"Ladies, if a man says he will fix it, he will. There is no need to remind him every 6 months about it."
"NASA's robot Curiosity landed on Mars. Early pictures show no signs of ESPN, beer, or porn. This makes it very clear that men are not from Mars."
Okay, that's all
the men bashing for today. So, let's turn to taxes, w2's, zombies and those @#$%&* computers.
Tax time is either one to which you look forward or try to hide under the covers.
We Florida residents are fortunate as we have no State income taxes and very forgiving real estate taxes due to the Homestead Act.
So, some of us actually do receive a nice tax gift at tax time. Some do not.
In Montana - well at least in the town of Kalispell - Public School employees
also received a suprise - but it wasn't a tax rebate. When electronic W-2s were sent to them via e-mail they showed wages at quadruple the right amounts.
Business clerk Gwyn Anderson blamed new software and improper instructions from the vendor.
Who did we blame for our mistakes before the advent of computers?
To be honest the folks in Montana seem to have become the focus of more serious issues.
We just discovered via The USA Today there was a place in Montana called "Town" - suggesting a lack of real imagination by the founders but perhaps making it easier for non-residents who got lost and stumbled upon a sign at a 3 way crossing.
Having lived on Avenue F in a Pittsburgh suburb I can empathize. One reached Avenue F via Avenue K and Avenue L - or could take the longer route of Avenue B and A. Same problem - no imagination.
My brothers and I continue our petition to change the name of Avenue F to Sullivan Way.
Anyway, the "Town" residents also received a surprise - particularly those who were tuned into TV station KRTV - a Great Falls affiliate and it's CW station this past Monday.
The Emergency Alert System interrupted the regular programming with news of a zombie apocalypse. The station reported that "dead bodies are rising from their graves" in several Montana counties.
The alert continued by saying the bodies were "attacking the living" and warned people not to "approach or apprehend these bodies as they are extremely dangerous."
The Montana Television Network claimed it was the work of hackers who broke into the Emergency Alert System.
But, you and I know it was those @#$%&* computers who were really to blame.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
2012 DARWIN AWARD WINNER
Occasionally, friends like Karen Sutch, will send along a topic that cries out to be included in my blog.
This time it was the announcement of the 2012 Darwin Award:
(Arkansas Democrat Gazette):
Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton patch on State Highway 38 early Monday.
Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after Midnight Monday.
Thurston Poole 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned.
The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older- model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the .22 caliber bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering wheel column.
Upon inserting the bullet the headlights again began to operate properly, and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White Water Bridge.
After travelling approximately 20 miles, and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged and struck Poole in the testicles.
The vehicle swerved sharply to the right, exited the pavement, and struck a tree.
Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate as intended.
Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank God we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his balls off, or we might be dead," stated Wallis.
"I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world but this is a first for me. I can't believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder.
Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Pooles wife) asked how many frogs the boys had caught and did anyone get them from the truck?
(Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did in fact effectively remove himself from the gene pool.)
OK, admittedly I did not check this out on any fact finding resource but I will offer something I recently did read in Wednesday's USA Today:
Connecticut - Bridgepoint: "City officials have placed a security guard on paid leave for allegedly waving a toy gun at co-workers in the cafeteria of the city's Health Department. Authorities told News 12 Conneticut that April Robles pretended to shoot people earlier this month."
Question (1): Does April carry a real weapon in order to properly discharge her responsibilities as a security guard - in Connecticut?
Question (2): What sort of a security check was conducted before hiring this security guard?
Question (3): As it appears April - the security guard - is on paid leave - would it be considered a conflict of interest if she applied to be hired as an armed security guard in a Connecticut elementary school?
Question (4): Will we ever get it right?
The Darwin Award Winner program will probably always be alive and well.
Question (5): "Will we?"
This time it was the announcement of the 2012 Darwin Award:
(Arkansas Democrat Gazette):
Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton patch on State Highway 38 early Monday.
Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after Midnight Monday.
Thurston Poole 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned.
The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older- model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the .22 caliber bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering wheel column.
Upon inserting the bullet the headlights again began to operate properly, and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White Water Bridge.
After travelling approximately 20 miles, and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged and struck Poole in the testicles.
The vehicle swerved sharply to the right, exited the pavement, and struck a tree.
Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate as intended.
Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank God we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his balls off, or we might be dead," stated Wallis.
"I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world but this is a first for me. I can't believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder.
Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Pooles wife) asked how many frogs the boys had caught and did anyone get them from the truck?
(Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did in fact effectively remove himself from the gene pool.)
OK, admittedly I did not check this out on any fact finding resource but I will offer something I recently did read in Wednesday's USA Today:
Connecticut - Bridgepoint: "City officials have placed a security guard on paid leave for allegedly waving a toy gun at co-workers in the cafeteria of the city's Health Department. Authorities told News 12 Conneticut that April Robles pretended to shoot people earlier this month."
Question (1): Does April carry a real weapon in order to properly discharge her responsibilities as a security guard - in Connecticut?
Question (2): What sort of a security check was conducted before hiring this security guard?
Question (3): As it appears April - the security guard - is on paid leave - would it be considered a conflict of interest if she applied to be hired as an armed security guard in a Connecticut elementary school?
Question (4): Will we ever get it right?
The Darwin Award Winner program will probably always be alive and well.
Question (5): "Will we?"
Monday, January 21, 2013
YES INDEED, I AM THE WORLDS BIGGEST @#$%^&
Last November I wrote about the disaster of accepting an unsolicited credit card from one of the most well known merchants in the country.
After receiving it - and acknowledging same by phone - shortly thereafter, I received a bill for a "$25 rewards fee". Itin a came with a pre-dunning warning that failure to pay it timely manner would result in a $35 late charge.
I had never "ever" been advised there was a charge for entering their rewards program and took an action that adequately matched my mood at the time.
Today, capitalism once again raised it's ugly head. I think i heard the sound of rattles.
I went on-line with my bank - one of the largest -and with whom I have been a loyal customer for several years.
By last count my wife and I have a good amount of accounts with them - at least enough that we have never received a request to pay for either our checking accounts or safety deposit boxes since signing on.
Now, you might say, "There's a loyal bank customer who has invested in the bank of his choice as well as fulfilling a earnest desifre to support the economy.
I say "support the economy" because I know the balances of the CD accounts as well as the miniscule interest paid by this instituion for the privilege of holding on to and using our money to further their own gains.
Despite that knowledge, today I decided to "approach the slippery slope" called banking. Let me explain.
If you have a mailbox or a television I'm sure you are being inundated with requests to accept a new credit card. the new spiel includes a promises to pay you cash back in exchange for your purchases.
You see they can do that now as the government has given this bank a lot of money in exchange for their promise to no longer defraud their customers. Appaently, the only other caveat is that no matter what record profits they may be making with this taxpayer money - they are not permitted to increase the interest rate they pay on CD's.
Most of these offers have gone directly into our shredder.
Today though - as I was about to perform my normal online banking- I paused to review my bank's most recent offer of their cash back program - in order to be able to access my accounts.
The bank offered a three tier cash return with a guarantee of $100 should I spend $500 on purchases within a certain period. Each of the tiers - offering from 1% to 3% reimbursement were in categories for which my wife and I make purchases each month in an amount that would pretty well guarantee the receipt of our $100 reimbursement plus the cash percentage feedback.
The solicitation made it clear that by answering a few simple questions - nothing out of the ordinary - and agreeing to the terms and conditions - the approval would be almost instantaneous.
I thought, "Why not? It's my bank. They certainly know me. They seem to enjoy our decision to make those 3 direct deposits to them each month. They also have never complained about our decision to maintain several accounts with them."
So, I dutifully completed the application - agreed to the terms and conditions - submitted it and awaited what I was sure would be instant approval similar to what I have experienced commensurate with our credit rating.
The response I received went something like this:"Your business is appreciated and careful consideration is being given to your request, but an instant decision cannot be provided at this time. You will receive a written request within the next 30 days with further information."
I screamed at my laptop, "What further information?" First, it was a simple solicitation that interfered with my immediate access to my on-line accounts. second, they solicited me - not the other way around. Now they have to study it?"
My pride was surely hurt.
They also offered an in chat screen that popped up - again w/o my request.
That didn't work so well either.
I immediately typed in, "Please cancel my application."
That's when the banking industry's idea of "Customer Service" uncoiled itself.
I was told they couldn't pull up my app. This was after a considerable delay in exchanged on line chat messages with someone who i believed identified herself as Axis Annie.
Annie then gave me a number I could call that would go directly to the solicitation people.
You guessed it. Despite my efforts I never spoke to someone as my request did not fit within any of their recorded prompts. I tried two of them. Both insisted on my account # - which I did not have - as I was awaiting the banks 30 day approval notice
I pressed "O" "OO" "OOO" - whatever I could think of to awaken a live person. I re-called and entered the remaining prompt choices in an attempt to speak to someone.
Much to my surprise a person answered and told me she was Eva Braun. Eva said unfortunately she could not assist me but would give me the "direct number" to the solicitation folks so i could cancel my request.
I thanked her and offered my personal blessing that all of her future children would be born naked and then excitedly I dialed the number. Again, no person - just the same three prompts with which I had wrestled with and was pinned three times.
I got clever and punched in a number that I think was 69 Or maybe 70. Anyway, someone or something answered. In my confusion I believed it to be a prompt that might have corresponded to one that asked if I was inquiring about the status of my account request.
I said I did, ignoring the fact that neither my pulse nor my breathing were even close to steady at this point.
The voice or recording then requested personal information similar to that I filled out on the on-line form It was then I heard:"You will receive a response within the next 30 days - - -"
There is a legitimate reason why I would not go out and purchase a handgun at this time in my life.
Simply put, "I AM INDEED THE WORLDS BIGGEST @#$%^&
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
WORDS THAT IMPRESS
Recently, my brother-in-law Mike Galdino sent me an e-mail that I treasure. I would like to share it with you. Mike attributes it's content to Lou Klein, an individual with whom I am not familiar.
1. Walk 10 to 30 minutes every day and smile when you
walk.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes every day. Lock
yourself in if necessary.
3. Listen to good music every day - it is true food for the
spirit.
4. When you wake up each morning say the following:
today my goal is _________________________.
5. Live the three E's : Energy - Enthusiasm - and
Empathy.
6. Play more games than last year.
7. Read more books than last year.
8. Look at the sky at least once a day and realize in what
magnificient world you live.
9. Dream more - while you are awake.
10. Eat more natural foods than manufactured ones.
11. Eat berries and nuts & drink green tea, lots of water
and a glass of wine each day (make sure to make
a toast to the bounty in your life and do it with
someone whose company you love.)
12. Try each day to make 3 people smile.
13. Eliminate disorder in your home, and your
desk and let new energy enter your life.
14. Don't waste your precious time gossiping
or regretting the past or in negative thoughts
or in worrying about things beyond your control.
Better to convert your energy in that what is
positive in the present.
15. Realize that life is a school and that you are here
to learn.Problems are life lessons from which
you learn.
16. Eat breakfast like a King - lunch like a Prince - and
dinner like a Pauper.
17. Smile and laugh more.
18. Don't miss any opportunity to hug someone you
appreciate.
19. Life is too short to waste it by hating someone.
20. Don't take yourself too seriously - no one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Just accept
that you are not in agreement and that you can
agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so you won't ruin
your present.
23. Don't compare yourself with others for always
there will greater and lesser persons than yourself.
24. Only you are in charge of your own happiness.
25. Remember that you don't always have control
over what happens - It's what you do with
the experience.
26. Learn something new every day.
27. What other people think of you is no concern to you.
28. Love your body and respect it.
29. No matter how good or bad the situation is - it will
change.
30. Your work will not take care of you when you
are sick.Your friends will. Stay on good terms
with them.
31. Get rid of everything that is not useful, beautiful,
or fun.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have everything
you will ever need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel - get up - get dressed - and be
there.
35. Have wonderful friends.
36. Call your family often and send them messages
saying that you are thinking of them.
37. Every night before going to bed, say the following:
I give thanks for ____________.
Today I succeeded in ___________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed - to be stressed.
39. Enjoy life - You only have one opportunity, make the
best of it.
40. Send this message to someone you care for.
Impressive words. I'd add only this: "What do you mean to a child when you're dead? Only whatever you put in their head."
1. Walk 10 to 30 minutes every day and smile when you
walk.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes every day. Lock
yourself in if necessary.
3. Listen to good music every day - it is true food for the
spirit.
4. When you wake up each morning say the following:
today my goal is _________________________.
5. Live the three E's : Energy - Enthusiasm - and
Empathy.
6. Play more games than last year.
7. Read more books than last year.
8. Look at the sky at least once a day and realize in what
magnificient world you live.
9. Dream more - while you are awake.
10. Eat more natural foods than manufactured ones.
11. Eat berries and nuts & drink green tea, lots of water
and a glass of wine each day (make sure to make
a toast to the bounty in your life and do it with
someone whose company you love.)
12. Try each day to make 3 people smile.
13. Eliminate disorder in your home, and your
desk and let new energy enter your life.
14. Don't waste your precious time gossiping
or regretting the past or in negative thoughts
or in worrying about things beyond your control.
Better to convert your energy in that what is
positive in the present.
15. Realize that life is a school and that you are here
to learn.Problems are life lessons from which
you learn.
16. Eat breakfast like a King - lunch like a Prince - and
dinner like a Pauper.
17. Smile and laugh more.
18. Don't miss any opportunity to hug someone you
appreciate.
19. Life is too short to waste it by hating someone.
20. Don't take yourself too seriously - no one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Just accept
that you are not in agreement and that you can
agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so you won't ruin
your present.
23. Don't compare yourself with others for always
there will greater and lesser persons than yourself.
24. Only you are in charge of your own happiness.
25. Remember that you don't always have control
over what happens - It's what you do with
the experience.
26. Learn something new every day.
27. What other people think of you is no concern to you.
28. Love your body and respect it.
29. No matter how good or bad the situation is - it will
change.
30. Your work will not take care of you when you
are sick.Your friends will. Stay on good terms
with them.
31. Get rid of everything that is not useful, beautiful,
or fun.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have everything
you will ever need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel - get up - get dressed - and be
there.
35. Have wonderful friends.
36. Call your family often and send them messages
saying that you are thinking of them.
37. Every night before going to bed, say the following:
I give thanks for ____________.
Today I succeeded in ___________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed - to be stressed.
39. Enjoy life - You only have one opportunity, make the
best of it.
40. Send this message to someone you care for.
Impressive words. I'd add only this: "What do you mean to a child when you're dead? Only whatever you put in their head."
Monday, December 31, 2012
HOWDY DOODY AND THE SHADOW
(Partially revised since late Monday evening)
The headlines scream that a resolution of the fiscal cliff has been achieved.
If on the final days of 2012 and the hopeful start of a better new year doesn't piss you off, then please read no further.
Common sense dictates that we - regardless of our party affiliation - and who are actually VOTING citizens - need to understand that we were only a pawn in a political game waged by both political parties and by the media.
One tactic - and it was a good one that helps us to remember why and who won the last election - was to put the House Republicans in a indefensible chess position.
The media were quick to jump in. They would say or write anything to convince us that we were all going to go broke if the party of the opposition ( for me it was a case of "pick one") did not compromise on their beliefs.
We need to understand (Howard Kurtz aside) that the original goal of the Press - "to inform" has been replaced by one that seeks "to foment.".
Folks, once more, Washington has used and abused us - and the media folks only expedited their goal to do so. Unless you're really into human bondage (and I think I heard one reader shout out "Who's not?" you got to think about this for a few minutes.( not the bondage stuff - the media)
Once more, - strictly to sell papers, magazines and products - we were supposed to become convinced that, as an inevitable conclusion and - in true Henny Penny style - the sky was falling.
It was hard - but not impossible - to find a responsible news source that was willing to say, "Hey, let's think about this for a minute."
Hell, many people were still recovering from the so-called Mayan death scare - also repeated over and over again by the attention starved media. ( And, when we say "people" we're not just talking about the ones now busy recycling their tin foil hats).
Could have been a disaster? You betcha. Would have been a disaster? Depends on whom you choose to believe and just how long you've been following politics.
If we were scared - and which of us was not truly concerned - as to what might happen to us - our children - and those we love - let's not forget - we were also being manipulated. Everybody - Republican and Democrat - had a finger in our pie - and something to prove.
What is apparent to all is that the resolution of the fiscal cliff is something that could easily have been avoided a long time ago.
Until we take the opportunity to determine the identity of the "individual" roadblocks to bipartisan politics - and vote them out of office - will we understand the power we could have had.
Unfortunately, during the last two elections, we did just the opposite and in many cases - voted out the few established reasonable minds that were remaining - and replaced them in the ballot box with the recalcitrance of misinformed youth.
How long are we going to allow this to continue? Maybe a better question is "How can we identify the worse of the worse?"
Is their a cottage industry for informed people who would be willing to release easy to read and understand monthly reviews of the actions of our congressional members - on both sides of the aisle? And if so, would we take the time to read those assessments?
Can we find an organization that we can trust to report responsibly just exactly who is getting the most money from special interest groups and the consequences for you and me? They are out there. They just can't get our attention.
Or would we only read what they concluded if what they had to say agreed with our preconceived beliefs. When I was younger I was a huge James Baldwin fan - despite the fact I had no desire to be either gay or black.
When the morning paper arrives - which section do you go to first? Will "Time" magazine ever get the attention you give to "Sports Illustrated"?
Think about this. If you co-mingled funds as a banker, investment broker, or insurance agent - you have a good chance of going to jail with few opportunities for visiting rights for your kids . If, as a politician, you co-mingle with your so-called "re-election funds" - we are asked go look the other way.
But, if you want to find out who is a member of the last group you have to be willing to dig in and educate yourself . Warning # 2: - it's doubtful you're going to find any of them striking a Heisman pose - but with today's political egos - nothing is guaranteed...
We did have a fraud identification organization in Congress - that caught one or two - but our politicians refused to renew it. You have to ask yourself - "why?"
If you really do not care and are willing to accept short term political solutions (like the most recent ones) that are designed only to obfuscate - nothing in this blog applies to you.
So relax - go back to the office sports and holiday engagement pools and get down to truly analyzing your Fantasy league choices.
But, if you still have some cajones - and deeply resent how some very irresponsible rich people have played with your heads - and greatly increased your financial fears - there may be a way out of repeating what just took place.
You can start by rethinking the employment of our "Oh so American" coping process - (homeostasis) that enables us to forget tragedies like Newtown - and the "financial cliff" - simply because the memories are so disturbing and impede our unrealistic search for peace and tranquility - so the mind and body take over.
This healing tool - which is so needed in dealing with personal loss - is a great asset. Unfortunately, when dealing with big picture items - other than personal loss - it inhibits our ability and willingness to do the right thing in the long run.
There is an irony here. If we just spent 10% of our life becoming better informed and vastly improved the quality of our bullshit recognition meter - we just might start to reclaim our life.
Warning: this may interfere with that life long male purpose to memorize every inconsequential sport statistic to achieve a goal of winning an argument at work - in your carpool - or a local bar. You know. The really important stuff.
There are two significant elections coming up. One is in 2014 and the
other is in 2016.
Before you wake up and realize those dates have arrived you might ask yourself the truly important question:
Why do so many of us who - day by day - seek to make informed decisions that shape the destiny of our families, continously refuse to apply those same decision making skills when it comes time to making intelligent political decisions?
Snake oil salesmen are alive and well and, trust me, you're much too bright to allow this to continue - year after year.
One more time: We are all being used.
We are perceived as merely puppets by people who were - during the election cycle - and by dint of "Supreme Wisdom" in United - willing to invest a tremendous amount of money -( some of which was their own) - to pursue the ultimate "con game" - and in doing so, satisfy their poor scary misguided egos.
And we - due to some misplaced priorities - bought into it hook, line and sinker.
Now we're dealing with the consequences
Folks, "It's Howdy Doody Time." Regardless of your party affilition - please make an "informed" choice next time
And, we're not talking about the ridiculous political ads that did a better job than "Lamont Cranston" ever could have in developing the ability to "Cloud men's minds.".
That is, unless you enjoy having someone take a bite out of your rearend.
.
The headlines scream that a resolution of the fiscal cliff has been achieved.
If on the final days of 2012 and the hopeful start of a better new year doesn't piss you off, then please read no further.
Common sense dictates that we - regardless of our party affiliation - and who are actually VOTING citizens - need to understand that we were only a pawn in a political game waged by both political parties and by the media.
One tactic - and it was a good one that helps us to remember why and who won the last election - was to put the House Republicans in a indefensible chess position.
The media were quick to jump in. They would say or write anything to convince us that we were all going to go broke if the party of the opposition ( for me it was a case of "pick one") did not compromise on their beliefs.
We need to understand (Howard Kurtz aside) that the original goal of the Press - "to inform" has been replaced by one that seeks "to foment.".
Folks, once more, Washington has used and abused us - and the media folks only expedited their goal to do so. Unless you're really into human bondage (and I think I heard one reader shout out "Who's not?" you got to think about this for a few minutes.( not the bondage stuff - the media)
Once more, - strictly to sell papers, magazines and products - we were supposed to become convinced that, as an inevitable conclusion and - in true Henny Penny style - the sky was falling.
It was hard - but not impossible - to find a responsible news source that was willing to say, "Hey, let's think about this for a minute."
Hell, many people were still recovering from the so-called Mayan death scare - also repeated over and over again by the attention starved media. ( And, when we say "people" we're not just talking about the ones now busy recycling their tin foil hats).
Could have been a disaster? You betcha. Would have been a disaster? Depends on whom you choose to believe and just how long you've been following politics.
If we were scared - and which of us was not truly concerned - as to what might happen to us - our children - and those we love - let's not forget - we were also being manipulated. Everybody - Republican and Democrat - had a finger in our pie - and something to prove.
What is apparent to all is that the resolution of the fiscal cliff is something that could easily have been avoided a long time ago.
Until we take the opportunity to determine the identity of the "individual" roadblocks to bipartisan politics - and vote them out of office - will we understand the power we could have had.
Unfortunately, during the last two elections, we did just the opposite and in many cases - voted out the few established reasonable minds that were remaining - and replaced them in the ballot box with the recalcitrance of misinformed youth.
How long are we going to allow this to continue? Maybe a better question is "How can we identify the worse of the worse?"
Is their a cottage industry for informed people who would be willing to release easy to read and understand monthly reviews of the actions of our congressional members - on both sides of the aisle? And if so, would we take the time to read those assessments?
Can we find an organization that we can trust to report responsibly just exactly who is getting the most money from special interest groups and the consequences for you and me? They are out there. They just can't get our attention.
Or would we only read what they concluded if what they had to say agreed with our preconceived beliefs. When I was younger I was a huge James Baldwin fan - despite the fact I had no desire to be either gay or black.
When the morning paper arrives - which section do you go to first? Will "Time" magazine ever get the attention you give to "Sports Illustrated"?
Think about this. If you co-mingled funds as a banker, investment broker, or insurance agent - you have a good chance of going to jail with few opportunities for visiting rights for your kids . If, as a politician, you co-mingle with your so-called "re-election funds" - we are asked go look the other way.
But, if you want to find out who is a member of the last group you have to be willing to dig in and educate yourself . Warning # 2: - it's doubtful you're going to find any of them striking a Heisman pose - but with today's political egos - nothing is guaranteed...
We did have a fraud identification organization in Congress - that caught one or two - but our politicians refused to renew it. You have to ask yourself - "why?"
If you really do not care and are willing to accept short term political solutions (like the most recent ones) that are designed only to obfuscate - nothing in this blog applies to you.
So relax - go back to the office sports and holiday engagement pools and get down to truly analyzing your Fantasy league choices.
But, if you still have some cajones - and deeply resent how some very irresponsible rich people have played with your heads - and greatly increased your financial fears - there may be a way out of repeating what just took place.
You can start by rethinking the employment of our "Oh so American" coping process - (homeostasis) that enables us to forget tragedies like Newtown - and the "financial cliff" - simply because the memories are so disturbing and impede our unrealistic search for peace and tranquility - so the mind and body take over.
This healing tool - which is so needed in dealing with personal loss - is a great asset. Unfortunately, when dealing with big picture items - other than personal loss - it inhibits our ability and willingness to do the right thing in the long run.
There is an irony here. If we just spent 10% of our life becoming better informed and vastly improved the quality of our bullshit recognition meter - we just might start to reclaim our life.
Warning: this may interfere with that life long male purpose to memorize every inconsequential sport statistic to achieve a goal of winning an argument at work - in your carpool - or a local bar. You know. The really important stuff.
There are two significant elections coming up. One is in 2014 and the
other is in 2016.
Before you wake up and realize those dates have arrived you might ask yourself the truly important question:
Why do so many of us who - day by day - seek to make informed decisions that shape the destiny of our families, continously refuse to apply those same decision making skills when it comes time to making intelligent political decisions?
Snake oil salesmen are alive and well and, trust me, you're much too bright to allow this to continue - year after year.
One more time: We are all being used.
We are perceived as merely puppets by people who were - during the election cycle - and by dint of "Supreme Wisdom" in United - willing to invest a tremendous amount of money -( some of which was their own) - to pursue the ultimate "con game" - and in doing so, satisfy their poor scary misguided egos.
And we - due to some misplaced priorities - bought into it hook, line and sinker.
Now we're dealing with the consequences
Folks, "It's Howdy Doody Time." Regardless of your party affilition - please make an "informed" choice next time
And, we're not talking about the ridiculous political ads that did a better job than "Lamont Cranston" ever could have in developing the ability to "Cloud men's minds.".
That is, unless you enjoy having someone take a bite out of your rearend.
.
End Of a Era
There are a lot of really well done year-end commentary pieces - none of them done by Mayan scholars.
Each year when this happens I feel a tinge of regret. I find for the most part I really do not want to relive the current year. In a childlike way, I'm too anxious to see how the next one is going to play out.
I guess you could call it my "Satan, Get Behind Me" approach.
I've been like that since I was a kid, and didn't even enjoy the cartoons depicting Father Time and the New Year's baby. I wasn't even a fan of the superstitions that came with the dawning of a new year.
When I was a kid Mom had a superstition that the first person to enter the house on New Year's day had to be a tall male with dark hair in order to assure us of good luck in the New Year. I was usually the one chosen.
(Mom, if you're looking down here now you'll note I have to disqualify myself once again this year. My dark hair left me about the same time as my "Barry Good Boy" personality.).
I'm not much for personal New Years resolutions. I was better at giving up sweets for Lent. As I get older I seem to have substituted my own monthly resolutions such as to quit smoking (OK so far) or lose weight (10 pounds to date .
Most of those resolutions are duely noted on one of the many calendars I still seem to have around.
Today I attempted to get a dresser drawer dismantled in order to determine what was blocking the last 5 inches of closure space.
I was suprised as I did not know we had a cat.
No seriously - PETA people - no more e-mails please.
I did discover several items which had "gone over the top" so to speak and lodged themself back there. One was a 2009 calendar.
In that years resolution collections I Johnny Inkslinger'd the date(s) when I stopped smoking and/or started a new diet.
One surprise was that my beginning diet weight amount in 2009 was not that far from the one which caused me to start a new diet about 3 weeks ago which will be recorded in my 2013 office desk calendar.
As if to confirm the fact that I was also fat in 2009, beneath the calendar were hidden several pictures from a Florida golf outing with son Bruce that year.
I'm not sure what bothered me more; that I'm wearing a unflattering white golf shirt that looks like a sheet from a twin bed but still clearly shows off all the unpleasant nuances of my fat body - or that he so accurately captured me in the middle of some really horrible golf shots.
The irony to me is that I still have a copy of a family picture that was taken up at Edinboro Lake in Northwestern Pennsylvania where our family would vacation for a week or more when I was a kid. I look to be about 13 in the picture.
Mom & Dad and my younger brothers Jim & Tom look good. Neither one of my "bros" had acquired a full beard at the time - as they were probably 9 and 6 respectively.
My dad and brothers were shirtless in the photo as that's what most males do on a lake vacation in July or August.
I'm the one in the photo who was photographed wearing a sweatshirt with the sleeves half rolled up in an attempt to hide a body so skinny you could still count my ribs under a winter jacket.
Just goes to show the wisdom behind the popular saying, "Watch what you wish for". ( I sort of "filled out" when I retired).
Hopefully, I can find a happy medium this year.
I believe there is a palm reader somewhere up the road on 70.
Perhaps she can predict where 2013 is going to take me and my so-called "blogs".
I will probably still be rating and raving about injustices I either saw or imagined, and will continue to honor my "Grover Norquist" pledge to save the planet through my musings.
(I honestly believe, with a name like that, he must have at one time been a featured character in a Beatrix Potter book - perhaps as a friend of Mrs. Tiggly-Winkle or Pigling Bland.)
Hey, "Have a Great New Year".
Each year when this happens I feel a tinge of regret. I find for the most part I really do not want to relive the current year. In a childlike way, I'm too anxious to see how the next one is going to play out.
I guess you could call it my "Satan, Get Behind Me" approach.
I've been like that since I was a kid, and didn't even enjoy the cartoons depicting Father Time and the New Year's baby. I wasn't even a fan of the superstitions that came with the dawning of a new year.
When I was a kid Mom had a superstition that the first person to enter the house on New Year's day had to be a tall male with dark hair in order to assure us of good luck in the New Year. I was usually the one chosen.
(Mom, if you're looking down here now you'll note I have to disqualify myself once again this year. My dark hair left me about the same time as my "Barry Good Boy" personality.).
I'm not much for personal New Years resolutions. I was better at giving up sweets for Lent. As I get older I seem to have substituted my own monthly resolutions such as to quit smoking (OK so far) or lose weight (10 pounds to date .
Most of those resolutions are duely noted on one of the many calendars I still seem to have around.
Today I attempted to get a dresser drawer dismantled in order to determine what was blocking the last 5 inches of closure space.
I was suprised as I did not know we had a cat.
No seriously - PETA people - no more e-mails please.
I did discover several items which had "gone over the top" so to speak and lodged themself back there. One was a 2009 calendar.
In that years resolution collections I Johnny Inkslinger'd the date(s) when I stopped smoking and/or started a new diet.
One surprise was that my beginning diet weight amount in 2009 was not that far from the one which caused me to start a new diet about 3 weeks ago which will be recorded in my 2013 office desk calendar.
As if to confirm the fact that I was also fat in 2009, beneath the calendar were hidden several pictures from a Florida golf outing with son Bruce that year.
I'm not sure what bothered me more; that I'm wearing a unflattering white golf shirt that looks like a sheet from a twin bed but still clearly shows off all the unpleasant nuances of my fat body - or that he so accurately captured me in the middle of some really horrible golf shots.
The irony to me is that I still have a copy of a family picture that was taken up at Edinboro Lake in Northwestern Pennsylvania where our family would vacation for a week or more when I was a kid. I look to be about 13 in the picture.
Mom & Dad and my younger brothers Jim & Tom look good. Neither one of my "bros" had acquired a full beard at the time - as they were probably 9 and 6 respectively.
My dad and brothers were shirtless in the photo as that's what most males do on a lake vacation in July or August.
I'm the one in the photo who was photographed wearing a sweatshirt with the sleeves half rolled up in an attempt to hide a body so skinny you could still count my ribs under a winter jacket.
Just goes to show the wisdom behind the popular saying, "Watch what you wish for". ( I sort of "filled out" when I retired).
Hopefully, I can find a happy medium this year.
I believe there is a palm reader somewhere up the road on 70.
Perhaps she can predict where 2013 is going to take me and my so-called "blogs".
I will probably still be rating and raving about injustices I either saw or imagined, and will continue to honor my "Grover Norquist" pledge to save the planet through my musings.
(I honestly believe, with a name like that, he must have at one time been a featured character in a Beatrix Potter book - perhaps as a friend of Mrs. Tiggly-Winkle or Pigling Bland.)
Hey, "Have a Great New Year".
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
A FUNNY MESSAGE?
Most of us receive E-mails that include alleged quotes or essays by everyone from General George Patton to Clarabelle The Clown.
The most recent one was allegedly written and recited by Ben Stein on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary - one of my favorite programs to tape.
I don't recall hearing this commentary - cannot verify it was ever written or presented by Mr. Stein - but admittedly, I may still have a couple programs stored.
We have a tendency to repeat or make reference to folks who we either can't stand or despise or, on a more positive note, have a view on life that matches our own.
What I share below is an example of the latter.
Previous blogs have indicated that when younger I was a very active member in a few churches, holding various offices and titles.
For clarity sake, I want to state that's no longer the case. I seldom attend church with the exception of the occasional weddings or funeral and may change that in the coming year.
My reasons are personal. I still believe in God and the excerpts I repeat from Steins alleged commentary which I edited for brevity and impact - are feelings and beliefs that I share.
"I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
In light of recent events . . . .terrorists attack, school shootings, etc .. I think it started when Madeliene Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools - and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . . . The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide) We said an expert should know what he's talking about..And (again) we said OK.
Now, we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school or workplace.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Are you laughing yet?"
The most recent one was allegedly written and recited by Ben Stein on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary - one of my favorite programs to tape.
I don't recall hearing this commentary - cannot verify it was ever written or presented by Mr. Stein - but admittedly, I may still have a couple programs stored.
We have a tendency to repeat or make reference to folks who we either can't stand or despise or, on a more positive note, have a view on life that matches our own.
What I share below is an example of the latter.
Previous blogs have indicated that when younger I was a very active member in a few churches, holding various offices and titles.
For clarity sake, I want to state that's no longer the case. I seldom attend church with the exception of the occasional weddings or funeral and may change that in the coming year.
My reasons are personal. I still believe in God and the excerpts I repeat from Steins alleged commentary which I edited for brevity and impact - are feelings and beliefs that I share.
"I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
In light of recent events . . . .terrorists attack, school shootings, etc .. I think it started when Madeliene Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools - and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . . . The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide) We said an expert should know what he's talking about..And (again) we said OK.
Now, we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school or workplace.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Are you laughing yet?"
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