Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Top Ten Tuesday
Going back in music history, I started looking for the first time some sort of top 10 list was recorded. What I found was that was a list of the top songs for 1930, so that is where I will start and each Tuesday going forward I will list the top songs for that year.
According to "Golden Oldies" these were the top songs in 1930. there were only five "top" songs:
1. Chant Of The Jungle
2. The Man From The South,
3. Happy Days Are Here Again, Benny Meroff
4. Puttin on the Ritz
5. Happy Days Are Here Again. Ben Selvin
You can get a taste of the top song from 1930 here.
According to "Golden Oldies" these were the top songs in 1930. there were only five "top" songs:
1. Chant Of The Jungle
2. The Man From The South,
3. Happy Days Are Here Again, Benny Meroff
4. Puttin on the Ritz
5. Happy Days Are Here Again. Ben Selvin
You can get a taste of the top song from 1930 here.
Jailhouse Diet
Arkansas client unhappy with county's weightloss plan.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Broderick Lloyd Laswell says he isn't happy that he's lost 105 pounds over the past eight months and is down to 308 pounds.
Laswell is an inmate in the Benton County Jail and has filed a federal court suit complaining about the diet he's been fed by the county.
According to the suit filed Friday, Laswell weighed 413 pounds when he was jailed on a capital murder charge in September.
Police say he and a codefendant fatally beat and stabbed Randy Walker, then set his trailer home on fire. An autopsy showed that Walker was dead when the Aug. 30 fire was started. Prosecutor Van Stone says he'll seek the death penalty for both defendants.
Laswell's suit was filed without a lawyer in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville. He claims the jail doesn't provide inmates with enough food.
"On several occasions I have started to do some exercising and my vision went blurry and I felt like I was going to pass out," Laswell wrote in his complaint. "About an hour after each meal my stomach starts to hurt and growl. I feel hungry again."
Laswell claims he's lost about a half-pound a day.
"If we are in a small pod all day (and) do next to nothing for physical exercise, we should not lose weight," according to Laswell. "The only reason we lost weight in here is because we are literally being starved to death."
Laswell's suit also asks that the county be ordered to serve hot meals to its inmates.
The jail has served only cold food for years. The meals, provided through Aramark Correctional Institution Services, average 3,000 calories a day, according to Jail Capt. Hunter Petray.
Some people would kill to lose 1/2 lb a day. Unfortunately, he did and got caught.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Broderick Lloyd Laswell says he isn't happy that he's lost 105 pounds over the past eight months and is down to 308 pounds.
Laswell is an inmate in the Benton County Jail and has filed a federal court suit complaining about the diet he's been fed by the county.
According to the suit filed Friday, Laswell weighed 413 pounds when he was jailed on a capital murder charge in September.
Police say he and a codefendant fatally beat and stabbed Randy Walker, then set his trailer home on fire. An autopsy showed that Walker was dead when the Aug. 30 fire was started. Prosecutor Van Stone says he'll seek the death penalty for both defendants.
Laswell's suit was filed without a lawyer in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville. He claims the jail doesn't provide inmates with enough food.
"On several occasions I have started to do some exercising and my vision went blurry and I felt like I was going to pass out," Laswell wrote in his complaint. "About an hour after each meal my stomach starts to hurt and growl. I feel hungry again."
Laswell claims he's lost about a half-pound a day.
"If we are in a small pod all day (and) do next to nothing for physical exercise, we should not lose weight," according to Laswell. "The only reason we lost weight in here is because we are literally being starved to death."
Laswell's suit also asks that the county be ordered to serve hot meals to its inmates.
The jail has served only cold food for years. The meals, provided through Aramark Correctional Institution Services, average 3,000 calories a day, according to Jail Capt. Hunter Petray.
Some people would kill to lose 1/2 lb a day. Unfortunately, he did and got caught.
Monday Madness - Would you Pod?
Think it's possible to find economical accommodations in New York City? Well, if you consider paying around $159.00 per night for a 7 x 12 room with a shared bathroom economical you might consider the Pod Hotel. They say that they are the answer to the budget-conscious traveler's prayers.
To quote them, "the place is basic, to be sure, but it's modern, comfortable and enjoys a fab location on the Middle East Side. Rooms are teeny-tiny but carefully designed to maximize space."
NBC carried a story on this trend yesterday and compared to some of the rooms they showed, this one looks rather large. The screen above each bunk is a rather small flat screen TV. If you want a remote there is an extra charge. Kind of like when Motel 6 first opened, you got a room, if you wanted anything else (like phone access or TV) you paid for it separately.
So, would you Pod?
To quote them, "the place is basic, to be sure, but it's modern, comfortable and enjoys a fab location on the Middle East Side. Rooms are teeny-tiny but carefully designed to maximize space."
NBC carried a story on this trend yesterday and compared to some of the rooms they showed, this one looks rather large. The screen above each bunk is a rather small flat screen TV. If you want a remote there is an extra charge. Kind of like when Motel 6 first opened, you got a room, if you wanted anything else (like phone access or TV) you paid for it separately.
So, would you Pod?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Silly Saturday
Keith Olberman has a segment called the worst person in the world on Countdown in which he has the worse, worser and worst people each day. Taking off on that, each Saturday I will list my candidates for the silly, sillier and silliest person of the week.
The silly award this week goes to Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco and to the city Recreation and Park Department for their proposal to increase fees to use the cities tennis courts, elevator rides to the top of Coit Tower and admission to the Japanese Tea Garden as well as other increases. Residents pay taxes to support many of the items scheduled for a fee increase by Parks Department and paying an additional fee to utilize a tennis court is nothing more than an additional tax.
The Sillier person this week is King Abdullah and the Saudi Interior Ministry for jailing Fouad al-Farhan, a Saudi Arabian blogger for four months. Farhan, 33, was detained Dec. 10 after authorities warned him about his online support of an activist group. At the time of his arrest, the Interior Ministry said only that his violations were not related to state security. Farhan had used his blog to criticize corruption and call for political reform in Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy.
And the Silliest person of the week is none other than the beloved and so called leader of the free world George Walker Bush. In his latest comment on the economic stimulus package that in his estimate will revive the downtrodden economy, the President is now claiming that the package will also help Americans cope with lofty energy and food prices. The President did not elaborate on his claim but he was willing to admit that the economy "...may be in a slowdown."
The silly award this week goes to Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco and to the city Recreation and Park Department for their proposal to increase fees to use the cities tennis courts, elevator rides to the top of Coit Tower and admission to the Japanese Tea Garden as well as other increases. Residents pay taxes to support many of the items scheduled for a fee increase by Parks Department and paying an additional fee to utilize a tennis court is nothing more than an additional tax.
The Sillier person this week is King Abdullah and the Saudi Interior Ministry for jailing Fouad al-Farhan, a Saudi Arabian blogger for four months. Farhan, 33, was detained Dec. 10 after authorities warned him about his online support of an activist group. At the time of his arrest, the Interior Ministry said only that his violations were not related to state security. Farhan had used his blog to criticize corruption and call for political reform in Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy.
And the Silliest person of the week is none other than the beloved and so called leader of the free world George Walker Bush. In his latest comment on the economic stimulus package that in his estimate will revive the downtrodden economy, the President is now claiming that the package will also help Americans cope with lofty energy and food prices. The President did not elaborate on his claim but he was willing to admit that the economy "...may be in a slowdown."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday Follies- It's the system, not the troops
The Army may be overlooking an opportunity of significant import. It is well known that enlistment numbers are down and re-enlistment numbers are not where they would like them to be. So, what can be done to meet their quotas, numbers so demanding because of the lack of foresight by the Bush administration?
I know, lets relax the recruitment standards (again), and that is exactly what they have done. The question is, are they taking full advantage of the lower standards now established.
Because their recruitment goals in 2005 were the worst since 1979, in 2006, the Army lowered (or raised, depending on how you look at it) the aptitude level for recruits. Before this they only allowed 2 percent of the recruits to fall below minimum aptitude scores. In 2006 it was raised to 4 percent and they exceeded their recruitment goal. Since 2003 the number of recruits with a high school diploma has dropped from 94 percent to 70.7 percent in 2007.
In another attempt to fill vacancies, the Army has also changed it's policy on allowing convicted criminals to enlist. Between 2003 through 2006, the military allowed 4,230 convicted felons to enlist under the "moral waivers" program, which enables otherwise unqualified candidates to serve. In addition, 43,977 individuals convicted of serious misdemeanors such as assault were permitted to enlist under the moral waivers program during that period, as were 58,561 illegal drug abusers.
The latest number I could find indicates that through the first half of 2007 almost 12 percent of the new recruits enlisted under a moral waiver program.
The only types that seems to be excluded are of course those of the gay persuasion and for some reason, murderers. Maybe if we want to find and eliminate those who seek to terrorize us we should enlist the help of someone with that type of background, kind of like the "Dirty Dozen" or maybe someone from the Gambino family. They always seem to be able to find someone that didn't want to be found.
I know, lets relax the recruitment standards (again), and that is exactly what they have done. The question is, are they taking full advantage of the lower standards now established.
Because their recruitment goals in 2005 were the worst since 1979, in 2006, the Army lowered (or raised, depending on how you look at it) the aptitude level for recruits. Before this they only allowed 2 percent of the recruits to fall below minimum aptitude scores. In 2006 it was raised to 4 percent and they exceeded their recruitment goal. Since 2003 the number of recruits with a high school diploma has dropped from 94 percent to 70.7 percent in 2007.
In another attempt to fill vacancies, the Army has also changed it's policy on allowing convicted criminals to enlist. Between 2003 through 2006, the military allowed 4,230 convicted felons to enlist under the "moral waivers" program, which enables otherwise unqualified candidates to serve. In addition, 43,977 individuals convicted of serious misdemeanors such as assault were permitted to enlist under the moral waivers program during that period, as were 58,561 illegal drug abusers.
The latest number I could find indicates that through the first half of 2007 almost 12 percent of the new recruits enlisted under a moral waiver program.
The only types that seems to be excluded are of course those of the gay persuasion and for some reason, murderers. Maybe if we want to find and eliminate those who seek to terrorize us we should enlist the help of someone with that type of background, kind of like the "Dirty Dozen" or maybe someone from the Gambino family. They always seem to be able to find someone that didn't want to be found.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Penis Snatching (no pun intended) Sorcerers
Why American Men Have Zippers
KINSHASA -- Police in Congo have arrested 13 suspected sorcerers accused of using black magic to steal or shrink men's penises after a wave of panic and attempted lynchings triggered by the alleged witchcraft.
Reports of so-called penis snatching are not uncommon in West Africa, where belief in traditional religions and witchcraft remains widespread, and where ritual killings to obtain blood or body parts still occur.
Rumors of penis theft began circulating last week in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo's sprawling capital of about eight million inhabitants. They quickly dominated radio call-in shows, with listeners advised to beware of fellow passengers in communal taxis wearing gold rings.
Purported victims, 14 of whom were also detained by police, claimed that sorcerers simply touched them to make their genitals shrink or disappear, in what some residents said was an attempt to extort cash with the promise of a cure.
KINSHASA -- Police in Congo have arrested 13 suspected sorcerers accused of using black magic to steal or shrink men's penises after a wave of panic and attempted lynchings triggered by the alleged witchcraft.
Reports of so-called penis snatching are not uncommon in West Africa, where belief in traditional religions and witchcraft remains widespread, and where ritual killings to obtain blood or body parts still occur.
Rumors of penis theft began circulating last week in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo's sprawling capital of about eight million inhabitants. They quickly dominated radio call-in shows, with listeners advised to beware of fellow passengers in communal taxis wearing gold rings.
Purported victims, 14 of whom were also detained by police, claimed that sorcerers simply touched them to make their genitals shrink or disappear, in what some residents said was an attempt to extort cash with the promise of a cure.
Why we need gun control
If I needed this to take out the garbage, walk the dog or get the mail, I think I would move.
Heaven help us if they are allowed to put this on the market and if they are capable of producing this, next must be pocket rocket!
Heaven help us if they are allowed to put this on the market and if they are capable of producing this, next must be pocket rocket!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Big Deposit, No Return
BERLIN (Reuters) - Three days after stealing a rare collection of coins, a thief in Germany took them to the bank for safe keeping -- and delivered them into the hands of the man he had robbed.
"I don't think the thief was expecting that," said a spokesman for police in the western city of Dortmund on Tuesday.
Soon after the thief made the deposit, a bank worker handling the coins recognized them as the set worth some 50,000 euros ($80,000) that had been stolen from his house.
Police tracked down the 36-year-old suspect and arrested him, securing a haul of other stolen goods in the process.
Or it pays to know your banker.
"I don't think the thief was expecting that," said a spokesman for police in the western city of Dortmund on Tuesday.
Soon after the thief made the deposit, a bank worker handling the coins recognized them as the set worth some 50,000 euros ($80,000) that had been stolen from his house.
Police tracked down the 36-year-old suspect and arrested him, securing a haul of other stolen goods in the process.
Or it pays to know your banker.
Monday, April 21, 2008
It's a secret
Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone but I have been known to watch the Food Network and (gasp) get menu ideas from many of the shows. My taste in food is just, if not more so, eclectic that my taste in music and we always like to try new things.
I have a friend that I have not seen in quite sometime that had the same meal every Monday. While I can't remember what the fare was on Monday's I do remember that every Tuesday his family ate Tuna Casserole. Every stinkin Tuesday, Tuna Casserole. Every Wednesday it was the same thing, every Thursday, every Friday, well you get the picture; there was no variety in his life. He couldn't wait to travel for work, if nothing else just to get away from the Tuna and frequently when he was stuck at home, he would not go home for dinner. Can't blame him.
But getting back to my secret. Because I attempt to prepare a rather large variety of meals we sometimes have to go on treasure hunts for some of the ingredients. Many of the hosts on these shows seem to take it for granted that just about any local grocery store, anywhere in the country carries all of the necessary items to cook just about anything but it just ain't so Ethyl (that name always reminds me of the Ray Steven's song The Streak, you know, put your clothes on Ethyl).
So, we go hunting.....we used to go to Wild Oats, they had some things, we found a few Oriental food stores where we could pick up a few things, then there was this little Mexican tienda for our chorizo; for God's sake we used to have to go to Cost Plus just to get our peppercorns. Then we found out that a Whole Foods store opened up across the river (where they grow copious amounts of corn and the population wears corncob hats) so, we have to go there during our great ingredient quest.
We found broccolini there and we were hooked so now we sneak across the river every once in a while. Our route is carefully planned to avoid detection, it's like a blitzkrieg, a surgical strike. Our last incursion involved rapini and tamarind. I can't remember what I'm going to do with the tamarind but I know it was for a Thai recipe. Oh and the rapini with hot Italian sausage turned out just fine (served with whole wheat pasta with shallots and garlic) but it turns out I did not have to cross the river to get it, while looking for some Italian parsley for the pasta, there it was, right it front of me, here in town, rapini. Now if they would only get some broccolini.
I have a friend that I have not seen in quite sometime that had the same meal every Monday. While I can't remember what the fare was on Monday's I do remember that every Tuesday his family ate Tuna Casserole. Every stinkin Tuesday, Tuna Casserole. Every Wednesday it was the same thing, every Thursday, every Friday, well you get the picture; there was no variety in his life. He couldn't wait to travel for work, if nothing else just to get away from the Tuna and frequently when he was stuck at home, he would not go home for dinner. Can't blame him.
But getting back to my secret. Because I attempt to prepare a rather large variety of meals we sometimes have to go on treasure hunts for some of the ingredients. Many of the hosts on these shows seem to take it for granted that just about any local grocery store, anywhere in the country carries all of the necessary items to cook just about anything but it just ain't so Ethyl (that name always reminds me of the Ray Steven's song The Streak, you know, put your clothes on Ethyl).
So, we go hunting.....we used to go to Wild Oats, they had some things, we found a few Oriental food stores where we could pick up a few things, then there was this little Mexican tienda for our chorizo; for God's sake we used to have to go to Cost Plus just to get our peppercorns. Then we found out that a Whole Foods store opened up across the river (where they grow copious amounts of corn and the population wears corncob hats) so, we have to go there during our great ingredient quest.
We found broccolini there and we were hooked so now we sneak across the river every once in a while. Our route is carefully planned to avoid detection, it's like a blitzkrieg, a surgical strike. Our last incursion involved rapini and tamarind. I can't remember what I'm going to do with the tamarind but I know it was for a Thai recipe. Oh and the rapini with hot Italian sausage turned out just fine (served with whole wheat pasta with shallots and garlic) but it turns out I did not have to cross the river to get it, while looking for some Italian parsley for the pasta, there it was, right it front of me, here in town, rapini. Now if they would only get some broccolini.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday Scenes - Street Art
NanaK and I recently took a photo journal trip to capture some of the street art in the area. Just outside of the entrance to the Qwest Center in Omaha is an exhibit by artist Matthew Placzek that, according to his web site, was inspired by street carnivals and Mardi Gras. His work, titled Illumina, depicts the spirit of public celebrations of a seemingly forgotten era.
Mardi Gras Woman
Stiltwalker
The Juggler
Photos by Nan Kaos
Mardi Gras Woman
Stiltwalker
The Juggler
Photos by Nan Kaos
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Father Doesn't Know Best
Back when dirt was first discovered, there was a TV show called Father Knows Best and Jim Anderson always, always had the answer/solution for whatever the problem was. It did not matter if it was Bud, Kitten or the Princess, he did not have to depend on anyone or anything, no matter what.
Now, I have discovered that it is not "father" that knows best, it is Uncle Sam and he will touch every aspect of your life. How did I discover this? Well, we have been looking for ceiling fans lately. You see, we converted a room we used for storage into our office and craft room and in the ceiling there are 2 light fixtures.
Since there is limited circulation in the room, NK wanted to put a couple of ceiling fans in but I insisted that we make sure that those fans come with a light fixture that will provide adequate lighting for the room. Therein lies the problem.
It seems that last year our beloved government decided that it was not good to have a normal light bulb in a ceiling fan light fixture, we are forced to go with the little tulip bulbs or buy the curly qued florescent bulbs. It seems that the incandescent bulbs get too hot and some fool burned his pathetic fingers so once again the government is protecting us from ourselves.
Now, I have discovered that it is not "father" that knows best, it is Uncle Sam and he will touch every aspect of your life. How did I discover this? Well, we have been looking for ceiling fans lately. You see, we converted a room we used for storage into our office and craft room and in the ceiling there are 2 light fixtures.
Since there is limited circulation in the room, NK wanted to put a couple of ceiling fans in but I insisted that we make sure that those fans come with a light fixture that will provide adequate lighting for the room. Therein lies the problem.
It seems that last year our beloved government decided that it was not good to have a normal light bulb in a ceiling fan light fixture, we are forced to go with the little tulip bulbs or buy the curly qued florescent bulbs. It seems that the incandescent bulbs get too hot and some fool burned his pathetic fingers so once again the government is protecting us from ourselves.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Friday's Folly - Here We Go Again
In late November 2007 I posted a story about a soldier that was wounded while serving in Iraq. After being released he received a letter from the Defense Department demanding repayment of a portion of his enlistment bonus. Later they said that the letter was a mistake.
Well, looks like they made the mistake again, and then compounded it.
Forced to leave the combat zone after his two brothers died in the Iraq war, Army Spc. Jason Hubbard found that he had more to deal with after he returned home: Not only had he buried his 2nd sibling, the military cut off his family's health care, stopped his G.I. educational subsidies and wanted him to repay his sign-up bonus.
Hubbard contacted his Congressman, David Nunes for assistance and after speaking with Army Secretary Pete Geren, Nunes got the repayment waived, and a military health policy restored but only for Hubbard's pregnant wife. The only problem, the policy mandated that she be treated at a nearby base, and doctors at the Lemoore Naval Air Station warned that the 45-mile trip could put her and the fetus in danger. So they offered alternative treatment at a hospital five hours away. Some option.
After hearing of a bill that would stop the military from such egregious actions, the Army had one of its many lackeys, Maj. Nathan Banks, issue a statement: "Foremost the Army itself sympathizes with him for the loss of his brothers," we will do everything within our means to rectify this issue. He is still one of ours."
This is how the Army treats one of its own and this is how the Bush administration supports the troops.
Well, looks like they made the mistake again, and then compounded it.
Forced to leave the combat zone after his two brothers died in the Iraq war, Army Spc. Jason Hubbard found that he had more to deal with after he returned home: Not only had he buried his 2nd sibling, the military cut off his family's health care, stopped his G.I. educational subsidies and wanted him to repay his sign-up bonus.
Hubbard contacted his Congressman, David Nunes for assistance and after speaking with Army Secretary Pete Geren, Nunes got the repayment waived, and a military health policy restored but only for Hubbard's pregnant wife. The only problem, the policy mandated that she be treated at a nearby base, and doctors at the Lemoore Naval Air Station warned that the 45-mile trip could put her and the fetus in danger. So they offered alternative treatment at a hospital five hours away. Some option.
After hearing of a bill that would stop the military from such egregious actions, the Army had one of its many lackeys, Maj. Nathan Banks, issue a statement: "Foremost the Army itself sympathizes with him for the loss of his brothers," we will do everything within our means to rectify this issue. He is still one of ours."
This is how the Army treats one of its own and this is how the Bush administration supports the troops.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
It's a Learnin Thang
It's Thursday and I had no idea what I wanted to do today (well, I do have something started but not yet finished) but then I went to do some back reading and came across a non-tag, tag from Jo B. Basically, she tagged anyone that read her post on Saturday, so since I read it I feel obligated to respond to the following:
List 5 classes that SHOULD have been taught in school.
First I will preface my response by stipulating that I will cover college classes because anything anyone tried to teach me in high school was a waste of time, I knew it all already. After a 5 year break from school, by the time I got to college I had matured enough to realize that I knew nothing at all. So, what classes should have been available?
1. What to do when you hear two gunshots and seconds later you see a woman run naked from the house across the street screaming at the top of her lungs (while in the process of moving into a rental).
a). Try to remember where you put your camera?
b). Put the couch back in the bed of the truck and drive away?
c). Go to the 7-11 and ask the clerk to phone the police and what do you do if he refuses?
2. How to respond to a scholarship student when they complain that the party they went to kept them from getting their paper done?
a). Laugh?
b). Move to another part of the room (and laugh)?
c). Tell them how sorry you are that the party lasted so long and offer to give them your paper?
3. Why you should not buy a motorcycle 101.
In this class, you would see a video of someone (unnamed) that slices the inside of their forearm on the rear view mirror of a parked car as he over accelerates. The video includes the frantic trip to the emergency room in your fathers pick-up.
4. How not to buy a house.
This class would cover the object lesson of taking one week to purchase a house after a job transfer. Lessons include don't buy the house if the houses on either side are up on cement blocks and always ask if the previous owners sons kept pigs as a 4-H project at the rear of the property.
5. What to do when your Irish Setter has a litter of 21 puppies or how to clean up the nursery.
List 5 classes that SHOULD have been taught in school.
First I will preface my response by stipulating that I will cover college classes because anything anyone tried to teach me in high school was a waste of time, I knew it all already. After a 5 year break from school, by the time I got to college I had matured enough to realize that I knew nothing at all. So, what classes should have been available?
1. What to do when you hear two gunshots and seconds later you see a woman run naked from the house across the street screaming at the top of her lungs (while in the process of moving into a rental).
a). Try to remember where you put your camera?
b). Put the couch back in the bed of the truck and drive away?
c). Go to the 7-11 and ask the clerk to phone the police and what do you do if he refuses?
2. How to respond to a scholarship student when they complain that the party they went to kept them from getting their paper done?
a). Laugh?
b). Move to another part of the room (and laugh)?
c). Tell them how sorry you are that the party lasted so long and offer to give them your paper?
3. Why you should not buy a motorcycle 101.
In this class, you would see a video of someone (unnamed) that slices the inside of their forearm on the rear view mirror of a parked car as he over accelerates. The video includes the frantic trip to the emergency room in your fathers pick-up.
4. How not to buy a house.
This class would cover the object lesson of taking one week to purchase a house after a job transfer. Lessons include don't buy the house if the houses on either side are up on cement blocks and always ask if the previous owners sons kept pigs as a 4-H project at the rear of the property.
5. What to do when your Irish Setter has a litter of 21 puppies or how to clean up the nursery.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Shut up and do as I say
The Thomas Jefferson Center For the Protection of Free Expression has released the 2008 Muzzle Award winners. In case you don't know about them, "...the Jefferson Muzzles are awarded as a means to draw national attention to abridgments of free speech and press and, at the same time, foster an appreciation for those tenets of the First Amendment." And as with any award of this nature we often find both humour and disgust.
Among those honored this year are judges, police departments, attorneys, college presidents and government entities such as FEMA (of course). I have listed a few here for your pleasure.
An award goes:
To Lancaster County (Nebraska) District Judge Jeffre Cheuvront for forbidding all witnesses, including the alleged victim, from using the word “rape” and other terms in a trial for first-degree sexual assault. The judge said it was OK to use the words "sex" and "intercourse" to describe consensual and non-consensual relationships, but to insure that the defendant received a fair trial, no one could use any language that implied an assault or rape had taken place.
To the Scranton, Pa. police department for bringing criminal charges against a woman for screaming profanities at an overflowing toilet inside her own home.
Last October, Dawn Herb of Scranton was in her house when one of its toilets began to overflow. With the water leaking through the floor into her kitchen below, Herb yelled to her daughter to get a bucket and mop, and then she let loose a tirade of foul language directed at the toilet itself. So loud was Herb in expressing her frustration that a neighbor heard her.
The neighbor, an off-duty officer with the Scranton Police Department, yelled to Herb to keep it down. When she continued, the neighbor called an on-duty fellow officer on the latter’s cell phone to report Herb. That officer arrived and issued Herb a citation for disorderly conduct, a charge carrying a possible sentence of 90 days in jail and a fine up to $300.
And finally to FEMA for scheduling and executing a contrived or fabricated press conference, during which members of the legitimate news media were unable to ask questions.
Still smarting from intense criticism about its handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast, the agency announced a press conference on its many efforts to assist the victims of wildfires in California. Reporters received only 15 minutes notice before the event began; as a result few, if any, legitimate journalists were able to attend and cover the event. FEMA did provide an 800 number so reporters could call in, but only to listen, not to ask questions. Second, and even more egregious, those who appeared to be reporters and asked most of the questions were in fact agency staff members planted there for that precise purpose. Third, the questions posed by those staff-masquerading-as-reporters were gently described by the Associated Press as “soft and gratuitous,” and not surprisingly elicited answers congenial to the image that FEMA had hoped to reinforce.
Among those honored this year are judges, police departments, attorneys, college presidents and government entities such as FEMA (of course). I have listed a few here for your pleasure.
An award goes:
To Lancaster County (Nebraska) District Judge Jeffre Cheuvront for forbidding all witnesses, including the alleged victim, from using the word “rape” and other terms in a trial for first-degree sexual assault. The judge said it was OK to use the words "sex" and "intercourse" to describe consensual and non-consensual relationships, but to insure that the defendant received a fair trial, no one could use any language that implied an assault or rape had taken place.
To the Scranton, Pa. police department for bringing criminal charges against a woman for screaming profanities at an overflowing toilet inside her own home.
Last October, Dawn Herb of Scranton was in her house when one of its toilets began to overflow. With the water leaking through the floor into her kitchen below, Herb yelled to her daughter to get a bucket and mop, and then she let loose a tirade of foul language directed at the toilet itself. So loud was Herb in expressing her frustration that a neighbor heard her.
The neighbor, an off-duty officer with the Scranton Police Department, yelled to Herb to keep it down. When she continued, the neighbor called an on-duty fellow officer on the latter’s cell phone to report Herb. That officer arrived and issued Herb a citation for disorderly conduct, a charge carrying a possible sentence of 90 days in jail and a fine up to $300.
And finally to FEMA for scheduling and executing a contrived or fabricated press conference, during which members of the legitimate news media were unable to ask questions.
Still smarting from intense criticism about its handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast, the agency announced a press conference on its many efforts to assist the victims of wildfires in California. Reporters received only 15 minutes notice before the event began; as a result few, if any, legitimate journalists were able to attend and cover the event. FEMA did provide an 800 number so reporters could call in, but only to listen, not to ask questions. Second, and even more egregious, those who appeared to be reporters and asked most of the questions were in fact agency staff members planted there for that precise purpose. Third, the questions posed by those staff-masquerading-as-reporters were gently described by the Associated Press as “soft and gratuitous,” and not surprisingly elicited answers congenial to the image that FEMA had hoped to reinforce.
Monday, April 14, 2008
What to do with $4 million dollars
I have never offered up any kind of contest before but after I read an article in the local rag that it is likely that the American taxpayer will be saddled with the 4 million dollar of providing Dick Cheney protection, transportation and other security-related trappings of power for an additional six months after he finally goes away, I wondered what good could be done with the money that we will waste on protecting someone that, if necessary could pay for it himself many times over.
So, while I don't yet know what the winner would receive, if you have an idea how this country could use $4 million to make the world a better place to live, to submit your entry leave a comment with a general description of your plan by April 30th. Submissions will be judged on worthiness (is it a noble cause?), feasibility and originality by an impartial panel of judges yet to be identified.
So, while I don't yet know what the winner would receive, if you have an idea how this country could use $4 million to make the world a better place to live, to submit your entry leave a comment with a general description of your plan by April 30th. Submissions will be judged on worthiness (is it a noble cause?), feasibility and originality by an impartial panel of judges yet to be identified.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday Bonus - Cost of Living Getting Out of Hand in Counciltucky
If you thought gas prices were out of control you won't believe what the increase in the cost of fuel has done to ground beef. I thought the price of a steak was high but this is ridiculous!
For $158.00 a pound, what does the other 20% consist of?
Realist or Elitist - Who is out of touch?
As I sit here watching Meet the Press, listening to the panel talk about the latest gaffe by Obama, I can't help but think how unreal all of this really is. Here we have four individuals that have at one time advised presidential candidates in the past. Do they know what they are talking about?
Sometimes.
Have they suffered the indignity of having to sell your childs bike to buy tomorrows groceries, knowing not what they might sell next?
Nope.
They are talking about Obama being out of touch with mainstream America, that he is an elitist, as Clinton and McCain have stated. So Obama said that there are bitter people in small town America, they and there towns have been abandoned by prior administrations, and they "cling" to what they know best, their guns and their religion, to help them survive in hard times.
What we have here is the richest Republican Senator, one that truly knows what suffering is like, or did at one time; the same one that indicated that individual economic problems may be all in their head, the man with at least 8 homes who wouldn't know how much a carton of milk costs let alone tasted dog food, telling us that Obama is an elitist.
What we have here is a millionaire from New York (via Arkansas) that can't tell fact from fiction, one that has not known what making a living really means since she has been in the Presidential bubble for as long as her poor memory can remember, also calling Obama an elitist.
As for the panel, 3 of the four (read Bob Shrum's book) spend a great amount of holiday time (that's elitist talk for vacation) in Italy, France, Greece, you know the place all those bitter small town, gun toting, Sunday go to meeting people go on vacation each year. I'm not sure about the 4th or the host.
Yeah, they really have their finger on the pulse of America. The problem is, none of the people Obama was talking about are watching.
All Obama was saying was that in difficult times, people hang on, get closer to the traditions they hold dear. I don't think that is an insult to anyone. We should be insulted that an elitist group of people make an issue of it though.
Sometimes.
Have they suffered the indignity of having to sell your childs bike to buy tomorrows groceries, knowing not what they might sell next?
Nope.
They are talking about Obama being out of touch with mainstream America, that he is an elitist, as Clinton and McCain have stated. So Obama said that there are bitter people in small town America, they and there towns have been abandoned by prior administrations, and they "cling" to what they know best, their guns and their religion, to help them survive in hard times.
What we have here is the richest Republican Senator, one that truly knows what suffering is like, or did at one time; the same one that indicated that individual economic problems may be all in their head, the man with at least 8 homes who wouldn't know how much a carton of milk costs let alone tasted dog food, telling us that Obama is an elitist.
What we have here is a millionaire from New York (via Arkansas) that can't tell fact from fiction, one that has not known what making a living really means since she has been in the Presidential bubble for as long as her poor memory can remember, also calling Obama an elitist.
As for the panel, 3 of the four (read Bob Shrum's book) spend a great amount of holiday time (that's elitist talk for vacation) in Italy, France, Greece, you know the place all those bitter small town, gun toting, Sunday go to meeting people go on vacation each year. I'm not sure about the 4th or the host.
Yeah, they really have their finger on the pulse of America. The problem is, none of the people Obama was talking about are watching.
All Obama was saying was that in difficult times, people hang on, get closer to the traditions they hold dear. I don't think that is an insult to anyone. We should be insulted that an elitist group of people make an issue of it though.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Blue Skies - Counterpoint
As I watch it snow, I too am thinking of "Blue Skies", just a little more comfortable version. Turn off my FineTune player and enjoy the music of Willie Nelson.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Odds and Ends
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft .Today, it's called golf
Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.
When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
If you can smile when things go wrong , you have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper.It's worse when you forget to pull it down.
Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.
When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
If you can smile when things go wrong , you have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper.It's worse when you forget to pull it down.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Miles for Martinis
I just found out that I have joined a group that allows me to drink and fly. Pilots can't do it but I can.
Every so often I get an update from United Mileage Plus telling me that they have added restaurants in "my" area (not anyone Else's area, but mine) where I can dine and earn miles on my Mileage Plus account. Most of them are pricey, some of them are dives, a couple I have actually patronized.
But I noticed something new in the latest mailing. Now there are bars, that's right, I can drink myself enough miles to earn a free flight so I'm sure that this drinking thing will catch on. I no longer have to eat my way to a free flight so this may be a new diet plan. The only problem is, with all of the problems associated with air travel, only a drunk would want to get on a plane. Then again, if I do drink my way to a free flight, that would be me wouldn't it?
Every so often I get an update from United Mileage Plus telling me that they have added restaurants in "my" area (not anyone Else's area, but mine) where I can dine and earn miles on my Mileage Plus account. Most of them are pricey, some of them are dives, a couple I have actually patronized.
But I noticed something new in the latest mailing. Now there are bars, that's right, I can drink myself enough miles to earn a free flight so I'm sure that this drinking thing will catch on. I no longer have to eat my way to a free flight so this may be a new diet plan. The only problem is, with all of the problems associated with air travel, only a drunk would want to get on a plane. Then again, if I do drink my way to a free flight, that would be me wouldn't it?
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Is That You Grasshopper
A couple of days ago I was doing some catchup reading and found this post on authorblog. In addition to tipping my cap to David for the thought, it reminded me of another sight that kind of set me back a little.
There I was, just minding my own business (on hole number 11, about to hit my second shot) when this noise distracts me, one I had not heard in quite some time yet eerily familiar. When I looked up, off to my left, this is what I saw:
There I was, just minding my own business (on hole number 11, about to hit my second shot) when this noise distracts me, one I had not heard in quite some time yet eerily familiar. When I looked up, off to my left, this is what I saw:
Boeing CH-47 Chinook, 1966
Actually, I saw two of them, flying in a formation similar to this:
The only thing missing were the guys on the ground, waiting to load up.
But for just a moment I had to look around, just to make sure.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Going Green (or how not to start a recycling program)
The leadership in our fair township (known as Counciltucky to those folks that wear corncob hats from across the river in Omygod) has decided that the good citizens within the city limits need to begin curbside recycling in July. They will provide 2 recycling containers and one lid and will only charge us (initially) $4.00 per quarter for the privilege of saving all of our cans, bottles, paper and cardboard so we can give it to them on alternating weeks (this includes the cans and bottles that we pay a 5 cent deposit on).
Now I don't have anything at all against recycling, we already recycle most of the stuff they want us to place curbside so in some ways it will be easier for us. My problem is that they are going to charge us to take the stuff and they will sell it. True, the profit margin will not be significant, but I know of at least one city that uses what they make in recycling to provide free trash service for its residents. If they want everyone to get involved, this is the type program cities should consider.
Many of the fine residents here will not recycle, even though they will pay for it. After all, they don't call this Counciltucky for nothing.
Now I don't have anything at all against recycling, we already recycle most of the stuff they want us to place curbside so in some ways it will be easier for us. My problem is that they are going to charge us to take the stuff and they will sell it. True, the profit margin will not be significant, but I know of at least one city that uses what they make in recycling to provide free trash service for its residents. If they want everyone to get involved, this is the type program cities should consider.
Many of the fine residents here will not recycle, even though they will pay for it. After all, they don't call this Counciltucky for nothing.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Darkness
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we had something new in the house, a Wii PlayStation. I have since discovered that there can be a severe disturbance in the force within some homes; if you will, a new dark side. But you have to let it in, it does not show up without invitation.
When it arrives it appears to be harmless, just a little package, but don't be fooled, inside is evil; a narcotic that gains possession of your inner being. If you open it, you will lose all perspective, time drifts into the background and appears to slow until you no longer realize that the day has passed you by. When you wake up from the self induced coma (if you manage to) you think that it isn't possible that the world has darkened. Why it was only a few short minutes ago that you started MySims, that evil narcotic that children and mothers seem to love.
When it arrives it appears to be harmless, just a little package, but don't be fooled, inside is evil; a narcotic that gains possession of your inner being. If you open it, you will lose all perspective, time drifts into the background and appears to slow until you no longer realize that the day has passed you by. When you wake up from the self induced coma (if you manage to) you think that it isn't possible that the world has darkened. Why it was only a few short minutes ago that you started MySims, that evil narcotic that children and mothers seem to love.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Bye-Bye Fuji, Hello Ace
Awhile back I announced the demise of Fuji, my beloved laptop. Since then, NK has graciously allowed me to use Della although grudgingly. We have now adopted a new member of the family, Ace (brought home yesterday) and I think fully absorbed into our community as of this afternoon.
ssing himself
So from this day forward, Ace will be my partner in this cyber world (unless I kill him for his is apparent proclivity to move his cursor where ever in the hell his little heart desires (as I typed this the SOB jumped back and forward making this look like Orken gibberish. So if any future posts appear to have letters completely out of place, it is only Ace, expre
ssing himself
So from this day forward, Ace will be my partner in this cyber world (unless I kill him for his is apparent proclivity to move his cursor where ever in the hell his little heart desires (as I typed this the SOB jumped back and forward making this look like Orken gibberish. So if any future posts appear to have letters completely out of place, it is only Ace, expre
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Seduction, Part Two
The word of the day: Anticipointment.
News update: Wal-Mart has a change of heart.
It now appears that that Wal-Mart has had a rebirth, and will do the right thing (but for all the wrong reasons). In a letter released on Monday, Wal-Mart Executive Vice President Pat Curran said "Occasionally, others help us step back and look at a situation in a different way. This is one of those times," We have all been moved by Ms. Shank's extraordinary situation."
No, they were moved by the negative PR they were getting after the story was released.
Now for today's story:
As you walk toward them you notice something different; a complete change in the atmosphere. There is soft music somewhere in the background and you almost get a romantic feeling. You look around and you notice the lights have dimmed, as soft as the music and you can feel the stress flying away. You are relaxed and ready for the experience and you have been completely seduced by the folks that will not allow you to take a bottle of water passed the check point and who have molested and embarrassed everyone from 1 to 101 years of age. You have entered the TSA zone and like everyone else entering there, you are a terrorist suspect.
The only difference now, is they want you to feel comfortable while you are being molested. Don't be fooled by the soft lights and music, there is someone in another room watching your full body scan, just waiting to pull you aside so they can personally inspect your labia ring and to show the pictures of the scans to their friends and co-workers. And don't let your guard down, remember that romantic feeling? The minute you think all is well, someone with a friendly smile from the TSA will teach you all about romance and the new and improved TSA.
News update: Wal-Mart has a change of heart.
It now appears that that Wal-Mart has had a rebirth, and will do the right thing (but for all the wrong reasons). In a letter released on Monday, Wal-Mart Executive Vice President Pat Curran said "Occasionally, others help us step back and look at a situation in a different way. This is one of those times," We have all been moved by Ms. Shank's extraordinary situation."
No, they were moved by the negative PR they were getting after the story was released.
Now for today's story:
As you walk toward them you notice something different; a complete change in the atmosphere. There is soft music somewhere in the background and you almost get a romantic feeling. You look around and you notice the lights have dimmed, as soft as the music and you can feel the stress flying away. You are relaxed and ready for the experience and you have been completely seduced by the folks that will not allow you to take a bottle of water passed the check point and who have molested and embarrassed everyone from 1 to 101 years of age. You have entered the TSA zone and like everyone else entering there, you are a terrorist suspect.
The only difference now, is they want you to feel comfortable while you are being molested. Don't be fooled by the soft lights and music, there is someone in another room watching your full body scan, just waiting to pull you aside so they can personally inspect your labia ring and to show the pictures of the scans to their friends and co-workers. And don't let your guard down, remember that romantic feeling? The minute you think all is well, someone with a friendly smile from the TSA will teach you all about romance and the new and improved TSA.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The Seduction, Part One
Don't blame us, oil industry chiefs told a skeptical Congress.
Today in a charade larger than the one "W" pulled on the gullible citizens of "merica" when he announced "Mission Accomplished" Congress called the top executives of the nations five largest oil companies before them in an attempt to make us believe that they could actually do something. And what happened? According to an AP story, the "Top executives of the country's five biggest oil companies said ... that they know record fuel prices are hurting people, but they argued it's not their fault and their huge profits are in line with other industries."
"On April Fool's Day, the biggest joke of all is being played on American families by Big Oil," Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said, aiming his remarks at the five executives sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a congressional hearing room.
This is what Congress believes. Actually folks, the biggest joke is being played on us at every level of our government. If anyone out there thinks that the executive, judicial or legislative branches of our government are going to do anything to help us at the risk of losing the support of the lobbyist's that provide them with their lifeblood they should go back and take high school civics all over. The joke is always on us.
Today in a charade larger than the one "W" pulled on the gullible citizens of "merica" when he announced "Mission Accomplished" Congress called the top executives of the nations five largest oil companies before them in an attempt to make us believe that they could actually do something. And what happened? According to an AP story, the "Top executives of the country's five biggest oil companies said ... that they know record fuel prices are hurting people, but they argued it's not their fault and their huge profits are in line with other industries."
"On April Fool's Day, the biggest joke of all is being played on American families by Big Oil," Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said, aiming his remarks at the five executives sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a congressional hearing room.
This is what Congress believes. Actually folks, the biggest joke is being played on us at every level of our government. If anyone out there thinks that the executive, judicial or legislative branches of our government are going to do anything to help us at the risk of losing the support of the lobbyist's that provide them with their lifeblood they should go back and take high school civics all over. The joke is always on us.
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