When I was young we had the country fair which rides of all sorts. You know a merry-go-round (carousel for those that don’t understand), a ferris wheel, and a chair plane – they weren’t big fairs but since it was all we knew they were great.
In San Francisco they recently had the Folsom Street Fair with rides of another type. Seems some of the fair goers publicly engaged in explicit sex acts (are there implicit ones?). Now even the San Francisco politicians recognized that this might be a little over the top and something needed to be done. One idea was to provide tents. Wonder how many tents they would set up.
While on the subject of sex, I was reading a newspaper in a coffee shop while waiting for my order to be ready. What caught my eye was an ad for a solar powered vibrator. I had to wonder who was targeted by that ad. Certainly people into green but more then that is it for naturist? The solar panel needs exposure to the sun so maybe the concept is dual exposure. Perhaps I can get a booth at the Folsom Fair and sell the vibes to those that like going au natural. The solar powered vibe raises numerous subjects.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Winter Clothing
While in California I stopped to get gas at a station in Pleasanton one evening. The temperature had dipped to 50 degrees so a bit chilly - I had a sweatshirt on. While pumping gas (when was the last time you "pumped" gas?) I saw this couple walk by with two dogs. What caught my attention was their dress. They had heavy winter coats on, hoods on their coats over their heads and both wore gloves.
Hazel and I looked at each other thinking "its not that cold...what wimps." I first figured they were California wimps unable to with-stand even cool temperatures. Further reflection has led me to conclude they more likely are recent immigrants to California from someplace like Minnesota.
When you've lived in a seriously cold place like Green Bay or Chicago, you learn to hoard heat. It isn't something to be squandered. Just the idea of getting cold, shivering and shaking, prompts immediate clothing escalation. The cavalier manner in which warm weather citizens greet the cold is culturally shocking.
I remember moving to Pleasanton from Chicago. It was late March and I'd go to work with temperatures in the 40's. The shop would have overhead doors wide open and I hated to leave the office and go out there until later in the morning when the sun had warmed the room to comfortable levels. Its hard to convey the psychological discomfort I experienced but I can understand the heavy coats.
Hazel and I looked at each other thinking "its not that cold...what wimps." I first figured they were California wimps unable to with-stand even cool temperatures. Further reflection has led me to conclude they more likely are recent immigrants to California from someplace like Minnesota.
When you've lived in a seriously cold place like Green Bay or Chicago, you learn to hoard heat. It isn't something to be squandered. Just the idea of getting cold, shivering and shaking, prompts immediate clothing escalation. The cavalier manner in which warm weather citizens greet the cold is culturally shocking.
I remember moving to Pleasanton from Chicago. It was late March and I'd go to work with temperatures in the 40's. The shop would have overhead doors wide open and I hated to leave the office and go out there until later in the morning when the sun had warmed the room to comfortable levels. Its hard to convey the psychological discomfort I experienced but I can understand the heavy coats.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Talk Radio
Something I seriously miss in North Carolina is KGO Talk Radio and especially Ron Owens. It is a pleasure to hear balanced discussion on issues. Sure, there are some extreme views expressed at times but Ron does a good job of keeping the discussion grounded and avoids hysterionics.
Social Driving
As I again get accustomed to driving in the bay area I am struck by the wonderful community we enjoy with frequent social intercourse. For example, "Move it, the lights changed!", "Take one or the other - make up your mind!" or "Same to you buddy!"
Monday, November 23, 2009
Travel to San Francisco - Some Obversations
I like flying out of Wilmington. A small airport is nice - you can park close to the terminal, the cost is low, and the crowd isn't. Passing through security is fast and the people are generally cordial (they might know you socially).
The flight to Atlanta was only about a third full - when did you last experience that? The flight to San Francisco was a totally different story. Delta now charges for bags. They call it an excess baggage fee - I guess they think you should have no bags. Actually that is what many tried to do by taking their luggage on the plane. I understand that if they then had to check their bag they wouldn't have to pay the $20 bag fee. So, we had a line on the gangway checking their bags - they never intended to carry them aboard, and another line trying to get off the plane because all the overhead bins were full. That in turn meant we were supposed to keep our coats and other smaller bags in our laps and theoretically under your seat. Ha!
We arrived around 11am on a flight that was 30 minutes early. I was truck again how clear the air is in the fall. The low humidity makes the air sharp and especially clear, something you rarely see in Carolina.
It took me nearly a half hour to acclimatize to driving in the bay area. There is a totally different feeling that I do not experience in other major metropolitan areas. It is sort of like driving in the Grand Prixe. Motorist know that they really have to be to be reckless and driving WAY over the limit to be nailed. That means people drive to the level of what they feel is reasonable safety - not what is written on a sign. That translates to 70 mph in the slower lanes and 75 to 80 in the faster lanes (65 mph speed limit). I see them traveling at 70+ around Raleigh but those are more likely to be the exceptions or at least the top speeders.
California has a 12% unemployment rate but that dose not seem to be the case in high tech. In fact there may be some signs of hiring in that sector. I thought I saw some suggestion in some of the freeways being a little less clogged but that was not the case at the In-N-Out Burgers - crowded as always.
Speaking of In-N-Out Burgers - they put fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King to shame.
The flight to Atlanta was only about a third full - when did you last experience that? The flight to San Francisco was a totally different story. Delta now charges for bags. They call it an excess baggage fee - I guess they think you should have no bags. Actually that is what many tried to do by taking their luggage on the plane. I understand that if they then had to check their bag they wouldn't have to pay the $20 bag fee. So, we had a line on the gangway checking their bags - they never intended to carry them aboard, and another line trying to get off the plane because all the overhead bins were full. That in turn meant we were supposed to keep our coats and other smaller bags in our laps and theoretically under your seat. Ha!
We arrived around 11am on a flight that was 30 minutes early. I was truck again how clear the air is in the fall. The low humidity makes the air sharp and especially clear, something you rarely see in Carolina.
It took me nearly a half hour to acclimatize to driving in the bay area. There is a totally different feeling that I do not experience in other major metropolitan areas. It is sort of like driving in the Grand Prixe. Motorist know that they really have to be to be reckless and driving WAY over the limit to be nailed. That means people drive to the level of what they feel is reasonable safety - not what is written on a sign. That translates to 70 mph in the slower lanes and 75 to 80 in the faster lanes (65 mph speed limit). I see them traveling at 70+ around Raleigh but those are more likely to be the exceptions or at least the top speeders.
California has a 12% unemployment rate but that dose not seem to be the case in high tech. In fact there may be some signs of hiring in that sector. I thought I saw some suggestion in some of the freeways being a little less clogged but that was not the case at the In-N-Out Burgers - crowded as always.
Speaking of In-N-Out Burgers - they put fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King to shame.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Run with the Greats
I was watching TV news last night and realized I am great. I have something in common with the rich (or used to be) and famous. I'm sure you'll all be impressed that Madoff and I have the same golf ball retriever in our bags. $29.99 at a local golf shop - but think about what we have in common - we both were fishing in waters for our balls. He just chose better waters.
Now, Madoff kept his ball retriever in a slightly more expensive bag (I'd guess $2000 to $5000) and might have played at courses slightly more expensive then I do but still, you have admit that great minds...
Now, Madoff kept his ball retriever in a slightly more expensive bag (I'd guess $2000 to $5000) and might have played at courses slightly more expensive then I do but still, you have admit that great minds...
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
The families that lost members in the 9/11 attack are divided as to whether Khalid Sheikh Mohammed should receive a trial in New York. I do not believe he should be tried under present laws. I would, instead, want congress to pass terrorist legislation delineating what an act of terrorism is and stipulating that one found guilty of terrorism can receive the death penalty by some means that includes prolonged cruel and unusual torture. If they randomly kill innocents then they should receive extraordinary punishment. They should not receive the same rights to counsel nor guarantees under our Constitution.
Yeah, I know, the argument would be that the subject wasn't really acting as a terrorist, after all, he was misguided or mentally unbalanced because he ate Fruit Loops.
Yeah, I know, the argument would be that the subject wasn't really acting as a terrorist, after all, he was misguided or mentally unbalanced because he ate Fruit Loops.
Web Cams
Aside from our wanting Josh and Pam to get their cam working so we can get a grandparents fix, web cams can show some interesting (exterior) shots such as the WECT web cam on the USS North Carolina in Wilmington. Note I am not discussing porn sites!
I was looking at the cam sponsored by the Ephraim Yacht Club in Wisconsin. I presume it showed a view of Lake Michigan which is nice to just see another part of the country. The only downside on this particular sortie was when I read about the club reminder of the Labor Day closing party. My God, I had forgotten about living in a place where the summer season ends and winter begins on Labor Day! I always got depressed in the fall when living in New York and in Chicago. I was faced with another long dreay winter.
Why did I write this blog? I donno'
I was looking at the cam sponsored by the Ephraim Yacht Club in Wisconsin. I presume it showed a view of Lake Michigan which is nice to just see another part of the country. The only downside on this particular sortie was when I read about the club reminder of the Labor Day closing party. My God, I had forgotten about living in a place where the summer season ends and winter begins on Labor Day! I always got depressed in the fall when living in New York and in Chicago. I was faced with another long dreay winter.
Why did I write this blog? I donno'
Friday, November 13, 2009
Flu Shots
Just caught a brief segment on FOX where one of their medical experts was saying they made too much of the seasonal flu early on when it wouldn't be needed until after the H1N1 vaccine. Well, if that is the case, why can't I find any here? The local hospital, clinic, drug store and county health departments have none!
Forget the swine flu (whoops, probably upset the pig farmers - got to be pc). It ain't here!
Forget the swine flu (whoops, probably upset the pig farmers - got to be pc). It ain't here!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Afghanistan Plan
The US Envoy to Afghanistan has reservations about sending more troops there. Lets hope this guy has more sense then Paul Brenner in disbanding the Iraqi army in 2003. That was a disaster.
I have to wonder about the timing of the Afghanistan envoy's (Eikenberry) caution to the president. I would think that if he had such reservations he would have already expressed them to Obama. Coming this late in the game suggests to me that he has been pressured to take this stand to bolster what Obama will do - send few relatively few troops.
I have to wonder about the timing of the Afghanistan envoy's (Eikenberry) caution to the president. I would think that if he had such reservations he would have already expressed them to Obama. Coming this late in the game suggests to me that he has been pressured to take this stand to bolster what Obama will do - send few relatively few troops.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Special Day
Its raining and I am pleased. I have been working so hard on the house lately that a rainy day is an excuse to relax a little. And, it is rewarding too. Just this morning I took the time to do a little browsing on the computer and I learned the secret to making your dog poop when you want them to.
Friday, November 06, 2009
The Latest Thought
I continue to write this blog. But it never leaves my head. The press of accomplishing a number of projects, completing online studies, and lack of immediate inspiration while at the computer have blocked my writing muse.
Having said that, I was reading an editorial in the Washington Post. It said the recent election results in upstate New York in which the conservative Palin-Limbaugh-Beck candidate Hoffman was defeated reflected a middle of the road rejection of conservative Republicans. That resonates with me, I am tired of the rabble rousing conservative noise but equally dislike the Obama Democrats. I'd be happy to shove the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity into a sealed room with Pelosi, Franks, and Reid. Throw away the key.
I've been and am seriously thinking of changing from Republican to Independent. The theatrics of Washington politics disgust me and I am of the mind to throw all the incumbents out until I see politicians working together for the common good of America.
Having said that, I was reading an editorial in the Washington Post. It said the recent election results in upstate New York in which the conservative Palin-Limbaugh-Beck candidate Hoffman was defeated reflected a middle of the road rejection of conservative Republicans. That resonates with me, I am tired of the rabble rousing conservative noise but equally dislike the Obama Democrats. I'd be happy to shove the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity into a sealed room with Pelosi, Franks, and Reid. Throw away the key.
I've been and am seriously thinking of changing from Republican to Independent. The theatrics of Washington politics disgust me and I am of the mind to throw all the incumbents out until I see politicians working together for the common good of America.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
New Business Appraoch
I was listening to a radio talk show this morning. The host was ranting about all the chancellors, vice-chancellors, assistant chancellors, etc. that Carolina has in its administration. All receiving substantial salaries of $150,000 and more. It does seem excessive on the face of it but that's not what I am writing about.
The discussion sparked another thought. If I had the money to gamble with, it would be an interesting business philosophy to pay larger salaries to the "doers" instead of the bosses. For example, if I had a cabinet shop, the highest paid employees would be the cabinet makers, not the supervisors or managers.
The concept is that if you have superior operating personnel, whether it be professors, teachers, engineers, woodworkers, electricians, etc., the need for higher level managers is reduced. When hiring you would go out and find the best and pay them a premium. Product done with exceptional quality can negate the need for as much marketing, supervision, etc. Yeah, there are holes in this but is this worse then the way we operate? Food for thought.
The discussion sparked another thought. If I had the money to gamble with, it would be an interesting business philosophy to pay larger salaries to the "doers" instead of the bosses. For example, if I had a cabinet shop, the highest paid employees would be the cabinet makers, not the supervisors or managers.
The concept is that if you have superior operating personnel, whether it be professors, teachers, engineers, woodworkers, electricians, etc., the need for higher level managers is reduced. When hiring you would go out and find the best and pay them a premium. Product done with exceptional quality can negate the need for as much marketing, supervision, etc. Yeah, there are holes in this but is this worse then the way we operate? Food for thought.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Withdrawal
It has been a week of deprivation and the pain continues. It started last Monday when a landscaper came to install a drain line in our front yard. All of our utilities pass through the yard so I hired a landscaper to install the drain, explaining to them my concerns about severing one of the lines. Sure enough, less then ten minutes after they had started our TV/Internet cable was cut. It was not repaired until the following afternoon.
We had internet use throughout Wednesday but Thursday morning we had thunderstorms which cut power to the house...twice. The second time while I was rebooting the computer. Oh well, had to go into Wilmington so left it off. When we got home in the afternoon the computer wouldn't boot. Long story short - the hard drive died.
Still down at this point awaiting repair and hopefully back in operation next week but working only from a laptop is something like using a bicycle in lieu of a car to do all your errands. Gets the job done sort of.
We had internet use throughout Wednesday but Thursday morning we had thunderstorms which cut power to the house...twice. The second time while I was rebooting the computer. Oh well, had to go into Wilmington so left it off. When we got home in the afternoon the computer wouldn't boot. Long story short - the hard drive died.
Still down at this point awaiting repair and hopefully back in operation next week but working only from a laptop is something like using a bicycle in lieu of a car to do all your errands. Gets the job done sort of.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Archie is House Trained! Whoopee!
It has actually been several weeks since we have had a toilet incident with Archie. Maybe we can now say the War on Turds is over. At times he resorted to clandestine drops but we prevailed and life is much better around here.
We now just need to tweak a couple things.
We now just need to tweak a couple things.
Not Set In My Ways
People think just because you get older that you are set in your ways. That is blatantly untrue. Even though I turned the calendar on another year, I decided this morning to do something different. I flossed my teeth in a different pattern then I have always done! And I was not over stressed. I'm so proud of myself, maybe tomorrow I'll put my left shoe on before my right.
I am open to change Obama, just let the republicans do it.
I am open to change Obama, just let the republicans do it.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Class Action Law Suit
I think we should sue the lawyers. They should be held liable for the convoluted misleading legalese they assault us on a daily basis. Maybe we can even get them jailed for assault. That would be fantastic because it would shut down Congress leading to a huge economic stimulus.
I digress, however, and returning to my proposal, whenever you sign up for a newsletter, new software, medical procedure or dog adoption, you have to sign some sort if statement that requires a lawyer to understand. We should sue all of lawyerdom on the grounds of obfuscation. We could get some of our money back and it would revolutionize those obdurate forms. Maybe then the forms would really be in plain understandable English.
It should be illegal to be required to sign a form only a lawyer that actually passed the bar would understand. You are in the emergency room with a bleeding hernia threatening your life and you are expected to sign one of those stupid forms. You say "I don't understand what this says." You are then told, hire a lawyer. Yeah, right!
I digress, however, and returning to my proposal, whenever you sign up for a newsletter, new software, medical procedure or dog adoption, you have to sign some sort if statement that requires a lawyer to understand. We should sue all of lawyerdom on the grounds of obfuscation. We could get some of our money back and it would revolutionize those obdurate forms. Maybe then the forms would really be in plain understandable English.
It should be illegal to be required to sign a form only a lawyer that actually passed the bar would understand. You are in the emergency room with a bleeding hernia threatening your life and you are expected to sign one of those stupid forms. You say "I don't understand what this says." You are then told, hire a lawyer. Yeah, right!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Colin Powell
Hurray for Powell. He has voiced a thoughtful and balanced position on Professor Gates. A position that permits both sides to reach compromise and closure to an ugly incident. He made other observations as well about Palin, Russ Limbaugh and the republican party.
His comment about the republicans resonate with me, a moderate republican. He said, "If the party is going to succeed in the future, the advice I'm giving to my Republican friends is you've got to find some way to reach out and draw moderates and independents more toward the right so that we can build a party that will win..."
I agree and it would be good it they could - fire Russ Limbaugh. He has gotten too much power and abuses it. He is a problem for the party and they need to disavow him.
His comment about the republicans resonate with me, a moderate republican. He said, "If the party is going to succeed in the future, the advice I'm giving to my Republican friends is you've got to find some way to reach out and draw moderates and independents more toward the right so that we can build a party that will win..."
I agree and it would be good it they could - fire Russ Limbaugh. He has gotten too much power and abuses it. He is a problem for the party and they need to disavow him.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Harvard Professors Arrest
There are racial charges flying around in the aftermath of the arrest of Professor Gates in Harvard. That may be the case but possibly not the way the media reports it. It had better be acknowledged that blacks are sometimes showing racial bias to condemn whites. The arresting officer wrote in his report that he asked Gates to step outside the house to which Gates responded "Why, because I'm a black man in America?"
That can well be a racial judgement against whites. To jump to the conclusion that race is involved because he was asked to step outside his home may (I stress the word may) reflect bias on the part of Gates.
There is the possible scenario that someone had indeed broken into Professor Gates home and was inside with a weapon trained on the professor or if not directly threatening the professor, the thief might be hiding somewhere on the premises. Seems like that would be good police work to ask him to come outside...
So why did a black man automatically assume the request was racial inspired if we wasn't himself racist? There is probably much more to the situation but the way the media will handle this will not reflect these comments.
That can well be a racial judgement against whites. To jump to the conclusion that race is involved because he was asked to step outside his home may (I stress the word may) reflect bias on the part of Gates.
There is the possible scenario that someone had indeed broken into Professor Gates home and was inside with a weapon trained on the professor or if not directly threatening the professor, the thief might be hiding somewhere on the premises. Seems like that would be good police work to ask him to come outside...
So why did a black man automatically assume the request was racial inspired if we wasn't himself racist? There is probably much more to the situation but the way the media will handle this will not reflect these comments.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Blogful Fate
I've noticed that most bloggers at some point, some after only post, tend to stop or decrease the rate of blog (RAB). I follow one blog and it hasn't been updated since Easter. I think the Eater Bunny did them in. I am no exception to this phenomena (if you haven't noticed).
I continue to write blogs...but in my head when driving or when walking the dogs and picking up poop. Indeed they are brilliant monologues with humor and thoughtful, intellectual content.
The bogging sites just need new technology. Some gizmo that allows us to write and publish our dogs while stooping over dog poop, cursing our fellow drivers, or simply walking down the street. If blog sites did this, social networking sites would be sure to follow. If you are concerned about your RAB, you'd be sure to spend $49.95 for that gizmo. (P.S. I'm taking early orders if you want to send me money).
Just imagine walking down the street doing an entry to Facebook - something great as are most Facebook entries - "I'm walking down the street" and maybe a passerby thinking you are talking to them says "what?" So, you say, butt out, you are not a Facebook Friend.
I continue to write blogs...but in my head when driving or when walking the dogs and picking up poop. Indeed they are brilliant monologues with humor and thoughtful, intellectual content.
The bogging sites just need new technology. Some gizmo that allows us to write and publish our dogs while stooping over dog poop, cursing our fellow drivers, or simply walking down the street. If blog sites did this, social networking sites would be sure to follow. If you are concerned about your RAB, you'd be sure to spend $49.95 for that gizmo. (P.S. I'm taking early orders if you want to send me money).
Just imagine walking down the street doing an entry to Facebook - something great as are most Facebook entries - "I'm walking down the street" and maybe a passerby thinking you are talking to them says "what?" So, you say, butt out, you are not a Facebook Friend.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Real News
I like to watch the BBC for world news. They cover more news in 10 minutes then do the networks in their 1/2 hour "newszines." Last night the BBC was reporting the DC Metro crash in which 9 people died, 76 treated for injuries. I saw the BBC report around 6:05 pm, the crash occurred slightly before 5 pm.
I thought I would get more information at 6:30 when the networks did their thing. NBC made no mention whatever, preferring to show dogs on surf boards. A check of CBS and ABC were no matter. If ABC and CBS reported on the crash they did not use it as a lead story. Perhaps preferring not to report rather then credit another news source?
Only CNN and Fox reported the accident in the time span between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. CNN provided the most coverage. I guess the networks work out their programing and then regardless of more current events you are NOT informed. This is sorry.
I thought I would get more information at 6:30 when the networks did their thing. NBC made no mention whatever, preferring to show dogs on surf boards. A check of CBS and ABC were no matter. If ABC and CBS reported on the crash they did not use it as a lead story. Perhaps preferring not to report rather then credit another news source?
Only CNN and Fox reported the accident in the time span between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. CNN provided the most coverage. I guess the networks work out their programing and then regardless of more current events you are NOT informed. This is sorry.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Iranian Disaster
I am worried about Iran. The government possesses some the most sophisticated technology in the world for controlling and censoring the Internet. They use deep-packet inspection to block and monitor communication. They can gather information on individuals as well as alter it for disinformation purposes.
The American media is crowing about how the authorities are unable to block video and pictures getting out of the country. Perhaps the Iranian government can't interdict this information or, more ominously, does not want to (yet). They have the means to capture information on the brave people that are sending images out of Iran along with messages on social networking websites.
This provides the government an excellent tool by which they can identify dissidents for later arrest and perhaps elimination. The Internet is viewed as the wild west but sophisticated software may be enabling dictatorial regimes new tools for oppression.
The American media is crowing about how the authorities are unable to block video and pictures getting out of the country. Perhaps the Iranian government can't interdict this information or, more ominously, does not want to (yet). They have the means to capture information on the brave people that are sending images out of Iran along with messages on social networking websites.
This provides the government an excellent tool by which they can identify dissidents for later arrest and perhaps elimination. The Internet is viewed as the wild west but sophisticated software may be enabling dictatorial regimes new tools for oppression.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
I Will Boycott
The New York Times has an article about beta testing of a new software for online stores. It will allow them to pursue you "out the door" with nagging email or even phone messages such as "Is there a problem..." They will be pursuing you after you leave the website if you don't buy.
Since they will request your email as soon as you visit the site I hope to identify them and immediately boycott the site. Note, even if I enter my email and do NOT hit a submit button, the store server may have captured my keystokes and can still pester me.
There are some website such as Amazon which I hope I will not have to dump but I will not allow this intrusion. There are some in the industry that are worried that is approach will have a backlash. Damn right!
Since they will request your email as soon as you visit the site I hope to identify them and immediately boycott the site. Note, even if I enter my email and do NOT hit a submit button, the store server may have captured my keystokes and can still pester me.
There are some website such as Amazon which I hope I will not have to dump but I will not allow this intrusion. There are some in the industry that are worried that is approach will have a backlash. Damn right!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Golf is Unfair
I just went to the website for the St. James golf clubs and noted that four people have gotten hole-in-ones this past week. Now I've paid green fees and swung a club hundreds of times and they have never given me a hole-in-one. My neighbor even got on!
I think it is very unfair and I'm going to complain to the Obama administration. Maybe some nice senator will introduce a bill requiring golf clubs to evenly distribute their hole-in-ones.
I think it is very unfair and I'm going to complain to the Obama administration. Maybe some nice senator will introduce a bill requiring golf clubs to evenly distribute their hole-in-ones.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Dogs aren't Cheap
I may have mentioned that after getting Archie and Bella we decided we needed to fence our backyard. Jason helped me put in a new vinyl picket fence which has significantly improved the appearance of the yard.
Once the cypress tress get larger and shield the neighbors house from view it will be very nice.
We had supervision while installing the fence, Archie was pretty relaxed and said whatever we did was going to be fine with him.
Bella, however, displayed her female heritage and sometimes expressed her views rather frankly.
And finally said she liked it.
Now having a fenced yard we decided to add some play toys for the dogs.
Once the cypress tress get larger and shield the neighbors house from view it will be very nice.
We had supervision while installing the fence, Archie was pretty relaxed and said whatever we did was going to be fine with him.
Bella, however, displayed her female heritage and sometimes expressed her views rather frankly.
And finally said she liked it.
Now having a fenced yard we decided to add some play toys for the dogs.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Stem Cell Plot
I am going to be the first to sound the clarion horn of alarm. While reading the paper this morning I realized all the stem cell research must be a sinister plot by women to rid themselves of men. The women want to perfect embryonic growth to the point where they can grow babies without our input. They are making men obsolete!
I know, hard to believe but there is an ironic twist. Women may make themselves obsolete in this whole process and then there won't be any of us. At least that solves a bunch of other problems like the war, Barney Frank, and Nancy Pelosi.
I know, hard to believe but there is an ironic twist. Women may make themselves obsolete in this whole process and then there won't be any of us. At least that solves a bunch of other problems like the war, Barney Frank, and Nancy Pelosi.
Myrtle Beach Fire
Yesterday the wind was carrying the smoke from the Myrtle fire directly up the coast and the air had a heavy blue haze and light ash was falling. We live around 50 miles from the fire and there was the sharp smoke bite to the air. Later int he day the wind shifted and carried the smoke off shore. Today no problem here.
They now think the fire was started by a yard debris fire in one of the subdivisions. After living in California it has amazed and troubled me how little restriction there is on burning here. In North Carolina you can burn acres of trees and brush by simply going into your local hardware and getting a free fire permit. No requirements on fire safety.
Last fall a fire got out of hand when a fellow was burning brush near our development. Seems the pail of water he had wasn't sufficient to contain the multi-acre fire he was "watching." The fire threatened to jump the highway outside our development and take out houses. The smoke was so dense they shut down the highway. As it was, a nearby town had to abandon there utility brush truck and it was lost in the fire.
Seems like people should be required to at least have adequate resources on hand to control a fire. Would stimulate the economy because I could, for example, rent a brush (fire) truck with my services to stand by when they plan to burn a large area.
They now think the fire was started by a yard debris fire in one of the subdivisions. After living in California it has amazed and troubled me how little restriction there is on burning here. In North Carolina you can burn acres of trees and brush by simply going into your local hardware and getting a free fire permit. No requirements on fire safety.
Last fall a fire got out of hand when a fellow was burning brush near our development. Seems the pail of water he had wasn't sufficient to contain the multi-acre fire he was "watching." The fire threatened to jump the highway outside our development and take out houses. The smoke was so dense they shut down the highway. As it was, a nearby town had to abandon there utility brush truck and it was lost in the fire.
Seems like people should be required to at least have adequate resources on hand to control a fire. Would stimulate the economy because I could, for example, rent a brush (fire) truck with my services to stand by when they plan to burn a large area.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Archie and More
Its been awhile since I've really blogged so better go back a couple months and start there. If you've been reading my blog you know that Hazel and I adopted a Havanese puppy in January. Archie is now 5 months old and has grown larger but is still a puppy.
Now for a short quiz. Hazel and I were feeling sorry for Archie. He had no playmates his age and we were poor substitutes for a friend that he could wrestle, nip and chase while voicing macho growls.
When Koko and Brue were alive they were close friends and we remembered how they gave each other company when we were away. That prompted us to think about adopting another dog, specifically Archie's sister.
1. Our decision to adopt Arabella was:
a. Stoopid?
b. Stoopid?
c. Stoopid?
d. All of the above?
What fun it has been to try and house train two puppies instead of just one.
"All right! Which of you left this poop??? Two innocent puppies look at us and wag there tails. "Who us?" "No, wasn't me?" "Me either, do we get a treat?"
So here is Arabella (Bella for short):
Her appearance may be doleful but she is a happy cheerful puppy.
We wouldn't do a thing different. These two have brought so much joy to our lives. The abandon and joy of puppies is contagious. Although in the evening when Hazel and I sometimes want to veg out and just watch TV, the dogs seem to think that is the best time to play.
Bella is the gregarious social butterfly and wants to greet all dogs and people. She is also something of a gossip and loves to tell jokes.
Archie is a little more serious, taking his role as male dog to heart. He is more vocal but frustrated because the neighbor cats ignore him.
It was a good move to adopt Bella and the two puppies are fast friends.
Bella and Archie have graduated from pre-school and are now enrolled in kindergarten. They have learned how to milk us for treats and make us beg.
Now for a short quiz. Hazel and I were feeling sorry for Archie. He had no playmates his age and we were poor substitutes for a friend that he could wrestle, nip and chase while voicing macho growls.
When Koko and Brue were alive they were close friends and we remembered how they gave each other company when we were away. That prompted us to think about adopting another dog, specifically Archie's sister.
1. Our decision to adopt Arabella was:
a. Stoopid?
b. Stoopid?
c. Stoopid?
d. All of the above?
What fun it has been to try and house train two puppies instead of just one.
"All right! Which of you left this poop??? Two innocent puppies look at us and wag there tails. "Who us?" "No, wasn't me?" "Me either, do we get a treat?"
So here is Arabella (Bella for short):
Her appearance may be doleful but she is a happy cheerful puppy.
We wouldn't do a thing different. These two have brought so much joy to our lives. The abandon and joy of puppies is contagious. Although in the evening when Hazel and I sometimes want to veg out and just watch TV, the dogs seem to think that is the best time to play.
Bella is the gregarious social butterfly and wants to greet all dogs and people. She is also something of a gossip and loves to tell jokes.
Archie is a little more serious, taking his role as male dog to heart. He is more vocal but frustrated because the neighbor cats ignore him.
It was a good move to adopt Bella and the two puppies are fast friends.
Bella and Archie have graduated from pre-school and are now enrolled in kindergarten. They have learned how to milk us for treats and make us beg.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Newspaper Headlines
I learned of a neat website. It provides a map of the US and you can click on the major cities to see the front page news of the local newspaper. Go to Newseum.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tagged
I screwed up this morning and you might have received an invite to join a website called "Tagged." Please ignore the invite! The site is a invasive spam generator that is now annoying the hell out of me.
A friend that I play golf with sent me an invite to join. Since he is a good friend I complied and in the process they asked me which friends I wanted to send an invite to. I saw his and a couple other people and unchecked all but him. The problem is that you had to scroll down to see a much longer list. I ended up sending an inivite to a bunch of people. I apologize and ask if you haven't done anything, don't!
A friend that I play golf with sent me an invite to join. Since he is a good friend I complied and in the process they asked me which friends I wanted to send an invite to. I saw his and a couple other people and unchecked all but him. The problem is that you had to scroll down to see a much longer list. I ended up sending an inivite to a bunch of people. I apologize and ask if you haven't done anything, don't!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Colds
This morning's Wall Street Journal had an article about the common cold. It quoted a doctor that was saying the cold was not as contagious as people think...except for kids. Kids are "just a bag of viruses."
That summoned a mental picture of Josh and Pam or Chris and Laura in the evening. One looks at the other and says "is it time to put the bag of viruses" to bed?.
That summoned a mental picture of Josh and Pam or Chris and Laura in the evening. One looks at the other and says "is it time to put the bag of viruses" to bed?.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
If You Can't Stand the Heat Get Out of the Kitchen
Harry Truman said it...and it sure works at times. I applaud this one. I am tired of celebrity somehow qualifying one for important office.
Now this guy seems able to stand the heat but it would be nice if he gave her company.
Now this guy seems able to stand the heat but it would be nice if he gave her company.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Archie
Within this past week our lives have been doubly blessed. First came our Grandson Jackson...
and then our new puppy, Archie.
Archie is getting settled in and is a huge delight. He seems to have a calm, gentle side and yet is playful. No doubt as he matures he will be more active - especially as he becomes a teenager.
Clearly he is a brilliant dog so we have already enrolled him in preschool. Hazel and I went by the school the other day to view the curriculum and meet the staff. We wanted to be sure it would provide a challenging growth opportunity. Perhaps President Obama might send his new dog to the same preschool.
We haven't decided on a university for Archie but expect to take applications in the near future.
and then our new puppy, Archie.
Archie is getting settled in and is a huge delight. He seems to have a calm, gentle side and yet is playful. No doubt as he matures he will be more active - especially as he becomes a teenager.
Clearly he is a brilliant dog so we have already enrolled him in preschool. Hazel and I went by the school the other day to view the curriculum and meet the staff. We wanted to be sure it would provide a challenging growth opportunity. Perhaps President Obama might send his new dog to the same preschool.
We haven't decided on a university for Archie but expect to take applications in the near future.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Record Labels
The New York Times has an article about Steve Kopper's new book, "APPETITE FOR SELF-DESTRUCTION The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age." Koppers describes the mistakes the labels have made and suggests that their demise is largely their own doing. I certainly agree.
The labels and Big Three could be managed by the same CEO. Give the customer what the company wants to provide, not what the customer wants. The mentality that made them unable to adapt and conform to changing conditions such as the digital era or foreign competition.
Even now the labels hate Apple iTunes and seek ways to circumvent. They only see what could have been if only life were different and they could still force customers to buy the product the choose. Hollywood must still snorting cocaine, they are in a dream world. We hated paying $18 for one song bundled with a bunch of other junk. So when opportunity appeared to not do that...duh.
Personally I think Steve Jobs has saved the industry and their butts. Better to have some market vs. none.
I have to admit that a part of me cheers when industries like the recording labels and automakers face hard times or possible demise. I don't wish that on the many people that suffer for the stupidity of a few but my anger says Ha Ha!
The newly announced pricing of iTunes does not trouble me. Frankly I don't think $.30 more for a song is not going to have a negative impact on sales and the removal of DRM is well worth it. DRM hasn't been a real issue for me but I have always resented having a limit placed on my purchase - and again annoyed at the Labels for forcing that.
And behind all these corporate myopia is, I suspect, screwed up graduate schools. I have a Masters in Business but got it a long time ago so I can't say with certainty that graduate educators are responsible. I can see, however, how market manipulation via course content and case study could heavily influence the attitudes of students and their eventual roles as corporate heads. Gee it would be nice if the focus was in providing what the customer wanted and understanding why a business even exists.
I only hope now the labels begin to wise up but doubt it will happen. The intransigence they have displayed gives little encouragement.
The labels and Big Three could be managed by the same CEO. Give the customer what the company wants to provide, not what the customer wants. The mentality that made them unable to adapt and conform to changing conditions such as the digital era or foreign competition.
Even now the labels hate Apple iTunes and seek ways to circumvent. They only see what could have been if only life were different and they could still force customers to buy the product the choose. Hollywood must still snorting cocaine, they are in a dream world. We hated paying $18 for one song bundled with a bunch of other junk. So when opportunity appeared to not do that...duh.
Personally I think Steve Jobs has saved the industry and their butts. Better to have some market vs. none.
I have to admit that a part of me cheers when industries like the recording labels and automakers face hard times or possible demise. I don't wish that on the many people that suffer for the stupidity of a few but my anger says Ha Ha!
The newly announced pricing of iTunes does not trouble me. Frankly I don't think $.30 more for a song is not going to have a negative impact on sales and the removal of DRM is well worth it. DRM hasn't been a real issue for me but I have always resented having a limit placed on my purchase - and again annoyed at the Labels for forcing that.
And behind all these corporate myopia is, I suspect, screwed up graduate schools. I have a Masters in Business but got it a long time ago so I can't say with certainty that graduate educators are responsible. I can see, however, how market manipulation via course content and case study could heavily influence the attitudes of students and their eventual roles as corporate heads. Gee it would be nice if the focus was in providing what the customer wanted and understanding why a business even exists.
I only hope now the labels begin to wise up but doubt it will happen. The intransigence they have displayed gives little encouragement.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Street Name
I'm in the fire department and carry a pager. When I leave the town I switch to county wide calls because a couple times I heared of traffic accidents that directly affected my travel. Today I did that and heard a medic call for a person experiencing seizures.
Nothing exceptional except the patient lived on Scorpian Dr. It made me wonder what the other streets were named in the vicinity. Was there some bright bulb working in a developers office coming up with the street names? Perhaps there was a Cockroach Ct. or Wasp Way.
So I checked Goggle maps and confirmed I had heard correctly, I had. Then checked surrounding street names but they had normal sounding names.
Was the street named by some antisocial redneck as a means of antagonizing others? I don't know of course, but it can't be pleasant to have seizures on Scorpian Drive.
Nothing exceptional except the patient lived on Scorpian Dr. It made me wonder what the other streets were named in the vicinity. Was there some bright bulb working in a developers office coming up with the street names? Perhaps there was a Cockroach Ct. or Wasp Way.
So I checked Goggle maps and confirmed I had heard correctly, I had. Then checked surrounding street names but they had normal sounding names.
Was the street named by some antisocial redneck as a means of antagonizing others? I don't know of course, but it can't be pleasant to have seizures on Scorpian Drive.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Man Overboard
Just read of another person going overboard from a cruise ship. This is the second in about a week. Having just returned from a cruise I have been wondering if the railings are different on different cruise ships.
Although the woman missing off the Norwegian Pearl sounds suspicious, witnesses saw an entertainment staff member accidentally go overboard from Carnival Cruise.
The railings on Celebrity Galaxy, my cruise ship, were more then waist high (about 4 feet) and it wouldn't have been easy to go over.
Although the woman missing off the Norwegian Pearl sounds suspicious, witnesses saw an entertainment staff member accidentally go overboard from Carnival Cruise.
The railings on Celebrity Galaxy, my cruise ship, were more then waist high (about 4 feet) and it wouldn't have been easy to go over.
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