Lotts Creek Community School: Alice Slone's 1st Classroom (Circa 1930), in the Appalachian Mountains, just outside of Hazard, Kentucky |
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas, World!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
NIGHT BEFORE CRISSMUSS IN WARSAW
Vos da nite before Crissmuss in my Polish howse. I sneke downda stairs, yoost quiet like a mowse.
Da whole rest of famlee in bed all asleep, while visions of nut rolls trew heads of dem creep.
Wurk sox Mama hung by chimley with care, in hopes dat St. Stosh soon vill be dair.
While over in korner is silly to see, dumplings and kielbassa hang frum da tree.
Denn comes diss big bang making howse start ta shudder, an sum nut lands onna roof an breaks da rain gutter.
He wiggle downa chimley and swears cuz its tight. I hides behind 12 packs way outta site.
He lands inna fireplace, skorching white hair, on bustid up bowling pin still burning dair.
He climbs out an I peaks to get good look. Yoost like pichers in mine histree book.
He gots vodka glazed eyes an stummick like bubble, with 5 days old beard and soot onna stubble.
Wearing biggist tennis shoes I ever saw, he lost alla da buttins off his old Mackinaw.
He won't ketch kold, Polish Santa's no dope, cuz tying coat tagedder is old peece of rope.
I tries not ta laff but give a few snikkers, when I sees da big patch onna seat of his knickers.
Diss is shure Polish Santa I knows widdout fear, cuz he heads for da kichfin and opinz warm beer.
When finished wit 6 pak, he give a big smirk, reechiz inta potato sack an goes rite ta wurk.
Now, under da tree he is startin to set, most byooteeful prezzints a Polack kin get.
Dairs new bred baskit an shuvvil fer brudder, a bright red babooshka an pick-ax fer mudder.
6 quartz vodka to make papa gay. Oy, might be big trubble in our howse to pay.
For baby I know he ain't missed her, when I sees pretty things he leaves for my sister.
Won't she be happy troo da spring anna summer, witt pipe rench an plunger, so she can play plumber.
Denn bote my eyes brighten an heart fills witt glee, wen I sees tings Polish Santa leaves ME.
Dairs wurk gloves and sledge hamnmer, my faverit tool, to wurk hard for boss when I flunks outta skule.
Witt new thermos jug, cabbage supe cannot spill, when I carries lunch onna way to stele mill.
He chugs 5 more beers an makes a wide grin. I kin see ware da foam runs offa his chin.
Giving some burps, up da chimley he rose, while I quickly got inta alla my clothes.
I must see him leave, so's I rushes outside, an looks toward da roof, while in bushes I hide.
An what does I see as I looks troo da twigs, rusty old garbage cart pulled by 8 stinky pigs.
Polish Santa jumps in an gives dem a yell. Come on alla youse, don't yoost sit dair an smell.
On Stella, on Stanley, on Walter an Joe, an alla youse whose names I don't know.
Fly over da junk yard an turn ta da right. Let's visit all peeples before I gets tight.
Den I heard him say as he flew over me, "I'm da only old Polack who gives things for free!"
copyright 12-15-85 Bob Jaskolka
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Do Not Call Lists
?!?WHAT?!?
All of a sudden, I'm getting calls from solicitors, not Sarah Palin, wanting to sell me anything and everything. The "Do Not Call" form on the computer has a link wherein you can file a complaint. The form asks if you requested removal. BUT...these wise #!!**&#!s have circumvented the ruling in this fashion: When you pick up the phone, you hear nothing. When you say, "Hello," the taped message begins and it does NOT identify the company. When you request removal from their list, the call is immediately disconnected. Therefore, you can't name them on the complaint form. If you try to redial the number, you get a "Not In Service" message. All I can suggest is that you say nothing if you have Caller ID and don't recognize the number, but that doesn't mean they won't try later. If anyone has a suggestion or 3, kindly pass it along.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Ironic irony or "The department of HMMM..."
| Last night's news on ABC...
There's a whacked out Korean rapper who's going to "perform" in Warshington, D. C. real soon. Previously, one of his songs(?) pleaded that a lot of murders be committed because America didn't agree with a religious(?) organization. There were protests issued asking that this PSY...cho character not be allowed. The current resident of the egg-shaped office said, "I have no control over who is in the show." Hmmm. Can he explain why nearly 5000 people have died Over There?
Sad news it is that the nurse in the British hospital died. Word is she committed suicide as a result of the prank played by an Australian morning show radio team. If it WERE a suicide, one has to wonder if that were the only impetus. Seems a bit strange that a relatively isolated prank would be the only cause of such a dire reaction. However, many people are screaming that an ultimate in punishment be put upon the radio duet. Hmmm. bernie madoff knowingly stole BILLIONS out of American retirement funds, etc., yet he spends his time laughing about it while relaxing at a taxpayer funded almost royal estate that's called a white collar prison!
I'm certain you can illustrate many other examples. These just popped into my head while waiting for the Folgers. Incidentally, please don't chastise me for the lack of name capitalization. Those who don't receive it, no longer deserve it.
|
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
When David Muir talks, Bob listens.....sometimes
ABC Evening News...Wednesday...11-28-12
David Muir did a nice feature on how buying American at Christmas time can create American jobs. His take was, if everyone spent $64 of their Christmas shopping budget, a large quantity of jobs would be created in the USA. Forgive me, as I can't recall the exact number, but it was substantial. KUDOS, Dave!
I spend a fair number of hours throughout the year attending moving sales, downsizing sales, garage sales, estate sales, garage sales that are advertised as estate sales, swap meets, flea markets, antique malls, thrift shops and whatever other titles humans conjure up in their attempt to separate you from your dollars. Nothing wrong with any of them. After all, that's how many a company began. It's also the basic form of social media, which means, you actually can look someone in the eyes, forming complete words that they'll understand, make new friends, exchange referrals, and....have some fun! Sadly, the current economy has forced many sellers to depart with personal goods, including heirlooms, in hopes of paying a mortgage, utility, insurance or grocery bills. But I digress.
What I saw at those aforementioned sales was an IMMENSE amount of non-USA manufactured goods. Folks, I'm talking TONS!!! One needn't be an alum of Wharton or MIT to see/understand what has been happening. Not in any particular sequence...Greed caused facilities to close as manufacturing headed out of the country and Americans lost jobs. Shareholders quickly made increased profits. (Keep in mind that snowballs don't go uphill.) One money person saw how rich another was becoming, so HE sold HIS company and had those goods produced in a lower labor market outside of the USA. HE made higher and quicker profits. More Americans lost jobs. (Can you see the snowball now?) As more snowballs are grown, more Americans are losing jobs. A handful of money people are making more money and in a very short period of time. In time, a great many Americans will not have jobs, causing the inability to afford the cheaply made products that now fill the racks and bins of American stores. Are you getting the picture?
Back to the sales venues mentioned above. The seller needs to raise money and has little room to haggle. The prospective buyer has little money and wants a bargain. The twain are having difficulty reaching an agreeable price. The buyer moves along. The seller makes no sale, but must pay rent if he is at a privately owned facility. The facility owner has less vendors than in years past. To make up, he raises the rental fees. The sellers have to raise prices to pay the rent, but the buyers are still short on funds. The sellers pull their wares because sales are dwindling. The privately owned venue closes when the dwindled rental income is not enough to cover the overhead. The local municipality loses tax revenues. Safety and fire forces are cut. Public assistance is pared. Unemployment payments run out. Less jobs are available. Food lines increase. More Americans are having garage sales and are setting up at flea markets. No one has money to spend. The sellers paid rent, but made no sales. The venue owner didn't make enough to cover overhead and shuts down his property. He has a garage sale the following week but no one came because there was no spendable money. Remaining "professional" vendors are overstocked with imported items and complain to each other about the lack of sales. I asked why they didn't sell American made goods. They told me that the costs were too high. I suggested they combine and buy American after negotiating better prices. They gave me weird looks. I asked if they were to go to a garage sale in China, might they see items made in America? More weird looks.
SO...great advice from David Muir. However, when the Christmas season is over, what then? Well, I'LL tell you what then! Go to your local establishments. Trust me...when you look, you'll find many. Explain how you'd love to keep them in business by purchasing their American made goods, but because your income is shaky at best, you'll need a discount. If he can understand that he'll stay in business by allowing an equitable discount, as opposed to closing down from zero sales, it can catch on! Ask your friends to do the same. Know ye this: You MUST CONTINUE the practice to make it successful. You can actually do without something once in awhile. In a recent interview, I heard a man ask, "If you had to leave your home in 30 minutes, what would you take?" That's a good start. In time, jobs CAN return! I fully realize I'll be branded insane, but the collective stance is what got this country going in the first place and made it a success for more than 200 years! Don't let the power driven take what is yours.
The rich are rich partly due to the risks they took and the long range sight they had and continue to have. They shouldn't have to pay for everything. After all, it was their money that made a lot possible. Our government must look inside the monstrous house they allowed to grow and begin trimming therein. With a computer driven world, the government keeps adding people to the payroll, making it the largest employer in the land. Stop voting for people who truly don't care about you. Vote for those with proven financial success. I could go on, but don't wish to veer too far off track.
David Muir did a nice feature on how buying American at Christmas time can create American jobs. His take was, if everyone spent $64 of their Christmas shopping budget, a large quantity of jobs would be created in the USA. Forgive me, as I can't recall the exact number, but it was substantial. KUDOS, Dave!
I spend a fair number of hours throughout the year attending moving sales, downsizing sales, garage sales, estate sales, garage sales that are advertised as estate sales, swap meets, flea markets, antique malls, thrift shops and whatever other titles humans conjure up in their attempt to separate you from your dollars. Nothing wrong with any of them. After all, that's how many a company began. It's also the basic form of social media, which means, you actually can look someone in the eyes, forming complete words that they'll understand, make new friends, exchange referrals, and....have some fun! Sadly, the current economy has forced many sellers to depart with personal goods, including heirlooms, in hopes of paying a mortgage, utility, insurance or grocery bills. But I digress.
What I saw at those aforementioned sales was an IMMENSE amount of non-USA manufactured goods. Folks, I'm talking TONS!!! One needn't be an alum of Wharton or MIT to see/understand what has been happening. Not in any particular sequence...Greed caused facilities to close as manufacturing headed out of the country and Americans lost jobs. Shareholders quickly made increased profits. (Keep in mind that snowballs don't go uphill.) One money person saw how rich another was becoming, so HE sold HIS company and had those goods produced in a lower labor market outside of the USA. HE made higher and quicker profits. More Americans lost jobs. (Can you see the snowball now?) As more snowballs are grown, more Americans are losing jobs. A handful of money people are making more money and in a very short period of time. In time, a great many Americans will not have jobs, causing the inability to afford the cheaply made products that now fill the racks and bins of American stores. Are you getting the picture?
Back to the sales venues mentioned above. The seller needs to raise money and has little room to haggle. The prospective buyer has little money and wants a bargain. The twain are having difficulty reaching an agreeable price. The buyer moves along. The seller makes no sale, but must pay rent if he is at a privately owned facility. The facility owner has less vendors than in years past. To make up, he raises the rental fees. The sellers have to raise prices to pay the rent, but the buyers are still short on funds. The sellers pull their wares because sales are dwindling. The privately owned venue closes when the dwindled rental income is not enough to cover the overhead. The local municipality loses tax revenues. Safety and fire forces are cut. Public assistance is pared. Unemployment payments run out. Less jobs are available. Food lines increase. More Americans are having garage sales and are setting up at flea markets. No one has money to spend. The sellers paid rent, but made no sales. The venue owner didn't make enough to cover overhead and shuts down his property. He has a garage sale the following week but no one came because there was no spendable money. Remaining "professional" vendors are overstocked with imported items and complain to each other about the lack of sales. I asked why they didn't sell American made goods. They told me that the costs were too high. I suggested they combine and buy American after negotiating better prices. They gave me weird looks. I asked if they were to go to a garage sale in China, might they see items made in America? More weird looks.
SO...great advice from David Muir. However, when the Christmas season is over, what then? Well, I'LL tell you what then! Go to your local establishments. Trust me...when you look, you'll find many. Explain how you'd love to keep them in business by purchasing their American made goods, but because your income is shaky at best, you'll need a discount. If he can understand that he'll stay in business by allowing an equitable discount, as opposed to closing down from zero sales, it can catch on! Ask your friends to do the same. Know ye this: You MUST CONTINUE the practice to make it successful. You can actually do without something once in awhile. In a recent interview, I heard a man ask, "If you had to leave your home in 30 minutes, what would you take?" That's a good start. In time, jobs CAN return! I fully realize I'll be branded insane, but the collective stance is what got this country going in the first place and made it a success for more than 200 years! Don't let the power driven take what is yours.
The rich are rich partly due to the risks they took and the long range sight they had and continue to have. They shouldn't have to pay for everything. After all, it was their money that made a lot possible. Our government must look inside the monstrous house they allowed to grow and begin trimming therein. With a computer driven world, the government keeps adding people to the payroll, making it the largest employer in the land. Stop voting for people who truly don't care about you. Vote for those with proven financial success. I could go on, but don't wish to veer too far off track.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Hey Buddy, "Kudzu Paradigm?"
An idle coal truck on Upper Second Creek Road, just outside of Hazard, Kentucky
Covered in Kudzu. Paradigm Shift = Work truck but No work for truck
Black Friday is history. Many stores continue their sales in hopes of a successful year. I'm now treating that hectic shopping fiasco as I do New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day...I stay home.
I just double-checked the local newspaper from the past few days. Thursday, in addition to the stuff till you puff day of Thanksgiving, was anniversary No. 49 of JFK's assassination. No mention of it. Perhaps "they" forgot/moved on/stopped caring.
In any event, you may now spin the old radio dial and officially start your holiday spirit by listening to the repeated playing of the same 20-some songs until you consider a self-inflicted round of water boarding. 2 years back, I contacted the local FM's Program Manager about there being many more tunes available. His response is permanently filed under, "Canned answers containing zero sense"
***********
Near Lake Erie, the temperature is a "torrid 31", with a slight breeze and a bit of snow flurries. Somewhere, people are setting up the Christmas tree while, "It's a Wonderful Life" spins in the CD player; Moms are teaching daughters the art of cookie baking; Dads are joining sons with hopes of watching their favorite college football team win a berth in a holiday bowl game. I wonder if anyone still strings pop corn. Somewhere else, there are battles being fought in foreign lands while others are trying to rebuild after losing homes and loved ones during the tragic storm called, "Sandy."
***********
For some unexplained reason, I spot and hear oddities or coincidences that I am compelled to share. Whether the "excitement" is shared or not depends upon reader mood. I know SOMEbody reads them, because there are those willing to recommend something to do with couches.
Moving on...while watching a college football game, I noticed that Dustin Fox, current ABC commentator and former Ohio State defensive back, bears a resemblance to Joey Tribiani, from "Friends." At any moment, I expected Dustin to utter the famous, "How YOU doin?" Another birth separation is baseball announcer Ken Rosenthal and Pee Wee Herman...not to be outdone by the pairing of San Francisco Giant right fielder, Hunter Pence and comedian, Chris Elliott.
I'm drawn to reading the mini disclaimers at the bottom of teevee commercials. Progressive Insurance displays a "no kidding" by telling us that, "Prices vary based on how you buy." Okaaaay. Not to be outdone, Ford shows a vehicle soaring off a cliff as the disclaimer informs us, "Professional driver, closed course, do not attempt, cars can't fly." THANK YOU!!! (WAY too many lawyers these days)
***********
What you don't see anymore: Burma Shave signs; Sign that cautions, "Quiet-Hospital Zone." Remember when people would stick their tongue out when they disagreed with you?
Thursday, November 22, 2012
How's YOUR bird?!?
I originally wrote this on the morning of Thanksgiving, 2001. Looking back, it's not surprising that some things and some people just do not change
If your turkey isn't thawed by now, go back to bed and make plans to drop in on someone later. Don't be embarassed...there's always plenty enough to go around, and besides, nobody ever owns enough Tupperware (c) on a holiday...so, they'd end up tossing some of the food anyway.
If you get a newspaper, there will be at least one tear-jerking story written by one of the better columnists. He/she will tell a tale of days of yore...going to grandma's, standing in line at an airport or how life is no longer the same.
If you own a teevee, you'll gather around it with family and friends to watch 5 football games played by 10 colleges you never heard of playing in a bowl game that you'll never remember within 72 hours.
If you're a REAL holiday nut, you'll already be off somewhere to watch a parade. I suppose those are alright. Four years with Uncle Sam...marching everywhere we went...sorry, I just don't do that anymore. The REAL thrill is watching a parade on teevee and having the host give a biography on "This Year's Miss Appledunker" and how she got the award.
If you're a shopper, you'll be smart and memorize all the store sale flyers in today's newspaper, then go back to bed so you'll have the strength to fight all the loonies at the malls tomorrow on the biggest shopping day of the year.
If you've got religion, you might go to a special service at your place of worship to thank your God for all you've got.
If you're an American...if you're not an American but living here...you'll take the time to be grateful for what this land has given you. You might wish to think about those who unknowingly became a martyr in this, the year of the messenger of satan, who selfishly destroyed the lives of so many families. Perhaps that was a wakeup call of some kind and I would hope it caused us to not place a high priority on material things and return to spirituality. I also do not condone the death penalty, but if it thwarts further deeds of this ilk, so be it. All the good books of all religions tell us not to judge and not to kill, yet the misguided greed of a few think they have the right to carry out their own agenda and it is right in their minds.
Try to get out of bed each day with a caring attitude. Making this a better world begins with good acts by one person. Pass on a smile, a nice word, a hug or anything else that will make another feel great. Show your children love and give them every opportunity to tell the truth. Practicing this has a cascading effect on all those around us. Seeing the good it produces will cause them to "pick up the ball" and pass it on. Griping will never cure any problem. Somebody has to do something to start the healing process...why not YOU? Believe it or not, it's not mandatory to step on someone to get ahead...we've just been conditioned to think that way. Being nice is easy. All you have to do is let it happen. Well, what are you waiting for?!?
Have a fantastic day and may this be the first of better days for all of you. God bless.....
If your turkey isn't thawed by now, go back to bed and make plans to drop in on someone later. Don't be embarassed...there's always plenty enough to go around, and besides, nobody ever owns enough Tupperware (c) on a holiday...so, they'd end up tossing some of the food anyway.
If you get a newspaper, there will be at least one tear-jerking story written by one of the better columnists. He/she will tell a tale of days of yore...going to grandma's, standing in line at an airport or how life is no longer the same.
If you own a teevee, you'll gather around it with family and friends to watch 5 football games played by 10 colleges you never heard of playing in a bowl game that you'll never remember within 72 hours.
If you're a REAL holiday nut, you'll already be off somewhere to watch a parade. I suppose those are alright. Four years with Uncle Sam...marching everywhere we went...sorry, I just don't do that anymore. The REAL thrill is watching a parade on teevee and having the host give a biography on "This Year's Miss Appledunker" and how she got the award.
If you're a shopper, you'll be smart and memorize all the store sale flyers in today's newspaper, then go back to bed so you'll have the strength to fight all the loonies at the malls tomorrow on the biggest shopping day of the year.
If you've got religion, you might go to a special service at your place of worship to thank your God for all you've got.
If you're an American...if you're not an American but living here...you'll take the time to be grateful for what this land has given you. You might wish to think about those who unknowingly became a martyr in this, the year of the messenger of satan, who selfishly destroyed the lives of so many families. Perhaps that was a wakeup call of some kind and I would hope it caused us to not place a high priority on material things and return to spirituality. I also do not condone the death penalty, but if it thwarts further deeds of this ilk, so be it. All the good books of all religions tell us not to judge and not to kill, yet the misguided greed of a few think they have the right to carry out their own agenda and it is right in their minds.
Try to get out of bed each day with a caring attitude. Making this a better world begins with good acts by one person. Pass on a smile, a nice word, a hug or anything else that will make another feel great. Show your children love and give them every opportunity to tell the truth. Practicing this has a cascading effect on all those around us. Seeing the good it produces will cause them to "pick up the ball" and pass it on. Griping will never cure any problem. Somebody has to do something to start the healing process...why not YOU? Believe it or not, it's not mandatory to step on someone to get ahead...we've just been conditioned to think that way. Being nice is easy. All you have to do is let it happen. Well, what are you waiting for?!?
Have a fantastic day and may this be the first of better days for all of you. God bless.....
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
NEED A LITTLE HELP HERE...Please
Feel free to pass this along to Marissa Mayer, CEO of yahoo!. If I had an email for her, I'd send it directly, but alas, poor Yorick, I do not.
I've been a loyal user of yahoo! mail since the day my fingers hit the keyboard. Nary a problem with the program. However, a few days back, I re-printed an email from my in box. Quickly, I noticed how tiny was the size, as opposed to the initial printing. After uttering the proverbial, "huh," I spoke to my local pyooter guru about it, wherein he quickly responded, "Dunno, Dude!" At least he was being honest. I then began an Internet search. I'm always amazed at how many options are available that have no relation to my search. Aren't YOU? I took a short break. Next, I located a help line phone number for yahoo! help..............WRONG! If you've never done this, give it a try. Soon enough, you'll understand the definition of stress and the urge to scream. The help(?) center is in a secret location that even Jeff Probst hasn't yet found, probably named, Keeponhopinyanky. Mix an indecipherable accent, delivered by a man who night owls, reading those radio commercial disclaimers at a rate of 147 words per second. Got that? I'm not done. Picture all of this...PLUS...noise is coming from what sounds like 94 people all talking at once, while under a capsized bath tub. NOW, we're on the same page! He and I took turns saying, "HUH?". I had to hang up. Listen UP, all you corporate high tech money savers! We'd like talking to people who speak our language and can relate to the nuances WITHIN our language! Phew!
The only sensible suggestion I got from the online sites was to highlight the desired print area...right click while on that area, then click print preview and make sure "as selected on screen" is selected...in the box Shrink to Fit, change to increase or decrease to desired font size...click Print...go to Page Range...click Select...click Print. This worked, BUT for that session only. After printing, the teeny size returned on the next page I wanted to print. I could not find a way to make the change permanent. ARGH! I even tried doing a System Recovery, but that had no effect.
Can someone please advise how I can reset the software to print actual size again?
I've been a loyal user of yahoo! mail since the day my fingers hit the keyboard. Nary a problem with the program. However, a few days back, I re-printed an email from my in box. Quickly, I noticed how tiny was the size, as opposed to the initial printing. After uttering the proverbial, "huh," I spoke to my local pyooter guru about it, wherein he quickly responded, "Dunno, Dude!" At least he was being honest. I then began an Internet search. I'm always amazed at how many options are available that have no relation to my search. Aren't YOU? I took a short break. Next, I located a help line phone number for yahoo! help..............WRONG! If you've never done this, give it a try. Soon enough, you'll understand the definition of stress and the urge to scream. The help(?) center is in a secret location that even Jeff Probst hasn't yet found, probably named, Keeponhopinyanky. Mix an indecipherable accent, delivered by a man who night owls, reading those radio commercial disclaimers at a rate of 147 words per second. Got that? I'm not done. Picture all of this...PLUS...noise is coming from what sounds like 94 people all talking at once, while under a capsized bath tub. NOW, we're on the same page! He and I took turns saying, "HUH?". I had to hang up. Listen UP, all you corporate high tech money savers! We'd like talking to people who speak our language and can relate to the nuances WITHIN our language! Phew!
The only sensible suggestion I got from the online sites was to highlight the desired print area...right click while on that area, then click print preview and make sure "as selected on screen" is selected...in the box Shrink to Fit, change to increase or decrease to desired font size...click Print...go to Page Range...click Select...click Print. This worked, BUT for that session only. After printing, the teeny size returned on the next page I wanted to print. I could not find a way to make the change permanent. ARGH! I even tried doing a System Recovery, but that had no effect.
Can someone please advise how I can reset the software to print actual size again?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
There IS a morning after!
You win a few...You lose a few...or maybe just one
It seemed like the campaigns lasted 500 days or more. Oh, wait.....they DID!!!
I was right about one thing. I wrote that I had filled my gas tank because the local price in northeast Ohio was $3.069 per gallon. I predicted that the prices would hold until the election was over, because no one wanted to be blamed for any increase. TA DAH! While driving today, through several communities, the post-vote prices were anywhere from $3.22 up to $3.49 for the regular grade. My money says the increase isn't over. Funny, that last night's computer check showed that crude was on the way down. Explain, please? By the way, if you didn't know, you can check local prices by merely typing in gas prices and your zip code into the top address block on your screen.
What really irked me is the northeast rape. I checked prices in New Jersey and they were listed as high as $4.69 at some stations. Our current/new officials need to stem the tide on this non-consensual screwing tossed upon the storm victims. If you like getting involved, phone YOUR reps and get the ball rolling!
Honest to Godness, I just did see this while on my way home. On the tree lawn front of the local post office, was a table with a person bearing a placard that stated, "Impeach Obama." Holy Moley, Batman...talk about impatience!
I truly hope dems and reps can reach across that aisle and get this country on the road to recovery. Hey Guys/Ladies...that aisle isn't all that wide! Another stalemate as referred to last Sunday on "60 Minutes" will tell me that parties are holding party lines. If all they're going to do is a bunch of nya-nya, get the hell out of Washington and let someone in there who gives a damn! Congress and Senate members are elected to represent what the constituents need. Not what 400 plus individuals want for their own pockets. YOU WORK FOR US, SO, GET TO WORK!!!
On a "lighter" note, a convicted murderer in Ohio has been given the death penalty. He's been claiming that it would be inhumane, as he weighs 480 pounds and the gurney would collapse, causing pain. The man has been on death row for approximately 10 years. What the ---- are they feeding him?!? Meanwhile, the warden said he tested the gurney with a corrections officer who closely matched the convict and the gurney held up. What the ---- is that guard eating and why are we paying his medical?!?
Finally.....
The election is over. Tomorrow is Thursday, signifying the traditional start of weekly garage sales. Please eliminate unnecessary driving and guesswork by removing all election signs. A good way to increase revenue is to levy a $5 fin for each sign still up at 6 AM, local time on Thursday.
Thanks for voting! If you didn't vote, trust me from experience...your local bartender doesn't care to hear your gripes. If you could make it to Joe's Chug-n-Hurl, you could have made it to the voting booth. (My local is at an elementary school and the PTU Moms always have yummy cookies and fudge for sale. So, THERE!)
We now return to some new and less boring commercials..................
It seemed like the campaigns lasted 500 days or more. Oh, wait.....they DID!!!
I was right about one thing. I wrote that I had filled my gas tank because the local price in northeast Ohio was $3.069 per gallon. I predicted that the prices would hold until the election was over, because no one wanted to be blamed for any increase. TA DAH! While driving today, through several communities, the post-vote prices were anywhere from $3.22 up to $3.49 for the regular grade. My money says the increase isn't over. Funny, that last night's computer check showed that crude was on the way down. Explain, please? By the way, if you didn't know, you can check local prices by merely typing in gas prices and your zip code into the top address block on your screen.
What really irked me is the northeast rape. I checked prices in New Jersey and they were listed as high as $4.69 at some stations. Our current/new officials need to stem the tide on this non-consensual screwing tossed upon the storm victims. If you like getting involved, phone YOUR reps and get the ball rolling!
Honest to Godness, I just did see this while on my way home. On the tree lawn front of the local post office, was a table with a person bearing a placard that stated, "Impeach Obama." Holy Moley, Batman...talk about impatience!
I truly hope dems and reps can reach across that aisle and get this country on the road to recovery. Hey Guys/Ladies...that aisle isn't all that wide! Another stalemate as referred to last Sunday on "60 Minutes" will tell me that parties are holding party lines. If all they're going to do is a bunch of nya-nya, get the hell out of Washington and let someone in there who gives a damn! Congress and Senate members are elected to represent what the constituents need. Not what 400 plus individuals want for their own pockets. YOU WORK FOR US, SO, GET TO WORK!!!
On a "lighter" note, a convicted murderer in Ohio has been given the death penalty. He's been claiming that it would be inhumane, as he weighs 480 pounds and the gurney would collapse, causing pain. The man has been on death row for approximately 10 years. What the ---- are they feeding him?!? Meanwhile, the warden said he tested the gurney with a corrections officer who closely matched the convict and the gurney held up. What the ---- is that guard eating and why are we paying his medical?!?
Finally.....
The election is over. Tomorrow is Thursday, signifying the traditional start of weekly garage sales. Please eliminate unnecessary driving and guesswork by removing all election signs. A good way to increase revenue is to levy a $5 fin for each sign still up at 6 AM, local time on Thursday.
Thanks for voting! If you didn't vote, trust me from experience...your local bartender doesn't care to hear your gripes. If you could make it to Joe's Chug-n-Hurl, you could have made it to the voting booth. (My local is at an elementary school and the PTU Moms always have yummy cookies and fudge for sale. So, THERE!)
We now return to some new and less boring commercials..................
Monday, November 5, 2012
You still have time!!!
On my honor, I will not attempt asking you to vote for anyone in particular. Please keep in mind that 11-06-12 means electing more than a president. It means you will be voting for practically a whole new set of people in congress. Those are the representatives elected to carry out the wishes of those whom they represent, which, of course, is why I chose to overuse the word, representative. It's rather obvious they aren't, nor have they been, listening to us. If you care about your country and if you weren't able to see "60 Minutes" last night, you can see it on your computer, for free. Therein, you'll get to watch some fine interviews. I'm not referring to the one with a football player. Steve Kroft tried to elicit some intelligence from both Demorat Harry Reid and Revulsivecan Mitch McConnell as to why compromises could not be made. Their answers combined might have reached 40 on an I.Q test. The two of them couldn't even look into each other's eyes! I now officially love Olithia Snow, Republican Moderate from Maine, who announced that she will not seek re-election. Why? She's had it with those who won't even consider playing nice. I challenge all the voters in Maine to write her in and keep her intelligence at the forefront. There were other notables with equally good comments. I recommend you watch that episode in hopes you vote and vote with a clear conscience. Those chambers need a good housecleaning, and, tomorrow is a good time to begin, by not re-electing those who are in it for the money or a high paying job when they retire. Kindly keep in mind that there are independents running for many of those seats and you are allowed to vote for them. Shoot, I'd vote for my Gramma, if she were alive...she couldn't do any worse than some of those money-mongers currently occupying a nice leather chair!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
I hope I'm wrong, but-----
If you think there's no control over the price of gasoline...If you think big brother isn't involved in the price of gasoline...Watch what happens to the price of gasoline after the election on Tuesday.
History shows, when tragedy strikes, as in the northeast, gasoline prices shoot skyward very quickly. As yet, they haven't. Someone might say they insisted on cooperation from refiners and suppliers so that folks who lost their homes could at least cook, stay warm and get to their jobs. That's a nice thought.
I filled my tank today at the probably soon to be forgotten price of $3.079 per gallon.
By the way, it's reported that the majority of the congress will be re-elected. As Riley would say at the end of the old teevee show, "What a revoltin' development!"
History shows, when tragedy strikes, as in the northeast, gasoline prices shoot skyward very quickly. As yet, they haven't. Someone might say they insisted on cooperation from refiners and suppliers so that folks who lost their homes could at least cook, stay warm and get to their jobs. That's a nice thought.
I filled my tank today at the probably soon to be forgotten price of $3.079 per gallon.
By the way, it's reported that the majority of the congress will be re-elected. As Riley would say at the end of the old teevee show, "What a revoltin' development!"
Saturday, November 3, 2012
I couldn't come up with a "fitting" word...
Today was a pretty nice day. A week of nearly steady cloud wringing came to an end. The spare sump pump was unplugged. The sun struggled and managed to pop out for a bit. (Near Lake Erie, we get a lot of gray skies this time of year.) I solved most of the New York Times crossword puzzle...Saturdays are toughies! Got a great book at a garage sale for 25 cents and found a nearly new keyboard to replace the one onto which I spilled water and had my desktop doing things Bill Gates never could imagine.
In the past 11 years, very few events have had a continuing pull on my attention: The Twin Towers, 2 Tsunamis and Sandy Storm. So much damage and so many lives lost/affected in such a short amount of time.
When mass tragedy strikes, Americans pull together...without any prompting whatsoever. They just do it! It's who we are. Income, political persuasion, ethnicity, team loyalty, schooling, etc., matter not. People merely grab anything that will help and take it to those who lost out. There are no introductions and no prejudices. There are no language barriers. The eyes tell the stories. The eyes display the loss. They eyes convey the need. In turmoil, there are the sufferers and the bringers. No borders. Just helpers. Life must go on. It will. It always does. I could quickly fill several pages, but don't need to. You know of what I speak. At one time in your lives, you needed and received, no matter how small or large. At one time in your lives, you gave, no matter how small or large. Possessions were/are not always exchanged. Times such as this tells us why God invented hugs.........yep, 'nuff said there, eh?
All that in mind, I caught a portion of the ABC news on my local affiliate. That particular segment centered on the New York Marathon's cancellation. Mayor Bloomberg, in my opinion, made the correct call. Few, if any, residents were involved in the running. They were busy in their own races against shock of loss, wet, hunger, cold, missing family and all that accompanies tragedy. Yet, the camera happened to focus on what appeared to be a nice looking blond lady that I guessed might have been in her early thirties. Her words were very close to, "We're upset, we're extremely mad that the race was called off. We traveled many miles, brought families and reserved hotel rooms." She was upset and vehement in her delivery of those words. (Here's where I couldn't come up with a "fitting word" to describe her audacity). In lieu of that, I will stifle the urge to introduce her neck to my knuckles. One wonders what could be done to satisfy this obviously self-entitled ------, ------, ------, ------. Even if the race COULD have been, the entrants would all have to run over, around and through the rubble. Did she consider that? I have to stop here, as I could go on for pages, but don't need to. All I can suggest is that she sue God and may she hope to never experience what she was so put out by.
God bless America.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Debating the Debates...Part II
Debate #1 on 10-3-12 was nothing short of fantastic.....until they spoke. Jim, the moderator, was overcome with overrun. Hardly in control. Incumbent, at certain points, looked as lost as a Chevy man at a Yugo dealership. Contender...reminiscent of previous contenders...just a different face. Non-stop salvos of accusation fly across the stage, causing me to ask, "If each candidate were guilty of half the charges, why the h--- do we vote for ANY of them?"
If you watched the debate on democracynow.org, you learned how the 2 major(?) parties formed a commission which ultimately forced the League of Women Voters out of the process and prevented any alternative party contenders from participating. You also would have learned how the debates are controlled and what questions would be allowed. Do the words, rehearsal and choreograph come to mind? Speaking of come to mind, have you noticed the TV/Radio/Newspaper lack of coverage given to any other candidate? Have you taken the time to wonder why?
The next few weeks will be filled with ads ad infinitum, ad nauseum, causing you to thank the remote gods for a "Mute" button. Regardless of what you are promised, know that if the White House gets a new occupant, the true 1st priority will be redecorating. Then, and ONLY then, will the task of business as usual begin. If the incumbent incumbs, well, you pretty much know what's in store. (I wonder if any of these people ever watched, "The West Wing?")
Now that I've upset the apple cart, again, I leave you something to consider. Since Mr. Eisenhower departed the White House, are you REALLY satisfied that YOUR well-being has been at the forefront?
If you watched the debate on democracynow.org, you learned how the 2 major(?) parties formed a commission which ultimately forced the League of Women Voters out of the process and prevented any alternative party contenders from participating. You also would have learned how the debates are controlled and what questions would be allowed. Do the words, rehearsal and choreograph come to mind? Speaking of come to mind, have you noticed the TV/Radio/Newspaper lack of coverage given to any other candidate? Have you taken the time to wonder why?
The next few weeks will be filled with ads ad infinitum, ad nauseum, causing you to thank the remote gods for a "Mute" button. Regardless of what you are promised, know that if the White House gets a new occupant, the true 1st priority will be redecorating. Then, and ONLY then, will the task of business as usual begin. If the incumbent incumbs, well, you pretty much know what's in store. (I wonder if any of these people ever watched, "The West Wing?")
Now that I've upset the apple cart, again, I leave you something to consider. Since Mr. Eisenhower departed the White House, are you REALLY satisfied that YOUR well-being has been at the forefront?
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Debating the Debates
From my great friend in Georgia: Yesterday I found out that democracynow.org is going to be live for the debate tonight and doing something no other channel will (as far as I know). They will pause between the questions to allow both the candidates for the Green Party and Justice Party to answer. This is important to me because I am considering writing in Jill Stein of the Green Party in on my ballot in November and casting my vote for her. Both her and the Justice party are legal write in on the GA ballot.
I think it is important for people to "tune in" online for another reason too. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Democratic and Republican Party are both being run by the corporations and money holders. Although they scream their differences neither stray far from the beliefs of those handing out the cash. In many ways they are casting the vote for the same old same old no matter which way they talk. So, I think it is important for third, fourth and more parties to become a part of the scene. How many people even realize that there are other parties in this country? Not since Perot (Did I spell that right?) I would imagine and only because he was allowed to be present in the debate. So, if enough people watch on democracy now tonight just maybe the media and the Giants of decision making will see that it would be beneficial to their pockets to add variety to the debates. Even if you watch via tv on a media station perhaps you could tune in via computer on to democracynow.com? En joy.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Timely Followup to Yesterday's Post (From a Friend)
Charley Reese's final column for the Orlando Sentinel...
He has been a journalist for 49 years.
He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.
This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It's a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!
545 vs. 300,000,000 People---By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ...
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Tax his land, tax his bed,
Tax the table, at which he's fed.
Tax his tractor, tax his mule,
Teach him taxes are the rule.
Tax his work, tax his pay,
He works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow, tax his goat,
Tax his pants, tax his coat.
Tax his ties, tax his shirt,
Tax his work, tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco, tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his cigars, tax his beers,
If he cries tax his tears.
Tax his car, tax his gas,
Find other ways to tax his ass.
Tax all he has then let him know
That you won't be done till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers; then tax him some more,
Tax him till he's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin, tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he's laid...
Put these words upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me to my doom...'
When he's gone, do not relax,
Its time to apply the inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
He has been a journalist for 49 years.
He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.
This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It's a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!
545 vs. 300,000,000 People---By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ...
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Tax his land, tax his bed,
Tax the table, at which he's fed.
Tax his tractor, tax his mule,
Teach him taxes are the rule.
Tax his work, tax his pay,
He works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow, tax his goat,
Tax his pants, tax his coat.
Tax his ties, tax his shirt,
Tax his work, tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco, tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his cigars, tax his beers,
If he cries tax his tears.
Tax his car, tax his gas,
Find other ways to tax his ass.
Tax all he has then let him know
That you won't be done till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers; then tax him some more,
Tax him till he's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin, tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he's laid...
Put these words upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me to my doom...'
When he's gone, do not relax,
Its time to apply the inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Be afraid...Be Very, VERY Afraid
Call me Ishmael, call me paranoid, but I feel it must be said...
I don't know who said this post's title. The source, for the moment, is irrelevant, but, the statement makes a ton of sense.
It matters not if you're republican, democrat, independent, left, right or whatever the buzz word of the day might be. Our nation is being molded into a "machine" that will produce enormous wealth for the very few. That they already have more than they or their ensuing progeny will be able to spend is not the point. Money and the power it brings has become the "drug of choice" for the greedy. They will step on whomever and whatever gets in the way, namely, our middle class.
Pensions have been eradicated, speculators raise gasoline prices at will, no bankers were jailed for fleecing your savings, there are no penalties for outsourcing, to name just a few.
We have been gifted with an overflow of devices that have "changed our lives forever." Social media and instant access to movies, music and the like fills our needs to be entertained. Newspapers and books are the new dinosaurs. Radio is losing local content, being replaced by the streaming of repetitious tunes ad infinitum and ad nauseum. Where there was banter about local politics and current events, there is now a robotic voice telling us the title of the song just played...as if we were too incapable of remembiering the past 2 minutes and 37 seconds. Talk shows fill our brains as would an auctioneer, thus keeping us way too occupied to sort the barrage of words and make a wise decision. These radio heads all began innocently and caring, but with endorsements, TV appearances and a carpetbagger style of road trips, they've fallen under the spell of what money can do to a person. (Thankfully, subscription radio offers an intelligent selection of airwave entertainment and enlightenment)
Electronic games, social media and a plethora of brain-sucking reality(?) TV shows, coupled with sodium and fat filled foods that are programmed to weld us to the sofa, keep us occupied while the uber-riche devour whatever might remain of our ability to protest. All these "gifts" are, in a way, a reminder of gun control in Europe's pre World War 2 days. The probable thinking is...since so many Americans own guns...if they're too fat to assemble and fight, the rest will be easy! Ergo, "The Girth of a Nation."
For those who are fit, the current game of war will keep selected economies growing.
Does anyone track the percentage of campaign promises that are fulfilled? Doesn't it bother you that people such as bernie madoff laughs in his letters how he bilked so many of you? Doesn't it bother you that he's not in a hard labor federal prison? Doesn't it bother you that the Nevada congressman, when confronted about the subsidized airline flying vacant planes, dismisses the reporter? Doesn't the arrogance of dick cheney and his new millions piss you off? (Incidentally, upper case in the names of some people is no longer deserved) Doesn't it bother you that Malia Obama took an entourage of her friends to Oaxaca, Mexico, using 2 planes and 25 secret service agents for her spring break? And, doesn't it bother you that the story was kept from the media, save for 2 foreign reports? I wrote the local newspaper, TV investigative reporter and my hopefully former congressman regarding the issue and, you guessed it, no reply.
By the way, it's not the first incident of no replies or condescending responses.
I could go on and on, but even the American attention span might be too short for this diatribe. I implore any and all to read, "The Betrayal of the American Dream." Should the thought of reading a book scare the hell out of you, at LEAST read the below noted site for an abridged portion. If the site won't open, please Google the title.
Have a nice day...........they might be numbered.
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/inq_BarlettSteelePart1.html
Monday, May 21, 2012
Once A Leg Man..............
Once a "leg" man.....
I try to stay away from political commentary because it negates the chuckles I read in the daily comic section of my newspaper, but, some are SO "ignernt" that you have to stop and wonder.
WHUTT?!? 1. Our local, (loco?), lawmakers just enacted the Teen Text Law. I guess they figure texting drivers older than 18 don't get bigger boo-boos. Has anyone contacted the wacko gecko actuaries?
WHUTT?!? 2. The since deposed Cuyahoga County sheriff was convicted for using election money to bolster his campaign via using his deputies. In short, he "retired" and there followed some of that good ole boy taking care of another and he then used campaign funds to pay the fine. A judge simply blew it off with words to the effect, "These things happen" and that was the end of that! As an untrained CPA, I'd venture to say he'd have to claim that money as income, dontcha think.........IRS?
WHUTT? 3. Last week marked the opening of a gambling casino in Cleveland. In an effort to empty wallets without delay, an extension to East 9th Street is being constructed. In the meantime, 2 local hospitals were closed, thereby increasing response times for EMS personnel.
Didja Know? Dept: While visiting some of my favorite Kentucky people earlier this month, I was told that some schools no longer teach cursive writing. AUGH!
As parents, we can oh so easily upset the kids with "put the foot down" directives. My 2 sons, not the old teevee show, grew to be close to self-inflicting eclipse makers. Well, not THAT huge, but big enough to scare some wash machines. When they asked to play football, I absolutely refused, reason being that the human body was not designed to run into each other, at a high rate of speed, from opposite directions. I suggested meteorology broadcasting, as they tend to earn a lot while being wrong more often than Homer Simpson. A recent news item is telling us that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is more pronounced than anyone had envisioned. In short, concussions are to be taken seriously, as shown in studies conducted on brains of former football stars. In fact, the possibilities exist in virtually ALL sports having body contact. (You're welcome, M & M)
Can't recall if I mentioned this in an earlier missive, but, since we're being schooled to sneeze or cough into our elbows, don't we then pass the germs when we put that same arm around our companion at the local cineplex?
Have you seen that commercial where a speed dater is caught for saying, "until I met you?" Closely watch the girl. Right after he hears that, her lower back snaps as if someone zapped her with a cattle prod.....Jussayin
Separated at birth 1: Los Angeles Angels pitcher, Irvin Santana and Detroit Tigers shortstop, Jhonny Peralta
Separated at birth 2: Most political candidates and nobody smart
Just for kicks: When you quickly move your index finger in an up-and-down motion on your lips as you hum, you'll hear a staccato sound. Go ahead...try it! Got it? Good! The sound you heard explains why your butt crack isn't horizontal when you scoot down the sliding board!
Given a choice, what music do you suppose a dog would choose?
If it totally passed you by, this month, Friday the 13th was on a Sunday.
Drum Roll Super News Dept: Son of a great lady I know just graduated from med school...a feat unto itself. I think he opted for pediatrics. May he someday soon find a cure for an illness or two.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Mothers Day Serenade
Even if you've not been a genetic Mom, it's a good bet that you've nurtured children in one fashion or another.
Please enjoy some of those thoughts that I've collected over time.....
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mommy to Mom to Mother....
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The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything,
She can fix nearly everything and that NEVER will change because she will ALWAYS try!!
THAT’S JUST THE WAY MOMS ARE!!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs up her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
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The good Lord has BLESSED us all with "our very own angel"
I called my angel "MATKA"
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Whether it's Ma, Mom, Mommy or Mother...Whether you have your own children or help raise the children of others...Whether you are a Mom to other than family or perhaps animals...The below is from one who knows about Moms. Althought THIS is Mother's Day, a Mom is needed EVERY day!
This is for those mothers...
Who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Meyer weiners and cherry Kool-Aid, saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here."
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end ,soothing crying babies who couldn't be comforted.
Who came to work with spit-up in their hair, milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purses.
Who run carpools, bake cookies and sew Hallowe'en costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
Who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
Whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
Who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and meant it.
Who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
Who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the grand mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
Who go hungry, so their children can eat.
Who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."
Who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
Who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
Whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
Who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
Whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
Who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
Of the victims of recent school shootings, and the m! others o f those who did the shooting.
Of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
Who taught their children to be peacful, and now pray that they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sewa button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?
Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child ! when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us.
Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.
"Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall."
Please pass this to a wonderful mother you know.
(I just did)
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Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
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