How old do you have to be to be a grumpy old man? Is there a cut off line for years? Here we go with questions again.
The actual chronological time may not really exist to qualify, but there are some milestones to check. First one must remember when there was only black and white television. And, there was no remote control - you actually had to get up and go to the set to change the channel.
Next, do you remember when cars had no air conditioning. The dimmer switch for the headlights was on the floor. And, almost all cars had a standard transmission.
Schools didn’t have air conditioning, except for he principals office - maybe. Men teachers wore ties and were addressed as mister. Women teachers were addressed as Mrs. or Miss. There were no teacher aides and classes could be thirty or more. Discipline problems were few because if you misbehaved they would whip your butt. And, you didn’t want to go home because you would get another spanking there. Ah yes, that was a long time ago.
There were no calculators in school, much less computers. We used notebook paper and a number two pencil. I can still do long division on paper. It is something you just never forget. And, you could actually fail a course for not making the required grades. Those were barbaric days, but I remember them fondly.
One more thing about school. We walked to and from, unless you lived way out in the country side. Graduation meant no more walking. It also meant you could read, write a sentence that made sense and do enough math to hold a job. Wow, that must have been a million years ago.
Remember when there were no cell phones, only pay phones and party lines? How about returning soda and milk bottles to the store - talk about recycling. You didn’t have a choice on paper or plastic - just paper.
And, the sure fire test of being old is, do you remember that you lived within your means? Maybe I dreamed that but it sure does seem real.
Oh, there are lots of other measures like the first transistor radio, ball point pen, only seeing a movie at a theater, or playing outside with only your imagination to entertain you.
That’s how old it takes. Must be about a million years.
PMO
©2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Eye Of The Beholder
A group of teenagers pointed and laughed at an old man. He was dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, khaki Bermuda shorts, a pair of sandals with white high top socks and of course, a wide brim straw hat.
The teenagers had tattoos all over their bodies, pierced everything - nose, lips, tongue, ears, eye lids and maybe spots that I don’t want to know about. They all had blue, pink, red and or yellow hair. The boys wore pants about four sizes too big. The girls wore less than what you should have on when you go to bed for the night.
The question is what are those kids going to look like when they get to the age of the old man? I really don’t want to imagine what the kids that laugh at them will look like.
PMO
©2011
The teenagers had tattoos all over their bodies, pierced everything - nose, lips, tongue, ears, eye lids and maybe spots that I don’t want to know about. They all had blue, pink, red and or yellow hair. The boys wore pants about four sizes too big. The girls wore less than what you should have on when you go to bed for the night.
The question is what are those kids going to look like when they get to the age of the old man? I really don’t want to imagine what the kids that laugh at them will look like.
PMO
©2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Don't Be One
Young people view old people as some sort of antique used to be geezers. You know the type, the ones that talk about all their aches and pains or their latest trip to the doctor. The ones that retreated into a lonely shell and sit by the phone waiting for someone to call. People that have given up and accepted what society would have them be, just some old fool that needs to stay out of the way.
They let their brains go to mush and spend their days watching televison or now days playing games on a computer. There is no or at best very little socializing with peers or younger friends. Basically, they are just waiting to die. This is how society views them. Someone to pity and overlook.
You know what’s worse than being though of as one of those old people? Actually letting yourself become one of those old people.
PMO
©2011
They let their brains go to mush and spend their days watching televison or now days playing games on a computer. There is no or at best very little socializing with peers or younger friends. Basically, they are just waiting to die. This is how society views them. Someone to pity and overlook.
You know what’s worse than being though of as one of those old people? Actually letting yourself become one of those old people.
PMO
©2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Hot Dog
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a Washington, D.C., group announced today that hot dogs are as bad for you as cigarettes. I wonder how you light them?
If you have to eat a hot dog, don't swallow or inhale.
PMO
©2011
If you have to eat a hot dog, don't swallow or inhale.
PMO
©2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Think Day
I think we need a think day. A national think day where everyone has to think. I realize that not everyone will be able to participate unless we provide Federally funded training. But then that would defeat the purpose.
It is scary to me and should be to you that politicians do not believe you and I have the capacity to think for ourselves. That is why there is a constant barrage of lies, half-truths, non-factual facts and pure garbage.
Try thinking, if you don’t already. It’s really not to painful after you get used to. A simple tip on thinking about what goes in D.C. is to ask a couple of questions. First question, where is the money trail. Second question, do they really think I am that stupid.
April 1st might be a good date for think day.
PMO
©2011
It is scary to me and should be to you that politicians do not believe you and I have the capacity to think for ourselves. That is why there is a constant barrage of lies, half-truths, non-factual facts and pure garbage.
Try thinking, if you don’t already. It’s really not to painful after you get used to. A simple tip on thinking about what goes in D.C. is to ask a couple of questions. First question, where is the money trail. Second question, do they really think I am that stupid.
April 1st might be a good date for think day.
PMO
©2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Phone Company
I am waiting for a phone company technician to arrive. The appointed time has long past. When they say between noon and 4:00 p.m., they really mean between Monday and September. I used to think that waiting for a doctor appointment was bad.
I have had my service package for less than two years and I have accumulated sixteen, single spaced pages of documentation. I document everything. And, that doesn’t include the letters I have written to the company CEO.
The latest incident involves the TV service - did I say service LOL. For some unknown reason, the programing changed. When I called in, they told me a technician would have to come out. Because I like to ask questions I said, "why do I need a tech, just put the programing back the way it was? It’s a programing issue. Hey, a few months ago you added programing that I did not order and no tech came out."
I could go on for at least sixteen pages, not to mention several pages in letters to the CEO, but I think you get the idea.
In Texas, phone service is deregulated except you can only get one carrier. I loved it when they deregulated. My data line at the time cost me less than $15 per month. After deregulation went into effect, my data line cost me $20. When I called them to complain they explained to me that my service was now cheaper. It was just all the added fees that made the total more. I have worn out a calculator on that one.
I do hope they show up soon - before the first snow fall. In Texas, that’s after September.
PMO
©2011
I have had my service package for less than two years and I have accumulated sixteen, single spaced pages of documentation. I document everything. And, that doesn’t include the letters I have written to the company CEO.
The latest incident involves the TV service - did I say service LOL. For some unknown reason, the programing changed. When I called in, they told me a technician would have to come out. Because I like to ask questions I said, "why do I need a tech, just put the programing back the way it was? It’s a programing issue. Hey, a few months ago you added programing that I did not order and no tech came out."
I could go on for at least sixteen pages, not to mention several pages in letters to the CEO, but I think you get the idea.
In Texas, phone service is deregulated except you can only get one carrier. I loved it when they deregulated. My data line at the time cost me less than $15 per month. After deregulation went into effect, my data line cost me $20. When I called them to complain they explained to me that my service was now cheaper. It was just all the added fees that made the total more. I have worn out a calculator on that one.
I do hope they show up soon - before the first snow fall. In Texas, that’s after September.
PMO
©2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Five Lives
An old friend of mine recently wrote on his blog about how more and more things are fake - including people. The truth is, no one is what they appear to be.
We all have five lives. Does that shock you? It shouldn’t.
There is the person your family knows.
There is the person your coworkers and associates know.
There is the person your friends know.
There is the person you know.
And, there is the person that God knows.
This is why I am never surprised to hear something shocking about someone I know. "He or she, would never do such a thing," is what I have often heard. Sure he or she would. How often have you heard someone say, "she is so nice and sweet?" Then you hear something horrible that she has done. We all have a demon and fortunately, most of us have an angel.
My advice is to work on the one that God knows. If you can get that one straightened out, then the rest will improve.
PMO
©2011
We all have five lives. Does that shock you? It shouldn’t.
There is the person your family knows.
There is the person your coworkers and associates know.
There is the person your friends know.
There is the person you know.
And, there is the person that God knows.
This is why I am never surprised to hear something shocking about someone I know. "He or she, would never do such a thing," is what I have often heard. Sure he or she would. How often have you heard someone say, "she is so nice and sweet?" Then you hear something horrible that she has done. We all have a demon and fortunately, most of us have an angel.
My advice is to work on the one that God knows. If you can get that one straightened out, then the rest will improve.
PMO
©2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Kids The Boss
My daughter doesn’t understand why I don’t take a vacation - really go somewhere - every year like she and her family do. The answer is simple. I don’t have anywhere I want to go; I hate to travel; and no matter where you go, sooner or later, you have to come home and do laundry.
It is interesting how kids want to boss around parents. I do not remember doing that to my parents. I just assumed that they were big enough to do what they wanted to. But, that’s not what it’s all about today. Kids don’t understand why parents don’t want to use Facebook, send tweets or carry a phone that has a million applications. Again, the answer is simple. I don’t want to.
You’re never going to convince me that knowing when "friends" are going to potty is something fun. Or, watch them sort their underwear drawer.
The one and only thing I want to do, is not do what I don’t want to do. It’s fun. It drives kids crazy.
PMO
©2011
It is interesting how kids want to boss around parents. I do not remember doing that to my parents. I just assumed that they were big enough to do what they wanted to. But, that’s not what it’s all about today. Kids don’t understand why parents don’t want to use Facebook, send tweets or carry a phone that has a million applications. Again, the answer is simple. I don’t want to.
You’re never going to convince me that knowing when "friends" are going to potty is something fun. Or, watch them sort their underwear drawer.
The one and only thing I want to do, is not do what I don’t want to do. It’s fun. It drives kids crazy.
PMO
©2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
You Guys?
What does it mean when you address two or more people - male and female - as you guys? Is this some sort of evil plan to combine genders into one?
I remember when - back about a million years ago - when males might be called guys, but females were addressed as ladies or girls. Usually mixed groups were greeted with, "ladies and gentlemen."
Just in case you haven't noticed, guys and gals are different. Trust me. They look different - at least they used to - and they talk, walk and think differently.
It is hard for me to understand why females don't object to being called guys when males don't want to be referred to as girlie men - at least most of them don't.
I suppose I am like Rush Limbaugh, "I am a male lesbian - I like girls."
That's all folks - you guys and ladies.
PMO
©2011
I remember when - back about a million years ago - when males might be called guys, but females were addressed as ladies or girls. Usually mixed groups were greeted with, "ladies and gentlemen."
Just in case you haven't noticed, guys and gals are different. Trust me. They look different - at least they used to - and they talk, walk and think differently.
It is hard for me to understand why females don't object to being called guys when males don't want to be referred to as girlie men - at least most of them don't.
I suppose I am like Rush Limbaugh, "I am a male lesbian - I like girls."
That's all folks - you guys and ladies.
PMO
©2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Another Grumpy Old Man Idea
People spend billions of dollars per year on dogs. I don’t. There are no trips to the groomer or to get braces on his teeth. My dog has never had his toenails painted or a doggy mocha coconut frappuccino while he relaxed at the pooch spa.
Being a Basset he wouldn’t enjoy all the luxuries of dog pampering. He has life divided into two parts - time to eat or time to sleep. It is either one or the other with him and he does not want his schedule changed.
However he does have to be bathed. So I have come up with a way to least disturb him - and me. I have a hose-end sprayer. One of those things that you put weed killer in and attach to the garden hose to spray the lawn. Well, it works just as well for washing dogs. All you have to do is put the shampoo in the sprayer, which can be adjusted to a gentle spray, and spray the dog. Then you wait five minutes and rinse him off. No buckets, no muss and no fuss.
An added feature is that there is enough residual from the weed killer when added with the flea and tick shampoo, that my dog not only does not have fleas or ticks - he doesn’t have weeds.
PMO
©2011
Being a Basset he wouldn’t enjoy all the luxuries of dog pampering. He has life divided into two parts - time to eat or time to sleep. It is either one or the other with him and he does not want his schedule changed.
However he does have to be bathed. So I have come up with a way to least disturb him - and me. I have a hose-end sprayer. One of those things that you put weed killer in and attach to the garden hose to spray the lawn. Well, it works just as well for washing dogs. All you have to do is put the shampoo in the sprayer, which can be adjusted to a gentle spray, and spray the dog. Then you wait five minutes and rinse him off. No buckets, no muss and no fuss.
An added feature is that there is enough residual from the weed killer when added with the flea and tick shampoo, that my dog not only does not have fleas or ticks - he doesn’t have weeds.
PMO
©2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Grumpy Old Man Ingenuity
My daughter and her family are gone away on vacation. When they leave, it is my job to feed and water the dogs. I also have the job of watering newly transplanted trees. This seems like a lot of additional work and takes away my time playing computer games and taking naps. I came up with a plan.
I put the dogs outside where it is hot - really hot in Texas. Next, I feed them saltine crackers and give them plenty of water - lots and lots of water.
Took care of having to water the trees.
You just have to think about things. There’s always a way.
PMO
©2011
I put the dogs outside where it is hot - really hot in Texas. Next, I feed them saltine crackers and give them plenty of water - lots and lots of water.
Took care of having to water the trees.
You just have to think about things. There’s always a way.
PMO
©2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Dallas Council Has The Plan
The Dallas City Council passed an ordinance in June that limits payday lenders. According to the Dallas Morning News, the ordinance forces payday lenders and car title shops to register with the city and puts restrictions on the amount of loans that can be extended and the terms of repayment.
The Dallas Council approved the ordinance after some members complained that the high interest short-term loans hurt low-income residents by trapping them into horrific debt cycles. The lenders have filed suit against the city citing that the City of Dallas was trying to put them out of business.
Why don’t we get the Council to write an ordinance against the Federal Government for putting tax payers into horrific debt cycles?
I may try to get the Council in my burg to pass a similar statute.
PMO
©2011
The Dallas Council approved the ordinance after some members complained that the high interest short-term loans hurt low-income residents by trapping them into horrific debt cycles. The lenders have filed suit against the city citing that the City of Dallas was trying to put them out of business.
Why don’t we get the Council to write an ordinance against the Federal Government for putting tax payers into horrific debt cycles?
I may try to get the Council in my burg to pass a similar statute.
PMO
©2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Mumpsimus
Mumpsimus is an interesting word. It dates back centuries when some folks still used Latin. It means, ‘stubborn person who insists on making an error in spite of being shown that it is wrong.’
Know anybody like this? I do. If you don’t, then turn on the evening news and you will see plenty of them.
PMO
©2011
Know anybody like this? I do. If you don’t, then turn on the evening news and you will see plenty of them.
PMO
©2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Budget Crisis Satire
After reading the Daily Wipe, both the "news" reports and the editorials, it was easy for me to conclude the following about our budget crisis.
Hoards of Republicans are preparing to attack on August 2nd and began their evil plan of not allowing the Prez to borrow trillions more for vacation trips, golf games and birthday parties.
After ensuring that Social Security checks will not be mailed, those evil Republicans will be going to private homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and anywhere else elderly invalids may hide and begin their rein of terror. Elderly invalids will be cast into the streets in the hot sun. They will be deprived of food, including taking any food they may be chewing out of their mouths.
Yes, my friends, it will be economic Armageddon. Minorities, women and children are expected to be the hardest hit, with special emphasis on elderly invalids.
PMO
©2011
Hoards of Republicans are preparing to attack on August 2nd and began their evil plan of not allowing the Prez to borrow trillions more for vacation trips, golf games and birthday parties.
After ensuring that Social Security checks will not be mailed, those evil Republicans will be going to private homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and anywhere else elderly invalids may hide and begin their rein of terror. Elderly invalids will be cast into the streets in the hot sun. They will be deprived of food, including taking any food they may be chewing out of their mouths.
Yes, my friends, it will be economic Armageddon. Minorities, women and children are expected to be the hardest hit, with special emphasis on elderly invalids.
PMO
©2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Problem Solved
The solution to the national economic problem is very simple. A welfare, food stamp, free health care and housing recipient came up with a plan that just might work.
All we have to do is to take all the money in the country and divide it up equally. Some of you will argue that if that happened, it would only be a short time until the rich would have all the money again and the poor would be poor. That argument does not apply.
He wants to divide the money every Friday.
PMO
©2011
All we have to do is to take all the money in the country and divide it up equally. Some of you will argue that if that happened, it would only be a short time until the rich would have all the money again and the poor would be poor. That argument does not apply.
He wants to divide the money every Friday.
PMO
©2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Please read the following definitions and let me know which we are under now. It’s hard for me to keep up.
Socialism - noun
1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.
3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.
Communism - noun
1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.
2. a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.
PMO
©2011
Socialism - noun
1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.
3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.
Communism - noun
1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.
2. a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.
PMO
©2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Funny?
The Prez says that he can’t guarantee Social Security checks will go out in August. Notice how he phrased that.
If politics were so dang damaging to us peasants, it would be funny. Will Rogers said he didn’t tell jokes, he just watched Congress and reported on what he saw.
I wonder if shutting down the Federal Government might not be the best thing that has happened in years. At least they wouldn’t get us deeper in debt and write more laws to control our lives.
PMO
©2011
If politics were so dang damaging to us peasants, it would be funny. Will Rogers said he didn’t tell jokes, he just watched Congress and reported on what he saw.
I wonder if shutting down the Federal Government might not be the best thing that has happened in years. At least they wouldn’t get us deeper in debt and write more laws to control our lives.
PMO
©2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Mr. Speaker
The following is an email sent to Speaker of the House, John Boehner:
Mr. Speaker:
I am an American that feels betrayed. Government, Republicans and Democrats, has lied to me and millions of others. Our country is under attack from the greatest enemy we have ever faced – Socialism.
This enemy would destroy our culture, financial stability, pride and patriotism, as well as the foundation upon which this nation was built. That Mr. Speaker is simply a belief in God as the divine guide to follow in preserving the greatest nation in the history of mankind.
When I was in the military, I took an oath to defend this nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath has no expiration date.
Insane spending and mounting debt that is crushing the breath out of our land is our enemy. Those that advocate more taxes and more spending are out of touch with reality.
I, like most Americans, started work as a teenager. While politicians clamored for votes and power with my money, I labored on trying to provide for my family. I didn’t have time to watch every move of Congress. Now I have more time.
All my life I have been just a regular guy. Now, most see me as a senior citizen with aches and pains, living in the old days. That was true yesterday – but not today. Today, I am an American that is tired of being hoodwinked, lied to and lead down a path I choose not to take.
Mr. Speaker, you are under tremendous pressures to compromise. No one ever won a compromise. If no one will stand with you, I will. Starting now, let’s form the line to stand up for America - no tax increases and cut the spending.
It isn’t about politics. It’s about America.
©2011
Mr. Speaker:
I am an American that feels betrayed. Government, Republicans and Democrats, has lied to me and millions of others. Our country is under attack from the greatest enemy we have ever faced – Socialism.
This enemy would destroy our culture, financial stability, pride and patriotism, as well as the foundation upon which this nation was built. That Mr. Speaker is simply a belief in God as the divine guide to follow in preserving the greatest nation in the history of mankind.
When I was in the military, I took an oath to defend this nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath has no expiration date.
Insane spending and mounting debt that is crushing the breath out of our land is our enemy. Those that advocate more taxes and more spending are out of touch with reality.
I, like most Americans, started work as a teenager. While politicians clamored for votes and power with my money, I labored on trying to provide for my family. I didn’t have time to watch every move of Congress. Now I have more time.
All my life I have been just a regular guy. Now, most see me as a senior citizen with aches and pains, living in the old days. That was true yesterday – but not today. Today, I am an American that is tired of being hoodwinked, lied to and lead down a path I choose not to take.
Mr. Speaker, you are under tremendous pressures to compromise. No one ever won a compromise. If no one will stand with you, I will. Starting now, let’s form the line to stand up for America - no tax increases and cut the spending.
It isn’t about politics. It’s about America.
©2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Gambling
It has been said that life is a gamble. Therefore, it is easy to say, that everything is a gamble. So gambling on a game of chance is no more or less of a gamble than getting out of bed in the morning.
There are two things that are absolutely certain about gambling. First, if you don’t play, you can’t win. Secondly, if you play, you can’t win.
Some days, it’s best to quit while you’re even.
PMO
©2011
There are two things that are absolutely certain about gambling. First, if you don’t play, you can’t win. Secondly, if you play, you can’t win.
Some days, it’s best to quit while you’re even.
PMO
©2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Fifty Years
I went to a neighbor’s fifty year wedding anniversary celebration today. It was a nice gathering of family and friends - with cake and punch.
There was much said about being married fifty years and how seldom it occurs anymore. I would agree that most marriages today don’t last very long and even twenty five years is getting more unusual.
People just don’t honor commitments anymore. I guess that’s why many wedding vows no longer include "until death do us part." It is a sad statement for society values.
I suppose next there will be options for a three, five, ten or fifteen year marriage. That would cut the divorce rate and cheat the lawyers out of fees.
How do two people make a marriage last fifty years? Maybe it’s because of love, commitment, financial reasons or for the children. I believe it’s having the maturity to be patient, forgiving, understanding and willing to work through the bad times while holding on to the good times.
It’s that or just fear that you might get someone worse than the one you got.
PMO
©2011
There was much said about being married fifty years and how seldom it occurs anymore. I would agree that most marriages today don’t last very long and even twenty five years is getting more unusual.
People just don’t honor commitments anymore. I guess that’s why many wedding vows no longer include "until death do us part." It is a sad statement for society values.
I suppose next there will be options for a three, five, ten or fifteen year marriage. That would cut the divorce rate and cheat the lawyers out of fees.
How do two people make a marriage last fifty years? Maybe it’s because of love, commitment, financial reasons or for the children. I believe it’s having the maturity to be patient, forgiving, understanding and willing to work through the bad times while holding on to the good times.
It’s that or just fear that you might get someone worse than the one you got.
PMO
©2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Crendentials
Why is it that celebrities, a.k.a. actors, think they have to comment on politics or politicians? Yes, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but when you hear these people rant and rave about a particular person or event, the first question I have is, "what are your credentials to speak?"
You see, the every day average American can spout off all they want because they don’t have a national soap box. But, those that take their star status to promote or demean are stepping out of their element.
After all, isn't their job is to pretend to be someone else. What kind of credibility is that?
PMO
©2011
You see, the every day average American can spout off all they want because they don’t have a national soap box. But, those that take their star status to promote or demean are stepping out of their element.
After all, isn't their job is to pretend to be someone else. What kind of credibility is that?
PMO
©2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Change the Method - Change the Outcome
According to Bloomberg News, there is discussion now on how to change the CPI - Consumer Price Index, a.k.a. inflation. Something call "chained consumer price index" is an alternative to determining Social Security payments.
It’s simple enough, you change the cost of living index and lower the amount paid through Social Security.
Kind of reminds me of a story. The head of a large company called in his chief engineer and asked a question, "how much is two and two?" The engineer left and called a staff meeting of his department. They worked for hours, making drawings, checking measurements and running numerous scientific calculations. He returned to the company leader and reported, "two and two is four."
Next, the company head called in the lead accountant and posed the same question. Again, he left and called his people into a meeting. They built spreadsheets, did analysis, ran checks and balances and printed a binder with the results. "Sir", he said as he reported. "Two and two is four."
Finally, the company executive called on the sales department chief. Again, the question was presented. The sales leader didn’t leave the office. He sat down in front of the chief executive. Then, he loosened his tie, leaned back in the chair and lit up a cigar. He looked the company leader in the eye and said, "how much do you want it to be?"
What was that old saying, "do figures lie or do liars figure?"
PMO
©2011
It’s simple enough, you change the cost of living index and lower the amount paid through Social Security.
Kind of reminds me of a story. The head of a large company called in his chief engineer and asked a question, "how much is two and two?" The engineer left and called a staff meeting of his department. They worked for hours, making drawings, checking measurements and running numerous scientific calculations. He returned to the company leader and reported, "two and two is four."
Next, the company head called in the lead accountant and posed the same question. Again, he left and called his people into a meeting. They built spreadsheets, did analysis, ran checks and balances and printed a binder with the results. "Sir", he said as he reported. "Two and two is four."
Finally, the company executive called on the sales department chief. Again, the question was presented. The sales leader didn’t leave the office. He sat down in front of the chief executive. Then, he loosened his tie, leaned back in the chair and lit up a cigar. He looked the company leader in the eye and said, "how much do you want it to be?"
What was that old saying, "do figures lie or do liars figure?"
PMO
©2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Simple Solutions
The Prez says raising taxes will create jobs. If that is true, then why not just put the tax rate at 100% and everybody will have a job.
And, it appears the only way out of the national debt is to borrow some more. If that is true, then why are so many people losing homes because they can’t pay the mortgage? All they need to do is borrow some more money they can’t pay back. It’s that simple!
I think I’ll tell my bank, "I can be out of money. I still have some checks left."
PMO
©2011
And, it appears the only way out of the national debt is to borrow some more. If that is true, then why are so many people losing homes because they can’t pay the mortgage? All they need to do is borrow some more money they can’t pay back. It’s that simple!
I think I’ll tell my bank, "I can be out of money. I still have some checks left."
PMO
©2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Without A Shot
Have you noticed that most of these rambles begin with a question? Well, here’s some more.
What would your reaction be if the U.S.A. was invaded by twenty million soldiers? How about if they not only invaded, they started building schools on U.S. soil? And, how would you feel if our government supported the invasion and ruled against any citizen protest?
Well, it has already happened. The score is now, Mexico - 1 and U.S.A. - 0. As Terry J. Lovell, PhD in Prescott, Arizona so well states, "the current administration has taken the side of illegal immigrants, Mexico, and drug cartels by suing the State of Arizona over SB1070." SB1070 is based upon U.S. Code which allows law officers to question immigration status of a person with no identification. Another question - are not the citizens of Arizona citizens of the U.S. and are not the illegal immigrants citizens of Mexico? And, Arizona is being sued for trying to enforce Federal law?
I don’t know about you, but I support legal immigration. It is a wonderful thing to be able to offer opportunity to deserving people from around the globe. Those that are willing to go through the process and establish themselves as productive members of our society and adopt our culture are welcome. However, those that want to take and make, don’t sit well with my thinking.
Now those fleeing Mexico are building schools in El Paso, Texas so their children won’t lose their culture and become more American and less Mexican. SAY WHAT! It’s in the news. All you have to do is read or listen.
It is estimated there are twenty million illegal immigrants - not all from Mexico - in the U.S. today. When you have the government taking sides against citizens and non-citizens building schools on our soil so their children won’t become American, it does appear to me that we have been conquered by an invading army without a shot being fired. Now they are occupying and demonstrating in the streets for their "rights."
I suppose we can all move to Canada and take over there.
I don’t like hockey all that much.
PMO
©2011
What would your reaction be if the U.S.A. was invaded by twenty million soldiers? How about if they not only invaded, they started building schools on U.S. soil? And, how would you feel if our government supported the invasion and ruled against any citizen protest?
Well, it has already happened. The score is now, Mexico - 1 and U.S.A. - 0. As Terry J. Lovell, PhD in Prescott, Arizona so well states, "the current administration has taken the side of illegal immigrants, Mexico, and drug cartels by suing the State of Arizona over SB1070." SB1070 is based upon U.S. Code which allows law officers to question immigration status of a person with no identification. Another question - are not the citizens of Arizona citizens of the U.S. and are not the illegal immigrants citizens of Mexico? And, Arizona is being sued for trying to enforce Federal law?
I don’t know about you, but I support legal immigration. It is a wonderful thing to be able to offer opportunity to deserving people from around the globe. Those that are willing to go through the process and establish themselves as productive members of our society and adopt our culture are welcome. However, those that want to take and make, don’t sit well with my thinking.
Now those fleeing Mexico are building schools in El Paso, Texas so their children won’t lose their culture and become more American and less Mexican. SAY WHAT! It’s in the news. All you have to do is read or listen.
It is estimated there are twenty million illegal immigrants - not all from Mexico - in the U.S. today. When you have the government taking sides against citizens and non-citizens building schools on our soil so their children won’t become American, it does appear to me that we have been conquered by an invading army without a shot being fired. Now they are occupying and demonstrating in the streets for their "rights."
I suppose we can all move to Canada and take over there.
I don’t like hockey all that much.
PMO
©2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
$17 Billion
In case you missed it, there was a $17 billion swindle in unemployment last year, according to a report by the Associated Press. Now, there is supposed to be a crackdown coming for people that fraudulently drew unemployment - those that were never eligible or workers that keep cashing checks after they went back to work.
And, get this - punishment is repayment. My question is how can they repay the states that issued the funds? Why would they want to? Reportedly in the past the repayment rate is about half of what was paid out to frauds.
The problem seems to be that there is no effective way to know if a person has gone back to work. I guess there must not be an effective way to tell if someone is eligible too.
Out where I live, $17 billion is a lot of money, especially when part of it comes out of my pocket. In the grand plan of governments, it’s chump change. But if you can save billions here and billions there, it adds up to real money. And, it you punish thieve as thieves, some won’t try it again.
I grew up thinking that most people are honest and law-abiding. Boy, was I wrong.
PMO
And, get this - punishment is repayment. My question is how can they repay the states that issued the funds? Why would they want to? Reportedly in the past the repayment rate is about half of what was paid out to frauds.
The problem seems to be that there is no effective way to know if a person has gone back to work. I guess there must not be an effective way to tell if someone is eligible too.
Out where I live, $17 billion is a lot of money, especially when part of it comes out of my pocket. In the grand plan of governments, it’s chump change. But if you can save billions here and billions there, it adds up to real money. And, it you punish thieve as thieves, some won’t try it again.
I grew up thinking that most people are honest and law-abiding. Boy, was I wrong.
PMO
Monday, July 4, 2011
Burdened With Laws
Laws are like taxes. You can have all of them you want so long as you don’t call them by what they are. Some legal experts have declared, "how many laws are there, why there must be millions."
There are laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, policies and who knows what else. We have governing bodies whose sole purpose for existing is writing laws about something - anything. This includes federal, state, county, city, school, home owners associations, and just about anybody that wants to tell others what they can and cannot do.
I’ve often heard, that ignorance of the law is no excuse. If the lawyers and police don’t know the laws, then how the heck am I supposed to? In the burg where I live, the city has an ordinance against anything a home owner wants to do. If there is no ordinance against it, they will write one while you wait.
In New York City, citizens may not greet each other by "putting one’s thumb to the nose and wiggling the fingers." In Oklahoma it is illegal to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7:00 p.m. You still are not allowed to spit on the sidewalk in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. If you think these laws are stupid, you should read the ones Congress passes.
We are a nation of laws. The only exemption to the laws are members of congress and celebrities.
Isn’t there something in the Bible about burdening people with laws? Oops, I’m certain I broke a law somewhere by mentioning the Bible.
What ever you do, don’t do anything or you’ll break a "law."
PMO
©2011
There are laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, policies and who knows what else. We have governing bodies whose sole purpose for existing is writing laws about something - anything. This includes federal, state, county, city, school, home owners associations, and just about anybody that wants to tell others what they can and cannot do.
I’ve often heard, that ignorance of the law is no excuse. If the lawyers and police don’t know the laws, then how the heck am I supposed to? In the burg where I live, the city has an ordinance against anything a home owner wants to do. If there is no ordinance against it, they will write one while you wait.
In New York City, citizens may not greet each other by "putting one’s thumb to the nose and wiggling the fingers." In Oklahoma it is illegal to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7:00 p.m. You still are not allowed to spit on the sidewalk in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. If you think these laws are stupid, you should read the ones Congress passes.
We are a nation of laws. The only exemption to the laws are members of congress and celebrities.
Isn’t there something in the Bible about burdening people with laws? Oops, I’m certain I broke a law somewhere by mentioning the Bible.
What ever you do, don’t do anything or you’ll break a "law."
PMO
©2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Independence Day
Let’s start with a question. Have you read the Declaration of Independence? Do you remember what it says? That’s two questions, but bear with me, there will be another one later.
If you have read the entire Declaration you are in a minority. If you remember what it says, you are in a smaller minority.
Let’s review.
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shown that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
Oppression and taxation were the issues. If you take the time to read just the portion I have posted above, here’s that other question: how does this apply today?
It took about ten percent of the colonist to cause a fledgling country to take on the greatest power of that time.
A bonus question - are there signs today of "colonist" constraining to alter their former Systems of Government?
I'm especially fond of the part about Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
PMO
©2011
If you have read the entire Declaration you are in a minority. If you remember what it says, you are in a smaller minority.
Let’s review.
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shown that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
Oppression and taxation were the issues. If you take the time to read just the portion I have posted above, here’s that other question: how does this apply today?
It took about ten percent of the colonist to cause a fledgling country to take on the greatest power of that time.
A bonus question - are there signs today of "colonist" constraining to alter their former Systems of Government?
I'm especially fond of the part about Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
PMO
©2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Most Important Profession
I’ve been thinking again and those that know me, know that is not good. Has it ever occured to you, "what is the most important profession?"
Doctors are usually the ones thought of first. Reality is that before doctors, humans survived. Numerous home remedies were concocted. Some of those are still as good if not better than modern day pills. So, we need doctors, but they are not the most important.
If all the lawyers went away, just imagine all the good things that could happen. Of course there are bad things too. But, there was a time when a hand-shake made a deal. And, strange as it seems, the Ten Commandments are a pretty good set of laws regardless of your beliefs.
There are hundreds of professions, so I won’t go into all of them, but one more. Auto mechanics are not nearly as bad as some would have you believe. If they went away, it wouldn’t be long until we would all be back to riding horses. The environmentalist would love it, until things started to pile up. Literally.
So after much thought and careful consideration of a long list of professions, I have concluded that plumbers are the most important. The logic is simple. Without them, we would all be in deep doo-doo.
PMO
©2011
Doctors are usually the ones thought of first. Reality is that before doctors, humans survived. Numerous home remedies were concocted. Some of those are still as good if not better than modern day pills. So, we need doctors, but they are not the most important.
If all the lawyers went away, just imagine all the good things that could happen. Of course there are bad things too. But, there was a time when a hand-shake made a deal. And, strange as it seems, the Ten Commandments are a pretty good set of laws regardless of your beliefs.
There are hundreds of professions, so I won’t go into all of them, but one more. Auto mechanics are not nearly as bad as some would have you believe. If they went away, it wouldn’t be long until we would all be back to riding horses. The environmentalist would love it, until things started to pile up. Literally.
So after much thought and careful consideration of a long list of professions, I have concluded that plumbers are the most important. The logic is simple. Without them, we would all be in deep doo-doo.
PMO
©2011
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