The answer is tax and spend

I listened to The Obama's petulant whining speech yesterday afternoon. The guy is clueless. As near as I could tell, Obama believes S&P is crazy, that running up debt at a record pace with no means or plan to repay said debt should not hurt your credit rating,

The President thinks extending tax cuts is a good thing and rhetorically shook his fist at Congress exhorting them to keep the cut in payroll taxes to spur the economy. The President's position is if Americans have more money, it is good for the economy. For once he is right.

Obama fell back on the old tired rhetoric of tax and spend, tax and spend, tax and spend.  The only program today's Democrat understands. Obama called the $20 billion in cuts this year and $80 billion in cuts for next year "historic". That $100 billion is the equivalent of you or I saving ONE dollar out of a monthly budget of $4,000. Historic? In spite of increasing spending to levels never before seen in our nation's 230 plus year history, Our Dear Leader actually said he thinks we have now cut spending to the bare bones and there is nothing left to cut. We can only raise taxes.

But I thought giving American's more of their own money to spend will help the economy? But Joe, you Progressive types will say, we must tax the wealthy, they have to pay their fair share.  If fairness is what the President wants, then he would be advocating a tax on the 43% of workers who pay no Federal taxes. What is fair about Tom paying 30% of his hard earned wealth, Tom forking over 20% of his wages and Harry paying zero, zip, nada? If we really, really need more revenue, then we all must pay the price -- all.

You see Obama is not about fairness, he is not about raising revenue, it is about the tireless pursuit of income redistribution, of spread the wealth, of socialism. There is no other way to look at it. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.

Finally The Bamster started in on the tired and failed ideas of shovel ready jobs, infrastructure, construction, blah, blah, blah.  We already spent $8000,000,000 on these supposed "shovel ready jobs" to spur the economy. Not only did it not work, but how many more of these projects are out there?  Maybe if we had spent the money on real projects instead of saving frogs and wetlands in Nancy Pelosi's Congressional District the stimulus might have helped. But then again, wasn't it this very same Obama who joked a few months ago that there really were not any "shovel ready jobs"?

So let us recap. The Obama says we just need to tax more and spend more and we will get out of this mess. Hasn't that been his plan since the day he took office? It has not worked.  If we just do more taxing and more spending all will be fine. The Obama is starting to remind me of the Kevin Bacon character at the end of Animal House -- "All is well!"

And he claims S&P is not based in reality?

Starring Walter Matthau as Harry Reid

Here is your basic Democrat.

Stolen from my man Ed B.

A big yawn post

I actually yawned when I wrote the title to this post. I am sure most of you know that if you yawn, about 50% of us will yawn also. I yawn just thinking about it.

Yesterday I trimmed the bushes in front of the house and did some general yard work. I also trimmed off some low-hanging branches from several of the trees around the compound. It was hot as Hades. When I came in my shirt and shorts were soaked with sweat. Even my tighty whiteys were wet. For some reason my fair spouse declined my request for a big hug.

I went to WalMart to do some grocery shopping. When I got there a white Dodge Durango, flecked with rust and filled with white trash people was parked right in front of the entrance. I did my shopping, including searching the store for some crap the wife wanted. I waited in a long line to check out (are there ever short lines at WalMart?). The person in front of me was paying with the food stamps debit card and had to separate the juice and milk and pay with the WIC coupons. When i left the store, my cart full, the piece of shit white Durango filled with piece of shit white people was still blocking the entrance.

While walking Saturday morning, I passed going the other way another walker.  This is not unusual in our subdivision. In fact, the person was a Japanese woman I see quite often while walking. I gave her my small wave. I mouthed 'morning. What made the encounter strange is that she was wearing long pants, a coat and a scarf (bandanna) around hr face. A black ball cap covered her hair. The temperature was in the upper 80's! She pulled down the scarf to say something as we passed on opposite sides of the street, but I had my headphones plugged in and missed what she said. Perhaps she had allergies? The outfit looked like a sure way to die of heat exhaustion.

That was my weekend.

Dear Politicians

I am going to state the obvious, but this is directed to both Republicans and Democrats (with a very special shout out to The Obama). I am going to type it slow so you can understand.

Businesses, people, governments do not get their credit downgraded because they did not borrow enough. People do not get a higher credit score because they convinced Visa to up their credit limit on a maxed-out credit card. Municipalities do not get a higher bond rating for issuing more bonds.

We do not need to raise taxes. We need to cut back the onerous spending the Democrats put in place over the past three years. The ObAma Administration has tripled federal Spending. The Stimulus-that-did-not-stimulate cost more than all of Bush's wars. ObamaCare is going to crush us.

We do not need to raise taxes. The top 10% of earners pay more than 80% of the taxes.  We have the highest corporate tax rates among the G8.

BTW, It was Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the Democrats who put in the tax shelter for corporate jets.

The American people have spoken. The credit rating agencies have spoken. CUT SPENDING NOW.

A lame joke for a Sunday

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day.


He inquired, "Where have you been?"

God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."

God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?"

"That's Indiana , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful rolling hills and Prairies, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and the plains."

Then God Said, "This is Indiana , the center of America .

The people of Indiana are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance."

God smiled, "I will create Washington , D.C. Wait till you see the idiots I put there."

I've got mothing, so how about a funny cartoon?

Stuff I learned this week

By 1865 Great Britain was the most powerful nation on Earth. It was said the sun never set on the British Empire, and the global holdings back up that claim.

click to biggerize

The Brits had holdings in North America, The Caribbean, Africa and Asia.  She had defeated Napoleon and won the Crimean War. Pax Britannica ruled the world. British commerce drove the global economy and Queen Victoria's soldiers enforced the rule of law in the various colonies. The Royal Navy protected the shipping routes and supported the troops in "Queen Victoria's little wars".

But even though the British economy suffered significantly during the American Civil War, Britain did not intercede. Britain was the world leader in textile production and the United States supplied 95% of the cotton to the British mills in 1860. By 1865, the US supplied only 5% of the cotton while lower quality cotton from India and Egypt only provided about 40% of the pre-war cotton requirements.  There was significant unemployment in Brittan by 1863 due to the cotton shortages.

Some historians point to the South's position on slavery as one reason the British remained neutral. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation put slavery to the forefront. The South never demonstrated a clear ability to win the war. Lee's early success was overshadowed by Southern losses in the west.

Most importantly, I think, was Britain did not want to get into another war in North America. Only one Navy had demonstrated a real ability to take on Her Majesty's fleet -- The United States Navy. To even recognize the Confederacy risked war with the United States. Canada was vulnerable.

But there was one more surprising fact in play. In 1865 the United States possessed the most powerful navy in the world. It had more ships, more men, more ironclads, more steam warships than any navy in the world -- including Great Britain.

I bet you did not know that.

I am very afraid

I am off later this morning to get some new glasses. It is long overdue. I am  little afraid. The next time I look in the mirror I will actually see what I look like.

Republicans want to kill your dog.

Wow, based on the media reporting you would think the Republicans were asking for the death of every American's first born in the recent negotiations and compromised by stripping our bank accounts.

One columnist I read today likened the Tea Party position to your neighbor demanding possession of your dog and threatening to shoot it if you did not comply.

You would think the Federal Budget was like that of a lower middle class family, living paycheck to paycheck. The evil Republicans were coming along and demanding pay cuts and putting sugar and sand in your transmission.

There is no reality to the actual bloated Federal Budget and the sheer amount of spending we have seen for the past decade.  We have doubled spending in the last three years alone! But somehow trying to reign in that spending is a crazy idea. When you have maxed out your credit cards the answer is not to keep spending! can anyone dispute that? Seriously. Argue in the comments to your heart's content.  I will give you the keys to this piece o' shit and let you post your argument.

If you had gone out and bought a new sports car, a big screen TV and taken a couple of vacations expecting a cut back when your credit cards are maxed is not unreasonable. The Democrats say you should buy a motor home and take another vacation. Doing less is draconian. They propose you take on another job if necessary, but do not, under any circumstances buy less. In fact, Democrats believe if you would just buy more stuff -- how about a computer, a new camera, and a jet ski -- your finances will improve.

You don't believe that works in real life, why do you think it works for the Government?

My God, I am really starting to think you have to be dumber than a bag of hammers to support the Democrat Party.

A glimpse behind the curtain

Yesterday I got up, did the Email thing, read some blogs, and put up a hasty post.

I hit the road. I lunched with some good customers and hit the road again. I arrived in da region and my hotel room was not ready. I walked around in a nearby mall. I bought myself a new Cubs hat. I do not often make impulse purchases, but I did in this case.

I checked into my hotel.  Answered a few more emails. Made some phone calls. I sat and read for a while and simultaneously half-watched Judge Judy. I ate Mexican for dinner. I returned to the room. I watched the Cubs game while simultaneously half-reading. I walked the wife through some printer issues. This stuff never happens when I am at home.

I slept like a baby -- up every two hours or so. You would think in 18 years of travel I would be used to sleeping in a hotel by now. You would be wrong. The first night is always rough. I woke up to all sorts of bad news. I realized I forgot my medicine. That fact should have come to light last evening. So, I missed my diabetes meds and my cholesterol meds last night. I will miss them again this morning. I do not have to take insulin, so it is not life-threatening. Checked the old blood sugar -- slightly high but not dangerously so.  When I checked my Email this morning, my customer has cancelled my appointment for today.

I will check out of the Hampton Inn later this morning. and drive home. I tried to get some alternate appointments but lining up a customer visit with a few hours notice is impossible.

I wasted an afternoon and night. Paid for a meal and hotel. Bought something I likely would not have and skipped taking meds for nothing. Wrote a post using a boatload of sentence fragments. It is good to be me.

I think I will take old State roads home instead of I-65, just for the view. If you have ever travelled in North Central Indiana, you know that last line is funny.

rain

I woke this morning to the sound of rain. It was short-lived. When I went to get the paper the ground was damp but the air was so filled with moisture it was like a steam room. I do not think the tiny bit of rain will lower the temperature, but it did put a tiny bit of moisture into the parched ground. Mostly it was just enough to put spots all over my just washed car.

Dear President Obama

Are you clueless? We do not have a revenue problem.  We have a spending problem:

Look, those "draconian" cuts from the "terrorists" in the Tea Party will not " destroy the American way of life".

The cuts are not really cuts at all. One billion from a budget of over four trillion.

If you are spending $4,000 a month and decide to save $1, that is not much of a cut. Not even if you promise to do it for ten months.

Dear Biker Guy

I get it, you are into the biker lifestyle. The heavy duty Harley Davidson brand boots, your leather vest emblazoned with the orange and black Harley shield, the leather doo-rag over your long gray hair all scream "I am a biker".

You lost a little credibility with the bluetooth headset and jaw mike, but I guess modern biker dudes get calls when on the road. In today's world we are all connected. I suppose it is hard to handle a cell phone when riding your iron horse.

I am no expert on biking, but watching you swagger out to the parking lot and seeing you climb..... into your conversion van -- well, I think you are the very definition of a poser.

Truth

Quick political hits

Here is what I think.  Part of the back-room budget deal our politicians just worked out will mean higher taxes for us all. It is not in the print but I suspect there has been a handshake deal to let the Bush tax cuts expire.

Politicians from both parties cannot help themselves.  The lure of spending other people's money is just too strong.

I think it hilarious The Obama was tossed a bone by Congressional leaders when they let him announce the proposed deal.  The White House has been on the outside looking in for weeks, and Obama's impotence has never been more apparent. Only a blind Democrat hack believes The Obama had a roll in this compromise. Harry Reid called the Bamster and said "Here is what WE decided". You know it, I know it, the world knows it. Our President has not looked so weak since the days the Islamic nut cases attacked our Embassy in Tehran. It is increasingly evident we are living the second term of the Carter Presidency.

In the end, this budget deal does not do much. Let us say you have racked up $140,000 in credit card bills. The mortgage company is calling, the bank is hounding you for late car payments, the credit card folks are getting mean. You try and calm them all with an announcement you have a plan. You are going to stop going to the movies, you are switching to gas station coffee instead of Starbuck's and you just bought a bunch of store brand veggies. Your grand plan is to cut spending by 150 bucks over ten months. Did you cut much spending? What if you considered not spending as much as you wanted to a cut?

You want to buy that snazzy new pair of shoes. You balk at the $250 price tag.  Instead, you go to the discount store and buy the knockoffs. You pay a cool $87 instead.  Can you claim you saved $163?  That is how Congress saves money.  If they do not spend as much as they thought, or if spending does not go up as much as planned, it is a cut.

No wonder we have such a low opinion of our Government.

Vote them out.  All of them. We must have term limits.

The best cookie I ever ate

I had a blistering post half-written blasting the Democrats and The Obama for failure to react on the debt ceiling. I decided not to bother. If you follow the pitiful saga you know what is what. Nothing I write will change any one's mind.

I am sick of venting. It looks like a nice day outside. I think I will peruse some blogs while I drink my coffee and then go for a walk.


Enjoy your Sunday.

Me and Elvis

I think I told you before how I have been having weird dreams. In the time before I wake, I replay the same dream over and over, kind of like my brain is editing and rewriting things.

This morning this paragraph played out repeatedly with varying changes:

The King and I walked into the room.  The bar was dim and smoky, but the woman immediately drew our attention.  She was dressed in a tight white dress that showed all of her curves. Each was in just the right place. The dress was low cut and shimmered an icy blue when it reflected the light. She only had eyes for Elvis, but he had no intention of being sunk by that iceberg. Me, I was changing my name to 'Titanic'

Weird stuff, I know. I never hung out with Elvis Presley. But the scene was not played out in my dream, the words were. I was writing this. Still an hour or so later I cannot get it out of my head. Do you know what bugs me the most? It is not even good writing.

I hope you have a good Saturday. Keep cool out there, it is summer, you know.

Friday Covers

I am up and at it early this morning. I am going to breakfast later with my daughter. She and I have not hung out for longer than I can remember. I see her a lot, and we talk, but I cannot remember the last one-on-one conversation. It will be fun.

It is finally Friday, this has been a long week. I am not sure why. Each work day seems to last about 10 hours. Probably because I have been waking early and sitting at the desk.  I start in on Emails around 6:30, then break to do this blogging bullshit, and then back to work.  When 4:30 or 5:00 rolls around I have been at the computer for ten hours! It is just that some of the time is spent screwing around the interwebz.

Here is some music for you on a Friday morning. This song has been stuck in my skull for a couple of weeks now. It is not a particular favorite (I don't hate it either). It was part of the setlist the performer did at one of the joints the wife and I visited on vacation. The band at last weekend's wine tasting also played it. I heard it on the radio last night. I just cannot seem to escape the tune. Maybe sharing it with you will get it out of my head?:



This is the Dobie Gray version most of old farts remember.

Here is a version by Uncle Kracker:


And finally, here is a cover of the song done by The Rolling Stones I never knew existed. One can learn something every day:

Reason 2,937 getting old sucks

I made myself a nice lunch today. A sandwich of hard salami, pepper jack cheese and colby jack cheese was accompanied by some Cheetos and apple turnover yogurt (Lite!). A diet Dr. Pepper washed it all down.

About halfway through the sandwich I got a nasty bite of salami. It was chewy and I spit it out into my napkin. I took another bite and could not even chew it. That bite too went into my napkin. I decided to pick the salami off the bread and just eat cheese. I figured I should not get the Store-brand lunch meat next time.

As I pulled apart the meat I noticed the paper that separated the slices of cheese was on the sandwich. A nice half moon of a bite was gone from the waxy paper. It was not gristle and bone in the hard salami -- it was the cheese paper.

After picking out the paper, my lunch was pretty good. In addition, I answered an age-old philosophical question. I still don't know if a tree makes a noise when it falls in the forest if no one hears it, but I do know you can be embarrassed when no one else is in the room.

Why I guess we are all wrong, Hanoi Jane

Poor Jane Fonda. History has done her a bad turn. According to her, she went to Hanoi during the Vietnam war because she supported the US Military! She went to make sure the POWs were treated well, to take them letters. Jane was not a traitor after all. I guess posing with our enemies is not traitorous. Apparently actively supporting our enemy is not treason. I suppose giving aid and comfort to the enemy is not treason. 

WTF? The knuckleheads who comment on how great  Hanoi American Hero Jane is, are the same fools who believe The Obama is doing a good job.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are about 2,000 proving Jane Fonda is damn traitor and should have been tried and executed upon return to American soil:

With Joe at the beach

I am sure you guys are more than sick of politics and the debt ceiling. Here is a picture of happier times -- mainly my happier times. But then I am sure you agree that as long as I am in a good mood, we should all be in a good mood. I was not happy yesterday. I had to put new brakes on the wife's SUV. That may explain your sudden mini-depression bout yesterday afternoon.

Today I offer you a glimpse of the author last week while in deep Southern climes, enjoying the sand, surf and sun:

See how relaxed and happy I am? Look, stare, live vicariously!

The left's new mantra...

...the debt crisis is just manufactured agitprop by the Right to make the Democrats look bad or something. The Obama is falling into the trap. The Lefties believe we do not have a debt problem, all would be right if we just had more Government spending. If we could just raise taxes on those billionaires making $200,000 a year. But mostly we just need to spend more. Because in magic Progressive land money grows on trees and unicorn turds are collateral for debt. In Progressive Land you never have to pay for anything, you just have to buy more.

When my son was about eight he wanted a new toy. I told him I did not have any money.  He told me to just "write a check". At eight he would have made a good Democrat. The difference was he understood when I explained you have to have money in the bank to write a check. Democrats do not get that concept.

Why do we need to cut spending? I cannot show you this graph from Doug Ross often enough:

Since Lefties/Progressives/Democrats do not seem to understand, any bar UNDER the line means the Government is writing checks without money in the bank. You cannot do it at WalMart Whole Foods, and your friendly Government can't continue to do it either.

Sadly, as our Community-Organiser-in-Chief is learning, spending other people's money is easy.  Paying it back is difficult.

Dear President Obama

You spent the money. You spent more than all of your predecessors combined. Your party refused to pass a budget. You refuse to offer a firm written plan, instead you say the Republicans will not compromise? They passed a new debt limit ceiling. It is the Senate Democrats who will not.

The Republican Party has heard the voters. They want true cuts and a balanced budget amendment, they know you politicians will never stop spending our money.

How about you try something new, Mr. President -- lead! Tell us your plan -- specifics, not talking points. What will you cut and when? We are all more than aware you do not have the experience to handle this crisis, Mr, Obama. Life as a community organizer and working on foundations spending other people's money does not prepare you take hard decisions. You have to step up and learn how to be a real decision-maker. I understand the American people we delusional when they elected you. Mr. Obama. You wanted the job, now you have to learn to do it on the fly.

What say we skip the golf course today and spend some time in the office?

Dear Republicans

Here:

This is a spine. Use yours. Hold fast. Do what is right for America. Polls show the public is with you. A cave-in now and you will pay the price. The Democrats want to punt the debt ceiling argument until after next year's election because they know the public does not support their position and the last thing the Democrats want is a constant reminder next year they have spent us into insolvency.

We both know tax increases are now and cuts are fantasy.  There can be no bargain, no trade-off.  Cut Cap, Balance is the ONLY answer.  Be tough.

Random Ramblings

It is hot. It is summer. Usually the two go hand in hand.

The Cubs finally have a three game win streak. It is nearly August. That says every thing about this lost season.

It appears we may be close to a deal that will end the NFL labor strife. Are you ready for some Football?

 I had to think about what we did over the weekend. That is a sad state of affairs. We went to a wine tasting at a local winery Saturday.  There was a live band. Had some wine, listened to some 1980's type music. Enjoyed the company of some friends. I probably drank more wine than was prudent, but the wife drove us home. Oh, and we saw a movie Friday night. Yesterday...I put salt in the softener, does that count? I cooked my favorite meal in the whole world for supper Sunday -- beef and noodles with mashed spuds.

After 20 years of wheedling and whining, I may have the wife convinced to let me buy a motorcycle. Unfortunately, I do not think I can find a decent one for the budget she had tentatively set. two years ago when the economy was in dire (more dire?) straights you could pick up a good used bike really cheap. Now gas prices have driven up the cost of used motor bikes.

I thought I was off on an airplane trip mid-week.  That now looks cancelled.  A busy week just turned to an open week. It is too late to scramble for alternative appointments. Grrrrrr.

Weekend Funny

Give me the beat, Boys

I have had the strangest dreams for about four days in a row. They are bizarre and make no sense and there is no point going into the details. What is weird is how the dreams repeat.  It is like my mind is worrying over the details. Something happens that is just not right, so the whole scene replays only slightly different. Then again. It is like a writer rewriting and editing a manuscript, only it is my brain and the dreams are so damn weird anyway.

I had a good week at work as I continue my "Piss of the customers price increase tour". So far no one wants the T-Shirt.

Surprise! It is hot. This often occurs in summer. Now that the heat wave has reached the East Cost and New England it will be an issue in the press. Let the South and Midwest swelter, it is no biggee, but we cannot let the Big Apple be too warm. At ten last night it was still 89 and the heat index was 96. My glasses steamed instantly went I went out to pick up the paper this morning. The good news it is so hot and dry the grass has quit growing so I will not have to mow this week!

As far as I know we have no big plans for the day.  After the wife gets up I am sure she has something in mind. Until then I am off to see what wisdom I can glean in the blogosphere.

Since you may not be paying attention

The Republican controlled House of Representatives HAS voted to raise the Debt Ceiling Limit.

It is the Democrats in the Senate forcing the country to the brink of default.

If anyone says otherwise they are lying. If you believe otherwise you are an idiot.

I am not the first to point this out

It is interesting the only governmental program The Obama has cut is NASA's manned space program.

The very epitome of America's triumph, the symbol of our scientific might, our zeal for discovery, the realization of our can-do spirit, NASA defined America's greatness. It gave us the Space Shuttle, countless scientific advances we use every day and TANG!

JFK offered the challenge. We went from nothing to the moon in a decade. Kennedy believed we were a special people. Obama thinks we are just one nation among many.

Yesterday's final space flight was a sad day indeed.

Negotiating with a cartoon character

The budget proposal offered up by the so-called "Gang of Six" in the Senate reminds me of the bad deal offered up by Wimpy of the Popeye cartoon fame. "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today". Senate RINOs and Democrats are promising budget cuts in the future for a debt limit increase today.

Conservatives have been suckered on this too many times in the past. Deems pulled this one on Reagan. Bush I really took it in the shorts over Dem promises to traduce spending for a tax increase.

It is time to put the cards on the table -- show me the cuts. These Senate Dems are mere partisan hacks They will lie to get their way. This debate is about politics and the Presidential elections to them. If a Democrat claimed he wants to cut spending I would sooner believe the check is in the mail, he won't cum in my mouth and I am getting $6,000,000 from that frozen bank account in Nigeria.

I say make the bastards vote. Put every Senator and then The Obama on the record for more spending. Put their position down to history. Should the US Government live within a budget just like you and I? If you are against balancing the budget and cutting spending own up to it! Then explain your position to the voters.

What I did on my summer vacation

So last week the wife and I took our first mid-summer vacation since 1985. That was also the last time we took a vacation without kids, until now. Don't get me wrong, we have done the Spring Break vacation several times, but this is our first vacation -- just the two of us -- since my daughter was born. A glimpse of life in an empty nest.

My youngest went with one of his friends to California. I took some of my accumulated hotel points and booked the wife and I a short stay at a beach side hotel on the Emerald Coast, the Redneck Riviera. We drove down on Wednesday, with plans to head back home on Monday. I figured four days at the beach would be enough for me. I am not into sand.

Thursday and Friday we cloudy, but we hit the stunningly white beaches anyway. Saturday was a complete rainout, and Sunday was not much better. We had a good time anyway. Both of us were with our favorite person in the world --- me! (that is a joke). Monday dawned bright and sunny.  We decided to check out of the hotel and went the beach. We stayed until late afternoon, jumped in the hotel pool to rinse off the sand and sunscreen, and changed in the hotel lobby restrooms before climbing into the car for the 12 hour drive home on Monday.

We were cruising along and I was thinking about the Battles of Franklin and Nashville. Cities and places always stir my brain on road trips. Suddenly the wife started messing with the A/C.  I noticed it was getting hot at the same time. The %*&#$ air conditioner quit! You have probably seen the news, it is summer and hotter than Hades these days. There was no place to stop at 11:00 PM in Nashville, plus I had to work Tuesday, so we just toughed it out; the windows down as much as we could stand. Today's cars are not made to drive with the windows down at 80 mph.  The wind noise is incredible. Perhaps I have forgotten what it was like to have a car with no A/C?

So, I smoked a few cigars on the Hotel porch, enjoyed a few days at the beach, shopped with the wife at some boutique stores, had some nice dinners, and a lot of laughs. Sunday night, the only evening it did not rain, the wife and I spent a nice hour or more more walking on the beach under a cloud shrouded moon. Most of the time we did not even talk. More than thirty years together as a couple will allow you to do that.

It was like every vacation I ever had, I was ready to be home, and hated to leave. I guess that made it just right.

Random Ramblings

Apparently...

Drivers in Alabama are precluded by law from using the cruise control feature on their automobile.

The store "Claire's" sells crack for prepubescent girls.

Loft and Eddie Bauer do the same for forty-something women.

If I go to the beach, it rains.

I can live without this blog.

The President is more committed to perpetuating his notion that we must do more to redistribute wealth than he is to fixing the economic and budgetary woes of the nation. We have a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

The Democrats are just fine with gas prices. We still have no movement to begin drilling  our own oil reserves.

The Cubs still suck

The Repubs will roll over on the debt ceiling. Politicians just want to be re-elected, and doing what we need to fix the debt problem is going to be painful to many Americans. Doing the right thing does not get you re-elected...example number 1,037 why we need term limits.

Ohio drivers are trained to drive 5 mph below the average speed on the highway -- in the left lane.

I did not embarrass myself too much attending a concert with a bunch of twenty-somethings last night.  I thoroughly enjoyed Styx/Yes.

A short, midsummer vacation does not bring me back to work energized and refreshed.

After more than a week away, I have nothing of significance to offer you.

Quick, buy some stock in Kleenex

I have been doing this for more than six years. I have written more than 3,180 posts of varying quality.

Hobbies should never become habits.

I need a break. I am taking some time off from this place. I will probably be back some time next week.

Maybe.

Hint

Peas suck and real men do not need BandAids.

After listening to The Obama address me in the most condescending tones imaginable yesterday, I can only come to the conclusion he is slowly morphing into a bad version of Jimmah Carter. Since Billy's brother was the worst President in my lifetime (if not ever), that is not  praiseworthy.

There is not much difference in discussing the 'malaise' that infects our nation and the talk of having to eat our peas and pulling off BandAids.

Obama pretends to be the smartest guy in the room, but in reality has the management experience of fresh out of college intern. It shows every day. Apparently he can not read the tea leaves in the bottom of the November elections cup. Likewise The Obama ignores the polls that show more than 60%  of Americans do not want the debt ceiling raised, they want spending cut. Leadership is doing what is best for the country. Demagoguery and partisan posturing in the face of clear, hard facts is another matter altogether.

Tax and spend Democrat is not a stereotype, it is the epitome of the current Spender in Chief. Obama is tone deaf, economically challenged, and the living embodiment of the partisan hack, a politician without grace, a hypocrite of the first order. He is a failure.

I read a piece some time ago that portrayed Obama as the captain of the Titanic. That comparison is far from the truth.  Obama is more akin to that drunk fucker that crashed the Exxon Valdez on the rocks of the Alaskan coast.. The wreck of the economy is not an accident, but like Captain Hazelwood, Obama's actions are malicious, negligent, and a disaster.

A picture is worth a thousand words

This is why we need to CUT SPENDING not raise the debt ceiling. When your family spends more than it takes in you cut out the movies, the vacations, the cigarettes, the beer. You eat hot dogs instead of steak. You take your lunch instead of eating out. We have a spending problem, not a tax revenue problem.

An "inside baseball" post

Most of us do not care to see how the sausage is made. But a since we have been together here for a long time, long enough that I can now consider myself one of the old-time bloggers, it may be time to share how things are done around here.

I would guess, on the average, I spend about fifteen minutes writing a post. Yesterday, for example, I cranked out the whole thing in one continuous flow. I often have no idea what I am going to write about when I open the blogging post platform.

I stare at the cursor and begin typing. Sometimes I have to do a bit of research, sometimes reading the various news of the day internet posts gets me an idea. On occasion, I actually have an idea that percolates in my brain for a day or two. But usually I just sit down and start writing. The short story I published a month or so ago is an example of the "it just comes to me" method. In all honesty, I think the story became much weaker when I tried to write the conclusion. I should have left it after the first installment or two. Such is the reason I have a whole notebook filled with the beginning of my first great novel. There are about twenty different stories.

I know what you are saying, perhaps I should take a little more time and my stuff would be better. Yeah, you are likely correct, but that just isn't going to happen.

I wrote term papers in college the same way. I did the research, made notes, and thought about what I wanted to write. I usually sat down and scratched away on paper until I was done. I rarely edited the final work beyond minor phrase changes and moving a paragraph here and there. On more than one occasion, when facing a due date deadline, I wrote out longhand as my girlfriend typed the final version. I could usually keep ahead of her, and she was a good typist. A research paper on the Julio-Claudian women of some 15 or 20 pages comes to mind as an example of the write-it-while-she-types-it method. And yes, I got an 'A' on the paper. Thank goodness she could fix my spelling errors and more importantly, read my writing!

I sometimes do the same on a blog post.  You may read one published version and I will make some minor changes as the day goes by. But usually I just crank it out, check the spelling, read it once and send the words to the ethernet. This has been my writing method my whole life and this old dog is not likely to learn new tricks. Even if it would make the content better around here.

We all just have to live with it.  The sausage making machinery at Fat in Indiana is reliable and efficient. Some days I think we offer a decent product; just the right mixture of acid and spice. But in the end, what you find here is free, and sometimes you get what you pay for.

A post where the author rambles a bit then offers up some real good stuff for the youth of America

I am a lazy bastard. I did not get the yard done yesterday. I am not sure what I did, but I ran out of time.  I guess I know what is on tap for today. It is a good thing I waited. The humidity is much higher today. You know it is going to be sweltering when the windows are steamed at 6:30 AM. Why spend big money for a sauna when you can just walk outside and sweat off a few pounds?

We went to dinner and a movie with some friends last night. They live in our old neighborhood. They were pretty much the first people we met when my family moved here in 1989. We have kids the same age. I had a nice time. We saw Horrible Bosses. The movie was funny as heck. The film does not have a deeper meaning, it has no relevant social message. It is not artistic nor a modern example of the deep themes of man's inhumanity to man, or man vs. nature, or man's insignificance to nature, but rather an entertaining funny two hour diversion. In other words, my kind of movie.

By the way, I have some advice for you young scholars preparing to enter an institution of higher learning or perhaps even an advanced course in English lit at you local high school. Those themes I mentioned above (man v. man, man v. nature/god, and man's insignificance to nature/god) will cover about 95% of all books ever written. If the Professor or teacher asks the theme of the book you can safely choose the one that best fits the work and sound like you know what you are talking about.

I made this discovery early in my sophomore year of college when called upon by Dr. H (who mispronounced my name on purpose for four years) to explain to the class what was the theme. Thinking to be a smartass, I made up one of the above (I cannot remember which) and was lauded for having true insight. I paid attention and found the three themes covered nearly every situation that came up in English Lit class -- with many different professors! It was a real AHAH! moment for me.

I spent four years and a veritable fortune at a small, private, all male, semi-prestigious liberal arts college learning the same lesson I just tossed to the blog world for free. What a giver I am. Try it. Name any great work of literature and see if one of the three great themes I mentioned does not fit. The same goes for film, since film is just a visual work of literature. Hey, There is a bonus gift from me.  "Film as Literature: A study of Common Themes" . I just gave you the topic and title for you final research paper in English 101. All you have to do is name some great works of literature -- preferably some of the ones you studied in class -- and find some great works of film and compare how they explored common themes.

Right there is a research paper that almost writes itself. All you have to do is fill in the details and cite examples and a few quotations. I could knock off ten to fifteen pages typed double spaced (with footnotes) in about two days given the kind of head start I just offered. Unless you are a complete dolt you just earned yourself a B+.

As a second bonus I will share a secret entrusted me by my first faculty advisor. If you can work a colon or semicolon into the title of a paper it will increase your grade by one third -- ie.; from a B to a B+.

You better bookmark this post for the young scholar in your life. I cannot believe I am giving out success tips like this for free.

Saturday, in the park

Are you politicked out? I am. Too bad the forces of Government do not take a break. Every day we see the news filled with further examples. I am starting to believe some in Washington think it is their job to regulate and legislate every action in our lives.  The Government is like an anaconda, squeezing the lifeblood from our economy, the very freedom from our lives.

In recent days we have seen reports the President intends to ignore the Debt Ceiling and borrow more money without Congress' approval. There are reports he intends to try to initiate gun control through Executive Order. We did not elect a king. The President has only executive power.  For those of you who slept through high school civics, this means he carries out the laws passed by Congress.

There is not much going on around here.  The weather has been nice. I need to mow the grass this weekend.  I finally got the big old bushes trimmed on the back and side yards, now it is time to trim the ones in front of the house again. It is always something. Sometime this summer I want to wax the cars.

I am off to refill my red spotted coffee mug and peruse the blog world.  Have a great weekend.

PS  -- finish the story Freddie. (Insert smileyface thingy here)

Maybe a picture will help you Democrats understand.

This is Government Spending.

Democrats think we just need to feed him more and more healthy food. As much healthy food as he wants to eat. Democrats would argue that you and I should give up more of our food for this Tub O'Lard.

I think a diet is in order.

I guess that makes me an extremist.

Dear Democrats

If you are firm in your conviction we have a revenue problem, not a spending problem, why are you not proposing a tax increase upon the more than 40% of Americans who pay NO Federal income taxes? Shouldn't we all share the burden? Should we at least stop giving tax "refunds" on taxes that were not paid?

Is it about "spreading the wealth" or increasing tax revenues? Are you more interested in perpetuating class warfare or fixing the problem? Those who are howling for more taxes, how do you account for tax revenues running at around 18% of GDP, the historical average? Do we really have a revenue problem?

Some of you Democrats are always invoking the great Clinton Era, how about we just go back to Clinton-Era spending?  I could live with that.

'Splain this, Lucy

Let me see if I have this correct, President says the military action in Libya is not subject to the War Powers Act because we are only using airstrikes and bombing runs. The action is not an act of war, but a kinetic something.

Japan must be asking a big 'What the Fuck?" After all, the kinetic strikes on Pearl Harbor in 1941 were mere aerial attacks and bombing runs.

So, initiating attacks against a dictatorial leader who killed huge numbers of his own people, started two large regional wars, threatened to create weapons of mass destruction, sponsored terrorism,and defied at least 12 UN Resolutions like Saddam Hussein, is evil and wrong and warmongering, even though CONGRESS APPROVED the action.

Initiating attacks against a dictator who has illed his own people (far fewer), and many years ago sponsored terrorism,and is a jerk all around, is OK? Where are you Congressional Democrats? Where are you Democrat Senators? Cindy Sheehan please call your office.  Code Pink why aren't you baring your sagging breasties outside the White House?

If I am not mistaken, wasn't The Obama one of GW Bush's biggest bashers over the War in Iraq? Do you Democrats have no shame?

Leading from behind, indeed.

New Music For You

One of my favorite bands released their new album into iTunes yesterday. You can find it here.

This band has self-produced a couple of other recordings previously, but this is the first time they recorded in a studio with professional engineers and producers. The album is rock. The band is comprised of young men from the Hoosier State.  They met in college and have developed a following in the Muncie, Indiana area.

I personally know the lead guitarist/vocalist.  He wrote most of the songs on the album. He is a good kid and music is his life. So give it a listen, and if you like it, buy a song or two. I could make some recommendations, but listen to the previews and judge for yourself.

No, I do not know what the title of the album means -- Zeta Reticuli --beyond it is a star constellation.

Yes, there is a real Bradley Thomas. Bradley Thomas is his first and middle names. He is the lead guitarist discussed previously. He was named after General Omar Bradley and General George H. Thomas.  I know these things, I named him myself.

He is my oldest son.

Obama's Economic Policy

“The government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
     -- Ronald Reagan

Reagan, he knew his Democrats.

When Tuesday morphs into a Monday

I hope you all had a great long Holiday weekend. I also hoped you took a moment to reflect on the men and women who do the work that has, and continues, to make us free.

I threw some pork chops on the grill last night.  I hit them with some fine BBQ sauce at the end. The chops were accompanied by some corn on the cob and cheesy potatoes. It was as good a meal as I have had in a while. The only thing missing was some fresh sliced 'maters. Maybe in a few weeks.

We motored off to watch the community fireworks display. We picked a spot at the lower end of a parking lot near the soccer fields at the park (wow that is some sentence -- prepositionalphraseaooza!). We had a terrific view.  The show was a little off.  It is like the shooters just grabbed fireworks at random.  What appeared to be the finale was followed by about ten minutes more of sporadic explosions of color. Perhaps they fired off the big finish and someone said "Hey, here is another tray".  Sky rockets shot off at regular intervals, then there was a huge flurry of explosions marking what appeared to be the big finale. Then there was about ten minutes more of sporadic colors exploding above the fog forming beside the majestic Little Blue River. Then the fireworks just sorta ended.

The traffic leaving the area was thick and heavy. The two lane streets and roads in the area around the park and fairgrounds were choked with autos. Remarkably, a system was formed where every other car let someone into the main street from the various parking areas. Decent people acting like responsible citizens. All flowed evenly and nicely and we all got out in rapid time. It was nice to see.

We came back to the Average Hovel and ate some popcorn while bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman Candles provided a perfect Fourth of July soundtrack in the neighborhood.

A good Fourth weekend in the books, a mere calendar page in my memories.

Crack, Boom, Bang

The Fourth of July Holiday lets me share my favorite scene from my favorite movie.

http://youtu.be/HBf8rGtD1nY

None of the YouTube versions will allow embedding, but do yourself a favor and hit the link for some quality entertainment.  Trust me on this.

By The Rocket's Red Glare

It is time to once again celebrate my favorite US Holiday -- Independence Day! Most of you probably know the Declaration of Independence was actually approved on July 2, 1776, but it was not published until the Fourth.  Hancock signed on the Fourth. I love the flags, the fireworks, the patriotism and the day off work.  This year's Fourth is double good because it gives us a long weekend.

It was back on the 4th of July in 1976 when I had my first sorta-date with a girl. A buddy arranged for me to meet up with his girlfriend and her best friend to watch the fireworks. We all lay* on our backs on the golf course and watched the night time explosions that marked our Bicentennial. The girl cradled her head on my shoulder and the 14 year-old me wanted to sneak a kiss but I was too terrified. I chalk it up to another of life's missed opportunities. I think the girl was beyond disappointed. She mistook my shyness for dislike. My failure to call or ask her out again deepened the issue. The idea of rejection left me paralyzed to inaction.

I would not return to my teen years for the wealth of King Midas.

We are off today to our friend's where we will swim, enjoy a couple of adult beverages and probably smoke a fine hand- rolled cigar.  After dark we will likely play some Euchre and have a great time in general.

Tomorrow we have been invited to a cookout. Monday marks the local fireworks display and the great Midwest monument to white trash, fat chicks in tube tops, tattoos, fried food, and farm animals -- The County Fair -- opens for business.

It looks to be a great weekend.  I hope yours is too.


*lay/lie, I never could conjugate that verb correctly and I am too lazy to look it up.

Raising the stakes

I see your Sophia Loren and raise you a Kansas City Bomber...

A dose of Red, White and Blue to take you into the Holiday Weekend

A duck quack will not echo

It would be cool if some bright young genius would find a way to insert a little code into Blogger that would allow me to type with an echo. You know, like the recording of Lou Gehrig when he says "Today...ay...ay...I consider myself..elf..elf..The luckiest man...an..an...

Because today's post would be rife with that cool echo thingy. When I write "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on Earth" I too, like the Iron Man Gehrig, could have that awesome echo.

You see, today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth (OK, just pretend there is the echo thingy). Today is my 27th anniversary. Yep, 27 years. I verified the math on my calculator. The wife and I stood in the Methodist Church back on June 30, 1984 and we mutually pledged to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

Hold on, the Founding Fathers made that pledge. The wife and I pledged our love and marriage.

So far there has been a lot more health than sickness, and the poorer has far outweighed the richer. I will say this, the next time I get married there is going to be some kind of codicil in the vows about nookie. I'm just sayin'.

Seriously, my wife is a saint.  If you think I am irritating and obnoxious around here, you ought to try living with me. I am hard-headed, opinionated and find myself really amusing. There must be some redeeming qualities I fail to recognize when I look in the mirror, because the wife has stuck with me through a lot of thin and a little thick.
 
Woops, sorry about that. I just realized I forgot to turn off the imaginary echo thingy feature. Anyway, the whole point of this post is to tell you I am a lucky man.
 
Thinking back on the events of that warm June day in 1984, I have to question my wife's judgment. Not only did she agree to marry me, but she made the groomsmen wear light blue tuxedos. Clearly the woman has some flaws. But in all, I made a much better deal than she did.
 
Here is a song that echos that sentiment.  Not in the lyrics, the dude was not too lucky at all.  The title is what I am talking about, sheesh.
 
But I also dig the song.
 

 
I am a lucky man, indeed. But you have to admit I would be bordering on true greatness if I had an echo thingy for my blog. Oh, and duck soounds do produce an echo.

Business for fun and profit

Let's say you have a business that produces widgets. You lose, for whatever reason, your largest customer. Your business is reduced by 20%. Would it be a surprise if you raised prices by 20% until you found a way to make up the lost business? Is their anyone who believes the business should not try to maintain or make up the lost 20% of sales and profit?

The Government is changing the fuel mileage standards for automobiles. The new target is coincidentally 20% higher than the old standard for automobile fleet MPG ratings. This means in effect, you can expect your car will get 20% more miles to the gallon of gas.

This also means the Feds have mandated a loss in sales to the oil companies of 20%. Now think about your earlier answer. Should we expect the oil producers to take a 20% hit on sales and profit? Do you think this will make the price of a gallon of gas lower? There will be more gas, I guess, so the jump at the pump will be offset somewhat by supply and demand.

Once again we have an example of the Government sticking their nose into private business. If I choose to drive a car that gets 5 mpg, as long as I am paying for the fuel, why is it the Government's business? If I want to invest my private capital into producing the next Hummer, shouldn't the market decide the gas guzzler's fate? Is it really the role of Government to tell us what to drive, what to eat, how to live?

On the Road Again

I am off today to make my customers feel loved. A little lunch, a big thanks for your business is in order.

Maintaining relationships is an important and overlooked part of customer service.

I always end every customer visit by asking if there is anything we could be doing better and thanking my customers for their business. I mean it too.

You can't spread the wealth like butter on toast

Friday I asked if it was a problem if the rich are getting richer? No one had an issue with the wealthiest among us getting more wealthy.

"The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer" has long been the mantra of the Progressive Left. Like it or not, this is the central theme of Marxism. What modern liberals fail to establish is a correlation between the two sets of facts.

For one, the rich are getting richer. The poor of today, at least in the US, are rich by their grandfather's standards. We are all far better off than a few generations ago.

Economists and deep thinkers far smarter than I have studied the economics of the world. They do not have the answers and you certainly will not find them here. I limped through a couple of economic courses in college. The detailed discussions of monetary policy on interest rates, derivatives, the Theory of Value, Says Law and balanced payments makes my eyes glaze in boredom.

Here is what I believe. A rising tide floats all boats. Even the most cursory study of history and economics shows that taking from the most productive among us and giving it to others never improves the lot of society as a whole. At some point the producers just quit producing. The takers just keep taking. The Pilgrims tried it.  Their first year they operated on economic principles that would have made Karl Marx weep with joy. The problem was it took no time at all for most to understand they did not have to break their back in the fields and could still eat. John Smith quickly instituted the 'no workee -- no eatee' policy and New England got off to a rousing start. Too bad the descendants of those same idealists want to infest the region with the failed socialist policies of their ancestors today. I guess some of us are doomed to repeat our history.

The bottom line is this: Robin Hood was a thief. Good intentions do not change facts. Taking from the rich and giving to the poor, or "spreading the wealth" as the President likes to say, is a losing policy. The current administration continues to harp that the "rich" are not paying their fair share. I read a speech by Al Franken at the Netroots Convention last week that echoed that sentiment.

Here is the giant 8,000 pound gorilla in the room -- nearly half of Americans pay NO income taxes. What is fair about that? The richest 10% in this country pay most of the collected taxes. That is fact. I find it hard to believe they are not paying their fair share. Those of you who believe we have a revenue problem (need to collect more taxes) as opposed to a spending problem in Government today should be advocating a tax for all, not asking more from those already paying a progressive tax. Sadly, politicians of both parties have realized the best way to buy votes and power is to give away as much as possible to as many as possible and hope the rest of us can foot the bill. The 'bread and circus plan' did not work for the Romans and it will not create a prosperous America either.

Let me pose a scenario. It is true that the poor buy the majority of lottery tickets. Let us say your neighbor Sam picked the winning Lotto numbers and won a windfall of $10,000,000.  Would you think it all right if the Government kept 90%?  Instead of 10 million bucks, good neighbor Sam took home a mere one mill? Granted, we would all take a million bucks, but would you think it fair Uncle Sugar grabbed the balance? Liberal icon FDR imposed a 90% tax upon the rich. In fact, he pondered a 100% tax on income above $100,000.

Envy is not good economic policy.

I am not rich. I have lived paycheck to paycheck. My house is small and my subdivision is not the finest in town. I would like to be rich.  Living in a society where I do not have the opportunity to make money, earn my way, is not for me. I like the idea that I could become wealthy through hard work, risk, and opportunity. I love that America offers me the chance to own a business, develop the next new technology, to cash in on that better mousetrap. The choice is mine. The idea of a faceless bureaucrat taking the sweat from my brow, the fruits of my labors, and giving it to my neighbor makes me sick.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  Sickness, unemployment and other factors can make us poor and dependant upon society for a helping hand. It happens. Many of of us have been there.  Many of the truly poor -- not those who have had temporary setbacks in life -- are poor for a reason.  They have made bad choices in life. Lack of education, having kids you cannot afford, turning to drugs and crime all contribute to one's economic station. There is no one in this country who is denied the opportunity for education. The poorest among us have a decided advantage in scholarships and financial aid. I suppose anyone can slip up and get pregnant once. But recorded history shows only one woman ever got with child without having sex. . My neighbor should not be forced to subsidize my poor life choices.

Again, there is a big difference in a hand up and a hand out.

Each to his ability, each to his needs leads to us all lowering our expectations. "Tax the rich, feed the poor 'till they ain't rich no more" does not float the fleet on a rising tide.  It leaves all of our ships sunk in the mud and mire of poverty and low expectations.

Edit. I actually wrote this Friday night and Saturday morning. As usual, why read my ponderous writing when you could get a better, clearer mesage from a guy way, way smarter than I?  Read This. You will be smarter when you are done.

What he said...

stolen from the Slackster, the pirate queen.

Weekend Funny

Punch drunk from lack of sleep

I went to bed last night a little after 11:00 PM. I woke this morning a little after three. I puked up my supper. Unable to get back to sleep with my intestines tied in knots and my stomach churning, I turned on the television.

I surfed the channel lineup a couple of times. With nothing better to occupy the early morning hours, Errol Flynn and me went on Dawn Patrol. We nailed a bunch of the filthy Huns, shot down the evil Boches. I have been flying along with Eddie Rickenbaker during the day (Fighting the Flying Circus) and doing the same with Flynn during the night! I think I will pull out my copy of The Blue Max and give it a watch this morning.

It looks like I need to mow the lawn this weekend. I may get to that this afternoon.  The wife mentioned she had some stuff to take back to the mall.  Yard work will be a good excuse not to accompany her. Plus, since I was up a good portion of the night, I will need a nap!

I hope you have a great Saturday.

Here is a little WWI aviation photography to spur your interest. These pilots are pictured with the 94th "Hat in the Ring" squadron. Do you know what else they had in common?

Maj. John Huffer and Raoul Lufberry

On economics and politics

I was doing a little thinking this morning. I know, that is dangerous.

I have a quick question for you loyal readers.

Do you care if Bill Gates or Warren Buffett gets richer next year? Would you think it a bad thing if their net wealth grows?

I get up, I get down

The skies are grey and cloudy again this morning. It seems as if either rains every day or at least threatens. Some of the flowers we planted last month are starting to struggle.  I think it is just too much water. I am not sure what to do about it. I think the large amount of hail we had the other day did not help. I should mention I have the opposite of a green thumb. It takes a hardy plant to thrive around here. I have little interest in gardening and lawn work.

We have exactly ONE plant in the house. It is a planter from when my wife's mother died a couple of years ago. It sits on top of my desk hutch. It lives through sheer perseverance, not loving care. Sometimes I remember to water it. I threaten every year to put it outside for the summer. If I do, it won't come back in. The plant will not survive winter. Call me a softy, 

I cooked some thin ribeyes on the grill last night. We had a fine meal of steak sandwiches and baked spuds. I also bought a watermelon, but we were not hungry and it remains in the 'fridge waiting the knife.

We don't have any specific plans for the weekend. I think I am going to throw some burgers on the grill Sunday. I promised the boy we would drag out the ice cream freezer and make a batch of homemade ice cream to go along. I suspect ice cream is not on my diet. Maybe I can have a small bowl, if I skip the chocolate syrup.

Dear Terrorists

Patience, fellas. One more year and you will be free of that pesky US Military.

There is no need to keep wasting your lives, treasure and precious resources fighting the Great Satan. We will be outta there starting next year. You can remake your Afghanistan and Pakistan homeland back into the training and haven for Islamic Terrorism you have always maintained. Think of our intervention as a brief interlude. Hell, I have just offered you a ready-made recruiting tool. You beat the Soviets. You beat the Americans. God is on your side. Just hold out.

The American troops will be weakened and more open to attack if you can just bide your time. Look, you have been waiting for 1,000 years to bring about your great Caliphate, another year or two will not matter.

It does not matter what the situation is a year from now.  I am more interested in the politics of my actions.  Let's face it.  I know the military is filled with a bunch of worthless hicks, redneck racists and gun-lovers. The quicker we can cut down their numbers the better. I have a Hope and Change agenda and I need that money. This whole thing is Bush's fault anyway.

So take a page from The New Kids on the Block and "Hang Tough".

Your Friend,

B.H. Obama

Almost Friday

I was in the Pocket City earlier this week. You know, Dale Evans' favorite city. I did the Supertramp thing for my return -- I took the long way home. The drive was nice through the hills of Southern Indiana. It is nice to put the car over some curves and hills occasionally.

There is nothing of interest to report. Based on my stats, there are not too many of you left  to report these non-events to anyway. There is no doubt in my mind content has a lot to do with my declining readership, but my hits are down 40 to 50%. Let's face it, blogging is dying. Most of the peeps have headed over to Facebook. I look at it like this, I need to get weaned off this hobby. I have said it before, I have no intentions of getting caught up in another time-eating social media. I have done the blog thing since 2005 and have pretty much bored you all enough.

No -- I am not threatening to quit. I have no intentions of stopping anytime soon, but I will not be taking up my virtual pen in another medium.

The pile of to-do items on my desk gets longer every day.  Perhaps I should tackle a few of those unpleasant tasks today. On the bright side it is payday, so there is actually a little money in my bank account. Until tomorrow. Mortgage, car payments, food; someone always wants a piece of me.

Now I have Supertramp swirling in my noggin. You can too:


Have a great day.

On love and marriage

A guy walks into his bedroom leading a sheep and says "When you ain't in the mood, I have sex with this cow."

His wife puts down her magazine, looks at him scornfully and replies "You stupid ass redneck, that's not a cow".

He stares at his wife and says "Don't you ever interrupt me when I am talking to the sheep, you bitch."

Hey! That is my money you are spending

We see it at the Federal level. The State is almost as bad.  The local level does it too. The Government likes to spend money. Did you buy a house in a valley? The city will help reduce your flooding problems. We will feed your kids breakfast and lunch. We have programs to protect your favorite toad or fish or bird. We have programs to promote the environment, education, Indian Affairs, roads, arts, radio, television.  The politicians of this fine nation love to spend money.

There should be a big sign posted in the office of every elected official, on the desk of every public employee. This slogan should be part of every Federal publication. It should be written on your food stamp/welfare debit card.

The funds for this project were taken from the taxpayers of this country.

The only way any level of government can do anything -- build a road, clean a ditch, provide economic development, buy a car company, provide medical care or free lunch to kids and seniors is by taking part of my hard-earned wages. Taxes are a necessary part of living within a society.  I get that.  But somehow when a politician gets elected he or she conveniently forgets each and every dollar he spends belonged to someone else.

When someone takes a buck from me and my neighbor to help the guy down the block there is a moral obligation to make sure that dollar is needed and spent wisely.

Most of us would not consider borrowing money from our kid's piggy bank except under the most dire and necessary circumstances. Our politicians have been robbing from our kids' and grandkids' bank account for years.

So, Mr. Mayor, Governor, Representative, Senator -- keep in mind that is MY money you are spending. You took from my family, my kids, my savings, my paycheck. Is it too much to occasionally remind yourself of that simple fact?

Red sky in the morning...

Lightening is flashing and thunder is rolling in near constant waves this morning. The sky is a weird orange color. It was not raining much about 20 minutes ago, but while I ate my Cheerios and read the meager newspaper it started coming down pretty hard. I can't wait to jump in the car and drive this morning as I continue my "piss of the customers tour of 2011".

I had a great Father's day.

Weird shit continues around the old homestead though. You remember the weird frog episode of last week? If not you can search the archives over there on the left. Anyhoo, yesterday morning the boy and I were in the living room watching some Goodfellas while the wife finished whatever she does that takes so long to get ready in the bathroom. The boy asked if I heard that noise? He looked up and told me to look at the skylight.

A bird was pecking at the glass.  A very big bird. Another was staring down from the second skylight. I could hear the ghost of Tippi Hedren laughing in the distance. OK, I made the ghost part up. I grabbed a handful of ice cubes from the freezer and went onto the deck. On my roof was a whole murder of crows or ravens. Big black ugly bastids. On was perched on my fireplace chimney. I am sure he was the murderous leader of the gang. Four or five others were standing around staring in my skylights plotting mayhem with my family. I threw a chunk of ice at the leader. I am not sure but I think I knocked the Marlon Brando leather cap from his gang-leader head. A couple of the gang sang out a menacing caw-caw that I interpreted as "We'll be back to rape your wife and drink your beer." The evil birds circled around a few times and headed southwest towards the distant fields. I suspect a defenseless scarecrow was about to be tormented.

As I write this huge hailstones are hitting the house. I better take cover.

I just looked.  They are marble sized. I cannot wait to get on the road today.

Happy Fathers Day...

...to all you Dads out there.



Actual picture of Otter and I with our parents circa 1972

Remember, Andy Taylor, Steve Douglas, Mike Brady, Ward Cleaver, and even Homer Simpson all have a team of writers helping them with just the right line in any given situation.  I know I could be a better dad if I had a team of researchers and wordsmiths to give me the perfect response to any situation. Dads like you and me and my pop all have had to make do with the time-tested "winging it" method. My dad was pretty good at it. Me, I try. I suspect I have had as many bad reactions, if not more, than good ones.

In spite of my failures my kids have all turned out well. I refuse to give their mother all the credit.  After all it is Father's Day.

So, here is to you Dad's of the world. I salute you for sitting through every dance recital, coaching little league and soccer, leading the Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops, bringing home the bacon and being there for every cut and heartache.  I tip my hat to you for driving across town to pick up your son or daughter from that slumber party and the early Sunday trips to pick up a box of donuts because your kid said they sure sounded good.. I salute you because you and I both know those things were not a burden.  You loved every minute of it.

At Christmas we watch A Christmas Story, on June 6th we view the cinematic versions of Normandy. Today we will slip in that Field of Dreams DVD and think about dear old father. "Wanna have a catch?"

Thanks Dad. Happy Father's Day to you all.

Saturday Music

I woke up with this song stuck in my brainpan this morning. The hair, the boobs, the act aside, Dolly Parton is one hell of a singer and songwriter. As importantly, she understood the idea of marketing in music long before the Madonnas and Lady Gagas of the world caught on. Only Parton did it in a classy, but still over-the-top manner. See any interview with her.  She got it, she embraced it.

It is a rainy morning here at the old homestead. I am not sure if it is the weather or what, but I have a pounding headache. Not complaining, just factualizing. No, I am not sure if that is a real word, but it should be. I had my prescription meds, my vitamin B6, my Cheerios, OJ and two mugs of java along with a couple of Advil, so I am set to face the weekend.  At this moment I have limited plans.  A new "Sharpe" movie arrived from the fine folks at Netflix, so I will meander mentally to the Napoleonic Wars after posting this and reading a few blogs. I may read a bit of Eddie Rickenbaker's struggles against the mighty Hun air force in the Great War. Beyond that I will have to await the Queen's direction.

In any case, please do not sit and fret about my well being. You should try hard not to let the awesomeness of ME consume your life. Go ahead and live. Enjoy your weekend.  You can worship me again next week.

Stabbing myself in the face with a soldering iron / reading liberal websites -- is there a difference?

I was reading a lefty-leaning article from the Daily Beast discussing Michelle Bachmann. I read one sentence that sums up the liberal mindset as clearly as any I have ever read:

Her ideological radicalism should not be mistaken for stupidity

.I have seen a similar approach from various progressiv/liberal bloggers. Sadly such a view is not liberal in the classical sense at all. I have stated often, and firmly believe, education is a life-long process. Every day I increasingly understand how little I know. There are a lot of people smarter than I. By the same token I would place my intellect, education, historical and economic undertanding against your average liberal.

I am truly amazed that for most liberals a belief in God automatically makes one ignorant. A significant amount of scholarly research over the ages was done under the auspices of religion. Sure religion has done many things wrong.  It has also made the lives of many better. Has religion over time harmed true scientific discovery -- yes.  Has it also aided in the progress of science -- yes. Are Georgetown, Boston College and Notre Dame not respected and noted institutions of higher learning? Is it not true that the religious private schools often turn out some of our best and brightest?

I often find liberals come to a discussion with intellectual dishonesty. When they are unable to argue the point they resort to pseudo-intellectual superiority. Their only salient argument is I must be too stupid to understand. Sometimes liberals are so sure of not only their superior worldview and my supposed ignorance they will discount my position, even when I agree with them! I found just such an example a few weeks ago when I left a comment on a liberal blog.

I find it laughable that according to the liberal position, the Bachmanns, the Limbaughs, the Hannitys, the Palins, the Reagans of this world are all ignorant buffoons, too stupid to tie their own shoes. The Obama's, the Clinton's are the smart ones.  GW had better grades than John Kerry and somehow managed to get through Yale, but was just an ignorant "shrub". Palin is ignorant because she mistakenly said Revere warned the British, but Obama made a mere slip of the tongue when he visited 57 states or needed to bone up on his "Austrian". One again liberals are good and smart while Conservatives are liars and ignorant.

Only in the liberal mind are belief in God, family, and a strong America extreme. Only to a liberal are holding conservative values  -- a trait shared by a majority of us-- extreme. Only to a true believer in liberalism are these beliefs equated with stupidity.

The comments to the linked article above are scary. They demonstrate a closed mindset as intense and hate-filled as the one they the ysuppose lurks in the heart of Bachman and conservatives.

This I know, no nation has found long-term success taking the wealth from one citizen and giving it to another. We all prosper under equal opportunity. We all sink to the lowest denominator when we strive for equal results. If believing that makes me ignorant, I guess I can take comfort that history is on my side.

A meandering post that just kind of fizzles at the end ( I really know how to sell 'em, eh wot?)

I am finally back from my long business trip this week earning my meager pay in a big way. I am pleased this trip was remarkably free of assholes. Hardly a jerk provided cause for me to cuss and swear. This is good for the old blood pressure, it does not offer much fodder for reporting on the old blog.

I was sure surprised when I got home.  The boy cut his hair off.  He has sported a dense shaggy mane for a umber of years and he cut it all off.  Buzz cut, if you will. I almost didn't recognize him.

I got a late start this morning, and I had several emails to attend, so this post is a bit late.

Father's Day is Sunday, I am told. I don't really want anything. If the yard were to magically mow itself or the shrubbery shed it excess branches and leaves, well that would be cool. The daughter will be still on vacation to tropical locales, and both the boys have to work.  I think I will motor off to the great flatlands of the Hoosier Heartland to say hola to my Papa. Then maybe we will come home and cook some burgers on the grill.  To be honest a Father's Day without plans sounds mighty pleasant to me.

Wadda ya mean I'm anti-social?

I forgot.  Remember the post below where the boy put in his notice?  Look it up yourself if you really care. On his last day the owner called him in and told him he was sorry to lose him, my son was one of his hardest workers.  He promised a reduction in hours, a promotion to prep cook, and a pay raise if he stayed. The boy will not be moving to the golden arches after all. He was not happy I made him go to McDonalds and tell them he was not coming to work after all. Welcome to the grown up world son. Doing the right thing often sucks.

It is Friday, Enjoy your day. WTH, knock off early if you can.

Things were moving too slow to even get road rage

It took nearly two hours to go from downtown Chicago to O'Hare Airport yesterday afternoon. We hit the road at 3:30 and I am not sure we got over twenty mph until 1/2 mile from the airport. If I had to deal with that every day you would never see another post from me.  I would be long dead from a stroke. There is far too much traffic for the roads to handle.

The big price increase tour continues with mixed results. I am doing my best to help the cause of inflation.  It is interesting to see most of my customers are leaning to a firm belief a double dip recession is imminent.

You get a short post today, I did not bring my power cord for the laptop.

Be of good cheer -- the weekend is coming!

Today's earworm

Here is a bonus:



Feels like driving "the strip" back in the late 1970's, when gas was cheap.