What is with the ants this year. I thought we had them eradicated a week ago, but last night we found some more. I guess it is the heat plus the dry weather. We have a crop of fucking ants we cannot seem to kill. I cannot find where they are coming from. There is no trail or run, they are just there on the cabinet or on the wall. Where we keep finding them is by a cabinet that stores dishes, there is no food nearby.
These bastards are hard to kill. They swim in bug spray then build sand castles in the sevin dust. They strap on bibs and feast on ant bait. If you wash them down the sink, they come back up the drain arms held high like they just completed some made-for-TV obstacle course.. These ants do the backstroke and frolic in the toilet as if it were a municipal pool. I pee and drop a turd in on occasion, just to give the place that public pool feel. They do expire when they are flushed.
There is never a whole herd of ants like you see often. It is always just a one or two, usually just standing there on the counter or the side of the cabinet. It is my theory these we find are the lookout ants, watching for "The Man" while their evil cohorts do drug deals and sugar buys with the spiders and pill bugs in hidden nooks and crannies. They may even be involved in a secret lady bug fight club.
I do not know where they are coming in. They don't seem to be going after the food. They won't die under ordinary means. I don't know what they are after. I am starting to get a little afraid. I had an ant farm as a kid. Sometimes I would shake it up like an Etch a Sketch and destroy their tunnels. I think they are coming for revenge.
May 31, 2012
May 30, 2012
Priorities
My monthly report is due.
I am so far behind on expenses you would not believe it.
I have to prepare for next week's customer visits.
A guy is coming to clean the carpets today, so my office is full of furniture.
I have to power wash the deck.
The yard needs mowed.
The garage needs a final sweeping and cleaning so I can set up tables for Saturday's graduation Open House.
I am off work Thursday and Friday to try and get some of this done.
This may be it for a few days. You will have to revel in the genius that is me through re-reading the archives.
I am so far behind on expenses you would not believe it.
I have to prepare for next week's customer visits.
A guy is coming to clean the carpets today, so my office is full of furniture.
I have to power wash the deck.
The yard needs mowed.
The garage needs a final sweeping and cleaning so I can set up tables for Saturday's graduation Open House.
I am off work Thursday and Friday to try and get some of this done.
This may be it for a few days. You will have to revel in the genius that is me through re-reading the archives.
May 29, 2012
Mentally Tebowing my way through this Tuesday
I hope you had a great weekend. I did, even though I worked my behind off. Graduation is Saturday and the wife is all in a panic to make sure the house is perfect. There is plenty yet to do though. So I am told.
A brief thunderstorm rolled through just a bit ago. We need the rain. I am spending 30-40 minutes every morning watering flowers. Let Mother Nature take a turn I say.
I am off to the Doctor this morning for my regular visit. He wants to make sure the corn syrup flowing in my veins continues to kill me slowly, not rapidly.
A brief thunderstorm rolled through just a bit ago. We need the rain. I am spending 30-40 minutes every morning watering flowers. Let Mother Nature take a turn I say.
I am off to the Doctor this morning for my regular visit. He wants to make sure the corn syrup flowing in my veins continues to kill me slowly, not rapidly.
May 28, 2012
May 27, 2012
May 26, 2012
In lieu of Tweeting
Since I do not have a Twitter account, and do not want one, I am offering this slice of my life to pique your flagging interest in this piece o'crap blog. All the cool people are keeping the public abreast of their momentary actions and this:is is my anti-twitter attempt jump on the poularity bandwagon. As an aside, is there nothing in this world more pathetic than a 50 year-old guy trying to be cool? What next sports cars and a trophy wife?
Anyway:
Listening to Yours is no Disgrace from the live Yes album Yessongs.
Music awesomeness on a Saturday morning. I think I will back up the iPod when it is done and start it again.
beep...beep...beep
Have a great weekend.
Here, now you can agree with me. Dig the "jam" at the beginning: And listen to the guitar solo in the middle sections. This is all the evidence you need to prove just how much Justin Bieber and modern music sucks.
Anyway:
Listening to Yours is no Disgrace from the live Yes album Yessongs.
Music awesomeness on a Saturday morning. I think I will back up the iPod when it is done and start it again.
beep...beep...beep
Have a great weekend.
Here, now you can agree with me. Dig the "jam" at the beginning: And listen to the guitar solo in the middle sections. This is all the evidence you need to prove just how much Justin Bieber and modern music sucks.
May 25, 2012
Hoo-ray for our side
Time for some Friday hippie music.
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
Have a great long weekend. Stop by Sunday for a special treat. Trust me on this...Well stop by every day, several times a day, but I already canned Sunday's post and you are going to thank me after you see it. I fully expect eleventy-four comments describing my awesomeness.
May 24, 2012
Dear Diary: a Republican memoir
Thursday.
I think the libs are on to us. I was pretending to debate at this liberal website when it became clear they know our agenda. Make a note to send an Internet virus all liberal blogs in the future. Check on automatic spam generation system.
At the school board meeting we made arrangements to ban all evolution classes and institute a strict Creationist curriculum.. We threw out all the textbooks, only the Bible is necessary. Students will pray three times a day, but only to a Christian God. Also mandated a strict high fructose corn syrup and meat lunch followed by a no-exercise period. OK'd selling Cokes and Fritos during lunch period. Got rid of the free lunch program, not interested in hungry kids' sob stories.
Took the Hummer down to the shop to have the new fuel using device installed. Now I will get 50% less on gas mileage. The CO2 levels in the exhaust are supposed to triple!
Friday
Went by the plant. Ordered benefits cut. Laid off a dozen older workers. Instructed the Personnel Manager to make sure our benefits we no longer cover any item related to women's health. Told him to try harder to find some kids to work the line. Instructed the foreman to remove the guards from the presses. I hope to see some fingers missing by Monday. Made secret plans to ship all of the jobs overseas. Accounting informed me of a scheme to not only avoid taxes, but to steal from the workers paychecks. Called up some thugs to bust the Union Vote.
Threw some trash out my car window. Laughed at a crying Indian.
Saturday
Went out to Jim's farm to help him spread chemicals on his produce so the consumers all get sick. We plowed up some topsoil so it will blow away in the forecasted storms this weekend. We shot an endangered bear and I even bagged a spotted owl! We cut down some really old trees for no reason. I arranged with Jim to tear down some historic buildings in town next week. Bought lunch for a Army veteran.
Refused to recycle yet again.
Sunday
After church we made improvements to the concentration re-education camp we are constructing for the queers. I splurged and used a five dollar bill to light my cigar, instead of the usual Washington. I made arrangements to fly the private jet to the One Percenter conference next week. Killed a kitten for sport.
Monday
Installed a lawn jockey at the foot of the drive. .That reminds me, I have to pick up the KKK robe down at the dry cleaners. Once again, I lament that I cannot legally own slaves So I did the next best thing, I called up Sheriff McCoy and told him to roust up a few illegals down at the Home Depot. I suggested a good beating for the men and gave him permission to rape the women. I told the hospital not to treat anyone without insurance. Painted a women gold just to send a message to a British spy.
Tuesday
Had the bank foreclose on everybody. Had my Senator arrange for fracking in the park. Asked again on the status of my strip mining permit. Kicked a homeless man. Paid some thugs to steal all of the canned goods from the food pantry. Burned some books and had sex with a hooker. Heard a report my yard man changed the oil in the mower and dumped the used oil it in the river. Sent him a bonus.
Wednesday
Encouraged the President to start a war. Waterboarded a teenager. Bought a new flag pin for my Church Suit. Protested down at the abortion clinic. Handled snakes at Church. Mowed over the neighbors flower beds. Got my new monocle -- looks great with my gold headed cane. Sent over some of the boys to rough up Patrick Swayzee behind the bar. Went shooting with Ted Nugent and Dick Cheney. Told Dick to keep that tube pointed down range, ha ha. Texted a racist joke to Sarah P. She thought it was funny. Almost missed my monthly Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Meeting. Completed the sale of some weapons to a third world dictator. Burnt a black church. Listened to Rush for the secret code words.
Another week as a typical Republican has reached its satisfying end.
I think the libs are on to us. I was pretending to debate at this liberal website when it became clear they know our agenda. Make a note to send an Internet virus all liberal blogs in the future. Check on automatic spam generation system.
At the school board meeting we made arrangements to ban all evolution classes and institute a strict Creationist curriculum.. We threw out all the textbooks, only the Bible is necessary. Students will pray three times a day, but only to a Christian God. Also mandated a strict high fructose corn syrup and meat lunch followed by a no-exercise period. OK'd selling Cokes and Fritos during lunch period. Got rid of the free lunch program, not interested in hungry kids' sob stories.
Took the Hummer down to the shop to have the new fuel using device installed. Now I will get 50% less on gas mileage. The CO2 levels in the exhaust are supposed to triple!
Friday
Went by the plant. Ordered benefits cut. Laid off a dozen older workers. Instructed the Personnel Manager to make sure our benefits we no longer cover any item related to women's health. Told him to try harder to find some kids to work the line. Instructed the foreman to remove the guards from the presses. I hope to see some fingers missing by Monday. Made secret plans to ship all of the jobs overseas. Accounting informed me of a scheme to not only avoid taxes, but to steal from the workers paychecks. Called up some thugs to bust the Union Vote.
Threw some trash out my car window. Laughed at a crying Indian.
Saturday
Went out to Jim's farm to help him spread chemicals on his produce so the consumers all get sick. We plowed up some topsoil so it will blow away in the forecasted storms this weekend. We shot an endangered bear and I even bagged a spotted owl! We cut down some really old trees for no reason. I arranged with Jim to tear down some historic buildings in town next week. Bought lunch for a Army veteran.
Refused to recycle yet again.
Sunday
After church we made improvements to the
Monday
Installed a lawn jockey at the foot of the drive. .That reminds me, I have to pick up the KKK robe down at the dry cleaners. Once again, I lament that I cannot legally own slaves So I did the next best thing, I called up Sheriff McCoy and told him to roust up a few illegals down at the Home Depot. I suggested a good beating for the men and gave him permission to rape the women. I told the hospital not to treat anyone without insurance. Painted a women gold just to send a message to a British spy.
Tuesday
Had the bank foreclose on everybody. Had my Senator arrange for fracking in the park. Asked again on the status of my strip mining permit. Kicked a homeless man. Paid some thugs to steal all of the canned goods from the food pantry. Burned some books and had sex with a hooker. Heard a report my yard man changed the oil in the mower and dumped the used oil it in the river. Sent him a bonus.
Wednesday
Encouraged the President to start a war. Waterboarded a teenager. Bought a new flag pin for my Church Suit. Protested down at the abortion clinic. Handled snakes at Church. Mowed over the neighbors flower beds. Got my new monocle -- looks great with my gold headed cane. Sent over some of the boys to rough up Patrick Swayzee behind the bar. Went shooting with Ted Nugent and Dick Cheney. Told Dick to keep that tube pointed down range, ha ha. Texted a racist joke to Sarah P. She thought it was funny. Almost missed my monthly Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Meeting. Completed the sale of some weapons to a third world dictator. Burnt a black church. Listened to Rush for the secret code words.
Another week as a typical Republican has reached its satisfying end.
Another skirmish in the War on Women
I bet the NOW gang and liberals in general will be protesting and posting like crazy in indignation over this
We should all be angry over the degradation of women.
Oh wait, NOW is only interested in the rights of LIBERAL women. There is no degradation too great for a conservative. Since Cupp appears on evil Fox News she deserves the treatment and we should pass it off as a joke, I guess.
My side hurts from laughing so hard.
edit. Wednesday afternoon both Planned Parenthood Action Fund (the self-described political arm of Planned Parenthood) and contraception activist Sandra Fluke tweeted in support of Cupp.*
edit. Then there is THIS. *
Even the democrats in the Senate are waging war on women. I be tthere will be all kinds of outrage about this inequality...
chirpity chirp chirp.
I forgot, only Righties hate women.
* via Hot Air
May 23, 2012
The Government says...
The Framers deliberately designed the Constitution as a limiting document. They were wary of the a strong Federal Government infringing on States Rights and individual liberty. Several States demanded, as a condition of Constitutional ratification, additional guarantees of individual Rights and an acknowledgement that those Right did not emanate from the Government, but were rather natural Rights of Man. This guarantee is known as the Bill of Rights. The first Eight Amendments of the Bill of Rights refer to individual Rights, while numbers Nine and Ten refer to States Rights.
One of the dangers of a strong federal Government is that it imposes its will upon the People. In the past century or so, a strong Federal Government has moved our nation in a "progressive" direction. The people interested in a strong Federal Government are in favor of more social programs, more Federal laws, etc. The stronger Federal Government fits and advances their political political philosophy. Those of us who are of a more conservative bent decry the intrusiveness of the Nanny State.
Despite the vitriol of some, I have enjoyed the discussions on this post and over at EOB's site. I find the whole concept fascinating.
Let us suppose for the sake of argument that a wave of social conservationism and fiscal conservatism takes over the nation. The years of over spending and borrowing drives the voters to elect a preponderance of cost cutters to our Nation's Capital. For a decade the tide of Congress and the courts turns sharply Right on the political spectrum. What if there is a law passed that any woman on welfare who becomes pregnant while on the dole is subject to forced sterilization and the father is to be castrated? Would a doctor have the moral right to refuse such a law? Perhaps all females on food stamps are directed to take Plan B after every sexual encounter, subject to routine pelvic exams.. Would a pharmacist have the right to refuse to fill the prescription? Would we then argue that if he is unwilling to fill a legal prescription for a legal product he should not be a pharmacist?
What if the NTSA determined that smaller lighter cars are the cause of increased highway fatalities and the Feds mandated we driver larger heavier cars? Perhaps the Energy Department decides spending tax dollars on risky green energy products is unsound financially and we would get more energy by opening up all corners of the nation to drilling and fracking and mining. Is an intrusive EPA then so welcome? What if the Federal Government encouraged massive strip mining to reduce electric power costs? How about that strong Federal Government?
If the Government can force you to buy insurance for your physical health, haw far away is forcing you to buy a Bible or Koran for your metaphysical and spiritual health?
What if a strong Federal Government decided to round up anyone who did not toe the political line? What if a strong Federal Government decided to devise a "final solution" for the Jews, for homosexuals or Communists?
You see, a strong Federal Government can be a danger to us all. Only through trying to follow original intent are our freedoms protected.
One of the dangers of a strong federal Government is that it imposes its will upon the People. In the past century or so, a strong Federal Government has moved our nation in a "progressive" direction. The people interested in a strong Federal Government are in favor of more social programs, more Federal laws, etc. The stronger Federal Government fits and advances their political political philosophy. Those of us who are of a more conservative bent decry the intrusiveness of the Nanny State.
Despite the vitriol of some, I have enjoyed the discussions on this post and over at EOB's site. I find the whole concept fascinating.
Let us suppose for the sake of argument that a wave of social conservationism and fiscal conservatism takes over the nation. The years of over spending and borrowing drives the voters to elect a preponderance of cost cutters to our Nation's Capital. For a decade the tide of Congress and the courts turns sharply Right on the political spectrum. What if there is a law passed that any woman on welfare who becomes pregnant while on the dole is subject to forced sterilization and the father is to be castrated? Would a doctor have the moral right to refuse such a law? Perhaps all females on food stamps are directed to take Plan B after every sexual encounter, subject to routine pelvic exams.. Would a pharmacist have the right to refuse to fill the prescription? Would we then argue that if he is unwilling to fill a legal prescription for a legal product he should not be a pharmacist?
What if the NTSA determined that smaller lighter cars are the cause of increased highway fatalities and the Feds mandated we driver larger heavier cars? Perhaps the Energy Department decides spending tax dollars on risky green energy products is unsound financially and we would get more energy by opening up all corners of the nation to drilling and fracking and mining. Is an intrusive EPA then so welcome? What if the Federal Government encouraged massive strip mining to reduce electric power costs? How about that strong Federal Government?
If the Government can force you to buy insurance for your physical health, haw far away is forcing you to buy a Bible or Koran for your metaphysical and spiritual health?
What if a strong Federal Government decided to round up anyone who did not toe the political line? What if a strong Federal Government decided to devise a "final solution" for the Jews, for homosexuals or Communists?
You see, a strong Federal Government can be a danger to us all. Only through trying to follow original intent are our freedoms protected.
May 22, 2012
My road rage is building and I have not even left the driveway
No time for this nonsense today, I am off to the city with big shoulders to do my job thing. I am planning on a one day round tripper. I suspect I will be in the foulest of moods when I return. As an added bonus my boss will be there! Hooray for me! Hooray for the road construction! Three cheers for the asshole truckers and Prius drivers from Ohio who block up the left lane on the interstate making me leave 45 minutes earlier than necessary to make up for their idiotic driving techniques!
Day four without coffee and I am more irritable than ever. I think this experiment needs to end soon.
Day four without coffee and I am more irritable than ever. I think this experiment needs to end soon.
May 21, 2012
The Right wants to bring back the scarlet letter
Politics are funny.
The left is so much better at spinning the narrative than the conservative side. Could it be that Truth and honesty are occasionally more important than the political ideal?
One thing I find amazing. The liberal left always portrays themselves as the party of freedom. And free stuff, but that is another post. Here is an example of the progressive attack. Liberals have managed to frame the abortion debate as "Pro Choice". Heck, on the surface we all want more choice. But doctors and pharmacists who have moral issues with abortion are not permitted that same "pro choice" stand. When Kansas passed a law allowing pharmacists to opt out of filling abortion on demand pills, the lefties go crazy. As usual, with the progressive agenda you agree with their position or else. They will compel you through law, through force or through intimidation. In this case, allowing pharmacists to not do something, equates to heading towards a ban on contraception altogether.
Just as with the Georgetown student a few months ago, when the narrative magically became a "war on women" and that "conservatives want to ban contraception" instead of "Hey, why should I pay for your contraception". Again, let us not let Truth interrupt the narrative.
Look, the Kansas law may make life a little more difficult for some women. A little planning may be in order. If you local druggist does not choose to overcome his morals, then the lady in question will have to get her prescription on-line or in the next town. Sometimes life is difficult. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Indiana does not allow carry-out alcohol sales on a Sunday. This is an inconvenience, but with a little pre-planning it is a problem that can be overcome. Either I buy my beer in advance, or I don't drink. If you don't have your contraception on hand, don't diddle. It all seems kind of simple to me.
There are many, many conservatives who are not Catholic. In fact, I suspect Catholics make up a small percentage of conservatives. The Church has long been a bastion of liberalism. Many of us have used contraception. Our wives and daughters are on the pill. I have yet to see a single lawmaker or candidate who has called for a ban on contraception. NOT ONE. Even the Catholic Bishops have not advocated for a ban on contraception for us non-Catholics. I do not mind debate. I have real issues when the debate is formed by outright lies and misdirection.
Finally, before you lefties go nuts, you should understand my personal position. I am against abortion for me. I am against abortion for my wife or daughter, but it is really not my call. I think abortion is the deliberate killing of a baby. I also think abortion is a personal dilemma. In the end, I think the decision to have an abortion is between a woman and her Maker. I am really for personal choice here. Have one or don't.
By the same token, a pharmacist or doctor should not be forced to participate. Who is taking the real Pro Choice stance in the end? Once again our friends on the left prove that liberal 'tolerance' is really just code for intolerance of any other position.
The left is so much better at spinning the narrative than the conservative side. Could it be that Truth and honesty are occasionally more important than the political ideal?
One thing I find amazing. The liberal left always portrays themselves as the party of freedom. And free stuff, but that is another post. Here is an example of the progressive attack. Liberals have managed to frame the abortion debate as "Pro Choice". Heck, on the surface we all want more choice. But doctors and pharmacists who have moral issues with abortion are not permitted that same "pro choice" stand. When Kansas passed a law allowing pharmacists to opt out of filling abortion on demand pills, the lefties go crazy. As usual, with the progressive agenda you agree with their position or else. They will compel you through law, through force or through intimidation. In this case, allowing pharmacists to not do something, equates to heading towards a ban on contraception altogether.
Just as with the Georgetown student a few months ago, when the narrative magically became a "war on women" and that "conservatives want to ban contraception" instead of "Hey, why should I pay for your contraception". Again, let us not let Truth interrupt the narrative.
Look, the Kansas law may make life a little more difficult for some women. A little planning may be in order. If you local druggist does not choose to overcome his morals, then the lady in question will have to get her prescription on-line or in the next town. Sometimes life is difficult. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Indiana does not allow carry-out alcohol sales on a Sunday. This is an inconvenience, but with a little pre-planning it is a problem that can be overcome. Either I buy my beer in advance, or I don't drink. If you don't have your contraception on hand, don't diddle. It all seems kind of simple to me.
There are many, many conservatives who are not Catholic. In fact, I suspect Catholics make up a small percentage of conservatives. The Church has long been a bastion of liberalism. Many of us have used contraception. Our wives and daughters are on the pill. I have yet to see a single lawmaker or candidate who has called for a ban on contraception. NOT ONE. Even the Catholic Bishops have not advocated for a ban on contraception for us non-Catholics. I do not mind debate. I have real issues when the debate is formed by outright lies and misdirection.
Finally, before you lefties go nuts, you should understand my personal position. I am against abortion for me. I am against abortion for my wife or daughter, but it is really not my call. I think abortion is the deliberate killing of a baby. I also think abortion is a personal dilemma. In the end, I think the decision to have an abortion is between a woman and her Maker. I am really for personal choice here. Have one or don't.
By the same token, a pharmacist or doctor should not be forced to participate. Who is taking the real Pro Choice stance in the end? Once again our friends on the left prove that liberal 'tolerance' is really just code for intolerance of any other position.
The only thing missing was a tired reference to Fox News
Yesterday morning I caught a few minutes of one of the Sunday news talk shows. The host was grilling the guests, one republican, one a Democrat.The Democrat droned on about "going back to the disastrous policies of George Bush that got us into this mess".It has been four years, perhaps Obama should run on his own accomplishments instead of the past.
For the sake of argument let us look at the Democrat's position as stated on the show. When Bush left office, unemployment was just a shade over 5%. Gas was around $1.30 at the pump. Inflation was non-existent. We were involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Leftists were outraged about the war in Iraq, claiming their were no American interests involved. terrorist prisoners were held at Gitmo waiting trial. The value of the dollar was falling. National debt was around $10 trillion. . Today, unemployment is steady above 8%. gas is almost $4.00/gallon. Food and durable good prices are on the rise. The first whiffs of stagflation are on the horizon. We are still in Afghanistan, Iraq has ended but we also engaged in a war in Libya. Prisoners are still in Gitmo.
What we have seen is massive Government spending. The Obama administration has run up higher deficits than all the previous Presidents combined. The workforce participation -- the number of jobs available -- is the lowest since 1981. The true unemployment rate is much higher. EPA and other bureaucracies have driven energy rices sky high, just like the President promised. fewer drilling permits have been issued, driving up the cost of oil. We have given corporate welfare totalling hundreds of million dollars to failed green energy companies. The unpopular ObamaCare is driving up the costs of healthcare while increasing deficits. For the first time in history Americans will be compelled by the Federal Government to buy a product.
George Bush was not a good president. I would take him in a minute over the current occupant of the White House.
For the sake of argument let us look at the Democrat's position as stated on the show. When Bush left office, unemployment was just a shade over 5%. Gas was around $1.30 at the pump. Inflation was non-existent. We were involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Leftists were outraged about the war in Iraq, claiming their were no American interests involved. terrorist prisoners were held at Gitmo waiting trial. The value of the dollar was falling. National debt was around $10 trillion. . Today, unemployment is steady above 8%. gas is almost $4.00/gallon. Food and durable good prices are on the rise. The first whiffs of stagflation are on the horizon. We are still in Afghanistan, Iraq has ended but we also engaged in a war in Libya. Prisoners are still in Gitmo.
What we have seen is massive Government spending. The Obama administration has run up higher deficits than all the previous Presidents combined. The workforce participation -- the number of jobs available -- is the lowest since 1981. The true unemployment rate is much higher. EPA and other bureaucracies have driven energy rices sky high, just like the President promised. fewer drilling permits have been issued, driving up the cost of oil. We have given corporate welfare totalling hundreds of million dollars to failed green energy companies. The unpopular ObamaCare is driving up the costs of healthcare while increasing deficits. For the first time in history Americans will be compelled by the Federal Government to buy a product.
George Bush was not a good president. I would take him in a minute over the current occupant of the White House.
May 19, 2012
Wood retires
I sat riveted again yesterday afternoon as Wood took the mound for the final time. He delivered a three pitch strikeout, a fitting bookend to a career marred by injury and over use.
I watched him take a tip of the cap to a roaring crowd. He walked to the dugout,, head held high. He was met by his young son at the top of the dugout steps. After a final curtain call Kerry Wood disappeared into the dugout and fond memory. I felt like crying.
May 18, 2012
Rapidly changing topics -- try to keep up
I rarely dream, if I do I don't remember what happened in the dark recesses of my brain. Last night was different. I had rich detailed dreams. Don't worry, I am not going to relate them here. Dreams are confusing and make no sense in the light of day. Besides, who would believe a story about a middle aged white guy with a funny sounding semi-German last name as a member of the Cosa Nostra?
We are all products of our environment. How then is this possible? My Mom has no accent at all, her tone and pronunciation is the flat Midwestern Johnny Carson American adopted by newscaster across the nation. My dad sounds like your typical Central Indiana Hoosier, with a dash of Pittsburgh thrown in. My brother has the Northern Indiana accent heard in da Region, yet not full-on Chicago intonation. If you live in that part of Indiana, you know what I am talking about. I speak with that unique cross-bred Kentucky/ Midwest twang heard "south of 70" throughout Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
Linguists and sociologist maintain we learn our language as much from peers and school as our families. I guess my family is living proof of that theory. I suppose I did hang out with a lot of white trash during my formative years in north central Indiana.
IRONY
That is what the signs should have read. earlier this week, Union members protested at a Wellpoint stockholder's meeting in downtown Indianapolis. The reason they were picketing the health care Insurance giant? because Wellpoint had the audacity to donate money to politicians. Imagine, Unions, who donate by the millions to politicians, complaining someone else follows suit! One brave radio reporter had the audacity to point out to the Union speaker that the Union gave more money in the last cycle to Hoosier politicians than did Wellpoint. Of course to the Union goon, that was completely different; the Union was looking to 'protect their interests'. I guess Wellpoint just gives away money 'cause they don't like the coppery smell of pennies and think the picture of Lincoln on a five-spot is creepy?
We are all products of our environment. How then is this possible? My Mom has no accent at all, her tone and pronunciation is the flat Midwestern Johnny Carson American adopted by newscaster across the nation. My dad sounds like your typical Central Indiana Hoosier, with a dash of Pittsburgh thrown in. My brother has the Northern Indiana accent heard in da Region, yet not full-on Chicago intonation. If you live in that part of Indiana, you know what I am talking about. I speak with that unique cross-bred Kentucky/ Midwest twang heard "south of 70" throughout Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
Linguists and sociologist maintain we learn our language as much from peers and school as our families. I guess my family is living proof of that theory. I suppose I did hang out with a lot of white trash during my formative years in north central Indiana.
IRONY
That is what the signs should have read. earlier this week, Union members protested at a Wellpoint stockholder's meeting in downtown Indianapolis. The reason they were picketing the health care Insurance giant? because Wellpoint had the audacity to donate money to politicians. Imagine, Unions, who donate by the millions to politicians, complaining someone else follows suit! One brave radio reporter had the audacity to point out to the Union speaker that the Union gave more money in the last cycle to Hoosier politicians than did Wellpoint. Of course to the Union goon, that was completely different; the Union was looking to 'protect their interests'. I guess Wellpoint just gives away money 'cause they don't like the coppery smell of pennies and think the picture of Lincoln on a five-spot is creepy?
May 17, 2012
The end of an era
For twenty years It has been my duty to get the kids up for school while the wife got ready for work. It started when my daughter began kindergarten back in 1992 and continued with my oldest son when he entered the education system two years later. My youngest followed a few years after that. At one point I had one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school.
Today my youngest will attend high school for the last time. Graduation is not until June 2, but he has a GPA of 3.5 and will not have to take finals next week nor attend tomorrow's final review day. In the fall he will be off to Indiana University to start a new phase of life and education, one that will involve an alarm clock that is not his old man.
So, for my youngest son, I offer up the great trifecta of end-of-school-year rock and roll:
Today my youngest will attend high school for the last time. Graduation is not until June 2, but he has a GPA of 3.5 and will not have to take finals next week nor attend tomorrow's final review day. In the fall he will be off to Indiana University to start a new phase of life and education, one that will involve an alarm clock that is not his old man.
So, for my youngest son, I offer up the great trifecta of end-of-school-year rock and roll:
May 16, 2012
Overreact much?
Really Dude?
Isn't that a bit of an overreaction? Example 2,913 of truth in the old adage "those who cannot teach, administrate".
They even fired the janitor!
Isn't that a bit of an overreaction? Example 2,913 of truth in the old adage "those who cannot teach, administrate".
They even fired the janitor!
Quick Thoughts
I suspect if lawmakers were not allowed to put their name on bills, we would have a few less laws. The egomaniacs who yearn for public office could not stand it if they were not associated by name with legislation (for example "Frank-Dodd").
Maybe we should pass a Constitutional Amendment that only allows a new law to be passed if an old one is taken off the books? Lawmakers (that title says it all) cannot help themselves.
By the same token, politicians should not have their name on public buildings/roads/parks. Most of the public signage in West Virginia would have to be changed if we removed Robert Byrd's name.
Members of Congress should make 10% over the median American annual wage. I bet they would not stick around for 30 years then.
Are you ready for your taxes to increase 10-20% starting in January? You are about to get whacked. Here is a secret the Democrats do not want you to know -- the hated Bush tax cuts benefited the lowest earners and middle class most of all. BOHICA Baby.
Maybe we should pass a Constitutional Amendment that only allows a new law to be passed if an old one is taken off the books? Lawmakers (that title says it all) cannot help themselves.
By the same token, politicians should not have their name on public buildings/roads/parks. Most of the public signage in West Virginia would have to be changed if we removed Robert Byrd's name.
Members of Congress should make 10% over the median American annual wage. I bet they would not stick around for 30 years then.
Are you ready for your taxes to increase 10-20% starting in January? You are about to get whacked. Here is a secret the Democrats do not want you to know -- the hated Bush tax cuts benefited the lowest earners and middle class most of all. BOHICA Baby.
May 15, 2012
Spread the Wealth
I like money. I want more of it. I want to earn as much as possible, and I would take a handful of found money should it come my way. I would have no problem with owning a nice car and a big house. Hell, I would live in a gated community if I could afford it. I would smoke expensive cigars and drink fine wine. I would vacation at the beautiful places. I am comfortable with that position.
The median income in the US is $44,329 according to the notoriously inaccurate Wikipedia. I suspect that figure is close enough for the purposes of this post.
George Clooney recently held a fundraiser for The Obama. It costs $40,000 a person to attend. I can live with that. People should spend their wealth in any way they see fit. If the leftists want to plop down the equivalent of the average American's annual wages for dinner, so be it.
My problem is these limousine liberals are all about supporting the redistribution of wealth, as long as it is someone else's. If George Clooney or Jeffrey Katzenburg really believed the bullshit about "at some point a person has made enough money", they should be donating a little more of their hard-earned cash. I will care about George Clooney's political rants when I read he donated all but $44,329 of his next movie contract to charity. Wouldn't that be fair? I will respect Toby Maguire when I learn he is living in a three bedroom ranch out in Tarzana. I will listen to Streisand's leftist screeds when I see her shopping at WalMart.
How many people who attended Clooney's shindig arrived in a limo or a big SUV and lamented the lack of action on global warming? Do you think J.J. Abrams arrived in a 2002 Honda Civic?
Warren Buffett and his ilk have paraded on TV and before Congress asking for taxes to be raised on the rich. But not one of those hypocritical bastards have the gumption to write a check to the treasury. There is no law preventing overpaying of taxes. If you think you are not paying your fair share, pony up, brother. President Obama rants that the rich should pay their fair share -- 30% at least. But he did not write a check to the treasury when his returns showed he only owed 21%. Put your money where your mouth is you hypocrites.
That is the problem with your average leftist Democrat progressive. They are free with my money and your money. All that is important is the idea. Good intention is far more important to these people than actual accomplishment. Just as in Soviet Russia and Communist China, the average Joe lived in misery standing in line for bread and rationed toilet paper, while the elites lived it up with special housing, stores, food and even elite driving lanes on the streets. Fair and equal is for the common people.
The median income in the US is $44,329 according to the notoriously inaccurate Wikipedia. I suspect that figure is close enough for the purposes of this post.
George Clooney recently held a fundraiser for The Obama. It costs $40,000 a person to attend. I can live with that. People should spend their wealth in any way they see fit. If the leftists want to plop down the equivalent of the average American's annual wages for dinner, so be it.
My problem is these limousine liberals are all about supporting the redistribution of wealth, as long as it is someone else's. If George Clooney or Jeffrey Katzenburg really believed the bullshit about "at some point a person has made enough money", they should be donating a little more of their hard-earned cash. I will care about George Clooney's political rants when I read he donated all but $44,329 of his next movie contract to charity. Wouldn't that be fair? I will respect Toby Maguire when I learn he is living in a three bedroom ranch out in Tarzana. I will listen to Streisand's leftist screeds when I see her shopping at WalMart.
How many people who attended Clooney's shindig arrived in a limo or a big SUV and lamented the lack of action on global warming? Do you think J.J. Abrams arrived in a 2002 Honda Civic?
Warren Buffett and his ilk have paraded on TV and before Congress asking for taxes to be raised on the rich. But not one of those hypocritical bastards have the gumption to write a check to the treasury. There is no law preventing overpaying of taxes. If you think you are not paying your fair share, pony up, brother. President Obama rants that the rich should pay their fair share -- 30% at least. But he did not write a check to the treasury when his returns showed he only owed 21%. Put your money where your mouth is you hypocrites.
That is the problem with your average leftist Democrat progressive. They are free with my money and your money. All that is important is the idea. Good intention is far more important to these people than actual accomplishment. Just as in Soviet Russia and Communist China, the average Joe lived in misery standing in line for bread and rationed toilet paper, while the elites lived it up with special housing, stores, food and even elite driving lanes on the streets. Fair and equal is for the common people.
The anatomical juxtaposition of your average Democrat's orbicularis oris muscles in a state of contraction against my gluteus maximus.
I was walking around the neighborhood last evening. The weather was perfect. I was listening to a broadcast of the Cubs game on my iPod. Ideas for post topics sprang to my mind. I composed the basic outline of a few while I walked. A whole week's worth of good stuff was swirling and composing itself into brilliant, Hemingwayesque sentences in my brain.
Then I slept.
Instead of brilliance you get a post about not writing a post.
Then I slept.
Instead of brilliance you get a post about not writing a post.
May 14, 2012
Same-sex marriage
Shall we get this out of the way first? Despite my obvious right wing credentials, I really, really do not care what anyone does behind their bedroom door, as long as it involves consenting adults. if you want to dress in a fur suit, go for it. Leather, whips, and chains? I don't care as long as I am not a participant. Man on man, girl on girl, many men on many girls and many girls on many men? Nope, I do not care what you do. I am not sure how to make my position any more clear.
Secondly, If you want to get married, have at it, as long as you are consenting adults. I am not sure why the Government is in the marriage business anyway.
Now, all of you advocates for legalizing homosexual marriage, here is where I draw the line. If same-sex marriage becomes legal in these United States, will your local Baptist preacher, Methodist minister, Catholic priest, Imam or Rabi be required to marry you? Will refusal on moral or religious grounds be justification for a discrimination suit or a knock on the door from Eric Holder's Civil Rights Division?
The reasonable among you will say that could never happen. The militant arm of the gay advocacy would proceed in an instant.
I think that dilemma is the crux of the difference in polls indicating a general acceptance of gay marriage and overwhelmingly lack of support when it comes to passing laws. More than thirty States have decreed marriage is between a man and a woman. It is also the Federal Law of the Land.
I do not care what sexual proclivities you enjoy. I prefer not to think about it. If you are into gay sex, naked midget jello wrestling, masturbating to pictures of kittens, squirter videos, male strippers with socks on their dongs, tattooed fat chicks, felating interns, bone-thin white guys, graphic pygmy sex, shaved nether regions, Japanese cartoon porn, poop munching, toenail chewing, gag balls, blacklight aerobics, naked grandmothers with orange dildos, a Mr. Clean fetish, extremely hirsute mommy parts, dressing like Wonder Woman or Popeye, or even plain old missionary style in the dark of night -- it is of no concern of mine. Just do not expect me to give you a thumbs up and a blessing.
Perhaps now we can move the political discussion to topics that are actually important, like whether Romney hazed some kid 47 years ago.
Secondly, If you want to get married, have at it, as long as you are consenting adults. I am not sure why the Government is in the marriage business anyway.
Now, all of you advocates for legalizing homosexual marriage, here is where I draw the line. If same-sex marriage becomes legal in these United States, will your local Baptist preacher, Methodist minister, Catholic priest, Imam or Rabi be required to marry you? Will refusal on moral or religious grounds be justification for a discrimination suit or a knock on the door from Eric Holder's Civil Rights Division?
The reasonable among you will say that could never happen. The militant arm of the gay advocacy would proceed in an instant.
I think that dilemma is the crux of the difference in polls indicating a general acceptance of gay marriage and overwhelmingly lack of support when it comes to passing laws. More than thirty States have decreed marriage is between a man and a woman. It is also the Federal Law of the Land.
I do not care what sexual proclivities you enjoy. I prefer not to think about it. If you are into gay sex, naked midget jello wrestling, masturbating to pictures of kittens, squirter videos, male strippers with socks on their dongs, tattooed fat chicks, felating interns, bone-thin white guys, graphic pygmy sex, shaved nether regions, Japanese cartoon porn, poop munching, toenail chewing, gag balls, blacklight aerobics, naked grandmothers with orange dildos, a Mr. Clean fetish, extremely hirsute mommy parts, dressing like Wonder Woman or Popeye, or even plain old missionary style in the dark of night -- it is of no concern of mine. Just do not expect me to give you a thumbs up and a blessing.
Perhaps now we can move the political discussion to topics that are actually important, like whether Romney hazed some kid 47 years ago.
May 13, 2012
May 12, 2012
It is a jungle in here
I have about had enough of nature already this morning; ants on the kitchen counter, spiders on the living room wall. Why don't those guys go outside and play? The weather is fine today. No wonder today's insects are fatter than ever.
May 11, 2012
Curiosity
I also have one of these:
I am willing to bet very few of you can identify this accomplishment. Mine is hand made from felt, very similar to the image. Today they are mass produced embroidery. This rank was harder to earn than the former. I am far prouder of it. Do any fof you know what this is? Do any of you have one of these?
They say smoking pot destroys your memory...
Maybe if the Golfer-in-Chief spent a little more time actually being President, he would know his economic policies are not working.
can you imagine the mass hysteria the Press would have if Bush had uttered such a callous, ignorant statement? Or Romney? Perhaps we should focus on the real issues of the day instead of hazing stunts from 47 years ago.
Example 1,619,432 of Occupy Wall Street Ignorance
Here we see the true ignorance and lack of understanding of your average "Occupier".
This is really just sad.
This is really just sad.
May 10, 2012
Head scratchin' here, boss
So...if dinosaur farts and belches contributed to global warming and led to their own demise as recently reported, a few questions are in order. There is no evidence a new dinosaur species arrived in the last days of the Dinos. I have not see the fossil remains of Gasosaurus Rex. There is also no evidence there was a mass consumption of sauerkraut or lima beans at some global dinosaur picnic. We can only come to the conclusion the methane build up from Fartasaurs and Belchasaurs was a slow global warming death, inching the temperatures a Celsius or two every few centuries.
That said, unless the theory of evolution did not apply to Barney's ancestors, wouldn't natural selection favored those dinosaurs best suited to live in warmer temperatures? Isn't the theory that the velociraptors and triceratops would have improvised, adapted and overcame a gradual rise in temperatures? Instead, we are told the evidence points to a rapid decline in dinosaurs at a given point in time.
Perhaps I just did not pay enough attention in biology.
That said, unless the theory of evolution did not apply to Barney's ancestors, wouldn't natural selection favored those dinosaurs best suited to live in warmer temperatures? Isn't the theory that the velociraptors and triceratops would have improvised, adapted and overcame a gradual rise in temperatures? Instead, we are told the evidence points to a rapid decline in dinosaurs at a given point in time.
Perhaps I just did not pay enough attention in biology.
May 9, 2012
Boo Bleeping Hoo
Senator Richard Luger lost his re-election bid yesterday, ending more than three decades in Washington. Perhaps if Luger had remembered in recent years that the 'R" behind his name stood for Republican instead of "Reach across the aisle", he would still have a job.
In an interview yesterday as his campaign was dieing an inglorious death, all Luger could manage was a bleating cry for Independents and Democrats to save him. If Senator Luger had bothered to remain true to his constituent's conservative leanings he would never have to ask for Democrat help, and just as importantly, they would not have done it. Oh wait, the liberals did not help him in any case.
This morning I am seeing lamentations on the loss of Senator Luger. Mathew Tully of the Indianapolis Star (look it up yourself) writes that we all lose since Luger was a great reacher across the aisle.. Many are worried that the new Republican candidate, Richard Mourdoch, is too hard line. Why is it always important for conservatives to compromise? Was Tully writing editorials exhorting the Democrats to compromise on ObamaCare or The Stimulus? Why is it when a conservative wants to cut spending and a liberal wants to spend more, the only fair compromise is to spend not-quite-as-much? We have a plethora of elder Republican statesmen who routinely work with the Democrats (to get Democrat ideas passed), but where are the great reachers from the left side of the aisle? Does that mythical compromise door only open toward the left?
Maybe it is well past time that we send representatives to Congress who are in the reduce spending - reduce bureaucracy - reduce Government mode. Maybe we have had enough when it comes to a lot of growth, or maybe just slightly less than a lot of growth compromise. Maybe it is time we sent to Congress a whole bunch of people willing to say not just "No", but "Hell No"..
Maybe the folks writing the editorials should kiss my ass, and the left butt cheek of the Conservatives in Indiana. We know what values we want our Representative to exhibit. We voted accordingly. We frankly do not care what some liberal reporter or PoliSci prof thinks about it.
Message sent.
In an interview yesterday as his campaign was dieing an inglorious death, all Luger could manage was a bleating cry for Independents and Democrats to save him. If Senator Luger had bothered to remain true to his constituent's conservative leanings he would never have to ask for Democrat help, and just as importantly, they would not have done it. Oh wait, the liberals did not help him in any case.
This morning I am seeing lamentations on the loss of Senator Luger. Mathew Tully of the Indianapolis Star (look it up yourself) writes that we all lose since Luger was a great reacher across the aisle.. Many are worried that the new Republican candidate, Richard Mourdoch, is too hard line. Why is it always important for conservatives to compromise? Was Tully writing editorials exhorting the Democrats to compromise on ObamaCare or The Stimulus? Why is it when a conservative wants to cut spending and a liberal wants to spend more, the only fair compromise is to spend not-quite-as-much? We have a plethora of elder Republican statesmen who routinely work with the Democrats (to get Democrat ideas passed), but where are the great reachers from the left side of the aisle? Does that mythical compromise door only open toward the left?
Maybe it is well past time that we send representatives to Congress who are in the reduce spending - reduce bureaucracy - reduce Government mode. Maybe we have had enough when it comes to a lot of growth, or maybe just slightly less than a lot of growth compromise. Maybe it is time we sent to Congress a whole bunch of people willing to say not just "No", but "Hell No"..
Maybe the folks writing the editorials should kiss my ass, and the left butt cheek of the Conservatives in Indiana. We know what values we want our Representative to exhibit. We voted accordingly. We frankly do not care what some liberal reporter or PoliSci prof thinks about it.
Message sent.
May 8, 2012
Indiana Primary is today
I really ought to post something.
TaDa!
Is this blogging stuff easy or what?
TaDa!
Is this blogging stuff easy or what?
May 7, 2012
The Obama Record
Bill Clinton used the simple campaign issue of "it's the economy stupid" as his basis for election. He was right. the economy is the driving force in our lives. Spending, GDP growth, and tax collections are just a few of the barometers used to measure the robustness of the economy. It does not take an advanced degree in economics from an ivy league school to understand that if people have jobs, they have money to spend. Employment equals taxes and the government pig is fed first. Remember, Uncle Sugar takes his cut off the top of your pay!
So, are you undecided about The Obama? Not sure about healthcare, banking reform, Gitmo, the WoT, the worth of the stimulus, Government Motors, or Cash for Clunkers? Are you unsure about investing in green energy? Do you like the idea of taxing the wealthy? Well, I submit it is all about the jobs. Are Americans better off after four years of The 'Bamster?
There actually fewer people working now than when Obama took office. In spite of population growth, in spite of the plethora of "green jobs" he has claimed, in spite of the growth of new jobs (ever revised a week or two later), there are fewer people working today than there were in 1981. Ponder that fact and let me know why we should give the man without a plan four more years?
So, are you undecided about The Obama? Not sure about healthcare, banking reform, Gitmo, the WoT, the worth of the stimulus, Government Motors, or Cash for Clunkers? Are you unsure about investing in green energy? Do you like the idea of taxing the wealthy? Well, I submit it is all about the jobs. Are Americans better off after four years of The 'Bamster?
There actually fewer people working now than when Obama took office. In spite of population growth, in spite of the plethora of "green jobs" he has claimed, in spite of the growth of new jobs (ever revised a week or two later), there are fewer people working today than there were in 1981. Ponder that fact and let me know why we should give the man without a plan four more years?
Look and sigh
If you were to take the time to look up the term "pack rat" in your favorite reference source, you would find a picture of my wife. The kid's old clothes, shoes, toys and general junk is in boxes all through the closets, garage, attic, and even a rented storage building. Why do we need a box two boxes of my daughter's outgrown shoes from her early teen years? Don't ask me. Boxes of old dance costumes? Again...?
Perhaps we are saving this "stuff" for the garage sale we never have. The current collection of stuff has become so large that it is overwhelming. Do not get me wrong, my wife is not a "Hoarder's" candidate yet. But there are a lot of boxes and bags and bins around here. Anyway, we have started cleaning out the piles of detritus in the garage. After a thorough cleaning, we plan on holding the boy's Graduation Open House in that space. Since we are lucky enough to have a three car garage, there is plenty of room to set up tables. We just have to remove the boxes of "stuff" stacked in the third car bay.
The effort started over the weekend. I planned on much of the goods winding up at Goodwill or the dump. So far most have been transported to the attic. Only a few odds and ends are in the "trash" pile. A buddy with a truck (the best kind of friend) agreed to haul the bunk beds, mattresses. a TV stand, desk, and end tables to storage later in the week. That will free up a lot of room. But that list will give an idea of the problem.
Perhaps we are saving this "stuff" for the garage sale we never have. The current collection of stuff has become so large that it is overwhelming. Do not get me wrong, my wife is not a "Hoarder's" candidate yet. But there are a lot of boxes and bags and bins around here. Anyway, we have started cleaning out the piles of detritus in the garage. After a thorough cleaning, we plan on holding the boy's Graduation Open House in that space. Since we are lucky enough to have a three car garage, there is plenty of room to set up tables. We just have to remove the boxes of "stuff" stacked in the third car bay.
The effort started over the weekend. I planned on much of the goods winding up at Goodwill or the dump. So far most have been transported to the attic. Only a few odds and ends are in the "trash" pile. A buddy with a truck (the best kind of friend) agreed to haul the bunk beds, mattresses. a TV stand, desk, and end tables to storage later in the week. That will free up a lot of room. But that list will give an idea of the problem.
May 6, 2012
Playin' it cool
I am in a mellow mood this fine Sunday morning. The coffee is hot the air is cool. My body aches from working in the yard all day. The late George Harrison wrote some beautiful music. I hope you enjoy this clip.
Have a great day.
May 5, 2012
Situational Saturday
My life is not consumed by politics. I spend a good bit of time ranting about The State of Things around here. that is what this piece of the interwebz is for -- I can write about whatever the Hell I want. that you stop by and read it is a big bonus.
I enjoy the interaction of the comments. I like it when Erin stops by and gives her two cents. I may not agree, but it offers a different viewpoint. That is valuable if for no other reason than it helps me solidify my position. Plus, as anyone who knows me can attest -- I like to argue. I will debate nearly anything, any side.
I don't want to be obsessed with politics. I have friends with very different ideas. One guy who is a liberal Democrat died-in-the-wool union guy and I have a great time together. We just leave the politics out of it. Why bother? The closest we come is occasional good natured jabs -- like the Obama card he gave me on my last birthday. That stuff is funny. I guess you do not spend all of your time discussing the latest political news with your friends either.
What is the point here? I cannot think of a more dreary life than to obsess over anything: Bill Ayres, the Occupy people, those on the road for the Tea Party, Reverend Jessie, or Cindy Sheehan. I cannot image my life being a one-note song. Every discussion can not be about God, about politics, about immigration.
Are there problems in this world? Yes there are. Taking a few minutes off to have a beer, smoke a cigar, listen to some music watch a ball game, see a movie, or laugh with your family and friends does not make the problems disappear, but it sure makes life worth living.
I enjoy the interaction of the comments. I like it when Erin stops by and gives her two cents. I may not agree, but it offers a different viewpoint. That is valuable if for no other reason than it helps me solidify my position. Plus, as anyone who knows me can attest -- I like to argue. I will debate nearly anything, any side.
I don't want to be obsessed with politics. I have friends with very different ideas. One guy who is a liberal Democrat died-in-the-wool union guy and I have a great time together. We just leave the politics out of it. Why bother? The closest we come is occasional good natured jabs -- like the Obama card he gave me on my last birthday. That stuff is funny. I guess you do not spend all of your time discussing the latest political news with your friends either.
What is the point here? I cannot think of a more dreary life than to obsess over anything: Bill Ayres, the Occupy people, those on the road for the Tea Party, Reverend Jessie, or Cindy Sheehan. I cannot image my life being a one-note song. Every discussion can not be about God, about politics, about immigration.
Are there problems in this world? Yes there are. Taking a few minutes off to have a beer, smoke a cigar, listen to some music watch a ball game, see a movie, or laugh with your family and friends does not make the problems disappear, but it sure makes life worth living.
May 4, 2012
Lists
Treadmill delivered and set up -- check
Mulch delivery scheduled -- check
Refrigerator repairman scheduled -- check . they will call before they come, but no firm date set. maybe Monday she said. Tha tis a hell of a way to run a business.
ATT&T called about non-functioning work line. This only took more than an hour. I tried repeatedly to report a problem on line as prescribed. I also did the check myself at the box. Called an 800 number and was told I need a different 800 number. That person (A real person!) sent me back to the first 800 number. Then I got a different 800 number and a recording to lead me through troubleshooting and initiating a repair ticket. The recording could only tell me a ticket was issued, not when someone can come and fix the line. I guess I have to be home from 8-5 every day until they come? I know I have mentioned many times how much I hate AT&T. This just may be the final straw.
In the interim I wrote and submitted my monthly report.
TGIF, baby.
Mulch delivery scheduled -- check
Refrigerator repairman scheduled -- check . they will call before they come, but no firm date set. maybe Monday she said. Tha tis a hell of a way to run a business.
ATT&T called about non-functioning work line. This only took more than an hour. I tried repeatedly to report a problem on line as prescribed. I also did the check myself at the box. Called an 800 number and was told I need a different 800 number. That person (A real person!) sent me back to the first 800 number. Then I got a different 800 number and a recording to lead me through troubleshooting and initiating a repair ticket. The recording could only tell me a ticket was issued, not when someone can come and fix the line. I guess I have to be home from 8-5 every day until they come? I know I have mentioned many times how much I hate AT&T. This just may be the final straw.
In the interim I wrote and submitted my monthly report.
TGIF, baby.
Quick Post Something
I have some deliveries scheduled for this morning (hola new treadmill). I will try and post something of substance later.
Boy, wouldn't that be a change?
Boy, wouldn't that be a change?
May 3, 2012
Leave a message at the tone
In my college days a group of us gathered daily in the basement to watch TV. The regimen was set and unbreakable: General Hospital, M*A*S*H, The Rockford Files. Class schedules dictated who occupied the couches, but the show tuned in on the big screen never deviated.
If you were late to the basement and the Rockford Files had already begun, you might as well consider the afternoon wasted and go study. The answering machine message at the beginning always was always one of the best moments of an awesome show.
Here is a sampling:
If you had to be a 1970's private eye, you know you would be Rockford. Mannix was a pussy and Buddy Ebson's Barnaby Jones was never believable. We all knew he was really a Hillbilly. Columbo and Kojak were just cliche's. I will admit that McMillan had a hot wife.
It occurs to me there were sure a lot of mysteries to be solved in the 1970's.
If you were late to the basement and the Rockford Files had already begun, you might as well consider the afternoon wasted and go study. The answering machine message at the beginning always was always one of the best moments of an awesome show.
Here is a sampling:
If you had to be a 1970's private eye, you know you would be Rockford. Mannix was a pussy and Buddy Ebson's Barnaby Jones was never believable. We all knew he was really a Hillbilly. Columbo and Kojak were just cliche's. I will admit that McMillan had a hot wife.
It occurs to me there were sure a lot of mysteries to be solved in the 1970's.
May 2, 2012
Sometimes one plus one does equal three
When you connect the dots, the numbers are just a guideline. You are free to make any pattern you desire.
That said, I read about some anarchists who plotted to blow up a bridge near Cleveland. Northeast Ohio has long been a liberal bastion and I am not surprised there are anarchists hiding in plain sight.
Here is a question for you. Do you think these thwarted domestic terrorists are more likely to have attended the recent 'Tea Party Rally' in Cleveland, or the 'Occupy Cleveland' protests?
F-ing Wobblies.
May 1, 2012
April 30, 2012
Had a horrible white sausage, nearly made me sick
Eric, over at Straight White Guy has been posting a series of entries from his travel journal. I thought I was the only one who wrote down memories of trips. On this particular business trip I forgot my camera, so all I have to remember these places are my notes. Here is a page from my travel notes from a trip to Germany and Austria. The first entry recounts a visit to a manufacturing plant in Steyr, Austria. The next entry takes place in Bavaria. I hope you can manage to read my chicken scratches. This trip was in 1999 or maybe 2000(?).
Show Me
I have a question for you Progressives out there. One of the complaints I here The Obama and Democrats mouth is the we are losing our middle class. The politicians in Europe are making the same complaints.
If European-type Socialism/Progressivism is so great, where is the burgeoning middle class? Where is the middle class in China? Was there a middle class in Soviet Russia?
I find it interesting that the rise of the middle class in Western Society came right along with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the capitalist explosion in the last 300 years or so. As Government and bureaucracies have gained greater control we see a larger and larger disparity. Under Obama's policies the welfare state has expanded. Since the Dems took control of Congress in 2006, the economy has tanked, home values have fallen and unemployment is at sustained levels we have not seen in more than a generation.
Today's Liberal/Progressive says we just need more of these policies. If the Government could just take over health care, or perhaps the oil companies, or maybe the housing market, perhaps food distribution, all will be better. Can anyone point to empirical evidence that supports this position? Is there anywhere the liberal/progressive/socialist program has worked?
Anyone? I am not from Missouri, but I still invite you to show me.
If European-type Socialism/Progressivism is so great, where is the burgeoning middle class? Where is the middle class in China? Was there a middle class in Soviet Russia?
I find it interesting that the rise of the middle class in Western Society came right along with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the capitalist explosion in the last 300 years or so. As Government and bureaucracies have gained greater control we see a larger and larger disparity. Under Obama's policies the welfare state has expanded. Since the Dems took control of Congress in 2006, the economy has tanked, home values have fallen and unemployment is at sustained levels we have not seen in more than a generation.
Today's Liberal/Progressive says we just need more of these policies. If the Government could just take over health care, or perhaps the oil companies, or maybe the housing market, perhaps food distribution, all will be better. Can anyone point to empirical evidence that supports this position? Is there anywhere the liberal/progressive/socialist program has worked?
Anyone? I am not from Missouri, but I still invite you to show me.
April 29, 2012
I don't do "hints". Just tell me what you want.
Here I sit on a Sunday morning, trying to take a decision. Do I write something for the old blog or watch something on the TV or pick up a book and read a bit? You can figure the correct response to that simple multiple choice quiz.
The sun is trying to burn through a heavy gray cloud cover. It rained on and off all day yesterday. The sun was off in Florida shining on the vacationing Baby Boomers. The springtime grass is an impossibly vibrant shade of green that the engineers and designers at Crayola can only dream of. With a whole week of rain in the forecast, I will likely need a goat or an industrial sickle to cut it down at my next opportunity.
My honey-do list is growing by leaps and bounds. The wife is entering full panic mode as the boy's graduation nears. The same house that has hosted family and friends many times before is now suddenly in dire need of a make-over. The whole house needs to shine like a blood diamond. The garage must be cleaned and scrubbed (yes, I said garage, do not ask me why), the carpets cleaned, fresh paint on the walls. This is my third time at this rodeo, so I know better than to argue, I will just do what I think needs done and ignore the rest of the list. For instance there is no way I am painting the walls. I will just smile and nod when she dreams up another project. Until things get too nuts for me to handle.
We were wandering around WalMart last evening. She was looking for something (I wasn't paying attention) and chattering away about doing something or the other she wants to do in the closet; storage shelves or drawers. Blah blah. I am thinking she should just get rid of the clothes that don't fit or are out of style and she would have plenty of closet room. Quit buying new shit. The answers are easy and simple. But I say nothing. I have expressed those sentiments before to blank stares. I guess I was speaking a rare dialect of Basque again (but I digress) Out of the blue she says "How much do you think it would cost to have someone come out and redo the landscaping?" She means like professional people. She means trees, shrubs, bulldozers and backhoes. I muster the most incredulous tone possible as I ask her why would we do that. I knew the answer, but I had to hear it.
"For graduation".
I try to keep my swearing to a minimum with her, especially the 'f' word, but this was too much. "Are you fucking nuts? Do you have any idea what that would cost? It is just high school graduation. The people coming are the same people who have been at our house a hundred times before. Good God, what is wrong with you?" I probably went to far. People were leaving the housewares department like a pipe bomb had detonated. Even the fat bitch on the scooter made a hasty retreat.
I know what is going on here. It is the old bait and switch. By throwing out the idea of professional landscape design, re-mulching the flower beds and planting some perennials will seem minor in comparison. I have known this woman for 34 years. I know how this game is played. I just don't know the rules.
The sun is trying to burn through a heavy gray cloud cover. It rained on and off all day yesterday. The sun was off in Florida shining on the vacationing Baby Boomers. The springtime grass is an impossibly vibrant shade of green that the engineers and designers at Crayola can only dream of. With a whole week of rain in the forecast, I will likely need a goat or an industrial sickle to cut it down at my next opportunity.
My honey-do list is growing by leaps and bounds. The wife is entering full panic mode as the boy's graduation nears. The same house that has hosted family and friends many times before is now suddenly in dire need of a make-over. The whole house needs to shine like a blood diamond. The garage must be cleaned and scrubbed (yes, I said garage, do not ask me why), the carpets cleaned, fresh paint on the walls. This is my third time at this rodeo, so I know better than to argue, I will just do what I think needs done and ignore the rest of the list. For instance there is no way I am painting the walls. I will just smile and nod when she dreams up another project. Until things get too nuts for me to handle.
We were wandering around WalMart last evening. She was looking for something (I wasn't paying attention) and chattering away about doing something or the other she wants to do in the closet; storage shelves or drawers. Blah blah. I am thinking she should just get rid of the clothes that don't fit or are out of style and she would have plenty of closet room. Quit buying new shit. The answers are easy and simple. But I say nothing. I have expressed those sentiments before to blank stares. I guess I was speaking a rare dialect of Basque again (but I digress) Out of the blue she says "How much do you think it would cost to have someone come out and redo the landscaping?" She means like professional people. She means trees, shrubs, bulldozers and backhoes. I muster the most incredulous tone possible as I ask her why would we do that. I knew the answer, but I had to hear it.
"For graduation".
I try to keep my swearing to a minimum with her, especially the 'f' word, but this was too much. "Are you fucking nuts? Do you have any idea what that would cost? It is just high school graduation. The people coming are the same people who have been at our house a hundred times before. Good God, what is wrong with you?" I probably went to far. People were leaving the housewares department like a pipe bomb had detonated. Even the fat bitch on the scooter made a hasty retreat.
I know what is going on here. It is the old bait and switch. By throwing out the idea of professional landscape design, re-mulching the flower beds and planting some perennials will seem minor in comparison. I have known this woman for 34 years. I know how this game is played. I just don't know the rules.
April 28, 2012
April 27, 2012
Example #137 of my stupidity
I try not to dwell on my health problems around here. No one wants to here about that. I sometimes relate tales of my ongoing war with my bowels (likely medicine-induced according to the Doctor). Farts and turds and shitting of the pants is funny, in an eighth grade sort of way. I have no issues pandering to the lowbrow.
Most of you are probably aware I am diabetic. Genetics and years of overeating coupled with a lack of exercise can do that to you *. I waited until I had severe problems with my feet before I went to the doctor, because ignoring health problems always makes them go away.
Usually.
Sometimes.
OK, never. I know that now.
Anyway, I have nerve damage in my feet. It is getting a little better but occasionally I have issues. Last night I hit the side of my big toe on the edge of a door. I did not really feel it much. I looked down and saw some skin was torn on the edge of the toe.. Without thinking, I reached down and pulled off the scrap of skin -- along with most of the outer layers of skin from the bottom of my right big toe.
On the bright side, it didn't hurt -- remember the nerve damage? On the dangerous side, people with diabetes have to be very aware of foot injuries, especially the toes. Thick, syrupy blood does not like to travel to the extremities and sores on the feet and toes can lead to those same toes and feet being cut off as scrap. That toe may be minus a toenail, but I am pretty fond of it there on the end of my foot. The toe is still seeping blood this afternoon. I am going to have to keep my eye on things and if there is no improvement I WILL head to the doctor on Monday. This is not like a cough that lingers for a month or so...
Oh and for the record, every post this week was published live. No canned content for my loyal readers -- even when I was deep in the heart of the Land of the Cheeseheads.
* I am 50 pounds lighter and walk 2-3 miles every day. My blood sugar is under pretty good control through diet, exercise and medication.
Most of you are probably aware I am diabetic. Genetics and years of overeating coupled with a lack of exercise can do that to you *. I waited until I had severe problems with my feet before I went to the doctor, because ignoring health problems always makes them go away.
Usually.
Sometimes.
OK, never. I know that now.
Anyway, I have nerve damage in my feet. It is getting a little better but occasionally I have issues. Last night I hit the side of my big toe on the edge of a door. I did not really feel it much. I looked down and saw some skin was torn on the edge of the toe.. Without thinking, I reached down and pulled off the scrap of skin -- along with most of the outer layers of skin from the bottom of my right big toe.
On the bright side, it didn't hurt -- remember the nerve damage? On the dangerous side, people with diabetes have to be very aware of foot injuries, especially the toes. Thick, syrupy blood does not like to travel to the extremities and sores on the feet and toes can lead to those same toes and feet being cut off as scrap. That toe may be minus a toenail, but I am pretty fond of it there on the end of my foot. The toe is still seeping blood this afternoon. I am going to have to keep my eye on things and if there is no improvement I WILL head to the doctor on Monday. This is not like a cough that lingers for a month or so...
Oh and for the record, every post this week was published live. No canned content for my loyal readers -- even when I was deep in the heart of the Land of the Cheeseheads.
* I am 50 pounds lighter and walk 2-3 miles every day. My blood sugar is under pretty good control through diet, exercise and medication.
The burden is heavy, and he ain't my brother
$4,000,000,000
Four Billion dollars.
Every year.
Four billion dollars given to illegal aliens in fraudulent tax returns. the IRS knows, and does not care.
I watched this last night. It is not good for an old man to get so pissed off before bed. I know you guys never click links, but trust me on this one. Click. read. watch.
We know who is hiring and paying these illegals. It is right there on the tax form. Fine the employers. $10,000 for the first illegal. $20,000 for the second. $40,000 for the third. Throw them in jail if they continue.
Quit giving free stuff to "undocumented" people.. Take away the jobs. Boom, bang and the illegal/undocumented/criminal problem is fixed. No need for moats or walls or the army to protect the border. If there are no jobs and no free stuff they won't come.
Four billion dollars. every year. Sadly, that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cost illegal aliens put on American citizens.
Four Billion dollars.
Every year.
Four billion dollars given to illegal aliens in fraudulent tax returns. the IRS knows, and does not care.
I watched this last night. It is not good for an old man to get so pissed off before bed. I know you guys never click links, but trust me on this one. Click. read. watch.
We know who is hiring and paying these illegals. It is right there on the tax form. Fine the employers. $10,000 for the first illegal. $20,000 for the second. $40,000 for the third. Throw them in jail if they continue.
Quit giving free stuff to "undocumented" people.. Take away the jobs. Boom, bang and the illegal/undocumented/criminal problem is fixed. No need for moats or walls or the army to protect the border. If there are no jobs and no free stuff they won't come.
Four billion dollars. every year. Sadly, that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cost illegal aliens put on American citizens.
April 26, 2012
Happy Days Are Here Again!
I read where the Obama Administration has declared an end to the War on Terror. I guess The 'Bamster has decided he will follow that great political philosopher John Lennon's plea and give peace a chance.
Since it is all about me around here, I have to admit the end of terrorism is welcome news. Now that we no longer have to worry about crazy men between the ages of 18 and 35 (who just happen to follow the teachings of a goatherding pedophile -- a mere coincidence we are told) blowing shit up, I can again board an airplane without undressing and having semi-naked pictures taken by the TSA. I will not have to worry about holes in my socks when I remove my shoes or my beltless pants falling around my ankles as I make moose horns with my hands in the magic X-Ray machine. Now that the WoT is done, I can pack enough shampoo to last more than a day or two in my carry on. I look forward to bringing a bottle of water from home to the airport.
Since we no longer have to worry about terrorism, I expect an edict dismantling the TSA from The One any day now...
Since it is all about me around here, I have to admit the end of terrorism is welcome news. Now that we no longer have to worry about crazy men between the ages of 18 and 35 (who just happen to follow the teachings of a goatherding pedophile -- a mere coincidence we are told) blowing shit up, I can again board an airplane without undressing and having semi-naked pictures taken by the TSA. I will not have to worry about holes in my socks when I remove my shoes or my beltless pants falling around my ankles as I make moose horns with my hands in the magic X-Ray machine. Now that the WoT is done, I can pack enough shampoo to last more than a day or two in my carry on. I look forward to bringing a bottle of water from home to the airport.
Since we no longer have to worry about terrorism, I expect an edict dismantling the TSA from The One any day now...
April 25, 2012
Moonglow memories.
A red stingray bike. The smell of a baseball glove. Heat lightning on a summer night. A train in the distance. The smell of corn growing in black dirt. A hamburger on the grill. A cardinal in a pine tree. A dog at your side. Picking raspberries in the thicket and eating a tomato right out of the garden. A fine cigar on a spring afternoon. Fresh snow on the grass. Coffee in the morning. A lovers kiss. A baby's cry in the night. Jupiter standing sentinel above a quarter moon on crisp fall night. A vase of roses. Turkey in the oven. Paddling a canoe on Wildcat Creek. Rain drumming on a canvas tent. A daughter's tap shoes on hardwood. Playing catch with my boys. Fresh popcorn and the movies. A cold beer after mowing the yard. A hard day's work. Sunset through a windshield. Blue-green waves on a white sand beach. A red tailed hawk in the sky. A castle on a German hill. A good book. Music on the stereo. A waterfall in Oregon. Secretly digging Breakfast at Tiffany's. A steaming plate of beef and noodles. A wife's naked hug. Walking barefoot in the grass. Cribbage with Grandma. Wasting your time with crap like this.
April 24, 2012
Sun Spots, Bald Spots and Daisey Chains
I have long had the habit of latching on to a particular author and reading everything I can by that person. Unfortunately many of my long-time favorite have had the bad grace to die, to move on to other characters or they just plain write too slowly. I like series books, and the Jake Grafton (Stephen Coonts), Swagger family (Stephen Hunter), Sharpe (Bernard Cornwell), Aubrey/Maturin (Patrick O'Brian), The Brotherhood of War and The Corps (WEB Griffin) are among my favorites. I have read most of these various books and series multiple times.
In the past few weeks I have started reading the Game of Thrones series by George RR Martin. I never read fantasy, and these are not fantasy novels in the classic SciFi sense. I am almost done with the third book in the series. You get your money's worth of entertainment from this series. All of the books are 700 pages plus. I have stayed up too late at night, read at lunch and even in the morning before work. I have read almost 2,000 pages in just a few weeks. That is not a lot for some of you, but I do not read as fast as I once did.
Martin knows how to build a story. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of a different character and there are multiple plot lines and stories intertwining the chaos. Just when you think you have a clue where the story is going, Martin shakes things up and goes in another direction entirely. he has no qualms letting the bad guys win and often the good guys are not as good as you think and the bad people can do good. The characters come across as human with all of our faults. bad tings happen to good people and evil is sometimes rewarded, just as in life.
There is blood and lust and greed and backstabbing enough to satisfy a soap opera. Think of the series as a bloodier, sexier "Dallas" or Dynasty" set on the middle ages as opposed to the greedy 1980's. Except JR diddles his sister and Blake Carrington gets a knife in the eye and burnt alive.
In the past few weeks I have started reading the Game of Thrones series by George RR Martin. I never read fantasy, and these are not fantasy novels in the classic SciFi sense. I am almost done with the third book in the series. You get your money's worth of entertainment from this series. All of the books are 700 pages plus. I have stayed up too late at night, read at lunch and even in the morning before work. I have read almost 2,000 pages in just a few weeks. That is not a lot for some of you, but I do not read as fast as I once did.
Martin knows how to build a story. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of a different character and there are multiple plot lines and stories intertwining the chaos. Just when you think you have a clue where the story is going, Martin shakes things up and goes in another direction entirely. he has no qualms letting the bad guys win and often the good guys are not as good as you think and the bad people can do good. The characters come across as human with all of our faults. bad tings happen to good people and evil is sometimes rewarded, just as in life.
There is blood and lust and greed and backstabbing enough to satisfy a soap opera. Think of the series as a bloodier, sexier "Dallas" or Dynasty" set on the middle ages as opposed to the greedy 1980's. Except JR diddles his sister and Blake Carrington gets a knife in the eye and burnt alive.
April 23, 2012
Climate change and the effect on milkweed, bittersweet and other fence row vegetation
Here we are on a chilly Monday morning. Last night I decided me and the Doughboy would make some cinnamon rolls this morning. I set the alarm to get up a bit early. For some reason I set the clock for 7:10 instead of 6:10. By a miracle I opened my eyes and looked at the clock -- it read 6:10. I wondered why the alarm did not go off and checked the time. I had screwed up and set the wrong time.. I woke for some reason on time. Is this a miracle or a coincidence?
Of course it was really only 6:00 in the aye em. For a bizarre reason I have never understood, the wife wants the bedroom clock set ten minutes fast. She claims it helps her get ready on time. I am not sure of that logic since we all know the clock is ten minutes fast. She has insisted on this for the almost 28 years we have been married, and I gave up pointing out the idiocy of this practice long ago.
The boy went to the prom on Saturday evening. He looked sharp in his tux and his date was beautiful in her full, long dress. He said he had a good time.
I hope your weekend was a good one. Now get to work.
Of course it was really only 6:00 in the aye em. For a bizarre reason I have never understood, the wife wants the bedroom clock set ten minutes fast. She claims it helps her get ready on time. I am not sure of that logic since we all know the clock is ten minutes fast. She has insisted on this for the almost 28 years we have been married, and I gave up pointing out the idiocy of this practice long ago.
The boy went to the prom on Saturday evening. He looked sharp in his tux and his date was beautiful in her full, long dress. He said he had a good time.
I hope your weekend was a good one. Now get to work.
April 21, 2012
Power
There are a lot of men and women in law enforcement who are great people. They put their lives on the line every day. I am sure dealing with the scum of society, criminals and liars on a constant basis would taint your view of the populace as a whole.
But just this week we have see the other side of the coin as it appears the thin blue line has reached out to protect its own in Indianapolis.
Then last night on the news was a segment that also jaundiced my perception of the boys in blue. The story was the crackdown in Bloomington, IN on underage drinking for the Little 500 Weekend. This is the annual event captured in the movie Breaking Away. It is a huge party weekend.
Two girls were captured on film. One, who was 23, came from a liquor store. The police pulled the car over as the girls did not look of age. The passenger, and the one who bought the beer was 23. The driver was underage. Apparently, transporting booze if you are underage is against the law. The cop gave warning tickets. The girl who was old enough was upset. She got a warning ticket for allowing the underage girl to drive a car with alcohol in it. I agree, that is bullshit. I am certain that is not the intention of the law.
She was tearfully complaining to the cop that she thought it was not right, she was of age. She maintain she should not be in trouble for doing something perfectly legal. The cop looked at her and told her her complaining made him change his mind and he went and wrote both girls a real ticket and had the underage girl arrested. All because a citizen had the temerity to complain about what she thought was unjustified police harassment. You could tell by the cops attitude he was disappointed the booze buyer was old enough and was going to justify his stop in any way possible. he was pissed the girls did not thank him for only passing a warning ticket. The switch from a warniing to real tickets just made him petty and tyranical.
I am sure this cop and his buddies laughed later about how he "gave her something to really complain about". Plus he made Bloomington a bunch of money.
Too bad about the record these girls now have when they really did nothig wrong.
But just this week we have see the other side of the coin as it appears the thin blue line has reached out to protect its own in Indianapolis.
Then last night on the news was a segment that also jaundiced my perception of the boys in blue. The story was the crackdown in Bloomington, IN on underage drinking for the Little 500 Weekend. This is the annual event captured in the movie Breaking Away. It is a huge party weekend.
Two girls were captured on film. One, who was 23, came from a liquor store. The police pulled the car over as the girls did not look of age. The passenger, and the one who bought the beer was 23. The driver was underage. Apparently, transporting booze if you are underage is against the law. The cop gave warning tickets. The girl who was old enough was upset. She got a warning ticket for allowing the underage girl to drive a car with alcohol in it. I agree, that is bullshit. I am certain that is not the intention of the law.
She was tearfully complaining to the cop that she thought it was not right, she was of age. She maintain she should not be in trouble for doing something perfectly legal. The cop looked at her and told her her complaining made him change his mind and he went and wrote both girls a real ticket and had the underage girl arrested. All because a citizen had the temerity to complain about what she thought was unjustified police harassment. You could tell by the cops attitude he was disappointed the booze buyer was old enough and was going to justify his stop in any way possible. he was pissed the girls did not thank him for only passing a warning ticket. The switch from a warniing to real tickets just made him petty and tyranical.
I am sure this cop and his buddies laughed later about how he "gave her something to really complain about". Plus he made Bloomington a bunch of money.
Too bad about the record these girls now have when they really did nothig wrong.
April 20, 2012
It was my first time and I was a little nervous
Today, I did something today I have never done before. I turned to the Government to solve a problem. Yes, I filed z complaint with the Attorney General's Office. For months and longer these assholes at Credit Card Services have called my home phone, my cell phone, my wife and kid's cell phones, and likely your phone too. The recording always tells me time is running out to reduce my interest rate on my credit cards. These calls always have a fake '800' number and the caller ID is from a different state most every time.
Occasionally I try to talk to a real person to find out why they are calling me. Today I spoke with George. George said he could fix any credit card if I gave him the numbers. I told him I would not give out those numbers without more information. I asked his name, that is how I learned it was George. He gave the company name as "Credit Card Services". Things got a little dicey when I asked for a phone number and address. George just laughed and said I don't need that info. When I asked where he got my phone number he started his speil again. When I said I was on the State and Federal Do Not Call lists he laughed and told me"too bad" and hung up.
I know the State will do nothing, but what the heck, if we all complain enough...
I know people have to make a living in these tough Obamanomics, but those assholes can suck rotten eggs.
Occasionally I try to talk to a real person to find out why they are calling me. Today I spoke with George. George said he could fix any credit card if I gave him the numbers. I told him I would not give out those numbers without more information. I asked his name, that is how I learned it was George. He gave the company name as "Credit Card Services". Things got a little dicey when I asked for a phone number and address. George just laughed and said I don't need that info. When I asked where he got my phone number he started his speil again. When I said I was on the State and Federal Do Not Call lists he laughed and told me"too bad" and hung up.
I know the State will do nothing, but what the heck, if we all complain enough...
I know people have to make a living in these tough Obamanomics, but those assholes can suck rotten eggs.
...And this is American Bulls*&t
The wife is a long-time regular devotee of American Idol. I sometimes watch it with one eye while I am reading or playing around on the 'puter. I do not know the contestant's names, I never watch it that closely. They are always "that one blond girl" or the "rocker guy" or "that little twit" to me. Somehow the wife knows which singer I mean when I offer my rare comment.
Last week one of the better singers was voted off. She was the Celine Dion wannabe. The judges saved her, and they probably made a good decision. She is talented. But then they went a step further and actually started pimping for votes for her. Last night the wife watched Tuesday's episode (thanks to DVR the endless commercials zip right past). The judges continued their advocacy. It is clear they have two favorites and were exorting the audience to vote for their favorites.
What the hell? Is this a competition or not? Are they judges or supposed to choose the winner? I thought phone-in voters made the choice. Their lack of impartiality would qualify them to be Obama SCOTUS candidates. I understand Idol is losing viewers and if this is the norm I know why. If there was a number to vote against someone I would have called to vote against the judges hand-picked candidates.
On the 100 point scale of Important To Your Life this issue ranks a weak 1.7, but it is Friday and I am not in the mood for politics. If I was one of the remaining 6/7(?) candidates, I would be asking for a meeting with the producers and asking WTH, is this a competition or not?
Last week one of the better singers was voted off. She was the Celine Dion wannabe. The judges saved her, and they probably made a good decision. She is talented. But then they went a step further and actually started pimping for votes for her. Last night the wife watched Tuesday's episode (thanks to DVR the endless commercials zip right past). The judges continued their advocacy. It is clear they have two favorites and were exorting the audience to vote for their favorites.
What the hell? Is this a competition or not? Are they judges or supposed to choose the winner? I thought phone-in voters made the choice. Their lack of impartiality would qualify them to be Obama SCOTUS candidates. I understand Idol is losing viewers and if this is the norm I know why. If there was a number to vote against someone I would have called to vote against the judges hand-picked candidates.
On the 100 point scale of Important To Your Life this issue ranks a weak 1.7, but it is Friday and I am not in the mood for politics. If I was one of the remaining 6/7(?) candidates, I would be asking for a meeting with the producers and asking WTH, is this a competition or not?
April 19, 2012
How to size and fit a tin foil hat
In times of crises in the Roman Republic shed its democratically elected government and appointed Consuls to run the country. They usually appointed two, and the Consuls resigned when the crisis was resolved. Until one Julius Caesar decided he would be Consul for life. His nephew Octavian (Augustus) stepped things up a notched an named himself Emperor.
The French Republic was the modern Progressive's vision of equality. Yet as war consumed the nation, it did not take long to turn to a dictatorial power to manage through the crisis and the bloody reign of Napoleon Bonaparte was the result.
Times of crisis have always been open doors to ambitious politicians. People want to know the man-in-charge is getting the job done and democratic states are reluctant to change leaders during times of trouble. FDR was elected four times, steering the country through the Great Depression and WWII. Lincoln, elected by a minority in 1860 won by a large margin in 1864 in the midst of the Civil War.
Recent history reminds us that President Bush -- both of them -- reached tremendous levels of popularity during the Gulf War and after 9/11.
So what if in the future we find ourselves in the midst of a huge crisis in the days or weeks or months before a general election? Riots in the cities, terrorist attacks, nuclear war, a modern Reichstag burning as examples. Does such a crisis keep a president in power? What happens if there is a crisis and he decides to suspend elections, insists he must stay in power until the crisis is averted? There will be many in the press and Congress and among the People who will agree.
What do we do if the President of the Future decides his presence is paramount to democracy? That he must suspend the Constitution to save the American way of life? What does the Congress do? The Courts? The military? Do the States rebel, do the People go along?
That is why government by executive fiat is a bad thing, why we should all be concerned about EPA mandates, the bureaucracy running the country. Who controls whom when the Feds control your healthcare, your food, your housing? We should be concerned about the strangling power of the Federal Government, the weakening of the States, of the People.
History never repeats itself, but there are lessons to be leaned from the past.
The French Republic was the modern Progressive's vision of equality. Yet as war consumed the nation, it did not take long to turn to a dictatorial power to manage through the crisis and the bloody reign of Napoleon Bonaparte was the result.
Times of crisis have always been open doors to ambitious politicians. People want to know the man-in-charge is getting the job done and democratic states are reluctant to change leaders during times of trouble. FDR was elected four times, steering the country through the Great Depression and WWII. Lincoln, elected by a minority in 1860 won by a large margin in 1864 in the midst of the Civil War.
Recent history reminds us that President Bush -- both of them -- reached tremendous levels of popularity during the Gulf War and after 9/11.
So what if in the future we find ourselves in the midst of a huge crisis in the days or weeks or months before a general election? Riots in the cities, terrorist attacks, nuclear war, a modern Reichstag burning as examples. Does such a crisis keep a president in power? What happens if there is a crisis and he decides to suspend elections, insists he must stay in power until the crisis is averted? There will be many in the press and Congress and among the People who will agree.
What do we do if the President of the Future decides his presence is paramount to democracy? That he must suspend the Constitution to save the American way of life? What does the Congress do? The Courts? The military? Do the States rebel, do the People go along?
That is why government by executive fiat is a bad thing, why we should all be concerned about EPA mandates, the bureaucracy running the country. Who controls whom when the Feds control your healthcare, your food, your housing? We should be concerned about the strangling power of the Federal Government, the weakening of the States, of the People.
History never repeats itself, but there are lessons to be leaned from the past.
April 17, 2012
Living out of a suitcase
Og has an amusing anecdote today about living out of a suitcase. I have often found myself awake in a strange hotel room needing to piss and confused to the direction of the nearest head. Never with such hilarious results though.
Many people live life on the road. I spend about one night a week in a hotel, on the average. In the past that was more like three to four nights in a hotel. For me, it was (and is) rare to spend more than one night at a time in a particular location. That means a different bed every night. I am not sure if it is better or worse that I usually patronize the same chain whenever I travel. That means the rooms are often similar, just oriented slightly different. Sometimes my biggest issue is remembering the room number.
Life on the road is not the glamor or adventure some people imagine. For one thing, industrial areas are not usually situated near tourist destinations. Second, sitting alone reading a novel while waiting on a chicken salad or hamburger at Applebees is no one's idea of the high life. Nor is being hundreds or thousands of miles from your loved ones. Stuff always happens when you are gone from home. The boy's car breaks down. The furnace quits in the middle of the night. I once got a call that the toilet tank was flooding the house. I was in Germany. I won't bother with my response to my tearful wife. Let us just say I had to apologize when I got home (but I was right).
It is not all ratty carpets and miniature shampoos though. I have travelled much of the United States and parts of the World on someone else's dollar. I've been to some fantastic places that easily compensate for every night spent in small town America and smokestack industrial area of the rustbelt. I have seen mountains and lakes and waterfalls and flat farm fields of black earth stretching to the horizon. I have seen sunsets that take my breath away through my windshield and tall skyscrapers rising in the midst of a concrete jungle. I drank cold beer beside an Alpine lake in Austria and tiptoed past the junkies shooting smack in the Utrecht train station late at night. I have visited (and only visited in the tourist sense) the red light district of Hamburg and climbed the Eiffel Tower.
For a people watcher, life on the road is a joy. I have seen idiocy in the air and on the road beyond comprehension. I have witnessed a couple having sex in a convertible at 80 mph and a nutjob playing the trumpet while driving on I-75 in the heart of Atlanta's rush hour. I watched two semis collide on Chicago's I-94 near the loop and a car drive off the road and flip from a two lane highway in West Tennessee.
So far, I have yet to find myself groggy from a drug-induced sleep, sitting in a tub of ice, minus a kidney in a worn out Ramada Inn. There is that.
Many people live life on the road. I spend about one night a week in a hotel, on the average. In the past that was more like three to four nights in a hotel. For me, it was (and is) rare to spend more than one night at a time in a particular location. That means a different bed every night. I am not sure if it is better or worse that I usually patronize the same chain whenever I travel. That means the rooms are often similar, just oriented slightly different. Sometimes my biggest issue is remembering the room number.
Life on the road is not the glamor or adventure some people imagine. For one thing, industrial areas are not usually situated near tourist destinations. Second, sitting alone reading a novel while waiting on a chicken salad or hamburger at Applebees is no one's idea of the high life. Nor is being hundreds or thousands of miles from your loved ones. Stuff always happens when you are gone from home. The boy's car breaks down. The furnace quits in the middle of the night. I once got a call that the toilet tank was flooding the house. I was in Germany. I won't bother with my response to my tearful wife. Let us just say I had to apologize when I got home (but I was right).
It is not all ratty carpets and miniature shampoos though. I have travelled much of the United States and parts of the World on someone else's dollar. I've been to some fantastic places that easily compensate for every night spent in small town America and smokestack industrial area of the rustbelt. I have seen mountains and lakes and waterfalls and flat farm fields of black earth stretching to the horizon. I have seen sunsets that take my breath away through my windshield and tall skyscrapers rising in the midst of a concrete jungle. I drank cold beer beside an Alpine lake in Austria and tiptoed past the junkies shooting smack in the Utrecht train station late at night. I have visited (and only visited in the tourist sense) the red light district of Hamburg and climbed the Eiffel Tower.
For a people watcher, life on the road is a joy. I have seen idiocy in the air and on the road beyond comprehension. I have witnessed a couple having sex in a convertible at 80 mph and a nutjob playing the trumpet while driving on I-75 in the heart of Atlanta's rush hour. I watched two semis collide on Chicago's I-94 near the loop and a car drive off the road and flip from a two lane highway in West Tennessee.
So far, I have yet to find myself groggy from a drug-induced sleep, sitting in a tub of ice, minus a kidney in a worn out Ramada Inn. There is that.
April 16, 2012
The mouse that roared
The fly sat on the chariot wheel and said "what a dust I raise" That is a paraphrase of a LaFontaine (whoever he was) quote. I try to keep it in mind.
Anyway, just when I was feeling good about reaching a minor blogging milestone, one of the true heavy hitters and all around entertaining bloggers weighs in. Some of us are really just specs of dust...
Anyway, just when I was feeling good about reaching a minor blogging milestone, one of the true heavy hitters and all around entertaining bloggers weighs in. Some of us are really just specs of dust...
My Vichy Visitor
Now we have to see how fast we can get to 250,000
April 15, 2012
Breeding cobras for fun and profit
The wife's CPAP mask was not adjusted right or something last night. It was like sleeping next to a wind tunnel. That is not the kind of blow job I want. Early this morning, as the whoosh of air rushing out woke me up for around the tenth time, I thought about clamping down on her face with a pillow to quiet the sound. I finally just got up instead.
I should exceed 200,000 hits sometime on Monday. That total is minuscule for the big dogs out there, but for this hick from the Hoosier hinterlands it is pretty cool. I am honestly humbled by the idea anyone would go out of there way to click a link to this collection of typos, misspellings, and incomprehensible screeds. The notio9n that so many of you come by every day -- some of you on purpose -- leaves me amazed.
I can remember the early days when I got perhaps seven hits a day, five of them me. In the heady fays of 2007 and 2008 I managed to attract about twice my current daily visitors, but Facetwitter has destroyed blogging. Or maybe it was Obama. Is it a coincidence that many of us lost readers after the election of the Chosen One?
By the way, I checked with some friends who own a beach house in North Carolina. The tides still come to about the same place as the did in 2008, The Obama has ruined Blogging, but he has not reduced sea levels like he promised.
As usual my random ramblings have taken us off track. Thank you to every one of you who has bothered to stop by in the past seven years. Your comments and visits have gotten me through some low days and were mere icing on the cake on good days. I know very few of you in person, but you are among my dearest friends. I do not possess the vocabulary to express what that means to me. A simple thank you will have to suffice.
I should exceed 200,000 hits sometime on Monday. That total is minuscule for the big dogs out there, but for this hick from the Hoosier hinterlands it is pretty cool. I am honestly humbled by the idea anyone would go out of there way to click a link to this collection of typos, misspellings, and incomprehensible screeds. The notio9n that so many of you come by every day -- some of you on purpose -- leaves me amazed.
I can remember the early days when I got perhaps seven hits a day, five of them me. In the heady fays of 2007 and 2008 I managed to attract about twice my current daily visitors, but Facetwitter has destroyed blogging. Or maybe it was Obama. Is it a coincidence that many of us lost readers after the election of the Chosen One?
By the way, I checked with some friends who own a beach house in North Carolina. The tides still come to about the same place as the did in 2008, The Obama has ruined Blogging, but he has not reduced sea levels like he promised.
As usual my random ramblings have taken us off track. Thank you to every one of you who has bothered to stop by in the past seven years. Your comments and visits have gotten me through some low days and were mere icing on the cake on good days. I know very few of you in person, but you are among my dearest friends. I do not possess the vocabulary to express what that means to me. A simple thank you will have to suffice.
April 14, 2012
April 13, 2012
Putting your money where your mouth is
The Obama has released his 2011 tax returns. According to reports he paid an effective rate of just over 20%.
I suspect we shall soon see him publicly writing a check to the Treasury for an additional 10% of his income to ensure he pays his "fair share".
Any day now...
I suspect we shall soon see him publicly writing a check to the Treasury for an additional 10% of his income to ensure he pays his "fair share".
Any day now...
If you have been paying attention
The past week or three is a primer for students of Sociology to see first hand how a lynch mob is formed...
Cure your own bacon at home in six easy steps
This song was a big hit the year I was born in the now truly golden year of 1962:
Sam Cooke's classic dance tune was featured in the Animal House Soundtrack. Being of the right age I owned that masterpiece on vinyl and later it was one of the first CDs I ever purchased. Some of the tunes were ffraternity party/dance staples in the early 1980's.
Anyway, what I wanted to talk about is my long-lasting mental stubbornness and idiocy. Until a few years ago I actually thought one of the lyrics was "He's dancing with the chicken slacks". I knew about poodle skirts and duck-tail haircuts of the 1950's and early 1960's, but I had no idea what chicken slacks were. I even asked my Dad one time if he knew. Pop had never heard of them. It is no wonder, the actual lyrics are "...dancing with the CHICK IN SLACKS" . It is not 'chicken slacks". The truth came to me during a late night drive as the tune played over my car stereo via my iPod. It was a real ah-ha moment for me, more than a quarter of a century late.
I once heard a comedian remark on the syndicated Bob and Tom radio program he thought the lyrics to the famous Kiss song was "I want to Rock and Roll all night, and part of every day".
Are there song lyrics that have confused you?
Sam Cooke's classic dance tune was featured in the Animal House Soundtrack. Being of the right age I owned that masterpiece on vinyl and later it was one of the first CDs I ever purchased. Some of the tunes were ffraternity party/dance staples in the early 1980's.
Anyway, what I wanted to talk about is my long-lasting mental stubbornness and idiocy. Until a few years ago I actually thought one of the lyrics was "He's dancing with the chicken slacks". I knew about poodle skirts and duck-tail haircuts of the 1950's and early 1960's, but I had no idea what chicken slacks were. I even asked my Dad one time if he knew. Pop had never heard of them. It is no wonder, the actual lyrics are "...dancing with the CHICK IN SLACKS" . It is not 'chicken slacks". The truth came to me during a late night drive as the tune played over my car stereo via my iPod. It was a real ah-ha moment for me, more than a quarter of a century late.
I once heard a comedian remark on the syndicated Bob and Tom radio program he thought the lyrics to the famous Kiss song was "I want to Rock and Roll all night, and part of every day".
Are there song lyrics that have confused you?
April 12, 2012
The Hunger Game of Thrones
This semi-functioning Blogger interface is really starting to piss me off. I could not even find a way to edit yesterday's post. I have said for a long time blogging is dying, and it looks like Google is doing its utmost to kill it off. I feel like Dr. Jack has the old blog strapped down and is trying to shove that rubber mask over my face. Only instead of Kevorkian, it is Google and Blogger driving the Van of Death.
I had a political post all composed in my head, but I am just not in the mood. Either you know and understand Obama is nothing but a walking socialist tax and spend cliche or you don't. If you really think the problem is we are not taxing enough, you ignorance of mathematics is beyond remediation. We could take 100% of everything every millionaire and billionaire has and the Feds will still spend more than they take in.
It is the spending, stupid.
As I said before, the only political card the Democrats really have to remain in power is an ignorant, politically uneducated electorate.
On the bright side, if you're a died-in-the-wool Democrat, the Roman Emperors used the bread and circus tactic with success for about 400 years before the decay ond societal breakdown led to the sacking of the city by Alaric the Goth.
On the other, less optimistic hand, the socialism as envisioned by Obama and company has pretty much failed everywhere it has been tried starting with the nutcases in Revolutionary France (where even bathing was frowned upon because that meant you thought you were better than someone who did not bathe) and continuing right through the shining examples of modern North Korea, Zimbabwe and Cambodia. Europe is heading away from Big Government programs as fast as possible while the Democrat Party is doing its best to saddle our great grandchildren with debt that makes the Greeks look like mere amateurs.
I guess this is a political post after all.
I had a political post all composed in my head, but I am just not in the mood. Either you know and understand Obama is nothing but a walking socialist tax and spend cliche or you don't. If you really think the problem is we are not taxing enough, you ignorance of mathematics is beyond remediation. We could take 100% of everything every millionaire and billionaire has and the Feds will still spend more than they take in.
It is the spending, stupid.
As I said before, the only political card the Democrats really have to remain in power is an ignorant, politically uneducated electorate.
On the bright side, if you're a died-in-the-wool Democrat, the Roman Emperors used the bread and circus tactic with success for about 400 years before the decay ond societal breakdown led to the sacking of the city by Alaric the Goth.
On the other, less optimistic hand, the socialism as envisioned by Obama and company has pretty much failed everywhere it has been tried starting with the nutcases in Revolutionary France (where even bathing was frowned upon because that meant you thought you were better than someone who did not bathe) and continuing right through the shining examples of modern North Korea, Zimbabwe and Cambodia. Europe is heading away from Big Government programs as fast as possible while the Democrat Party is doing its best to saddle our great grandchildren with debt that makes the Greeks look like mere amateurs.
I guess this is a political post after all.
April 11, 2012
Stayin' Alive
Excuses -- that's all I have today. Work, travel, and a computer so slow you cannot imagine are all conspiring to prevent me from offering a decent post today. Or Yesterday. I am not sure what excuse I have for most of the drivel you read around here.
But yesterday I was on the road and did not get a canned post in. Today I am buried in work.
Over there on the right you will find some goods reads.
Love and kisses
me
But yesterday I was on the road and did not get a canned post in. Today I am buried in work.
Over there on the right you will find some goods reads.
Love and kisses
me
April 9, 2012
Google can kiss my ass
I usually post on my laptop. I sent it back to HQ for some updates, so I am using my ancient family desktop this week. (No canned post today!)
Anyway, I keep getting messages from Blogger telling me the Blogger interface will not work right with Windows. I need to install Chrome. I use Firefox on the laptop, so I am not sure if this is a new warning or has been going on a while. I will say posting, etc. is difficult when half of the toolbars do not show up.
I have never taken to threats or bullies, so if Blogger thinks this will make me install the Google Software, they should think again. I will abandon this piece of shit in a heartbeat. I have two other blogs, both on Wordpress. Currently neither has new posts, but that can be fixed.
Google Chrome may be the greatest browser ever invented. But I will not be blackmailed into using it.
We bought the desktop model I am typing on in 2005. At the time it was state-of-the -art. It had all of the bells and whistles. Now it is a Ford Edsel in a world of Ferrari's. My iPhone has more computing power. I am not sure I have the memory to install a new browser if I wanted to, I am sure I do not have the cache to do it.
This POS has been infected with so many viruses you cannot imagine. We only discovered one time my daughter had been turning off the virus protection every time she got on the computer because "it slowed her down and would not let her download stuff". She had been doing this for months. The internals of this computer housed more toxic viruses than the CDC.
You can only go in and slice evil worms from the registry so many times before you have negative effects. It is like brain surgery, there are bound to be side effects. That is my theory anyway.
This computer only gets used on occasion. The wife uses her iPad for every day browsing. The boy and I both have laptops. The steam turbine that powers this old HP only gets booted up every few weeks. I am not going to invest any time in upgrading anything on it.
Google Chrome can just bite me. Hear that Google? Go suck an egg.
I suspect the evil Google overlords are not going to like this post, so if I disappear, I will leave a path of bread crumbs to my hideout.
Anyway, I keep getting messages from Blogger telling me the Blogger interface will not work right with Windows. I need to install Chrome. I use Firefox on the laptop, so I am not sure if this is a new warning or has been going on a while. I will say posting, etc. is difficult when half of the toolbars do not show up.
I have never taken to threats or bullies, so if Blogger thinks this will make me install the Google Software, they should think again. I will abandon this piece of shit in a heartbeat. I have two other blogs, both on Wordpress. Currently neither has new posts, but that can be fixed.
Google Chrome may be the greatest browser ever invented. But I will not be blackmailed into using it.
We bought the desktop model I am typing on in 2005. At the time it was state-of-the -art. It had all of the bells and whistles. Now it is a Ford Edsel in a world of Ferrari's. My iPhone has more computing power. I am not sure I have the memory to install a new browser if I wanted to, I am sure I do not have the cache to do it.
This POS has been infected with so many viruses you cannot imagine. We only discovered one time my daughter had been turning off the virus protection every time she got on the computer because "it slowed her down and would not let her download stuff". She had been doing this for months. The internals of this computer housed more toxic viruses than the CDC.
You can only go in and slice evil worms from the registry so many times before you have negative effects. It is like brain surgery, there are bound to be side effects. That is my theory anyway.
This computer only gets used on occasion. The wife uses her iPad for every day browsing. The boy and I both have laptops. The steam turbine that powers this old HP only gets booted up every few weeks. I am not going to invest any time in upgrading anything on it.
Google Chrome can just bite me. Hear that Google? Go suck an egg.
I suspect the evil Google overlords are not going to like this post, so if I disappear, I will leave a path of bread crumbs to my hideout.
April 8, 2012
April 7, 2012
April 6, 2012
Come on ice cream
1976, It was America's Bicentennial and the big park was filled with people that sultry July 4th. I ate my weight in food, a talent shared by every growing 14 year-old. Roasted corn on the cob, pork burgers, corn dogs, watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, junk of all description filled my belly.
Why this trip down memory lane? Because Wednesday night/Thursday morning I shat every morsel of food I have eaten in the intervening 36 years. I think I crapped out the Lindbergh baby. Somehow parts of Amelia Earhart's plane came boiling from my bunghole in a hot viscous liquid. It was like some unseen hand had slipped me a powerful enema. My room at the Hilton Garden Inn took on the fetid odor of a Port-o-pot after a chili eating contest at a biker rally. Dung beetles were complaining about the smell.
I soiled two pairs of tightey-whiteys and a pair of cotton gym shorts. It took two showers to clean myself up at various times. The sphincter will not hold a gallon of water while you have a coughing fit. I went through two rolls of toilet paper, and the box of tissues left by the maid. I opened the coffee service so I could use the napkins. I never left the toilet for more than 16 minutes for more than 8 hours. I know 'cause I kept track. I actually fell asleep on the toilet at least twice. Each time I woke with thunderous anal explosions that echoed through the darkened bathroom.
My colon settled down with the rising of the sun. I finally was able to abandon the throne long enough to shower and shave. I slipped on some jeans and went commando to the nearest Wal-Mart. I bought some replacement undergarments and a much needed bottle of Pepto. I drank half the bottle in the parking lot. I went back to my room at the hotel. I dressed for my customer visits, glad to have some underwear beneath my Dockers. I alternately held my breath and gagged as I packed. I left a couple of bucks on the nightstand for the maid.
My twisted bowels had finally recovered by supper time enough to eat a bit of Carolina BBQ before boarding the plane for home.
Why this trip down memory lane? Because Wednesday night/Thursday morning I shat every morsel of food I have eaten in the intervening 36 years. I think I crapped out the Lindbergh baby. Somehow parts of Amelia Earhart's plane came boiling from my bunghole in a hot viscous liquid. It was like some unseen hand had slipped me a powerful enema. My room at the Hilton Garden Inn took on the fetid odor of a Port-o-pot after a chili eating contest at a biker rally. Dung beetles were complaining about the smell.
I soiled two pairs of tightey-whiteys and a pair of cotton gym shorts. It took two showers to clean myself up at various times. The sphincter will not hold a gallon of water while you have a coughing fit. I went through two rolls of toilet paper, and the box of tissues left by the maid. I opened the coffee service so I could use the napkins. I never left the toilet for more than 16 minutes for more than 8 hours. I know 'cause I kept track. I actually fell asleep on the toilet at least twice. Each time I woke with thunderous anal explosions that echoed through the darkened bathroom.
My colon settled down with the rising of the sun. I finally was able to abandon the throne long enough to shower and shave. I slipped on some jeans and went commando to the nearest Wal-Mart. I bought some replacement undergarments and a much needed bottle of Pepto. I drank half the bottle in the parking lot. I went back to my room at the hotel. I dressed for my customer visits, glad to have some underwear beneath my Dockers. I alternately held my breath and gagged as I packed. I left a couple of bucks on the nightstand for the maid.
My twisted bowels had finally recovered by supper time enough to eat a bit of Carolina BBQ before boarding the plane for home.
April 5, 2012
The future will be no brighter than today
I have sworn for years that when the Cubs win the World Series I am getting the image over there on the left tattooed on my upper arm. The wife even agreed, knowing the odds were slim.
I never really wanted a tattoo anyway...
April 4, 2012
Oh my God, the Supreme Court just might take a decision Liberals don't like. THINGS MUST CHANGE!
Lefty MoFos sure sang a different tune back in the heady Roe v. Wade days didn't they? Can MS Dowd bother to look up hypocrisy in the dictionary? I suspect she would find her ugly mug as the pictorial example.
Do you really think Supreme Court decisions in the past were not divisive? Dred Scott, Brown v. The Topeka Board of Education, blah, blah, blah the divisive Court cases are numerous and one side always hates the outcome. It is past time liberals grew the fuck up. Life is not fair, and as our Dear Leader pointed out -- elections have consequences.
Take a deep breath and get over it already. This is the way the Government is designed. It is called checks and balances, people. No wonder the Teachers Unions and Democrats in general hate civics class.
Perhaps we should wait for a decision before we go into hysterics?
Do you really think Supreme Court decisions in the past were not divisive? Dred Scott, Brown v. The Topeka Board of Education, blah, blah, blah the divisive Court cases are numerous and one side always hates the outcome. It is past time liberals grew the fuck up. Life is not fair, and as our Dear Leader pointed out -- elections have consequences.
Take a deep breath and get over it already. This is the way the Government is designed. It is called checks and balances, people. No wonder the Teachers Unions and Democrats in general hate civics class.
Perhaps we should wait for a decision before we go into hysterics?
It would be funny if it wasn't true
The Obama is out criticizing the Republican budget. He has nary a word to say about the Senate failing to pass a budget for more than 1,000 days. And Harry Reid has no intention of bring a budget to vote. Obama's last budget failed in the senate 97-0. He could not even find one Democrat to vote for his plan, even though the Democrats control the Senate (and budgets are filibuster-proof). The President's budget was defeated 414-0 in the House in March.
At current spending levels the Nation will be insolvent in about 15 years. Obama and his
Obama and the Democrats depend upon an ignorant electorate.
April 3, 2012
I hope to hell he did not teach my lawyer
President Obama, who used to be a lecturer on Constitutional law, seems to be completely flummoxed by the idea of Judicial Review. Too bad the concept dates back to Marbury v. Madison. The Supreme Court has been reviewing Congressional Laws for Constitutionality for more than 200 years.
I guess The Obama was out protesting for radical professors the day they covered that stuff at Harvard Law?
I guess The Obama was out protesting for radical professors the day they covered that stuff at Harvard Law?
That Freddie, she is as sharp as the knives in my kitchen
And that is really sharp.
After spending last week on vacation, I am buried at work. I am not sure how Freddie figured out the posts were canned, but she did. I guess I am not as clever as I imagined. There is a lesson to be learned here that I will probably ignore. I am hard headed like that.
After work yesterday I mowed the weed choked wall of green that is my yard. I then trimmed some bushes and attempted various other yard-work type duties. Today I am sore and my fingers are filled with splinters and slivers of nature and my arms are scratched like I was wrestling cats.
Last night I found a cartoon that sums up my work plans for today:
Not really, I have plenty to do, but I would like to play hooky. The weather is supposed to be fine. I stayed up way too late last night reading Game of Thrones. I am late to the party for this series. I don't have HBO and I do not like SF or fantasy as a general rule, so I have not read the books until my son insisted I give it a read. I must confess, it is good stuff. I will likely finish the first volume this week.
After spending last week on vacation, I am buried at work. I am not sure how Freddie figured out the posts were canned, but she did. I guess I am not as clever as I imagined. There is a lesson to be learned here that I will probably ignore. I am hard headed like that.
After work yesterday I mowed the weed choked wall of green that is my yard. I then trimmed some bushes and attempted various other yard-work type duties. Today I am sore and my fingers are filled with splinters and slivers of nature and my arms are scratched like I was wrestling cats.
Last night I found a cartoon that sums up my work plans for today:
Not really, I have plenty to do, but I would like to play hooky. The weather is supposed to be fine. I stayed up way too late last night reading Game of Thrones. I am late to the party for this series. I don't have HBO and I do not like SF or fantasy as a general rule, so I have not read the books until my son insisted I give it a read. I must confess, it is good stuff. I will likely finish the first volume this week.
April 2, 2012
Why Trayvon?
In technical terms, bunches of folks are shot and killed every day in these United States. Some are shot by people with different levels of melanin in the skin tissue. Lately, the nation has gone into hysterics because a guy with a white-sounding name shot a guy with a black-sounding name in a scuffle about which noone knows the details. But the race baiters and anger mongers are fanning the flame of discontent. There is a full effort to inflame the passions of the minority community. Marches and protests and table thumping has ensued at levels we have not witnessed for years.
Why? Ask yourself what is it about this isolated case that has brought the Reverends Al and Jessie out in full anger mode? Why is it essential we identify one half of the tragedy as a white Hispanic?
Why the anger over this case? Why? Clinton bombed and aspirin factory to cover the reports of getting Monicad in the Oval Office. Did you notice ObamaCare was getting a hearing in Court this week? Whether the Government has the power to dictate what is best for you is the essence of the argument before the Highest Court in the Land.
Why Trayvon? Did you notice the Obama bragging to his fellow travelers, ex-Coomie bastards from the KGB that once he is re-elected he can do whatever the Hell he wants and there ain't nothin' the bitter clingers can do about it?
Why the hoopla? I have no answers. But it is something to think about.
My inner Nostradamus is kicking in about now. I think the Black Community is getting frenzied for a reason. I think should The One be fired in November we will see cities aflame reminiscent of the heady days of Rodney King. Places like East L.A., and Newark, and Gary, and East St. Louis and Detroit will wash in violence and flame and hatred. Chicago just might again be the hot town celebrated in Mrs. O'Leary's day.
Someone has a plan. Someone is behind all of this. Someone is trying to find the spark to set the American Reichstag aflame. Who, Why?
Why? Ask yourself what is it about this isolated case that has brought the Reverends Al and Jessie out in full anger mode? Why is it essential we identify one half of the tragedy as a white Hispanic?
Why the anger over this case? Why? Clinton bombed and aspirin factory to cover the reports of getting Monicad in the Oval Office. Did you notice ObamaCare was getting a hearing in Court this week? Whether the Government has the power to dictate what is best for you is the essence of the argument before the Highest Court in the Land.
Why Trayvon? Did you notice the Obama bragging to his fellow travelers, ex-Coomie bastards from the KGB that once he is re-elected he can do whatever the Hell he wants and there ain't nothin' the bitter clingers can do about it?
Why the hoopla? I have no answers. But it is something to think about.
My inner Nostradamus is kicking in about now. I think the Black Community is getting frenzied for a reason. I think should The One be fired in November we will see cities aflame reminiscent of the heady days of Rodney King. Places like East L.A., and Newark, and Gary, and East St. Louis and Detroit will wash in violence and flame and hatred. Chicago just might again be the hot town celebrated in Mrs. O'Leary's day.
Someone has a plan. Someone is behind all of this. Someone is trying to find the spark to set the American Reichstag aflame. Who, Why?
April 1, 2012
Amen, brother
I would put a link, but you will not click it. You never click the links, you link haters. Instead I am going to lift the whole post and hope he does not mind. James Old Guy has it it dead on:
I wish I had said that.
The truth is the majority of people who actually work, pay taxes and have a daily fight to make ends meet don’t really give a fuck about anything other than their own little piece of this planet. We have a government that is more interested in pandering to special interest groups than the majority of hard working people in this country. This can be said for both political parties and personally I am tired of it , very tired. I tired of stupid and lazy people, we have a country full of shitheads, people who can’t think, people who refuse to realize that life is not fair, everything cost something, and there is no free lunch. We elect pretty boys and so called smart women to positions that they are not even close to being qualified to fill. The end is coming , it is too late to fix, the things that made this country great are forgotten or thrown on the trash pile by special interest groups. The middle class is going away, and in my point of view we can blame the fucking liberal atheist racist democrats and the worthless utra conservatives for the destruction. May you all rot in hell.From here
I wish I had said that.
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