Atlanta Braves slugger Dan Uggla extended his consecutive game hitting streak to 32 games last night against the Cubs. To point out the painfully obvious -- that is more than a month of hitting safely in every game. Imagine adding another month to the total. That is what it would take to break what I believe is the single greatest record in sports -- DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak in 1941. Since then no one has come close. Joltin' Joe's streak is more impressive when you think he played far more day games, and far more double headers. In 1941 the teams traveled by train, not luxury jetliners. One could make the argument there were fewer teams so the pitching was tougher. I am not sure I buy that argument as the pitching specialist was not yet developed. Further, fewer pitchers means the batters got to know the pitchers better. Today, a batter may see a particular pitcher only 8 - 10 at-bats per season.
Thinking of DiMaggio's hit streak got me to thinking about some other great sports records. Here are five of what I think are the greatest records in sports, and like Mr. Marilyn Monroe's hit streak are not likely to be broken soon:
1. DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak in 1941
2. Wayne Gretzky's NHL career point total of 2,857. Put in perspective, the guy in second place is 970 points behind, despite playing 269 more games. In addition it is unlikely any one can touch The Great One's single season point record of 215 in one season ('85/86)
3. Pete Maravich's NCAA points record. Pistol Pete scored 3.667 points in just three years (NCAA rules prohibited freshman from playing varsity sports). He averaged 44.2 points per game. There was no three pointer in the NCAA at the time. Number two in career NCAA points is more than 400 points behind.
4. Nolan Ryan's 7 no hitters. Sandy Koufax had 4. No one else is close.
5. Pete Rose 4,256 hits. If a young player came up at age 20 and averaged 200 hits per season for 20 years, he would still be short of the record. Put in perspective, Derek Jeter has just over 3,000 hits.
Bonus. Cy Young's 511 victories. The next closest is Walter Johnson with 417. In addition, Young has 749 complete games. In today's era of pitching specialists that record is unreachable. Roy Halladay has the most complete games of any active pitcher -- 63.
What do you think is the greatest sports record?
August 13, 2011
August 12, 2011
A Friday slice of life
We find ourselves in front of the old computer on a Friday morning. I suspect you are all about politicked out.
I started this dying blog as a means to vent, to tell some jokes and write. My writing skills have deteriorated, of that there is no doubt. You have heard all of my boring stories and lame jokes. I bet you roll your eyes when I start in, just like my wife. She thinks I don't see her do it, but she is wrong.
But things are what they are. I get pissed and vent my political frustrations here. No one else wants to hear it in my real life, so you get the benefit of my wisdom. Lucky you.
There is a sense of panic around the old homestead. School starts next Wednesday. The boy begins his senior year and the wife goes back to work. The boy is swimming and staying with friends and hanging out as much as possible. Video games are on until the wee hours of the morning. The wife suddenly remembers every project she meant to do and is trying to cram months worth of work into days. My oldest son is moving into a new house with his band and my daughter has taken a new teaching job, so we have been helping her move her accumulated junk to the new school. I did miss out on the back-to-school shopping when i was on a business trip last week. Good for me!
Change is in the late summer air. So far not for me, and I hope it stays that way.
Had some routine blood work done yesterday. My doctor is happy as can be. I had significant improvement from the last blood work in the spring. My lipids were down to 127 from 221last time. Bad cholesterol was down to 78 from 145. A1C was 6.2 only slightly down from a previous 6.3. But far better than the 7.9 it was last fall.
There are some good things about living in a small town. How many people can go to the lab on a Thursday morning and have the results back and get a report from the doctor by two in the afternoon?
There you have it, a boring post without a trace of politics. I hope you have a great Weekend.
I started this dying blog as a means to vent, to tell some jokes and write. My writing skills have deteriorated, of that there is no doubt. You have heard all of my boring stories and lame jokes. I bet you roll your eyes when I start in, just like my wife. She thinks I don't see her do it, but she is wrong.
But things are what they are. I get pissed and vent my political frustrations here. No one else wants to hear it in my real life, so you get the benefit of my wisdom. Lucky you.
There is a sense of panic around the old homestead. School starts next Wednesday. The boy begins his senior year and the wife goes back to work. The boy is swimming and staying with friends and hanging out as much as possible. Video games are on until the wee hours of the morning. The wife suddenly remembers every project she meant to do and is trying to cram months worth of work into days. My oldest son is moving into a new house with his band and my daughter has taken a new teaching job, so we have been helping her move her accumulated junk to the new school. I did miss out on the back-to-school shopping when i was on a business trip last week. Good for me!
Change is in the late summer air. So far not for me, and I hope it stays that way.
Had some routine blood work done yesterday. My doctor is happy as can be. I had significant improvement from the last blood work in the spring. My lipids were down to 127 from 221last time. Bad cholesterol was down to 78 from 145. A1C was 6.2 only slightly down from a previous 6.3. But far better than the 7.9 it was last fall.
There are some good things about living in a small town. How many people can go to the lab on a Thursday morning and have the results back and get a report from the doctor by two in the afternoon?
There you have it, a boring post without a trace of politics. I hope you have a great Weekend.
August 11, 2011
What this nation needs is some gladitorial games
It seems to me the stock market has offered a clear referendum on President Downgrade and Congress.
The US Government is just like you and I. Our credit rating does not get better with more spending and taking out more credit cards. If you find yourself in a credit crunch do you keep buying new TVs and iPads or do you cut out the luxuries? Do you keep taking vacations and buying jewelry?
I have read several editorials and commentaries from the typical liberal press. The common theme is that Tea Party Republicans were unreasonable and insisted on cuts and risked default in order to "win". This is not about wins and losses. This is not about helping the Republican Party or hurting the Democrat party. The debate is about doing the right thing.
I cannot be more clear. I want my representative to move the nation to a more fiscal conservative policy. I want to return to a more strict interpretation of the Constitution. I want a smaller less intrusive Government. I will vote for any candidate that supports that concept. The RINOs in charge of the Republican Party better heed the message we sent last November, or they will go the way of the Whig party.
The US Government is just like you and I. Our credit rating does not get better with more spending and taking out more credit cards. If you find yourself in a credit crunch do you keep buying new TVs and iPads or do you cut out the luxuries? Do you keep taking vacations and buying jewelry?
I have read several editorials and commentaries from the typical liberal press. The common theme is that Tea Party Republicans were unreasonable and insisted on cuts and risked default in order to "win". This is not about wins and losses. This is not about helping the Republican Party or hurting the Democrat party. The debate is about doing the right thing.
I cannot be more clear. I want my representative to move the nation to a more fiscal conservative policy. I want to return to a more strict interpretation of the Constitution. I want a smaller less intrusive Government. I will vote for any candidate that supports that concept. The RINOs in charge of the Republican Party better heed the message we sent last November, or they will go the way of the Whig party.
August 10, 2011
Confession
I am not the smartest guy in the world. Like Clint Eastwood said in Magnum Force "A man's got to know his limitations". I am not stupid either. I can tie my own shoes and carry on a basic conversation.
I was educated as a historian. History is a hobby, not my vocation. I do not believe history repeats itself, but I do believe we can learn valuable lessons from those who went before us. That said, I do not understand the modern liberal mindset. I am honestly, truly confused.
If you were to tell me the sky is green and the grass orange it would be no less disconcerting. At no time in history has the policy of big government spending and high taxes led to a prosperous society. Socialism has been a dismal failure everywhere it has been tried. High taxes do not lead to an improved economy. The Romans lost their empire when they decided it was more important to buy the populace bread and circuses instead of defense of the realm.
I truly do not understand how taking from one citizen by force his hard-earned wealth and giving it to another is a definition of fairness. History is rife with examples of the utter failure of the "each to his abilities, each to his needs" policy. We need look no further than the example of the Pilgrims early days in the New World. It took little time for the most productive to realize they were breaking their backs so the lazy could eat. One by one the productive entered the ranks of the non-productive.
Governments around the world are moving to austerity programs. The socialist model does not improve the lot of society, it leads to bankruptcy. Yet, the pundits and liberals decry efforts to cut spending. They claim the Tea Party is destroying the economy. Wake up people, spending is out of control. Do you believe the path to prosperity in your own home is to rack up massive debt? That Cadillac may be a good deal, but not if you cannot make the payments.
It has been repeatedly shown in the last 100 years that lower taxes always increases economic activity and increases tax revenue. Each tax cut was followed by long-term economic activity. In the face of this evidence the modern progressive insists on higher spending and higher taxes. I just do not get it.
How can any sane person look at our current situation and insist we need to spend more. Non-discretionary spending will consume 100% of revenue in a little over a decade. We must address Social Security and Medicaid. Raising the age for eligibility, means testing, and reform are essential. I know of no one who is opposed to a helping hand. It is the handouts we resent.
I am serious. Can someone explain to me the liberal point of view in a way that makes sense? The logic escapes me.
I was educated as a historian. History is a hobby, not my vocation. I do not believe history repeats itself, but I do believe we can learn valuable lessons from those who went before us. That said, I do not understand the modern liberal mindset. I am honestly, truly confused.
If you were to tell me the sky is green and the grass orange it would be no less disconcerting. At no time in history has the policy of big government spending and high taxes led to a prosperous society. Socialism has been a dismal failure everywhere it has been tried. High taxes do not lead to an improved economy. The Romans lost their empire when they decided it was more important to buy the populace bread and circuses instead of defense of the realm.
I truly do not understand how taking from one citizen by force his hard-earned wealth and giving it to another is a definition of fairness. History is rife with examples of the utter failure of the "each to his abilities, each to his needs" policy. We need look no further than the example of the Pilgrims early days in the New World. It took little time for the most productive to realize they were breaking their backs so the lazy could eat. One by one the productive entered the ranks of the non-productive.
Governments around the world are moving to austerity programs. The socialist model does not improve the lot of society, it leads to bankruptcy. Yet, the pundits and liberals decry efforts to cut spending. They claim the Tea Party is destroying the economy. Wake up people, spending is out of control. Do you believe the path to prosperity in your own home is to rack up massive debt? That Cadillac may be a good deal, but not if you cannot make the payments.
It has been repeatedly shown in the last 100 years that lower taxes always increases economic activity and increases tax revenue. Each tax cut was followed by long-term economic activity. In the face of this evidence the modern progressive insists on higher spending and higher taxes. I just do not get it.
How can any sane person look at our current situation and insist we need to spend more. Non-discretionary spending will consume 100% of revenue in a little over a decade. We must address Social Security and Medicaid. Raising the age for eligibility, means testing, and reform are essential. I know of no one who is opposed to a helping hand. It is the handouts we resent.
I am serious. Can someone explain to me the liberal point of view in a way that makes sense? The logic escapes me.
Is it me?
I was all set to go drop the price increase hammer on another customer. He called yesterday and cancelled the appointment. At least I had not already driven, hoteled etc. I am starting to think it is me. Does my breath stink? Do I have unusual amounts of ear hair that freaks out your average purchasing manager? Di I have lingering body odor? Do my customer think hiding will prevent new pricing? Damn if I know. Maybe, just maybe, the guy had something come up.
We finally had some significant rain last evening. The yard, what flowers are still alive all needed it. I am sure the area farmers are jumping with joy, but I fear it may be too little, too late.
We finally had some significant rain last evening. The yard, what flowers are still alive all needed it. I am sure the area farmers are jumping with joy, but I fear it may be too little, too late.
August 9, 2011
The answer is tax and spend
I listened to The Obama's petulant whining speech yesterday afternoon. The guy is clueless. As near as I could tell, Obama believes S&P is crazy, that running up debt at a record pace with no means or plan to repay said debt should not hurt your credit rating,
The President thinks extending tax cuts is a good thing and rhetorically shook his fist at Congress exhorting them to keep the cut in payroll taxes to spur the economy. The President's position is if Americans have more money, it is good for the economy. For once he is right.
Obama fell back on the old tired rhetoric of tax and spend, tax and spend, tax and spend. The only program today's Democrat understands. Obama called the $20 billion in cuts this year and $80 billion in cuts for next year "historic". That $100 billion is the equivalent of you or I saving ONE dollar out of a monthly budget of $4,000. Historic? In spite of increasing spending to levels never before seen in our nation's 230 plus year history, Our Dear Leader actually said he thinks we have now cut spending to the bare bones and there is nothing left to cut. We can only raise taxes.
But I thought giving American's more of their own money to spend will help the economy? But Joe, you Progressive types will say, we must tax the wealthy, they have to pay their fair share. If fairness is what the President wants, then he would be advocating a tax on the 43% of workers who pay no Federal taxes. What is fair about Tom paying 30% of his hard earned wealth, Tom forking over 20% of his wages and Harry paying zero, zip, nada? If we really, really need more revenue, then we all must pay the price -- all.
You see Obama is not about fairness, he is not about raising revenue, it is about the tireless pursuit of income redistribution, of spread the wealth, of socialism. There is no other way to look at it. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.
Finally The Bamster started in on the tired and failed ideas of shovel ready jobs, infrastructure, construction, blah, blah, blah. We already spent $8000,000,000 on these supposed "shovel ready jobs" to spur the economy. Not only did it not work, but how many more of these projects are out there? Maybe if we had spent the money on real projects instead of saving frogs and wetlands in Nancy Pelosi's Congressional District the stimulus might have helped. But then again, wasn't it this very same Obama who joked a few months ago that there really were not any "shovel ready jobs"?
So let us recap. The Obama says we just need to tax more and spend more and we will get out of this mess. Hasn't that been his plan since the day he took office? It has not worked. If we just do more taxing and more spending all will be fine. The Obama is starting to remind me of the Kevin Bacon character at the end of Animal House -- "All is well!"
And he claims S&P is not based in reality?
The President thinks extending tax cuts is a good thing and rhetorically shook his fist at Congress exhorting them to keep the cut in payroll taxes to spur the economy. The President's position is if Americans have more money, it is good for the economy. For once he is right.
Obama fell back on the old tired rhetoric of tax and spend, tax and spend, tax and spend. The only program today's Democrat understands. Obama called the $20 billion in cuts this year and $80 billion in cuts for next year "historic". That $100 billion is the equivalent of you or I saving ONE dollar out of a monthly budget of $4,000. Historic? In spite of increasing spending to levels never before seen in our nation's 230 plus year history, Our Dear Leader actually said he thinks we have now cut spending to the bare bones and there is nothing left to cut. We can only raise taxes.
But I thought giving American's more of their own money to spend will help the economy? But Joe, you Progressive types will say, we must tax the wealthy, they have to pay their fair share. If fairness is what the President wants, then he would be advocating a tax on the 43% of workers who pay no Federal taxes. What is fair about Tom paying 30% of his hard earned wealth, Tom forking over 20% of his wages and Harry paying zero, zip, nada? If we really, really need more revenue, then we all must pay the price -- all.
You see Obama is not about fairness, he is not about raising revenue, it is about the tireless pursuit of income redistribution, of spread the wealth, of socialism. There is no other way to look at it. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.
Finally The Bamster started in on the tired and failed ideas of shovel ready jobs, infrastructure, construction, blah, blah, blah. We already spent $8000,000,000 on these supposed "shovel ready jobs" to spur the economy. Not only did it not work, but how many more of these projects are out there? Maybe if we had spent the money on real projects instead of saving frogs and wetlands in Nancy Pelosi's Congressional District the stimulus might have helped. But then again, wasn't it this very same Obama who joked a few months ago that there really were not any "shovel ready jobs"?
So let us recap. The Obama says we just need to tax more and spend more and we will get out of this mess. Hasn't that been his plan since the day he took office? It has not worked. If we just do more taxing and more spending all will be fine. The Obama is starting to remind me of the Kevin Bacon character at the end of Animal House -- "All is well!"
And he claims S&P is not based in reality?
August 8, 2011
A big yawn post
I actually yawned when I wrote the title to this post. I am sure most of you know that if you yawn, about 50% of us will yawn also. I yawn just thinking about it.
Yesterday I trimmed the bushes in front of the house and did some general yard work. I also trimmed off some low-hanging branches from several of the trees around the compound. It was hot as Hades. When I came in my shirt and shorts were soaked with sweat. Even my tighty whiteys were wet. For some reason my fair spouse declined my request for a big hug.
I went to WalMart to do some grocery shopping. When I got there a white Dodge Durango, flecked with rust and filled with white trash people was parked right in front of the entrance. I did my shopping, including searching the store for some crap the wife wanted. I waited in a long line to check out (are there ever short lines at WalMart?). The person in front of me was paying with the food stamps debit card and had to separate the juice and milk and pay with the WIC coupons. When i left the store, my cart full, the piece of shit white Durango filled with piece of shit white people was still blocking the entrance.
While walking Saturday morning, I passed going the other way another walker. This is not unusual in our subdivision. In fact, the person was a Japanese woman I see quite often while walking. I gave her my small wave. I mouthed 'morning. What made the encounter strange is that she was wearing long pants, a coat and a scarf (bandanna) around hr face. A black ball cap covered her hair. The temperature was in the upper 80's! She pulled down the scarf to say something as we passed on opposite sides of the street, but I had my headphones plugged in and missed what she said. Perhaps she had allergies? The outfit looked like a sure way to die of heat exhaustion.
That was my weekend.
Yesterday I trimmed the bushes in front of the house and did some general yard work. I also trimmed off some low-hanging branches from several of the trees around the compound. It was hot as Hades. When I came in my shirt and shorts were soaked with sweat. Even my tighty whiteys were wet. For some reason my fair spouse declined my request for a big hug.
I went to WalMart to do some grocery shopping. When I got there a white Dodge Durango, flecked with rust and filled with white trash people was parked right in front of the entrance. I did my shopping, including searching the store for some crap the wife wanted. I waited in a long line to check out (are there ever short lines at WalMart?). The person in front of me was paying with the food stamps debit card and had to separate the juice and milk and pay with the WIC coupons. When i left the store, my cart full, the piece of shit white Durango filled with piece of shit white people was still blocking the entrance.
While walking Saturday morning, I passed going the other way another walker. This is not unusual in our subdivision. In fact, the person was a Japanese woman I see quite often while walking. I gave her my small wave. I mouthed 'morning. What made the encounter strange is that she was wearing long pants, a coat and a scarf (bandanna) around hr face. A black ball cap covered her hair. The temperature was in the upper 80's! She pulled down the scarf to say something as we passed on opposite sides of the street, but I had my headphones plugged in and missed what she said. Perhaps she had allergies? The outfit looked like a sure way to die of heat exhaustion.
That was my weekend.
August 7, 2011
Dear Politicians
I am going to state the obvious, but this is directed to both Republicans and Democrats (with a very special shout out to The Obama). I am going to type it slow so you can understand.
Businesses, people, governments do not get their credit downgraded because they did not borrow enough. People do not get a higher credit score because they convinced Visa to up their credit limit on a maxed-out credit card. Municipalities do not get a higher bond rating for issuing more bonds.
We do not need to raise taxes. We need to cut back the onerous spending the Democrats put in place over the past three years. The ObAma Administration has tripled federal Spending. The Stimulus-that-did-not-stimulate cost more than all of Bush's wars. ObamaCare is going to crush us.
We do not need to raise taxes. The top 10% of earners pay more than 80% of the taxes. We have the highest corporate tax rates among the G8.
BTW, It was Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the Democrats who put in the tax shelter for corporate jets.
The American people have spoken. The credit rating agencies have spoken. CUT SPENDING NOW.
Businesses, people, governments do not get their credit downgraded because they did not borrow enough. People do not get a higher credit score because they convinced Visa to up their credit limit on a maxed-out credit card. Municipalities do not get a higher bond rating for issuing more bonds.
We do not need to raise taxes. We need to cut back the onerous spending the Democrats put in place over the past three years. The ObAma Administration has tripled federal Spending. The Stimulus-that-did-not-stimulate cost more than all of Bush's wars. ObamaCare is going to crush us.
We do not need to raise taxes. The top 10% of earners pay more than 80% of the taxes. We have the highest corporate tax rates among the G8.
BTW, It was Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the Democrats who put in the tax shelter for corporate jets.
The American people have spoken. The credit rating agencies have spoken. CUT SPENDING NOW.
A lame joke for a Sunday
God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day.
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?"
"That's Indiana , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful rolling hills and Prairies, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and the plains."
Then God Said, "This is Indiana , the center of America .
The people of Indiana are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance."
God smiled, "I will create Washington , D.C. Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?"
"That's Indiana , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful rolling hills and Prairies, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and the plains."
Then God Said, "This is Indiana , the center of America .
The people of Indiana are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance."
God smiled, "I will create Washington , D.C. Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
August 6, 2011
August 5, 2011
Stuff I learned this week
By 1865 Great Britain was the most powerful nation on Earth. It was said the sun never set on the British Empire, and the global holdings back up that claim.
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The Brits had holdings in North America, The Caribbean, Africa and Asia. She had defeated Napoleon and won the Crimean War. Pax Britannica ruled the world. British commerce drove the global economy and Queen Victoria's soldiers enforced the rule of law in the various colonies. The Royal Navy protected the shipping routes and supported the troops in "Queen Victoria's little wars".
But even though the British economy suffered significantly during the American Civil War, Britain did not intercede. Britain was the world leader in textile production and the United States supplied 95% of the cotton to the British mills in 1860. By 1865, the US supplied only 5% of the cotton while lower quality cotton from India and Egypt only provided about 40% of the pre-war cotton requirements. There was significant unemployment in Brittan by 1863 due to the cotton shortages.
Some historians point to the South's position on slavery as one reason the British remained neutral. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation put slavery to the forefront. The South never demonstrated a clear ability to win the war. Lee's early success was overshadowed by Southern losses in the west.
Most importantly, I think, was Britain did not want to get into another war in North America. Only one Navy had demonstrated a real ability to take on Her Majesty's fleet -- The United States Navy. To even recognize the Confederacy risked war with the United States. Canada was vulnerable.
But there was one more surprising fact in play. In 1865 the United States possessed the most powerful navy in the world. It had more ships, more men, more ironclads, more steam warships than any navy in the world -- including Great Britain.
I bet you did not know that.
I am very afraid
I am off later this morning to get some new glasses. It is long overdue. I am little afraid. The next time I look in the mirror I will actually see what I look like.
August 4, 2011
Republicans want to kill your dog.
Wow, based on the media reporting you would think the Republicans were asking for the death of every American's first born in the recent negotiations and compromised by stripping our bank accounts.
One columnist I read today likened the Tea Party position to your neighbor demanding possession of your dog and threatening to shoot it if you did not comply.
You would think the Federal Budget was like that of a lower middle class family, living paycheck to paycheck. The evil Republicans were coming along and demanding pay cuts and putting sugar and sand in your transmission.
There is no reality to the actual bloated Federal Budget and the sheer amount of spending we have seen for the past decade. We have doubled spending in the last three years alone! But somehow trying to reign in that spending is a crazy idea. When you have maxed out your credit cards the answer is not to keep spending! can anyone dispute that? Seriously. Argue in the comments to your heart's content. I will give you the keys to this piece o' shit and let you post your argument.
If you had gone out and bought a new sports car, a big screen TV and taken a couple of vacations expecting a cut back when your credit cards are maxed is not unreasonable. The Democrats say you should buy a motor home and take another vacation. Doing less is draconian. They propose you take on another job if necessary, but do not, under any circumstances buy less. In fact, Democrats believe if you would just buy more stuff -- how about a computer, a new camera, and a jet ski -- your finances will improve.
You don't believe that works in real life, why do you think it works for the Government?
My God, I am really starting to think you have to be dumber than a bag of hammers to support the Democrat Party.
One columnist I read today likened the Tea Party position to your neighbor demanding possession of your dog and threatening to shoot it if you did not comply.
You would think the Federal Budget was like that of a lower middle class family, living paycheck to paycheck. The evil Republicans were coming along and demanding pay cuts and putting sugar and sand in your transmission.
There is no reality to the actual bloated Federal Budget and the sheer amount of spending we have seen for the past decade. We have doubled spending in the last three years alone! But somehow trying to reign in that spending is a crazy idea. When you have maxed out your credit cards the answer is not to keep spending! can anyone dispute that? Seriously. Argue in the comments to your heart's content. I will give you the keys to this piece o' shit and let you post your argument.
If you had gone out and bought a new sports car, a big screen TV and taken a couple of vacations expecting a cut back when your credit cards are maxed is not unreasonable. The Democrats say you should buy a motor home and take another vacation. Doing less is draconian. They propose you take on another job if necessary, but do not, under any circumstances buy less. In fact, Democrats believe if you would just buy more stuff -- how about a computer, a new camera, and a jet ski -- your finances will improve.
You don't believe that works in real life, why do you think it works for the Government?
My God, I am really starting to think you have to be dumber than a bag of hammers to support the Democrat Party.
A glimpse behind the curtain
Yesterday I got up, did the Email thing, read some blogs, and put up a hasty post.
I hit the road. I lunched with some good customers and hit the road again. I arrived in da region and my hotel room was not ready. I walked around in a nearby mall. I bought myself a new Cubs hat. I do not often make impulse purchases, but I did in this case.
I checked into my hotel. Answered a few more emails. Made some phone calls. I sat and read for a while and simultaneously half-watched Judge Judy. I ate Mexican for dinner. I returned to the room. I watched the Cubs game while simultaneously half-reading. I walked the wife through some printer issues. This stuff never happens when I am at home.
I slept like a baby -- up every two hours or so. You would think in 18 years of travel I would be used to sleeping in a hotel by now. You would be wrong. The first night is always rough. I woke up to all sorts of bad news. I realized I forgot my medicine. That fact should have come to light last evening. So, I missed my diabetes meds and my cholesterol meds last night. I will miss them again this morning. I do not have to take insulin, so it is not life-threatening. Checked the old blood sugar -- slightly high but not dangerously so. When I checked my Email this morning, my customer has cancelled my appointment for today.
I will check out of the Hampton Inn later this morning. and drive home. I tried to get some alternate appointments but lining up a customer visit with a few hours notice is impossible.
I wasted an afternoon and night. Paid for a meal and hotel. Bought something I likely would not have and skipped taking meds for nothing. Wrote a post using a boatload of sentence fragments. It is good to be me.
I think I will take old State roads home instead of I-65, just for the view. If you have ever travelled in North Central Indiana, you know that last line is funny.
I hit the road. I lunched with some good customers and hit the road again. I arrived in da region and my hotel room was not ready. I walked around in a nearby mall. I bought myself a new Cubs hat. I do not often make impulse purchases, but I did in this case.
I checked into my hotel. Answered a few more emails. Made some phone calls. I sat and read for a while and simultaneously half-watched Judge Judy. I ate Mexican for dinner. I returned to the room. I watched the Cubs game while simultaneously half-reading. I walked the wife through some printer issues. This stuff never happens when I am at home.
I slept like a baby -- up every two hours or so. You would think in 18 years of travel I would be used to sleeping in a hotel by now. You would be wrong. The first night is always rough. I woke up to all sorts of bad news. I realized I forgot my medicine. That fact should have come to light last evening. So, I missed my diabetes meds and my cholesterol meds last night. I will miss them again this morning. I do not have to take insulin, so it is not life-threatening. Checked the old blood sugar -- slightly high but not dangerously so. When I checked my Email this morning, my customer has cancelled my appointment for today.
I will check out of the Hampton Inn later this morning. and drive home. I tried to get some alternate appointments but lining up a customer visit with a few hours notice is impossible.
I wasted an afternoon and night. Paid for a meal and hotel. Bought something I likely would not have and skipped taking meds for nothing. Wrote a post using a boatload of sentence fragments. It is good to be me.
I think I will take old State roads home instead of I-65, just for the view. If you have ever travelled in North Central Indiana, you know that last line is funny.
August 3, 2011
rain
I woke this morning to the sound of rain. It was short-lived. When I went to get the paper the ground was damp but the air was so filled with moisture it was like a steam room. I do not think the tiny bit of rain will lower the temperature, but it did put a tiny bit of moisture into the parched ground. Mostly it was just enough to put spots all over my just washed car.
August 2, 2011
Dear President Obama
Are you clueless? We do not have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem:
Look, those "draconian" cuts from the "terrorists" in the Tea Party will not " destroy the American way of life".
The cuts are not really cuts at all. One billion from a budget of over four trillion.
If you are spending $4,000 a month and decide to save $1, that is not much of a cut. Not even if you promise to do it for ten months.
Look, those "draconian" cuts from the "terrorists" in the Tea Party will not " destroy the American way of life".
The cuts are not really cuts at all. One billion from a budget of over four trillion.
If you are spending $4,000 a month and decide to save $1, that is not much of a cut. Not even if you promise to do it for ten months.
Dear Biker Guy
I get it, you are into the biker lifestyle. The heavy duty Harley Davidson brand boots, your leather vest emblazoned with the orange and black Harley shield, the leather doo-rag over your long gray hair all scream "I am a biker".
You lost a little credibility with the bluetooth headset and jaw mike, but I guess modern biker dudes get calls when on the road. In today's world we are all connected. I suppose it is hard to handle a cell phone when riding your iron horse.
I am no expert on biking, but watching you swagger out to the parking lot and seeing you climb..... into your conversion van -- well, I think you are the very definition of a poser.
You lost a little credibility with the bluetooth headset and jaw mike, but I guess modern biker dudes get calls when on the road. In today's world we are all connected. I suppose it is hard to handle a cell phone when riding your iron horse.
I am no expert on biking, but watching you swagger out to the parking lot and seeing you climb..... into your conversion van -- well, I think you are the very definition of a poser.
August 1, 2011
Quick political hits
Here is what I think. Part of the back-room budget deal our politicians just worked out will mean higher taxes for us all. It is not in the print but I suspect there has been a handshake deal to let the Bush tax cuts expire.
Politicians from both parties cannot help themselves. The lure of spending other people's money is just too strong.
I think it hilarious The Obama was tossed a bone by Congressional leaders when they let him announce the proposed deal. The White House has been on the outside looking in for weeks, and Obama's impotence has never been more apparent. Only a blind Democrat hack believes The Obama had a roll in this compromise. Harry Reid called the Bamster and said "Here is what WE decided". You know it, I know it, the world knows it. Our President has not looked so weak since the days the Islamic nut cases attacked our Embassy in Tehran. It is increasingly evident we are living the second term of the Carter Presidency.
In the end, this budget deal does not do much. Let us say you have racked up $140,000 in credit card bills. The mortgage company is calling, the bank is hounding you for late car payments, the credit card folks are getting mean. You try and calm them all with an announcement you have a plan. You are going to stop going to the movies, you are switching to gas station coffee instead of Starbuck's and you just bought a bunch of store brand veggies. Your grand plan is to cut spending by 150 bucks over ten months. Did you cut much spending? What if you considered not spending as much as you wanted to a cut?
You want to buy that snazzy new pair of shoes. You balk at the $250 price tag. Instead, you go to the discount store and buy the knockoffs. You pay a cool $87 instead. Can you claim you saved $163? That is how Congress saves money. If they do not spend as much as they thought, or if spending does not go up as much as planned, it is a cut.
No wonder we have such a low opinion of our Government.
Vote them out. All of them. We must have term limits.
Politicians from both parties cannot help themselves. The lure of spending other people's money is just too strong.
I think it hilarious The Obama was tossed a bone by Congressional leaders when they let him announce the proposed deal. The White House has been on the outside looking in for weeks, and Obama's impotence has never been more apparent. Only a blind Democrat hack believes The Obama had a roll in this compromise. Harry Reid called the Bamster and said "Here is what WE decided". You know it, I know it, the world knows it. Our President has not looked so weak since the days the Islamic nut cases attacked our Embassy in Tehran. It is increasingly evident we are living the second term of the Carter Presidency.
In the end, this budget deal does not do much. Let us say you have racked up $140,000 in credit card bills. The mortgage company is calling, the bank is hounding you for late car payments, the credit card folks are getting mean. You try and calm them all with an announcement you have a plan. You are going to stop going to the movies, you are switching to gas station coffee instead of Starbuck's and you just bought a bunch of store brand veggies. Your grand plan is to cut spending by 150 bucks over ten months. Did you cut much spending? What if you considered not spending as much as you wanted to a cut?
You want to buy that snazzy new pair of shoes. You balk at the $250 price tag. Instead, you go to the discount store and buy the knockoffs. You pay a cool $87 instead. Can you claim you saved $163? That is how Congress saves money. If they do not spend as much as they thought, or if spending does not go up as much as planned, it is a cut.
No wonder we have such a low opinion of our Government.
Vote them out. All of them. We must have term limits.
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