Happy Monday. I am at it early this morning. I have already written my call reports for my business trip last week and updated my customer files.
We are off to a chilly start today and the forecast calls for snow flurries tonight. Sigh.
My daughter the teacher has a snow make-up day today then is on spring break the rest of the week. That means the granddaughter won't be here all day after today this week. Sigh. She is a real doll and I like having her around.
I noticed my neighbors have put their house up for sale. They seem nice, but I will not miss their barking howling dog. Sorry, but a dog that lives outside all of the time is not a pet, it is a farm animal. That is true even if you live in the 'burbs.
It appears the 2016 elections have begun. Sigh. To much, too early. The only bright side is that Indiana is usually not a battleground state, so we are not as inundated with the political ads as some other places.
It is nice to hear song birds singing in the morning, but I wish they would quit shitting on my car.
March 22, 2015
4819
i started this piece o'crap blog 10 years ago today. This post 4.819.. There are 83 posts in draft stage, mostly for good reason. If you have been visiting here for very long I am certain you can imagine how awful those 83 abortive attempts must be.
We have had some good times here. A ton of fellow bloggers have influenced me greatly. Some are dead, some have moved on to other social media, some have just quit blogging altogether. Some of my regulars have been along for a long time. I offer a sincere thank you to anyone who bothers to stop and read my musings, no matter if today is your first time or if you have slogged through 4,735 published posts.
There was a time when my little corner of the blogging universe regularly drew 150 or more readers a day. Some posts would generate more than 20 comments. That was when blogging was cool, before Facebook or Twitter. That said, I kind of like where the blog is these days. We have become old friends sitting down to a beer or cup of coffee, discussing what comes to mind.
When I wrote my first post, my daughter was about to graduate high school. Now she is a mother. My middle boy was just learning to drive. My youngest was playing Little League. The past decade has been chock full of life, and thank you for coming along.
We have had some good times here. A ton of fellow bloggers have influenced me greatly. Some are dead, some have moved on to other social media, some have just quit blogging altogether. Some of my regulars have been along for a long time. I offer a sincere thank you to anyone who bothers to stop and read my musings, no matter if today is your first time or if you have slogged through 4,735 published posts.
There was a time when my little corner of the blogging universe regularly drew 150 or more readers a day. Some posts would generate more than 20 comments. That was when blogging was cool, before Facebook or Twitter. That said, I kind of like where the blog is these days. We have become old friends sitting down to a beer or cup of coffee, discussing what comes to mind.
When I wrote my first post, my daughter was about to graduate high school. Now she is a mother. My middle boy was just learning to drive. My youngest was playing Little League. The past decade has been chock full of life, and thank you for coming along.
March 21, 2015
Of course
From Russia With Love is the best Bond movie. You may think otherwise, but you would be wrong.
It is also the best Bond book.
It is also the best Bond book.
March 20, 2015
Three things
1. Why any Jew votes Democrat defies all logic
2. At the time of the Equinox, you can stand an egg on its end. True.
3. Here is today's Friday music:
Listen. Enjoy.
Happy Spring
2. At the time of the Equinox, you can stand an egg on its end. True.
3. Here is today's Friday music:
Listen. Enjoy.
Happy Spring
What's up, Doc?
Off to a regularly scheduled appointment with the doctor. I never changed docs when I moved 18 months ago. Now I have an hour plus drive through rush hour traffic to get to my "gotta have the very first appointment of the day". I seem to get dumber as I get older.
More later. Maybe.
More later. Maybe.
March 18, 2015
Baseball and Buddy
Back on the road again. Yesterday, I raced across central Illinois before arcing north to pick up US 20 at Rockford. I motored westward as the road snaked around and over hills and valleys. Stunning vistas of undulating prairie opened through my windshield. The terrain reminded me of the hills of southern Indiana or Kentucky, minus the trees. I crossed the Mighty Mississippi on a high bridge at not-so-beautiful Dubuque. I have customer visits scheduled this morning, but if the weather cooperates, and time permits, I have a inkling I might see the Field of Dreams and/or the Buddy Holly crash site before I head up into Minnesota. Making sure I accomplish all I need to in my customer visits is my first priority. Still, what is the point of travel if you can't see cool stuff?
You, with your hand in the air. What is your question? Oh, yes, I did pass through historic Galena. No, I did not stop. I visited here before several years ago. Stayed in Galena as a matter of fact. I did Grant's home, drove through downtown. Walked around a bit. I believe that stop is there in the archives somewhere. This time I drove right on through.
I visited Galena way back in 2006. See what a good fellow I am I looked it up for you.
Here is the post
You, with your hand in the air. What is your question? Oh, yes, I did pass through historic Galena. No, I did not stop. I visited here before several years ago. Stayed in Galena as a matter of fact. I did Grant's home, drove through downtown. Walked around a bit. I believe that stop is there in the archives somewhere. This time I drove right on through.
I visited Galena way back in 2006. See what a good fellow I am I looked it up for you.
Here is the post
March 17, 2015
there he is
I don't do St Paddy's Day. I'm not Irish.
Likewise Cinco de Mayo is just May 5th
Sorry get your fake Irish elsewhere
Likewise Cinco de Mayo is just May 5th
Sorry get your fake Irish elsewhere
March 16, 2015
holy water and pecan pie
We spent the weekend in the northern 'burbs of the Windy City. We were there for the occasion of my granddaughter's baptism. We enjoyed a nice dinner at a Mexican chain restaurant Saturday night with my son-in-law's family. I was a very good boy and swallowed my snark along with my enchiladas. My normal smart-ass was smothered in salsa. In other words, I was "work" Joe as opposed to every day Joe. What a good boy am I. But there was really no occasion for Mr. Asshole to make an appearance.
The granddaughter was a perfect angel for the ceremony itself. She fell asleep just as church started. She opened her eyes as the Pastor poured the water over her head, but she uttered nary a peep and went straight back to sleep. Church service went well, lightning did not strike the steeple due to my presence or anything like that.
After church we went to my SIL's sister's home for brunch. Then the wife and I saddled up and returned home. After unpacking, all of the talk of pie day got me jonesing for some pie, and the wife, sweet thing she is, went down to the store and scored us a pecan pie. It is not homemade, but it is pie. Pie. Pie. Pie. I think I'll go have a slice for breakfast.
The granddaughter was a perfect angel for the ceremony itself. She fell asleep just as church started. She opened her eyes as the Pastor poured the water over her head, but she uttered nary a peep and went straight back to sleep. Church service went well, lightning did not strike the steeple due to my presence or anything like that.
After church we went to my SIL's sister's home for brunch. Then the wife and I saddled up and returned home. After unpacking, all of the talk of pie day got me jonesing for some pie, and the wife, sweet thing she is, went down to the store and scored us a pecan pie. It is not homemade, but it is pie. Pie. Pie. Pie. I think I'll go have a slice for breakfast.
March 15, 2015
March 14, 2015
Not the math kind
Apricot
key lime
peach
apple
pecan
Black raspberry
sugar cream
rhubarb
strawberry
cherry
key lime
peach
apple
pecan
Black raspberry
sugar cream
rhubarb
strawberry
cherry
March 13, 2015
Thirteen reasons
I have been in a strange mood lately. I suspect recent posts reflect this weirdness. I am fed up with politics. I have had a spate of heavy travels for work. The weather is in transition from winter to spring, but I sispect old Jack Frost has one more round at least left in him. None of these explains my apathy, if not downright antithapy towards this forum.
The little notification bar tells me it is March 13, and I know it is Friday, so you superstitious types should be on your guard. For me, no Friday that is pay day could be bad. How about a litttle bit of music on this Friday, for old times sake?
Have a great day.
The little notification bar tells me it is March 13, and I know it is Friday, so you superstitious types should be on your guard. For me, no Friday that is pay day could be bad. How about a litttle bit of music on this Friday, for old times sake?
Have a great day.
March 12, 2015
Slice of life
Late yesterday afternoon I stepped out on the porch. I bent to tighten my shoe laces. I fired up a nice hand-rolled Cain Daytona and went for a walk. The sun was warm. The temperature was pushing sixty. The sidewalk was wet in places as piled snow melted into puddles and rivulets that gurgled into the storm sewers.
In a weird incongruity, a woman jogged past wearing shorts and a tight shirt next to the pond by the little copse of trees. The pond was still covered with a layer of ice. The lawn care guy was spraying the neighbor's yard even though patches of snow remained in the shady nooks of his yard. The kids on the corner took a break from shooting hoops to chuck snowballs from the big pile of snow the plow left at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Spring fought her perpetual war with winter's icy fist as I meandered through the neighborhood.
In a weird incongruity, a woman jogged past wearing shorts and a tight shirt next to the pond by the little copse of trees. The pond was still covered with a layer of ice. The lawn care guy was spraying the neighbor's yard even though patches of snow remained in the shady nooks of his yard. The kids on the corner took a break from shooting hoops to chuck snowballs from the big pile of snow the plow left at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Spring fought her perpetual war with winter's icy fist as I meandered through the neighborhood.
March 11, 2015
At the moment
The branches of the big willow look like weird fingers reaching through the heavy fog toward my office window. I can hear my granddaughter gently cooing as she sits in the swing downstairs. I wait patiently for answers to a couple of emails. I think about the oatmeal scotchies in the container in the kitchen, but willpower keeps me from sneaking one. I wonder, is there nothing that can rid our politics of the plague of another Clinton? Or Bush? Listening to Hillary prevaricate about emails reminds me of just how slimy the Clinton years really were. I think my middle name should have been Eyore. We learned last evening my wife's niece has cancer. Bad things happen to very good people. The Cubs clock on my wall ticks, ticks, ticks.
March 10, 2015
Words
It seems to me one has the natural right to say whatever hateful, bigoted, ignorant crap one chooses, I find the notion of "hate speech" offensive. Not the speech, but the idea such speech could or should be outlawed.
It is sad that the college campus, where free thinking should be encouraged, has become the most intolerant of public places.
Too bad multiculturalism has prevented the teaching of American history in our schools and colleges. Jefferson's ghost weeps.
It is sad that the college campus, where free thinking should be encouraged, has become the most intolerant of public places.
Too bad multiculturalism has prevented the teaching of American history in our schools and colleges. Jefferson's ghost weeps.
March 7, 2015
If I was ambitious
I would throw up a little video of the 80s classic "I melt with you" by Modern English. Instead you can hum the tune to yourself or skip over to your favorite video site and give it a whirl.
Yes, melting is the theme of the weekend. We are finally slated to get some seasonable temperatures and the snow will start to do its best wet Wicked Witch impersonation. To celebrate I may just have a patty melt for lunch.
Yes, melting is the theme of the weekend. We are finally slated to get some seasonable temperatures and the snow will start to do its best wet Wicked Witch impersonation. To celebrate I may just have a patty melt for lunch.
March 6, 2015
Dude
i have driven right at 2,800 miles since last Wednesday. That is not a complaint, just fact. I am sick of my car, sick of fast food, and not too impressed with the skills of most of my fellow drivers.
The frigid cold continues its icy grip, but the weatherman says we will see more seasonable temperatures next week. Your results may vary.
As far as I know we have no plans for the weekend, but I suspect the social director here at the homestead will correct that situation forthwith.
Have a great day, Amigos.
The frigid cold continues its icy grip, but the weatherman says we will see more seasonable temperatures next week. Your results may vary.
As far as I know we have no plans for the weekend, but I suspect the social director here at the homestead will correct that situation forthwith.
Have a great day, Amigos.
March 4, 2015
You know me
if you are a regular reader of this journal you know I revel in the road trip. I enjoy the drive to and fro, In other words, I truly believe that getting there is half the fun. That said, this trip has been trying. The business aspect has been very fruitful, the travel, not so much. To be honest, the landscape of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and the southernmost of the Dakotas is not the stuff of ViewMaster-type scenery. The wide Missouri is not so wide here, tamed as it is by dams far upstream. It lacks the breath and depth of the Mighty Mississippi, or the full swift current of the Ohio. In fact, the Wabash River is more imposing as it borders Indiana and Illinois.
This is not my first trip to this area. I habitually travelled here a decade ago. But it is rare I find nothing to stop and see, no roadside marker, no scenic vista to snap an image from the car window. Perhaps it is the numbing cold and ferocious winds that have dampened my enthusiasm. Maybe next time I will dig this route a bit more.
This is not my first trip to this area. I habitually travelled here a decade ago. But it is rare I find nothing to stop and see, no roadside marker, no scenic vista to snap an image from the car window. Perhaps it is the numbing cold and ferocious winds that have dampened my enthusiasm. Maybe next time I will dig this route a bit more.
March 3, 2015
Dear Republicans
fuck you. I'm done
I will vote for anyone who runs against Susan Brooks in my district. At least they will represent their constituents. The same goes for both my Senators who also voted for amnesty for criminals, all of them voted to let Obama usurp Congressional authority. They swore to uphold the Constitution, then let it be used like toilet paper.
The Republican leadership has voted with the money, not the voters. Good luck in '17 you backstabbing losers.
Don't let the lying bastards tell you DHS would have shut down either, only non-essentials would have been sent home. And if they are essential,why are on the taxpayer dime anyway? Fucking Boehner said last summer he wanted amnesty. Fucker got his wish.
I will vote for anyone who runs against Susan Brooks in my district. At least they will represent their constituents. The same goes for both my Senators who also voted for amnesty for criminals, all of them voted to let Obama usurp Congressional authority. They swore to uphold the Constitution, then let it be used like toilet paper.
The Republican leadership has voted with the money, not the voters. Good luck in '17 you backstabbing losers.
Don't let the lying bastards tell you DHS would have shut down either, only non-essentials would have been sent home. And if they are essential,why are on the taxpayer dime anyway? Fucking Boehner said last summer he wanted amnesty. Fucker got his wish.
Choices, chance, cheap
I chalk it up to the fortunes of life on the road. The hotel I booked last night is attached to a casino. I am not sure how that fact escaped me when I chose the location.
The people are nice, but the room is worn. Like all casinos the place has a peculiar scent to it, the smell of desperation, I suppose. Gambling dens in places not named Las Vegas always seem a bit seedy, no matter how nice they are. To me they have the feel of a used car lot, the outside may look sharp, but someone got rid of that Buick for a reason. The chime of the quarter slots echoes as " Gimme your money" to my untrained ear. You opinion will likely vary. I am weak at math, but I do understand odds, and the building attached to the hotel is not there to give away money.
I did not meander over to the casino. I got in late, and have meetings scheduled this morning before heading north for another night in another hotel in another city.
The people are nice, but the room is worn. Like all casinos the place has a peculiar scent to it, the smell of desperation, I suppose. Gambling dens in places not named Las Vegas always seem a bit seedy, no matter how nice they are. To me they have the feel of a used car lot, the outside may look sharp, but someone got rid of that Buick for a reason. The chime of the quarter slots echoes as " Gimme your money" to my untrained ear. You opinion will likely vary. I am weak at math, but I do understand odds, and the building attached to the hotel is not there to give away money.
I did not meander over to the casino. I got in late, and have meetings scheduled this morning before heading north for another night in another hotel in another city.
March 2, 2015
Fool me once, fool me 26 times
Radical Muslims took over Iran 35 years ago. Their power has grown and they have solidified their hold on their nation in the intervening years. The Mullahs in Iran have made clear their intention to bring a modern Caliphate to the Mideast and the world. They have claimed since day one that in their view the two big enemies are the Great Satan and the Little Satan. That would be the good old USA and Israel, respectively. They have never wavered in their stated goal of destroying both of us.
For some up unfathomable reason Obama has made it his goal to develop relations with Iran. Everyone else in the world can see the consequences of letting the mad Mullahs get a nuke, but Obama seems blind to the danger to the U.S. and Israel. Just like the North Koreans, they have no incentive nor desire to be our buddies. They hate our very existence. They will say whatever they need to to get us to relieve sanctions while moving forward with their attempts to build a bomb. I would have thought Obama would have caught on to the old bully trick - "Just give me your lunch money today and I promise not to beat your ass tomorrow" . Then tomorrow comes and you get your jock pulled over your head.
I may not be the smartest guy in the world, but I know trusting Iran is about the dumbest thing we could do. I am afraid John Kerry and Obama will be the 21st Century version of Neville Chamberlain.
For some up unfathomable reason Obama has made it his goal to develop relations with Iran. Everyone else in the world can see the consequences of letting the mad Mullahs get a nuke, but Obama seems blind to the danger to the U.S. and Israel. Just like the North Koreans, they have no incentive nor desire to be our buddies. They hate our very existence. They will say whatever they need to to get us to relieve sanctions while moving forward with their attempts to build a bomb. I would have thought Obama would have caught on to the old bully trick - "Just give me your lunch money today and I promise not to beat your ass tomorrow" . Then tomorrow comes and you get your jock pulled over your head.
I may not be the smartest guy in the world, but I know trusting Iran is about the dumbest thing we could do. I am afraid John Kerry and Obama will be the 21st Century version of Neville Chamberlain.
Eight hard inches, Baby
Eight plus inches of snow. That is what fell yesterday. I went out to shovel and before I tossed a half dozen shovels my neighbor showed up with his snow blower and did me a real solid favor and cleaned my drive. How cool is that? I went out later in the afternoon and cleaned up the heap the plowman left at the end of the drive and cleaned off my car.
My daughter heads back to work after her post-baby leave. I am sure it will be tough this morning. The one upside is the wife assumes baby-sitting duties, so I will see lots of my granddaughter. Of course she is just a boring bundle right now, but it won't be long till she is mobile, talking and playing. We can eat lunch together and I suspect we will be great pals.
I'm off to get my trusty company car serviced. I can't believe I have wracked up 10.000 miles since November first.
My daughter heads back to work after her post-baby leave. I am sure it will be tough this morning. The one upside is the wife assumes baby-sitting duties, so I will see lots of my granddaughter. Of course she is just a boring bundle right now, but it won't be long till she is mobile, talking and playing. We can eat lunch together and I suspect we will be great pals.
I'm off to get my trusty company car serviced. I can't believe I have wracked up 10.000 miles since November first.
March 1, 2015
Head up the old rectum
I have had at least one kid in college for ten straight years. My youngest has at east one more year to go. As such every year when I fill out my tax forms, I segue right into the FAFSA. That is the application one must fill out to get any scholarships or financial aid.
Except somehow, I forgot to do it this year. I don't know how or why I forgot. Old age I guess. So now you know my plans for this snowy Sunday morning.
Government forms followed by shoveling snow. It is good to be me.
On the bright side later this month marks my blog anniversary. I have been at this for ten years.I will have to look up he exact date of my first post, but I know it was in 2005. A lot of bloggers have come and gone from my sidebar over there on the right. Some of you have been at it longer. Some of you have more readers, butt none of you have better regulars. I am sure I will pontificate on the occasion later in the month.
Happy March. it is Jean's Birthday month over at Pondering.It is my birthday month. It is my blogaversary month. Spring is supposed to arrive in March. The month is coming in like a lion around here with Mother Nature dropping 4 or 5 inches of snow on us last night, I hope that means spring is a few weeks away.
Except somehow, I forgot to do it this year. I don't know how or why I forgot. Old age I guess. So now you know my plans for this snowy Sunday morning.
Government forms followed by shoveling snow. It is good to be me.
On the bright side later this month marks my blog anniversary. I have been at this for ten years.I will have to look up he exact date of my first post, but I know it was in 2005. A lot of bloggers have come and gone from my sidebar over there on the right. Some of you have been at it longer. Some of you have more readers, butt none of you have better regulars. I am sure I will pontificate on the occasion later in the month.
Happy March. it is Jean's Birthday month over at Pondering.It is my birthday month. It is my blogaversary month. Spring is supposed to arrive in March. The month is coming in like a lion around here with Mother Nature dropping 4 or 5 inches of snow on us last night, I hope that means spring is a few weeks away.
February 27, 2015
I don't care what color the dress is
I need s vacation. Not from work, from winter. I need to sit on the patio, sipping a cold beverage burning silky tobacco rolled between the thighs of a Latin beauty in some Caribbean Island or Central American cigar factory. Shut up, I refuse to believe my stogie is rolled by the stubby fingers of a fat sweaty mamacita or wrinkled old man spitting phlegm between puffs of his factory second.
I stare out the office window at the snow-covered ground. I listen to the frigid wind and the creak of the siding. The sun is bright, but the air is cold.
Spring is coming. Summer will follow. I am ready to bitch about the heat and humidity.
Choose your own adventure for today's Friday music selection.
I stare out the office window at the snow-covered ground. I listen to the frigid wind and the creak of the siding. The sun is bright, but the air is cold.
Spring is coming. Summer will follow. I am ready to bitch about the heat and humidity.
Choose your own adventure for today's Friday music selection.
February 26, 2015
Get your kicks on Route 66
The famous Route 66 is no more. I sped down its' replacement yesterday; Interstate 44. Slashing southwest across the state of Missouri, I-44 is as bland and devoid of character as any other highway in the Eisenhower interstate system. While I-44 covers some of the very ground of the legendary Route 66, it sports no wigwams , totem poles, stylized motels or roadside attractions. I-44 is also 4 lanes wide, paved, and devoid of stop lights, right angle turns, and 20 mph speed limits. I reached Springfield in a fraction of the time it would have taken me 60 years ago.
I am forever nostalgic for a time I never knew, but 7 or 8 hours of ass-numbing drive is better than spending three days in a car to get the same distance.
I am forever nostalgic for a time I never knew, but 7 or 8 hours of ass-numbing drive is better than spending three days in a car to get the same distance.
February 25, 2015
All for the working man
The Obama and his Democrat buddies are always boasting of their work on behalf of the working man and position themselves as champions of the middle class. Their words never seem to match their political deeds. We have a chance to create good, high paying Union construction jobs, bring cheap oil in a safe ecological-friendly manner and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil that helps fund terrorism. But Obama just vetoed the Keystone pipeline. Why? I'd say because a big Democrat donor does not like it. Special interest money flows to both parties. There is no other reason. The Canadians will not sit on the oil from the shale fields. The Chinese are oil-starved and will buy it for sure.
The fact that the Union bosses are silent demonstrates they are far more loyal to the Democrat Party than to the members of their Union. And you and I, we just got screwed by the Democrats one more time. We didn't even get dinner and a movie, just a quickie in the backseat of the car.
The fact that the Union bosses are silent demonstrates they are far more loyal to the Democrat Party than to the members of their Union. And you and I, we just got screwed by the Democrats one more time. We didn't even get dinner and a movie, just a quickie in the backseat of the car.
February 24, 2015
Dear Senate GOP
Cowards.
You are the worst negotiators ever. I would love to sit across a table from you. By the end of the day you would pay double the retail price, plus shipping, plus a penalty if you failed to buy a certain amount in a given period of my widgets. I suspect we would include automatic price increases. You Republicans are dolts.
Why would you surrender the only leverage you have in negotiation to end King Obama's amnesty decree? The President may be able to veto a bill, but he can't spend money if you do not give it to him.
How about this -- pass the DHS funding as the House sent over via Reconcilliation. Seems like something the Dems did not too long ago...
We need a third party with men and women of courage. At least the Dems are willing to fight for their principles.
You are the worst negotiators ever. I would love to sit across a table from you. By the end of the day you would pay double the retail price, plus shipping, plus a penalty if you failed to buy a certain amount in a given period of my widgets. I suspect we would include automatic price increases. You Republicans are dolts.
Why would you surrender the only leverage you have in negotiation to end King Obama's amnesty decree? The President may be able to veto a bill, but he can't spend money if you do not give it to him.
How about this -- pass the DHS funding as the House sent over via Reconcilliation. Seems like something the Dems did not too long ago...
We need a third party with men and women of courage. At least the Dems are willing to fight for their principles.
February 23, 2015
I've got a sharp pain in my back that feels like a knife wound
If a Republican majority in both houses of Congress can't stop Obama from issuing illegal immigrants Social Security cards and years of back welfare payments, there is no reason to vote Republican ever again.Damn straight. Sometimes Ann Coulter is not my cup of tea, but in this case she Is dead on target.
The Republican Party is caught between a rock and a hard place. The money and the voters. They need both to win. The past two Presidential elections the Party has gone with the Money choice. The voters stayed home. It is going to get much worse if they roll over again after telling the American people they will stop amnesty if we only give them the power.
When you look at your paycheck on Friday see the FICA box. When you do your taxes see what you are paying the Feds. Then remember the President and Treasury Have already said that if an illegal has a Social Security card he is eligible for the earned income tax credit going back three years. Even if they paid no taxes. Even if they came across the border last week.
Oh, and why isn't the IRS going after every one of the employers for failing to collect federal taxes including Social Security, Medicaid, and the employer's share? There is one sure way to get the Chamber of Commerce off the amnesty bandwagon.
February 22, 2015
Hit the road, Jack
Six thousand miles. Not only is that a sentence fragment, but it is the number of miles I have driven for work since the start of the year. When you consider that last week's travels were via plane and rental car it increases the weekly average even more. The trip through Kansas put about 1.800 of those miles on the odometer. Garden City, KS ( look up Capote's In cold blood while you are checking your map app.) is a long haul from Indy, but I don't mind.
Windshield time is easy money. I get time to daydream, blare my music, "read" audiobooks, and listen to radio hosts pontificate. I can yell at the other drivers to my heart's content. I see America: her fields, her towns, her soul. I can hear the slowly disappearing regional accents when I stop for lunch. I revel at the sameness of chain designed hotel rooms. I eat burgers and wings and BBQ.
Best of all, I come home to a smile, a warm house, and,every other Friday, a paycheck. Life is good.
Windshield time is easy money. I get time to daydream, blare my music, "read" audiobooks, and listen to radio hosts pontificate. I can yell at the other drivers to my heart's content. I see America: her fields, her towns, her soul. I can hear the slowly disappearing regional accents when I stop for lunch. I revel at the sameness of chain designed hotel rooms. I eat burgers and wings and BBQ.
Best of all, I come home to a smile, a warm house, and,every other Friday, a paycheck. Life is good.
February 21, 2015
Hooray for the ACA!
I am amazed to see liberals cheering the number of sign ups for ObamaCare as if they have convinced the public the law is something good. It is like they coerced a classroom of 1st graders to eat a bowl of beets.
I'm not surprised that people are signing up, after all a failure to get insurance is punishable under penalty of law. The supporters might as well crow about the number of folks who did not rob a bank or rape a female college student. "See", they celebrate, "people are following the law". That is a victory?
How is it a success that 11 million or 12 million people signed up for ObamaCare? We were told that 20 million or 30 million or even as many as 60 million people had no insurance so we MUST cram this law through by any means possible. Is it a success to serve 1/5 of the folks you intended to help? Why isn't your average hippycommieliberalDemocratpinko out wringing their hands over the uninsured any more? Seems like they are spending time high-fivin' failure.
Now my son, who works for tips, is forced to spend money he can ill afford to buy insurance that has such a high deductible that he still must pay out of pocket to visit a doctor. That, my friends, is not progress. It is progressivism.
I'm not surprised that people are signing up, after all a failure to get insurance is punishable under penalty of law. The supporters might as well crow about the number of folks who did not rob a bank or rape a female college student. "See", they celebrate, "people are following the law". That is a victory?
How is it a success that 11 million or 12 million people signed up for ObamaCare? We were told that 20 million or 30 million or even as many as 60 million people had no insurance so we MUST cram this law through by any means possible. Is it a success to serve 1/5 of the folks you intended to help? Why isn't your average hippycommieliberalDemocratpinko out wringing their hands over the uninsured any more? Seems like they are spending time high-fivin' failure.
Now my son, who works for tips, is forced to spend money he can ill afford to buy insurance that has such a high deductible that he still must pay out of pocket to visit a doctor. That, my friends, is not progress. It is progressivism.
February 20, 2015
A post you must read
It has been a long time since we listened to the Chairman. This is an especially beautiful tune.
Go ahead. Listen. Do it,dammit. You will not have a good Friday if you fail to listen. Do it for the children. Do it for the puppies and baby seals. Do it for the Old School. If you loved me you would listen. Democrats / Republicans (depending on your political leanings) do not want you to listen to Frank today. Every time you listen Fidel Castro is a little closer to death. listening will make your erections last for more than four hours (go see a doctor if this happens -- right after you call all of your buddies and brag). It will cause you ladies to have multiple orgasms. Listening to this song will be like Christmas, the 4th of July and your 8th birthday all rolled into one. Trust me here. Would I lie to you?
February 19, 2015
Dear President Obama
It was not the Nazis who waged war on the world, murdered millions of Jews, gypsies, and homosexuals in the last century. It was just a few fanatics who perverted the ideal of National Socialism...
See how fucking stupid that sounds?
See how fucking stupid that sounds?
It is actually warmer inside my freezer...
It is so cold that I just caught the Tidy Bowl Man ice fishing in the toilet.
Currently, it is warmer in Nome, Alaska than Fishers, Indiana. WTF?
Currently, it is warmer in Nome, Alaska than Fishers, Indiana. WTF?
February 18, 2015
how did I do my job before GPS?
I could bitch and moan about the cold. After all, the windchill here in the great white north is -30; Celsius or Fahrenheit, take your pick. I won't complain. It is cold at your house too. That is unless you live where it is sunny and 70. In that case shut up.
I have to go warm the rental car in a few. More customers to see today before heading back south to God's favorite state. Yes, it is true 'cause I said so. OK, he probably is fond of your home state too. Unless you live in New York or Massachusetts or California or some other liberal Fuckedupistan He doesn't love your state since you are all atheist commie bastards. Unless you are not a hippie progressive commie pinko atheist Occupier and just happen to live in the midst of the liberal Democrat heathens. You think it is an accident Boston has been shit on this winter, that California has earthquakes? God hates commies and liberals. Fact.
I am unequivocally indecisive today. It must be the cold.
I am going to stop now. No one reads long posts. I doubt anyone reads this far. Jabberwocky. As the ancient Romans used to spray paint on the sides of foreclosed houses and slow-moving rail cars: VVV.
I have to go warm the rental car in a few. More customers to see today before heading back south to God's favorite state. Yes, it is true 'cause I said so. OK, he probably is fond of your home state too. Unless you live in New York or Massachusetts or California or some other liberal Fuckedupistan He doesn't love your state since you are all atheist commie bastards. Unless you are not a hippie progressive commie pinko atheist Occupier and just happen to live in the midst of the liberal Democrat heathens. You think it is an accident Boston has been shit on this winter, that California has earthquakes? God hates commies and liberals. Fact.
I am unequivocally indecisive today. It must be the cold.
I am going to stop now. No one reads long posts. I doubt anyone reads this far. Jabberwocky. As the ancient Romans used to spray paint on the sides of foreclosed houses and slow-moving rail cars: VVV.
February 17, 2015
February 16, 2015
This too shall pass
Here we are on a cold Monday. I should be brimming with excitement, but well...
I'm traveling with the boss this week. I have no worries, I know how to do my job, but I don't like traveling with others. You have to consult on what when and where to eat. You have to keep conversation going. There is a constant need, I've found when traveling with a boss, to talk about work too much. I want to decompress between customer visits, not rehash the last appointment. I have to be nice and charming with customers. Expecting me to hide my inner asshole for 12 or 14 hours or more a day over the span of three days is a lot of work. Plus I had salmon patties and fried potatoes for supper last night. I am going to have to strangle some serious fish and grease gas this morning.
Boo hoo, whah, whah. Have a great day.
I'm traveling with the boss this week. I have no worries, I know how to do my job, but I don't like traveling with others. You have to consult on what when and where to eat. You have to keep conversation going. There is a constant need, I've found when traveling with a boss, to talk about work too much. I want to decompress between customer visits, not rehash the last appointment. I have to be nice and charming with customers. Expecting me to hide my inner asshole for 12 or 14 hours or more a day over the span of three days is a lot of work. Plus I had salmon patties and fried potatoes for supper last night. I am going to have to strangle some serious fish and grease gas this morning.
Boo hoo, whah, whah. Have a great day.
February 15, 2015
observations
You know Debbie Reynolds was always hot, but in the movie "The Rat Race" she is especially spectacular.
When I was a kid both of my parents smoked. It was always a bonus to find a cigarette but in the toilet. I would play fighter pilot and strafe the butt like it was a ship until I shredded the butt. Then, if I had any ammo left, I would shoot the tobacco like little sailors in the sea. I always had a lot of imagination.
It is freaking cold.
I read two phrases recently that I found classic. The first was the way Zane Grey described a cowboy waking up in "Riders of the Purple Sage": "he unclosed his eyes". How awesome is that? Hacks like me would go the opposite and write that he opened his peepers.
The second was from Truman Capote's novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Capote writes that Holly "patted a yawn". So much description in three little words.
My inability to turn a phrase like that is why I sell stuff and toil away at a little blog hardly anyone reads. You cannot learn how to write like that.
I watched the "The Blue Max" yesterday. I have not watched that WWI Classic in years.
I hope you have a great Sunday.
When I was a kid both of my parents smoked. It was always a bonus to find a cigarette but in the toilet. I would play fighter pilot and strafe the butt like it was a ship until I shredded the butt. Then, if I had any ammo left, I would shoot the tobacco like little sailors in the sea. I always had a lot of imagination.
It is freaking cold.
I read two phrases recently that I found classic. The first was the way Zane Grey described a cowboy waking up in "Riders of the Purple Sage": "he unclosed his eyes". How awesome is that? Hacks like me would go the opposite and write that he opened his peepers.
The second was from Truman Capote's novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Capote writes that Holly "patted a yawn". So much description in three little words.
My inability to turn a phrase like that is why I sell stuff and toil away at a little blog hardly anyone reads. You cannot learn how to write like that.
I watched the "The Blue Max" yesterday. I have not watched that WWI Classic in years.
I hope you have a great Sunday.
February 14, 2015
sweet spice of life
Happy V day . I hope your day is filled with as much love and romance as you desire.
I ventured into the cold to buy my best girl some donuts for breakfast this morning. Ain't I sweet?
I have the Alfalfa version of "I'm in the mood for love" swirling in my skull as I compose this sure to be declared greatest blog post ever.
Stay warm and have a great Saturday.
I ventured into the cold to buy my best girl some donuts for breakfast this morning. Ain't I sweet?
I have the Alfalfa version of "I'm in the mood for love" swirling in my skull as I compose this sure to be declared greatest blog post ever.
Stay warm and have a great Saturday.
February 13, 2015
Easy guinea pig recipes
We are going waaaaayyyyy back today for our Friday Music, back when the world was black and white. Last year I went to my daughter's fourth grade class and gave a talk about the Civil War. At one point I was describing the Federal Uniform and a boy said he thought the uniforms were gray. I said that some of the Confederate uniforms were gray. He insisted that all the uniforms were black or white, because color had not been invented yet. I laughed all the way home, but showed surprising compassion when I calmly corrected his notion.
Anyway, with my usual digression I present Buddy Holly, one of the most influential artist of Rock era. What is most surprising is his body of work covers less than two years. He died at age 22 in a plane crash. One cannot help but think "What if"?
Who knew Arthur Murray had a dance party show?
February 12, 2015
I wonder
How is it the progressive types can keep silent when their chosen one can vow to wage war in Iraq of all places? After all, as they asked in the past "what American interest is at stake"?
How are American lives in danger? Isn't this just a further example of American imperialism? I seem to recall one blogger calling the American war in Iraq the most shameful episode in American history. What is different a decade or so later, other than the typical hypocracy of those on the left?
Me, I have no issue with pounding the terrorist motherfuckers into the stone ages. But I do have the same concerns I did when W and his buddies were squandering American lives and treasure, namely what is the end game, what is the plan, the goal? Hell at least then we had the justifiable goal of ridding the world of Sadam and his sons.
Frankly, I am not sure why the Obama is not calling for power to wage war on the sun, or coal plants, or cow farts, or red kidney beans. After all, according to the President, global warming is waaayyyy more dangerous than a bunch of folks in the Middle East who have declared jihad on us. Hell, wasn't it Obama who called ISIS the "JV" team?
Instead of waging pointless war perhaps he should just invite the leaders over for beer and a quick game of horse.
How are American lives in danger? Isn't this just a further example of American imperialism? I seem to recall one blogger calling the American war in Iraq the most shameful episode in American history. What is different a decade or so later, other than the typical hypocracy of those on the left?
Me, I have no issue with pounding the terrorist motherfuckers into the stone ages. But I do have the same concerns I did when W and his buddies were squandering American lives and treasure, namely what is the end game, what is the plan, the goal? Hell at least then we had the justifiable goal of ridding the world of Sadam and his sons.
Frankly, I am not sure why the Obama is not calling for power to wage war on the sun, or coal plants, or cow farts, or red kidney beans. After all, according to the President, global warming is waaayyyy more dangerous than a bunch of folks in the Middle East who have declared jihad on us. Hell, wasn't it Obama who called ISIS the "JV" team?
Instead of waging pointless war perhaps he should just invite the leaders over for beer and a quick game of horse.
Epicurean mode
One post is just that, a single entry on a topic. Are two posts about food in a row a thematic thread? I don't know. You may judge me at your leisure.
The wife and I went to a very nice steak place for dinner last evening as an early Valentine's Day repast. She has plans for this evening and the place was booked for Friday. We are babysitting on Saturday. Thus, we celebrated early. Old Ruth did us right. My rib eye was perfect. The server comped us a creme brûlé for dessert.
No one at our table got any nookie when we got home. Still, it is pretty good to be me.
The wife and I went to a very nice steak place for dinner last evening as an early Valentine's Day repast. She has plans for this evening and the place was booked for Friday. We are babysitting on Saturday. Thus, we celebrated early. Old Ruth did us right. My rib eye was perfect. The server comped us a creme brûlé for dessert.
No one at our table got any nookie when we got home. Still, it is pretty good to be me.
February 11, 2015
The good the bad the ugly
i cooked my favorite meal in the world for supper last night. That would be beef and noodles, and yes, like any good Hoosier I erved them with mashed potatoes (Yukon Gold if you must know). I have learned that this pairing is a regional thing, that for some reason the rest of the civilized world sees the two starches and recoils in horror. Frankly it has never occurred to me that chicken or beef or turkey and noodles would not come with a big serving of mashed spuds. I like my noodles served on top of the potatoes. In any case this meal is not one designed to help my waist line and the heavy dose of carbs is certainly not conducive to maintaining blood sugar levels. It was a good meal with bad results on the scales and ugly blood glucose readings this morning.
Did you see that -- a title that fits the post for once? Anyway, I know what I'm having for lunch --- leftover beef and noodles served with mashed potatoes. Get over it.
Did you see that -- a title that fits the post for once? Anyway, I know what I'm having for lunch --- leftover beef and noodles served with mashed potatoes. Get over it.
February 10, 2015
On being Nostradamus
At the risk of inciting the wrath of the lovely EOB I am going to offer another prediction. Gas prices are about to rise significantly in the short term in certain areas of the country as the unions begin to strike at key refineries across the nation. Union leadership knows that striking when gas was $4 a gallon would have brought on the wrath of the public.
--- What, you liberals do not understand? You see the primary market force is supply a demand. When there is less of a good, the price of that good rises. When a product is plentiful the price drops. That is why there is always a black market anytime the government interferes in an economy.
Union leaders see that oil,prices are low so adding 10-20% to the price at the pump do to decreased refinery output carries much less risk to the union and its members in public relations. In the end you and I will pay more.
--- What, you liberals do not understand? You see the primary market force is supply a demand. When there is less of a good, the price of that good rises. When a product is plentiful the price drops. That is why there is always a black market anytime the government interferes in an economy.
Union leaders see that oil,prices are low so adding 10-20% to the price at the pump do to decreased refinery output carries much less risk to the union and its members in public relations. In the end you and I will pay more.
February 9, 2015
You may not be aware
Brian Williams is taking a few days off from reading the news. I would not be a bit surprised that he cures cancer, eliminates the common cold, and gets Led Zeppelin back together in his time off.
February 8, 2015
Me and Brian Williams Episode 8
It was hot in the blazing Cuban sun. The bullets peppering down from the Spanish positions only added to the heat of the situation. "Teddy", said Brian Williams, "We can't stay here. We have to charge up that hill. Follow me"
Colonel Roosevelt, inspired by the bravery of the intrepid reporter, rallied his men with a hoarse shout of "Charge! Let's go you Rough Riders"...
Colonel Roosevelt, inspired by the bravery of the intrepid reporter, rallied his men with a hoarse shout of "Charge! Let's go you Rough Riders"...
Me and Brian Williams Episode 11
It was March 6. 1836. Davy, Brian and I were standing at the palisade that bolstered the North Wall of the mission. The Mexicans were coming in force. I was so scared, I thought I would cry. Davy spit a stream of 'baccy and sighed. I could tell he was somewhat nervous too. But not Brian Williams. He was the bravest man I ever knowed. I bet he fought off six dozen Grenadiers all by his lonesome....
February 7, 2015
Me and Brian Williams Episode 4
We were on the train heading west out of Philadelphia. The President was pacing and muttering. "This speech just is not right" he said. "Listen. This country was founded eighty-seven years ago..." He started.
When the President finished Brian Williams spoke up. He reminded Mr. Lincoln that he was a famous journalist and asked if he could help. "Please" cried the President.
I watched in amazment as Brian took an envelope from his pocket and begin to scraw.
Four score and seven years ago...
When the President finished Brian Williams spoke up. He reminded Mr. Lincoln that he was a famous journalist and asked if he could help. "Please" cried the President.
I watched in amazment as Brian took an envelope from his pocket and begin to scraw.
Four score and seven years ago...
Me and Brian Williams
There was a whole group of us. We were seeking a suitable reply to parliament'so latest outrage. Brian Williams said we had to send the King a message. The next thing I knew we were all donning Indian garb. All except Brian, he was brave. He was a study in determined defiance as we tossed that tea into the harbor....
February 6, 2015
Your pants are on fire
We all tell tall tales, but no one misrememberes they were in a helicopter struck by a rocket. That is something that you could not forget. I once went to the Indy 500. I did not drive the winning car.
Bria Williams is a damn liar.
Bria Williams is a damn liar.
Sigh
Yesterday I sent this text to my Daughter:
I am eating lunch in Dodge City, on Wyatt Earp Blvd, across the street from the famous Boot Hill cemeteryShe replied:
That means nothing to me.Sigh
February 5, 2015
Where the long grass blows
I spent my teen years reading Louis L'Amour and Max Brand and Zane Grey. My Great-Great Grandfather served in the famed 7th Iowa cavalry during the Civil War years campaigning against recalcitrant Indians in The Great Plains. Thus it is always a minor thrill when I find myself driving the highways of Kansas, whipping through fabled cow towns like Emporia, Wichita, or Dodge City.
When I look out the windshield at the bleak nothingness I see beauty. I also marvel at the sturdy pioneers that managed to cross the vast American Dessert without a paved road, a GPS, a reliable map. The way west was fraught with peril. Miss your route out of Independence by a mere tenth of a degree and you are hundreds of miles from your intended destination. Sure the Smoky Hill or Arkansas Rivers were reliable landmarks, but are you upstream or downstream from your intended crossing point?
The American pioneer was made from strong stuff. I reflect on the panic throughout the east coast last week over the mere forecast of snow and wonder what the intrepid farmer or plainsman would think as he huddled in his sod house out on the prairie, burning buffalo shit to keep warm. Now we need the Mayor of New York to remind us to wear a coat.
When I look out the windshield at the bleak nothingness I see beauty. I also marvel at the sturdy pioneers that managed to cross the vast American Dessert without a paved road, a GPS, a reliable map. The way west was fraught with peril. Miss your route out of Independence by a mere tenth of a degree and you are hundreds of miles from your intended destination. Sure the Smoky Hill or Arkansas Rivers were reliable landmarks, but are you upstream or downstream from your intended crossing point?
The American pioneer was made from strong stuff. I reflect on the panic throughout the east coast last week over the mere forecast of snow and wonder what the intrepid farmer or plainsman would think as he huddled in his sod house out on the prairie, burning buffalo shit to keep warm. Now we need the Mayor of New York to remind us to wear a coat.
February 4, 2015
It is the little things
Bitch and moan. I'm good at it. Today I am irritated at the erstwhile air conditioning / heating unit tucked under the window of room 435 here at my Hampton Inn home for tonight. It has a button that indicates "constant fan" that will not shut off. I will have to listen to the damn thing all night long. I hate the noise of the fan running and even shutting the heat off will not make the mother fucker stop.
Yes, 13 hours of traveling makes me a cranky asshole.
Yes, 13 hours of traveling makes me a cranky asshole.
I see stupid people
I am about as small government minded a fellow you will find short of a true anarchist. But there are some rules a civilized society needs. A codification of most of the Biblical "Thou shalt nots" comes to mind. Traffic laws and other rules to protect the general populace from idiots, malefactors, and evil-doers are certainly necessary. I support, to a significantly lessor extent, those laws created to protect us from ourselves. Maybe, I am more likely to agree with laws that protect kids from parents' stupidity; car seat regulations for example.
I submit that any parent that refuses to vaccinate their kid is stupid, an idiot, a moron of the lowest level. Your actions are borderline, nay, are downright criminal. I abhor frivolous lawsuits, but I would proudly serve on a jury of anyone who could prove they were infected by even casual contact with your unvaccinated offspring. Your failure to protect your children and society as whole from a preventable infectious disease is decidedly criminal. I would encourage the authorities and aggrieved individuals to seek criminal as well as civil remedies.
If you cannot or will not understand the difference between correlation and causation then you are damned fool and a danger to your children, your family, and society as a whole and should be treated as such. A refusal to vaccinate is as morally wrong and as criminally negligent as handing your kid a loaded handgun and sending him off to the local playground.
I submit that any parent that refuses to vaccinate their kid is stupid, an idiot, a moron of the lowest level. Your actions are borderline, nay, are downright criminal. I abhor frivolous lawsuits, but I would proudly serve on a jury of anyone who could prove they were infected by even casual contact with your unvaccinated offspring. Your failure to protect your children and society as whole from a preventable infectious disease is decidedly criminal. I would encourage the authorities and aggrieved individuals to seek criminal as well as civil remedies.
If you cannot or will not understand the difference between correlation and causation then you are damned fool and a danger to your children, your family, and society as a whole and should be treated as such. A refusal to vaccinate is as morally wrong and as criminally negligent as handing your kid a loaded handgun and sending him off to the local playground.
February 3, 2015
He Said, She Said, He Said, They Said
The cool kids all reviewed the film American Sniper last week. Since I am not, and never have been one of the cool kids, I was not asked to participate. Of course, I have never been too good at following the crowd. Back when blogging was cool, many published these memes -- you know, what kind of donut are you and such. I rarely played along. I am an ass like that. So if I had been asked to provide my insight, I probably would have opted out.
Sunday, my youngest son, my daughter, and my son-in-law and I all traipsed to the theater to see American Sniper. It is a powerful movie. I think Eastwood's understating of Kyle's death and showing the actual funeral scenes as part of the credits was brilliant direction. As the lights came on the theater was silent.
After the movie I had an interesting discussion with my son. He is a Junior in college, and I know he is indoctrinated daily with a leftist slant, and also embraces a fairly liberal point of view as most young people tend to do. I don't worry about it too much. He was raised right, and he will find his own political water level. You see, I don;t think it is healthy for us, as Americans, to all think alike. I think liberals and progressives are dead wrong, and naive and a little dangerous. I would never dream of making their speech or politics outlawed. Unfortunately many on the left would, if given the chance, silence those of a conservative political bent. It is what the far left has done every time they have gathered the reins of power.
But as usual, I digress. The boy was disturbed by Kyle's reference to Iraqis as "savages". I asked what you would call people who would send a kid forth with a hand grenade? I also said that his opinion might change if he saw his buddies killed, maimed and wounded. I added that many returning soldiers from Vietnam and WWII, harbored deep racial resentments against their former foes. Such, I imagine, is war. I am certain, my son does not share my firm belief that one American life is worth a dozen of our enemy. He will have to come to his own conclusions.
Anyway, the film is a pro-soldier, anti-war, human movie. It is powerful. It is a movie everyone should see. The film makes no political statement about the war. Much like the film Lone Survivor, it is a story of people in extraordinary circumstances, fighting for themselves, their fellow soldiers, and their country.
Sunday, my youngest son, my daughter, and my son-in-law and I all traipsed to the theater to see American Sniper. It is a powerful movie. I think Eastwood's understating of Kyle's death and showing the actual funeral scenes as part of the credits was brilliant direction. As the lights came on the theater was silent.
After the movie I had an interesting discussion with my son. He is a Junior in college, and I know he is indoctrinated daily with a leftist slant, and also embraces a fairly liberal point of view as most young people tend to do. I don't worry about it too much. He was raised right, and he will find his own political water level. You see, I don;t think it is healthy for us, as Americans, to all think alike. I think liberals and progressives are dead wrong, and naive and a little dangerous. I would never dream of making their speech or politics outlawed. Unfortunately many on the left would, if given the chance, silence those of a conservative political bent. It is what the far left has done every time they have gathered the reins of power.
But as usual, I digress. The boy was disturbed by Kyle's reference to Iraqis as "savages". I asked what you would call people who would send a kid forth with a hand grenade? I also said that his opinion might change if he saw his buddies killed, maimed and wounded. I added that many returning soldiers from Vietnam and WWII, harbored deep racial resentments against their former foes. Such, I imagine, is war. I am certain, my son does not share my firm belief that one American life is worth a dozen of our enemy. He will have to come to his own conclusions.
Anyway, the film is a pro-soldier, anti-war, human movie. It is powerful. It is a movie everyone should see. The film makes no political statement about the war. Much like the film Lone Survivor, it is a story of people in extraordinary circumstances, fighting for themselves, their fellow soldiers, and their country.
February 2, 2015
About Last Night
1) That was by far the dumbest play I have ever seen called in football, be it pro, college, high school, or Pop Warner. Even my wife who knows diddly about football asked why didn't they just hand it off?
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
Today is my tribute to the film Groundhog Day, if you could nbot guess.
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
Today is my tribute to the film Groundhog Day, if you could nbot guess.
About Last Night
1) That was by far the dumbest play I have ever seen called in football, be it pro, college, high school, or Pop Warner. Even my wife who knows diddly about football asked why didn't they just hand it off?
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
About Last Night
1) That was by far the dumbest play I have ever seen called in football, be it pro, college, high school, or Pop Warner. Even my wife who knows diddly about football asked why didn't they just hand it off?
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
About Last Night
1) That was by far the dumbest play I have ever seen called in football, be it pro, college, high school, or Pop Warner. Even my wife who knows diddly about football asked why didn't they just hand it off?
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
About Last Night
1) That was by far the dumbest play I have ever seen called in football, be it pro, college, high school, or Pop Warner. Even my wife who knows diddly about football asked why didn't they just hand it off?
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
2) I absolutely must have a giant robot lion to ride. This not a want, this is a need.
February 1, 2015
F-f-football
Yeah, I'm going to whine about football. I thought the Pro Football Hall of Fame was about honoring the best players, not recognizing a guy because "it is his turn". Maybe Tim Brown deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, but not when you compare his numbers to Marvin Harrison's feats on the gridiron. Harrison has more yards, catches, and touchdowns in 65 fewer games. To argue, as some have, that Brown had to get in now because so many great receivers were coming eligible in the next few years is a crock. If you are not the best, you should not be in. Period.
Oh, and if JJ Watt is not the best player in football, then I don't know who is.
And since I'm bitching, the SnowTeam/ScareTeam missed even their low estimate on snow totals by about two inches. They started the lets all panic and run to the store and buy milk eggs and bread because snow, earlier this week. By Friday night they were claiming we could get upwards of a half foot of snow. Yesterday morning the prediction was 3-7 inches. This morning I doubt there is even one inch of snow. The models are wildly wrong 8 hours out, and I'm supposed to believe these same weather experts can predict the climate ten, twenty, or fifty years from now?
My coffee cup is empty and so is my tank of complaints. Have a great day.
Oh, and if JJ Watt is not the best player in football, then I don't know who is.
And since I'm bitching, the SnowTeam/ScareTeam missed even their low estimate on snow totals by about two inches. They started the lets all panic and run to the store and buy milk eggs and bread because snow, earlier this week. By Friday night they were claiming we could get upwards of a half foot of snow. Yesterday morning the prediction was 3-7 inches. This morning I doubt there is even one inch of snow. The models are wildly wrong 8 hours out, and I'm supposed to believe these same weather experts can predict the climate ten, twenty, or fifty years from now?
My coffee cup is empty and so is my tank of complaints. Have a great day.
January 31, 2015
Super Weekend
It is a bright and chilly Saturday of Super Bowl weekend. I am less than excited to see two of my least favorite teams face off in the big game.
The SnowTeam/ScareTeam s in high panic over the prospect we might get a lot of snow, or maybe a little snow, or perhaps just cold rain overnight and Sunday. It could be bad. Or not. They advise that I keep watching as they continue to guess. One thing is certain, we will have weather outside my office window.
The youngest boy has the weekend off from work, primarily because the restaurant where he works was heavily damaged by fire last Sunday. He is coming home later today. I visited with my daughter and granddaughter Thursday. I had lunch with my oldest son yesterday and my youngest will be home today. Yes, that is a smile on my usually cranky countenance. If I could convince the wife to give up some nookie this morning, the weekend would be complete.
Well you can't have everything.
Have a great weekend and stay warm.
The SnowTeam/ScareTeam s in high panic over the prospect we might get a lot of snow, or maybe a little snow, or perhaps just cold rain overnight and Sunday. It could be bad. Or not. They advise that I keep watching as they continue to guess. One thing is certain, we will have weather outside my office window.
The youngest boy has the weekend off from work, primarily because the restaurant where he works was heavily damaged by fire last Sunday. He is coming home later today. I visited with my daughter and granddaughter Thursday. I had lunch with my oldest son yesterday and my youngest will be home today. Yes, that is a smile on my usually cranky countenance. If I could convince the wife to give up some nookie this morning, the weekend would be complete.
Well you can't have everything.
Have a great weekend and stay warm.
January 30, 2015
Old Habits
Back in the middle years of the 1980's, we traveled up to Merrillville, Indiana to the Holiday Star Theater to see old Hank Jr. in concert. The asshole was wasted. He would start a song, play a little bit then just kind of taper off. Sometimes Bocepheus forgot the lyrics, sometimes he forgot what song he was playing and launched into a different hit. Mayhaps it was on purpose; it came off as amateurish at best. Towards the end of the show they brought out a stool so Hank could sit down before he fell down. He ended the show stripped to the waist, fat belly bouncing as he jumped around the stage. I think he was playing Kaw-Liga. It was thirty years ago, I can't remember every detail. I think beer was involved on my part as well. The primary difference was no one coughed up hard earned dollars for ducats to see me.
In all, it was one of the worst performances I ever paid to see.
Still I like this song, and it sums up my feelings to both the Friday Music feature and the old blog in particular. Plus, Freddie, my favorite lurker-in-chief likes country music*. Perhaps not oldies like this, but it is the effort that counts. Right?
*so I think. I might be wrong. I don't know. Just listen to the music, OK?
January 27, 2015
I believe
You "believe" stuff when there is no verifiable proof. I believe in God. I cannot prove he exists, if you are a sceptic you won't believe.
People claim they believe in man-made global warming/climate change. They cannot prove it exists, but they believe fervently.
I suppose I am a climate agnostic. I used to own a book that used weather, or climate if you prefer, as a means of predicting future events. The author used past weather to map human events and offered a view of the future. Not surprisingly, I picked up the tome for either free or next to nothing at a library book sale. The whole theory is crackpot. You have to love the 1970s.
Weather models fail to forecast with much accuracy 24, heck 12 hours, in advance of a storm. Yet we are supposed to change our way of life, our economy, our behavior based on weather models for ten or twenty years from now? Those same models, ten years ago, predicted a much different reality. In fact they were dead wrong. Too bad I lost my free book, it may have been more accurate.
People claim they believe in man-made global warming/climate change. They cannot prove it exists, but they believe fervently.
I suppose I am a climate agnostic. I used to own a book that used weather, or climate if you prefer, as a means of predicting future events. The author used past weather to map human events and offered a view of the future. Not surprisingly, I picked up the tome for either free or next to nothing at a library book sale. The whole theory is crackpot. You have to love the 1970s.
Weather models fail to forecast with much accuracy 24, heck 12 hours, in advance of a storm. Yet we are supposed to change our way of life, our economy, our behavior based on weather models for ten or twenty years from now? Those same models, ten years ago, predicted a much different reality. In fact they were dead wrong. Too bad I lost my free book, it may have been more accurate.
Mental snooze button
I need more coffee. I am groggy this morning. I got a good night of sleep. I've been up an hour and ,my brain is still in sleep mode. I'll try this thing later.
January 26, 2015
Let's see
It is Monday, so I outta post something. I had a good if uneventful weekend. It snowed a bit on Sunday.
Yesterday the wife and I went out for brunch at Granite City, I ate entirely too much. Too much bacon, too much biscuits and gravy, too much prime rib. Too much of everything. Afterward, the wife dropped me off at home while she walked around the mall. I watched the movie "42" and took a well deserved nap.
Now I am off to do some work.
Things to do for this Monday:
1) write a boring blog post. Check.
Have a great day.
Yesterday the wife and I went out for brunch at Granite City, I ate entirely too much. Too much bacon, too much biscuits and gravy, too much prime rib. Too much of everything. Afterward, the wife dropped me off at home while she walked around the mall. I watched the movie "42" and took a well deserved nap.
Now I am off to do some work.
Things to do for this Monday:
1) write a boring blog post. Check.
Have a great day.
January 24, 2015
Let's Play Two
RIP Ernie. You lived and played with class and gusto.
Say "Hey" to Ronnie when you get to the big game in Heaven.
Say "Hey" to Ronnie when you get to the big game in Heaven.
January 23, 2015
January 22, 2015
But they are tryin' hard
The cool thing about deflategate is that I can republish old stuff. You gotta love the classics.
Look, I will say this, The Colts lost that game. The Patriots were better. Period. Deflated footballs had nothing to do with the Colts inability to tackle.
But cheating is cheating. Writing that algebra formula on your forearm only helps you get one answer correct, but get caught and you still fail the tst.
I will also say this, NFL players are craftsmen. They are experts in their field. A quarterback knows exactly how a ball should feel. I do not buy for a moment Brady did not know the balls were deflated by 15%. Ask any craftsman and he knows intimately the feel of each one of his tools. Eleven out of twelve balls indicates something nefarious.
January 21, 2015
The 1%
So here is the thing, I'm not rich. Not even close. I could best be described as decidedly middle class. I do live in one of the more affluent communities in one of the more affluent counties in the state. Someone has to comprise the bottom half. That said, I think I am missing that gene that makes me angry at the rich folk that surround me.
Sure, I like money. I would gladly take more of it. The fact that there are houses worth two or three times the value of mine just a few blocks away does not bother me a whit. There are millionaires and multi-million dollar houses down the street. Literally just down the street. So what?
Those people have their money. They earned it, inherited it or borrowed it. None of that concerns me. You see, wealth is not static, there is not a defined amount of cash available in the world and every dollar you earn means there is one less dollar available for me. We all can gain wealth.
Most of us would be counted as fantastically rich in many parts of the world, even if you are eating hot dogs and pancakes as part of your regular diet.
I don't think we should be envious of the one percent. I think we should aspire to be one of the club. When I read how the richest pay most of the taxes I don't think for a minute they do not pay their fair share. I wonder why some want to punish success.
Sure, I like money. I would gladly take more of it. The fact that there are houses worth two or three times the value of mine just a few blocks away does not bother me a whit. There are millionaires and multi-million dollar houses down the street. Literally just down the street. So what?
Those people have their money. They earned it, inherited it or borrowed it. None of that concerns me. You see, wealth is not static, there is not a defined amount of cash available in the world and every dollar you earn means there is one less dollar available for me. We all can gain wealth.
Most of us would be counted as fantastically rich in many parts of the world, even if you are eating hot dogs and pancakes as part of your regular diet.
I don't think we should be envious of the one percent. I think we should aspire to be one of the club. When I read how the richest pay most of the taxes I don't think for a minute they do not pay their fair share. I wonder why some want to punish success.
January 20, 2015
State of the Union
I predict* The Obama will trot out the worn pages from the Democrat playbook, namely tax the rich, banks are evil, global warming, but racists, wealth redistribution, amnesty, blah blah. I could just slap up a recording of the Ten Years After classic "I Want To Change The World", but I have done that so many times in the past it is redundant, but this line sure is indicative of Obama's policies:
"I want to change the world, but I don't know what to do"
Indeed.
* at the risk of pissing off EOB, who is obsessed with my predictions and spends significant time, words, and angst over my righteousness.
"I want to change the world, but I don't know what to do"
Indeed.
* at the risk of pissing off EOB, who is obsessed with my predictions and spends significant time, words, and angst over my righteousness.
January 19, 2015
The Art of Packing
if you have read this piece o'crap blog for very long you likely know that I am a salesman. The kind that travels to my customers. I have been doing this for more than twenty years. By my best gestimation I have flown more than 900 flights and driven more than a million miles. I have been to nearly every state and ten foreign countries. I have mastered the art of packing a suitcase. It takes me about ten minutes to pack for a four or five day trip and much of that time is spent choosing what to wear. I rarely over pack, but I do plan for contingencies: usually an extra shirt, and small clothes.
I always laugh when we get ready to pack for a vacation. My wife insists on packing the suitcases. She is confident only she can fold and arrange the stuff in a proper manner. I explained I don't show up at my customers rumpled and wrinkled, but I might as well explain the the Federal assault at Cold Harbor, she has no interest In what I have to say. She over packs, wastes space and still does not get that shoes are bulky and heavy, and it is not necessary to have a different pair for every outfit.
Oh well, I gave up that fight a long time ago. I'm off to get ready for a business trip.
Edit: it just took me 4 minutes to pack enough for four days.
I always laugh when we get ready to pack for a vacation. My wife insists on packing the suitcases. She is confident only she can fold and arrange the stuff in a proper manner. I explained I don't show up at my customers rumpled and wrinkled, but I might as well explain the the Federal assault at Cold Harbor, she has no interest In what I have to say. She over packs, wastes space and still does not get that shoes are bulky and heavy, and it is not necessary to have a different pair for every outfit.
Oh well, I gave up that fight a long time ago. I'm off to get ready for a business trip.
Edit: it just took me 4 minutes to pack enough for four days.
January 18, 2015
It is about time
Look, I'm not one to complain...
OK, even I laughed at that beginning.
...but it is past time to stop burning the Christmas lights. I get it-- it I s cold. No one wants to hazard the cold and ice, ripping down strands of lights from rooftops and shrubbery. I'm not suggesting you have to take them down, but it is possible to unplug the damn things. Enough already.
OK, even I laughed at that beginning.
...but it is past time to stop burning the Christmas lights. I get it-- it I s cold. No one wants to hazard the cold and ice, ripping down strands of lights from rooftops and shrubbery. I'm not suggesting you have to take them down, but it is possible to unplug the damn things. Enough already.
January 17, 2015
No wonder they sat out the Big One
As is my wont, I study various periods in history. On my drive back from Missouri this week I was listening to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast. He mentioned a fact that blew me away. I have not done the verification research, but Carlin is usually pretty good. Ponder this; in the first 3-1/2 years of WWI, the French had more casualties than the combined American losses in all of our wars.
According to Wikipedia, France lost about 1.35 million out of a population of 39.6 million. If you add civilian casualties that total increases to more than 4% of the population. If those numbers were applied to America's population today that would be losses of more than 10 million in four years.
Man is capable of creating true horror.
According to Wikipedia, France lost about 1.35 million out of a population of 39.6 million. If you add civilian casualties that total increases to more than 4% of the population. If those numbers were applied to America's population today that would be losses of more than 10 million in four years.
Man is capable of creating true horror.
January 16, 2015
Another Kumbaya moment
How about another crazy idea. I say the folks who decide what movies are nominated for "best" picture or whatever base their decision on the quality of the content rather than the color of the actor's skin. I think that is particularly an apt policy when the movie in question deals with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
I know, "But racist" is the theme of the times.
I know, "But racist" is the theme of the times.
January 15, 2015
F you Oxford Press. F you silly people
Pork pork pork pork pork pork
Pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig
Sausage sausage sausage sausage
Bacon bacon bacon bacon
Pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/396356/oxford-university-press-authors-shouldnt-talk-about-pork-case-they-offend-others
Pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig
Sausage sausage sausage sausage
Bacon bacon bacon bacon
Pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig pig
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/396356/oxford-university-press-authors-shouldnt-talk-about-pork-case-they-offend-others
January 14, 2015
on the road again
Hotel life, passing time on America's interstate highway system. Stopping at a random McDonalds to ensure the chain continues to function as America's urinal. Not to eat, though. Even salesmen have standards. It is good to be working, doing what I do well. A whole new industry, new products, new customers bring exciting challenges. I already miss my family though. Being home six straight months has been nice. But the slight case of homesickness is offset by new places to see, new roads to drive. In the meantime I am readjusting to living out of a suitcase and trying hard not to think about what bacteria is lurking on the tv remote.
Hope you readers are having a great Wednesday.
January 13, 2015
Progressive hypocracy volume 3,411
All of the Obamapologists are defending the Administration's failure to send anyone of note to the Paris rally against Islamic terrorism, citing such events are symbolic and do not accomplish anything but make one feel better. While I agree, where were these folks deriding the Occupy protests (just what were they protesting anyway?), or even the multitude of marches in Ferguson?
Funny, the top law enforcement officer had time to protest against a cop who defended himself against a rampaging thug, but skipped out of gay Paree before he had to take a stand against real murderers.
Say, would the same folks who think the March in Paris was a waste of time offer the same opinion after viewing the movie about the civil rights march in Selma? Will Bob Beckel offer a review that says "good movie, but a mere symbolic gesture".
Funny, the top law enforcement officer had time to protest against a cop who defended himself against a rampaging thug, but skipped out of gay Paree before he had to take a stand against real murderers.
Say, would the same folks who think the March in Paris was a waste of time offer the same opinion after viewing the movie about the civil rights march in Selma? Will Bob Beckel offer a review that says "good movie, but a mere symbolic gesture".
January 12, 2015
Monday Review
I'm trying to remember what I did all weekend, I was busy but no activities come to mind.
We did babysit Saturday for a bit. Played some cards with some friends Saturday night.
On Sunday I watched football.
Yep that about covers it.
We did babysit Saturday for a bit. Played some cards with some friends Saturday night.
On Sunday I watched football.
Yep that about covers it.
January 11, 2015
Lemme see if I understand
Our erstwhile politicians in Washington have passed rules and regulations that mandate higher gas mileage standards for cars and trucks. Now vehicles use less gas. Since cars use less gas then the gas taxes collected are lower.
Well, duh!
Now the politicians from both parties are trying to blame the lower gas prices as an excuse to raise the federal gas tax. The only problem is that tax is a flat rate per gallon (about 18 cents) and bears no relation to the rising or falling cost of crude or refined gasoline. The government is not collecting less tax because of oil prices but rather because of their own short-sided stupidity. (Quick aside - if high prices were an indication that Big Oil was greedy, what do lower prices mean?).
This is not the first instance of lawmakers inability to see consequences for their laws. When the raised cigarette taxes to encourage smokers to quit, the politicos were shocked when cigarette tax revenue fell. When Congress mandated employers must pay health insurance for anyone who works 30 hours a week employers cut hours .
Here is a plan, instead of raising gas taxes, how about we cut the automatic funding increases in government programs. Better yet, how about actual funding cuts if we need money for infrastructure. Fund it that way. I know, use the money Obama has planned for free college. BTW, what happened to the billion dollars in Obama's Stimulus that was supposed to rebuild the bridges and roads?
Well, duh!
Now the politicians from both parties are trying to blame the lower gas prices as an excuse to raise the federal gas tax. The only problem is that tax is a flat rate per gallon (about 18 cents) and bears no relation to the rising or falling cost of crude or refined gasoline. The government is not collecting less tax because of oil prices but rather because of their own short-sided stupidity. (Quick aside - if high prices were an indication that Big Oil was greedy, what do lower prices mean?).
This is not the first instance of lawmakers inability to see consequences for their laws. When the raised cigarette taxes to encourage smokers to quit, the politicos were shocked when cigarette tax revenue fell. When Congress mandated employers must pay health insurance for anyone who works 30 hours a week employers cut hours .
Here is a plan, instead of raising gas taxes, how about we cut the automatic funding increases in government programs. Better yet, how about actual funding cuts if we need money for infrastructure. Fund it that way. I know, use the money Obama has planned for free college. BTW, what happened to the billion dollars in Obama's Stimulus that was supposed to rebuild the bridges and roads?
January 9, 2015
Naive at best
Ok, here is my "I'd like to buy the world a Coke/hands across America/Imagine/ give peace a chance/flower power post you have been waiting for
I am very secure and confident in my religious beliefs. I like to think my faith is unshakable. But they are my religious beliefs. Yours may vary and that is OK. I do not feel the need to proselytize. And frankly I don't want you showing up in my porch to try and convince me your way is better.
As long as your worship does not hurt others or affect me, go for it. I don't care if my neighbors are Jews or Muslim or Buddhists. Handle all of the snakes you want. Pray 17 times a day facing Xenia, Ohio for all I care. I expect the same tolerance from you.
I have no issue with prayer in school. Participate, meditate, pick your nose or daydream for a minute each day. A little quiet time never hurt anyone. Forced recitation of the Lord's Prayer or bowing towards Mecca is a different animal altogether. A menorah in the park, a crèche on the courthouse lawn makes little difference to me. Contrary to popular belief, the Constitution does not ban religion in public, but rather guarantees the freedom to worship as you choose..
So if you want to worship a 12 armed elephant, a cross, a camel jockey, a fat guy with pithy sayings, a burning bush, the moon, or an empty can of Red Gold tomatoes, go ahead. But if I choose to worship a bundle of holly, the sun, a volcano, Jesus, or a '57 Chevy, it should not matter to you. So what if I make fun of your God? Is your belief in Zeus or Odin, or a Doritos shaped like Elvis shaken or diminished by my failure to adhere to your beliefs? Is your atheism imbued with uncertainty because I choose to drop to my knees and offer a prayer of thanks before I climb into bed? If I write that Mohamed liked to screw goats and little girls does that change your beliefs in The Prophet? If I think Jesus married a prostitute does that mean he did not die for your sins? If so,I guess your religious foundation is a little weak.
I know my God. He gave me free will to choose Him, otherwise I am just a slave. Worship as you please, just leave me and Charlie out of it.
I am very secure and confident in my religious beliefs. I like to think my faith is unshakable. But they are my religious beliefs. Yours may vary and that is OK. I do not feel the need to proselytize. And frankly I don't want you showing up in my porch to try and convince me your way is better.
As long as your worship does not hurt others or affect me, go for it. I don't care if my neighbors are Jews or Muslim or Buddhists. Handle all of the snakes you want. Pray 17 times a day facing Xenia, Ohio for all I care. I expect the same tolerance from you.
I have no issue with prayer in school. Participate, meditate, pick your nose or daydream for a minute each day. A little quiet time never hurt anyone. Forced recitation of the Lord's Prayer or bowing towards Mecca is a different animal altogether. A menorah in the park, a crèche on the courthouse lawn makes little difference to me. Contrary to popular belief, the Constitution does not ban religion in public, but rather guarantees the freedom to worship as you choose..
So if you want to worship a 12 armed elephant, a cross, a camel jockey, a fat guy with pithy sayings, a burning bush, the moon, or an empty can of Red Gold tomatoes, go ahead. But if I choose to worship a bundle of holly, the sun, a volcano, Jesus, or a '57 Chevy, it should not matter to you. So what if I make fun of your God? Is your belief in Zeus or Odin, or a Doritos shaped like Elvis shaken or diminished by my failure to adhere to your beliefs? Is your atheism imbued with uncertainty because I choose to drop to my knees and offer a prayer of thanks before I climb into bed? If I write that Mohamed liked to screw goats and little girls does that change your beliefs in The Prophet? If I think Jesus married a prostitute does that mean he did not die for your sins? If so,I guess your religious foundation is a little weak.
I know my God. He gave me free will to choose Him, otherwise I am just a slave. Worship as you please, just leave me and Charlie out of it.
January 8, 2015
Boy oh boy
That first cup of coffee sure went down fast this morning and it has nothing to do with the subzero temps outside my office window. I suspect the Keurig is going to get a workout today.
The early morning sky is just the right shade of dark that makes the porch lights on the snow covered houses across the cul-de-sac look like a Thomas Kinkade painting.
Have a great Thursday. Stay warm!
The early morning sky is just the right shade of dark that makes the porch lights on the snow covered houses across the cul-de-sac look like a Thomas Kinkade painting.
Have a great Thursday. Stay warm!
January 7, 2015
True confessions
I like watching old reruns. I am certain Sam is hot, but I am not too fond of the "new" Darrin. Larry is just a douchebag. Endora kind of creeps me out.
The Bitch is back
Boehner was re-elected to Speaker. Conservatives sent a message that they are tired of the lead Republican's RINO tendencies and more importantly, The People who voted Republican are tired of Boehner being Obama's bitch. The message will be ignored.
The early slate of Republican presidential hopefuls looks disappointing at best. Seriously, Huckabee? Bush? Romney? No,no,no and an extra no just for the heck of it.
Funny, every new seat the Stupid Party gains in Congress is from a conservative candidate, but the national party seems to think they should move to the middle. How did that work out in the past two general elections?
The early slate of Republican presidential hopefuls looks disappointing at best. Seriously, Huckabee? Bush? Romney? No,no,no and an extra no just for the heck of it.
Funny, every new seat the Stupid Party gains in Congress is from a conservative candidate, but the national party seems to think they should move to the middle. How did that work out in the past two general elections?
January 6, 2015
Cold as ice
It was a tough drive in to the office this morning. Idiots were out in force on the slick and snow covered roads.
We are looking at a high of 3 tomorrow with wind chills in the -20 range. That is cold no matter where you live, but as I wrote the other day, it is January. This happens every year.
I am off to start a pot of chili for supper.
Stay warm my friends.
We are looking at a high of 3 tomorrow with wind chills in the -20 range. That is cold no matter where you live, but as I wrote the other day, it is January. This happens every year.
I am off to start a pot of chili for supper.
Stay warm my friends.
January 5, 2015
Bad Moon Rising
There was a full moon this morning shining a soft white light through the frigid winter air. I don't think the temperature climbed out of the teens today. The weatherman is calling for a half foot of snow overnight before some real Arctic air comes calling. It is winter. Mother Nature gives us this every January.
I will spend a few more days at the main office before settling into working on my own. My training is finally complete. I am excited and ready to hit the road doing my Willie Loman thing.
I have to go take the trash out. That is not a metaphor, Tuesday is trash pickup in our neighborhood.
Have a good evening. Be safe if there is inclement weather at your house.
January 4, 2015
The wind in the willow
The wind is moaning around the eaves of the house and whipping the willow branches like a cat o'nine tails. There is a half-formed analogy floating in my brain about Mother Nature's angry bosun, but I am quite certain it is not worth pursuing.
It looks like winter will pay a visit this week starting with a dusting of snow this afternoon and Arctic temperatures later in the week. I think I will work from my home office those days.
Last week a liberal blogger called me out for some economic predictions I made in a post I wrote back in 2008. It seems that I was right in my predictions. I was going to chastise her with ridicule and scorn but why bother? Progressives are never wrong, even when they are, and their smug arrogance prevents them from recognizing when they are making fools of themselves. Instead of wasting any more of our time arguing with howler monkeys, I will do a Monty Python and fart in her general direction. Of course, no matter how odoriferous my flatulence, it will be masked by the stink of greater Cleveland.
The neighbor's porch light is winking across the cul-de-sac as the shrubs bend to the will of the wind, occasionally blocking the soft white glow of the energy saving bulb. The dim winking in the distance does not call to me like Daisy's green light across the bay, but rather encourages me to get off the old iPad and turn on an old movie as I wait for Sunday football to start.
I hope you have a great Day.
It looks like winter will pay a visit this week starting with a dusting of snow this afternoon and Arctic temperatures later in the week. I think I will work from my home office those days.
Last week a liberal blogger called me out for some economic predictions I made in a post I wrote back in 2008. It seems that I was right in my predictions. I was going to chastise her with ridicule and scorn but why bother? Progressives are never wrong, even when they are, and their smug arrogance prevents them from recognizing when they are making fools of themselves. Instead of wasting any more of our time arguing with howler monkeys, I will do a Monty Python and fart in her general direction. Of course, no matter how odoriferous my flatulence, it will be masked by the stink of greater Cleveland.
The neighbor's porch light is winking across the cul-de-sac as the shrubs bend to the will of the wind, occasionally blocking the soft white glow of the energy saving bulb. The dim winking in the distance does not call to me like Daisy's green light across the bay, but rather encourages me to get off the old iPad and turn on an old movie as I wait for Sunday football to start.
I hope you have a great Day.
January 3, 2015
January 2, 2015
The long winter
The Christmas decorations are down and boxed until next Thanksgiving. The house looks stark and bare. The January cold replaces warm holiday feelings. I really don't mind the cold so much. It is the overcast that depresses me. Gray days and early sunsets bring me down. Bright sun coupled with temperatures in the 'teens does not faze me, even if there is snow on the ground. Sure I will complain about it. That's what I do best. What will today bring? The sky is a mottled blue gray through the branches of the big maple outside my window. The sun has yet to pop up over the neighbor's house across the street. Clouds, cold, sun or snow, life is still good. The Lord has blessed me and I am thankful.
I hope you have a great Friday.
I hope you have a great Friday.
January 1, 2015
Good F-ing riddance
2014 was a Dickinsonian kind of year here at the old homestead. It was the best of times as we took a dream vacation to Oahu and this month when my daughter gave birth to our first grandchild. It was also the worst of times when I lost my job and was without meaningful (read well-paying) work for five months. That sucked. But the wife went to work full time and I got a sales gig at the big yellow price tag and we made it through the dark times. I worked 7 days a week and am proud to say we never took a dime of government assistance. No unemployment, no food stamps. We ate a lot of pancakes. We got by.
Life is like that, highs and lows and a whole lot of living in between. 2014 was not my most productive blog year in terms of quantity nor quality. That you bother to show up and read the nonsense I spew is a wonder to me. I am thankful beyond words. I hope your 2015 is filled with joy and prosperity. Best wishes for a Happy New Year
Life is like that, highs and lows and a whole lot of living in between. 2014 was not my most productive blog year in terms of quantity nor quality. That you bother to show up and read the nonsense I spew is a wonder to me. I am thankful beyond words. I hope your 2015 is filled with joy and prosperity. Best wishes for a Happy New Year
December 31, 2014
December 30, 2014
Memories
Hey, remember when the President claimed the ACA would reduce a family's insurance premiums by $2500? Remember when the Democrats said if you like your medical plan you could keep it? Remember how Obama said he would have the most transparent administration ever? Remember when Pelosi said that there would be 72 hours to examine bills.before a vote?
Remember when a certain blogger of liberal leanings called these folks out for their outright lies?
Me neither.
December 29, 2014
It is always funny until someone gets hurt
I'm a bit worried about Friday. The day after holidays seem a bit dicey for me this year. You may remember my not-so-trusty 30 year old ladder broke and tossed me to the concrete the day after Thanksgiving. (It is there in the archives. I can either do research or write a shitty post. Not both). On Friday, the day after Christmas, I was heading downstairs to refill my coffee cup when I slipped on the stairs and fell down a flight clear to the landing. I think I twisted when I fell. My back is sore and bruised. Most amazing is I did not utter a single curse word the whole time I bounced and slid down, not even when I crumpled to a halt at the landing. What the heck? The good Lord gave me two gifts - great balance and a fantastic memory. Now both seem to fade recently. Although my advanced scores in memory on the Elevate app indicate my memory is not going away as fast as I imagine.
December 28, 2014
I confess
i confess that I was wrong about everything I ever thought, believe or said. Of course my predictions were accurate in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. I guess we should forget that gas was in the $3+ range or higher for most of the Obama reign since it has been down for a month or so?
Now after one of the slowest recoveries in history things are looking better. The economy does correct itself over time. It will also get bad over time again. Yes, I confess I have been wrong about everything.
Now me and Elvis are going to have some Fun in Acapulco.
Now after one of the slowest recoveries in history things are looking better. The economy does correct itself over time. It will also get bad over time again. Yes, I confess I have been wrong about everything.
Now me and Elvis are going to have some Fun in Acapulco.
December 27, 2014
December 26, 2014
Fabulous Friday
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I know I sure did. The wife got me a wooden cigar store Indian - albeit it is a small version about two foot tall. But still it is way cool and will look great in my office.
I tried to post a picture of my granddaughter but the iPad will not cooperate. Maybe if I fire up the laptops will share later. I suppose you don't really care anyway.
It is supposed to be warm today. Maybe I'll walk off some of the food and cookies and candy I've consumed this week and burn up one of the good Dunhills I bought myself for Christmas
Have a great day.
No Friday music: my Christmas gift to you.
I tried to post a picture of my granddaughter but the iPad will not cooperate. Maybe if I fire up the laptops will share later. I suppose you don't really care anyway.
It is supposed to be warm today. Maybe I'll walk off some of the food and cookies and candy I've consumed this week and burn up one of the good Dunhills I bought myself for Christmas
Have a great day.
No Friday music: my Christmas gift to you.
December 25, 2014
December 24, 2014
December 23, 2014
Christmas Eve Eve
The wife was up late making iced sugar cookies and Christmas candy last night. I promised her I would bake pecan tassies tonight while she finishes the wrapping. I also have to make food to take to her family's Christmas dinner and to my Mom and Dad's house on Christmas eve. The youngest boy is set to come home from college this evening.
Holiday festivities are going into high gear. On Christmas Day my kids and brand new granddaughter will be over for presents and dinner. I have a 22 pound turkey waiting to be roasted.
Before I do all of that work I have to do the work that pays the bills. I am off to the real job.
In the meantime I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Holiday festivities are going into high gear. On Christmas Day my kids and brand new granddaughter will be over for presents and dinner. I have a 22 pound turkey waiting to be roasted.
Before I do all of that work I have to do the work that pays the bills. I am off to the real job.
In the meantime I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.
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