People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is going to launch a porn site. Yep, they are going to bare it all to support the often cited "I’d rather be naked than wear fur."
I leaned in school that it’s all in the marketing. This step ought to get PETA’s message out alright.
My question is, are the people that view porn the kind of people they want in support of their organization?
Hey, what do I know about marketing. I just hope that others don’t follow suit. If AARP should suddenly decide to take the same action it just might not be as effective.
Yuck!!!!
PMO
©2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
60 Minutes
By now you should know that Andy Rooney is retiring from 60 Minutes. Sunday night will be his last scheduled appearance. He has been doing the show for about a million years - give or take a few. You gotta give it to Andy, he has stayed the course.
Although I rarely agree with his views and don’t always find value in his short blips on the show, I will admit that I watched as often as I could. Isn’t that the intent of an entertainment program, to keep’em coming back?
I just hope that now he is retiring, he will take the time to have his eyebrows trimmed.
PMO
©2011
Although I rarely agree with his views and don’t always find value in his short blips on the show, I will admit that I watched as often as I could. Isn’t that the intent of an entertainment program, to keep’em coming back?
I just hope that now he is retiring, he will take the time to have his eyebrows trimmed.
PMO
©2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Suspend Elections?
North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue suggest suspending Congressional elections for two years so Congress can focus on economic recovery and not the election. (Reported by Vision to America) The Democrat made the statement while speaking to a Rotary Club about economic recovery issues.
I would like to suggest that we suspend Congress for two years and let the economy recover. Then, after everything works out well, we can suspend them another two.
In Texas, our legislature meets every two years for 140 days. It has been suggested to change that to meeting every 140 years for two days.
I like these plans. But, I’m just a grumpy old man that is tired of government fixing things that ain’t broke and bankrolling solutions to problems that don’t exist.
PMO
©2011
I would like to suggest that we suspend Congress for two years and let the economy recover. Then, after everything works out well, we can suspend them another two.
In Texas, our legislature meets every two years for 140 days. It has been suggested to change that to meeting every 140 years for two days.
I like these plans. But, I’m just a grumpy old man that is tired of government fixing things that ain’t broke and bankrolling solutions to problems that don’t exist.
PMO
©2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Health Care
Obamacare: Congress needs to repeal this law now, before we find out what’s in it.
PMO
©2011
PMO
©2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Pat Downs
The NFL wants all those that attend football games to go through a full body pat down because of an incident where one fan zapped another with a taser. If you go through airport security, you have to go through a pat down. What’s next?
Millions fly every year and they get a pat down. Millions go to football games and they get a pat down. Perhaps this is something that could be used to boost church attendance. My particular denomination doesn't pat you down. They just keep sending the collection plate around until you’re sitting there with nothing left.
With all you hear and see on radio and TV, you’d think people don’t like pat downs. But in reality, they must. Oh, you may say, "it’s for security reasons." Well, I know some churches where members and ministers are packing heat.
Perhaps a comprise. If you put a large check in the plate, you get to skip the pat down. Or you have the option of a pat down instead of an offering.
I don’t go to football games. However, if the cheerleaders are going to do the pat downs, I may check on ticket prices.
PMO
©2011
Millions fly every year and they get a pat down. Millions go to football games and they get a pat down. Perhaps this is something that could be used to boost church attendance. My particular denomination doesn't pat you down. They just keep sending the collection plate around until you’re sitting there with nothing left.
With all you hear and see on radio and TV, you’d think people don’t like pat downs. But in reality, they must. Oh, you may say, "it’s for security reasons." Well, I know some churches where members and ministers are packing heat.
Perhaps a comprise. If you put a large check in the plate, you get to skip the pat down. Or you have the option of a pat down instead of an offering.
I don’t go to football games. However, if the cheerleaders are going to do the pat downs, I may check on ticket prices.
PMO
©2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Another Observation
As I have mentioned before - I think - I am by nature and training an observer. I watch for details and those little subtle behind the scene things that pop out sometime.
Warning: if this observation offends you, get over it.
I have observed and gathered enough data to come to a conclusion on what is the worst person to be in the United States today. So ready or not, the following is what you do not want to be if you’re shooting for popularity:
White male, heterosexual, natural born citizen, Christian, with a job. It is worse if you happen to be a smoker and own a gun. If you really want to be accused of being a racist terrorist, then add outspoken against political correctness.
Should you fall into this category, the only hope you have is to quit doing all that awful stuff. You can’t fix white, but you can get a sex change. It will be acceptable if you smoke marijuana.
PMO
©2011
Warning: if this observation offends you, get over it.
I have observed and gathered enough data to come to a conclusion on what is the worst person to be in the United States today. So ready or not, the following is what you do not want to be if you’re shooting for popularity:
White male, heterosexual, natural born citizen, Christian, with a job. It is worse if you happen to be a smoker and own a gun. If you really want to be accused of being a racist terrorist, then add outspoken against political correctness.
Should you fall into this category, the only hope you have is to quit doing all that awful stuff. You can’t fix white, but you can get a sex change. It will be acceptable if you smoke marijuana.
PMO
©2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
It's Not A Big World
How big is your world? This is not a trick question. Reality is that your world, and mine, is a circle with a three foot diameter. We truly live in a very small place. And, we allow only those that have similar interest to get inside that circle. That’s why in large crowds, while we can endure them, we are uncomfortable - even if you don’t admit it.
It would be nice if we could control our little world. But, we don’t. There are hundreds, maybe thousands controlling your little circle. Not so? Think about it. Even your closest family and friends get into your world and exercise some control. When you think about school, work, and the ever dreaded governments, that secure little space gets real crowded.
You see, there are people that spend their lives trying to control what goes on in your world. Maybe because no body wants to be a part of their world.
Here’s the sad part. You allow them to do so.
PMO
2011
It would be nice if we could control our little world. But, we don’t. There are hundreds, maybe thousands controlling your little circle. Not so? Think about it. Even your closest family and friends get into your world and exercise some control. When you think about school, work, and the ever dreaded governments, that secure little space gets real crowded.
You see, there are people that spend their lives trying to control what goes on in your world. Maybe because no body wants to be a part of their world.
Here’s the sad part. You allow them to do so.
PMO
2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Plain Sight
The reason that the obvious is so hard to recognize is that it often hides in plain sight. I really hate it when that happens, and I don't find it until it's too late.
PMO
2011
PMO
2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
More Car Thoughts
To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Would you ever invest thousands of dollars knowing at the moment you hand over your money, you have a guaranteed loss of 50% or more in just a couple of years? Of course not, you might say. But, you do it often - every time you buy a car.
I’ve been car shopping for my financial controller. She really believes that she needs to trade cars every two or three years. Of course, she does drive about a million miles in that time span. I don’t know where she goes. I’m just happy I don’t have to go.
In my life time, I have never met anyone that enjoyed buying a car. Nor, have I ever known anyone that didn’t get the deal of a lifetime. Ha-Ha.
The truth is that we are conditioned to think we need new wheels. Car dealers depend upon that. What amazes me is that in the current economy, they still want to make thousands on each car.
All it takes is a little research and one can find what a ‘real deal’ is. I understand they have to make a profit, but there’s profit and then there’s PROFIT.
I wonder if she - my financial controller - would like a pony?
PMO
©2010
I’ve been car shopping for my financial controller. She really believes that she needs to trade cars every two or three years. Of course, she does drive about a million miles in that time span. I don’t know where she goes. I’m just happy I don’t have to go.
In my life time, I have never met anyone that enjoyed buying a car. Nor, have I ever known anyone that didn’t get the deal of a lifetime. Ha-Ha.
The truth is that we are conditioned to think we need new wheels. Car dealers depend upon that. What amazes me is that in the current economy, they still want to make thousands on each car.
All it takes is a little research and one can find what a ‘real deal’ is. I understand they have to make a profit, but there’s profit and then there’s PROFIT.
I wonder if she - my financial controller - would like a pony?
PMO
©2010
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Cars
In the news today from various sources such as Yahoo News and the daily wipe, I saw two items that disturbed me.
First, scientist in Germany have perfected a computer driven car. It drives in traffic and reportedly responds better than a human. I know some humans whose driving skills could be replaced with a melon, so I guess a computer is not out of the question. Supposedly, the technology may be in the market place within the next ten years.
Can you imagine a car that drives for you, or without you? I guess you could set the GPS and it will go where you tell it. Could it take you to work and then go back home? That would cut down on parking cost.
Older folks are sure to want one of these. They won’t have to drive. The hard part if remembering where they want to go.
The question is, can the computer be programmed to cut off drivers and then flip them a hand sign?
Next news. The Lincoln Towne Car is going away. With annual sales down to 12,000, the grand old conveyance will be no more. This is going to put a crimp in the limousine business. I guess they will have to switch to Smart Cars. Teens will have to order two to go to the prom.
PMO
©2010
First, scientist in Germany have perfected a computer driven car. It drives in traffic and reportedly responds better than a human. I know some humans whose driving skills could be replaced with a melon, so I guess a computer is not out of the question. Supposedly, the technology may be in the market place within the next ten years.
Can you imagine a car that drives for you, or without you? I guess you could set the GPS and it will go where you tell it. Could it take you to work and then go back home? That would cut down on parking cost.
Older folks are sure to want one of these. They won’t have to drive. The hard part if remembering where they want to go.
The question is, can the computer be programmed to cut off drivers and then flip them a hand sign?
Next news. The Lincoln Towne Car is going away. With annual sales down to 12,000, the grand old conveyance will be no more. This is going to put a crimp in the limousine business. I guess they will have to switch to Smart Cars. Teens will have to order two to go to the prom.
PMO
©2010
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Straight Discrimination
Gays and lesbians can now serve openly in the military. Does this mean they will be able to approach anyone that may appeal to them physically? That’s the way it works with heterosexuals - or 'straights'.
Here’s another of my endless questions. If homosexuals shower with the same sex, to which they are attracted, why can’t 'straights' shower with those of the opposite sex? There would be a lot more 'straights' joining up.
Appears to be discrimination to me.
PMO
©2010
Here’s another of my endless questions. If homosexuals shower with the same sex, to which they are attracted, why can’t 'straights' shower with those of the opposite sex? There would be a lot more 'straights' joining up.
Appears to be discrimination to me.
PMO
©2010
Monday, September 19, 2011
Don't Run
Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Chapman says Obama should not seek re-election. He says Hillary Clinton should run. This is his home town newspaper.
The Congressional Black Caucus says they back the Prez, but they don’t want to. Talk about the rats abandoning the ship.
Democrats every where are beginning to distance themselves from the man. He is starting to bend under pressure. He is surrounding himself with thugs and the junior varsity.
The man should have never been elected, according to me. He has only proven me correct and that is a bad thing. I am not a racist terrorist, but I do have enough sense to listen and hear what isn’t being said and realize what is said can only lead to problems for this Country.
It must be bad, when someone as dumb as I am can see that the end may not be near, but you can see it from here.
PMO
©2010
The Congressional Black Caucus says they back the Prez, but they don’t want to. Talk about the rats abandoning the ship.
Democrats every where are beginning to distance themselves from the man. He is starting to bend under pressure. He is surrounding himself with thugs and the junior varsity.
The man should have never been elected, according to me. He has only proven me correct and that is a bad thing. I am not a racist terrorist, but I do have enough sense to listen and hear what isn’t being said and realize what is said can only lead to problems for this Country.
It must be bad, when someone as dumb as I am can see that the end may not be near, but you can see it from here.
PMO
©2010
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Foreigner
I feel like a foreigner in my own country. If I make a call, I have to press one for English. When I shop, I have to look for packaging written in English. Don’t get me started on product manuals. They usually are written in multiple languages that I don’t understand. I have enough trouble understanding technical matters in English. There is a store where I shop on a regular basis. In one department - customer service - the signs are in Spanish.
I have discovered I have fewer and fewer rights, but those from other countries have more and more. My taxes go up - while a majority of foreigners pay none, since their pay is cash - to pay for social services to give to them.
There are demonstrations and law suits against States for trying to enforce law. I can’t imagine what would happen if I protested in another country. Yes, I can. I would be put in prison.
Everyday, I am confused by people that don’t speak my language and demand that I learn theirs. They bring their rudeness and disdain for me to public gathering places. They fly their flags above my flag. And, my government defends them.
What am I to do? I think I’ll move to Oklahoma.
PMO
©2010
I have discovered I have fewer and fewer rights, but those from other countries have more and more. My taxes go up - while a majority of foreigners pay none, since their pay is cash - to pay for social services to give to them.
There are demonstrations and law suits against States for trying to enforce law. I can’t imagine what would happen if I protested in another country. Yes, I can. I would be put in prison.
Everyday, I am confused by people that don’t speak my language and demand that I learn theirs. They bring their rudeness and disdain for me to public gathering places. They fly their flags above my flag. And, my government defends them.
What am I to do? I think I’ll move to Oklahoma.
PMO
©2010
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Chinese Have Figured It Out
China has stopped production of rare earth materials. They produce 95% of the world supply. Citing concerns for environmental impact, they have stopped production in their mines.
What this means to you is ‘green technology’ items will skyrocket in price. Include are compact fluorescent lights, gas/electric cars and giant wind turbines. Interesting that to save the environment, we have to pollute the environment.
While China may violate international trade rules that prohibit withholding essential materials, they will see profits. The cost increases compared to a $2 cup of coffee in the past year would have that coffee costing almost $25.
Let’s hear it for the Chinese. They have found that you can get rich off a plan to pollute the environment while saving the environment.
PMO
©2010
What this means to you is ‘green technology’ items will skyrocket in price. Include are compact fluorescent lights, gas/electric cars and giant wind turbines. Interesting that to save the environment, we have to pollute the environment.
While China may violate international trade rules that prohibit withholding essential materials, they will see profits. The cost increases compared to a $2 cup of coffee in the past year would have that coffee costing almost $25.
Let’s hear it for the Chinese. They have found that you can get rich off a plan to pollute the environment while saving the environment.
PMO
©2010
Friday, September 16, 2011
Observation
Have you heard the rumors that Obama is suffering depression? Rumors usually contain some degree of truth. My observation is that he can’t his way all the time since the House switched parties. Of course there may be other explanations for his puerile behavior.
Just an observation.
PMO
©2010
Just an observation.
PMO
©2010
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board wants to ban all cell phone use by drivers in trucks and buses. That includes hands free.
Teens and young adults run up and down the road texting and reading email while driving. Most teens have little driver training and zip experience.
Truck and bus drivers drive thousands of miles per year and are trained and experienced.
What is wrong with this picture?
PMO
©2010
Teens and young adults run up and down the road texting and reading email while driving. Most teens have little driver training and zip experience.
Truck and bus drivers drive thousands of miles per year and are trained and experienced.
What is wrong with this picture?
PMO
©2010
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
EPA
The EPA - a.k.a Everything Pollutes America - is in a legal tussle with the largest electric generation company in Texas. It seems the all seeing and all knowing government agency wants coal fired plants to meet more restrictions that the company has refused to bow down to. And, there are other smaller companies facing similar actions.
If it is the intent of the EPA to force Texas to run out of electricity, then this is the way to do it. Of course, I am not privy to all the details, but I do know from previous experience that if a reasonable action takes out 98% of pollutants, the government wants 100%. If the first action cost a few million or billion dollars, it is not their problem. If it cost ten times an amount to attain the next 2%, it is not their problem.
It is the consumer’s problem. There is an old law of supply and demand. When you cut available generation, you cut the supply. And, if there is no supply, then the cost goes up. In Texas in the summer time, the demand is always high. Therefore, the price will go up before it gets so hot. And, when demand reaches summer peak, the solution is simple, there won’t be enough supply to meet demand. The result is rolling blackouts.
If the government’s case is true, that they want to prevent long term health issues, then here comes another one of my questions.
What about the short term health issues of being in a building when it 110 degrees, with no air conditioning?
PMO
©2010
If it is the intent of the EPA to force Texas to run out of electricity, then this is the way to do it. Of course, I am not privy to all the details, but I do know from previous experience that if a reasonable action takes out 98% of pollutants, the government wants 100%. If the first action cost a few million or billion dollars, it is not their problem. If it cost ten times an amount to attain the next 2%, it is not their problem.
It is the consumer’s problem. There is an old law of supply and demand. When you cut available generation, you cut the supply. And, if there is no supply, then the cost goes up. In Texas in the summer time, the demand is always high. Therefore, the price will go up before it gets so hot. And, when demand reaches summer peak, the solution is simple, there won’t be enough supply to meet demand. The result is rolling blackouts.
If the government’s case is true, that they want to prevent long term health issues, then here comes another one of my questions.
What about the short term health issues of being in a building when it 110 degrees, with no air conditioning?
PMO
©2010
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friend
It has been said that a friend will help you hide and a true friend will help you hide a body. Now that causes me to think and ask another question. Have you figured out yet that this blog is about questions I need answers for?
The question is, "what does it take to be a friend?" Most of us, even me, have ‘friends’ that are really nothing more than acquaintances. It is so easy to say that this person or that one is a friend.
Here is simple little test. A true friend can ride with you in a car for hours and neither of you speak, but both of you have a good time.
It’s a very deep thought. Think about it.
PMO
©2010
The question is, "what does it take to be a friend?" Most of us, even me, have ‘friends’ that are really nothing more than acquaintances. It is so easy to say that this person or that one is a friend.
Here is simple little test. A true friend can ride with you in a car for hours and neither of you speak, but both of you have a good time.
It’s a very deep thought. Think about it.
PMO
©2010
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Not In The News
It is unlikely that you will see any news reports about Elmhurst College in Chicago. It seems that on the admissions application there is a question concerning homosexuality. If an applicant does not answer the question as being in favor of, the applicant just may be deemed undesirable.
Over five hundred members of the International Labor Workers Union vandalized a grain storage facility at Port of Longview in southwestern Washington State. Carrying crowbars and baseball bats they destroyed property and made death threats. Fifty local police were called in the control the situation. The local police chief said, "a lot of the protesters were telling us that this is only the start." U.S. Marshals have been stationed at the scene.
My question is, "could the union members get admission to Elmhurst College, if they wanted to?"
PMO
©2010
Over five hundred members of the International Labor Workers Union vandalized a grain storage facility at Port of Longview in southwestern Washington State. Carrying crowbars and baseball bats they destroyed property and made death threats. Fifty local police were called in the control the situation. The local police chief said, "a lot of the protesters were telling us that this is only the start." U.S. Marshals have been stationed at the scene.
My question is, "could the union members get admission to Elmhurst College, if they wanted to?"
PMO
©2010
Saturday, September 10, 2011
9-11-01
I hope everyone remembers where they were when the towers were attacked. I know I do. Maybe like you, I thought it was an accident when I saw the first report. Then came the second attack and we knew it no accident.
It’s been ten years and a lot has been forgotten. But so much remains. Our lives changed for ever that day. Just look at all the security measures that have been implemented.
The cold hard facts are that an enemy successfully attacked civilians on American soil. This is what you as an American needs to remember. Never again can you pretend that such an act can’t happen here. And the enemy "killed" and that was their intention.
In the Polly Anna world that some would have you believe exists, there are and always will be those that want you dead. This enemy doesn’t want you to convert to their ‘religion’ or to become their conquered slaves. They want you dead and will take what ever measures necessary to see that happen. Time means nothing to them. It doesn’t have to happen in ten years or one hundred. They are patient.
Are you prepared? They are.
PMO
©2010
It’s been ten years and a lot has been forgotten. But so much remains. Our lives changed for ever that day. Just look at all the security measures that have been implemented.
The cold hard facts are that an enemy successfully attacked civilians on American soil. This is what you as an American needs to remember. Never again can you pretend that such an act can’t happen here. And the enemy "killed" and that was their intention.
In the Polly Anna world that some would have you believe exists, there are and always will be those that want you dead. This enemy doesn’t want you to convert to their ‘religion’ or to become their conquered slaves. They want you dead and will take what ever measures necessary to see that happen. Time means nothing to them. It doesn’t have to happen in ten years or one hundred. They are patient.
Are you prepared? They are.
PMO
©2010
Friday, September 9, 2011
Tea Party Zombies Must Die
Believe it or not there is an internet game called, "Tea Party Zombies Must Die." It appears that the radical "left" is teaching their young to follow in their beliefs - take the SOBs out.
Wonder what would happen if the "right" had done such a thing? The alphabet networks would be outraged.
And, they call the Tea Party terrorists.
PMO
©2010
Wonder what would happen if the "right" had done such a thing? The alphabet networks would be outraged.
And, they call the Tea Party terrorists.
PMO
©2010
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Red Feds
A federal appeals court in Virginia dismissed two lawsuits that had challenged the constitutionality of Obamacare. The three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in both lawsuits - one filed by the Virginia Attorney General and one by Liberty University - that the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue.
Now folks, this is why I am not a lawyer. I have observed that in this country anybody can sue anybody anywhere anytime for anything. But apparently you cannot sue the government for requiring you to buy health insurance. However more than 30 lawsuits have been filed - many by States.
Again, I’m not a lawyer so I do not understand. Maybe the same government that tells you what to eat, what you can and cannot do and where you can do it, what you can and cannot think and finds you guilty even if you did not think what they think you thought, can tell you to buy health insurance.
The Supreme Court will have the final ruling on Obamacare. Bet that will be fun to watch.
Did I mention that the three-judge panel in Virginia had two members that Obama appointed and one appointed by Bill Clinton?
And they, the government, can’t understand why we, the people, are ticked off.
PMO
©2010
Now folks, this is why I am not a lawyer. I have observed that in this country anybody can sue anybody anywhere anytime for anything. But apparently you cannot sue the government for requiring you to buy health insurance. However more than 30 lawsuits have been filed - many by States.
Again, I’m not a lawyer so I do not understand. Maybe the same government that tells you what to eat, what you can and cannot do and where you can do it, what you can and cannot think and finds you guilty even if you did not think what they think you thought, can tell you to buy health insurance.
The Supreme Court will have the final ruling on Obamacare. Bet that will be fun to watch.
Did I mention that the three-judge panel in Virginia had two members that Obama appointed and one appointed by Bill Clinton?
And they, the government, can’t understand why we, the people, are ticked off.
PMO
©2010
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Two Clicks and You're Gone
She was just someone I knew at work. We didn’t work together. She worked in a department I had to interact with from time to time. But, when she met you, you became a friend to her. And, you stayed that way.
Someone said that if friends were flowers, she would have a botanical garden. She passed away yesterday after a lengthy illness.
This afternoon I took her name out of my email address file. It took just two clicks of the mouse.
It occurred to me that all too often that’s how life is, you know, just a click or two and you’re gone. Maybe it would do someone, and you, some good if you checked your address book and gave someone a call before the next click is one of you.
Bye LaVern. The flowers are as far as the eye can see.
Someone said that if friends were flowers, she would have a botanical garden. She passed away yesterday after a lengthy illness.
This afternoon I took her name out of my email address file. It took just two clicks of the mouse.
It occurred to me that all too often that’s how life is, you know, just a click or two and you’re gone. Maybe it would do someone, and you, some good if you checked your address book and gave someone a call before the next click is one of you.
Bye LaVern. The flowers are as far as the eye can see.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
SOBs
Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa, Jr. called for violence at the Detroit observance of Labor Day. He proudly implied that his members are the "army" ready to take the sons-of-bitches out, referring to the Tea Party. Did you notice that this was not on network news?
The media hasn’t reported the news in years. They pick and choose what they want to use to advance whatever their cause may be. And, if they report anything news worthy, besides some celebrity prank, they skew it to where there is no credibility with anyone that thinks for themselves.
What ever your political persuasion may be, Hoffa’s action and Obama’s support thereof is wrong on a number of levels.
Makes me wonder who the real SOBs are.
PMO
©2010
The media hasn’t reported the news in years. They pick and choose what they want to use to advance whatever their cause may be. And, if they report anything news worthy, besides some celebrity prank, they skew it to where there is no credibility with anyone that thinks for themselves.
What ever your political persuasion may be, Hoffa’s action and Obama’s support thereof is wrong on a number of levels.
Makes me wonder who the real SOBs are.
PMO
©2010
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Road Not Taken
The poet Robert Frost wrote the ‘Road Not Taken’ and posed the question, "what the heck was down that other road?" At least I think that’s what he was talking about. Which brings us to Labor Day. Hey, you gotta keep up!
Whatever your vocation, is it or was it what you really wanted to do? I found out early on that I did not want to load trucks and boxcars for the rest of my life so I made some career changes. A little bit of this and that finally brought me to a place where I spent almost thirty years in a technical job. Oh, I was not the greatest lighting designer, but I could hold my own with the engineers. I was a journalism major. I told you that before. I also learned about high voltage and air conditioning and other nifty stuff what was fun sometime. But that was never what I wanted to do.
Whomever said that life is what happens while you are making plans was right. Life has a way of taking you down the other road. There are lots of bumps on that road, but then I suppose the other road would have been bumpy in spots too.
Not long ago I had a conversation about what would I have done if I could have done anything I wanted to. Ever ask yourself that question? It’s not that easy to answer. After some real soul searching, I know now what I enjoy more than anything. You know, "if you love what you do, then you never have to work a day."
So, life and time has passed and I made a living for my family. But I came to the realization that while I did the technical stuff, I got to do my passion as well. Although I didn’t know I was doing it.
All I have ever wanted to do is make people laugh. There is no amount of money that can ever replace laughter. It has all the benefits without any of the cost.
But I also now know, the hard part is making me laugh. Think about that this Labor Day.
PMO
©2010
Whatever your vocation, is it or was it what you really wanted to do? I found out early on that I did not want to load trucks and boxcars for the rest of my life so I made some career changes. A little bit of this and that finally brought me to a place where I spent almost thirty years in a technical job. Oh, I was not the greatest lighting designer, but I could hold my own with the engineers. I was a journalism major. I told you that before. I also learned about high voltage and air conditioning and other nifty stuff what was fun sometime. But that was never what I wanted to do.
Whomever said that life is what happens while you are making plans was right. Life has a way of taking you down the other road. There are lots of bumps on that road, but then I suppose the other road would have been bumpy in spots too.
Not long ago I had a conversation about what would I have done if I could have done anything I wanted to. Ever ask yourself that question? It’s not that easy to answer. After some real soul searching, I know now what I enjoy more than anything. You know, "if you love what you do, then you never have to work a day."
So, life and time has passed and I made a living for my family. But I came to the realization that while I did the technical stuff, I got to do my passion as well. Although I didn’t know I was doing it.
All I have ever wanted to do is make people laugh. There is no amount of money that can ever replace laughter. It has all the benefits without any of the cost.
But I also now know, the hard part is making me laugh. Think about that this Labor Day.
PMO
©2010
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Liberty or Death
I read an article this week from Floyd and Mary Beth Brown about how they feel like strangers in their own country. They pointed out the major changes that have occurred in only the past decade. Changes that are not good nor healthy for America to survive.
While my circle of friends is small, I do talk to people across the country. I rarely initiate political discussion. I don’t have to. It is apparent to me that we are at a crossroads in this great nation.
The issue is, do we as a country succumb to socialism or worse, or do we stand and fight? I thought of Patrick Henry today and about his speech at Saint John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 1775. It is reported that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were among those attending that day. If you have never read this or if you have, please take the time and read line by line, word by word and see what he said. The following is his reported text:
"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
What price are you prepared to pay for freedom? May God bless us all with enough sense to stop the madness.
While my circle of friends is small, I do talk to people across the country. I rarely initiate political discussion. I don’t have to. It is apparent to me that we are at a crossroads in this great nation.
The issue is, do we as a country succumb to socialism or worse, or do we stand and fight? I thought of Patrick Henry today and about his speech at Saint John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 1775. It is reported that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were among those attending that day. If you have never read this or if you have, please take the time and read line by line, word by word and see what he said. The following is his reported text:
"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
What price are you prepared to pay for freedom? May God bless us all with enough sense to stop the madness.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Good and Evil
There is good and evil in the world. This cannot be denied. Often someone says they believe in God but not in the devil. Not believing in the devil will not protect you from him.
Some time ago I read a story about an old Indian and his young grandson. The old man was trying to teach him about life. He explained that within each man, there are two wolves. One is good and one is evil. They are constantly at battle with each other.
The young boy looked at his grand father and asked, "which one wins." The old man looked the boy in the eyes and said, "the one you feed."
It is true, "all that evil needs to prevail is for good men to do nothing."
PMO
©2010
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