Friday, June 18, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Born On the 4th Of July
On May 27th, Cpl. Jacob Leicht, USMC became the 1000th American to die in Afghanistan since the conflict began in October 2001. He was just a little over 1 month away from his 25th birthday, July 4, 2010, This was his 2nd tour in Afghanistan, his first tour lasting only a few weeks when the Humvee he was in hit an explosive device and spent 2 years recovering. This time, one month into his 2nd tour he stepped on a land mine that ended his life.
As we celebrate Memorial Day on Monday we are poised to remember Jacob and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those that have survived wars past. We will also reach a milestone on June 7th as we move into the 104th month of the Afghan war, surpassing Vietnam and the lengthiest war in United States History.
As a Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam conflict, I would be remiss if I did not comment on this milestone. To say that there are mixed opinions on the progression of this effort is an understatement, emotions run high on both sides; end it now or press on and eliminate the "terrorist" threat to our country, much like we attempted to "win" and eliminate the communist threat in Vietnam.
What we need to remember when we consider whether or not we should attempt to attain "victory" is that we have not won a conflict or whatever you want to call it since World War Two (unless you count Ronald Regan's little invasion of Grenada in 1983).
We did not "win" anything in George Herbert Walker Bush's war in 1991, we did not win the second Bush war (ongoing) even though he declared "Mission Accomplished" and we will not "win" a war in Afghanistan.
Some argue that our sons and daughters will have died in vain if we end this conflict without "winning". To me this only means that they are willing to sacrifice other sons and daughters until the futility of the conflict is finally recognized.
As we celebrate the life and death of those that have served this country on Monday, let us consider the lives that can be saved by removing all of our brave men and women from harms way before they become just another tick on the wall of some future memorial.
Thank you Jacob, for your service and your sacrifice, your efforts were not in vain, only the prosecution of another war that cannot be "won" will end in vain.
As we celebrate Memorial Day on Monday we are poised to remember Jacob and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those that have survived wars past. We will also reach a milestone on June 7th as we move into the 104th month of the Afghan war, surpassing Vietnam and the lengthiest war in United States History.
As a Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam conflict, I would be remiss if I did not comment on this milestone. To say that there are mixed opinions on the progression of this effort is an understatement, emotions run high on both sides; end it now or press on and eliminate the "terrorist" threat to our country, much like we attempted to "win" and eliminate the communist threat in Vietnam.
What we need to remember when we consider whether or not we should attempt to attain "victory" is that we have not won a conflict or whatever you want to call it since World War Two (unless you count Ronald Regan's little invasion of Grenada in 1983).
We did not "win" anything in George Herbert Walker Bush's war in 1991, we did not win the second Bush war (ongoing) even though he declared "Mission Accomplished" and we will not "win" a war in Afghanistan.
Some argue that our sons and daughters will have died in vain if we end this conflict without "winning". To me this only means that they are willing to sacrifice other sons and daughters until the futility of the conflict is finally recognized.
As we celebrate the life and death of those that have served this country on Monday, let us consider the lives that can be saved by removing all of our brave men and women from harms way before they become just another tick on the wall of some future memorial.
Thank you Jacob, for your service and your sacrifice, your efforts were not in vain, only the prosecution of another war that cannot be "won" will end in vain.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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Monday, February 8, 2010
Found - A long lost friend
I have been searching for years without any luck. I tried to find him when I visited Washington D.C. and I have searched and searched the internet. My real problem was I that I did not know his hometown only that he was from the Seattle area and really only knew him as Mac.
Today, because a friend sent me a link, I was able to find him. His name was Timothy James McMahon, born March 7, 1946, died September 18, 1966. He died because the human body is not built to withstand the intensity of a hand grenade exploding underneath it.
You see, Mac was a Navy Corpsman, his job was to save lives, patch a person up to give them a chance to make it to a hospital. This time he saved lives by giving his own.
It's been a long time my friend, I'm glad I finally found you.
Today, because a friend sent me a link, I was able to find him. His name was Timothy James McMahon, born March 7, 1946, died September 18, 1966. He died because the human body is not built to withstand the intensity of a hand grenade exploding underneath it.
You see, Mac was a Navy Corpsman, his job was to save lives, patch a person up to give them a chance to make it to a hospital. This time he saved lives by giving his own.
It's been a long time my friend, I'm glad I finally found you.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Police Order - No Parking
As some of you already know, we live near a high school. Most of the time this is not a problem but because the school does not allow Freshman to park in the school parking lot, we sometimes have a problem with cars parked in our neighborhood, not to mention the trash they throw out on the street, especially when there is snow on the ground.
This past week, I called the school twice to complain about the parking situation. There is a police officer on duty at the school (it is his full time assignment, sad as it is). The first time I called he said he was aware of the problem and had already driven through the neighborhood....although nothing was done and it was just the same the next day. So, I waited a couple of days and after I saw the garbage truck (it was trash day) stop at the beginning of our street and then drive on I called again. All I got was "are they illegally parked"?
I asked the officer if it was legal to block a mailbox with a parked vehicle or if was legal to park in such a way that an emergency vehicle like a fire truck or ambulance could not get through....no response. He suggested I call the city to have them do a better job of cleaning up the snow and I hung up.
Yesterday, when NK when out to get the mail, she saw the sign, actually there were many signs,
up and down the street. No Parking signs.....on the opposite side of the street from our house.
Now I hope we won't see this anymore:
This past week, I called the school twice to complain about the parking situation. There is a police officer on duty at the school (it is his full time assignment, sad as it is). The first time I called he said he was aware of the problem and had already driven through the neighborhood....although nothing was done and it was just the same the next day. So, I waited a couple of days and after I saw the garbage truck (it was trash day) stop at the beginning of our street and then drive on I called again. All I got was "are they illegally parked"?
I asked the officer if it was legal to block a mailbox with a parked vehicle or if was legal to park in such a way that an emergency vehicle like a fire truck or ambulance could not get through....no response. He suggested I call the city to have them do a better job of cleaning up the snow and I hung up.
Yesterday, when NK when out to get the mail, she saw the sign, actually there were many signs,
up and down the street. No Parking signs.....on the opposite side of the street from our house.Now I hope we won't see this anymore:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Avoiding Embarassment
In the late 60's and through the 70's there was a daytime game show called "The Newlywed Game". If you have never seen it, the show had couples that had been married a year or less on and asked them questions about their mate and /or their life together. These questions often provoked a funny, provocative response. Questions like where was the weirdest place you have ever gotten the urge to make whoopee? The response from one newlywed was: "in the ass". She was bleeped of course and her husbands response was "in the car", but none the less her embarrassment has been recorded for posterity:
via videosift.com
Somewhere between July 1979 and December 1970, my love and I decided that it would be fun to try out for the show so we sent in an application and received an invitation for a try out. They sent us the address in Hollywood, we lived in the L.A. area at the time, and the time for the interview, so off we went.
Now, my one true love has never been very good with a map, and being a guy, I never was real big on asking for directions so after driving around for some time, we never were able to find the place so we gave up and went home.
Today we both feel fortunate that we did not have a GPS unit then. If we had we might not be married today.
via videosift.com
Somewhere between July 1979 and December 1970, my love and I decided that it would be fun to try out for the show so we sent in an application and received an invitation for a try out. They sent us the address in Hollywood, we lived in the L.A. area at the time, and the time for the interview, so off we went.
Now, my one true love has never been very good with a map, and being a guy, I never was real big on asking for directions so after driving around for some time, we never were able to find the place so we gave up and went home.
Today we both feel fortunate that we did not have a GPS unit then. If we had we might not be married today.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Defining a Decade
After contemplating my navel for the past few weeks I have decided that I needed to come up with a word to describe this decade. One word, a single utterance that defines the raison d'etre for those controlling our lives.
I know, it's early yet but I have really been formulating this opinion for some years. Current events have allowed me to finally propose that poliunicorps be added to our vocabulary. While it rolls off the tongue easily, it has a tendency to leave a bad taste in my mouth as it spills into the atmosphere.
Poliunicorps, a combination of three words that have fostered disrespect throughout their existence must now be merged to form one.
The first part, poli, comes from politician which is defined by dictionary.com as "a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles."
Next comes uni, from the word union. Like politician there are many ways to describe union but for my purpose it will simply be a group of individuals joined together for a common purpose.
Finally comes corps, from corporation. A corporation, again according to dictionary.com is an "organization enjoying legal personality for the purpose of carrying on certain activities.". Of course those "activities" are only for the good of the corporation.
There you have it, the make up of poliunicorps which I will now define as an entity that exists only to perpetuate itself with no regard for the well being of those outside of its body.
I know, it's early yet but I have really been formulating this opinion for some years. Current events have allowed me to finally propose that poliunicorps be added to our vocabulary. While it rolls off the tongue easily, it has a tendency to leave a bad taste in my mouth as it spills into the atmosphere.
Poliunicorps, a combination of three words that have fostered disrespect throughout their existence must now be merged to form one.
The first part, poli, comes from politician which is defined by dictionary.com as "a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles."
Next comes uni, from the word union. Like politician there are many ways to describe union but for my purpose it will simply be a group of individuals joined together for a common purpose.
Finally comes corps, from corporation. A corporation, again according to dictionary.com is an "organization enjoying legal personality for the purpose of carrying on certain activities.". Of course those "activities" are only for the good of the corporation.
There you have it, the make up of poliunicorps which I will now define as an entity that exists only to perpetuate itself with no regard for the well being of those outside of its body.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Why
We have listened
but we have not heard
We have looked
But we have not seen
For you have not said
What we must hear
And you have not done
What we need see
You may have listened
But you do not hear
The screams in the night
Or the anguish of those
That have lost
You say you have looked
But you cannot see
The emptiness in the hearts
Or the vacant stare
Of those that do not understand
Why death has visited their home
but we have not heard
We have looked
But we have not seen
For you have not said
What we must hear
And you have not done
What we need see
You may have listened
But you do not hear
The screams in the night
Or the anguish of those
That have lost
You say you have looked
But you cannot see
The emptiness in the hearts
Or the vacant stare
Of those that do not understand
Why death has visited their home
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
All We Get Is Coal
The Senate was finally able to gather up 60 votes to bring what they call health care reform to a vote. So what will it provide?
1. Access to coverage for 31 million Americans that are or may be currently without health insurance.
Depending on the source, there are anywhere between that 31 million figure and up to 86 million over that last 2 years. That leaves 55 million still without insurance if you believe that there are 86 million uninsured. And the bill only provides for access, with fines up to $2,250.00 per family by 2016.
2. Single people with an income of less than $43,320.00 will qualify for a sliding subsidy scale and families of 3 (and I assume or more) will qualify for the subsidy with an income of $73,240.00 or less.
According to the U. S. Census 32.6% of the households in America are 2 person households. That equals 68,836,092 million people in 2 person households. I can't tell from these figures how many 2 person married couples there are, but I'm sure it is a significant amount and they will not be qualified for the subsidies.
3, There will be no Public Option. There will be 2 nations insurance plans, 1 non-profit and 1 for-profit. The plans will only be offered to those without employer sponsored health insurance.
So, if you currently have employer provided insurance that you can no longer afford either you don't qualify or you would have to give up your current plan to qualify for something that may not provide the same type of coverage (that is if you can qualify by giving up your present plan).
4. There is an "age rating" provision that will allow private insurers to price premiums up to THREE TIMES HIGHER for older people.
According to the 2000 census there were 35 million people age 65 & up, living on retirement income that has dwindled significantly that will be forced to pay higher premiums for any Medicare supplement plan.
So, back to my original question, what will the Senate bill provide? Not much beyond adding a new segment of poverty and possibly and increase in the divorce rate (you see, single people qualify for the subsidy).
1. Access to coverage for 31 million Americans that are or may be currently without health insurance.
Depending on the source, there are anywhere between that 31 million figure and up to 86 million over that last 2 years. That leaves 55 million still without insurance if you believe that there are 86 million uninsured. And the bill only provides for access, with fines up to $2,250.00 per family by 2016.
2. Single people with an income of less than $43,320.00 will qualify for a sliding subsidy scale and families of 3 (and I assume or more) will qualify for the subsidy with an income of $73,240.00 or less.
According to the U. S. Census 32.6% of the households in America are 2 person households. That equals 68,836,092 million people in 2 person households. I can't tell from these figures how many 2 person married couples there are, but I'm sure it is a significant amount and they will not be qualified for the subsidies.
3, There will be no Public Option. There will be 2 nations insurance plans, 1 non-profit and 1 for-profit. The plans will only be offered to those without employer sponsored health insurance.
So, if you currently have employer provided insurance that you can no longer afford either you don't qualify or you would have to give up your current plan to qualify for something that may not provide the same type of coverage (that is if you can qualify by giving up your present plan).
4. There is an "age rating" provision that will allow private insurers to price premiums up to THREE TIMES HIGHER for older people.
According to the 2000 census there were 35 million people age 65 & up, living on retirement income that has dwindled significantly that will be forced to pay higher premiums for any Medicare supplement plan.
So, back to my original question, what will the Senate bill provide? Not much beyond adding a new segment of poverty and possibly and increase in the divorce rate (you see, single people qualify for the subsidy).
Monday, October 26, 2009
Public Screwing
Short and sweet, if the bill presented today by Sen. Reid is the best our leaders in Washington can provide, we are all screwed. Those of us that have insurance should just drop it and do the same as those without insurance today, don't get sick or die quickly.
Thanks alot Harry.
Thanks alot Harry.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Most Violent Element
"The most violent element is society is ignorance". One more time, "The most violent element in society is ignorance". This is a quote from Emma Goldman (1869 - 1940) in response to an objection about anarchism that stated "anarchism is violent and destructive".
My son had this quote on a bumper sticker on his car. Before the car was traded in, I removed the sticker and put it on my truck. Eventually it faded to nothing so I no longer have it but I have not forgotten.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not an anarchist, an advocate of anarchy, nor do believe that anarchy is a solution for what ails any country. I do believe that the quote above is true however and is relevant in today's world just as it was when she penned the thought in 1910.
Why do I believe this? I believe it because every day television brings vivid images of ignorant people into my home. People that believe in "death panels", people that believe that the correct way to engage in a discussion is to keep the discussion from taking place. There are also those that believe that they will no longer have access to their current private insurance, and that 120 million people will be deprived of health care.
What leads someone that would normally behave in a rational manner, why are all these people so worked up? Some say race is involved, that the realization that this country has elected a black President has hit home. Others believe that the President is leading the country down a path toward total socialism. Why to they believe this?
Because they are ignorant! They do not know the truth, don't want to know the truth and I'm sorry MSNBC no matter what Chris Matthews, Ed Schultz, Rachel Maddow or Keith Olbermann says, they remain ignorant because they aren't watching you.
The fact of the matter is that ignorance causes fear and those listening to the corporations and causes that wish to derail heath care reform have played their cards well. I just wish some good investigative journalism would come out of this. These poor ignorant souls that are on our TV screens every night would make wonderful candidates for an in depth expose. Do they have health care, how much do they pay for it, if they do not want any government sponsored health care plan are those on medicare willing to give that up? They should not be that hard to find, just go to a town hall meeting somewhere, pick them out and when it is over and their emotions have subsided interview them.
In the early 1980's I told a person he was ignorant, he never spoke to me again. You see, he thought I called him stupid even after I explained the difference between the two words. Maybe I was wrong then, perhaps he was stupid and perhaps all of these people aren't ignorant, just stupid but it would be nice to find out.
My son had this quote on a bumper sticker on his car. Before the car was traded in, I removed the sticker and put it on my truck. Eventually it faded to nothing so I no longer have it but I have not forgotten.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not an anarchist, an advocate of anarchy, nor do believe that anarchy is a solution for what ails any country. I do believe that the quote above is true however and is relevant in today's world just as it was when she penned the thought in 1910.
Why do I believe this? I believe it because every day television brings vivid images of ignorant people into my home. People that believe in "death panels", people that believe that the correct way to engage in a discussion is to keep the discussion from taking place. There are also those that believe that they will no longer have access to their current private insurance, and that 120 million people will be deprived of health care.
What leads someone that would normally behave in a rational manner, why are all these people so worked up? Some say race is involved, that the realization that this country has elected a black President has hit home. Others believe that the President is leading the country down a path toward total socialism. Why to they believe this?
Because they are ignorant! They do not know the truth, don't want to know the truth and I'm sorry MSNBC no matter what Chris Matthews, Ed Schultz, Rachel Maddow or Keith Olbermann says, they remain ignorant because they aren't watching you.
The fact of the matter is that ignorance causes fear and those listening to the corporations and causes that wish to derail heath care reform have played their cards well. I just wish some good investigative journalism would come out of this. These poor ignorant souls that are on our TV screens every night would make wonderful candidates for an in depth expose. Do they have health care, how much do they pay for it, if they do not want any government sponsored health care plan are those on medicare willing to give that up? They should not be that hard to find, just go to a town hall meeting somewhere, pick them out and when it is over and their emotions have subsided interview them.
In the early 1980's I told a person he was ignorant, he never spoke to me again. You see, he thought I called him stupid even after I explained the difference between the two words. Maybe I was wrong then, perhaps he was stupid and perhaps all of these people aren't ignorant, just stupid but it would be nice to find out.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
When a crime is committed and no one is there to see it happen, it is still a crime. In golf, there is one thing that can happen may not be properly claimed when it occurs, a hole in one. Generally speaking, if no one witnesses someones claim of a single shot from the tee box dropping into the hole, it did not happen.
But dammit, I saw it this morning so I am going to claim it. I was on the tee box on hole number 18, 116 yards from the flag. I had a 9 iron in my hand to fight the slight left to right breeze and my last thought before beginning my swing was you are trying for a 124 yard shot, swing easy.
Well, I did not quite hit the ball 124 yards, when it landed on the green it was about five feet short of the flag stick. I watched it bounce once and roll up to the hole, then into the hole. I immediately looked around to see if there was anyone close by that might have seen it go in, no one.
One good thing about it though, tradition states that anyone that gets an ace has to buy a round for everyone in the club house, but if no one saw it, and since there wasn't anyone in the club house at the time, it saved me a little cash. I did tell a few people to have a beer on me. I guess when I get my next statement I'll find out if they took me up on it.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Unconscious Mind
I'm reading a book called Zen Golf. Mastering the Mental Game. The premise is to let your intuitive mind control your actions, not your thinking mind.
Now I have not worn a watch for so long I can't really remember when I stopped. But today, my thinking mind asked what time it was and my head turned down to look at my left wrist.
I think the message may be getting through since my mind had me look where a watch would normally be.
Either that or I am rapidly losing what little mind I have....I prefer to accept the former!
Now I have not worn a watch for so long I can't really remember when I stopped. But today, my thinking mind asked what time it was and my head turned down to look at my left wrist.
I think the message may be getting through since my mind had me look where a watch would normally be.
Either that or I am rapidly losing what little mind I have....I prefer to accept the former!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Irrational Thoughts
Last month a casual acquaintance and a member of the same golf club I joined a few years back had a massive heart attack. According to the paramedics he was dead before he hit the ground.
He was 61 years old and he was playing golf in a pro am with his wife, our club pro and another member. He was playing well, shooting even par on holes 10, 11, 12 and 13. On the 14th tee box he hit his drive, asked about the location of his tee and keeled over. The only sound was a loud thud as he hit the ground. No one saw him fall but everyone around heard the "thud".
CPR attempts failed to revive him, he died playing golf with his wife. The only thing that could have been better is if his two sons had been playing with him.
The only reason I am writing this, other than thinking of Marv, is because the day after he died was to be his 62nd birthday. I turned 62 today and since Sunday I have wondered if I would fall like Marv or make it past 61. Since I am able to compose this, my irrational thoughts have subsided.
Enjoy life.
He was 61 years old and he was playing golf in a pro am with his wife, our club pro and another member. He was playing well, shooting even par on holes 10, 11, 12 and 13. On the 14th tee box he hit his drive, asked about the location of his tee and keeled over. The only sound was a loud thud as he hit the ground. No one saw him fall but everyone around heard the "thud".
CPR attempts failed to revive him, he died playing golf with his wife. The only thing that could have been better is if his two sons had been playing with him.
The only reason I am writing this, other than thinking of Marv, is because the day after he died was to be his 62nd birthday. I turned 62 today and since Sunday I have wondered if I would fall like Marv or make it past 61. Since I am able to compose this, my irrational thoughts have subsided.
Enjoy life.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
It Wasn't Loaded
As I was returning from the golf course just after noon I happened to notice a set of flashing lights in my rear view mirror. My eyes immediately went down to the speedometer. Nope, not speeding and I pulled to the side of the road.
After the unmarked car (looked like a Mustang) went by I continued on home. Shortly after I got there, there was a special bulletin on T.V. There were reports that a man was walking through the mall located about a mile from our house with a gun. The mall was in lockdown and they were clearing the stores one by one. There were federal marshalls on the roof, SWAT was deployed and of course all of the local news channels had their vans there bringing us live coverage.
In the meantime the man with the reported weapon was finally discovered. His weapon.....a long black unbrella (did I mention that it had started to rain).
After the unmarked car (looked like a Mustang) went by I continued on home. Shortly after I got there, there was a special bulletin on T.V. There were reports that a man was walking through the mall located about a mile from our house with a gun. The mall was in lockdown and they were clearing the stores one by one. There were federal marshalls on the roof, SWAT was deployed and of course all of the local news channels had their vans there bringing us live coverage.
In the meantime the man with the reported weapon was finally discovered. His weapon.....a long black unbrella (did I mention that it had started to rain).
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
For Shay
Nana K posted today, the subject was life.....and death. Her baby sister needs a lung transplant and she is not going to get it. She can hardly move from her bed to the bathroom. She has been smoking for around 2/3's of her life and it will be the cause of her death, probably this year.
I quit smoking last year, after a 45 year affair with the tobacco industry. It has not been easy and I still want to light up almost every day. I don't know at this time if I quit in time to add any years to my life but I hope I did.
If you still smoke, quit now, let us all put the tobacco industry out of business this decade.
I quit smoking last year, after a 45 year affair with the tobacco industry. It has not been easy and I still want to light up almost every day. I don't know at this time if I quit in time to add any years to my life but I hope I did.
If you still smoke, quit now, let us all put the tobacco industry out of business this decade.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Good-bye, Good Riddence
We found out this week that there is another house on the market in our little neighborhood. It has been listed for about 80 days but the owners for some reason have chosen not to have a sign put up so I guess it is a secret sale.
About a week before the election last November I had a conversation with one of the residents of that household in an attempt to gain her vote for then candidate Obama. To make a long story short, she called me a socialist and told me that if he (meaning Obama) wins the election the country will be ruined and it will be entirely the fault of people like me. I guess she may still be hoping, like Rush, that he fails so the country can be saved.
In the meantime, since the house if for sale, maybe she will move out of the country since we are obviously doomed to a fate worse than any of could possibly imagine.
About a week before the election last November I had a conversation with one of the residents of that household in an attempt to gain her vote for then candidate Obama. To make a long story short, she called me a socialist and told me that if he (meaning Obama) wins the election the country will be ruined and it will be entirely the fault of people like me. I guess she may still be hoping, like Rush, that he fails so the country can be saved.
In the meantime, since the house if for sale, maybe she will move out of the country since we are obviously doomed to a fate worse than any of could possibly imagine.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Visitor
I hate visiting Portland. Oh, don't get me wrong, I don't mind being there, in fact I love it. It's the act itself, a temporary period of time that eventually leads to a rather unsatisfying ending, that is leaving.
Leaving is never easy, there is a little treasure that takes it personally every time we leave and each time we have to leave it gets just a little more difficult.
Leaving is never easy, there is a little treasure that takes it personally every time we leave and each time we have to leave it gets just a little more difficult.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Healthy Beginning?
The nations health insurers have decided it might be time for them to play with them that keeps them at the dance. Yesterday, Karen Ignagni, the president of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)stated at a Senate hearing that the industry would stop basing a persons premium on their health and would extend coverage to all Americans, regardless of any pre-existing conditions.
While I applaud the industry for taking this dramatic first step, there is of course a caveat; in fact a critical condition. Everyone must get insurance. Oh, and they also want to make sure that any new system does not include a government insurance plan like Medicare.
The exlusion of a government plan is necessary because such a plan might attract those with private insurance because the government can bargin for lower rates.
Lower rates, that's part of what everyone wants but it sounds like AHIP wants to monopolize the health insurance market and then charge what ever they want. Like AIG they would be too big to fail and the insured would forever pay the penality.
So Ms. Ignagni it sounds like a good start but I think we need to maintain some skepticism. We can't afford to let the insurance industry determine what is good for our health and pocket book.
Oh, wait a minute, that's the current system and it works just fine doesn't it?
While I applaud the industry for taking this dramatic first step, there is of course a caveat; in fact a critical condition. Everyone must get insurance. Oh, and they also want to make sure that any new system does not include a government insurance plan like Medicare.
The exlusion of a government plan is necessary because such a plan might attract those with private insurance because the government can bargin for lower rates.
Lower rates, that's part of what everyone wants but it sounds like AHIP wants to monopolize the health insurance market and then charge what ever they want. Like AIG they would be too big to fail and the insured would forever pay the penality.
So Ms. Ignagni it sounds like a good start but I think we need to maintain some skepticism. We can't afford to let the insurance industry determine what is good for our health and pocket book.
Oh, wait a minute, that's the current system and it works just fine doesn't it?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Second Opinion
I saw an article today about soldiers that are not medically fit for combat duty. It seems that commanding officers, having gone through exactly zero years of medical school are apparently more qualified to determine fitness than the Doctors that have examined their patients and are bringing charges against anyone refusing to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan based on their Doctors advice.
It's bad enough that the Army has continued with its stop-loss policy by extending the enlistment period of soldiers that have completed their commitment but now they are sending individuals that may not be up to completing their assigned tasks for valid medical reasons.....over 40,000 of them since 2003.
I just have to wonder, how many of the 4,186 deaths or 30, 182 wounded were a direct or indirect result of sending medically unfit personnel into a war zone.
Just another notch in the belt of the Bush/Cheney legacy.
It's bad enough that the Army has continued with its stop-loss policy by extending the enlistment period of soldiers that have completed their commitment but now they are sending individuals that may not be up to completing their assigned tasks for valid medical reasons.....over 40,000 of them since 2003.
I just have to wonder, how many of the 4,186 deaths or 30, 182 wounded were a direct or indirect result of sending medically unfit personnel into a war zone.
Just another notch in the belt of the Bush/Cheney legacy.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Geek it up
Not long ago if you told someone you were a tweetie, they would have looked at you funny and would probably have started slowly backing away before breaking out in a full fledged gallop. But how times have changed.
Now it is perfectly acceptable to be known as a tweetie and in some circles if you are not one you will be the person that feels as if you don't belong. I have been that non-tweet individual and vowed to remain tweet free, that is until last Friday when my vow was broken.
I was kind of tricked/led/yanked into the twitter world. It seems every time NK and I journey to the land of Kaos we become geekier. Princess Kaos got an IPOD for her birthday on Friday and when NK saw the video on DW's pod she decided it was time to upgrade from here little mickey mouse music player; and we both bought an IPOD touch (if we were going to get them, we wanted to buy them while in Oregon to take advantage of not having to pay sales tax, saved us about $35.00). But that's not what led to my experiment with Twitter.
I was watching/listening to StrangeLove Live. Everyone was chatting during the show and I was making snide comments on the side.....then I joined in the merriment and the next thing I knew I had a twitter account and fellow twits were sending me welcomes and such.
I don't know if I'll continue or not after we leave, I guess it depends on how much time I spend on my computer, we'll see.
Now it is perfectly acceptable to be known as a tweetie and in some circles if you are not one you will be the person that feels as if you don't belong. I have been that non-tweet individual and vowed to remain tweet free, that is until last Friday when my vow was broken.
I was kind of tricked/led/yanked into the twitter world. It seems every time NK and I journey to the land of Kaos we become geekier. Princess Kaos got an IPOD for her birthday on Friday and when NK saw the video on DW's pod she decided it was time to upgrade from here little mickey mouse music player; and we both bought an IPOD touch (if we were going to get them, we wanted to buy them while in Oregon to take advantage of not having to pay sales tax, saved us about $35.00). But that's not what led to my experiment with Twitter.
I was watching/listening to StrangeLove Live. Everyone was chatting during the show and I was making snide comments on the side.....then I joined in the merriment and the next thing I knew I had a twitter account and fellow twits were sending me welcomes and such.
I don't know if I'll continue or not after we leave, I guess it depends on how much time I spend on my computer, we'll see.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Why we can't win.
This type of soldier represents the primary reason we have lost our moral authority in the eyes of the world and why we should just get out of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A Toilet Anniversary
370 days ago I published "A Kaotic Mystery". 370 days later I am forced to write a mia culpa because you see I tried to drown my own cell phone yesterday. Th
The story is no where near as interesting or funny and the ending was quite different since I was able to retrieve said phone before any damage could be done. But none the less I must admit it is quite simple to have a cell phone fall into a toilet.
This one did not fall out of my pocket as was the case in the story a year ago. I was just getting ready to spend a little time in the loo and was going to set my phone down next to the sink. For some reason my hand decided to throw the damned thing instead and guess where it headed? Straight for the toilet of course. Before it hit the water a very loud god-dammit passed my lips.
Not knowing what had just occurred, NanaKaos asked if I was OK. By that time I had rescued said implement from it's downward journey to become hopeless stuck just like last year and fortunately it did not appear to suffer any water related damage. That is most important since I have only had the phone a little over a month after losing my prior phone on November 1.
The moral of the story: 1. Don't walk into a restroom with your cell phone in your coat pocket and 2. if your hand has a mind of its own, don't carry your cell phone on approach to a toilet.
The story is no where near as interesting or funny and the ending was quite different since I was able to retrieve said phone before any damage could be done. But none the less I must admit it is quite simple to have a cell phone fall into a toilet.
This one did not fall out of my pocket as was the case in the story a year ago. I was just getting ready to spend a little time in the loo and was going to set my phone down next to the sink. For some reason my hand decided to throw the damned thing instead and guess where it headed? Straight for the toilet of course. Before it hit the water a very loud god-dammit passed my lips.
Not knowing what had just occurred, NanaKaos asked if I was OK. By that time I had rescued said implement from it's downward journey to become hopeless stuck just like last year and fortunately it did not appear to suffer any water related damage. That is most important since I have only had the phone a little over a month after losing my prior phone on November 1.
The moral of the story: 1. Don't walk into a restroom with your cell phone in your coat pocket and 2. if your hand has a mind of its own, don't carry your cell phone on approach to a toilet.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Right of Conscience
Dateline Washington Post:
"The Bush administration yesterday granted sweeping new protections to health workers who refuse to provide care that violates their personal beliefs ....The far-reaching regulation cuts off federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, health plan, clinic or other entity that does not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees who refuse to participate in care they find ethically, morally or religiously objectionable."
How does this impact you? Aside from the standard argument about limiting abortion opportunities or birth control if the cashier at Wal-Mart is one that follows strict Catholic doctrine, you can be denied basic health care if anyone at any level objects to any treatment based on a personal belief.
Let that sink in for a little bit.
Got it?
Does your child have an infection? Maybe something that requires an antibiotic. You go to the Doctor and get a prescription, then on to your pharmacy. When you hand the prescription to the clerk they tell you that the prescription cannot be filled because they object to providing a child with this type of medication. Maybe they don't even tell you that much, maybe they just say that they will not pass this on to the pharmacist. No further explanation.
What to do oh what to do. So you ask to see the pharmacist and they tell you no, my beliefs prohibit me from allowing a child to take an antibiotic.
Maybe you just want to buy pack of Trojans, a bottle of wine or a pack of cigarettes, sorry but no can do....my religious beliefs will not allow me to sell those items. Don't think it won't go that far because it could.
Under this rule so lovingly provided to us in the waning days of number 44's administration the store/company that this individual works for has no recourse against the employee and it is the employee's decision to withhold service.
If you agree with this new and absurd rule or don't believe it will impact you just go about your daily business but don't get upset when some holier than thou creature refuses to acknowledge your rights by proclaiming their rights supercede yours.
If you don't agree call this number (202) 456-1414. In case you don't recognize it, it is the number for the White House. Call and tell Bush that you will not abrogate your right to health care. Current Civil Rights law provides for employers to protect the right of anyone with an objection to providing a service that violates their beliefs and still serve and protect the right of the consumer.
This new rule put forth by the Bush administration is just another attempt to make it more difficult for women to obtain an abortion but it is so vague that virtually anyone can limit your right to any medication or procedure.
That number again - (202) 456-1414
"The Bush administration yesterday granted sweeping new protections to health workers who refuse to provide care that violates their personal beliefs ....The far-reaching regulation cuts off federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, health plan, clinic or other entity that does not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees who refuse to participate in care they find ethically, morally or religiously objectionable."
How does this impact you? Aside from the standard argument about limiting abortion opportunities or birth control if the cashier at Wal-Mart is one that follows strict Catholic doctrine, you can be denied basic health care if anyone at any level objects to any treatment based on a personal belief.
Let that sink in for a little bit.
Got it?
Does your child have an infection? Maybe something that requires an antibiotic. You go to the Doctor and get a prescription, then on to your pharmacy. When you hand the prescription to the clerk they tell you that the prescription cannot be filled because they object to providing a child with this type of medication. Maybe they don't even tell you that much, maybe they just say that they will not pass this on to the pharmacist. No further explanation.
What to do oh what to do. So you ask to see the pharmacist and they tell you no, my beliefs prohibit me from allowing a child to take an antibiotic.
Maybe you just want to buy pack of Trojans, a bottle of wine or a pack of cigarettes, sorry but no can do....my religious beliefs will not allow me to sell those items. Don't think it won't go that far because it could.
Under this rule so lovingly provided to us in the waning days of number 44's administration the store/company that this individual works for has no recourse against the employee and it is the employee's decision to withhold service.
If you agree with this new and absurd rule or don't believe it will impact you just go about your daily business but don't get upset when some holier than thou creature refuses to acknowledge your rights by proclaiming their rights supercede yours.
If you don't agree call this number (202) 456-1414. In case you don't recognize it, it is the number for the White House. Call and tell Bush that you will not abrogate your right to health care. Current Civil Rights law provides for employers to protect the right of anyone with an objection to providing a service that violates their beliefs and still serve and protect the right of the consumer.
This new rule put forth by the Bush administration is just another attempt to make it more difficult for women to obtain an abortion but it is so vague that virtually anyone can limit your right to any medication or procedure.
That number again - (202) 456-1414
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Who Loves Ya Baby?
Everyone seems to think that the most difficult issue facing President elect Obama is the economy. While I agree that this will require an effort not seen since the early 1930's, it will not be as demanding as restoring the image of America and the office of the President.
Even before the first shoe flew in Iraq, our standing in the eyes of the world has diminished greatly in the past eight years and the person in command has denigrated the office he will soon vacate to the point that POTUS, formerly known as an acronym for President of the United States, now stands for Pile On The Unstable Shiite.
While the President and everyone in the media appear to be having great fun with this story, it is sad that we have taken the act of a disconcerted Iraqi citizen and turned it into a comedy routine. No wonder the world views us with such disdain. Good luck Mr. President-elect!
Even before the first shoe flew in Iraq, our standing in the eyes of the world has diminished greatly in the past eight years and the person in command has denigrated the office he will soon vacate to the point that POTUS, formerly known as an acronym for President of the United States, now stands for Pile On The Unstable Shiite.
While the President and everyone in the media appear to be having great fun with this story, it is sad that we have taken the act of a disconcerted Iraqi citizen and turned it into a comedy routine. No wonder the world views us with such disdain. Good luck Mr. President-elect!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Time
There is a song by the Chambers Brothers, Time Has Come Today, that I used to have as a ring tone on my cell assigned to our realtor. If you understand the logic of that you may be as optimistic as I sometimes try to be but mostly I remain a cynic that cannot possibly believe that any good can come when the temperature dips below 40 degrees.
A friend that convinced me to join a civic group, even though I have never been one to do such a thing, has lately been harassing me because I have not attended the meetings of said group. You see, they take place every Thursday at 0700 (that's 7:00AM for you non-military types).
Now during the Spring, Summer and Fall season I don't seem to have a problem waking early enough to attend the sessions, but once Jack Frost appears and the 2nd blanket hits the bed, I don't seem to be able to pull my sorry ass out of the warmth surrounding me that early in the morning.
Yesterday afternoon he called me, after I missed yet another meeting, to see if I wanted a wake up call each Thursday. I told him if I wanted that I could set an alarm. But you see, since I retired, time has no meaning.
Oh, by the way, happy birthday mom!
A friend that convinced me to join a civic group, even though I have never been one to do such a thing, has lately been harassing me because I have not attended the meetings of said group. You see, they take place every Thursday at 0700 (that's 7:00AM for you non-military types).
Now during the Spring, Summer and Fall season I don't seem to have a problem waking early enough to attend the sessions, but once Jack Frost appears and the 2nd blanket hits the bed, I don't seem to be able to pull my sorry ass out of the warmth surrounding me that early in the morning.
Yesterday afternoon he called me, after I missed yet another meeting, to see if I wanted a wake up call each Thursday. I told him if I wanted that I could set an alarm. But you see, since I retired, time has no meaning.
Oh, by the way, happy birthday mom!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Strong Desires
This morning I watched last nights episode of The Daily Show (we were watching a movie last night, Man on Fire). Sometimes I will tune into another channel when he brings his guest out but this morning I stayed with him just to hear what Arianna Huffington was going to go on about.
For anyone that did not see it, she has written a forward for a new book, The Huffington Post Complete Guide to Blogging, and Jon was helping her pimp the book.
What I found interesting was when she talked about what people should blog about, that being things they are passionate about.
When I create a post it is generally about something that I might be serious about, something silly that I make fun of or just something that has pissed me off and I'm serious and may even make fun of it or them. I never really thought about "passionate composition", especially since I have never really had a single, all consuming passion (well maybe except for golf).
According to the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the origin of passion appears to come from the Latin, pati - to suffer. This would imply that if you become passionate about something you will suffer and with the current state of my golf game I can understand that. Of course, passion is also associated with love which can also lead to suffering.
Anyway, before I get so involved in defining passion I forget what I wanted to say, I started thinking about a few things in my life that I was passionate about. The obvious, even though I did not (and still don't) always show it I have been and remain passionate about my family. Many times it appeared that I was more passionate about my work but that is far from true.
When I was but a wee lad, I was passionate about baseball, I would play the game at every opportunity, why I even took some $$ from my dad's wallet to buy some cleats (I got caught after the fact).
As a teenager, I was passionate about my baseball card collection that somehow was sold at a flea market while I was away from home but I was also passionate about surfing and skateboarding.
Now my passion (again aside from golf) is my desire to spend my remaining time with my family, a passion so far denied but hopefully soon to come.
P.S. If you Google passion the first hit is for passion.com, a site for private sexy personals. I wonder how they decide on what to put at the top of the list?
For anyone that did not see it, she has written a forward for a new book, The Huffington Post Complete Guide to Blogging, and Jon was helping her pimp the book.
What I found interesting was when she talked about what people should blog about, that being things they are passionate about.
When I create a post it is generally about something that I might be serious about, something silly that I make fun of or just something that has pissed me off and I'm serious and may even make fun of it or them. I never really thought about "passionate composition", especially since I have never really had a single, all consuming passion (well maybe except for golf).
According to the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the origin of passion appears to come from the Latin, pati - to suffer. This would imply that if you become passionate about something you will suffer and with the current state of my golf game I can understand that. Of course, passion is also associated with love which can also lead to suffering.
Anyway, before I get so involved in defining passion I forget what I wanted to say, I started thinking about a few things in my life that I was passionate about. The obvious, even though I did not (and still don't) always show it I have been and remain passionate about my family. Many times it appeared that I was more passionate about my work but that is far from true.
When I was but a wee lad, I was passionate about baseball, I would play the game at every opportunity, why I even took some $$ from my dad's wallet to buy some cleats (I got caught after the fact).
As a teenager, I was passionate about my baseball card collection that somehow was sold at a flea market while I was away from home but I was also passionate about surfing and skateboarding.
Now my passion (again aside from golf) is my desire to spend my remaining time with my family, a passion so far denied but hopefully soon to come.
P.S. If you Google passion the first hit is for passion.com, a site for private sexy personals. I wonder how they decide on what to put at the top of the list?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Pardon Me
I was arrested with 1.4 million dollars worth of cocaine in my briefcase but I am innocent. Who am I?
My name is John Forte and thanks to Carly Simon, Orrin Hatch (yes, the guy from Utah), and my good buddy Dubya, I have been pardoned for my crime.
The question is, how can someone that insists they are not guilty accept a pardon for a crime they say they did not commit?
My name is John Forte and thanks to Carly Simon, Orrin Hatch (yes, the guy from Utah), and my good buddy Dubya, I have been pardoned for my crime.
The question is, how can someone that insists they are not guilty accept a pardon for a crime they say they did not commit?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Who's Helping Who?
Most financial advisers in this country provide a single line of advice to consumers, avoid credit card debt. If you are in hock to the credit industry, get out as soon as you can and if you aren't, good for you and stay that way.
There is also a general agreement that the average household is holding somewhere around $8,500 in credit card debt. If it is true and with the advice that we should avoid that type of debt, one has to question the goal of the bailout packages that have been handed out to Citigroup and the like.
Does it really make sense to provide more money to lenders so that they in turn will help the American consumer go deeper in debt? After all, part of the reason we are in the mess we are in was because home buyers were encouraged to go into debt for more than they afford and the plan is to increase the debt load by getting banks to loan more money?
It makes more sense to take the bailout money and help the average household eliminate their debt, be in mortgage or credit card or what ever. If we are going to act in a socialist manner, let's at least help the person struggling to put food on the table or keep their car instead of the person that can't decide whether to fly to St. Moritz for Thanksgiving or take their yacht down to Key West.
Our president elect seems to think that trickle down economics is not the path we should be on, yet that is precisely the avenue we are taking.
There is also a general agreement that the average household is holding somewhere around $8,500 in credit card debt. If it is true and with the advice that we should avoid that type of debt, one has to question the goal of the bailout packages that have been handed out to Citigroup and the like.
Does it really make sense to provide more money to lenders so that they in turn will help the American consumer go deeper in debt? After all, part of the reason we are in the mess we are in was because home buyers were encouraged to go into debt for more than they afford and the plan is to increase the debt load by getting banks to loan more money?
It makes more sense to take the bailout money and help the average household eliminate their debt, be in mortgage or credit card or what ever. If we are going to act in a socialist manner, let's at least help the person struggling to put food on the table or keep their car instead of the person that can't decide whether to fly to St. Moritz for Thanksgiving or take their yacht down to Key West.
Our president elect seems to think that trickle down economics is not the path we should be on, yet that is precisely the avenue we are taking.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
What Old People Do
I don't think of myself as one of the old people group, hell I'm only 61. To me the old guys are the ones that sit around the food court at the mall and talk about what the good ole days were like or all of their aches and pains. Or maybe its those that never leave their Senior Citizens apartment complex unless it involves a trip to the Doctor (or by ambulance to their final destination).
But yesterday, during a conversation with one of the guys I share a golf cart with I found myself talking like an old guy. He told me that he was going to have an endoscopy. The doctors call it a minimally invasive medical procedure. If you have ever had one you either an old guy or someone with a problem and you would know that it goes a little beyond minimal.
In any event, I found myself giving my golfing buddy advice. Not medical advice but economic advice since we both have the same health plan. You see he has not yet met his deductible this year since he is relatively healthy. After spending almost $5K in medical insurance premiums it takes another $2,750 each year to meed the individual deductible under our plan.
So, as the end of the year is near I told him the ought to think about having the procedure right after the first of the year. That way he might come close to meeting his deductible next year and would then limit his out of pocket expense if God forbid something else happened (like at trip to the emergency room after trying to slice your thumb off, which he did this year. He was trying to save the Koi in his pond after he lost power but that is another story.)
The minute my advice came out of my mouth I told him now I'm talking like one of the old farts in the Villages in Florida. Then I thought of the elderly lady at the pharmacy the other day that asked me if that was an earring in my ear. After her daughter said, "oh mom, what's wrong with you" the woman said well maybe he is just young at heart.
Evidently she thought I looked old that day.
But yesterday, during a conversation with one of the guys I share a golf cart with I found myself talking like an old guy. He told me that he was going to have an endoscopy. The doctors call it a minimally invasive medical procedure. If you have ever had one you either an old guy or someone with a problem and you would know that it goes a little beyond minimal.
In any event, I found myself giving my golfing buddy advice. Not medical advice but economic advice since we both have the same health plan. You see he has not yet met his deductible this year since he is relatively healthy. After spending almost $5K in medical insurance premiums it takes another $2,750 each year to meed the individual deductible under our plan.
So, as the end of the year is near I told him the ought to think about having the procedure right after the first of the year. That way he might come close to meeting his deductible next year and would then limit his out of pocket expense if God forbid something else happened (like at trip to the emergency room after trying to slice your thumb off, which he did this year. He was trying to save the Koi in his pond after he lost power but that is another story.)
The minute my advice came out of my mouth I told him now I'm talking like one of the old farts in the Villages in Florida. Then I thought of the elderly lady at the pharmacy the other day that asked me if that was an earring in my ear. After her daughter said, "oh mom, what's wrong with you" the woman said well maybe he is just young at heart.
Evidently she thought I looked old that day.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Talkin Turkey- Thursday Bonus
I must warn you that this video is somewhat disgusting but it says a great deal about the former VP candidate. While it is sickening I also found it to be quite funny that she could be so oblivious to her surroundings.
T is for Tamales
The word, maverick, was used so much in the past year or longer that I became nauseated every time I heard it. However, NanaK and I do consider ourselves just that when it comes to traditional eats during the holidays.
While most of you have what I am sure is a lovely turkey dinner, or ham, or prime rib for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, we have always moved in a different direction.
Perhaps it comes from my roots. We always had Christmas Eve with my fathers family and we never had turkey. We did have potato sausage and lutefisk (for those of you not familiar with this it, is a whitefish soaked in water for a number of days and prepared with caustic soda or lye. The name literally means "lye fish"). I don't recall ever enjoying a bite of lutefisk but I did like the potato sausage and the orange rye bread that came from the local Swedish bakery.
So, in the non-traditional way of my paternal family, we switched from turkey/ham/beef for Christmas to gumbo (yea gumbo), and this year, for the first time we return to our maverick roots and will prepare a traditional holiday feast of tamales (you might guess that one of our favorite foods just happens to be from the Hispanic side of the food spectrum).
When we were young ins there were two Hispanic families in our neighborhood that always fed us well (they were very nice to us poor little gringos). Perhaps that is why we have a predilection toward Mexican dishes but there was also a famous Chinese cook in our neighborhood that provided many sumptuous dishes. That makes it a difficult choice for me to say one is a favorite over another.
While I prepare many different types of Chinese dishes, they just don't seem right for the holidays. So, we will prepare tamales and chili for for Thanksgiving dinner and gumbo for Christmas dinner. For New Years, we will honor our Southern roots and will have Black-eyed peas and Hoe Cakes.
P.S. - when I did the spell on this post, it did not like Lutefisk, well neither does NanaK or myself.
While most of you have what I am sure is a lovely turkey dinner, or ham, or prime rib for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, we have always moved in a different direction.
Perhaps it comes from my roots. We always had Christmas Eve with my fathers family and we never had turkey. We did have potato sausage and lutefisk (for those of you not familiar with this it, is a whitefish soaked in water for a number of days and prepared with caustic soda or lye. The name literally means "lye fish"). I don't recall ever enjoying a bite of lutefisk but I did like the potato sausage and the orange rye bread that came from the local Swedish bakery.
So, in the non-traditional way of my paternal family, we switched from turkey/ham/beef for Christmas to gumbo (yea gumbo), and this year, for the first time we return to our maverick roots and will prepare a traditional holiday feast of tamales (you might guess that one of our favorite foods just happens to be from the Hispanic side of the food spectrum).
When we were young ins there were two Hispanic families in our neighborhood that always fed us well (they were very nice to us poor little gringos). Perhaps that is why we have a predilection toward Mexican dishes but there was also a famous Chinese cook in our neighborhood that provided many sumptuous dishes. That makes it a difficult choice for me to say one is a favorite over another.
While I prepare many different types of Chinese dishes, they just don't seem right for the holidays. So, we will prepare tamales and chili for for Thanksgiving dinner and gumbo for Christmas dinner. For New Years, we will honor our Southern roots and will have Black-eyed peas and Hoe Cakes.
P.S. - when I did the spell on this post, it did not like Lutefisk, well neither does NanaK or myself.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
There is a gay and socialist facisim in this country according to Newt Gingrich! He leaves me speechless which is why I called this wordless Wednesday.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
New Technology
I usually don't blog about TV shows but I am going to make an exception today. Yesterday I watched an episode of Boston Legal online. Since they switched it to Monday nights I don't have a chance to watch it then and since it is available online I catch up when I can, but I digress.
This particular episode was about an old love of Alan (James Spader) whose husband was arrested for the murder of his nurse (and lover). But that is not the reason I choose to write about this show.
It is really about the miracle of modern medicine, research and diagnosis in particular and how technology has evolved in the medical field.
The story really goes back an episode when it is revealed that Denny Crane (William Shatner) has a problem with blood flow that causes limpus erectus. After a visit to the doctor, he comes away with a monitor attached to his tool so he can make note of the frequency and time of stimulation and it comes with your choice of ringtone.
Back to Alan's ex....while they are discussing the case you here the sound of a rooster crowing, once, then twice. It is then that Denny explains to Alan that he has the monitor implant but he will switch it to vibrate to eliminate the interruptions.
When they finally get to court (the judge is a very attractive lady), the trial is constantly interrupted by a loud humming noise.
The episode was titled True Love but I think it should have been a State of Arousal.
This particular episode was about an old love of Alan (James Spader) whose husband was arrested for the murder of his nurse (and lover). But that is not the reason I choose to write about this show.
It is really about the miracle of modern medicine, research and diagnosis in particular and how technology has evolved in the medical field.
The story really goes back an episode when it is revealed that Denny Crane (William Shatner) has a problem with blood flow that causes limpus erectus. After a visit to the doctor, he comes away with a monitor attached to his tool so he can make note of the frequency and time of stimulation and it comes with your choice of ringtone.
Back to Alan's ex....while they are discussing the case you here the sound of a rooster crowing, once, then twice. It is then that Denny explains to Alan that he has the monitor implant but he will switch it to vibrate to eliminate the interruptions.
When they finally get to court (the judge is a very attractive lady), the trial is constantly interrupted by a loud humming noise.
The episode was titled True Love but I think it should have been a State of Arousal.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Shattered Dreams
We live in a very quiet, safe neighborhood or at least it was that way until sometime last night or very early this morning.
Every Sunday I get up and go out to get the Sunday paper. We don't get one any other day of the week so we kind of look forward to going through it. I read the sports, the editorials and the national and international news sections. Oh, I forgot the comics.
Normally I will go through the garage, out the side door and through our gate. We seldom use our front door. This morning, for some reason I went out the front door to pick the paper up and when I headed back to our house I noticed something different. There was something about one of our windows that did not look right.
Then I realized what it was, someone had taken a shot at our house and there was a good sized hole in the glass and the window was cracked up and left and down and right. I looked around a little to see if there were any signs that any other houses had been defiled and did not see any.
When I went inside the first thing I did was to call the police. An officer showed up within about 10 minutes, looked at the glass, asked if there was any other damage, said it looked like it came from a pellet gun, took my name, phone number and SSN, gave me an incident number and left. He also commented on the 20 or so turkeys strolling through our cul-de-sac. They were everywhere, on lawns and walking down the middle of the street....he had to swerve around them when he entered the neighborhood and it is one of the things we really love about living here.
Nana Kaos wanted some pictures of the turkeys so she grabbed her camera but they were all gone, guess they are afraid of the police. Anyway before she went back in she saw the projectile that attacked our window.
As you can see, it was a pretty good sized pellet. We were lucky it did not penetrate the window completely and come through into the house. If it had it would probably have hit our china cabinet causing damage that would have enraged me well beyond the pissed off feeling I already had.
Since our house is on the market I had to call our real estate agent to let her know that until we can get the window replaced it would be best if we did not show the house. I would not want to have to explain how such a wonderful neighborhood has to contend with random shootings.
All we can hope is that it was some kid out fucking around and that we were not targeted for some reason.
Every Sunday I get up and go out to get the Sunday paper. We don't get one any other day of the week so we kind of look forward to going through it. I read the sports, the editorials and the national and international news sections. Oh, I forgot the comics.
Normally I will go through the garage, out the side door and through our gate. We seldom use our front door. This morning, for some reason I went out the front door to pick the paper up and when I headed back to our house I noticed something different. There was something about one of our windows that did not look right.
Then I realized what it was, someone had taken a shot at our house and there was a good sized hole in the glass and the window was cracked up and left and down and right. I looked around a little to see if there were any signs that any other houses had been defiled and did not see any.
When I went inside the first thing I did was to call the police. An officer showed up within about 10 minutes, looked at the glass, asked if there was any other damage, said it looked like it came from a pellet gun, took my name, phone number and SSN, gave me an incident number and left. He also commented on the 20 or so turkeys strolling through our cul-de-sac. They were everywhere, on lawns and walking down the middle of the street....he had to swerve around them when he entered the neighborhood and it is one of the things we really love about living here.
Nana Kaos wanted some pictures of the turkeys so she grabbed her camera but they were all gone, guess they are afraid of the police. Anyway before she went back in she saw the projectile that attacked our window.
As you can see, it was a pretty good sized pellet. We were lucky it did not penetrate the window completely and come through into the house. If it had it would probably have hit our china cabinet causing damage that would have enraged me well beyond the pissed off feeling I already had.
Since our house is on the market I had to call our real estate agent to let her know that until we can get the window replaced it would be best if we did not show the house. I would not want to have to explain how such a wonderful neighborhood has to contend with random shootings.
All we can hope is that it was some kid out fucking around and that we were not targeted for some reason.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Postscript to Cheers & Jeers
Jeers - To the portion of the population in California that has suffered under constant discrimination for as long as they can remember....shame on you for your overwhelming support of proposition 8.
Jeers - to the designer of the dress worn by Michelle Obama on election night. The red patches on the black dress was one of the worst designs I have ever seen.
Jeers - to the designer of the dress worn by Michelle Obama on election night. The red patches on the black dress was one of the worst designs I have ever seen.
Friday, November 7, 2008
When Autumn Leaves
Winter has finally arrived in the midlands. No, we did not get any snow (that four letter word we love to hate) like they did north of us but the temperature has dropped to a bone chilling level, especially with the wind (gusts up to 40 mph).
While we are not quite ready for it to be here, we will have to deal with it. I have not yet cleaned up the yard of leaves since they have not all left their home in the trees. I refuse to do the cleanup more than once and I don't like to do even then.
We have also not yet stored the last vestiges of our summer patio furniture, it may get to its winter home under the deck this weekend (note to anyone that buys our home this winter, it will still be there when we leave). The last of our summer greenery was removed from their beds yesterday and I did prime and start the snowblower today.
Speaking of snowblowers, a friend of mine discussing the subject of moving away from here once said he did not really know where they would move when they did but they would just start driving with the snowblower on top of his vehicle until someone asked him what that thing was and he would stay there. Not really a bad idea if you really hate the snow.
While we are not quite ready for it to be here, we will have to deal with it. I have not yet cleaned up the yard of leaves since they have not all left their home in the trees. I refuse to do the cleanup more than once and I don't like to do even then.
We have also not yet stored the last vestiges of our summer patio furniture, it may get to its winter home under the deck this weekend (note to anyone that buys our home this winter, it will still be there when we leave). The last of our summer greenery was removed from their beds yesterday and I did prime and start the snowblower today.
Speaking of snowblowers, a friend of mine discussing the subject of moving away from here once said he did not really know where they would move when they did but they would just start driving with the snowblower on top of his vehicle until someone asked him what that thing was and he would stay there. Not really a bad idea if you really hate the snow.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Election Day - Cheers & Jeers
Jeers - to the voters of Arizona (and not just for McCain)
By a margin of 12% the voters of Arizona vote to recognize a union between one man and one woman as a valid or recognized marriage. The 18-29 age group voted against the measure by a margin of 4%.
Jeers - to the voters in Arkansas.
By a margin of 14%, the populace of Arkansas voted to not recognize the gay population as contributing citizens of this country by denying them the right to become foster parents or to adopt a child. The only group to vote against this measure was the 18-29 age group but not by a wide margin (10%).
Jeers - to Californiacators
The trend setters voted to ban gay marriage by a margin of only 4%. The 18-29 crowd voted against the ban by 22% but the old fogies voted for it by the same margin. The middle crowd, 30 - 64 carried the day. The voters of Florida also deserve a jeer for the same reason.
Cheers - to the voters of Colorado
They turned down a measure that would have amended the state constitution to define the term "person" to include "any human being from the moment of fertilization." The measure would essentially have had the effect of banning abortion.
Cheers - to Iowa voters
Iowa voters decided to change the language of the State Constitution to describe people not entitled to legally vote by removing the phrase "idiot or insane person" and adding a "person adjudged mentally incompetent to vote."
Cheers - to Michigan voters
The proud people in Michigan voted to allow for the use of medical marijuana and to allow stem cell research.
Cheers to Washington voters.
The fine people of Washington voted to allow for medical mercy when individuals are not predicted to live longer than 6 months (I don't like the term assisted suicide).
By a margin of 12% the voters of Arizona vote to recognize a union between one man and one woman as a valid or recognized marriage. The 18-29 age group voted against the measure by a margin of 4%.
Jeers - to the voters in Arkansas.
By a margin of 14%, the populace of Arkansas voted to not recognize the gay population as contributing citizens of this country by denying them the right to become foster parents or to adopt a child. The only group to vote against this measure was the 18-29 age group but not by a wide margin (10%).
Jeers - to Californiacators
The trend setters voted to ban gay marriage by a margin of only 4%. The 18-29 crowd voted against the ban by 22% but the old fogies voted for it by the same margin. The middle crowd, 30 - 64 carried the day. The voters of Florida also deserve a jeer for the same reason.
Cheers - to the voters of Colorado
They turned down a measure that would have amended the state constitution to define the term "person" to include "any human being from the moment of fertilization." The measure would essentially have had the effect of banning abortion.
Cheers - to Iowa voters
Iowa voters decided to change the language of the State Constitution to describe people not entitled to legally vote by removing the phrase "idiot or insane person" and adding a "person adjudged mentally incompetent to vote."
Cheers - to Michigan voters
The proud people in Michigan voted to allow for the use of medical marijuana and to allow stem cell research.
Cheers to Washington voters.
The fine people of Washington voted to allow for medical mercy when individuals are not predicted to live longer than 6 months (I don't like the term assisted suicide).
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
How was your Thursday?
For the past couple of months I have been doing volunteer work in hopes of a successful campaign to elect Barack Obama.
For about 2 hours several nights a week I make phone calls, the type I always hated to receive because I felt the caller was imposing on my private time. Most of the calls go unanswered, probably because caller ID shows Democratic Party. When they don't answer, we just keep trying until they tell us they are going to vote for Sen. Obama or because they voted early their name is removed from the call list.
When someone does answer for the most part they are respectful, even if they support McCain. I talked to one small business owner who was leaning toward McCain and by the end of our conversation I had convinced him to at least take another look at Obama by going to his WEB site and reading up on his tax plan....well at least he said he would.
Then again, there are some that are not so nice, they slam the phone down or they pick up and play like they are not there. But there is one that I will not forget, she is from Oakland, Iowa and when she answered the phone last night she said "this is an independent household you commie pinko", click.
For about 2 hours several nights a week I make phone calls, the type I always hated to receive because I felt the caller was imposing on my private time. Most of the calls go unanswered, probably because caller ID shows Democratic Party. When they don't answer, we just keep trying until they tell us they are going to vote for Sen. Obama or because they voted early their name is removed from the call list.
When someone does answer for the most part they are respectful, even if they support McCain. I talked to one small business owner who was leaning toward McCain and by the end of our conversation I had convinced him to at least take another look at Obama by going to his WEB site and reading up on his tax plan....well at least he said he would.
Then again, there are some that are not so nice, they slam the phone down or they pick up and play like they are not there. But there is one that I will not forget, she is from Oakland, Iowa and when she answered the phone last night she said "this is an independent household you commie pinko", click.
I'd like to say this did not hurt me but I can't. Oh, I considered the source, laughed it off and shared the calls content with the others around me. But it did hurt....not my person but my soul because this type of person can't get past their petty nature.
So, have I become one of those assholes that interrupts a peaceful evening? Probably, but at least it's not a computer calling with a vicious attack message.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Despicable Bastards
There are very few people that I can say I truly dislike (that is short for hate) and most of them I have have not met and don't even know. They are out there though, lurking in the deep dark water like a carp, sucking things up from the mud. Today we experienced the impact of those that dwell in the wasteland and don't have the courage to do their dirty deeds in broad daylight.
We have proudly displayed the sign below in our yard and two of our neighbors had similar signs.
We have proudly displayed the sign below in our yard and two of our neighbors had similar signs.
This morning we woke up to find that some despicable person or persons (we suspect that is was a McCain supporter) had removed the sign from our property and from the property of our other neighbors. This has happened frequently in our fair city and many Obama supporters have started to coat their signs with various liquids. We now have a new sign that has been sprayed with PAM so if someone steals this one at least they will have a hand that is as slippery as they are.
This type of activity is no different than someone at a McCain/Pailin campaign event yelling "terrorist" and "kill him" in reference to Senator Obama. Even though McCain claims that he refutes this type of action, his campaign continues to progress the terrorist affiliation in their Robo propaganda calls thus encouraging his supporters to disrespect our right to freedom of expression.
So now we have a new sign that was hand painted with care by the staff at the local Obama campaign headquarters.
The sign is 4' x 8' and if someone steals this, we will replace it with another of similar size, or larger and will continue to put up new signs until after the election.
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