I have been working on gourds (art) these past few days. And I have some good ideas for more of it. I want to use some of the copper sheeting I bought, applying it to the gourds in strips and other shapes. I will have to experiment with adhesives and find one that will hold the copper tightly, but still allow me to move it around for a little bit before the adhesive sets. I want to be able to place it in just the right spot. And I don’t want to forget the watercolors. I have a project or two that need to be completed. Between watercolors, stained glass, gourds, and a growing interest in mosaics and concrete art, not to mention a half dozen other methods of artistic expression…I have plenty of methods to use my artistic voice. I just want to find the one that really satisfies me. Will I?
I guess you can see that I haven’t become bored by my retirement. In fact, I rarely think about work anymore. It’s as if it never existed. I am writing about work in my blog, but it’s the telling of a story and I don’t feel connected to it anymore. It was fun…but it is history now.
When I first retired, I went through all of the usual emotions associated with retirement. A sense of worthlessness. Lost. A lack of power. Disconnected from the world! OK, it’s over now…and I am just fine. Moving on.
And speaking of projects, I need to install the doors in the closet for our “television” room. That’s definitely a high priority item! I should measure those once again and see if I can’t get that done this coming week.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Early
Thursday once again and for some odd reason I’m awake at a far earlier hour than yesterday. Should I worry? No, it was probably the wind that woke me up. It’s raining right now and according to the weather report, the wind is blowing at 24 mph. That certainly has the wind chimes ringing! The wind has caused the temperature to rise and so it’s only 52°. Perhaps it was the barking dogs that caused my sleeplessness? The wind brings strange noises and scents to the dogs and they respond. I’m sure glad those dogs are as far away as they are; I would hate to have them next door to me.
It’s time for my second cup of coffee and a view of the news. Here’s something…“Nearly 90,000 lightweight trailers built to be temporary are in an area prone to flooding, tornadoes and, of course, hurricanes.” I hope those cruise ships haven’t left port. The citizens of Louisiana and Mississippi may need them again. Soon.
And this bit of news…“The Republican-led Senate, worried that seniors will punish GOP lawmakers at the polls for missteps in the new Medicare prescription drug program, voted to authorize the government to lengthen the sign-up period for the benefit and to negotiate cut-rate prices with drug companies.” I’m one of those seniors and I am enjoying the power! Yes! But I’m also going to need some new software just to track the Medicare costs. Luckily, that’s available now. Imagine…individual citizens needing computer software to navigate the perils of medical billings.
One more…“Effort to Overhaul Lobbying Gets a Chilly Reception
WASHINGTON-House GOP leaders say they'll persist despite colleagues' resistance to post-Abramoff plans.” Why comment? It’s business as usual in Congress.
It’s time for my second cup of coffee and a view of the news. Here’s something…“Nearly 90,000 lightweight trailers built to be temporary are in an area prone to flooding, tornadoes and, of course, hurricanes.” I hope those cruise ships haven’t left port. The citizens of Louisiana and Mississippi may need them again. Soon.
And this bit of news…“The Republican-led Senate, worried that seniors will punish GOP lawmakers at the polls for missteps in the new Medicare prescription drug program, voted to authorize the government to lengthen the sign-up period for the benefit and to negotiate cut-rate prices with drug companies.” I’m one of those seniors and I am enjoying the power! Yes! But I’m also going to need some new software just to track the Medicare costs. Luckily, that’s available now. Imagine…individual citizens needing computer software to navigate the perils of medical billings.
One more…“Effort to Overhaul Lobbying Gets a Chilly Reception
WASHINGTON-House GOP leaders say they'll persist despite colleagues' resistance to post-Abramoff plans.” Why comment? It’s business as usual in Congress.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Morning Musing
Here it is, a Wednesday morning once again. And with coffee in hand, I’m as ready as I can be to face the day. But wait…maybe just one more cup!
I started off this morning by reading the mail from the Daily Reckoning, always guaranteed to wake me up with a startling bit of data. Like this…
"The median family has about $3,800 in the bank, does not have a retirement account, and has a home worth $160,000 with a mortgage of $95,000. No mutual funds, stocks or bonds populate their investment portfolios. They make (jointly) $43,000 and struggle to pay off their $2,200 in credit card debt. That means 50% of Americans are in worse shape than the above. It is not a pretty picture." (That also means 50% are in better shape…but the author didn’t mention that.)
And then I read this little bit of news…
“The U.S. Government estimates that the cost of raising a child born today from birth through high school to be $211,370. Raising the standard two children would set an American family back nearly half a million dollars, and these figures do not take university education costs into account. It is this highly-predictable spending by families that drives our modern, mass-affluent economy. This spending continues even during very difficult times, as the first half of this decade has shown."
Whoa! That’s a scary number. And your cost may be higher. Depending on your Zip code of course. But I just thought…that’s over a span of 18 years. And so the $$ number per year, per child is $11,742.777777777777777777777777778. More or less. That’s still a lot of money, but it sounds better than a quarter of a million dollars.
Now, taking a parent’s view of all of this math…children are a bargain! They are priceless!
I started off this morning by reading the mail from the Daily Reckoning, always guaranteed to wake me up with a startling bit of data. Like this…
"The median family has about $3,800 in the bank, does not have a retirement account, and has a home worth $160,000 with a mortgage of $95,000. No mutual funds, stocks or bonds populate their investment portfolios. They make (jointly) $43,000 and struggle to pay off their $2,200 in credit card debt. That means 50% of Americans are in worse shape than the above. It is not a pretty picture." (That also means 50% are in better shape…but the author didn’t mention that.)
And then I read this little bit of news…
“The U.S. Government estimates that the cost of raising a child born today from birth through high school to be $211,370. Raising the standard two children would set an American family back nearly half a million dollars, and these figures do not take university education costs into account. It is this highly-predictable spending by families that drives our modern, mass-affluent economy. This spending continues even during very difficult times, as the first half of this decade has shown."
Whoa! That’s a scary number. And your cost may be higher. Depending on your Zip code of course. But I just thought…that’s over a span of 18 years. And so the $$ number per year, per child is $11,742.777777777777777777777777778. More or less. That’s still a lot of money, but it sounds better than a quarter of a million dollars.
Now, taking a parent’s view of all of this math…children are a bargain! They are priceless!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Flying
is so much fun!
"The possibilities for special fees are almost limitless, Trippler said. Airlines just need to be creative." And don't forget to charge for the view if you have a window seat!
"The possibilities for special fees are almost limitless, Trippler said. Airlines just need to be creative." And don't forget to charge for the view if you have a window seat!
Odd?
That was odd. I woke up at 5 this morning. And I have no idea as to why that happened, although there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s simply odd.
I hope that the newspaper makes an early arrival…but I doubt it will happen. It has been arriving later and later each day for the past week or two. I would complain if I didn’t have to phone someone to do it. Hello? It’s the 21st century; why would I need to phone someone? Eventually I will have to decide if I even want the newspaper.
The newspaper? It’s a McClatchy newspaper, the Sacramento Bee. And McClatchy just became the second largest publisher in the US when it bought the Knight-Ridder publishing empire over the weekend. The McClatchy plan is to sell off most of the bits and pieces, keeping just a few prime newspapers.
It wouldn’t be such a terrible thing to lose the newspapers. Historically, newspapers are fairly recent innovations. They didn’t become popular until the level of illiteracy dropped below 50%. (Duh!) In colonial times, newspapers were only read (and printed) by the intelligentsia. Reporters didn’t exist in those days and newspapers weren’t held to any standard of truth. The publisher/editor was paying to print his views. Truth didn’t enter into it.
And we are entering a new age of literacy; one that we still have to define. People still read, but at a minimum level. Libraries are closing and not receiving a lot of support when they are able to remain open. More and more parents aren’t particularly disturbed when told that their children don’t read well. People want their news in brief, not in depth. And they want it now.
I wonder if this need for “news in bites” is related to the fact that we have access to so much more news than we ever had before? Does the news overwhelm us?
I hope that the newspaper makes an early arrival…but I doubt it will happen. It has been arriving later and later each day for the past week or two. I would complain if I didn’t have to phone someone to do it. Hello? It’s the 21st century; why would I need to phone someone? Eventually I will have to decide if I even want the newspaper.
The newspaper? It’s a McClatchy newspaper, the Sacramento Bee. And McClatchy just became the second largest publisher in the US when it bought the Knight-Ridder publishing empire over the weekend. The McClatchy plan is to sell off most of the bits and pieces, keeping just a few prime newspapers.
It wouldn’t be such a terrible thing to lose the newspapers. Historically, newspapers are fairly recent innovations. They didn’t become popular until the level of illiteracy dropped below 50%. (Duh!) In colonial times, newspapers were only read (and printed) by the intelligentsia. Reporters didn’t exist in those days and newspapers weren’t held to any standard of truth. The publisher/editor was paying to print his views. Truth didn’t enter into it.
And we are entering a new age of literacy; one that we still have to define. People still read, but at a minimum level. Libraries are closing and not receiving a lot of support when they are able to remain open. More and more parents aren’t particularly disturbed when told that their children don’t read well. People want their news in brief, not in depth. And they want it now.
I wonder if this need for “news in bites” is related to the fact that we have access to so much more news than we ever had before? Does the news overwhelm us?
Monday, March 13, 2006
Fair
“The fairness of the sentencing trial for confessed Al Qaeda conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui was called into question Monday, with revelations that federal prosecutors had coached several witnesses. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema called a surprise recess to decide whether the death penalty should still be considered in a case now jeopardized by what she called the most "egregious violation of a rule on witnesses" she had ever seen.”
He had already confessed! What were they thinking? And a few more questions…Shouldn’t those prosecutors lose their jobs? Wanna bet they don’t?
He had already confessed! What were they thinking? And a few more questions…Shouldn’t those prosecutors lose their jobs? Wanna bet they don’t?
Gross
I just caught the tail end of a Wal*Mart discussion in the Letters to the Editor pages of the Bee. Apparently a reader wrote in and was defending Wal*Mart for some reason or another. (Wal*Mart always needs to be defended) And in this letter, a comment was made that Union meat cutters “are grossly overcompensated” because they make $21 an hour. From that statement we can learn that the writer does not make anywhere close to $21 an hour. There’s nothing wrong with that…what is wrong is to make assumptions about what gross overcompensation is.
I also read the Sunday paper Parade supplement and it included a section on the wages of Americans…“What People Earn: Our Annual Report on the Economy and You.” And from that list, here’s my contribution to what constitutes “gross overcompensation”. Howard Stern makes $31 million. Kobe Bryant makes $15.9 million. Terry Semel (CEO-Yahoo!) makes $120 million. It goes on and on, of course.
And on the flip side, how about “gross undercompensation”? Jimmy Moronta, Sgt, Marine Corps, $22,000 a year.
For many years I was a Union carpenter and made union contract wages. With that money I was able to live the middle class life. We bought a home and raised 3 children. We were never rich. We lived in neighborhoods with insurance agents, assistant department store managers, salesmen, engineers, etc. Was I “grossly overcompensated” and living beyond our “class”?
I also read the Sunday paper Parade supplement and it included a section on the wages of Americans…“What People Earn: Our Annual Report on the Economy and You.” And from that list, here’s my contribution to what constitutes “gross overcompensation”. Howard Stern makes $31 million. Kobe Bryant makes $15.9 million. Terry Semel (CEO-Yahoo!) makes $120 million. It goes on and on, of course.
And on the flip side, how about “gross undercompensation”? Jimmy Moronta, Sgt, Marine Corps, $22,000 a year.
For many years I was a Union carpenter and made union contract wages. With that money I was able to live the middle class life. We bought a home and raised 3 children. We were never rich. We lived in neighborhoods with insurance agents, assistant department store managers, salesmen, engineers, etc. Was I “grossly overcompensated” and living beyond our “class”?
Paperless News
Some news…
Newspaper Chain Agrees to a Sale for $4.5 Billion By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE and ANDREW ROSS SORKINKnight Ridder, the nation's second-largest newspaper company, agreed Sunday night to sell itself to the McClatchy Company.
Related news; I was reading an article on the financial problems of Canada’s pulpwood industry and it appears to be linked to the overall health of the newspaper industry. Not good. And locally; a sign of the times. As I drive about the communities here, I see more and more newspapers lying in the driveways at 4 in the afternoon. Never read till…when? Am I the odd one? (Don’t answer that!)
Newspaper Chain Agrees to a Sale for $4.5 Billion By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE and ANDREW ROSS SORKINKnight Ridder, the nation's second-largest newspaper company, agreed Sunday night to sell itself to the McClatchy Company.
Related news; I was reading an article on the financial problems of Canada’s pulpwood industry and it appears to be linked to the overall health of the newspaper industry. Not good. And locally; a sign of the times. As I drive about the communities here, I see more and more newspapers lying in the driveways at 4 in the afternoon. Never read till…when? Am I the odd one? (Don’t answer that!)
Weather...or not
Monday has rolled around on the calendar once again. And I just made the mistake of looking at the weather forecast. In a previous forecast there were bright symbols of sunshine for at least a few days this week. They’re all gone now…replaced by symbols of rain and more rain. Oh, sure, the rain is good for us. Or so they say.
Last night, we attended a Community Sing for the first time. A large number of churches within the *Greater Orland Metropolitan Area sponsor a gathering once a month, simply to sing hymns. There were Pentecostals, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, and other assorted denominations. I believe there were eight churches represented. Delightfully ecumenical!
It might have been ecumenical, but it wasn’t as diverse a crowd as it should have been. All of the churches represented have a problem attracting the Hispanic community to worship with them. Even the Catholic Church, traditionally the faith home for Hispanics, has a problem in trying to consolidate their congregation(s) into one. Orland has a large Hispanic community but we rarely see them in church. A dilemma.
(*GOMA…it doesn’t exist. But, it should!)
Last night, we attended a Community Sing for the first time. A large number of churches within the *Greater Orland Metropolitan Area sponsor a gathering once a month, simply to sing hymns. There were Pentecostals, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, and other assorted denominations. I believe there were eight churches represented. Delightfully ecumenical!
It might have been ecumenical, but it wasn’t as diverse a crowd as it should have been. All of the churches represented have a problem attracting the Hispanic community to worship with them. Even the Catholic Church, traditionally the faith home for Hispanics, has a problem in trying to consolidate their congregation(s) into one. Orland has a large Hispanic community but we rarely see them in church. A dilemma.
(*GOMA…it doesn’t exist. But, it should!)
Sunday, March 12, 2006
What's new?
Just some stuff I found while browsing the internet…
“"Claude Allen has been a valuable member of my Administration since 2001, helping to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. He is a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for those in need. I look forward to his continued service in this new role as my domestic policy advisor," stated President Bush.”
"in the early days of Katrina, the White House Katrina task force was being run by Claude Allen."
“The resignation of Claude Allen last week as domestic policy adviser means a true-blue conservative is no longer shaping policy at the White House. But why exactly did Allen pick now to go?”
“We’ll probably never know the real reason, but that’s what makes speculation so fun. In any case, Allen will be missed. He won widespread praise when he was given the job. And while some of he initiatives that came up under his watch (Social Security being the biggest) didn’t go his way, at least he was rooted in conservative thought.”
“President Bush said he was "shocked" to hear of the arrest Thursday of his former domestic policy adviser, saying that if the theft charges against Claude A. Allen were true, the one-time judicial nominee had misled the White House.”
“Police began investigating Allen on Jan. 2, after he was accosted by a Target employee who allegedly saw Allen getting a refund for products he did not buy, said Lt. Eric Burnett, a Montgomery County Police spokesman. The investigation turned up dozens of other instances in which Allen allegedly would buy merchandise and later return with his receipt to select the same items and -- without paying -- "return" them for a refund, Burnett said.”
“"Claude Allen has been a valuable member of my Administration since 2001, helping to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. He is a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for those in need. I look forward to his continued service in this new role as my domestic policy advisor," stated President Bush.”
"in the early days of Katrina, the White House Katrina task force was being run by Claude Allen."
“The resignation of Claude Allen last week as domestic policy adviser means a true-blue conservative is no longer shaping policy at the White House. But why exactly did Allen pick now to go?”
“We’ll probably never know the real reason, but that’s what makes speculation so fun. In any case, Allen will be missed. He won widespread praise when he was given the job. And while some of he initiatives that came up under his watch (Social Security being the biggest) didn’t go his way, at least he was rooted in conservative thought.”
“President Bush said he was "shocked" to hear of the arrest Thursday of his former domestic policy adviser, saying that if the theft charges against Claude A. Allen were true, the one-time judicial nominee had misled the White House.”
“Police began investigating Allen on Jan. 2, after he was accosted by a Target employee who allegedly saw Allen getting a refund for products he did not buy, said Lt. Eric Burnett, a Montgomery County Police spokesman. The investigation turned up dozens of other instances in which Allen allegedly would buy merchandise and later return with his receipt to select the same items and -- without paying -- "return" them for a refund, Burnett said.”
Resting?
Sunday. The Sabbath Day. You don’t hear that very much anymore. And I grew up during the time of transition; when Sundays became less a day of worship, rest, and relaxation, and more a day of shopping. When I was nine or ten, you could walk downtown on a Sunday and every store was closed. Every store. And, “the thing to do” was to take a Sunday drive. Which we often did. It all sounds very quaint and old-fashioned now…Hmm? How old am I?
No rain this morning; yet. (Thunderstorms are forecast) But the temperature has risen. And that same forecast calls for more rain next week along with those warmer temperatures.
We went to our watercolor class yesterday morning and watched a “How-to” video presentation by Charles Reid. Enthused, we went to Aaron Brothers and bought a few more art supplies. Not that we were all that enthused about Mr. Reid’s work; we weren’t, but the video did generate some excitement about art in general. And during the ride into Chico, this generated a conversation about the lack of support for the arts in our schools. Sad. Especially since Laurae has seen students who were academic failures but possessed a gift for the visual arts. With no support, they are eventually going to exit the school system without ever being credited for their talents. Simply failures.
No rain this morning; yet. (Thunderstorms are forecast) But the temperature has risen. And that same forecast calls for more rain next week along with those warmer temperatures.
We went to our watercolor class yesterday morning and watched a “How-to” video presentation by Charles Reid. Enthused, we went to Aaron Brothers and bought a few more art supplies. Not that we were all that enthused about Mr. Reid’s work; we weren’t, but the video did generate some excitement about art in general. And during the ride into Chico, this generated a conversation about the lack of support for the arts in our schools. Sad. Especially since Laurae has seen students who were academic failures but possessed a gift for the visual arts. With no support, they are eventually going to exit the school system without ever being credited for their talents. Simply failures.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
More
Odds and Ends from the headlines…
Push to Tighten Lobbying Rules Loses Strength By SHERYL GAY STOLBERGthe drive for a tighter lobbying law is losing momentum, a victim of shifting political interests and infighting among Republicans.
It’s also because Congress is pretty sure that the public isn’t watching anymore…Roll out the corporate jets and let’s party!
Port Deal's Collapse Stirs Fears of Repercussions in Mideast Ties By DAVID S. CLOUDPresident Bush expressed concern that the Congressional opposition over the port deal could have a broader negative effect by alienating allies in the Middle East…
And he’s right! It could certainly affect the economy as well, as foreign investors re-think their positions. The American business community is trying to patch things up behind the scenes, as this could bring about retaliation by some countries. Some governments are going to look more critically at American investments in their countries. Xenophobia strikes again!
Push to Tighten Lobbying Rules Loses Strength By SHERYL GAY STOLBERGthe drive for a tighter lobbying law is losing momentum, a victim of shifting political interests and infighting among Republicans.
It’s also because Congress is pretty sure that the public isn’t watching anymore…Roll out the corporate jets and let’s party!
Port Deal's Collapse Stirs Fears of Repercussions in Mideast Ties By DAVID S. CLOUDPresident Bush expressed concern that the Congressional opposition over the port deal could have a broader negative effect by alienating allies in the Middle East…
And he’s right! It could certainly affect the economy as well, as foreign investors re-think their positions. The American business community is trying to patch things up behind the scenes, as this could bring about retaliation by some countries. Some governments are going to look more critically at American investments in their countries. Xenophobia strikes again!
Hail and stuff
Saturday once again. It’s currently 32° outside and so the heater is on and the inside thermometer is headed back up towards 68 degrees. And the forecast calls for more rain in the form of thundershowers today. We had one of those yesterday and we were certain that we were in for a repeat of last years disastrous hail storms. The sky grew ominously dark, the temperatures plunged and the rain fell. Within a few minutes the rain turned to hail, but soft hail. It turned the ground white but it didn’t come down with any velocity. I think everyone has seen hail bouncing as it strikes the ground; this didn’t happen. It simply fell onto the ground.
Last year, the hail cut the leaves from the trees and the roses, bruising and scarring the developing fruit buds. Blossoms and leaves were scattered all over the orchard, but this last storm seemed to leave no damage at all. Now if we can only be so lucky again today…and tomorrow.
I was reading the news this morning and I saw that there was a story about an oil spill from the Alaskan Pipeline. That’s the same pipeline that was going to monitored at all times and the likelihood of a spill was supposed to be minimal. So I guess one spill of 267,000 gallons is minimal. They say that internal corrosion caused the spill and I guess I have to wonder about the condition of the rest of the pipeline? Or was that just one isolated corroded spot and the rest of the pipeline is perfectly safe? I guess we could ask an oil expert. Maybe one of those experts that have been telling us that drilling for oil in the ANWR will be safe could take some time off from lobbying and check out the pipeline for us.
Don’t you just love “People in Denial”? The Pipeline Will Never Leak. Global Warming Is Bad Science. The Citizens Of Iraq Will Welcome Us. The World Is Flat.
And this story…
Muslim officials taking part in a Copenhagen seminar aimed at fostering religious dialogue in the wake of the Prophet Mohammed cartoons row on Friday urged Denmark's government to apologize for their publication.
"We want the Danish government to engage in a direct dialogue with Muslims in Denmark and the Muslim world. We would like an official apology and we would like to change the laws in Denmark and the European Union."
What is it about “Democracy” that isn’t understood here? Apologize? For what, for being free to have an opinion?
But, the Muslims have a good point and that is the fact that 14 European nations have laws providing for punishment of those who deny that the Holocaust occurred. That is not “Democracy” either. Democracy has to have room for all opinions or it’s simply not a viable form of government. Anyone who would deny your right to an opinion hates democracy.
And there is some good news for the environment…Gale Norton has resigned as Secretary of the Interior. Gale Norton was a protégé of James Watt, Reagan’s Interior Secretary and an embarrassment to most Americans. That was the same James Watt that banned the Beach Boys from appearing at a concert on the National Mall because they would attract an undesirable element.
Let me paraphrase James Watt, "I never use the words Republicans and Democrats. It's (liberals) conservatives and Americans." -- James G. Watt, 1982. That tells you what kind of a mind he has.
Last year, the hail cut the leaves from the trees and the roses, bruising and scarring the developing fruit buds. Blossoms and leaves were scattered all over the orchard, but this last storm seemed to leave no damage at all. Now if we can only be so lucky again today…and tomorrow.
I was reading the news this morning and I saw that there was a story about an oil spill from the Alaskan Pipeline. That’s the same pipeline that was going to monitored at all times and the likelihood of a spill was supposed to be minimal. So I guess one spill of 267,000 gallons is minimal. They say that internal corrosion caused the spill and I guess I have to wonder about the condition of the rest of the pipeline? Or was that just one isolated corroded spot and the rest of the pipeline is perfectly safe? I guess we could ask an oil expert. Maybe one of those experts that have been telling us that drilling for oil in the ANWR will be safe could take some time off from lobbying and check out the pipeline for us.
Don’t you just love “People in Denial”? The Pipeline Will Never Leak. Global Warming Is Bad Science. The Citizens Of Iraq Will Welcome Us. The World Is Flat.
And this story…
Muslim officials taking part in a Copenhagen seminar aimed at fostering religious dialogue in the wake of the Prophet Mohammed cartoons row on Friday urged Denmark's government to apologize for their publication.
"We want the Danish government to engage in a direct dialogue with Muslims in Denmark and the Muslim world. We would like an official apology and we would like to change the laws in Denmark and the European Union."
What is it about “Democracy” that isn’t understood here? Apologize? For what, for being free to have an opinion?
But, the Muslims have a good point and that is the fact that 14 European nations have laws providing for punishment of those who deny that the Holocaust occurred. That is not “Democracy” either. Democracy has to have room for all opinions or it’s simply not a viable form of government. Anyone who would deny your right to an opinion hates democracy.
And there is some good news for the environment…Gale Norton has resigned as Secretary of the Interior. Gale Norton was a protégé of James Watt, Reagan’s Interior Secretary and an embarrassment to most Americans. That was the same James Watt that banned the Beach Boys from appearing at a concert on the National Mall because they would attract an undesirable element.
Let me paraphrase James Watt, "I never use the words Republicans and Democrats. It's (liberals) conservatives and Americans." -- James G. Watt, 1982. That tells you what kind of a mind he has.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Shriners
More Will Join Their Ranks
"'We're all working to take care of children. That's our mission,' said Woody Woodward.
But it is a mission carried out more and more by older people, Chapman reported.
'We're almost half what we were 35 years ago,' Woodward said.
There are about 6,300 Shriners in the metro. Their average age is 65. In Canada, Mexico, Panama and the U.S., where Shriners used to boast 900,000 members, they have a little over 400,000 now.
The Shriners support clinics for patients who are treated at one of their 22 hospitals, including 19 orthopedic and three burn units."
They do a wonderful job; the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento is monument to their generosity. But...if they are looking for ways to increase their membership, they might want to look at the "hats".
"'We're all working to take care of children. That's our mission,' said Woody Woodward.
But it is a mission carried out more and more by older people, Chapman reported.
'We're almost half what we were 35 years ago,' Woodward said.
There are about 6,300 Shriners in the metro. Their average age is 65. In Canada, Mexico, Panama and the U.S., where Shriners used to boast 900,000 members, they have a little over 400,000 now.
The Shriners support clinics for patients who are treated at one of their 22 hospitals, including 19 orthopedic and three burn units."
They do a wonderful job; the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento is monument to their generosity. But...if they are looking for ways to increase their membership, they might want to look at the "hats".
Surprising?
Only 20% of men are working past age 65
According to the article, this is one of several surprising findings in the report on aging...and I have to ask, why is it surprising?
According to the article, this is one of several surprising findings in the report on aging...and I have to ask, why is it surprising?
Goodbye, Dubai
More on Dubai - From the Los Angeles Times
And it's well stated. This editorial certainly illustrates the dilemna we face when we let popular opinion make the decisions that will effect our lives in so many ways.
popular opinion = American Idol
And it's well stated. This editorial certainly illustrates the dilemna we face when we let popular opinion make the decisions that will effect our lives in so many ways.
popular opinion = American Idol
As I was saying
Speaking of ports and politics, as I did a few minutes earlier…here is something from The Daily Reckoning newsletter I received yesterday.
“This is a national security issue," said Rep. Jerry Lewis, the chairman of the House panel, adding that the legislation would, "keep American ports in American hands."
And the newsletter goes on… “Well, as patriotic as that sounds, the London-based Peninsular & Oriental Navigation Company previously owned the five U.S. ports in question. Last we checked, London was in Great Britain, not America. And what about the other foreign-operated shipping terminals in the United States? China already runs a terminal at the Port of Los Angeles and Singapore runs terminals in Oakland...are we going to shut those down?
Another major detail the House seems to have conveniently overlooked - the UAE are our allies. U.S. Navy ships call at the port of Dubai, and the U.S. Air Force uses UAE airfields to launch missions into Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, the UAE donated $100 million to Katrina relief - more than four times any other countries contribution combined.”
“This is a national security issue," said Rep. Jerry Lewis, the chairman of the House panel, adding that the legislation would, "keep American ports in American hands."
And the newsletter goes on… “Well, as patriotic as that sounds, the London-based Peninsular & Oriental Navigation Company previously owned the five U.S. ports in question. Last we checked, London was in Great Britain, not America. And what about the other foreign-operated shipping terminals in the United States? China already runs a terminal at the Port of Los Angeles and Singapore runs terminals in Oakland...are we going to shut those down?
Another major detail the House seems to have conveniently overlooked - the UAE are our allies. U.S. Navy ships call at the port of Dubai, and the U.S. Air Force uses UAE airfields to launch missions into Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, the UAE donated $100 million to Katrina relief - more than four times any other countries contribution combined.”
Bad Genes
Friday has arrived once again. And I think we have some rain in the forecast. Of course we do. That’s been in the forecast every day for the past two weeks. Most tiresome!
I’ve been trying to get the garage in shape once again, but the colder weather is making it a chore. I like to have the garage door open when I’m working out there, but the cold wind quickly drives me back into the house. And when I close the door to block the wind, I feel like I’m in a box. Perhaps; when we need to replace the existing garage door, we can buy one that has some windows in it. I want to be able to look out to the west and see the snow covered Humboldt Range at this time of the year.
I have the same feeling about our front door. I feel trapped by it. The entry way has stained glass on each side of that door, but you can only see shadows through the glass. I would like a door that allows me to see something beyond it; anything would be better than that grim barrier of wood. And we should have a screen door there as well; so that we can open the house to the flow of fresh air in the mornings.
One of the things that I am doing in the garage is throwing things away. That is a difficult task for me. It’s genetic of course. My father didn’t like to throw things away and so here I am, his son, faced with a painful decision; National Geographic’s? Out or in? Not that the decision making will end with the magazines; oh, no…I have a whole garage filled with those kinds of choices. All painful. Curses! Why did I ever begin watching the Road Show on PBS?
I’ve been trying to get the garage in shape once again, but the colder weather is making it a chore. I like to have the garage door open when I’m working out there, but the cold wind quickly drives me back into the house. And when I close the door to block the wind, I feel like I’m in a box. Perhaps; when we need to replace the existing garage door, we can buy one that has some windows in it. I want to be able to look out to the west and see the snow covered Humboldt Range at this time of the year.
I have the same feeling about our front door. I feel trapped by it. The entry way has stained glass on each side of that door, but you can only see shadows through the glass. I would like a door that allows me to see something beyond it; anything would be better than that grim barrier of wood. And we should have a screen door there as well; so that we can open the house to the flow of fresh air in the mornings.
One of the things that I am doing in the garage is throwing things away. That is a difficult task for me. It’s genetic of course. My father didn’t like to throw things away and so here I am, his son, faced with a painful decision; National Geographic’s? Out or in? Not that the decision making will end with the magazines; oh, no…I have a whole garage filled with those kinds of choices. All painful. Curses! Why did I ever begin watching the Road Show on PBS?
Bush's Approval Rating Falls to New Low
t's all about timing.
If only this had happened about a year and a half ago...Wait a second, no...that would have meant that "what's his name" might have won the election and that would not have been the best outcome. But, on second thought, it might have been better than what we have now!
It's odd that this dip in the polls is caused by the Dubai Ports controversy and especially odd that I agreed with Bush's position on port ownership. The ports have been foreign owned for years and many still are. (And still will be) A Chinese company owns the port in Southern California and Shanghai owns one in Oakland. What is not being addressed by this controversy is the very real problem of port security; less than 10% of containers are ever inspected and that has nothing to do with who the owner happens to be. But far too many Americans are quite content to let the "Talking heads" rule their thoughts...and Congress always follows the path of least resistance (and least thought).
If only this had happened about a year and a half ago...Wait a second, no...that would have meant that "what's his name" might have won the election and that would not have been the best outcome. But, on second thought, it might have been better than what we have now!
It's odd that this dip in the polls is caused by the Dubai Ports controversy and especially odd that I agreed with Bush's position on port ownership. The ports have been foreign owned for years and many still are. (And still will be) A Chinese company owns the port in Southern California and Shanghai owns one in Oakland. What is not being addressed by this controversy is the very real problem of port security; less than 10% of containers are ever inspected and that has nothing to do with who the owner happens to be. But far too many Americans are quite content to let the "Talking heads" rule their thoughts...and Congress always follows the path of least resistance (and least thought).
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Rice, Rumsfeld defend it...
...50 Billion + 70 Billion. Wow, that's a lot of money!
Let's review that earlier story when the administration was going to use all the Iraq oil money to pay for the war. I liked that story a lot better!
Let's review that earlier story when the administration was going to use all the Iraq oil money to pay for the war. I liked that story a lot better!
Lenten Season
Here is something I spotted this morning...
Rule of the late Arthur Lichtenberger (presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, 1958-1964)
This year...
I plan to:Fast from criticism, and feast on praise
Fast from self-pity and feast on joy
Fast from ill temper, and feast on peace
Fast from resentment and feast on contentment
Fast from jealousy, and feast on humility
Fast from pride, and feast on love
Fast from selfishness, and feast on service
Fast from fear, and feast on faith.
Rule of the late Arthur Lichtenberger (presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, 1958-1964)
This year...
I plan to:Fast from criticism, and feast on praise
Fast from self-pity and feast on joy
Fast from ill temper, and feast on peace
Fast from resentment and feast on contentment
Fast from jealousy, and feast on humility
Fast from pride, and feast on love
Fast from selfishness, and feast on service
Fast from fear, and feast on faith.
Very
Disturbing…the other day I was listening to a news story about the continuing slaughter of civilians in the Darfur region of Sudan and the report stated that the Sudanese forces were strafing villages. And I had to ask, who makes those airplanes and why does Sudan have them? Who sold them those airplanes?
A little bit of snooping on the internet found this…
And these facts: “From 1998 to 2001, the USA, the UK, and France earned more income from arms sales to developing countries than they gave in aid.
The arms industry is unlike any other. It operates without regulation. It suffers from widespread corruption and bribes. And it makes its profits on the back of machines designed to kill and maim human beings.
So who profits most from this murderous trade? The five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the USA, UK, France, Russia, and China. Together, they are responsible for eighty eight per cent of reported conventional arms exports.
“We can’t have it both ways. We can’t be both the world’s leading champion of peace and the world’s leading supplier of arms.” Former US President Jimmy Carter.”
And still it goes on…
Here’s another good link
A little bit of snooping on the internet found this…
And these facts: “From 1998 to 2001, the USA, the UK, and France earned more income from arms sales to developing countries than they gave in aid.
The arms industry is unlike any other. It operates without regulation. It suffers from widespread corruption and bribes. And it makes its profits on the back of machines designed to kill and maim human beings.
So who profits most from this murderous trade? The five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the USA, UK, France, Russia, and China. Together, they are responsible for eighty eight per cent of reported conventional arms exports.
“We can’t have it both ways. We can’t be both the world’s leading champion of peace and the world’s leading supplier of arms.” Former US President Jimmy Carter.”
And still it goes on…
Here’s another good link
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Maybe More?
From a Google News Alert...
Rebels 'on run' in IraqAustralian - AustraliaTHE commander of Australian forces in the Middle East claims coalition troops are turning the tables on al-Qa'ida in Iraq, with the ability of insurgents to ...See all stories on this topic
Gunmen seize 50 Iraq security menBBC News - UK... Iraq has suffered a rise in sectarian attacks since a Shia shrine was bombed last month - but it is not clear if this was the cause. ...See all stories on this topic
24 Bodies Found Amid More Violence in IraqABC News - USAAn Iraqi mortuary attendant shows plastic handcuffed bodies in a hospital mortuary in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, March 8, 2006. At ...See all stories on this topic
One, maybe more of these headlines are(is) wrong...will we ever know?
Rebels 'on run' in IraqAustralian - AustraliaTHE commander of Australian forces in the Middle East claims coalition troops are turning the tables on al-Qa'ida in Iraq, with the ability of insurgents to ...See all stories on this topic
Gunmen seize 50 Iraq security menBBC News - UK... Iraq has suffered a rise in sectarian attacks since a Shia shrine was bombed last month - but it is not clear if this was the cause. ...See all stories on this topic
24 Bodies Found Amid More Violence in IraqABC News - USAAn Iraqi mortuary attendant shows plastic handcuffed bodies in a hospital mortuary in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, March 8, 2006. At ...See all stories on this topic
One, maybe more of these headlines are(is) wrong...will we ever know?
Learning
Something I learned the other day. Stoney Creek descends from the base of Black Butte Dam and makes its way to the Sacramento River. Before the dam was placed there, Stoney Creek was a wild flowing salmon stream, descending from the Mendocino National Forest.
Salmon stream? You would never know it now. Gravel mining has destroyed the streambed and the power plant at the base of the dam belongs to the city of Santa Clara. Who knew? Santa Clara is 175 miles south of Orland (as the crow flies) and I am at a loss as to why Orland doesn’t reap the electrical power benefits? After all, if it’s our scenery and natural resources that have been destroyed, shouldn’t the local residents get something for it?
Stoney Creek meanders near us, about ½ mile from where we live. But it’s not worth driving to see.
Salmon stream? You would never know it now. Gravel mining has destroyed the streambed and the power plant at the base of the dam belongs to the city of Santa Clara. Who knew? Santa Clara is 175 miles south of Orland (as the crow flies) and I am at a loss as to why Orland doesn’t reap the electrical power benefits? After all, if it’s our scenery and natural resources that have been destroyed, shouldn’t the local residents get something for it?
Stoney Creek meanders near us, about ½ mile from where we live. But it’s not worth driving to see.
Fighting Words!
Fight Looms on Lawmakers' Use of Corporate Jets By SHERYL GAY STOLBERGAs the Senate looks at changes in lobbying laws, some lawmakers say using companies' planes is necessary in modern politics.
Necessary? As in needed? Gosh, what a great line! I can see where ordinary air travel just wouldn’t be the same. Having to rub shoulders with your constituents…how gross!
I do remember a couple of times when I saw our ex-governor flying Southwest Airlines…he had lots of other problems, but apparently he wasn’t afraid to get close to the voters.
Necessary? As in needed? Gosh, what a great line! I can see where ordinary air travel just wouldn’t be the same. Having to rub shoulders with your constituents…how gross!
I do remember a couple of times when I saw our ex-governor flying Southwest Airlines…he had lots of other problems, but apparently he wasn’t afraid to get close to the voters.
Apology?
My, how quickly time flies! Wednesday is here already. And I’m awake at the usual hour. And I have my usual cup of coffee in hand. Not much change there.
I should apologize for making such far reaching statements about conservatives, as I did yesterday. I really do dislike labels of any kind but I obviously enjoy using them for others when I am so inclined. And on the plus side, I didn’t name anyone in particular. Though I was certainly tempted! I need to remember that these people’s words and actions will eventually convict them…any indictment on my part is a waste of my time and energy.
But how do I turn off the interest I have in these things? To not comment seems criminal. To live in a vacuum where the only thing that interests me is the weather? How boring! It would be as if I were living in “Mayberry”. And that was fiction, no matter how pleasant it seemed.
And when you read that Ann Coulter, the darling of the conservatives once said, “We should invade their countries, kill their leaders, and convert them to Christianity.” It’s really hard not to comment when you hear others from the conservative side making the same sort of speeches today.
OK, I talked myself into it. I’m taking my apology back.
I should apologize for making such far reaching statements about conservatives, as I did yesterday. I really do dislike labels of any kind but I obviously enjoy using them for others when I am so inclined. And on the plus side, I didn’t name anyone in particular. Though I was certainly tempted! I need to remember that these people’s words and actions will eventually convict them…any indictment on my part is a waste of my time and energy.
But how do I turn off the interest I have in these things? To not comment seems criminal. To live in a vacuum where the only thing that interests me is the weather? How boring! It would be as if I were living in “Mayberry”. And that was fiction, no matter how pleasant it seemed.
And when you read that Ann Coulter, the darling of the conservatives once said, “We should invade their countries, kill their leaders, and convert them to Christianity.” It’s really hard not to comment when you hear others from the conservative side making the same sort of speeches today.
OK, I talked myself into it. I’m taking my apology back.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Mr. Bush's Asian Road Trip
- New York Times
Sorry, it's the Times and you usually have to register to see it. But it's worth reading. And questioning.
"...It's just baffling why Mr. Bush traveled halfway around the world to stand right next to one of his most important allies against terrorists — and embarrass him. India and Pakistan are military rivals that have fought each other repeatedly. They have both developed nuclear weapons outside the nonproliferation treaty, which both refuse to sign. When India exploded its first acknowledged nuclear weapons eight years ago, Pakistan felt obliged to follow suit within weeks."
Sorry, it's the Times and you usually have to register to see it. But it's worth reading. And questioning.
"...It's just baffling why Mr. Bush traveled halfway around the world to stand right next to one of his most important allies against terrorists — and embarrass him. India and Pakistan are military rivals that have fought each other repeatedly. They have both developed nuclear weapons outside the nonproliferation treaty, which both refuse to sign. When India exploded its first acknowledged nuclear weapons eight years ago, Pakistan felt obliged to follow suit within weeks."
Black and White
That last bit of news about the banning of wire transfers illustrates the major difference between conservatives and liberals. Conservatives believe punishment is the solution to everything. Bad behavior should always be punished. And the conservatives get to decide what bad behavior is and what is not. Conservatives live in a black and white world. You can’t be a “little bit” good; you’re good or your bad. And once again, they decide.
Being a Conservative Christian is even more troubling...
...Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Being a Conservative Christian is even more troubling...
...Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
More of the Same
Another day and another dollar…or two. Gotta wake up. It is Tuesday of course and I seem to be slow of mind this morning. My nimble fingers are stumbling all around the keyboard and giving the Spell Checker a real workout. Yes! More coffee will do the trick.
It’s already a very good morning as I don’t hear any rain. And the forecast tells me that we should see cloudy weather for the rest of the week, with only occasional rain. Yippee! (I must be awake now…I just typed “occasional” without using Spell Check.) But the bad news is that the low temperatures will still be down in the 30’s.
And the news…most depressing!
Maybe we should start repeating the fable that the Administration used a few years ago…that the citizens of Iraq will welcome us with open arms. It won’t change things but it might help us to feel better. Just keep repeating it and don’t read or watch the news.
And what can the Democrats offer? I don’t think they have looked at their own poll numbers recently. Legislators of any stripe are among the lowest of the low.
This is not about nations, but about tribes. Until education brings these two countries into the 21st century, this will continue.
Hello? Anyone home? The “major Incentive” is jobs, you idiot! When will someone with a real plan work on this problem, instead of pandering to the evening news folks? Does he really believe that a work-around won’t be found for that ban? The money transfer will simply go underground.
It’s already a very good morning as I don’t hear any rain. And the forecast tells me that we should see cloudy weather for the rest of the week, with only occasional rain. Yippee! (I must be awake now…I just typed “occasional” without using Spell Check.) But the bad news is that the low temperatures will still be down in the 30’s.
And the news…most depressing!
- Bombings, Gunfire and Mortars Hit Baghdad Tuesday, March 7, 2006 Bombings, gunfire and mortars across Iraq left at least 11 people dead and more than a dozen wounded, police said Tuesday.
Maybe we should start repeating the fable that the Administration used a few years ago…that the citizens of Iraq will welcome us with open arms. It won’t change things but it might help us to feel better. Just keep repeating it and don’t read or watch the news.
- Ways and Means Chairman Thomas to Retire Republican Rep. Bill Thomas' decision not to seek re-election touched off a bout of political jockeying from rival candidates hoping to replace him both in the House and in California.
And what can the Democrats offer? I don’t think they have looked at their own poll numbers recently. Legislators of any stripe are among the lowest of the low.
- Afghanistan Defends Terrorist Intelligence A rift between Afghanistan and Pakistan deepened Tuesday as Afghan President Hamid Karzai's office said intelligence about Taliban and al-Qaida fugitives allegedly hiding in Pakistan was "very strong and accurate."
This is not about nations, but about tribes. Until education brings these two countries into the 21st century, this will continue.
- Supporters believe it will remove major incentive for crossing border A Republican candidate for a vacated congressional seat in southern California is proposing a ban on wire transfers by illegal aliens from the U.S. to Mexico.
Hello? Anyone home? The “major Incentive” is jobs, you idiot! When will someone with a real plan work on this problem, instead of pandering to the evening news folks? Does he really believe that a work-around won’t be found for that ban? The money transfer will simply go underground.
Monday, March 6, 2006
It's the Law!
Is that all you have to do when you can’t quite balance the budget? Just change the law!
Treasury Secretary John Snow notified Congress on Monday that the administration has now taken "all prudent and legal actions," including tapping certain government retirement funds, to keep from hitting the $8.2 trillion national debt limit. Snow urged lawmakers to pass a new debt ceiling immediately to avoid the nation's first-ever default on its obligations. Treasury officials, briefing congressional aides last week, said that the government will run out of maneuvering room to keep from exceeding the current limit during the week of March 20.
“Prudent”? Not on your life!
Treasury Secretary John Snow notified Congress on Monday that the administration has now taken "all prudent and legal actions," including tapping certain government retirement funds, to keep from hitting the $8.2 trillion national debt limit. Snow urged lawmakers to pass a new debt ceiling immediately to avoid the nation's first-ever default on its obligations. Treasury officials, briefing congressional aides last week, said that the government will run out of maneuvering room to keep from exceeding the current limit during the week of March 20.
“Prudent”? Not on your life!
MCKENZIE-CHILDS
Get the catalog!
What fun! It's obvious that you might need some creative financing to purchase some of the larger items...but they do have some great affordable pieces in here as well.
If I had $$$$, I would furnish my whole mansion from here. No, wait a second...1/2 a mansion. The other half would come from Crate & Barrel
What fun! It's obvious that you might need some creative financing to purchase some of the larger items...but they do have some great affordable pieces in here as well.
If I had $$$$, I would furnish my whole mansion from here. No, wait a second...1/2 a mansion. The other half would come from Crate & Barrel
That's it...I'm through
OK, no more fiddling with it. It's time to move on to something else. I'll just sign and date it.
Gourds
Here is what I have been playing with during the rainy days. It's been a test of materials and technique, but I'm almost complete with the project. More later.
Notes from a fan
Life is good. It may be raining and cold. The skies hold no hope for a day of sunshine…but Wallace and Gromit won an Oscar for the Curse of the Were-Rabbit! Life is not only good, it’s fair as well. I can’t tell you about any of the other awards. Once I saw their names on the list, all else simply faded away. OK, enough; there must be far more interesting things to write about than Wallace and Gromit, even though I do love them!
Yes, it is raining and cold and there hasn’t been much of a letup in the rain. It has rained continually for at least 24 hours now. And the damp has made it seem much colder than it really is. I am a big fan of summer heat and it’s at times like this that I really miss it. I am beginning to have visions of Arizona. Warm, warm Arizona! But wait; the news…Southwest Suffers Historic Drought. One of the driest winters ever in the Southwest is killing trees and plants, stressing wildlife, choking the air in Phoenix
And…according to the news, we have survived another night and the outlook for today is about the same as it was yesterday. World War III continues without much letup.
Yes, it is raining and cold and there hasn’t been much of a letup in the rain. It has rained continually for at least 24 hours now. And the damp has made it seem much colder than it really is. I am a big fan of summer heat and it’s at times like this that I really miss it. I am beginning to have visions of Arizona. Warm, warm Arizona! But wait; the news…Southwest Suffers Historic Drought. One of the driest winters ever in the Southwest is killing trees and plants, stressing wildlife, choking the air in Phoenix
And…according to the news, we have survived another night and the outlook for today is about the same as it was yesterday. World War III continues without much letup.
Sunday, March 5, 2006
Not the best of news...
“California's economy added 18,300 payroll jobs in January, while the number of unemployed people looking for work fell by 151,000 compared to the same month last year, the state Employment Development Department said Friday.
But Butte County lost 1,500 payroll jobs during the month, according to the EDD, falling to 92,400. Glenn County dropped 1,010 jobs, to 10,130, while Tehama County fell 600 jobs to 23,890.
The figures don't include farm workers and the self-employed.
Unemployment took a big jump locally. Butte's rate went from 5.8 percent to 7 percent; Glenn, 7.6 percent to 10 percent; and Tehama, 5.8 percent to 7.2 percent, according to the EDD.”
But Butte County lost 1,500 payroll jobs during the month, according to the EDD, falling to 92,400. Glenn County dropped 1,010 jobs, to 10,130, while Tehama County fell 600 jobs to 23,890.
The figures don't include farm workers and the self-employed.
Unemployment took a big jump locally. Butte's rate went from 5.8 percent to 7 percent; Glenn, 7.6 percent to 10 percent; and Tehama, 5.8 percent to 7.2 percent, according to the EDD.”
Sunday Morning
A new day has arrived…and I’m just a little bit sore from my efforts at the Bidwell ½ Marathon yesterday. Or maybe it was what I was doing after the marathon. I had promised Gary to help him load some books after the rummage sale at the fairgrounds. I thought he said to meet him at 2, but when we arrived, we learned that the sale wasn’t over till 3 and Gary was nowhere in sight. So we decided to box up all of the books and then we were pressed into service (politely) to help with the dismantling and folding up of tables and other items. To be truthful, I had a premonition this was about to happen, but I ignored it. When we first walked up to the building, I noticed a group of 4 women, struggling to load a stove onto a pickup truck. I told Laurae, “Oh, oh…don’t look over there. I don’t want any part of that!” Of course, as soon as we entered the building someone said, “Look. There’s a man. Maybe he can help us…” And I was soon engaged in stove moving. It was all downhill from there. For the first half hour I was the only man in the building and fair game for anyone who needed heavy lifting done. I learned later, from Gary, that the men would only show up after 3…OK, lesson learned.
My news aggregator has been working hard all night and there are dozens of interesting stories to read.
And of course the news is filled with Oscar stories. And I still don’t get it. The Oscars are awards given by the industry to the industry. Why are we supposed to be interested? Brokeback Mountain is supposed to be the most popular film this season and in line to receive an Oscar for Best Picture. How did it become so popular? Hype. Voting for Best Picture? I vote with my wallet and that’s still the best way. Oddly enough, I just bought a movie that I have always loved, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and it was directed by Ang Lee, the director of Brokeback Mountain.
My news aggregator has been working hard all night and there are dozens of interesting stories to read.
- A strong storm is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding Sunday in Northern California…
- David Hibbett goes to California, buys marijuana, mails it to himself in Hawaii, the cops put a tracker into the box, follow him, then bust into the wrong house, and arrest the wrong couple, in the process of doing this, they injure a man who is using a walker…
- Reuters - The U.S. military in Iraq said on Sunday media reports that America and Britain planned to pull all troops out of Iraq by spring 2007 were "completely false," reiterating that there was no timetable for withdrawal...
- Pressure mounted Sunday on Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to give up his bid for a new term amid anger over a recent surge of sectarian killings that have complicated already snarled negotiations on a new Iraqi government...
And of course the news is filled with Oscar stories. And I still don’t get it. The Oscars are awards given by the industry to the industry. Why are we supposed to be interested? Brokeback Mountain is supposed to be the most popular film this season and in line to receive an Oscar for Best Picture. How did it become so popular? Hype. Voting for Best Picture? I vote with my wallet and that’s still the best way. Oddly enough, I just bought a movie that I have always loved, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and it was directed by Ang Lee, the director of Brokeback Mountain.
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Ars gratis
Another day, a Saturday to be exact. And I’m awake after a very restless night. I think it must be because of the race today; as my dreams were all race related. I don’t know why this race would cause any anxiety, as it’s just another ½ marathon, 13+ miles and I’ve done that plenty of times before. My goal is to finish in 2:45 (12.7 minute/miles) and with any luck at all, I should be able to get close to that.
There’s not a lot of news this morning and I suppose that’s a good thing. Even the weather is less than news-worthy; cloudy and no rain till later tonight.
We went to the First Annual Orland Artists show last night to see a hanging of Laurae’s work. There weren’t a lot of artists represented, but there were some quality works there. Laurae’s art showed very well against even the best that Orland had to offer. I was going to take a photograph, but the small room was crowded with wine and cheese lovers…just like a “real” gallery! The room was probably 12’x12’ and there were at least a dozen people in there, all talking and sipping. We didn’t stay very long! If she doesn’t sell the two paintings, I will photograph them and post them here.
There’s not a lot of news this morning and I suppose that’s a good thing. Even the weather is less than news-worthy; cloudy and no rain till later tonight.
We went to the First Annual Orland Artists show last night to see a hanging of Laurae’s work. There weren’t a lot of artists represented, but there were some quality works there. Laurae’s art showed very well against even the best that Orland had to offer. I was going to take a photograph, but the small room was crowded with wine and cheese lovers…just like a “real” gallery! The room was probably 12’x12’ and there were at least a dozen people in there, all talking and sipping. We didn’t stay very long! If she doesn’t sell the two paintings, I will photograph them and post them here.
Friday, March 3, 2006
Power of the Press
The editor of the Chico News and Review used the “N” word in his column and called the president a “nincompoop”. I must admit that, at first, I was startled by this outburst of his; then, curious, I tried saying it a few times myself. “Nin-com-poop”. Then, “Nincom-poop”, very fast. I tried saying it slowly, drawing out the “nin” and finishing with a bold “poop”. And the more I said it, the more I liked the way it sounded…what fun! (But, what does it mean?)
Sure. Makes sense to me...
Bush Signs Nuclear Deal With India
By Peter Wallsten
NEW DELHI-The accord, which faces a fight in Congress, calls for a sea change in U.S. policy. India would gain technology but could keep some plants secret.
Let me see how this sounds; if you secretly make nuclear weapons and refuse to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, you get a favored status from Bush. But, if you are a member of the NNPT “club” and tell everyone you’re processing uranium for fuel, you are threatened with all sorts of mayhem. I’m sure that makes perfect sense to those who love to criticize the U.S. for double standards.
We never disappoint them.
By Peter Wallsten
NEW DELHI-The accord, which faces a fight in Congress, calls for a sea change in U.S. policy. India would gain technology but could keep some plants secret.
Let me see how this sounds; if you secretly make nuclear weapons and refuse to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, you get a favored status from Bush. But, if you are a member of the NNPT “club” and tell everyone you’re processing uranium for fuel, you are threatened with all sorts of mayhem. I’m sure that makes perfect sense to those who love to criticize the U.S. for double standards.
We never disappoint them.
Friday in the rain
What a morning! It’s far too early to be feeling like this. I made a mistake and as I was reading my e-mail, I came across a Polling Point survey and clicked on the link. The next thing I knew I was involved in a political survey. Darn! It was far too early to even think about some of the questions I was being asked; especially without coffee. So I rushed through it. Did that skew the results? I certainly hope so…
Now, with a cup of coffee in place, I can think clearly and I wish I could go back to the survey. I wonder how many of the data are similarly effected. And phone surveys? I would probably tell them anything just to end the conversation earlier. Makes you wonder about the results of all surveys.
I can’t see it, but I can hear the rain. And it looks like we will be seeing it (soon) all morning and into the evening, complete with a few thunderstorms as well.
What else is new? Well, I have begun the process of removing the odd plant that has been dominating the south east corner of our backyard. I have cut it down to about a 3 foot high stump of many branches. It didn’t seem to have a central point of origin and now it will take some effort to get it down to ground level. I think I will leave it at that point and then begin my herb garden right over the top of it. The herb garden will be elevated and that should make it more difficult for the plant to revive.
While I was removing the plant I found a huge cache of walnuts. The ground squirrels had been using the concealed spaces beneath the plant as a storage ground. I can say that I haven’t seen as many ground squirrels ever since I brought the cat home. I don’t think she has ever caught one, but her presence must make them nervous. Good for her. My presence never made them nervous, it only emboldened them.
I am prejudiced of course, but I think she’s a great cat. For me. We fall asleep together every night while watching television. And as long as the subject is food or the possibility of food, she comes when called. And she’s quirky. All good cats are. She will see something that no one else can see and suddenly race off and leap into the air, or make an abrupt right or left turn and then act as if nothing had happened. She likes to lie in wait for me, crouched down against the wall on the other side of a doorway, then swatting my ankle as I pass by. Then she races off to find another lurking spot where I might pass. It’s sort of a cat game of Tag, but I’m always It.
Now, with a cup of coffee in place, I can think clearly and I wish I could go back to the survey. I wonder how many of the data are similarly effected. And phone surveys? I would probably tell them anything just to end the conversation earlier. Makes you wonder about the results of all surveys.
I can’t see it, but I can hear the rain. And it looks like we will be seeing it (soon) all morning and into the evening, complete with a few thunderstorms as well.
What else is new? Well, I have begun the process of removing the odd plant that has been dominating the south east corner of our backyard. I have cut it down to about a 3 foot high stump of many branches. It didn’t seem to have a central point of origin and now it will take some effort to get it down to ground level. I think I will leave it at that point and then begin my herb garden right over the top of it. The herb garden will be elevated and that should make it more difficult for the plant to revive.
While I was removing the plant I found a huge cache of walnuts. The ground squirrels had been using the concealed spaces beneath the plant as a storage ground. I can say that I haven’t seen as many ground squirrels ever since I brought the cat home. I don’t think she has ever caught one, but her presence must make them nervous. Good for her. My presence never made them nervous, it only emboldened them.
I am prejudiced of course, but I think she’s a great cat. For me. We fall asleep together every night while watching television. And as long as the subject is food or the possibility of food, she comes when called. And she’s quirky. All good cats are. She will see something that no one else can see and suddenly race off and leap into the air, or make an abrupt right or left turn and then act as if nothing had happened. She likes to lie in wait for me, crouched down against the wall on the other side of a doorway, then swatting my ankle as I pass by. Then she races off to find another lurking spot where I might pass. It’s sort of a cat game of Tag, but I’m always It.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
R. B. Hayes
On this day in history…”On March 2, 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote. Historians note, the election wasn't fair due to the improper fraud and intimidation perpetrated from both sides. A popular phrase of the day called it an election without "a free ballot and a fair count."
To peacefully decide the results of the election, the two houses of Congress set up the Electoral Commission to investigate and decide upon the actual winner. The commission constituted of 15 members; five from the House, five from the Senate and five from the Supreme Court. Additionally, the Commission was bi-partisan consisting of 7 Democrats, 7 Republicans and a "swing" vote in Joseph P. Bradley, a Supreme Court Justice. Bradley however was a Republican at heart and thus the ruling followed party lines: 8 to 7 voted for Hayes winning in all of the contested 20 electoral votes.”
Scary, isn’t it? History doesn’t teach us anything…
To peacefully decide the results of the election, the two houses of Congress set up the Electoral Commission to investigate and decide upon the actual winner. The commission constituted of 15 members; five from the House, five from the Senate and five from the Supreme Court. Additionally, the Commission was bi-partisan consisting of 7 Democrats, 7 Republicans and a "swing" vote in Joseph P. Bradley, a Supreme Court Justice. Bradley however was a Republican at heart and thus the ruling followed party lines: 8 to 7 voted for Hayes winning in all of the contested 20 electoral votes.”
Scary, isn’t it? History doesn’t teach us anything…
A Windy Morn
Thursday has arrived, blown in with the wind. No rain yet, but the wind is definitely here. My wind chimes are ringing wildly and at this early hour that’s my only indicator for storms. It’s far too dark to be able to see the trees whipping back and forth.
What is new and exciting? Not a lot. But as I said, it’s early. And since it’s supposed to be stormy, I may do some interesting “inside” things this morning. I have my watercolor class homework to do and I’m working on my first gourd project as well. At 10, I have to attend a Friends of the Library meeting.
We went to the Ash Wednesday service last night and although it was sparsely attended, it was fruitful for us. As it is intended to be. Attending the Federated church brings us some surprises as the services are a mixture of Presbyterian and Methodist styles. Whenever we experience something new; something we have only heard about before, we assume it to be from the Methodists side. And we don’t remember a Presbyterian tradition of Ash Wednesday services? Certainly not from the PCA church, as they would have condemned it as a sign of papacy.
So the 40 days of Lent have begun…and that has to remind us of New Orleans. It must be pretty easy for the citizens of that poor city to give something up. All of the things they want, they can’t have anyway. And you don’t read a lot of headlines about the success stories in New Orleans. Are there any? In fact, you rarely see New Orleans mentioned in the news at all. New Orleans is a political time bomb for the Republicans and no one wants to mention that it is ticking. Speaking of clocks and bombs; did you know that the hurricane season is about to begin once again? June 1st is the official date; but hurricanes can’t read.
And I read that Bush’s popularity has slipped once more in the polls. Why couldn’t those people have seen this coming back in 2000? And again in 2004? Why are they just waking up now?
One of the books I’m reading, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, makes a great deal of the fact that Lincoln quite purposely selected his presidential rivals for important positions within his cabinet. He wanted smart people to advise him and he wanted people with opinions that differed from his own. Do you see the comparison? What if Bush had selected McCain as his VP?
What is new and exciting? Not a lot. But as I said, it’s early. And since it’s supposed to be stormy, I may do some interesting “inside” things this morning. I have my watercolor class homework to do and I’m working on my first gourd project as well. At 10, I have to attend a Friends of the Library meeting.
We went to the Ash Wednesday service last night and although it was sparsely attended, it was fruitful for us. As it is intended to be. Attending the Federated church brings us some surprises as the services are a mixture of Presbyterian and Methodist styles. Whenever we experience something new; something we have only heard about before, we assume it to be from the Methodists side. And we don’t remember a Presbyterian tradition of Ash Wednesday services? Certainly not from the PCA church, as they would have condemned it as a sign of papacy.
So the 40 days of Lent have begun…and that has to remind us of New Orleans. It must be pretty easy for the citizens of that poor city to give something up. All of the things they want, they can’t have anyway. And you don’t read a lot of headlines about the success stories in New Orleans. Are there any? In fact, you rarely see New Orleans mentioned in the news at all. New Orleans is a political time bomb for the Republicans and no one wants to mention that it is ticking. Speaking of clocks and bombs; did you know that the hurricane season is about to begin once again? June 1st is the official date; but hurricanes can’t read.
And I read that Bush’s popularity has slipped once more in the polls. Why couldn’t those people have seen this coming back in 2000? And again in 2004? Why are they just waking up now?
One of the books I’m reading, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, makes a great deal of the fact that Lincoln quite purposely selected his presidential rivals for important positions within his cabinet. He wanted smart people to advise him and he wanted people with opinions that differed from his own. Do you see the comparison? What if Bush had selected McCain as his VP?
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
SuspectGoods
Tactical Tee
Now if we could just get the right people to wear these...crime fighting would be a cinch!
Now if we could just get the right people to wear these...crime fighting would be a cinch!
Sad
Disaster struck this afternoon…I had taken my rolling greenhouse out into the sun, hoping to get a few hours of sunlight onto the seedlings. Since it had been so stormy for the past few days, I had kept the greenhouse tucked away in a safe corner. I unzipped the door and went to get my watering can. As I bent down to pick up the can, I heard the rattle of the greenhouse wheels as the entire structure scooted across the patio. I looked up just in time to see it fall over into the roses. A gust of wind…and all my seedlings were history. I picked through the wreckage and found a few gourd seedlings that might survive and I found 2 or 3 others? What kind? I don’t know…
Heart-Stopping Entree at Ruby Tuesday (Revised)
Sports 400 Grams of Fat!
But...they only serve what the people want. What a pity.
Sorry about the bad link I had here earlier...try this one instead.
But...they only serve what the people want. What a pity.
Sorry about the bad link I had here earlier...try this one instead.
News bits
News bits…
AP - America Online is vowing to carry out its plans to institute fees for mass senders of e-mail, despite protests from groups representing 15 million people that claim the move will stifle communications instead of merely halting spam.
Trust AOL to do the wrong thing…will subscribers finally leave AOL after this latest idiocy?
AP - Beijing is launching a campaign to stamp out widespread public spitting in an effort to clean up its image for the 2008 Olympics.
Good idea! If only we could stamp it out here as well.
Student readiness for college-level reading is at its lowest levels in more than a decade, according to results of the 2005 ACT college entrance exam, which will be officially released today at a Capitol Hill news briefing. Only 51 percent of the 2.1 million students who took the test last year were judged ready for college-level reading.
The real question is how did they make it all of the way to college before someone noticed that they couldn’t read? (Except for Dick and Jane books)
The study by the new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22 percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members (Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and Bart)., compared with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment freedoms. The five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment are freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances.
Did they ask the president? And if they did, what was his score?
The global scientific body on climate change will report soon that human activities are the only explanation for global warming.
Well, it’s about time someone agreed on it. I know it’s going to be hard for Bush to accept…Maybe if Homer told him it was true?
AP - America Online is vowing to carry out its plans to institute fees for mass senders of e-mail, despite protests from groups representing 15 million people that claim the move will stifle communications instead of merely halting spam.
Trust AOL to do the wrong thing…will subscribers finally leave AOL after this latest idiocy?
AP - Beijing is launching a campaign to stamp out widespread public spitting in an effort to clean up its image for the 2008 Olympics.
Good idea! If only we could stamp it out here as well.
Student readiness for college-level reading is at its lowest levels in more than a decade, according to results of the 2005 ACT college entrance exam, which will be officially released today at a Capitol Hill news briefing. Only 51 percent of the 2.1 million students who took the test last year were judged ready for college-level reading.
The real question is how did they make it all of the way to college before someone noticed that they couldn’t read? (Except for Dick and Jane books)
The study by the new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22 percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members (Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and Bart)., compared with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment freedoms. The five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment are freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances.
Did they ask the president? And if they did, what was his score?
The global scientific body on climate change will report soon that human activities are the only explanation for global warming.
Well, it’s about time someone agreed on it. I know it’s going to be hard for Bush to accept…Maybe if Homer told him it was true?
USATODAY
Nanotechnology's everywhere
I spotted this in the Bee this morning..."Michael Riedlinger, president of NaturalNano, says his company is working on paints with a property that could be turned on or off to block cell phone signals. It could be used in a concert hall, for instance." I love it!
I spotted this in the Bee this morning..."Michael Riedlinger, president of NaturalNano, says his company is working on paints with a property that could be turned on or off to block cell phone signals. It could be used in a concert hall, for instance." I love it!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Outsourcing anyone?
Intel launches Vietnam investment
Not really outsourcing, as Intel is simply a multi-national firm with plants everywhere in the world. Arizona, New Mexico, Massachusets, Scotland, Ireland...why not Vietnam? I had a little experience in chip plants (And Intel) before I retired and so I like to keep up with the technology...
Not really outsourcing, as Intel is simply a multi-national firm with plants everywhere in the world. Arizona, New Mexico, Massachusets, Scotland, Ireland...why not Vietnam? I had a little experience in chip plants (And Intel) before I retired and so I like to keep up with the technology...
Stormy weather
This picture doesn't do justice to the incredible blue of the sky; seen between the clouds. 
You want fries with that?
And another fascinating Friedman story was about the McDonalds restaurant in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. When you drive up to order your Big Mac and fries, you see the speaker in the outdoor menu board and are greeted by a disembodied voice, “May I take your order, please?” All is normal, except for the fact that the person asking you for your order is in Colorado Springs, Colorado; 900 miles away from you. That person has also taken your photograph along with your order and has transmitted it within a second or two to a person in the restaurant, 50 feet away from where you are. The photo is deleted as soon as your order is delivered. Believe it or not, the franchise owner (He owns 12) has found that doing it this way has cut his order to delivery time in half and added 30 orders per hour to what had been his normal output.
Outsourced!
Tuesday and it’s the last day of the month. I am awake at the usual time and I see that the rain has stopped for a little while. The wind is still with us and will continue to be blustery for most of the week. But it was the rain that was giving us a problem with our satellite connection and that was as bad as I have ever seen it.
Since it was raining yesterday, I was able to finish two books and get them off of my reading table. And of course I have a few more to replace them; Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. And The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman.
For most people, I’m sure that my reading habits are perplexing if not annoying. Normally, I will be reading 3 or more books at the same time, savoring a small amount out of each one and then putting it down. I do the same with magazines, taking quite a long time to work my way through them. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I do this because I usually read too fast. Reading a little bit at a time forces me to re-read quite often and that’s a good thing.
Last night I was reading Friedman’s book and found it to be quite fascinating (filled with facts) and so I kept reading longer than usual. In the first chapter he spends some time describing “outsourcing” and how it works in this flat world of ours. For instance, I found out that there is a growing business in the reading of x-rays. Radiologists in India are contracted to read x-rays while your own doctor is sleeping soundly at home. And there is “homesourcing”, where work-at-home moms in Utah, over 400 of them, work as reservation clerks for JetBlue Airlines. Cool.
And then I read about the city of Dalian. I had never read about it before; even the name was unfamiliar. Shame on me! But this is where Japan meets China every day in a world of commerce. And it happens to be where a large number of multi-national firms are investing. One reason for the popularity is the huge population of educated citizens. With 22 universities and over 200,000 students, they are in a good position to attract even more of the world’s business.
We ignore these facts at our own peril.
Since it was raining yesterday, I was able to finish two books and get them off of my reading table. And of course I have a few more to replace them; Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. And The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman.
For most people, I’m sure that my reading habits are perplexing if not annoying. Normally, I will be reading 3 or more books at the same time, savoring a small amount out of each one and then putting it down. I do the same with magazines, taking quite a long time to work my way through them. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I do this because I usually read too fast. Reading a little bit at a time forces me to re-read quite often and that’s a good thing.
Last night I was reading Friedman’s book and found it to be quite fascinating (filled with facts) and so I kept reading longer than usual. In the first chapter he spends some time describing “outsourcing” and how it works in this flat world of ours. For instance, I found out that there is a growing business in the reading of x-rays. Radiologists in India are contracted to read x-rays while your own doctor is sleeping soundly at home. And there is “homesourcing”, where work-at-home moms in Utah, over 400 of them, work as reservation clerks for JetBlue Airlines. Cool.
And then I read about the city of Dalian. I had never read about it before; even the name was unfamiliar. Shame on me! But this is where Japan meets China every day in a world of commerce. And it happens to be where a large number of multi-national firms are investing. One reason for the popularity is the huge population of educated citizens. With 22 universities and over 200,000 students, they are in a good position to attract even more of the world’s business.
We ignore these facts at our own peril.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Rain Rain, Go Away
The rain is making it difficult to maintain a good connection with the satellite this morning and my internet connection fades in and out in tune with the degree of storm intensity. I wish we could have a broadband connection; cable or DSL, but the companies that might provide it aren’t interested in this little piece of Glenn County. Where’s the Public Utilities Commission when you need them? Oh, I forgot…we’re in a Free Market Economy and this is “good” for me. That will be my mantra for the day. I already feel so much better!
Rainy Day
Monday morning and all is fine, as long as you’re inside. Rain is the most common word in the forecast for the week, along with a mention of possible flooding. I was looking at the NOAA website yesterday and found it to be filled with a lot more information than what is provided by Yahoo Weather or the Weather Channel. Everything from wind speeds to river heights is covered. And you can zero in on local weather by clicking on their maps and getting to within a mile or two of your location. Too bad they don’t have an RSS feed so I could receive it automatically. Here’s a sample…
For: 0.6 miles north of Orland. Created: February 27, 2006 04:24:12 PSTRest of the morning: Cloudy. Low 49. Today: Rain. Probability of measurable precipitation 100 percent. Southeast wind 30 mph. High 59. Tonight: Occasional thunderstorms. Southeast wind 31 mph. Low 45.
And here is the link to the river heights.
And what else is new? I received a newsletter from Whiskey and Gunpowder the other day and found some of the writing to be quite credible…and some was simply odd. Here are some excerpts.
“I understand why people are upset that the Bush administration OK'd the sale of operation of six major American ports… to Dubai Ports World. (DPW)
After all, DPW is controlled by the United Arab Emirates, which really means our port operations are now owned by the UAE royal family. The CIA once held off on targeting Osama bin Laden because half the UAE royal family was visiting him in Afghanistan.”
That is certainly enough information to make you wonder, just what is going on? The article goes on to explain why it could be a good idea to continue to let foreign countries operate our ports (as they have for the past 30 years).
“It might actually INCREASE security. Only 5% of the shipments into America's ports are inspected now. Compare that with Hong Kong, which inspects 100% of shipments at ports. Since 24 of the 25 biggest ship terminal operators worldwide are foreign based, most of the containers sent to the United States leave terminals operated by foreign governments or companies. So if terrorists want to send a nuclear bomb via container ship into an American city, they're not waiting for the UAE to control the ports. They'll just do it anyway.
Point is, the UAE taking over control of six American ports might actually shock the do-nothings in Washington into funding a port security system with real teeth.”
The gang from Whiskey and Gunpowder are “Gold bugs” and extreme Libertarians, so you need to take it all in with a grain of salt.
For: 0.6 miles north of Orland. Created: February 27, 2006 04:24:12 PSTRest of the morning: Cloudy. Low 49. Today: Rain. Probability of measurable precipitation 100 percent. Southeast wind 30 mph. High 59. Tonight: Occasional thunderstorms. Southeast wind 31 mph. Low 45.
And here is the link to the river heights.
And what else is new? I received a newsletter from Whiskey and Gunpowder the other day and found some of the writing to be quite credible…and some was simply odd. Here are some excerpts.
“I understand why people are upset that the Bush administration OK'd the sale of operation of six major American ports… to Dubai Ports World. (DPW)
After all, DPW is controlled by the United Arab Emirates, which really means our port operations are now owned by the UAE royal family. The CIA once held off on targeting Osama bin Laden because half the UAE royal family was visiting him in Afghanistan.”
That is certainly enough information to make you wonder, just what is going on? The article goes on to explain why it could be a good idea to continue to let foreign countries operate our ports (as they have for the past 30 years).
“It might actually INCREASE security. Only 5% of the shipments into America's ports are inspected now. Compare that with Hong Kong, which inspects 100% of shipments at ports. Since 24 of the 25 biggest ship terminal operators worldwide are foreign based, most of the containers sent to the United States leave terminals operated by foreign governments or companies. So if terrorists want to send a nuclear bomb via container ship into an American city, they're not waiting for the UAE to control the ports. They'll just do it anyway.
Point is, the UAE taking over control of six American ports might actually shock the do-nothings in Washington into funding a port security system with real teeth.”
The gang from Whiskey and Gunpowder are “Gold bugs” and extreme Libertarians, so you need to take it all in with a grain of salt.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
More Winter
The storm has arrived...sort of. The rain is gentle and that's a good thing, as I was able to get my rose tonic in place before the rain started. This rain should soak it in well. And the cat is happy again this afternoon. The little people have departed and so the house is safe for her once more. But she does avoid the front room where the red party balloons have gathered in what appears to be a menacing herd.
(It feels strange to have the temperatue drop so quickly. I have changed into my cozy sweats once more and have a cup of tea in hand. And yesterday we were basking in the sunshine...)
(It feels strange to have the temperatue drop so quickly. I have changed into my cozy sweats once more and have a cup of tea in hand. And yesterday we were basking in the sunshine...)
Stormy Weather
Sunday it is, and this is supposed to be a day of change as a new storm sweeps in to Northern California. It’s hard to imagine a storm after we enjoyed such a beautiful day on Saturday. First, there was a good training walk in the park early Saturday morning; afterwards we hurried back to Orland to attend another watercolor class. I’m learning…slowly. Then, after a quick lunch we went back to Chico and spent some time walking around downtown. No destination in mind, just strolling in the sun.
This new storm comes with a weather service flood warning for areas around streams and rivers. It’s supposed to be a warm storm with snow levels near 8,000 feet or higher. Then, on Wednesday…it changes to a cold storm with snow levels falling to near the valley floors. Yes, it’s still winter.
Speaking of floods…that subject has suddenly become a hot item for politicians. The newspapers have been filled with pictures of politicians standing on or near the levees. And getting “Face Time” on the evening news while droning on about how dedicated they are to the public safety. And where have these same politicians been during the past ten, twenty, thirty, forty years of neglect? Let’s see…is 2006 an election year?
This new storm comes with a weather service flood warning for areas around streams and rivers. It’s supposed to be a warm storm with snow levels near 8,000 feet or higher. Then, on Wednesday…it changes to a cold storm with snow levels falling to near the valley floors. Yes, it’s still winter.
Speaking of floods…that subject has suddenly become a hot item for politicians. The newspapers have been filled with pictures of politicians standing on or near the levees. And getting “Face Time” on the evening news while droning on about how dedicated they are to the public safety. And where have these same politicians been during the past ten, twenty, thirty, forty years of neglect? Let’s see…is 2006 an election year?
Saturday, February 25, 2006
For Sale
I have looked at the news for this morning and all seems well…or as well as can be expected. And I just received a “virtual” tap on the shoulder from my Outlook reminder…the Bidwell Classic is only 6 days away. Will I be ready? I think so; and we’re going to do a fast lap of the park this morning, just to be sure. And we’re planning on a longer walk for tomorrow morning; a double?
Comments: The subject of American ports came up last night and it was not surprising to find that most thought that the ports had always been in the hands of U.S. businessmen; they were surprised to learn that a British company, P&O, was selling the operations to a company based in Dubai. I think most Americans would be shocked to find out how much of America is being run by the multinational corporations. America stopped being an island unto itself a long, long time ago. It’s a much smaller world and that gives us a greater responsibility; to be a good neighbor.
Comments: The subject of American ports came up last night and it was not surprising to find that most thought that the ports had always been in the hands of U.S. businessmen; they were surprised to learn that a British company, P&O, was selling the operations to a company based in Dubai. I think most Americans would be shocked to find out how much of America is being run by the multinational corporations. America stopped being an island unto itself a long, long time ago. It’s a much smaller world and that gives us a greater responsibility; to be a good neighbor.
Party On!
Saturday morning and all is well. The birthday party has come and gone. For this year. We have our guests safely bedded down in the rooms down the hall from here and I don’t hear a sound from them this morning…but it’s early. It grew quite noisy at times last night as all celebrated Laurae’s (mom’s…grandma’s) birthday…good noise. And this morning, in the dark, there are balloons everywhere, floating here and there.
I bought her an Ott light as my contribution to the celebration. That should help to illuminate her art scene. And her sewing/knitting as well. And I received a special “atta boy” for my purchase because I used a Michael’s 50%-off coupon when I purchased it! Laurae loves a bargain.
I bought her an Ott light as my contribution to the celebration. That should help to illuminate her art scene. And her sewing/knitting as well. And I received a special “atta boy” for my purchase because I used a Michael’s 50%-off coupon when I purchased it! Laurae loves a bargain.
Friday, February 24, 2006
What's new
Friday has arrived. It’s a quiet morning and I have not heard the 4 O’clock Flyer in the past few days. I’m beginning to think that my theory was correct; that the flight was somehow connected to the freezing temperatures we were experiencing.
What is new? The one thing that is on my mind is a splinter embedded in my right index finger. It is quite red and swollen, not a good sign. I need to leave it alone for awhile and see if the splinter will pop out on its own.
I did get a few things done yesterday. Odds and ends really, nothing major. I am in the process of refinishing a small end table that my daughter gave me. I added a few more strokes to my watercolor of an almond blossom. And I finished cutting out the first wooden “snowman” for Jill; that’s the reason I have a splinter! I picked some oranges and continued working on cleaning the pool. I added some of the trim (Base) and set the new/old corner cabinet in place. Then we went to town and I picked up a few items at Michaels; some metallic paint for gourds and a gold wax rub for the trim on that end table.
When I read that last paragraph again, I see a person who can’t focus! How many projects do I need?
What is new? The one thing that is on my mind is a splinter embedded in my right index finger. It is quite red and swollen, not a good sign. I need to leave it alone for awhile and see if the splinter will pop out on its own.
I did get a few things done yesterday. Odds and ends really, nothing major. I am in the process of refinishing a small end table that my daughter gave me. I added a few more strokes to my watercolor of an almond blossom. And I finished cutting out the first wooden “snowman” for Jill; that’s the reason I have a splinter! I picked some oranges and continued working on cleaning the pool. I added some of the trim (Base) and set the new/old corner cabinet in place. Then we went to town and I picked up a few items at Michaels; some metallic paint for gourds and a gold wax rub for the trim on that end table.
When I read that last paragraph again, I see a person who can’t focus! How many projects do I need?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Ahoy!
The news is filled with debate about whether or not an Arab company should manage American ports…an interesting sidebar to this would be a debate on whether or not to allow ships owned by American companies to fly foreign flags. “Flags of Convenience” are what they are called…somehow I doubt that anyone will bring up this paradox.
Stuff from the Park:
Disneyland and others
This blog has a large collection of old Disneyland/Knotts Berry Farm photos. You will need to do some digging as they aren't consecutively arranged. Go to the Other Posts to find your way around.
This blog has a large collection of old Disneyland/Knotts Berry Farm photos. You will need to do some digging as they aren't consecutively arranged. Go to the Other Posts to find your way around.
Newsvine
The latest in Cat News…It appears that Boo is doing fine after her encounter with a glue trap. The vegetable oil took the adhesive out of her fur and I didn’t need the scissors. Although she still wasn’t very happy about the whole ordeal…she seemed to think that it was my fault? and so she was snubbing me yesterday. But, last night she finally forgave me and curled up on my lap to sleep.
For the rest of the news, I’m using Newsvine quite a bit these days. It’s an interesting concept; as you can comment on a news story directly. And you can post links to other news stories. I’m not describing it very well…check it out and see for yourself.
For the rest of the news, I’m using Newsvine quite a bit these days. It’s an interesting concept; as you can comment on a news story directly. And you can post links to other news stories. I’m not describing it very well…check it out and see for yourself.
Thursday
Thursday. And it’s early…Very dark outside. Time for a cup of coffee and a glance at the news. OK, more than a glance; I will check it all out and then decide if I need more coffee to wake me. Lately, just reading the Google news alerts for Iran has been enough to keep me wide-eyed. Saves money on coffee…
I have been reading the latest issue of Sojourners magazine and found some interesting articles…and some odd bits of data. I can share the data, but you will have to read the magazine yourself. For instance; Chances that a woman will die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth: Sub-Saharan Africa – 1 in 16. Developed Countries – 1 in 2,800. And this; in 2004, one in every 31 adults was under correctional supervision (prison, jail, parole, probation) compared to one in 88 in 1980. And, the United States has the highest imprisonment rate in the world. (686 per 100,000) Wow! It sounds like we’re more dangerous than the rest of the world. Why are we afraid of terrorists? We should fear our neighbors more…
There was also a short article about Shanti Seliz and Daniel Straus, both of whom are being charged with transport of illegal aliens and conspiracy. They “conspired” to take 3 migrants to a hospital in Tucson, AZ. They belong to a group, No More Deaths, which advocates for immigration reform and provides food, water, and medical care for migrants crossing the desert. Note; they didn’t help anyone to cross the border. They simply provided basic human compassion…maximum fine for “compassion” these days is 15 years in prison and $500,000. So if you’re driving through the desert and come across someone who needs help, better check your calendar and your bank account before stopping.
I have been reading the latest issue of Sojourners magazine and found some interesting articles…and some odd bits of data. I can share the data, but you will have to read the magazine yourself. For instance; Chances that a woman will die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth: Sub-Saharan Africa – 1 in 16. Developed Countries – 1 in 2,800. And this; in 2004, one in every 31 adults was under correctional supervision (prison, jail, parole, probation) compared to one in 88 in 1980. And, the United States has the highest imprisonment rate in the world. (686 per 100,000) Wow! It sounds like we’re more dangerous than the rest of the world. Why are we afraid of terrorists? We should fear our neighbors more…
There was also a short article about Shanti Seliz and Daniel Straus, both of whom are being charged with transport of illegal aliens and conspiracy. They “conspired” to take 3 migrants to a hospital in Tucson, AZ. They belong to a group, No More Deaths, which advocates for immigration reform and provides food, water, and medical care for migrants crossing the desert. Note; they didn’t help anyone to cross the border. They simply provided basic human compassion…maximum fine for “compassion” these days is 15 years in prison and $500,000. So if you’re driving through the desert and come across someone who needs help, better check your calendar and your bank account before stopping.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Xentient Thumbnails
(Freeware)
Now this looks like the ideal tool to help you sort your huge collection of photos...and the price is right.
Now this looks like the ideal tool to help you sort your huge collection of photos...and the price is right.
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