
Like I said, the intentions are good. A warned populace is a safer populace. But perhaps we should save our hysterical late night phone warnings for true impending disasters like tornadoes, and tsunamis. Modern news coverage and reporting already provides enough warning for blizzards, floods and hurricanes (unless you live in NOLA). I do not need a phone call to tell me a river three or four miles away is in flood stage.
Yesterday we got our first call. Around noon or so, the phone rang and an electronic voice told me the county was under a flood warning. "Hmm, huh"? says I to myself, "What was that all about?". I shrugged it off and thought no more about it.
Some wild weather came through the area last evening. Thunder, lightning, strong winds and heavy rain came with watches and warnings. The wife was aggravated the weather guys interrupted her favorite show, But there was no further phone calls from the system I did not know about and had only called me once before. In fact I forgot all about the phone call.
I went to bed around eleven-thirty. I slept well with the rain pelting the windows and thunder echoing from the rafters. I like a good spring storm. Then at 2:07 in the morning the phone rang. Those calls scare the shit out of me. I have two kids away from the nest and my parents are getting older. My best friend has continuing and worsening heart problems. The phone call was not welcome.
I answered with trepidation. Middle-of-the-night phone calls are never good news.
An electronic voice told me the county was under a flood warning. What the fuck? Not to downgrade the danger a rising river can mean to some folks, but I live a few miles from the nearest body of water capable of flooding. I get standing water in my side yard every time we get a heavy dew, but I am never in flood danger.
If a flood threatens my home I will have been pre-warned: the animals will have been vacating my neighborhood two-by-two in the preceding weeks. The news will have been reporting on the kook down in French Lick building the Very Big Boat.
Like I said, the intentions are good. A warned populace is a safer populace. But perhaps we should save our hysterical late night phone warnings for true impending disasters like tornadoes, and tsunamis. Modern news coverage and reporting already provides enough warning for blizzards, floods and hurricanes (unless you live in NOLA). I do not need a phone call to tell me a river three or four miles away is in flood stage.
April 19, 2011
I almost let the date slip by
I just looked at my desk calendar and realized today is April 19th. For most of you that means squat, but my mind automatically scans the internal file system and determined today was our true Independence Day.
Yes, Boys and Girls, on this date in 1775, the citizens soldiers of the Massachusetts Colony engaged the forces of His Majesty King George at Lexington, and later in the morning at Concord. The American Revolution had begun.
The previous night lanterns were hung in the Old North Church and riders were dispatched throughout the countryside warning the Militia to rally. On this date in 1775, a ragtag bunch of amateurs faced the British Regulars on the Lexington Green. Shots were fired and eight Colonists were killed.
Gallons of ink have been used to describe that momentous day. Some are mere exaggeration and hyperbole (ahem, Mr. Longfellow). I think none are more beautiful than Emerson's Concord Hymn (especially the first stanza):
Yes, Boys and Girls, on this date in 1775, the citizens soldiers of the Massachusetts Colony engaged the forces of His Majesty King George at Lexington, and later in the morning at Concord. The American Revolution had begun.
The previous night lanterns were hung in the Old North Church and riders were dispatched throughout the countryside warning the Militia to rally. On this date in 1775, a ragtag bunch of amateurs faced the British Regulars on the Lexington Green. Shots were fired and eight Colonists were killed.
Gallons of ink have been used to describe that momentous day. Some are mere exaggeration and hyperbole (ahem, Mr. Longfellow). I think none are more beautiful than Emerson's Concord Hymn (especially the first stanza):
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
Holy Rip Van Winkle, Batman...
What the Heck? I fell asleep in the chair a little after nine last night. I finally stumbled to bed around 9:30. Good God, In the old days I did not even think about heading to the bar until after ten! It is not like I had a rough weekend. It is not like I had a hard Monday. I left home around 10:30 AM, picked up a colleague at the airport and visited a couple of customers. I was home by a little after six. I am not sure what is the matter with me.
I woke around 5:30 this morning, mostly to pee. Thunder was rumbling in the distance and the sparrows and cardinals and robins were raising a racket in the pre-dawn morning. Since I had already slept more than usual I went out to fetch the paper and turned on the morning news. I got the boy up at the usual time for school. I woke the wife some twenty minutes later. Then, I went back to bed. I actually slept for about twenty more minutes! I likely will not sleep for the next week.
In other news, I have no news. Check back later for some insightful political commentary, some cutting edge humor or an amusing anecdote. You likely will not find any of that stuff here, but I need the hits, traffic is way down.
I woke around 5:30 this morning, mostly to pee. Thunder was rumbling in the distance and the sparrows and cardinals and robins were raising a racket in the pre-dawn morning. Since I had already slept more than usual I went out to fetch the paper and turned on the morning news. I got the boy up at the usual time for school. I woke the wife some twenty minutes later. Then, I went back to bed. I actually slept for about twenty more minutes! I likely will not sleep for the next week.
In other news, I have no news. Check back later for some insightful political commentary, some cutting edge humor or an amusing anecdote. You likely will not find any of that stuff here, but I need the hits, traffic is way down.
April 18, 2011
No Lefties Bashed in Writing This Post
It is Monday. The weekend are sure short -- they seem to last less than half of the work week. Mine was somehow busy, but I did not do a damn thing. Saturday I took my daily walk and then I did nothing until the wife and I went to the mall for a bit. I sat bored out of my mind while she did whatever she does at the mall that takes so long. We had some BBQ for supper, so that was good.
Sunday I took an extra long walk. The wind gusts nearly blew me over. I then watched the end of some movie until it was time to watch the Cubs. They lost.
I made salad with grilled chicken on top for supper. After I cleaned the kitchen I again placed my fat ass in the chair and did nothing until bed time.
Oh, I did read a book Saturday. I forgot. Cheap fiction. Entertaining. Have I mentioned I lurve my Kindle. It is one of the best inventions ever.
My life is so boring.
Now it is time to get to work. I have wasted six minutes writing this post, you spent one reading it. This is not the activity that makes for a productive society. Get to work, you slacker.
Sunday I took an extra long walk. The wind gusts nearly blew me over. I then watched the end of some movie until it was time to watch the Cubs. They lost.
I made salad with grilled chicken on top for supper. After I cleaned the kitchen I again placed my fat ass in the chair and did nothing until bed time.
Oh, I did read a book Saturday. I forgot. Cheap fiction. Entertaining. Have I mentioned I lurve my Kindle. It is one of the best inventions ever.
My life is so boring.
Now it is time to get to work. I have wasted six minutes writing this post, you spent one reading it. This is not the activity that makes for a productive society. Get to work, you slacker.
April 17, 2011
What we have here is a failure to communicate
Humiliation equals hurt feelings
Hurt feelings lead to anger
Anger begets resentment
Resentment leads to indifference
Hurt feelings lead to anger
Anger begets resentment
Resentment leads to indifference
April 16, 2011
My mood is as black as my heart
It is a cool damp Saturday morning. It suits my mood -- somewhat black.
Mom always said if I cannot say something nice I should keep my piehole closed. She did not exactly phrase it in that manner, but you get the idea.
Mom always said if I cannot say something nice I should keep my piehole closed. She did not exactly phrase it in that manner, but you get the idea.
April 15, 2011
What would you say
I propose we cut the Federal Budget by 25%. Cut it across the board. I do not mean cut from what we want to spend, from what we might spend. I mean flat reduce every department. I do not care how the various agencies get to the new number, cut services, cut people, cut waste.
Take what we areblowing spending in 2011 and flat reduce every budget (including defense) by 1/4.
Reducing the budget by these "draconian" amounts will not leave the kiddies dying. Women will not swoon from hunger. Roads will be maintained. We will be safe.
You see, those evil, bare bones levels will take us back to 2008 spending. You know, back when Bush was bankrupting the country.
Instead, the Republican leadership are bragging about reducing spending by 1/100 of one percent. Democrats are wailing that the knife was too sharp.
There must be some old swamp gas still floating in the air around Washington DC, they are all high.
Or maybe just irresponsible.
Some are just commie mofos.
Or more likely, just fucking politicians.
If there were term limits maybe some of the gutless wonders would do what was right instead of worrying about getting re-elected.
Take what we are
Reducing the budget by these "draconian" amounts will not leave the kiddies dying. Women will not swoon from hunger. Roads will be maintained. We will be safe.
You see, those evil, bare bones levels will take us back to 2008 spending. You know, back when Bush was bankrupting the country.
Instead, the Republican leadership are bragging about reducing spending by 1/100 of one percent. Democrats are wailing that the knife was too sharp.
There must be some old swamp gas still floating in the air around Washington DC, they are all high.
Or maybe just irresponsible.
Some are just commie mofos.
Or more likely, just fucking politicians.
If there were term limits maybe some of the gutless wonders would do what was right instead of worrying about getting re-elected.
Close to the edge, down by the river
It is finally Friday. For some reason this has been a long, long week.
Already this morning I have read/answered Emails, paid the gas and water bills, paid the car payment, thrown the sheets into the washer and called two customers. I also found time to read the paper, eat breakfast and drink 2 mugs of coffee. Before the noon hour is over I will fold the towels in the dryer, empty the dishwasher and put the sheets into the dryer. I will also take a shower. Yes, I am blogging in yesterday's jeans and T-shirt. Sometimes it sucks/is good to work from home.
I mowed the yard for the first time this spring last evening. It was only a little ragged, but with a weekend of rain in the forecast, it would have been a regular jungle if I waited until next week. The dandelions and violets are rampant. It looks like I will once again have the worst yard in the neighborhood. Look deep into my eyes and see if you think I care.
As far as I know we have no plans for the weekend. I am sure the wife will tell me otherwise when she gets home from work.
Already this morning I have read/answered Emails, paid the gas and water bills, paid the car payment, thrown the sheets into the washer and called two customers. I also found time to read the paper, eat breakfast and drink 2 mugs of coffee. Before the noon hour is over I will fold the towels in the dryer, empty the dishwasher and put the sheets into the dryer. I will also take a shower. Yes, I am blogging in yesterday's jeans and T-shirt. Sometimes it sucks/is good to work from home.
I mowed the yard for the first time this spring last evening. It was only a little ragged, but with a weekend of rain in the forecast, it would have been a regular jungle if I waited until next week. The dandelions and violets are rampant. It looks like I will once again have the worst yard in the neighborhood. Look deep into my eyes and see if you think I care.
As far as I know we have no plans for the weekend. I am sure the wife will tell me otherwise when she gets home from work.
April 14, 2011
The Obama and deficits
President Zero sang the same old tune yesterday -- "Tax the Rich".*
I will let some far smarter than me answer:
read this
read this too
But I don't need smart guys to tell me what a bad idea this is. The US does not have a revenue problem.
We have a spending problem.
Feel free toshow your ignorance argue otherwise in the comments.
* Once again, This song is where The Obama developed his economic and political theory:
I will let some far smarter than me answer:
read this
read this too
But I don't need smart guys to tell me what a bad idea this is. The US does not have a revenue problem.
We have a spending problem.
Feel free to
* Once again, This song is where The Obama developed his economic and political theory:
April 13, 2011
A modern fairy tale
Let's say you have a home equity line of credit. You are a good person, you care about your fellow man. You donate to NPR and PBS. You give to worthwhile charities. But you just feel like you should do more. You help the family down the street with some groceries. You help the neighbor pay his mortgage. You co-sign an education loan for your nephew. A friend of your daughter needs an abortion. You give money to the arts council. You help pay to put on a local play.
You wake up one day and find you have used all of your pay and have somehow maxed out your line of credit. You have borrowed money to pay other people's bills. Now you do not have the cash to pay your own.
So you go to your boss and tell him you need a raise. You explain he should give you more money because you gave a grant to the Boys Club to help out the Midnight Basketball League. You gave to the Police Union and you are paying the doctor bills for the kid across the street. You are sending money to the UN, to UNICEF and to The Sierra Club.
Surprisingly, he turns you down. This cannot be so.
Next you go to the bank. You explain that you are out of credit and yet you still need to donate cash to the starving kids in Africa you saw on that TV commercial. You explain that another of your daughter's friends may be pregnant and you need to protect her health. You explain that may mean paying for an abortion, or buying vitamins or maybe paying for the whole pregnancy. You tell the loan guy it is not the girls fault she got knocked up for the third time. You explain that you still have other families wanting help with their bills, and you want to help a neighbor buy a new car with green technology because it will be good for the environment.
You threaten the bank will be in severe trouble if they fail to increase your credit limit (or you could call it a debt ceiling). You explain that you will default on your loan and your neighbors might too.
When the bank and your employer told you perhaps you should reduce your spending, you replied that they just wanted to kill the elderly you were helping support. You accused them of wanting to kill the pregnant girls. You labeled them as heartless. You said the banker wanted your grandmother to eat dog food. You told your employer he had a moral obligation to pay you more, he could afford it.
You shouted you needed the money for the children, the environment, the elderly.
That fantasy could never happen. Could it?
You wake up one day and find you have used all of your pay and have somehow maxed out your line of credit. You have borrowed money to pay other people's bills. Now you do not have the cash to pay your own.
So you go to your boss and tell him you need a raise. You explain he should give you more money because you gave a grant to the Boys Club to help out the Midnight Basketball League. You gave to the Police Union and you are paying the doctor bills for the kid across the street. You are sending money to the UN, to UNICEF and to The Sierra Club.
Surprisingly, he turns you down. This cannot be so.
Next you go to the bank. You explain that you are out of credit and yet you still need to donate cash to the starving kids in Africa you saw on that TV commercial. You explain that another of your daughter's friends may be pregnant and you need to protect her health. You explain that may mean paying for an abortion, or buying vitamins or maybe paying for the whole pregnancy. You tell the loan guy it is not the girls fault she got knocked up for the third time. You explain that you still have other families wanting help with their bills, and you want to help a neighbor buy a new car with green technology because it will be good for the environment.
You threaten the bank will be in severe trouble if they fail to increase your credit limit (or you could call it a debt ceiling). You explain that you will default on your loan and your neighbors might too.
When the bank and your employer told you perhaps you should reduce your spending, you replied that they just wanted to kill the elderly you were helping support. You accused them of wanting to kill the pregnant girls. You labeled them as heartless. You said the banker wanted your grandmother to eat dog food. You told your employer he had a moral obligation to pay you more, he could afford it.
You shouted you needed the money for the children, the environment, the elderly.
That fantasy could never happen. Could it?
Today's Earworm
damn, I wish I had a jumpsuit. Did I ever tell you about my trips to Graceland? It does not matter, my man Yabu has the best Elvis story.
edit. Here it is. Yabu comes to the rescue.
Here is a bonus from the King. This one comes from my favorite Elvis Movie Clambake:
Oh hell, why not...is this not just creepy? It is also from Clambake. Why is Elvis hanging out at the playground? This is one of the worst songs The King was ever forced to record.:
April 12, 2011
Fighting the good fight
Around 4:30 in the morning, 150 years ago today, old PT directed a ball to be fired at a distant fort on a small island in Charleston Harbor. The American Civil War, War of Succession, War Between the States, War of Northern Aggression (ahem, who fired the first shot?), War of the Rebellion had begun.
The very founding of the Nation was an argument over the power of the Federal Government and that of the States. Four years and the deaths of 500,000 Americans did not really completely settle the matter.
Oh, to be sure, big Government won the day. There is little wonder the Big Government king B. Obama reveres Lincoln. But the battles being waged by the Tea Party are the same political battles argued 150 years ago. Too bad a defense of slavery was part of the Southern cause. They might have won otherwise.
The Confederate States of America forswore slavery in the end, but it was too late. Now those of us who favor a limited Federal Government are fighting a long uphill battle.
Edit: caught. I put up a lazy post. Is this better Nathan?
The very founding of the Nation was an argument over the power of the Federal Government and that of the States. Four years and the deaths of 500,000 Americans did not really completely settle the matter.
Oh, to be sure, big Government won the day. There is little wonder the Big Government king B. Obama reveres Lincoln. But the battles being waged by the Tea Party are the same political battles argued 150 years ago. Too bad a defense of slavery was part of the Southern cause. They might have won otherwise.
The Confederate States of America forswore slavery in the end, but it was too late. Now those of us who favor a limited Federal Government are fighting a long uphill battle.
Edit: caught. I put up a lazy post. Is this better Nathan?
April 11, 2011
On negotiating
Re: the post below, and Boehner claiming a "victory". The Democrat-Lite Repub leadership claims they will really go after trillions next go-around.
I have been negotiating for most of my professional life. The idea you will get some concessions on the "big stuff" if you roll on the "little stuff" is idiotic. All you do is give your opposite the impression you are not willing to fight. It is not about the little battles or the big battles, you try to win them all. If a point is not important, you should not fight for it. Period. If it is important, no matter how small, you fight tooth and nail.
That is true no matter what you are negotiating, a widget contract, a car, a house, federal spending.
To believe otherwise proves you are nothing but a politician, worried about the next election.
I should never have expected otherwise.
I have been negotiating for most of my professional life. The idea you will get some concessions on the "big stuff" if you roll on the "little stuff" is idiotic. All you do is give your opposite the impression you are not willing to fight. It is not about the little battles or the big battles, you try to win them all. If a point is not important, you should not fight for it. Period. If it is important, no matter how small, you fight tooth and nail.
That is true no matter what you are negotiating, a widget contract, a car, a house, federal spending.
To believe otherwise proves you are nothing but a politician, worried about the next election.
I should never have expected otherwise.
I want my $100 Billion
Thanks GOP. I was pretty sure the American People told you in the last election we did not want a Democrat-Lite party. I am pretty sure we voted for you to bring fiscal sanity. We want the EPA reigned in, Obamacare defunded (if not reversed altogether). We want the Government to be smaller.
The Republicans are just armadillos. They roll into a ball at the first sign of trouble. Boehner did not even get half of what the Republicans promised.
So far the landslide Republican victory in 2010 got the American People...a temporary extension of the current tax rates. That is it.
Dan Burton, Dick Lugar, Dan Coates -- if you vote Yes on this roll-over and cry like a baby compromise bill, I will donate however much I can spare to anyone who is running against you in your next election (I am going to do so in your case anyway Senator Lugar). You are not bound to agree with John Compromise Boehner on this bill. Vote NO.
I am sick of retreat, I am tired of the Stupid Party and their always 'in the minority' attitude -- especially when they are large and in charge. I can only hope there are enough GOPers left to vote against this piece of shit compromise when it comes for a vote this week. Grow some balls or be prepared to lose power in 2012.
It is time to bring on the Honey Badger Party.
The Republicans are just armadillos. They roll into a ball at the first sign of trouble. Boehner did not even get half of what the Republicans promised.
So far the landslide Republican victory in 2010 got the American People...a temporary extension of the current tax rates. That is it.
Dan Burton, Dick Lugar, Dan Coates -- if you vote Yes on this roll-over and cry like a baby compromise bill, I will donate however much I can spare to anyone who is running against you in your next election (I am going to do so in your case anyway Senator Lugar). You are not bound to agree with John Compromise Boehner on this bill. Vote NO.
I am sick of retreat, I am tired of the Stupid Party and their always 'in the minority' attitude -- especially when they are large and in charge. I can only hope there are enough GOPers left to vote against this piece of shit compromise when it comes for a vote this week. Grow some balls or be prepared to lose power in 2012.
It is time to bring on the Honey Badger Party.
April 10, 2011
Maybe I just need more coffee
I have the means. The cursor is blinking at me. I have the content. I can make up any crap on a Sunday morning that may or may not be entertaining. I just have no desire to spend the effort.
After yesterday's long winded ramble down pothole-filled memory lane, most of you will be muttering a quiet "Thank Goodness".
Oh, oh, oh...that last sentence reminded me of a joke. This girl rode her bike down a very bumpy road. She looked back and said "I will never come that way again".
It is funnier if you say it out loud.
Hey look, we have a post. I still did not comment on the rat-bastard Republicans who sold out the American People yet again. I hope they enjoy their success, because they were elected to cut spending, and saving a few pennies while wasting hundreds is not going to get it done. It is time for a third choice. The next step is insurecction, and if that comes to pass we all lose.
Oh, wait. I guess I did comment.
Enjoy your Sunday
After yesterday's long winded ramble down pothole-filled memory lane, most of you will be muttering a quiet "Thank Goodness".
Oh, oh, oh...that last sentence reminded me of a joke. This girl rode her bike down a very bumpy road. She looked back and said "I will never come that way again".
It is funnier if you say it out loud.
Hey look, we have a post. I still did not comment on the rat-bastard Republicans who sold out the American People yet again. I hope they enjoy their success, because they were elected to cut spending, and saving a few pennies while wasting hundreds is not going to get it done. It is time for a third choice. The next step is insurecction, and if that comes to pass we all lose.
Oh, wait. I guess I did comment.
Enjoy your Sunday
April 9, 2011
A trip in the wayback machine with the old fart
We had the largest backyard in the subdivision. The entire neighborhood was filled with kids. On one block of my street alone there were 29 kids all within 5 years of age. Young families swarmed to the prefab houses built out on the east side of town. Cheap affordable housing marked the boom of the mid 1960's.
Near the back corner of the house was home plate. The light pole marked first, the skinny tree was third and second was a dirt spot near the tractor tire that served as a sand box. It was a slightly lopsided diamond, third being a little nearer second than first was and somewhat further from the large bare spot that marked home. The out field was our back yard and that of the houses behind. They did not care, that street was full of kids too.
It did not take long before we had to leave off hard baseballs and go to a tennis ball. Even an eight year-old kid can throw a tennis ball hard enough you need a glove to catch it. In those dinosaur days tennis balls were brown or grey, not the florescent greens of today. You could throw a curve, a sinker and a fastball. It did not take long for the fuzzy to wear off and the smooth ball would dart through the air on the way to home.
The pitcher's mound was close. maybe 25 or 30 feet, just in front of second base and you learned to react quick at the plate. We used wooden bats. Aluminum bats did not come to my part of the world until I was 11 or 12, and at that I never used one until I played softball in college intermurals. Usually the bats were old ones the neighborhood Dads brought home from fast-pitch softball. They were cracked in the handle. A nail and some tape on the handle and they worked fine on a tennis ball in the hands of a nine year old.
In the summer the games started early. We all played outside all day. No one had an air conditioner and it was hotter inside. There was nothing to do inside anyway. We would split into teams, based on the number of kids who showed up. Balls, strikes,and outs were kept as the innings flew by. Ritchie would leave to go to the bathroom or eat lunch. Jay would show up after spending the night at his grandmother's. You would join whatever team was short, or needed help. Otter and I would go in to eat lunch and supper and the game went on in the backyard anyway. Sometimes Mom would bring us all Kool Aide, loaded with sugary goodness.
I may be wrong, but I remember few arguments over outs and and strikes. You tried to be honest because you would be at the plate the next inning. Paybacks were hell. The catcher served as ump, and there was an unwritten code of agreement on safe or out at the bases. usually democracy ruled if there was a dispute.
In the evenings we played the same kids in Little League, the next morning we were the Cubs, the Reds, the Cards, whacking the ball in the backyard. By the time we were 11 or 12 we had to switch to a wiffle ball. When the home run became hitting past the houses on the next street, broken windows became a problem. We moved the games a few blocks to the park, where we played on a real field against teams from the whole subdivision. Real baseball. But it was not the same. You met for a game and moved on, the marathon sessions could not work the same when you were riding a few blocks as opposed to walking down the street.
It was not until I was an adult and coaching my own boys did I realize how much baseball I learned in my youth. Coaching against guys who played in high school, I knew as much or more. I understood the nuances, the flow of the game in ways some of them did not. My own skills did not last much past Little League (size does matter in sports), but I knew how to play the game.
Much of that knowledge I learned from my own Dad, an excellent player. He played fast pitch softball on some very good teams. He coached us in Little League and practiced with us in the backyard. I also learned a lot of baseball in the backyard league. When you play eight, ten, twelve hours a day for summer after summer, you are bound to learn something.
My baseball experience was not unusual. Kids of the sixties played a lot of ball. There were no video games, the three channels on TV had no kids entertainment. We could not afford to go to the movies all the time. There was no shopping mall.
Today kids play ball in organized leagues. Little League and Cal Ripkin. There are Boys Club games and travel teams. We want the best for our young players. But you don't see the kids at the field, hitting, running, stealing. Chants of "hey batter, batter" do not fill the neighborhood evenings. My neighbors have a couple of Elementary aged kids. I hardly see them outside.
It is nostalgia. I am yet young enough to know my memories make the times better than they were. I know the late 1960's were not better, they were different. But in my mind I can still feel that big brown bat in my hands, choked up about six inches so I could swing it, as it cracked against that ball. I can hear the pop off the ball in the leather glove, smell the sweat and leather on my hands. I can hear the voices shouting, laughing, cheering. I can see Jon, and Ritchie, and Vida, and Jeff. In my memories I crouch behind the plate. I pop the big catchers mitt with my fist. I wave two fingers between my legs. Here comes a bender...
Near the back corner of the house was home plate. The light pole marked first, the skinny tree was third and second was a dirt spot near the tractor tire that served as a sand box. It was a slightly lopsided diamond, third being a little nearer second than first was and somewhat further from the large bare spot that marked home. The out field was our back yard and that of the houses behind. They did not care, that street was full of kids too.
It did not take long before we had to leave off hard baseballs and go to a tennis ball. Even an eight year-old kid can throw a tennis ball hard enough you need a glove to catch it. In those dinosaur days tennis balls were brown or grey, not the florescent greens of today. You could throw a curve, a sinker and a fastball. It did not take long for the fuzzy to wear off and the smooth ball would dart through the air on the way to home.
The pitcher's mound was close. maybe 25 or 30 feet, just in front of second base and you learned to react quick at the plate. We used wooden bats. Aluminum bats did not come to my part of the world until I was 11 or 12, and at that I never used one until I played softball in college intermurals. Usually the bats were old ones the neighborhood Dads brought home from fast-pitch softball. They were cracked in the handle. A nail and some tape on the handle and they worked fine on a tennis ball in the hands of a nine year old.
In the summer the games started early. We all played outside all day. No one had an air conditioner and it was hotter inside. There was nothing to do inside anyway. We would split into teams, based on the number of kids who showed up. Balls, strikes,and outs were kept as the innings flew by. Ritchie would leave to go to the bathroom or eat lunch. Jay would show up after spending the night at his grandmother's. You would join whatever team was short, or needed help. Otter and I would go in to eat lunch and supper and the game went on in the backyard anyway. Sometimes Mom would bring us all Kool Aide, loaded with sugary goodness.
I may be wrong, but I remember few arguments over outs and and strikes. You tried to be honest because you would be at the plate the next inning. Paybacks were hell. The catcher served as ump, and there was an unwritten code of agreement on safe or out at the bases. usually democracy ruled if there was a dispute.
In the evenings we played the same kids in Little League, the next morning we were the Cubs, the Reds, the Cards, whacking the ball in the backyard. By the time we were 11 or 12 we had to switch to a wiffle ball. When the home run became hitting past the houses on the next street, broken windows became a problem. We moved the games a few blocks to the park, where we played on a real field against teams from the whole subdivision. Real baseball. But it was not the same. You met for a game and moved on, the marathon sessions could not work the same when you were riding a few blocks as opposed to walking down the street.
It was not until I was an adult and coaching my own boys did I realize how much baseball I learned in my youth. Coaching against guys who played in high school, I knew as much or more. I understood the nuances, the flow of the game in ways some of them did not. My own skills did not last much past Little League (size does matter in sports), but I knew how to play the game.
Much of that knowledge I learned from my own Dad, an excellent player. He played fast pitch softball on some very good teams. He coached us in Little League and practiced with us in the backyard. I also learned a lot of baseball in the backyard league. When you play eight, ten, twelve hours a day for summer after summer, you are bound to learn something.
My baseball experience was not unusual. Kids of the sixties played a lot of ball. There were no video games, the three channels on TV had no kids entertainment. We could not afford to go to the movies all the time. There was no shopping mall.
Today kids play ball in organized leagues. Little League and Cal Ripkin. There are Boys Club games and travel teams. We want the best for our young players. But you don't see the kids at the field, hitting, running, stealing. Chants of "hey batter, batter" do not fill the neighborhood evenings. My neighbors have a couple of Elementary aged kids. I hardly see them outside.
It is nostalgia. I am yet young enough to know my memories make the times better than they were. I know the late 1960's were not better, they were different. But in my mind I can still feel that big brown bat in my hands, choked up about six inches so I could swing it, as it cracked against that ball. I can hear the pop off the ball in the leather glove, smell the sweat and leather on my hands. I can hear the voices shouting, laughing, cheering. I can see Jon, and Ritchie, and Vida, and Jeff. In my memories I crouch behind the plate. I pop the big catchers mitt with my fist. I wave two fingers between my legs. Here comes a bender...
April 8, 2011
This ain't Jeopardy, I know the questions. I need answers
Morality aside, what possible argument can anyone make as to why taxpayers should pay for abortions or birth control for the general populace?
Along the same vein, why should the taxpayers be funding TV or radio stations?
yes, I know the tax savings if we cut of funding to NPR or Planned Parenthood are fractions of pennies on the dollar, but wasting tax dollars is still a moral crime.
To paraphrase Clinton -- "It is the debt, stupid". Is it rally Harry Reid's position he would rather shut down the Government than not pay for abortions?
BTW, nothing in any bill up for consideration, or in any spending cuts would in any way restrict abortion. Any woman who feels the need could still get abortion on demand. They will have access to any birth control they desire. The only difference is taxpayers will not pay for it. The hyperbole of the GOP wants to kill women*, and Nazi references are pathetic (I am talking to YOU Rep. Slaughter).
*If you believe that garbage, you are too stupid to live. Quit wasting my valuable oxygen.
Along the same vein, why should the taxpayers be funding TV or radio stations?
yes, I know the tax savings if we cut of funding to NPR or Planned Parenthood are fractions of pennies on the dollar, but wasting tax dollars is still a moral crime.
To paraphrase Clinton -- "It is the debt, stupid". Is it rally Harry Reid's position he would rather shut down the Government than not pay for abortions?
BTW, nothing in any bill up for consideration, or in any spending cuts would in any way restrict abortion. Any woman who feels the need could still get abortion on demand. They will have access to any birth control they desire. The only difference is taxpayers will not pay for it. The hyperbole of the GOP wants to kill women*, and Nazi references are pathetic (I am talking to YOU Rep. Slaughter).
*If you believe that garbage, you are too stupid to live. Quit wasting my valuable oxygen.
Sausage goodness.
I threw some smoked sausage on the grill for lunch. I ate some sour cream and onion chips on the side. Some fruit cocktail rounded out the meal. I washed it all down with a Coke Zero.
Four servings of carbs were consumed -- right on my target diet of 4-5 per meal. I probably got way too much fat from the sausage, but what the heck, it is Friday.
What did you have for lunch?
Four servings of carbs were consumed -- right on my target diet of 4-5 per meal. I probably got way too much fat from the sausage, but what the heck, it is Friday.
What did you have for lunch?
Friday Randomness
There are little tiny men in my head. It is clear they are doing the drilling The Obama and his pals refuse to do. They are currently sinking a shaft deep above my right eye, and random explosions of pain throughout my skull indicate a wide blast zone. At least that is what my head feels like. Spring always brings on severe allergy headaches. In my youth I had the runny nose, swollen eyes and clogged ears to go along with the blinding headaches. Now I just have headaches and an overwhelming urge to sleep -- all of the time.
I am shedding skin like an angry molting viper. I got a bit of sunburn on my working sojourn to the south last week. I failed to properly lubricate the skin and now it is flaking off in disgusting white splotches. There are even white flakes of giant upper arm dandruff on the arms of my pleather work chair. It is gross. I can peel myself like a giant boiled egg.
Want a hug?
It is supposed to be warm but rainy this weekend. If it keeps up I will have to drag out the mower next week. That thought is depressing. Mowing the grass is one of my least favorite chores.
I need to get to work, my monthly and quarterly reports are due. And yes, I also think the boss should just take the monthly reports from the first quarter and combine them into a quarterly report himself. If the company wants to pay me to duplicate work, well, I do as I am told.
Want a hug?
It is supposed to be warm but rainy this weekend. If it keeps up I will have to drag out the mower next week. That thought is depressing. Mowing the grass is one of my least favorite chores.
I need to get to work, my monthly and quarterly reports are due. And yes, I also think the boss should just take the monthly reports from the first quarter and combine them into a quarterly report himself. If the company wants to pay me to duplicate work, well, I do as I am told.
April 7, 2011
Memories
Remember how we were so pissed at Wall Street and AIG for paying out bonuses after we bailed them out? Remember how Obama was going to limit executive pay for bailed-out firms?
Remember how the mis-management at Fannie and Freddie brought on the bursting of the housing bubble and precipitated the current economic slump?
I should point out for the record the Executives and board members of Fannie/Freddie are for the most part long-time Democrat insiders like Rahm Emanuel, Franklin Raines, Jamie Gorlick, and Obama advisor James Johnson. Let the outcry begin in three...two...one...
Remember how the mis-management at Fannie and Freddie brought on the bursting of the housing bubble and precipitated the current economic slump?
According to government watchdogs at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the chief executives of Fannie and Freddie raked in a combined $17 million in 2009-2010 — the period when the government-sponsored entities were handed over completely to federal conservators. The top six executives at the two institutions pulled in a combined $35 million over the past two years. sourceI am pretty sure we will soon see The Obama, and Democrat leaders wailing in protest along with liberal bloggers about this grave injustice and waste of taxpayer money. I am sure the press will cry for prompt repayment. Busloads of SIEU workers will be chanting slogans upon Fannie/Freddie Executives' lawns and driveways. Any minute now...
I should point out for the record the Executives and board members of Fannie/Freddie are for the most part long-time Democrat insiders like Rahm Emanuel, Franklin Raines, Jamie Gorlick, and Obama advisor James Johnson. Let the outcry begin in three...two...one...
April 6, 2011
I just want to celebrate
Gotta brag about this quickly, because it is sure to change. The Cubs are above .500 for the first time this year!
In fact they have a winning record (3-2) for the first time since 2009! How sad is that?
I vowed I would get a Cubs logo tattooed on my left shoulder when the Cubs win the World Series. My wife said I could (not that I need permission). She knows the odds are pretty long. After all, the Northsiders last won the Series in 1908.
In fact they have a winning record (3-2) for the first time since 2009! How sad is that?
I vowed I would get a Cubs logo tattooed on my left shoulder when the Cubs win the World Series. My wife said I could (not that I need permission). She knows the odds are pretty long. After all, the Northsiders last won the Series in 1908.
April 5, 2011
How much is too much?
The mantra of the left has become "The rich have too much, they are not paying their fair share". That theme is not new. It has been the backbone of the progressive, leftist, communist, socialist and Marxist philosophy for well over one hundred years. Class envy and jealousy pulls in the uneducated, the ignorant, and those who want something for nothing.
I find it amazing that many of the nearly 48% of Americans who pay absolutely NO income taxes believe the "rich" need to pay more.
Somehow there are people who believe that the only way a person acquires wealth is by taking from another individual. There is a belief that in order for me to make money, someone else must lose that opportunity. I heard a caller on talk radio a few weeks ago say that "The 'rich' received so much from America, they need to give something back". That remains one of the most ignorant, twisted arguments I have ever heard. America guarantees each of us the same opportunity. Not the same outcome. While occasionally the Nation falls short of the ideal of equal opportunity, it comes closer than any other place on Earth. There is no royalty, no caste system to American society.
A couple of college students can create billion dollar businesses. A pizza oven in a small storefront can spawn a global chain. The Horatio Alger rags to Riches story is a real life truth every day in America.
Yet there are those who claim the successful must be punished. Somehow taking 30% or 40% or even 50% of the hard earned wages of one American is fair, while we take 5% or even none of the wages of the guy down the street. Yet do they both not use the same roads, trash collection, police and fire protection? Does our military not protect the freedoms of rich and poor alike? Why should Richie Rich pay more for Government services than Paulie Poor? Little Paulie is more likely to use the Government than Richie. Which citizen wants someone else to pay for textbooks, healthcare, libraries, food, child care?
You will claim Richie can afford it. But is not ten percent of confiscated wealth as valuable to either party? Is it fair to say you must give up ten percent of your apples and I the same? Does it matter if I have ten apples and you one hundred?
The concept that for every dollar I made comes at the expense of another is the underlying falsehood that drives the progressive's view of the economy and Government. I just finished calculating my sales for the first quarter. I sold 52% more in Q1 of 2011 than I did in 2010. That means someone spent 52% more with me. Are you Democrats keeping up? You cannot draw the conclusion that my competitor lost 52% of his business. In fact, we gained no market share, our customer just bought more. Because he sold more. That means more people bought my customer's goods and services. Where I share the customer's business with my competition, we both increased sales. Everyone in the entire supply chain made more money and spent more money. Wealth was created.
Would any of you argue that my company did not deserve increased sales, that is is not fair to other widget makers who do not or cannot compete with our price, delivery and quality? Should the Government step in and dictate that we could only have an increase in sales of 30%, 20%, perhaps 5%? The entire notion seems absurd, yet there are some who think such a plan is perfectly acceptable when it comes to making individual wealth.
I had a customer who argued a person should be limited in the amount of money one could earn. She stated she saw no reason anyone should be allowed to make more than $500,000. If I create a cure for the common cold what would it be worth? If I developed a means to power a car on CO2, thus solving the use of fossil fuels, pollution and preventing (non-existent) global warming and was able to sell such a vehicle for $100, should I be limited to a profit of $500,000?
Who among you believes you possess the wisdom to determine how much is enough? Do you think you know how much space I need in my house? Are you able to know what, when , and how much I should eat? Do you know at what temperature I feel too hot or too cold? Are you able to determine the Delta faucet is good enough, I do not deserve the gold-plated Moen? Are you able to be the arbiter of taste, decency, and all that is right for me and my family? Do you want your neighbor to have the job? The guy down the street?
Who do you trust to determine what you "deserve" in life? Obama? Pelosi? Palin? Limbaugh? Joe Average? Should I tell you what car to drive? If you can go on vacation and where?
That is the problem with the progressive agenda. It progressively eats away your freedoms.
I find it amazing that many of the nearly 48% of Americans who pay absolutely NO income taxes believe the "rich" need to pay more.
Somehow there are people who believe that the only way a person acquires wealth is by taking from another individual. There is a belief that in order for me to make money, someone else must lose that opportunity. I heard a caller on talk radio a few weeks ago say that "The 'rich' received so much from America, they need to give something back". That remains one of the most ignorant, twisted arguments I have ever heard. America guarantees each of us the same opportunity. Not the same outcome. While occasionally the Nation falls short of the ideal of equal opportunity, it comes closer than any other place on Earth. There is no royalty, no caste system to American society.
A couple of college students can create billion dollar businesses. A pizza oven in a small storefront can spawn a global chain. The Horatio Alger rags to Riches story is a real life truth every day in America.
Yet there are those who claim the successful must be punished. Somehow taking 30% or 40% or even 50% of the hard earned wages of one American is fair, while we take 5% or even none of the wages of the guy down the street. Yet do they both not use the same roads, trash collection, police and fire protection? Does our military not protect the freedoms of rich and poor alike? Why should Richie Rich pay more for Government services than Paulie Poor? Little Paulie is more likely to use the Government than Richie. Which citizen wants someone else to pay for textbooks, healthcare, libraries, food, child care?
You will claim Richie can afford it. But is not ten percent of confiscated wealth as valuable to either party? Is it fair to say you must give up ten percent of your apples and I the same? Does it matter if I have ten apples and you one hundred?
The concept that for every dollar I made comes at the expense of another is the underlying falsehood that drives the progressive's view of the economy and Government. I just finished calculating my sales for the first quarter. I sold 52% more in Q1 of 2011 than I did in 2010. That means someone spent 52% more with me. Are you Democrats keeping up? You cannot draw the conclusion that my competitor lost 52% of his business. In fact, we gained no market share, our customer just bought more. Because he sold more. That means more people bought my customer's goods and services. Where I share the customer's business with my competition, we both increased sales. Everyone in the entire supply chain made more money and spent more money. Wealth was created.
Would any of you argue that my company did not deserve increased sales, that is is not fair to other widget makers who do not or cannot compete with our price, delivery and quality? Should the Government step in and dictate that we could only have an increase in sales of 30%, 20%, perhaps 5%? The entire notion seems absurd, yet there are some who think such a plan is perfectly acceptable when it comes to making individual wealth.
I had a customer who argued a person should be limited in the amount of money one could earn. She stated she saw no reason anyone should be allowed to make more than $500,000. If I create a cure for the common cold what would it be worth? If I developed a means to power a car on CO2, thus solving the use of fossil fuels, pollution and preventing (non-existent) global warming and was able to sell such a vehicle for $100, should I be limited to a profit of $500,000?
Who among you believes you possess the wisdom to determine how much is enough? Do you think you know how much space I need in my house? Are you able to know what, when , and how much I should eat? Do you know at what temperature I feel too hot or too cold? Are you able to determine the Delta faucet is good enough, I do not deserve the gold-plated Moen? Are you able to be the arbiter of taste, decency, and all that is right for me and my family? Do you want your neighbor to have the job? The guy down the street?
Who do you trust to determine what you "deserve" in life? Obama? Pelosi? Palin? Limbaugh? Joe Average? Should I tell you what car to drive? If you can go on vacation and where?
That is the problem with the progressive agenda. It progressively eats away your freedoms.
I offer a sincere "You Are Welcome" in advance
I was sitting in my chair last evening and I felt a cramp and a gurgling rumble deep in my belly. I jumped up and headed to the bathroom but just as I entered the door a wet fart erupted. 'Cept it was not a fart, as hot steamy butt gravy rattled my nutsack. My tighty whities were full of , well, crap. A few drips ran down my leg as I tried to shed my jeans and undershorts. A viscous brown slime covered my nether regions and the whole end of the house reeked like port-a-pot row after the New Mexico Chili, Taco, Bratwurst, Kraut and Beer Festival.
I wish the above was merely a metaphor for the Men's NCAA Championship game, which was also pretty shitty, but it is not. I spent most of the next hour on and off the toilet. I had to throw away the undershorts and I put my jeans into the washer.
I am not sure what triggered this bout of pseudo-dysentery. I cooked some cheeseburgers on the grill and made some potato salad and deviled eggs for supper. I would blame the mayo, but the date was far into the future and no one else in the family caught a case of the Squirting Ediths.
In any case, I feel better this morning.
I am afraid to fart though.
I wish the above was merely a metaphor for the Men's NCAA Championship game, which was also pretty shitty, but it is not. I spent most of the next hour on and off the toilet. I had to throw away the undershorts and I put my jeans into the washer.
I am not sure what triggered this bout of pseudo-dysentery. I cooked some cheeseburgers on the grill and made some potato salad and deviled eggs for supper. I would blame the mayo, but the date was far into the future and no one else in the family caught a case of the Squirting Ediths.
In any case, I feel better this morning.
I am afraid to fart though.
April 4, 2011
Which dog are you backing?
Do you have a favorite dog in this hunt? Are you a Husky or Bulldog backer?
UConn's women's team was knocked off by a Hoosier team (Notre Dame) in the Women's NCAA Final Four last night. I hope by the time Monday turns to Tuesday The denizens of the Nutmeg State wish they had never heard of Indiana.
I am wearing my Butler hat as I type this, and for the record, I have been on the crowded Butler bandwagon for a long time. My Daughter and Son-in-law are both Butler Alumni.
Will the little school from downtown Indianapolis be the perpetual bridesmaid? Will a small school finally beat the big boys from the basketball factory east coast school?
In other news, the F-ing Cubs dropped two of three to the lowly Pirates, one of the worst sports franchises in history, and the perpetual doormat of MLB. I think it is going to be a long. long disappointing season.
April 3, 2011
Confession Sunday
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.
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 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.
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Yesterday on the radio I heard a comedian tell this joke (paraphrased):
"I just got back from entertaining the troops. Yeah, Cub Scout Troop 197 over on the west side."
Way back in the dark ages, when I was a young 13 year old Boy Scout, I had to prepare and lead a campfire for an obscure requirement (XXX for those of you in the know). We were at summer camp and I invited five or six nearby troops to the big event. I lit the fire and then introduced myself. I told them my name was Joe Average, but for the rest of the evening they could call me Bob Hope, because I was there to entertain the troops. I suppose the joke was not all that funny, but I think it was witty for an adolescent.
I do wonder if that comedian was a young Boy Scout attending summer camp at Ransburg Reservation back in 1975? It sure seems like the same joke to me.
The wife says neither joke is too funny. In fact, her response was something like, "Wow you were a dork way back then too?".
Ouch.
March 2, 2011
And you were there...
On this date in history, Wilt the Stilt knocked down 100 points in an NBA game.
on March 2, 1962 in Hershey,PA, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks (at is always good when the Knicks lose) in a defense struggle --169-147. Only 4,127 fans showed up to see the game, and it was not televised.
details
on March 2, 1962 in Hershey,PA, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks (at is always good when the Knicks lose) in a defense struggle --169-147. Only 4,127 fans showed up to see the game, and it was not televised.
details
March 1, 2011
Urbana, not the the best choice for a hidey-hole
Indiana Democrats remain off the job at the Statehouse. They originally left in protest over a Right to Work Bill. The wussy Repubs have agreed to pull that legislation, but the crybaby Democrats are still AWOL. Pat Bauer's wig remains recalcitrant as well. So far your antics are not working, Indiana Democrats. Perhaps you should try stamping your feet, holding your breath and rolling on the floor until you get your way. It cannot make you look any sillier than running away.
As a fellow Hoosier, I am worried about the mental health of Indiana Democrats. In their hurry to escape the confines of Hoosierdom, in their haste to cross the icy Wabash River, I am afraid they have chosen their hideout poorly. If one has to spend a long time in hotel, the cheapest possible location or most convenient motel chain may not be the best choice. For goodness sake I hope you guys are at least getting frequent guest points. Here is a handy hint -- if you check out, then check back in, some hotel chains count that as separate stays. More points, Baby. Even Pat Bauer's wig likes more points.
I guess I have missed out on the Champaign-Urbana area's charm the many times I have passed through the cities. I would have thought the vacationing Democrats could have chosen a more scenic and urbane (urbane/Urbana get it?) area to hide in. Dillinger hid out in the scenic Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Indiana Democrats have hot tubs in Urbana. Heck, at least I would stay in the Galena area, the Democrats could visit Grant's home. Then they could take a day trip to the Field of Dreams baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. Perhaps the absent Democrats could visit Springfield while they are in Illinois to see the Lincoln Home and Tomb. There is a Military Cemetery in nearby Danville. Oh, never mind, Democrats hate all things military.
Not only do Indiana Democrats have poor decision making skills when it comes to legislating, their choice of hidey-hole remains suspect. I Googled "Things to do in Illinois". The Things to Do website lists the areas in Illinois to find interesting stuff. The eastern part of the State is not even listed!
Fear not, Indiana Democrats. Your intrepid host has searched out a few scintillating activities in Urbana to occupy your time. You will not have spend every waking minute caucusing with your fellow Dems, or driving endless loops through the U of I campus ogling coeds. You can visit the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music:
A popcorn wagon! I imagine that will offer hours of endless fun for the Indiana Democrat. I bet Pat's rug would even enjoy a historical popcorn wagon. It beats working and doing the people's business, I am sure.
By now I bet some of you Indiana Democrats are getting a little tired of soaking in the hot tub and staring at the four walls of a motel by the Interstate. Trust me, I have been there. Well not really, I usually show up for work, but I have spent a lot of time in hotels and motels. It can be tiresome. I hope I have given you a couple of field trip ideas to help fill your days until such time you decide to come to work.
As a fellow Hoosier, I am worried about the mental health of Indiana Democrats. In their hurry to escape the confines of Hoosierdom, in their haste to cross the icy Wabash River, I am afraid they have chosen their hideout poorly. If one has to spend a long time in hotel, the cheapest possible location or most convenient motel chain may not be the best choice. For goodness sake I hope you guys are at least getting frequent guest points. Here is a handy hint -- if you check out, then check back in, some hotel chains count that as separate stays. More points, Baby. Even Pat Bauer's wig likes more points.
I guess I have missed out on the Champaign-Urbana area's charm the many times I have passed through the cities. I would have thought the vacationing Democrats could have chosen a more scenic and urbane (urbane/Urbana get it?) area to hide in. Dillinger hid out in the scenic Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Indiana Democrats have hot tubs in Urbana. Heck, at least I would stay in the Galena area, the Democrats could visit Grant's home. Then they could take a day trip to the Field of Dreams baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. Perhaps the absent Democrats could visit Springfield while they are in Illinois to see the Lincoln Home and Tomb. There is a Military Cemetery in nearby Danville. Oh, never mind, Democrats hate all things military.
Not only do Indiana Democrats have poor decision making skills when it comes to legislating, their choice of hidey-hole remains suspect. I Googled "Things to do in Illinois". The Things to Do website lists the areas in Illinois to find interesting stuff. The eastern part of the State is not even listed!
Fear not, Indiana Democrats. Your intrepid host has searched out a few scintillating activities in Urbana to occupy your time. You will not have spend every waking minute caucusing with your fellow Dems, or driving endless loops through the U of I campus ogling coeds. You can visit the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music:
Musical instruments and period band uniforms are among the holdings of this campus museum. In addition, it's home to the private letters of Herbert L. Clarke and former University of Illinois band directors A. Austin Harding, Mark Hindsley and Harry Begian. Of course, the museum's true gems are the letters, personal library, and original compositions donated by legendary composer and conductor, John Philip Sousa. sourceOr perhaps our travelling Democrats may like to visit the Champaign County Historical Museum at Cattle Bank.
Housed in one of the region's oldest standing commercial buildings (the historic Cattle Bank), this museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of Champaign County. Special exhibits change seasonally, and permanent holdings include an outstanding collection of handmade quilts and a working 1919 Cretor popcorn wagon that often makes appearances at downtown events. source
A popcorn wagon! I imagine that will offer hours of endless fun for the Indiana Democrat. I bet Pat's rug would even enjoy a historical popcorn wagon. It beats working and doing the people's business, I am sure.
By now I bet some of you Indiana Democrats are getting a little tired of soaking in the hot tub and staring at the four walls of a motel by the Interstate. Trust me, I have been there. Well not really, I usually show up for work, but I have spent a lot of time in hotels and motels. It can be tiresome. I hope I have given you a couple of field trip ideas to help fill your days until such time you decide to come to work.
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