The death penalty has come back into the news once more and there is renewed talk of abolishing it. But I don’t hold out much hope for that to happen. It certainly won’t happen in time to change the odd spectacle we are experiencing here in California, where an actor has become the sole judge of whether or not a person should live or die. If we take out the persons and personalities involved, “Tookie” and the “Terminator”, and simply concentrate on the fairness of the law, it really isn’t fair to either party in this spectacle. No one person should have to make that decision and on the other hand, no one should have to depend on that one person to make the “right” decision…Think about it; the case has involved judges, lawyers and juries, all trained and instructed in the law and now the irrevocable decision is in the hands of one man, an actor? This reminds me of a scene from “The Gladiator”…Thumb up? Or down?
Monday, December 12, 2005
The News Hour
Monday has arrived once again and I’m in my usual place and at the usual hour. I have been scanning all of the news feeds on my aggregator…I love that word! Aggregator. A Mark VII stainless steel aggregator with Turbo power! Now that I think about it, I have always loved the words that came from the latest technology. Bluetooth, quark, Planck length, neutrino, Bucky ball, and of course…the famous Calabi-Yau shape. What fun!
Surprising, but there’s not that much news out there? Maybe my Mark VII Aggregator needs a kick in its stainless steel rear.
I guess I can report that Christmas will be arriving on time here. The tree is now decorated and about 75% of the other decorations are in place. With a completely new look to the front room; we have to make decisions as to what goes on our new mantel. And the tree is in a different place this year, which complicated things. I will work on the entry way décor today and when that is finished, I think we’re ready.
And while we were looking for all of the important decorations (we had lost a box…?) I came across the box that held Christmas items belonging to my sister, Julie. It was great to be able to include some of them in our décor. We also found that she had saved some Christmas cards from the years 1982 and 83. Sure enough, there was our own card, a handmade item from 1983. We were living in Janesville at that time. Good memories. But isn’t that what Christmas should be? Good memories? I know…Christmas is comprised of many things; some more important than others, but memories should be right there in the top 10.
Surprising, but there’s not that much news out there? Maybe my Mark VII Aggregator needs a kick in its stainless steel rear.
I guess I can report that Christmas will be arriving on time here. The tree is now decorated and about 75% of the other decorations are in place. With a completely new look to the front room; we have to make decisions as to what goes on our new mantel. And the tree is in a different place this year, which complicated things. I will work on the entry way décor today and when that is finished, I think we’re ready.
And while we were looking for all of the important decorations (we had lost a box…?) I came across the box that held Christmas items belonging to my sister, Julie. It was great to be able to include some of them in our décor. We also found that she had saved some Christmas cards from the years 1982 and 83. Sure enough, there was our own card, a handmade item from 1983. We were living in Janesville at that time. Good memories. But isn’t that what Christmas should be? Good memories? I know…Christmas is comprised of many things; some more important than others, but memories should be right there in the top 10.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Beach erupts into violence
Who would have guessed?: Americans have a view that Aussies are always nice...and it's disturbing to see a myth shattered.
But I do wish we had a law like theirs, "offensive behaviour". Boy! I know lots of people that could be charged with that one!
But I do wish we had a law like theirs, "offensive behaviour". Boy! I know lots of people that could be charged with that one!
Another Good one
 | Thanks, Dave... You scored as Batman, the Dark Knight. As the Dark Knight of Gotham, Batman is a vigilante who deals out his own brand of justice to the criminals and corrupt of the city. He follows his own code and is often misunderstood. He has few friends or allies, but finds comfort in his cause.
Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0 created with QuizFarm.com |
Thanks, Dave...that was fun
| You are a Social Moderate (43% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (21% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
Pete McCloskey
Republican
A great article in the Bee this morning. McCloskey is thinking of running against Pombo (or Doolittle) I wish I could vote for him...or maybe he could move to Chico and run against Herger. That would be a good thing!
A great article in the Bee this morning. McCloskey is thinking of running against Pombo (or Doolittle) I wish I could vote for him...or maybe he could move to Chico and run against Herger. That would be a good thing!
Health Care
From the Los Angeles Times…
“"Consumer-driven" health plans, which typically combine a high-deductible insurance plan with a savings account, are seen by many in government and industry as a way to slow the growth of healthcare costs. With their own bucks at stake, the theory goes, wise consumers will shop for the best deals, forcing providers to keep a lid on prices and improve quality.” A good story. And as they point out in the article, “wise” is the keyword. Not that many people are wise when it comes to shopping for medical care, and especially those who need it the most. When you are faced with a medical emergency, you probably won’t be thinking about saving money, but saving a life. And without some medical knowledge, every symptom can appear to be an emergency. You need to have someone you trust, not just the best deal in town.
Footnote: Did you know that the Hippocratic Oath is no longer required of Doctors?
“"Consumer-driven" health plans, which typically combine a high-deductible insurance plan with a savings account, are seen by many in government and industry as a way to slow the growth of healthcare costs. With their own bucks at stake, the theory goes, wise consumers will shop for the best deals, forcing providers to keep a lid on prices and improve quality.” A good story. And as they point out in the article, “wise” is the keyword. Not that many people are wise when it comes to shopping for medical care, and especially those who need it the most. When you are faced with a medical emergency, you probably won’t be thinking about saving money, but saving a life. And without some medical knowledge, every symptom can appear to be an emergency. You need to have someone you trust, not just the best deal in town.
Footnote: Did you know that the Hippocratic Oath is no longer required of Doctors?
Flying
Sunday is here and it’s already the 11th day of the month. Time is flying…as it always does in December. I just snagged a half cup of coffee from the pot before it finished brewing and that will help me to gain some control over my wandering mind. Full control? Not even!
I did get a few things accomplished yesterday; I picked another large basket of mandarins from that “magic” tree that seems to never run out of fruit. But, this time, I think I can see the end…there are, maybe, 30 mandarins left on the tree. And I checked out the grapefruit; very sour! There are lots of grapefruit, but I think I need to let them wait a little longer before picking. It’s the same with the Navel oranges and the Placentia’s; I need to be patient. But once the waiting is over (January?) I will be flooded with ripe oranges from the two trees.
And we put up the outdoor Christmas lights yesterday. It’s a very simple display of white lights along the front of the house and down one pillar at the end. Last year, we were the only house with lights along this stretch of road. This year, the neighbors to the south of us joined in with lights of their own; have we started something? I have noted that his display is larger than mine, extending to some trees that run along his driveway. Is that a challenge?
Inside, I have the tree up and covered with lights and the usual garlands. We will probably finish trimming the tree today. Then I will tackle my own little display, the entry at the front door. That will require a trip to Chico to find the very unique battery that powers the remote control for the lights I use. Laurae has begun her own decorating tasks, getting all of the boxes marked “X-Mas Decorations” out from their various hiding places.
Today is the third Sunday of Advent and I’m looking forward to hearing the message from the pulpit this morning. Also, it reminds me that the great Advent messages I was receiving from the Bruderhof Community are no longer being sent. The spokeswomen sent a message last week that they were discontinuing all communication (The Daily Dig). “Dear Reader: We will no longer be publishing online, so this will be your last Daily Dig. This is only the beginning, not the end. We want to thank you for your friendship over the years, and look forward to meeting you face to face. Now the real contact can begin. We welcome you to drop by any of our communities any time to join us in our daily life and work.” They have effectively shut down their website as well. I looked at most of their websites, including the Australian and UK sites and they all have the same message. Here’s a little history of the Bruderhof…and here is another one, more detailed.
I did get a few things accomplished yesterday; I picked another large basket of mandarins from that “magic” tree that seems to never run out of fruit. But, this time, I think I can see the end…there are, maybe, 30 mandarins left on the tree. And I checked out the grapefruit; very sour! There are lots of grapefruit, but I think I need to let them wait a little longer before picking. It’s the same with the Navel oranges and the Placentia’s; I need to be patient. But once the waiting is over (January?) I will be flooded with ripe oranges from the two trees.
And we put up the outdoor Christmas lights yesterday. It’s a very simple display of white lights along the front of the house and down one pillar at the end. Last year, we were the only house with lights along this stretch of road. This year, the neighbors to the south of us joined in with lights of their own; have we started something? I have noted that his display is larger than mine, extending to some trees that run along his driveway. Is that a challenge?
Inside, I have the tree up and covered with lights and the usual garlands. We will probably finish trimming the tree today. Then I will tackle my own little display, the entry at the front door. That will require a trip to Chico to find the very unique battery that powers the remote control for the lights I use. Laurae has begun her own decorating tasks, getting all of the boxes marked “X-Mas Decorations” out from their various hiding places.
Today is the third Sunday of Advent and I’m looking forward to hearing the message from the pulpit this morning. Also, it reminds me that the great Advent messages I was receiving from the Bruderhof Community are no longer being sent. The spokeswomen sent a message last week that they were discontinuing all communication (The Daily Dig). “Dear Reader: We will no longer be publishing online, so this will be your last Daily Dig. This is only the beginning, not the end. We want to thank you for your friendship over the years, and look forward to meeting you face to face. Now the real contact can begin. We welcome you to drop by any of our communities any time to join us in our daily life and work.” They have effectively shut down their website as well. I looked at most of their websites, including the Australian and UK sites and they all have the same message. Here’s a little history of the Bruderhof…and here is another one, more detailed.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Crashed Jet Surrounded by Homes
Crashed Jet Surrounded by Homes, Questions - Los Angeles Times
I have only used Midway twice and each time I was struck by the proximity of housing to the airport...when you land, all you see are row houses and apartments. San Diego and Burbank are two other airports with "proximity problems". Sacramento? The houses keep inching closer each year as the developers clamor for more places to build.
I have only used Midway twice and each time I was struck by the proximity of housing to the airport...when you land, all you see are row houses and apartments. San Diego and Burbank are two other airports with "proximity problems". Sacramento? The houses keep inching closer each year as the developers clamor for more places to build.
Senator Lieberman
I don’t understand…
“Mr. Lieberman noted that his positions on Iraq had not changed over the years, dating from 1991, when he supported the first Persian Gulf War.”
Why would that be considered a good thing? Why would you admit that you have been blind to the facts for the past 14 years? And that you don’t intend to change your mind in any way?
“Mr. Lieberman noted that his positions on Iraq had not changed over the years, dating from 1991, when he supported the first Persian Gulf War.”
Why would that be considered a good thing? Why would you admit that you have been blind to the facts for the past 14 years? And that you don’t intend to change your mind in any way?
More Bugatti Stuff
Videos
I have been a Bugatti nut for years and though I think it's nice to see the name revived...it won't be the same as when Ettore Bugatti ran things.
The video is great and worth the effort to see. Also, photos can be downloaded from the unique Bugatti website. Caution; I found that the website opens in full screen mode and so you lose the toolbars at the top of the screen, making it difficult to return to your home page.
Another car that captured my imagination...the Pegaso.
I have been a Bugatti nut for years and though I think it's nice to see the name revived...it won't be the same as when Ettore Bugatti ran things.
The video is great and worth the effort to see. Also, photos can be downloaded from the unique Bugatti website. Caution; I found that the website opens in full screen mode and so you lose the toolbars at the top of the screen, making it difficult to return to your home page.
Another car that captured my imagination...the Pegaso.
How and Why
The Bugatti Veyron
Attention! If you did not know what I wanted for Christmas, simply click on this link and the secret will be revealed. I only want one. And can you believe it? It's made by VW!
Attention! If you did not know what I wanted for Christmas, simply click on this link and the secret will be revealed. I only want one. And can you believe it? It's made by VW!
Catalogs
I have joined the thousands (millions?) of people who are fascinated by seed catalogs at this time of year. Despite my vows to plant a very simple garden next spring, the arrival of the first seed catalog has begun to undo that plan. I have a catalog from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds in front of me (83 pages!) and each page has something to interest me. Going back as far as the late 19th century, the seed catalog was the reading material of choice for most Americans during the long and dark winters. (No light bulbs) And their catalogs didn’t come with brilliant photos to demonstrate the promise held within the seeds. But I’m sure that the flowery phrases, extolling the virtues of the seeds are pretty much the same as they were in 1890.
Here’s a sample, “Ingegnoli Gigante Liscio – Giant fruit that can grow up to 2 pounds. They are smooth, red and very tasty, having more vibrant tomato flavor than many huge tomatoes; perfect for home gardeners. This historic Italian heirloom was developed around 1900 from varieties “Ponderosa” and “Saint Louis”. It is nearly extinct in America.” Doesn’t that get to you? Here’s a chance to grow the biggest tomato in the neighborhood (maybe the biggest in the county?) and at the same time, you can be saving a plant from extinction. You can be both macho and tender all at the same time.
Here’s a sample, “Ingegnoli Gigante Liscio – Giant fruit that can grow up to 2 pounds. They are smooth, red and very tasty, having more vibrant tomato flavor than many huge tomatoes; perfect for home gardeners. This historic Italian heirloom was developed around 1900 from varieties “Ponderosa” and “Saint Louis”. It is nearly extinct in America.” Doesn’t that get to you? Here’s a chance to grow the biggest tomato in the neighborhood (maybe the biggest in the county?) and at the same time, you can be saving a plant from extinction. You can be both macho and tender all at the same time.
Friday, December 9, 2005
Good Book
Some readings from the book, A Generous Orthodoxy, by Brian McLaren. Which, by the way, is a great book. Yes, I have been reading for it some time now. Although the book is short enough (297 pp) to be read in less than a day, I have found myself reading and then re-reading. I read and then I digest. I come back a few days later and then go back a few chapters to see if I missed something…
“I write these positive words about Catholicism (and catholicity) at the end of a year (2003) when the Roman Church has been in the newspapers more for its scandals and legal settlements than for its good works and good fruit. I am not insensitive to what these scandals say about the state of the Roman Catholic Church.
But I am also not insensitive to the fact the Protestant and Orthodox churches have their own closets full of skeletons; they just haven’t been caught…I don’t consider the Catholic scandals to be “their” problem but “our” problem…
A generous orthodoxy is like that. It acknowledges that we’re all a mess. It sees in our worst failures the possibility of our deepest repentance and God’s opening for our most profound healing.”
“I write these positive words about Catholicism (and catholicity) at the end of a year (2003) when the Roman Church has been in the newspapers more for its scandals and legal settlements than for its good works and good fruit. I am not insensitive to what these scandals say about the state of the Roman Catholic Church.
But I am also not insensitive to the fact the Protestant and Orthodox churches have their own closets full of skeletons; they just haven’t been caught…I don’t consider the Catholic scandals to be “their” problem but “our” problem…
A generous orthodoxy is like that. It acknowledges that we’re all a mess. It sees in our worst failures the possibility of our deepest repentance and God’s opening for our most profound healing.”
Donna Dell
She was appointed to the job of Labor Commissioner for the State of California just a year ago and now she is leaving. Quitting. Apparently she did a great job, but the working conditions wore her down. According to her, “I can’t hire, fire, promote, demote or transfer. Those are key dimensions of what a manager does.”
Her life story is one of courage and determination, but the bureaucracy wore her down. A single mother at 18, supporting herself and her son by working as a reservation clerk at TWA. She was furloughed 6 times in 12 years and decided to become a lawyer for more security. A hit and run car accident in the 1970’s delayed her entrance to law school. With 7 spinal fractures and a broken neck, it was two years of surgery and therapy before she could begin her studies. After graduating, she worked at a San Francisco law firm and then ABM, a janitorial firm. She became an expert in employment law and human resources and that is what attracted the attention of our acting governor; he appointed her to the position of Labor Commissioner last November.
The whole story was in today’s Sacramento Bee and so it can’t be found on the Bee website today…look for it there tomorrow. It was in the Business section.
Her life story is one of courage and determination, but the bureaucracy wore her down. A single mother at 18, supporting herself and her son by working as a reservation clerk at TWA. She was furloughed 6 times in 12 years and decided to become a lawyer for more security. A hit and run car accident in the 1970’s delayed her entrance to law school. With 7 spinal fractures and a broken neck, it was two years of surgery and therapy before she could begin her studies. After graduating, she worked at a San Francisco law firm and then ABM, a janitorial firm. She became an expert in employment law and human resources and that is what attracted the attention of our acting governor; he appointed her to the position of Labor Commissioner last November.
The whole story was in today’s Sacramento Bee and so it can’t be found on the Bee website today…look for it there tomorrow. It was in the Business section.
Strangers in the Dazzling Night
A Mix of Oil and Misery
Not just another oil story...this one has plenty of human interest.
Not just another oil story...this one has plenty of human interest.
Good Morning!
Friday is here once again and I can see the stars in the eastern sky when looking out of the study window. No clouds! As I remember it, the forecast is for a sunny day today; although the temperature may not get above 60, it should be pleasant enough.
Now that I have my first cup of coffee in hand, it’s time to read the news and the first thing I see is this headline from CNN. “President Bush on Tuesday added his voice to Republican criticism of Howard Dean's statement that the United States cannot win the war in Iraq.” The story goes on to report, "I know we're going to win," Bush told reporters at the White House. "Our troops need to hear not only are they supported, but that we have got a strategy that will win."
As usual, the headlines don’t match the true story. And it would be nice to hear that our troops are supported by this administration, which they aren’t. And a strategy to win would be a nice thing to have as well. But this administration doesn’t have one of those either. Post script: There was a link to an on-line poll available on the CNN page and I took it. It seems that over 60% of those who took the poll agreed with Dean.
There was a great cartoon in the Economist the other day, showing an elephant and donkey, arguing heatedly…with their pants on fire. Says it all!
Now that I have my first cup of coffee in hand, it’s time to read the news and the first thing I see is this headline from CNN. “President Bush on Tuesday added his voice to Republican criticism of Howard Dean's statement that the United States cannot win the war in Iraq.” The story goes on to report, "I know we're going to win," Bush told reporters at the White House. "Our troops need to hear not only are they supported, but that we have got a strategy that will win."
As usual, the headlines don’t match the true story. And it would be nice to hear that our troops are supported by this administration, which they aren’t. And a strategy to win would be a nice thing to have as well. But this administration doesn’t have one of those either. Post script: There was a link to an on-line poll available on the CNN page and I took it. It seems that over 60% of those who took the poll agreed with Dean.
There was a great cartoon in the Economist the other day, showing an elephant and donkey, arguing heatedly…with their pants on fire. Says it all!
Thursday, December 8, 2005
School Days
School was the subject of our conversation the other day…and, surprise! I had an opinion on the subject. I won’t share the opinion with you, but I will share the memories I have of school. During the 1st Grade through 8th Grade, I attended school in the Manhattan Beach public school system. This was from 1946 to 1954. (And this was long before Manhattan Beach became a hot spot for the rich and famous.) Class sizes were usually 25 students. We had Art classes and we had Music classes. We had Field Trips. There was one teacher for all of this. No aides, no volunteer parents. One teacher per class. There was also a Principal, Mrs. Harriet Easley. Mrs. Easley always smiled at us and she was loved by all. Mrs. Easley had a paddle in her office, standing in the corner next to her desk. I never saw it used and I was never threatened with it. It simply existed in our consciousness.
Question: How did one teacher do all of that?
Question: How did one teacher do all of that?
Protests
force columnist Coulter to stop speech
I had no idea there were people stupider than she...?
I had no idea there were people stupider than she...?
Concert Time
Another day and another dollar, if you’re working. But I don’t have that problem this morning. Or yesterday…or tomorrow. And I slept in this morning after a great night in Chico. We went to Laxson Auditorium at the University and enjoyed a concert with Joan Baez. The Greatest Soprano of All Times. Her voice and lyrics rang true throughout the evening and we all enjoyed giving her three (3) standing ovations/curtain calls.
And I need to tell you that there hasn’t been such a wonderful audience seen in that hall for many years. All polite, good looking, well mannered, cultured and all…over 60 years of age. Yes, it was Joan’s “Geezer 05” Tour and she had attracted a whole bunch of us. Every seat was sold! And since Joan is only 3 months younger than I am, I can call it a Geezer Tour if I wish.
Thanks for the wonderful evening!
And I need to tell you that there hasn’t been such a wonderful audience seen in that hall for many years. All polite, good looking, well mannered, cultured and all…over 60 years of age. Yes, it was Joan’s “Geezer 05” Tour and she had attracted a whole bunch of us. Every seat was sold! And since Joan is only 3 months younger than I am, I can call it a Geezer Tour if I wish.
Thanks for the wonderful evening!
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Oh, W...How could you?
'Holiday' Cards Ring Hollow for Some on Bushes' List
Here they go again...the Conservative Christians rushing to the defense of God.
Here they go again...the Conservative Christians rushing to the defense of God.
Power
“BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein boycotted his own trial in Baghdad on Wednesday, causing hours of chaotic delay before the court resumed with the former Iraqi president's chair empty.”
“causing hours of chaotic delay”? I guess I don’t understand. Wouldn’t it have been quite simple to note the absence of the defendant for the record and then go on with the trial? After all, it was his decision to boycott. From what I have been reading about this trial, it appears that Mr. Hussein still has some power…
“causing hours of chaotic delay”? I guess I don’t understand. Wouldn’t it have been quite simple to note the absence of the defendant for the record and then go on with the trial? After all, it was his decision to boycott. From what I have been reading about this trial, it appears that Mr. Hussein still has some power…
Tick Tock Toys
Archives & Galleries
I think I could spend all day here...an amazing collection of images.
I think I could spend all day here...an amazing collection of images.
Candy!
Do you remember any of these?
Let's see...I was 9 years old and my allowance was 25 cents a week. And Stuarts Pharmacy had the largest candy counter in town. Decisions!
Let's see...I was 9 years old and my allowance was 25 cents a week. And Stuarts Pharmacy had the largest candy counter in town. Decisions!
Sleepy
Wednesday is here and I have slept in for some reason. I’m not against that by any means…sleep is good. Maybe it’s because I have been taking naps recently? Our new cat loves to curl up on my lap and so a nap seems like the ideal way for the two of us to pass the time together.
Well, on to a new day! I collected some headlines this morning and here they are; “Not Guilty Verdicts in Florida Terror Trial Are Setback for U.S. In a stinging defeat for federal prosecutors, a former Florida professor accused of helping lead a terrorist group that has carried out suicide bombings against Israel was acquitted on nearly half the charges against him Tuesday, and the jury deadlocked on the rest.” When the justice system works the way it’s supposed to, is it a defeat or a victory? It may be a personal setback for Joe Prosecutor, but it’s a vindication for the Rule of Law.
“AP Poll: Most Say Torture OK in Rare Cases.” WASHINGTON - Most Americans and a majority of people in Britain, France and South Korea say torturing terrorism suspects is justified at least in rare instances, according to AP-Ipsos polling. And who gets to decide which cases are the rare ones? Is anyone counting? Shouldn’t a person be judged “guilty” before being tortured? Let’s get right to the core of this…Christians can’t condone torture. Ever.
“Some Megachurches Closing for Christmas. This Christmas, no prayers will be said in several mega-churches around the country. Even though the holiday falls this year on a Sunday, when churches normally host thousands for worship, pastors are canceling services, anticipating low attendance on what they call a family day.” Hello? Just a question; what if just one person wanted to come to church…needed to come to church? Shouldn’t the doors be open?
“Military recruiters' day in court, Justices seem to back law on use of federal funds." Seems fair to me. If you choose to accept Federal money, you should have to accept the rules that come with it. But that said; it doesn’t seem fair for the Pentagon to use such a big club (money) if they have such a great product to sell. IBM and General Motors don’t use such tactics when they are calling on a college campus. I think that the Pentagon could use their money more wisely on developing better public relations, rather than spending it on lawyers. What did I just say? I used the “Pentagon”, “money” and “wisely” all in the same sentence. I must still be asleep.
Well, on to a new day! I collected some headlines this morning and here they are; “Not Guilty Verdicts in Florida Terror Trial Are Setback for U.S. In a stinging defeat for federal prosecutors, a former Florida professor accused of helping lead a terrorist group that has carried out suicide bombings against Israel was acquitted on nearly half the charges against him Tuesday, and the jury deadlocked on the rest.” When the justice system works the way it’s supposed to, is it a defeat or a victory? It may be a personal setback for Joe Prosecutor, but it’s a vindication for the Rule of Law.
“AP Poll: Most Say Torture OK in Rare Cases.” WASHINGTON - Most Americans and a majority of people in Britain, France and South Korea say torturing terrorism suspects is justified at least in rare instances, according to AP-Ipsos polling. And who gets to decide which cases are the rare ones? Is anyone counting? Shouldn’t a person be judged “guilty” before being tortured? Let’s get right to the core of this…Christians can’t condone torture. Ever.
“Some Megachurches Closing for Christmas. This Christmas, no prayers will be said in several mega-churches around the country. Even though the holiday falls this year on a Sunday, when churches normally host thousands for worship, pastors are canceling services, anticipating low attendance on what they call a family day.” Hello? Just a question; what if just one person wanted to come to church…needed to come to church? Shouldn’t the doors be open?
“Military recruiters' day in court, Justices seem to back law on use of federal funds." Seems fair to me. If you choose to accept Federal money, you should have to accept the rules that come with it. But that said; it doesn’t seem fair for the Pentagon to use such a big club (money) if they have such a great product to sell. IBM and General Motors don’t use such tactics when they are calling on a college campus. I think that the Pentagon could use their money more wisely on developing better public relations, rather than spending it on lawyers. What did I just say? I used the “Pentagon”, “money” and “wisely” all in the same sentence. I must still be asleep.
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Another One?
As I was walking this morning, I began to think about the construction site that I had just passed on the way to the park. One thought led to another and pretty soon I was thinking about creating another blog. One entitled "Working". If I remember correctly, that is also the title of a book by Studs Terkel and it was a good one. Read it if you ever get a chance...
OK, back to my blog idea...since work tends to define us; and since I still have great memories of the various jobs I have held; why not share them? Hey, blogs are free!
OK, back to my blog idea...since work tends to define us; and since I still have great memories of the various jobs I have held; why not share them? Hey, blogs are free!
What a busy morning
...But most things planned were accomplished and that’s always a good thing. I did a full 6 mile walk at the park and afterwards I went to Teaz Me for a morning snack. Then I headed to Trader Joe’s to see what I could see…
What a great store! It’s big; much bigger than I expected and bigger than the Roseville store. I have been to plenty of TJ stores and the only one I can remember being this size is the one in Indianapolis. And they have all the things I want. In fact I only bought a few things; some fish of course and some cranberry-orange relish, sausage, pasta and avocados. Since I can shop here anytime I want, I found that I didn’t have that compulsion to buy lots of stuff.
What a great store! It’s big; much bigger than I expected and bigger than the Roseville store. I have been to plenty of TJ stores and the only one I can remember being this size is the one in Indianapolis. And they have all the things I want. In fact I only bought a few things; some fish of course and some cranberry-orange relish, sausage, pasta and avocados. Since I can shop here anytime I want, I found that I didn’t have that compulsion to buy lots of stuff.
Pusillan...What?
Some headlines from today’s New York Times editorial pages…they are just opinions of course. But I love it when I get a chance to see Pusillanimity in print! And my MS Word program didn’t even blink when I typed it.
Failing on Homeland Security
Congress cares more about the chemical plant industry and its political clout than about ordinary Americans at risk in a terrorist attack.
Separate and Inequitable
The fact that Washington provides money for legal representation does not give it unlimited authority to control what lawyers say or do.
Profiles in Pusillanimity
The vote to cut food stamps and other safety-net programs for the poor was an appalling display of budget theatrics over responsible lawmaking.
Failing on Homeland Security
Congress cares more about the chemical plant industry and its political clout than about ordinary Americans at risk in a terrorist attack.
Separate and Inequitable
The fact that Washington provides money for legal representation does not give it unlimited authority to control what lawyers say or do.
Profiles in Pusillanimity
The vote to cut food stamps and other safety-net programs for the poor was an appalling display of budget theatrics over responsible lawmaking.
Condi Tours Europe
According to the news services, and I have plenty to choose from; Ms. Rice is telling a most confusing tale as she scolds the European nations. First, she says that a little torture might have helped to save the Europeans from terrorists, but those CIA prisons don’t really exist and if they did exist, we wouldn’t use them for torture. What? Now if I were a European head of state, I would want to look very hard at Ms. Rice’s track record when it comes to telling the truth…or even knowing what the truth is. In her previous life, she was a failed and disgraced Soviet “expert” with the State Department. In her new life as a “Bush Buddy”, she has spouted the administration line at all times, even after her former boss, Powell, has admitted that mistakes were made. Have you noticed that Mr. Powell is no longer newsworthy? Why is that? I have a feeling that history will not treat Ms. Rice very well at all. That’s OK, she deserves it. Hey! It’s not torture! And even if it were, it really didn’t happen.
Another Morning...
Tuesday morning and it’s a little later than usual; that’s a good thing. And I now have my first cup of coffee in front of me, ready for the moment when my brain begins to falter, or my fingers lose their places upon the keyboard. Also, it’s time for the weather forecast and I see that the day will be a sunny one, 58°, turning to cloudy and a 30% chance of rain later tonight.
That sounds like a good day for me to get in some race training; do a fast 6 mile walk in Bidwell Park and then a cup of tea afterwards at Teaz Me. Then it will be a trip to the new Trader Joe’s store to see what it looks like, minus the opening day crowd. After that I will head to Plaza school and spend a little time helping some of the students design the cover sheets for their Ag projects. In this process, I have discovered that I can gauge (somewhat) the personality type of the student by the graphic images and colors they choose and then how they choose to display those images. I have shared those discoveries with Laurae and she confirms that I’m pretty close.
I’ll be through with that by noon and then it’s time for me to do some Christmas shopping…on-line of course. Although I will probably save a little shopping for the last days; I actually enjoy going to the stores during the last week before Christmas. But, I do it at 8, when they first open and I’m out of the store by 9:30 or 10. Mission accomplished! I have found that the clerks are at their very best during those first hours, the aisles are free of crowds and the shelves are freshly stocked. But after 10, it’s no place for an INFP type and I’m in my car and headed home to recover.
That sounds like a good day for me to get in some race training; do a fast 6 mile walk in Bidwell Park and then a cup of tea afterwards at Teaz Me. Then it will be a trip to the new Trader Joe’s store to see what it looks like, minus the opening day crowd. After that I will head to Plaza school and spend a little time helping some of the students design the cover sheets for their Ag projects. In this process, I have discovered that I can gauge (somewhat) the personality type of the student by the graphic images and colors they choose and then how they choose to display those images. I have shared those discoveries with Laurae and she confirms that I’m pretty close.
I’ll be through with that by noon and then it’s time for me to do some Christmas shopping…on-line of course. Although I will probably save a little shopping for the last days; I actually enjoy going to the stores during the last week before Christmas. But, I do it at 8, when they first open and I’m out of the store by 9:30 or 10. Mission accomplished! I have found that the clerks are at their very best during those first hours, the aisles are free of crowds and the shelves are freshly stocked. But after 10, it’s no place for an INFP type and I’m in my car and headed home to recover.
Monday, December 5, 2005
It's an old one...but funny!
I spotted this joke on another web page and decided to post it...since it has been around for awhile, I am not too worried about copyrights.
New Element Found
The recent hurricanes and skyrocketing oil and gasoline prices helped to prove the existence of a new element. In early October 2005, a major research institution announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named “Governmentium.”
Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called ‘morons’ which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called ‘peons.’ Since Gv has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Gv causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second!
Gv has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay; but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming ‘isodopes.’ This characteristic of moron promotion leads most scientists to believe that Gv is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as ‘Critical Morass.’
When catalyzed with money, Gv becomes “Administratium’ (Am) - an element which radiates just as much energy as Gv, since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
New Element Found
The recent hurricanes and skyrocketing oil and gasoline prices helped to prove the existence of a new element. In early October 2005, a major research institution announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named “Governmentium.”
Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called ‘morons’ which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called ‘peons.’ Since Gv has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Gv causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second!
Gv has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay; but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming ‘isodopes.’ This characteristic of moron promotion leads most scientists to believe that Gv is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as ‘Critical Morass.’
When catalyzed with money, Gv becomes “Administratium’ (Am) - an element which radiates just as much energy as Gv, since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
The Alternative
You owe...and owe and owe
The Alternative Minimum Tax...a little gift from Richard Nixon. You remember him? The Original Compassionate Conservative from the Republican Party.
Well, it's the gift that keeps on giving "...the tax still hit 4 million taxpayers in 2005 and will affect 21.6 million next year - with an average increase in their tax bills of $2,770."
The Alternative Minimum Tax...a little gift from Richard Nixon. You remember him? The Original Compassionate Conservative from the Republican Party.
Well, it's the gift that keeps on giving "...the tax still hit 4 million taxpayers in 2005 and will affect 21.6 million next year - with an average increase in their tax bills of $2,770."
Morning Musings
I must tell you that I’m enjoying the company of our new cat. We haven’t had a pet of any kind for many years and so this is somewhat of an experiment. Cats are thought to be somewhat aloof, inscrutable and generally critical of their owners and “Boo” is no exception to that. She never comes when called and turns up her nose at what is being offered for her dinner. But she purrs like crazy when you pick her up and pet her. What is it about purring that satisfies us so? Do cats purr for themselves? or for us? Deep subject!
And on a different subject, I Googled my own name this morning. Whoa! There’s a reality check for you…unless your name is Yelniclk J. Zymurgy, you will find all sorts of people that share “your” name. And along with the name you will see a tidbit of information as to what or who these people are. I already knew about Steve Dunn, the TV news anchor in Portland and I had read of Steve Dunn, the cancer patient who wrote advice on cancer treatment. But I wasn’t prepared for all of the others! Very humbling. Don’t do this unless you are very certain of just who you are…
And on a different subject, I Googled my own name this morning. Whoa! There’s a reality check for you…unless your name is Yelniclk J. Zymurgy, you will find all sorts of people that share “your” name. And along with the name you will see a tidbit of information as to what or who these people are. I already knew about Steve Dunn, the TV news anchor in Portland and I had read of Steve Dunn, the cancer patient who wrote advice on cancer treatment. But I wasn’t prepared for all of the others! Very humbling. Don’t do this unless you are very certain of just who you are…
Alfred Delp
The Shaking Reality of AdventThe Daily Dig from Bruderhof, and once more it is certainly worthy of your attention.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Urban Legends Reference Pages:
Free 411 Calls!
I check out Snopes regularly and this one is a good one!
I check out Snopes regularly and this one is a good one!
Two Days Late...but
Trader Joe’s (in Chico) will open tomorrow and some die-hard fans will be sleeping in the (Freezing!) parking lot tonight so that they can be first into the store when it opens. Thought: two minutes after the store opens; can anyone spot the one that was “first”?
Very
Interesting. The Religious Right has a new agenda. They are all for the commercializing of Christmas. In fact they are insisting on it! Here’s a link to the whole story
“The American Family Association is leading a boycott of Target for not using the words "Merry Christmas" in its advertising. (Target denies it has an anti-Merry-Christmas policy.)
Bill O'Reilly, the Faux anchor who last year started a "Christmas Under Siege" campaign, has a chart on his Web site of stores that use the phrase "Happy Holidays," along with a poll that asks, "Will you shop at stores that do not say 'Merry Christmas'?..."
…What is less obvious, though, is that Christmas's self-proclaimed defenders are rewriting the holiday's history. They claim that the "traditional" American Christmas is under attack by what John Gibson, another Faux anchor, calls "professional atheists" and "Christian haters." But America has a complicated history with Christmas, going back to the Puritans, who despised it…
…They could not find Dec. 25 in the Bible, their sole source of religious guidance, and insisted that the date derived from Saturnalia, the Roman heathens' wintertime celebration. On their first Dec. 25 in the New World, in 1620, the Puritans worked on building projects and ostentatiously ignored the holiday. From 1659 to 1681 Massachusetts went further, making celebrating Christmas "by forbearing of labor, feasting or in any other way" a crime.”
After the Civil War, only 18 States recognized it as a holiday. It wasn’t till the early 1900’s that retailers made a connection with Christmas and Shopping. Then it became a no-holds barred competition to re-write history in favor of commercialism. The final score, Commerce 1, Religion 0.
“The American Family Association is leading a boycott of Target for not using the words "Merry Christmas" in its advertising. (Target denies it has an anti-Merry-Christmas policy.)
Bill O'Reilly, the Faux anchor who last year started a "Christmas Under Siege" campaign, has a chart on his Web site of stores that use the phrase "Happy Holidays," along with a poll that asks, "Will you shop at stores that do not say 'Merry Christmas'?..."
…What is less obvious, though, is that Christmas's self-proclaimed defenders are rewriting the holiday's history. They claim that the "traditional" American Christmas is under attack by what John Gibson, another Faux anchor, calls "professional atheists" and "Christian haters." But America has a complicated history with Christmas, going back to the Puritans, who despised it…
…They could not find Dec. 25 in the Bible, their sole source of religious guidance, and insisted that the date derived from Saturnalia, the Roman heathens' wintertime celebration. On their first Dec. 25 in the New World, in 1620, the Puritans worked on building projects and ostentatiously ignored the holiday. From 1659 to 1681 Massachusetts went further, making celebrating Christmas "by forbearing of labor, feasting or in any other way" a crime.”
After the Civil War, only 18 States recognized it as a holiday. It wasn’t till the early 1900’s that retailers made a connection with Christmas and Shopping. Then it became a no-holds barred competition to re-write history in favor of commercialism. The final score, Commerce 1, Religion 0.
Air-travel ID
Is it legal?
This is a great argument...and I would have to agree that a "law" should be published, somewhere accessible to you and me.
And this will bring up the "States Rights" issue again. I just happen to be a proponent of ridding ourselves of States as a division of government. They are an anachronism, taking up far too much of our time and money in their support.
This is a great argument...and I would have to agree that a "law" should be published, somewhere accessible to you and me.
And this will bring up the "States Rights" issue again. I just happen to be a proponent of ridding ourselves of States as a division of government. They are an anachronism, taking up far too much of our time and money in their support.
Saturday, December 3, 2005
The Zadie Smith page
Who?
I must admit that I hadn't heard of Zadie Smith before I heard her being intervierwed on NPR this morning. As it turned out, I wish the interview had gone on and on and on...but it ended before the interviewer asked any of the questions that I would have asked of her.
One of the comments she made was about "semi-colons" and how she likes to put them here and there in her work. She likes the fact that there aren't any hard and fast rules about their use...and I can tell you that I began using semi-colons about a year ago and for the same reason? I just like them! Just as some enjoy "three dot" journalism, some of us are semi-colon junkies.
And her comments on becoming a writer were valuable, very valuable!
I must admit that I hadn't heard of Zadie Smith before I heard her being intervierwed on NPR this morning. As it turned out, I wish the interview had gone on and on and on...but it ended before the interviewer asked any of the questions that I would have asked of her.
One of the comments she made was about "semi-colons" and how she likes to put them here and there in her work. She likes the fact that there aren't any hard and fast rules about their use...and I can tell you that I began using semi-colons about a year ago and for the same reason? I just like them! Just as some enjoy "three dot" journalism, some of us are semi-colon junkies.
And her comments on becoming a writer were valuable, very valuable!
Airline Security
A Waste of Cash?
Of course it is. And a waste of time. Your time. Always one of my favorite subjects and this article is short and to the point.
Question: How many terrorists have been caught at the terminal gate so far?
Of course it is. And a waste of time. Your time. Always one of my favorite subjects and this article is short and to the point.
Question: How many terrorists have been caught at the terminal gate so far?
UPI - USAID seeks to rebuild 10 Iraqi cities
Only $1.3 billion
If you were listening to Bush's speech this week, you might have thought that he had a plan for Iraq...well, he does and it involves spending a lot of money just to come up with a plan. Again.
If you were listening to Bush's speech this week, you might have thought that he had a plan for Iraq...well, he does and it involves spending a lot of money just to come up with a plan. Again.
Friday, December 2, 2005
Sambuck's coffeehouse stood up for the little guy
portland imc - 2005.11.29 Sambucks?
It's over. The great Astoria coffee war is history. I haven't been a fan of Starbucks for some time, but now I have a better reason to avoid the stores. I stopped going to the Roseville store because it was simply dirty. The coffee was fine, but the place hadn't been cleaned since it opened. And I have noted the same condition at most of their stores. Take a critical look at your local store and see if that isn't true...
It's over. The great Astoria coffee war is history. I haven't been a fan of Starbucks for some time, but now I have a better reason to avoid the stores. I stopped going to the Roseville store because it was simply dirty. The coffee was fine, but the place hadn't been cleaned since it opened. And I have noted the same condition at most of their stores. Take a critical look at your local store and see if that isn't true...
Friday...again?
Friday is here once again. The end of the week. Not that I care; after all, I’m retired! Who would have thought that I could ever be a “retired person”? An AARP member? A Golden Age’r? Well, I know that it never crossed my mind that I would actually do this retirement thing until…one day it just happened. And I’m still trying to get used to the retired life. If you don’t have a real plan for the retired life, you will find yourself going in many directions all at once as you seek some new purpose for your life…Wow! I realized that what I just described would be a perfect description of our acting governor’s life. Just scratch out “the retired” and read it again.
Anyway, enough about Arnold; back to my problem with retirement. And I have thought about it some more and I believe that having all of this freedom is bad for you. (Well, bad for me. You’re on your own.) I need direction and purpose! And I need more naps…
Anyway, enough about Arnold; back to my problem with retirement. And I have thought about it some more and I believe that having all of this freedom is bad for you. (Well, bad for me. You’re on your own.) I need direction and purpose! And I need more naps…
Stop
- Susan Kennedy!
Although I love to see the Republicans getting their shorts all in a bunch, I'm surprised that they didn't see this coming. He's an ACTOR! What did they expect?
Although I love to see the Republicans getting their shorts all in a bunch, I'm surprised that they didn't see this coming. He's an ACTOR! What did they expect?
Tis the season...
The Dangers of Advent
The author speaks of the dangers in the familiar...A "new" look at the Advent season.
The author speaks of the dangers in the familiar...A "new" look at the Advent season.
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Plaza Elementary School
Some school information
After reading the morning paper, I ran across this site and investigated the local school...you might want to try it yourself.
After reading the morning paper, I ran across this site and investigated the local school...you might want to try it yourself.
Writely - The Web Word Processor
A new idea?
I ran across this a few minutes ago while reading the news from Cnet. This might be clunky on a dial up connection, but on broadband? Maybe you can toss your "MS Word" processor away...
I ran across this a few minutes ago while reading the news from Cnet. This might be clunky on a dial up connection, but on broadband? Maybe you can toss your "MS Word" processor away...
All of the News
I’m using the news aggregator (Pluck) every day now. And I’m fine tuning it as I go, adding RSS feeds easily and removing the duplicates whenever I see them. I only wish I had tried this service earlier. I can already see that by careful planning, you can do away with newspapers and “Talking Heads” television news. Is this the future? I think it is, as the smallest news service or blogger can provide RSS feeds right now. Even very local news should soon be available. For instance, I added Orland weather to my feeds and it’s updated every few hours without my doing anything to retrieve it. I used a My Yahoo page for many years to obtain my customized news, but now I find that I don’t need to visit that page anymore; the news comes to me. But…of course you have to be a “news junkie”, like me, to enjoy it.
The Federated Mixture
We went to the annual church meeting last night; a business meeting. As members we have a responsibility to attend these meetings and I was uncertain as to how they would be conducted…having had some unpleasant memories of annual meetings from our association with the Presbyterian Church in Roseville. But, surprise! The meeting was quite enjoyable, being moderated by a most cheerful leader, the Methodist Superintendent of the Shasta District. Our Federated church is a mix of Presbyterians and Methodists, but I would say that the normally dour Presbyterians were in the minority last night. Or maybe the Presbyterians have been changed by such a close association with the more mellow Methodists? Could it be? I know that we enjoyed giving thanks to God after each and every motion was made, seconded and accepted. “Praise be to God!” And the moderator used a new (to me) parliamentary procedure, “Consensus”. He would ask if anyone stood outside of consensus; if not, we would pass the measure by a full consensus. That removed all of the possible discord from the counting of Aye’s and Nay’s.
Maybe these Methodists have something?
Maybe these Methodists have something?
Weather Report
Thursday has arrived in the midst of a major storm. The first big one of the season and the wind is blowing and the rain is falling. And I’m quite warm and snug. I love it! I can’t see outside yet, but I can certainly hear the muted roar of the wind as it passes through the tree branches, tearing at the remaining leaves in the orchard. Though I imagine that after a few more hours of this kind of wind, we won’t see many more leaves.
This house is unique for me in that it has a cement tile roof. Something that seems so solid and comforting in a storm like this. I used to worry about our old shake roof when we lived in Roseville, so this is quite pleasant…enjoying a storm!
And the fire is going in our woodstove. I just added a log and with the fire set to “low”, that log will last about two hours. I put off starting a fire until yesterday afternoon as I’m not a big fan of wood heat. I enjoy the warmth…but not the mess and expense. After eleven years of cutting, hauling, splitting and burning wood just to keep warm when we lived in Lassen County, I’m a big fan of natural gas and thermostats!
This house is unique for me in that it has a cement tile roof. Something that seems so solid and comforting in a storm like this. I used to worry about our old shake roof when we lived in Roseville, so this is quite pleasant…enjoying a storm!
And the fire is going in our woodstove. I just added a log and with the fire set to “low”, that log will last about two hours. I put off starting a fire until yesterday afternoon as I’m not a big fan of wood heat. I enjoy the warmth…but not the mess and expense. After eleven years of cutting, hauling, splitting and burning wood just to keep warm when we lived in Lassen County, I’m a big fan of natural gas and thermostats!
Good News...Bad News
The Good News...Bush Finally Has a Plan
"The bad news? It's an ill-defined muddle." An articulate article. Warning! The article was written by someone who used facts, so you may find it disturbing to read.
"The bad news? It's an ill-defined muddle." An articulate article. Warning! The article was written by someone who used facts, so you may find it disturbing to read.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Just a Sample
A sample of some ads I just spotted on a web page…
Download a Term Paper Now
We have a paper on your topic. Download the one you need now.
www.research-assistance.com
Learn a Language for Free
Free download teaches you to speak any of 11 languages in just minutes
www.byki.com
Glimpses of China
Summer program in Shanghai for high-achieving high school students
www.foundationprograms.com
So, what is the cost of “higher education” these days? I guess it’s whatever a term paper costs.
Download a Term Paper Now
We have a paper on your topic. Download the one you need now.
www.research-assistance.com
Learn a Language for Free
Free download teaches you to speak any of 11 languages in just minutes
www.byki.com
Glimpses of China
Summer program in Shanghai for high-achieving high school students
www.foundationprograms.com
So, what is the cost of “higher education” these days? I guess it’s whatever a term paper costs.
A Letter to Congress
Read "Empire of Debt"
And after you read this article, click here to visit a great websiteif you want to keep informed on things financial...
And after you read this article, click here to visit a great websiteif you want to keep informed on things financial...
A Frightening Tale...
The Martyrs of Alcatraz
A story of America from long ago...how long ago was it?
Here's some more on the subject.
A story of America from long ago...how long ago was it?
Here's some more on the subject.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Clinton Budget Well Received in the Region
From the archives
Sorry, you will need a free pass from the Times to view the page...but here's a sample, "With a muscular economy fueling projections of surpluses into the next decade, the budget President Clinton proposed today would increase Federal spending on an array of programs important to the New York region, with education, heating, defense and housing programs benefiting the most." Remember those days?
Sorry, you will need a free pass from the Times to view the page...but here's a sample, "With a muscular economy fueling projections of surpluses into the next decade, the budget President Clinton proposed today would increase Federal spending on an array of programs important to the New York region, with education, heating, defense and housing programs benefiting the most." Remember those days?
Recess
The members of Congress left Washington just before Thanksgiving and won’t be seen again until mid-December. But they left a few vital measures behind. They headed home without approving any money to help poor Americans pay their heating bills this winter. Although they had earlier agreed to allocate up to $2 billion in home heating subsidies, they failed to pass the bill that included that money when push came to shove. They also failed to come up with the additional $3 billion that is needed to cover the huge price increases in various fuels since Hurricane Katrina.
So…is it time to read the Randy Cunningham story again?
So…is it time to read the Randy Cunningham story again?
Wired News
...Blogging With a Wooden Tongue
I'm glad to see that my news aggregator has included news from Wired...always a favorite of mine, despite my hassles with their subscription department. And if you want to see a good example of the "wooden tongue" in action, visit the blogs/websites of any of our politicians. You will find that your comments are NOT invited and the whole thing reads like a press release. (Which it is)
I'm glad to see that my news aggregator has included news from Wired...always a favorite of mine, despite my hassles with their subscription department. And if you want to see a good example of the "wooden tongue" in action, visit the blogs/websites of any of our politicians. You will find that your comments are NOT invited and the whole thing reads like a press release. (Which it is)
Ex-Powell aide rips Bush
...on Iraq, detainees, and U.S. Security
Here's a report that is 5 years too late. But he's only verifying what many knew to be true and were ignored.
Here's a report that is 5 years too late. But he's only verifying what many knew to be true and were ignored.
Congressman Admits Taking Bribes
Randy! How could you?
Apparently you can't depend upon a politician to tell you the truth...I'm absolutely appalled!
Apparently you can't depend upon a politician to tell you the truth...I'm absolutely appalled!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Kalamazoo tuition
gift generates big interest
Imagine that! Just a C average gets you a full ride tuition...if you were smart enough to live in Kalamazoo.
Imagine that! Just a C average gets you a full ride tuition...if you were smart enough to live in Kalamazoo.
Bush Promotes Guest-Worker Plan, Immigration Policy
NPR
I listened to this today (You can to)...it's a good story. As usual, it's not a simple story. By creating a guest worker program, are we actually creating a servant class? We are unless we pay a living wage. What will we pay the guest worker? The only reason Americans won't do the jobs that illegals do, is because of the poor pay. And if we create a guest worker classification I would assume that it would pay better than what we are currently paying illegals. Now you would be denying Americans jobs...
I listened to this today (You can to)...it's a good story. As usual, it's not a simple story. By creating a guest worker program, are we actually creating a servant class? We are unless we pay a living wage. What will we pay the guest worker? The only reason Americans won't do the jobs that illegals do, is because of the poor pay. And if we create a guest worker classification I would assume that it would pay better than what we are currently paying illegals. Now you would be denying Americans jobs...
Bush to tackle illegal immigration
From Yahoo! News
Now we will see the administration engage in some very fancy "footwork" as they try to appear as if they want to close the borders, while at the same time they know that their Republican $$supporters$$ in the business world want their cheap labor supply to be uninterrupted.This will require more brainpower than is currently available in Congress.
Now we will see the administration engage in some very fancy "footwork" as they try to appear as if they want to close the borders, while at the same time they know that their Republican $$supporters$$ in the business world want their cheap labor supply to be uninterrupted.This will require more brainpower than is currently available in Congress.
Afraid
A scary thought…it seems that pharmaceutical companies aren’t satisfied with having the president and congress in their pockets, they want it all! So they are recruiting “pep squad” members to become sales reps…
“"Exaggerated motions, exaggerated smiles, exaggerated enthusiasm - they learn those things and they can get people to do what they want."LYNN WILLIAMSON, an adviser at the University of Kentucky, on why so many former cheerleaders are hired as sales representatives for pharmaceutical companies.”
So give me an “N”, give me an “E”, give me an “X”…Yay, Nexium!!!! Go! Go! Go!
“"Exaggerated motions, exaggerated smiles, exaggerated enthusiasm - they learn those things and they can get people to do what they want."LYNN WILLIAMSON, an adviser at the University of Kentucky, on why so many former cheerleaders are hired as sales representatives for pharmaceutical companies.”
So give me an “N”, give me an “E”, give me an “X”…Yay, Nexium!!!! Go! Go! Go!
Mission Impossible?
Just a passing thought; I was attending our study group meeting at the church last night and we were reading the lesson for the second Sunday of Advent and somehow the conversation came around to some things that Jesus said…and that is when I thought that it should be a “requirement” that all Bibles be Red Letter Versions, that is where all the words ascribed to Jesus are in red print. That way there would be no doubt as to what the Son of God told us to do…The 6th chapter of Luke is a good example. And then we could make sure that all of our representatives; local, state and federal, have a copy…Now there’s a mission project!
Balancing the Budget
The budget bill that the House Representatives recently passed included about $50 billion in spending cuts. Some of those cuts were; $5 billion in child support, $600 million in foster care and $700 million in food stamps. (This feeds children as well) But to even things up…they included at least $60 billion in tax cuts that disproportionately favor the wealthiest. After all, fair is fair!
Some other statistics. There were 119,000 children waiting to be adopted in 2003. And every year, 18,000 – 20,000 0f those children “Age out”. They turn 18 and are no longer adoptable. Or supported in any way. They are shown to the front door and asked to leave. Too bad! So sorry!
Some other statistics. There were 119,000 children waiting to be adopted in 2003. And every year, 18,000 – 20,000 0f those children “Age out”. They turn 18 and are no longer adoptable. Or supported in any way. They are shown to the front door and asked to leave. Too bad! So sorry!
Room for Christ
Room for Christ by Dorothy Day
Once again, the Daily Dig has an article worth contemplating at this early hour.
Once again, the Daily Dig has an article worth contemplating at this early hour.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
The Daily Princetonian
Here's an interesting article regarding some of Alito's choices during his time at Princeton.
Daily Princetonian
Daily Princetonian
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Shhh!
Saturday morning has arrived again and the house is sort of quiet. It has been a restless night for the twins and for their dad, whose back is giving him lots of pain. I can hear Steven (or is it Abby?) crying softly in the other bedroom and then the noise stops for awhile. Only to resume once again, just when you think they are finally asleep.
It’s time for my second cup of coffee but I’m quite aware of the fact that I will have to travel down the hall, past the children’s room to get it. And my trip will cause the motion sensor to turn on a light in the hallway. Will the twins be asleep? Or will the light let them know that I’m up and about?
OK, I’m back and apparently I disturbed no one with my travels...It has been a quiet few days for news, even with the use of the news aggregator; I haven’t found much that I want to comment on. I did find a few new blogs that I will enjoy reading and some interesting new commentaries as well.
It’s time to browse the news again and see if there isn’t something worth commenting on.
I did find an article on Richard Pombo, the Republican congressman who thinks it’s a good thing to build a new freeway from Tracy to San Jose…over land that he and his family owns. He is also in charge of the committee that oversees U.S public lands and thinks that it’s time we used (sold) those lands and made a little money on the deals. It’s not surprising that he is also involved in the real estate business. But it’s his ethics bankruptcy that scares me.
And I found another article on the Medicare fiasco. This one is written by the Wall Street Journal and demonstrates that even some conservatives can see greed as being something “bad”, every once in awhile. Although their main complaint seems to be that the Republican Medicare drug fiasco will only make it harder to fool the public in the years to come. Naturally.
And then there is an article from Slate regarding Cheney’s recent diatribes against anyone who might dare to question the Commander-in-Chief.
It’s time for my second cup of coffee but I’m quite aware of the fact that I will have to travel down the hall, past the children’s room to get it. And my trip will cause the motion sensor to turn on a light in the hallway. Will the twins be asleep? Or will the light let them know that I’m up and about?
OK, I’m back and apparently I disturbed no one with my travels...It has been a quiet few days for news, even with the use of the news aggregator; I haven’t found much that I want to comment on. I did find a few new blogs that I will enjoy reading and some interesting new commentaries as well.
It’s time to browse the news again and see if there isn’t something worth commenting on.
I did find an article on Richard Pombo, the Republican congressman who thinks it’s a good thing to build a new freeway from Tracy to San Jose…over land that he and his family owns. He is also in charge of the committee that oversees U.S public lands and thinks that it’s time we used (sold) those lands and made a little money on the deals. It’s not surprising that he is also involved in the real estate business. But it’s his ethics bankruptcy that scares me.
And I found another article on the Medicare fiasco. This one is written by the Wall Street Journal and demonstrates that even some conservatives can see greed as being something “bad”, every once in awhile. Although their main complaint seems to be that the Republican Medicare drug fiasco will only make it harder to fool the public in the years to come. Naturally.
And then there is an article from Slate regarding Cheney’s recent diatribes against anyone who might dare to question the Commander-in-Chief.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Want to Ride? Papers, Please.
This is one story that should really bother you...
http://www.papersplease.org/davis/facts.html
http://www.papersplease.org/davis/facts.html
Same Old, Same Old
Everything returns to normal…
I just read the headlines in the Sacramento Bee and one story tells of the courageous stand taken by Sacramento area school district administrators. Although they had to lose some teachers positions due to budget cuts, they were able to hold the line and no administrators lost their jobs. It’s great to read some good news once in awhile.
I just read the headlines in the Sacramento Bee and one story tells of the courageous stand taken by Sacramento area school district administrators. Although they had to lose some teachers positions due to budget cuts, they were able to hold the line and no administrators lost their jobs. It’s great to read some good news once in awhile.
Just Another Black Friday Blog
Today is Black Friday, the ultimate shopping day for millions of people. These are the people that will ultimately make or break the fortunes of American retailers. For some odd reason, whatever happens in the marketplace on this ritualized day after Thanksgiving sets the pace and drives the economy for the next 30 days, or until Christmas.
Even as I type these words in the early morning darkness, ordinary citizens are awake and priming themselves to become hunters and gatherers once more; all vestiges of civilized behavior will disappear as they charge into the shopping fray. The newspapers will then report that some people were injured when the doors opened and there will be photographs of people fighting over prime bits of merchandise.
Let me say that I don’t intend to be anywhere near a shopping center today. For the introverted, this is definitely a day to avoid shopping. For those who wish to make a statement about excess, it’s also a day to Buy Nothing… I just checked their website and they have a countdown clock; now showing less than a minute to 5, the hour that the doors will open and the hordes will descend upon the hapless clerks. Oh! The humanity…!
And speaking of Introversion versus Extroversion, my extroverted daughter brought her karaoke machine to our holiday celebration yesterday. Classic! Within an hour, the Introverts were huddled together in another part of the house. But what a great celebration it was, with lots of children, grandchildren and laughter. And nothing makes this grandfather happier than seeing his family all gathered together.
Even as I type these words in the early morning darkness, ordinary citizens are awake and priming themselves to become hunters and gatherers once more; all vestiges of civilized behavior will disappear as they charge into the shopping fray. The newspapers will then report that some people were injured when the doors opened and there will be photographs of people fighting over prime bits of merchandise.
Let me say that I don’t intend to be anywhere near a shopping center today. For the introverted, this is definitely a day to avoid shopping. For those who wish to make a statement about excess, it’s also a day to Buy Nothing… I just checked their website and they have a countdown clock; now showing less than a minute to 5, the hour that the doors will open and the hordes will descend upon the hapless clerks. Oh! The humanity…!
And speaking of Introversion versus Extroversion, my extroverted daughter brought her karaoke machine to our holiday celebration yesterday. Classic! Within an hour, the Introverts were huddled together in another part of the house. But what a great celebration it was, with lots of children, grandchildren and laughter. And nothing makes this grandfather happier than seeing his family all gathered together.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Firefighter tests turkey fryer
This is just a test!
For some reason, I thought this was an appropriate link for today...
For some reason, I thought this was an appropriate link for today...
Not exactly "News"
Ignoring data can 'help memory'
BBC NEWS
Now that I have access to all of the world's news...this is the article that I chose to show you. Go figure!
Now...is "scatterbrained" a slur, or is it praise? (I'm choosing "praise".)
Now that I have access to all of the world's news...this is the article that I chose to show you. Go figure!
Now...is "scatterbrained" a slur, or is it praise? (I'm choosing "praise".)
Thanksgiving Day
It’s Thanksgiving Day, and I am awake at a slightly later hour; and along with my coffee, I’m enjoying the fact that the house is filled with children and grandchildren. What a wonderful feeling! And more will arrive later today…making the day even better!
I’m trying to be quiet this morning as there are sleepers in most all of the rooms, including some on an air mattress in the living room. I have already heard a few noises from the room where the twins are sleeping and I imagine that they will be the first to wake. And when that happens, all of us will soon be awake! There is no hiding from those two…
It appears that the email logjam has broken. Some mail never made it, but I found about 20 messages in my inbox this morning, including some that were 24 hours old.
And along with the email, I now have a “News Aggregator” to keep me better informed. I chose Pluck (Free!) from among the many available and so far it seems like a good choice. RSS feeds are very easy to subscribe to and Pluck has a lengthy list of them to choose from. Now why didn’t I do this before? I have heard about aggregators for years, but never did any investigating. Now I see that I have been missing out on an easy method of dealing with news.
I guess I had better start looking at the news…Now, where do I begin?
I’m trying to be quiet this morning as there are sleepers in most all of the rooms, including some on an air mattress in the living room. I have already heard a few noises from the room where the twins are sleeping and I imagine that they will be the first to wake. And when that happens, all of us will soon be awake! There is no hiding from those two…
It appears that the email logjam has broken. Some mail never made it, but I found about 20 messages in my inbox this morning, including some that were 24 hours old.
And along with the email, I now have a “News Aggregator” to keep me better informed. I chose Pluck (Free!) from among the many available and so far it seems like a good choice. RSS feeds are very easy to subscribe to and Pluck has a lengthy list of them to choose from. Now why didn’t I do this before? I have heard about aggregators for years, but never did any investigating. Now I see that I have been missing out on an easy method of dealing with news.
I guess I had better start looking at the news…Now, where do I begin?
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Reliable Communication
I have decided to try something other than email to get my news. Something that will, perhaps, be more dependable; a news aggregator. After much research I have downloaded Pluck. (Yesterday) Now if I could only get it to work…there seems to be a mail delivery problem with Direcway and I’m not getting a timely delivery of mail. I expect to see about a dozen emails each morning when I sit down in our study with coffee in hand. That would be normal; this morning I had three. And one that is still missing is a verification email from Pluck. The program won’t work with out my replying to it.
Right now, the only reliable communication I have is this blog…or the phone. (How 20th century!)
Right now, the only reliable communication I have is this blog…or the phone. (How 20th century!)
Real World
News from the real world…
“More than 80 percent of manufacturers report that a moderate to severe shortage of skilled employees is hindering their ability to meet customer demands, according to a report Tuesday by the National Association of Manufacturers. Technologically sophisticated factories are struggling to find a younger generation of machinists, technicians, and engineers to replace skilled workers entering retirement, the report said.”
It’s not just the manufacturing sector that has this problem; construction jobs require skilled workers as well and they can’t be found. And this news is not likely to get better. Our high schools are simply not delivering that generation of workers needed to fill those jobs. Schools focus their energy on delivering every student to the front door of the university.
And at the same time, the schools (in California) will allow 50,000 students to leave high school this year without a diploma. They didn’t fit the “university mold” and they didn’t pass the exit exam. That’s not a failure on the part of the students, that’s a failure of our society to address the real world educational needs of all of our children.
And these 50,000 non-students won’t simply disappear, they become the unemployable and next year they will be joined by 50,000 more.
“More than 80 percent of manufacturers report that a moderate to severe shortage of skilled employees is hindering their ability to meet customer demands, according to a report Tuesday by the National Association of Manufacturers. Technologically sophisticated factories are struggling to find a younger generation of machinists, technicians, and engineers to replace skilled workers entering retirement, the report said.”
It’s not just the manufacturing sector that has this problem; construction jobs require skilled workers as well and they can’t be found. And this news is not likely to get better. Our high schools are simply not delivering that generation of workers needed to fill those jobs. Schools focus their energy on delivering every student to the front door of the university.
And at the same time, the schools (in California) will allow 50,000 students to leave high school this year without a diploma. They didn’t fit the “university mold” and they didn’t pass the exit exam. That’s not a failure on the part of the students, that’s a failure of our society to address the real world educational needs of all of our children.
And these 50,000 non-students won’t simply disappear, they become the unemployable and next year they will be joined by 50,000 more.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Anyone can write a blog
but will anyone read it?
Some handy tips...and then, the most important one of all. "Spelling and grammar count. Some in the blogging community believe that you should just let it all flow, typos and all. It's not true. Readers hate poor English and sloppy writing. And they will not hesitate to tell you so."
And since Blogger.com lets you use Word to post your blogs, there should be very few typos.
Some handy tips...and then, the most important one of all. "Spelling and grammar count. Some in the blogging community believe that you should just let it all flow, typos and all. It's not true. Readers hate poor English and sloppy writing. And they will not hesitate to tell you so."
And since Blogger.com lets you use Word to post your blogs, there should be very few typos.
Tuesday Morning Musing
Tuesday has arrived on schedule. And I have slept in this morning; always a good thing! In fact, it was a terrible dream that finally got me out of bed or I might be sleeping still. In my dream I was seated at a conference table (with others) and an auditor told me, quite sternly, “bring in all of your work on Monday.” Such a thing never happened in real life and so I suspect that that I must be feeling some residual guilt? But why? Guilt? I used to get great annual performance reviews and never had to worry about such things. I can tell you that it was a relief to wake up and remember that I was retired and the “auditor” doesn’t exist. (Or does he?)
Perhaps it’s because, at times, Laurae and I have marveled at the fact that I can be paid each month and don’t actually have to go to work for that paycheck. Having worked regularly since 1956; I suppose that might instill a sense of responsibility. Want money? You must work for it. Now I don’t…weird!
Now that we’re talking about retirement, how about a discussion on General Motors, Delphi, Delta airlines and others that say that pension requirements are driving them to bankruptcy. What I find odd about these complaints is the fact that the pensions were always an important part of a contract. Contracts are agreements between two parties. There are no contracts where both parties don’t agree on the terms. If you don’t like a contract, don’t sign it. It really is that simple. Now, the taxpayer will bail out those companies that decided to ignore that part of their contracts with labor. And in the meantime, the corporate flacks and their Republican counterparts are spreading the word that “greedy unions” have caused their problems. It’s the contract, stupid!
Perhaps it’s because, at times, Laurae and I have marveled at the fact that I can be paid each month and don’t actually have to go to work for that paycheck. Having worked regularly since 1956; I suppose that might instill a sense of responsibility. Want money? You must work for it. Now I don’t…weird!
Now that we’re talking about retirement, how about a discussion on General Motors, Delphi, Delta airlines and others that say that pension requirements are driving them to bankruptcy. What I find odd about these complaints is the fact that the pensions were always an important part of a contract. Contracts are agreements between two parties. There are no contracts where both parties don’t agree on the terms. If you don’t like a contract, don’t sign it. It really is that simple. Now, the taxpayer will bail out those companies that decided to ignore that part of their contracts with labor. And in the meantime, the corporate flacks and their Republican counterparts are spreading the word that “greedy unions” have caused their problems. It’s the contract, stupid!
Monday, November 21, 2005
SeatGuru.com
- Your Enlightened Guide to Airplane Seating
Very nice...if only I had known about this in my previous life.
Very nice...if only I had known about this in my previous life.
Cheney Lashes Out
at Bush's Iraq Critics
He still doesn't understand the truth when he sees it. And if he had actually listened to Murtha...but I digress, he doesn't listen to anyone. If it wasn't so serious, it would be laughable.
He still doesn't understand the truth when he sees it. And if he had actually listened to Murtha...but I digress, he doesn't listen to anyone. If it wasn't so serious, it would be laughable.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Download.com
Reviews and free downloads at Download.com
I had almost forgotten about this site. I used to use it back in the day...when I downloaded LOTS of stuff. And at the time there were plenty of download sites to choose from. This one has stood the test of time and still has plenty of freeware.
I was here to download an FTP client as I want to begin podcasting and the program/site I will be using requires that files be uploaded via FTP...of course I found a free client here, and that will work with my free podcast software and free podcast hosting site. How nice!
I had almost forgotten about this site. I used to use it back in the day...when I downloaded LOTS of stuff. And at the time there were plenty of download sites to choose from. This one has stood the test of time and still has plenty of freeware.
I was here to download an FTP client as I want to begin podcasting and the program/site I will be using requires that files be uploaded via FTP...of course I found a free client here, and that will work with my free podcast software and free podcast hosting site. How nice!
Batter up! Germany warned U.S
on faulty intelligence
When you're at bat, you really need to be looking out for the "curveball".
Another link... http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0402-01.htm
When you're at bat, you really need to be looking out for the "curveball".
Another link... http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0402-01.htm
Something New
What else is new? We were in Chico yesterday and saw that the new Trader Joe’s store is on track to open in a few weeks. The sign has now been installed on the outside of the building and they have been busy hiring at the site. One thing that we don’t have (yet!) is a Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer; the sales publication that previews the best of what TJ has to offer. But…you can go on-line to get one. It’s a .pdf file and you can print your very own flyer, long before the post office delivers one to you.
Slow News Day
Sunday is a very slow email day, with only a few items arriving overnight in my in-basket. If I want to know what has happened to the world outside of this house, I have to search for the information; it’s not being delivered to me. I did receive the New York Times and read an Op-Ed piece on the plans of the two political parties to sneak in some legislation vital to their common interests; one is a bill that would modify campaign financing rules and allow unlimited financing of internet campaigns. The other, not a bill, is the plan for Bush to use Recess Appointment powers to appoint new Federal Election Commissioners. He is planning on giving both parties some “reliable” members, ones that will remember just how they came to power, not like Scott Thomas, the F.E.C. Chairman. Though he is a Democrat, the Democrats want to dump him because he has been fair and impartial. In politics? What was he thinking?
And; can you imagine what the internet will look like with unlimited money being spent on political advertising? Next will be a bill to outlaw the use of spam and pop-up blocking software…!
There is another “internet”. Like a parallel universe, but we have no access to it. Only the privileged few use it, and just like the original, it’s all about data…not a pop-up in sight! We could use a good alternate internet right about now.
And; can you imagine what the internet will look like with unlimited money being spent on political advertising? Next will be a bill to outlaw the use of spam and pop-up blocking software…!
There is another “internet”. Like a parallel universe, but we have no access to it. Only the privileged few use it, and just like the original, it’s all about data…not a pop-up in sight! We could use a good alternate internet right about now.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Bush vows to 'stay in the fight'
Bush vows to 'stay in the fight' in Iraq
Words to remember..."Mission accomplished!"
Words to remember..."Mission accomplished!"
Weekend Chores
The weekend is here and Thanksgiving is close at hand. And we have already begun to shop, buying a large turkey and some of the other required Thanksgiving staples. We will wait till mid-week before buying the necessary fresh vegetables for the dinner. I heard that our granddaughter wants to make a dish for the holiday table. Great! And I will be trying out a new vegetable dish, as usual. I’m probably batting .500 on these trial dishes, but no one has died!
Although I did some of the chores on my list, I didn’t get around to burning any leaves. The pile grows higher and the leaves keep falling. But, I did get some trim painting done in the living room and I enjoyed a great walk in the park, doing the 6.33 miles in 1:17 minutes. That’s a very fast time for me and indicates that I am still fit, despite a more relaxed training routine.
My list of chores for this day needs to include the finishing of all the work in the living room. And then I need to clean up the garage again. It’s been too long since it was last neat and orderly…or was it ever? No matter; I have a new Shop-Vac and it needs to be used. And I can’t forget that I need to finish up the pomegranates and get ready to make some jelly.
It’s also time for me to get the orchard and garden chores done. I guess I don’t really understand what “retirement” means. If I did, I would practice it more often. I haven’t had a nap in months now. But don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I actually do too many things; it’s that I think about doing too many things. Procrastination just wears me out!
The news for the day? The only headlines that caught my attention were the ones for the “food fight” in the House of Representatives yesterday. I guess the few grown-ups in the House membership had left the chamber temporarily. See what happens when you leave them unattended? (“At one point in the emotional debate, Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, told of a phone call she received from a Marine colonel.
"He asked me to send Congress a message - stay the course. He also asked me to send U.S. Rep. Murtha a message - that cowards cut and run, Marines never do," Schmidt said. Murtha is a 37-year Marine veteran.
Democrats booed and shouted her down - causing the House to come to a standstill.
Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn., charged across the chamber's center aisle screaming that Republicans were making uncalled-for personal attacks. "You guys are pathetic! Pathetic!" yelled Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass.
Democrats gave Murtha a standing ovation as he entered the chamber and took his customary corner seat.”)
Although I did some of the chores on my list, I didn’t get around to burning any leaves. The pile grows higher and the leaves keep falling. But, I did get some trim painting done in the living room and I enjoyed a great walk in the park, doing the 6.33 miles in 1:17 minutes. That’s a very fast time for me and indicates that I am still fit, despite a more relaxed training routine.
My list of chores for this day needs to include the finishing of all the work in the living room. And then I need to clean up the garage again. It’s been too long since it was last neat and orderly…or was it ever? No matter; I have a new Shop-Vac and it needs to be used. And I can’t forget that I need to finish up the pomegranates and get ready to make some jelly.
It’s also time for me to get the orchard and garden chores done. I guess I don’t really understand what “retirement” means. If I did, I would practice it more often. I haven’t had a nap in months now. But don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I actually do too many things; it’s that I think about doing too many things. Procrastination just wears me out!
The news for the day? The only headlines that caught my attention were the ones for the “food fight” in the House of Representatives yesterday. I guess the few grown-ups in the House membership had left the chamber temporarily. See what happens when you leave them unattended? (“At one point in the emotional debate, Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, told of a phone call she received from a Marine colonel.
"He asked me to send Congress a message - stay the course. He also asked me to send U.S. Rep. Murtha a message - that cowards cut and run, Marines never do," Schmidt said. Murtha is a 37-year Marine veteran.
Democrats booed and shouted her down - causing the House to come to a standstill.
Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn., charged across the chamber's center aisle screaming that Republicans were making uncalled-for personal attacks. "You guys are pathetic! Pathetic!" yelled Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass.
Democrats gave Murtha a standing ovation as he entered the chamber and took his customary corner seat.”)
Friday, November 18, 2005
Happy Birthday To You!
I heard this news on the radio this morning and it got me thinking. (Danger!) Here's a Senator; 80 years old and the only thing he's noted for is attempting to use $400 million of our tax money to build some bridges in Alaska...which will probably have his name on them. The more I thought (more danger!) the more I was sure that it was age that is causing this problem. Shouldn't we leave the governing to people under the age of, lets say, 60? After all, it's more their world than it is of those who are over that age. Do you really want to "Old People" to govern you? Look what happened when Reagan did it. An economy turned to a pile of rubble while Ronny smiled for the cameras. Now don't get me wrong...the old people have a place, an important one, they should be the advisors and consultants. After all, we are wise. But, due to our age, we won't have to live with our mistakes and that is something every government official should have to do.
Think about it, mandatory retirement for all governing officials at the age of 60. They already have the best retirement plan/health plan in the world, so let's not spend a lot of time worrying about that aspect of a forced retirement!
Think about it, mandatory retirement for all governing officials at the age of 60. They already have the best retirement plan/health plan in the world, so let's not spend a lot of time worrying about that aspect of a forced retirement!
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