Washington Post - In the latest incident of anti-gun hysteria to erup in a school setting, a kindergarten boy has been suspended from school for 10 days because he showed a friend his cowboy-style cap gun on the way to school. The incident happened on Wednesday morning at about 8:30 a.m. on a school bus in Calvert County, Maryland.
The boy had brought the gun to show his friend who had brought a water gun the previous day. He later told his mother that he "really, really" wanted his friend to see it.
School officials at Dowell Elementary School in Lusby proceeded to question the 5 year old for over two hours, before calling his mother. By the time the principal had called his mother, the boy had wet his pants.
According to the report, the principal, Jennifer L. Young, told the boy’s mother that things would have been worse had the toy gun been loaded with caps. In that case, the school would have regarded the plaything as an explosive and called the police.
Is this insane or what? All this tells me is that the "educators" need some educating. A prime example of all the sense being educated out of someone. Perhaps a little East Texas "attitude adjustment could help put some sense back.
All it would take is a "Piss-Elum" club and five minutes to do a little "re-education."
PMO
©2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Are You Gay?
First let me point out that I condemn homosexual people being killed, beaten or ridiculed for their lifestyle. But, I also excoriate them parading in the streets and shouting they are proud.
Now, on with the subject of today. In this society, have you noticed that any group, two or more, is referred to as "guys?" Even a group of women will call another group of women, "guys." I think this is simply stupid. Is this disrespectful to both genders? Well, duh! I can’t tell you how many times I have wanted to point out to a waiter or other service person, that my wife and I are not "guys." My wife won’t let me.
Okay, if everyone is a "guy" then most of the men I know, including me, must be gay. Gays like guys. I only like the ones that have different parts and smell good.
Maybe I’m like Rush Limbaugh. He said he is a male lesbian.
Wait until everyone is referred to as "girls."
Or as Arnold says, "girlie men."
PMO
©2013
Now, on with the subject of today. In this society, have you noticed that any group, two or more, is referred to as "guys?" Even a group of women will call another group of women, "guys." I think this is simply stupid. Is this disrespectful to both genders? Well, duh! I can’t tell you how many times I have wanted to point out to a waiter or other service person, that my wife and I are not "guys." My wife won’t let me.
Okay, if everyone is a "guy" then most of the men I know, including me, must be gay. Gays like guys. I only like the ones that have different parts and smell good.
Maybe I’m like Rush Limbaugh. He said he is a male lesbian.
Wait until everyone is referred to as "girls."
Or as Arnold says, "girlie men."
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Here Kitty Kitty
A friend, I’ll call him John, informed me that he is about to have another grandchild - any minute now. That makes number six for his daughter and son-in-law. The oldest one is now in college. What is wrong with this picture? She is a math teacher. Makes me wonder if she has never calculated the cost of raising a child.
I told my friend that they need to find a stopping place. He agreed. Then I reminded him of a story he told me about his grandma’s cat.
Grandma had a tomcat. He would go out at night and do what tomcats do. His adventures were usually under or around the house and they were loud. Grandma finally had all that she could stand.
On a warm and sunny day, the cat was asleep on the back porch. He was lying on his back, exhausted from the night before. Grandma saw him. She reached over into her sewing basket and got a pair of really sharp scissors. She walked onto the back porch, approached the sleeping cat and with one snip, she put him out of the tomcat business. The now neutered cat left the scene at a speed that broke the sound barrier. He didn’t come back for a week or so. Needless to say, that cat slept with one eye open from then on.
Six kids?
Here kitty kitty.
PMO
©2013
I told my friend that they need to find a stopping place. He agreed. Then I reminded him of a story he told me about his grandma’s cat.
Grandma had a tomcat. He would go out at night and do what tomcats do. His adventures were usually under or around the house and they were loud. Grandma finally had all that she could stand.
On a warm and sunny day, the cat was asleep on the back porch. He was lying on his back, exhausted from the night before. Grandma saw him. She reached over into her sewing basket and got a pair of really sharp scissors. She walked onto the back porch, approached the sleeping cat and with one snip, she put him out of the tomcat business. The now neutered cat left the scene at a speed that broke the sound barrier. He didn’t come back for a week or so. Needless to say, that cat slept with one eye open from then on.
Six kids?
Here kitty kitty.
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Scam Season
It must be the scam season. My electric utility provider sent out an email today about phone calls that seek payment on bills that are not overdue. This particular scam wants the customer to go and get a prepaid card and then call them back and give them the prepaid card number. There must be people out there that would do this or the scamers would just give up.
My financial controller got a call today from someone claiming to be from Microsoft. They wanted her to allow them to connect to her computer and "fix" a problem. Caller ID revealed "unknown" on both the name and number. But, the dead give a-way was the guy’s accent. He obviously was not from East Texas.
I sure hope none of these people call my mother-in-law. One of two things will happen. The worse case is that she will go along with them. Then, I will have to try to undo whatever was done. The next thing that could happen is that she will confuse them to a point that they will just shoot themselves.
I can’t fix that.
PMO
©2013
My financial controller got a call today from someone claiming to be from Microsoft. They wanted her to allow them to connect to her computer and "fix" a problem. Caller ID revealed "unknown" on both the name and number. But, the dead give a-way was the guy’s accent. He obviously was not from East Texas.
I sure hope none of these people call my mother-in-law. One of two things will happen. The worse case is that she will go along with them. Then, I will have to try to undo whatever was done. The next thing that could happen is that she will confuse them to a point that they will just shoot themselves.
I can’t fix that.
PMO
©2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
A Borrowed Story
Now and then I run across a story that needs repeating. This is such a story - from the Patriot Post.
As recounted by Col. James Moschgat, (Ret):
"While we cadets busied ourselves preparing for academic exams, athletic events, Saturday morning parades and room inspections, or never-ending leadership classes, Bill quietly moved about the squadron mopping and buffing floors, emptying trash cans, cleaning toilets, or just tidying up the mess 100 college-age kids can leave in a dormitory. Sadly, and for many years, few of us gave him much notice, rendering little more than a passing nod or throwing a curt, 'G'morning!' in his direction as we hurried off to our daily duties.
"Why? Perhaps it was because of the way he did his job -- he always kept the squadron area spotlessly clean, even the toilets and showers gleamed. Frankly, he did his job so well, none of us had to notice or get involved. After all, cleaning toilets was his job, not ours. Maybe it was his physical appearance that made him disappear into the background. Bill didn't move very quickly and, in fact, you could say he even shuffled a bit, as if he suffered from some sort of injury. His gray hair and wrinkled face made him appear ancient to a group of young cadets. And his crooked smile, well, it looked a little funny. Face it; Bill was an old man working in a young person's world. What did he have to offer us on a personal level?
"Finally, maybe it was Mr. Crawford's personality that rendered him almost invisible to the young people around him. Bill was shy, almost painfully so. He seldom spoke to a cadet unless they addressed him first, and that didn't happen very often. Our janitor always buried himself in his work, moving about with stooped shoulders, a quiet gait, and an averted gaze. If he noticed the hustle and bustle of cadet life around him, it was hard to tell. So, for whatever reason, Bill blended into the woodwork and became just another fixture around the squadron. The Academy, one of our nation's premier leadership laboratories, kept us busy from dawn till dusk. And Mr. Crawford ... well, he was just a janitor.
"That changed one fall Saturday afternoon in 1976. I was reading a book about World War II and the tough Allied ground campaign in Italy, when I stumbled across an incredible story. On September 13, 1943, a Private William Crawford from Colorado, assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, had been involved in some bloody fighting on Hill 424 near Altavilla, Italy. The words on the page leapt out at me: 'in the face of intense and overwhelming hostile fire ... with no regard for personal safety ... on his own initiative, Private Crawford single-handedly attacked fortified enemy positions.' It continued, 'for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, the President of the United States...'
"'Holy cow,' I said to my roommate, 'you're not going to believe this, but I think our janitor is a Medal of Honor winner.' We all knew Mr. Crawford was a WWII Army vet, but that didn't keep my friend from looking at me as if I was some sort of alien being. Nonetheless, we couldn't wait to ask Bill about the story on Monday.
"We met Mr. Crawford bright and early Monday and showed him the page in question from the book, anticipation and doubt in our faces. He starred at it for a few silent moments and then quietly uttered something like, 'Yep, that's me.' Mouths agape, my roommate and I looked at one another, then at the book, and quickly back at our janitor. Almost at once we both stuttered, 'Why didn't you ever tell us about it?' He slowly replied after some thought, 'That was one day in my life and it happened a long time ago.'
"I guess we were all at a loss for words after that. We had to hurry off to class and Bill, well; he had chores to attend to. However, after that brief exchange, things were never again the same around our squadron. Word spread like wildfire among the cadets that we had a hero in our midst -- Mr. Crawford, our janitor, had won the Medal! Cadets who had once passed by Bill with hardly a glance, now greeted him with a smile and a respectful, 'Good morning, Mr. Crawford.'
"Those who had before left a mess for the 'janitor' to clean up started taking it upon themselves to put things in order. Most cadets routinely stopped to talk to Bill throughout the day and we began inviting him to our formal squadron functions. He'd show up dressed in a conservative dark suit and quietly talk to those who approached him, the only sign of his heroics being a simple blue, star-spangled lapel pin.
"Almost overnight, Bill went from being a simple fixture in our squadron to one of our teammates. Mr. Crawford changed too, but you had to look closely to notice the difference. After that fall day in 1976, he seemed to move with more purpose, his shoulders didn't seem to be as stooped, he met our greetings with a direct gaze and a stronger 'good morning' in return, and he flashed his crooked smile more often. The squadron gleamed as always, but everyone now seemed to notice it more. Bill even got to know most of us by our first names, something that didn't happen often at the Academy. While no one ever formally acknowledged the change, I think we became Bill's cadets and his squadron.
"As often happens in life, events sweep us away from those in our past. The last time I saw Bill was on graduation day in June 1977. As I walked out of the squadron for the last time, he shook my hand and simply said, 'Good luck, young man.' With that, I embarked on a career that has been truly lucky and blessed. Mr. Crawford continued to work at the Academy and eventually retired in his native Colorado [town of Pueblo, one of four other Medal of Honor recipients from that small town].
"A wise person once said, 'It's not life that's important, but those you meet along the way that make the difference.' Bill was one who made a difference for me.
Mr. Crawford never had an official recognition event for his Medal of Honor award, because at the time the award was delivered to his family, he was listed as killed in action. But that was rectified in 1984, when President Ronald Regan addressed the AFA graduating class. In a special ceremony before the cadets, their families and dignitaries, President Reagan formally presented the Medal of Honor to Master Sergeant Crawford.
Col. Moschgat concluded, "Bill Crawford was a janitor. However, he was also a teacher, friend, role model and one great American hero. Thanks, Mr. Crawford, for some valuable leadership lessons."
Mr. Crawford joined the Army in 1942 and retired in 1967 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He died in March of 2000 at age 81, but his legacy is, as with all his Patriot brethren, eternal. He is buried at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery -- the only U.S. Army enlisted man buried there.
"The Patriot Post (www.patriotpost.us/subscribe/ )"
As recounted by Col. James Moschgat, (Ret):
"William 'Bill' Crawford certainly was an unimpressive figure, one you could easily overlook during a hectic day at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mr. Crawford, as most of us referred to him back in the late 1970s, was our squadron janitor.
"While we cadets busied ourselves preparing for academic exams, athletic events, Saturday morning parades and room inspections, or never-ending leadership classes, Bill quietly moved about the squadron mopping and buffing floors, emptying trash cans, cleaning toilets, or just tidying up the mess 100 college-age kids can leave in a dormitory. Sadly, and for many years, few of us gave him much notice, rendering little more than a passing nod or throwing a curt, 'G'morning!' in his direction as we hurried off to our daily duties.
"Why? Perhaps it was because of the way he did his job -- he always kept the squadron area spotlessly clean, even the toilets and showers gleamed. Frankly, he did his job so well, none of us had to notice or get involved. After all, cleaning toilets was his job, not ours. Maybe it was his physical appearance that made him disappear into the background. Bill didn't move very quickly and, in fact, you could say he even shuffled a bit, as if he suffered from some sort of injury. His gray hair and wrinkled face made him appear ancient to a group of young cadets. And his crooked smile, well, it looked a little funny. Face it; Bill was an old man working in a young person's world. What did he have to offer us on a personal level?
"Finally, maybe it was Mr. Crawford's personality that rendered him almost invisible to the young people around him. Bill was shy, almost painfully so. He seldom spoke to a cadet unless they addressed him first, and that didn't happen very often. Our janitor always buried himself in his work, moving about with stooped shoulders, a quiet gait, and an averted gaze. If he noticed the hustle and bustle of cadet life around him, it was hard to tell. So, for whatever reason, Bill blended into the woodwork and became just another fixture around the squadron. The Academy, one of our nation's premier leadership laboratories, kept us busy from dawn till dusk. And Mr. Crawford ... well, he was just a janitor.
"That changed one fall Saturday afternoon in 1976. I was reading a book about World War II and the tough Allied ground campaign in Italy, when I stumbled across an incredible story. On September 13, 1943, a Private William Crawford from Colorado, assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, had been involved in some bloody fighting on Hill 424 near Altavilla, Italy. The words on the page leapt out at me: 'in the face of intense and overwhelming hostile fire ... with no regard for personal safety ... on his own initiative, Private Crawford single-handedly attacked fortified enemy positions.' It continued, 'for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, the President of the United States...'
"'Holy cow,' I said to my roommate, 'you're not going to believe this, but I think our janitor is a Medal of Honor winner.' We all knew Mr. Crawford was a WWII Army vet, but that didn't keep my friend from looking at me as if I was some sort of alien being. Nonetheless, we couldn't wait to ask Bill about the story on Monday.
"We met Mr. Crawford bright and early Monday and showed him the page in question from the book, anticipation and doubt in our faces. He starred at it for a few silent moments and then quietly uttered something like, 'Yep, that's me.' Mouths agape, my roommate and I looked at one another, then at the book, and quickly back at our janitor. Almost at once we both stuttered, 'Why didn't you ever tell us about it?' He slowly replied after some thought, 'That was one day in my life and it happened a long time ago.'
"I guess we were all at a loss for words after that. We had to hurry off to class and Bill, well; he had chores to attend to. However, after that brief exchange, things were never again the same around our squadron. Word spread like wildfire among the cadets that we had a hero in our midst -- Mr. Crawford, our janitor, had won the Medal! Cadets who had once passed by Bill with hardly a glance, now greeted him with a smile and a respectful, 'Good morning, Mr. Crawford.'
"Those who had before left a mess for the 'janitor' to clean up started taking it upon themselves to put things in order. Most cadets routinely stopped to talk to Bill throughout the day and we began inviting him to our formal squadron functions. He'd show up dressed in a conservative dark suit and quietly talk to those who approached him, the only sign of his heroics being a simple blue, star-spangled lapel pin.
"Almost overnight, Bill went from being a simple fixture in our squadron to one of our teammates. Mr. Crawford changed too, but you had to look closely to notice the difference. After that fall day in 1976, he seemed to move with more purpose, his shoulders didn't seem to be as stooped, he met our greetings with a direct gaze and a stronger 'good morning' in return, and he flashed his crooked smile more often. The squadron gleamed as always, but everyone now seemed to notice it more. Bill even got to know most of us by our first names, something that didn't happen often at the Academy. While no one ever formally acknowledged the change, I think we became Bill's cadets and his squadron.
"As often happens in life, events sweep us away from those in our past. The last time I saw Bill was on graduation day in June 1977. As I walked out of the squadron for the last time, he shook my hand and simply said, 'Good luck, young man.' With that, I embarked on a career that has been truly lucky and blessed. Mr. Crawford continued to work at the Academy and eventually retired in his native Colorado [town of Pueblo, one of four other Medal of Honor recipients from that small town].
"A wise person once said, 'It's not life that's important, but those you meet along the way that make the difference.' Bill was one who made a difference for me.
Mr. Crawford never had an official recognition event for his Medal of Honor award, because at the time the award was delivered to his family, he was listed as killed in action. But that was rectified in 1984, when President Ronald Regan addressed the AFA graduating class. In a special ceremony before the cadets, their families and dignitaries, President Reagan formally presented the Medal of Honor to Master Sergeant Crawford.
Col. Moschgat concluded, "Bill Crawford was a janitor. However, he was also a teacher, friend, role model and one great American hero. Thanks, Mr. Crawford, for some valuable leadership lessons."
Mr. Crawford joined the Army in 1942 and retired in 1967 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He died in March of 2000 at age 81, but his legacy is, as with all his Patriot brethren, eternal. He is buried at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery -- the only U.S. Army enlisted man buried there.
"The Patriot Post (www.patriotpost.us/subscribe/ )"
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Memorial Day
To many Americans, Memorial Day means little or nothing. It’s just a day that you get off work. But, it is or should be a day when a nation rises up and gives credit due to those that have served in our Armed Services. Oh, there will be ceremonies here and there and families may visit a cemetery, but most will not even fly the flag at half mast or pause to give a heart felt thanks. That’s sad.
I have known some of those that gave their all to defend our liberty. And, I know some that were lucky enough to return home and live good lives.
This memorial day, take a few minutes and if you don’t do anything else, just these two things will mean a lot. First, fly your flag at half staff from sunup to 1200 hours - that’s noon. The proper way is to raise the flag to the top of the pole and then lower it to half. At 1500 hours - 3:00 p.m. - stop whatever you are doing and say a prayer, or just think silently about what you have that someone else paid for. Things like liberty and freedom.
This country has a lot of faults, but failing to say thanks should not be one.
PMO
©2013
I have known some of those that gave their all to defend our liberty. And, I know some that were lucky enough to return home and live good lives.
This memorial day, take a few minutes and if you don’t do anything else, just these two things will mean a lot. First, fly your flag at half staff from sunup to 1200 hours - that’s noon. The proper way is to raise the flag to the top of the pole and then lower it to half. At 1500 hours - 3:00 p.m. - stop whatever you are doing and say a prayer, or just think silently about what you have that someone else paid for. Things like liberty and freedom.
This country has a lot of faults, but failing to say thanks should not be one.
PMO
©2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Signs
Do you ever notice signs? Good journalism doesn’t start a paragraph with a question. That’s why I got out of journalism. Back to signs. Over the years I have seen some memorial signs. Usually in offices, since that’s where I spent most of my adult life. Here are a few samples.
"BOHICA - Bend Over, Here It Comes Again"
A cartoon cat with white gloves pointing with the caption, "Would you be terribly offended if I ask you to take your silly a** problem down the hall?"
"You want it when?"
"I spend 8 hours a day here, you don’t expect me to work too do you?"
"When it’s you against the world, keep on fighting - but bet on the world"
"I don’t think Hank did it this way"
And, my favorite, "Old age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm every time."
PMO
©2013
"BOHICA - Bend Over, Here It Comes Again"
A cartoon cat with white gloves pointing with the caption, "Would you be terribly offended if I ask you to take your silly a** problem down the hall?"
"You want it when?"
"I spend 8 hours a day here, you don’t expect me to work too do you?"
"When it’s you against the world, keep on fighting - but bet on the world"
"I don’t think Hank did it this way"
And, my favorite, "Old age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm every time."
PMO
©2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Boy Scouts
The Boy Scout oath is: "On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country. To help other people at all times, to obey the Scout Law, and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."
The law is: "A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent."
At meeting in Texas, 61% of National Council’s annual meeting delegates broke the oath. Yes, it is that simple.
Naturally the battle over admitting openly gay members will continue according to all the reports I’ve read. There’s already talk about establishing a new organization for boys. My question is why doesn’t the opposition just leave the BSA alone and set up their own? But that is not the way it works.
Who knows how this will turn out - no one. The only thing for sure is that an organization that has proven to be worthwhile to boys and young men will be destroyed.
Looks like that was the intent all along.
PMO
©2013
The law is: "A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent."
At meeting in Texas, 61% of National Council’s annual meeting delegates broke the oath. Yes, it is that simple.
Naturally the battle over admitting openly gay members will continue according to all the reports I’ve read. There’s already talk about establishing a new organization for boys. My question is why doesn’t the opposition just leave the BSA alone and set up their own? But that is not the way it works.
Who knows how this will turn out - no one. The only thing for sure is that an organization that has proven to be worthwhile to boys and young men will be destroyed.
Looks like that was the intent all along.
PMO
©2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Fried Chicken
The Atlantic Wire - The biggest feud in golf right now got unexpectedly racist after Sergio Garcia said he would serve fried chicken to Tiger Woods during the upcoming U.S. Open. When Garcia was participating in a Q&A at the PGA’s European Tour awards show, he was asked if he would have Woods over for dinner during the U.S. Open. "We will have him round every night," Garcia said. "We will serve fried chicken."
According to the media, that was a racist remark - black people and fried chicken.
Garcia quickly apologized and said there was no racist intent in his comment. He stated, it was a silly question and he was merely giving a silly answer.
Again, I protest and am offended. What the heck is racist about fried chicken? I like fried chicken. Having been a Baptist all my life, I think it is a requirement to keep your membership in good standing. I have a large number of black friends and it has never come up that fried chicken is racist. If, fact we have shared friend chicken on many occasions.
If someone says anything about steak and taters, should I take that as racist remark?
Ron White is right again. "You can’t fix stupid."
PMO
©2013
According to the media, that was a racist remark - black people and fried chicken.
Garcia quickly apologized and said there was no racist intent in his comment. He stated, it was a silly question and he was merely giving a silly answer.
Again, I protest and am offended. What the heck is racist about fried chicken? I like fried chicken. Having been a Baptist all my life, I think it is a requirement to keep your membership in good standing. I have a large number of black friends and it has never come up that fried chicken is racist. If, fact we have shared friend chicken on many occasions.
If someone says anything about steak and taters, should I take that as racist remark?
Ron White is right again. "You can’t fix stupid."
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Belly Dancing
In our little commune, we have an intra-net that is used to communicate various information. Everyday we get a notice that the golf course is open. That’s something to look forward to - especially since I don’t play golf anymore. I quit when my golf score and my bowling score got to be the same.
Among the communications is a thing called, ‘community interest.’ This is like a bulletin board. People search for lost dogs and cats, sell used cars, or make announcements about events. This week we got a notice that the belly dancing class was canceled, but would resume in a couple of weeks. At first glance that seems innocent enough. But, the average age in this place is about 70, and that’s factoring in a number of young people that have moved in during the past year. So, the belly dancing class very likely consist of women in their mid to late 80s or even 90s. My financial controller said after reading the announcement, "I’d like to see some of those 90 year old women belly dancing." My reply was quick and simple.
"I wouldn’t."
PMO
©2013
Among the communications is a thing called, ‘community interest.’ This is like a bulletin board. People search for lost dogs and cats, sell used cars, or make announcements about events. This week we got a notice that the belly dancing class was canceled, but would resume in a couple of weeks. At first glance that seems innocent enough. But, the average age in this place is about 70, and that’s factoring in a number of young people that have moved in during the past year. So, the belly dancing class very likely consist of women in their mid to late 80s or even 90s. My financial controller said after reading the announcement, "I’d like to see some of those 90 year old women belly dancing." My reply was quick and simple.
"I wouldn’t."
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
In The Hood
It has been many years since I’ve lived in East Texas. Now that we are here again, my memory is coming back. I remember that it was hot and humid in the summer. Well, guess what? It’s hot and humid in the spring too. The temperature is about 90 degrees and the humidity is about 90 percent. My financial controller complains that I should turn down the thermostat because she gets warm. I try to explain to her that air conditioning systems use about 20% of their energy to remove humidity. It is not hot. It’s just humid, and she will find it will go away this winter.
Around the "hood" I’ve noticed that it is like a ghost town. No one is outside and if they are, they are heading back inside. And, there are a lot of folks that have gone north for the summer. They failed to mention that in the sales brochure on buying a house here.
Oh well. At least it is becoming like where we moved from. No neighbors there except horses.
The few people that stay here are like one end of a horse.
PMO
©2013
Around the "hood" I’ve noticed that it is like a ghost town. No one is outside and if they are, they are heading back inside. And, there are a lot of folks that have gone north for the summer. They failed to mention that in the sales brochure on buying a house here.
Oh well. At least it is becoming like where we moved from. No neighbors there except horses.
The few people that stay here are like one end of a horse.
PMO
©2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
50 And Counting
My friend "Wild Bill" has a 50th wedding anniversary next month. That’s quite a milestone in today’s society. I think in Hollywood, a good marriage may last 50 days. Bill and his spouse are going to renew their vows, have punch and cookies and maybe even a cake at the church fellowship hall. I cannot attend but have emailed him some notes and observations about 50th anniversaries.
First, I have noticed on such occasions that the wife’s name is first on all communications and invitations. That is not by accident. It is a reminder that he is not the boss of the house and never really has been. Bill Cosby said, "I have seen the boss’s job and I don’t want it."
I also pointed out that after so many years in business, I know when an agreement/contract is renewed, there are always some changes. So, when the vows are renewed, he might want to check the fine print. She has had 50 years to come up with new rules. Maybe, he should get a lawyer to be his best man at this solemn occasion.
He should not be fooled by the turnout for these events. All the women are there to help the bride lay out a plan for the next fifty years. The men are there because they were told to attend.
I did suggest that he might want to wear a camouflaged tuxedo at this ceremony. It may be his last chance to do so. It would make a nice surprise for his wife. Maybe a Duck Dynasty tee-shirt with the tux. I think he is going to take me up on that suggestion.
The last 50th celebration I went to was for some friends that instructed guest not to bring presents. Most did bring cards and placed them in a basket located over by the cake. Since the whole thing bored me, I wandered around trying to stay close to the cake. I happened to notice all the cards were addressed to the wife.
They were all sympathy cards.
PMO
©2013
First, I have noticed on such occasions that the wife’s name is first on all communications and invitations. That is not by accident. It is a reminder that he is not the boss of the house and never really has been. Bill Cosby said, "I have seen the boss’s job and I don’t want it."
I also pointed out that after so many years in business, I know when an agreement/contract is renewed, there are always some changes. So, when the vows are renewed, he might want to check the fine print. She has had 50 years to come up with new rules. Maybe, he should get a lawyer to be his best man at this solemn occasion.
He should not be fooled by the turnout for these events. All the women are there to help the bride lay out a plan for the next fifty years. The men are there because they were told to attend.
I did suggest that he might want to wear a camouflaged tuxedo at this ceremony. It may be his last chance to do so. It would make a nice surprise for his wife. Maybe a Duck Dynasty tee-shirt with the tux. I think he is going to take me up on that suggestion.
The last 50th celebration I went to was for some friends that instructed guest not to bring presents. Most did bring cards and placed them in a basket located over by the cake. Since the whole thing bored me, I wandered around trying to stay close to the cake. I happened to notice all the cards were addressed to the wife.
They were all sympathy cards.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Shut Up Pat
Pat Robertson is in trouble again. He reportedly told the wife of a cheating husband to get over it and provide a better home. Not smart Pat. Televangelist should just stick to raising money.
There seems to always be a story about some guy cheating on his wife, but never about a woman cheating on her husband. Why is that? Just who do you think those cheating men are cheating with? There just aren’t that many 20 year old women that want a 40 year old married man.
In my lifetime I have known some cheaters. There was one that was cheating with a pregnant wife of another man. And, then there was "Bob" who cheated with a woman that had seven kids. They ran off together to California or some other foreign country. She left her husband and children. He left his wife and kids too. The point is, at least every man that I know of that has cheated, has cheated with someone’s wife. But, this never makes the news, or even the local gossip rounds.
I am offended and protest that women are never blamed.
Does that surprise anyone?
PMO
©2013
There seems to always be a story about some guy cheating on his wife, but never about a woman cheating on her husband. Why is that? Just who do you think those cheating men are cheating with? There just aren’t that many 20 year old women that want a 40 year old married man.
In my lifetime I have known some cheaters. There was one that was cheating with a pregnant wife of another man. And, then there was "Bob" who cheated with a woman that had seven kids. They ran off together to California or some other foreign country. She left her husband and children. He left his wife and kids too. The point is, at least every man that I know of that has cheated, has cheated with someone’s wife. But, this never makes the news, or even the local gossip rounds.
I am offended and protest that women are never blamed.
Does that surprise anyone?
PMO
©2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
I Believe Him
Prez Obama says that he knew nothing about the IRS going after Tea Party groups. I believe him.
He doesn't appear to know anything about anything else, so why would he lie about this one?
PMO
©2013
He doesn't appear to know anything about anything else, so why would he lie about this one?
PMO
©2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Weed Wacker
About a year ago I bought a highly recommended gas powered weed wacker - or weed eater if you prefer. This machine is supposed to be the best. It was even recommended by a guy at the big box store that sells the second best. It was not cheap. I could have bought two of another brand and had some money left. But, I went for the best, this one time.
The dang thing was hard to start from the beginning. I took it back to the dealer where I bought it and they worked on it. That didn’t seem to help too much. Since we moved here, I haven’t done any weed wacking, but a couple of weeks ago, I tried to start this wonderful machine again. Never happened.
I looked for a dealer in the area and took it to the shop again. They kept it four days and finally called and said they could find nothing wrong with it. I explained that if it doesn’t start for me, the next time I need to use it, I would call them and have them come and start it so I could wack the weeds.
I went back to the shop and went through the start procedure for this particular machine. It started. I hate it when that happens.
It might have been easier to call my new barber. I think she uses the same machine on my hair.
Her shop is a lot closer.
PMO
©2013
The dang thing was hard to start from the beginning. I took it back to the dealer where I bought it and they worked on it. That didn’t seem to help too much. Since we moved here, I haven’t done any weed wacking, but a couple of weeks ago, I tried to start this wonderful machine again. Never happened.
I looked for a dealer in the area and took it to the shop again. They kept it four days and finally called and said they could find nothing wrong with it. I explained that if it doesn’t start for me, the next time I need to use it, I would call them and have them come and start it so I could wack the weeds.
I went back to the shop and went through the start procedure for this particular machine. It started. I hate it when that happens.
It might have been easier to call my new barber. I think she uses the same machine on my hair.
Her shop is a lot closer.
PMO
©2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Rednecks Again
Jeff Foxworthy became rich with his line, "you might be a redneck." He defines, and I would agree, that a redneck is someone that is totally without sophistication. Sophistication is something we are supposed to have - I think. Having been in the country for a few months, I have noticed some folks that just may be a redneck.
If your bride to be is registered at Tractor Supply and at least one beer store - you might be a redneck.
If the church you attend takes a smoke break between the singing and the preaching - you might be a redneck.
If you think that Little Jimmy Dickens is the best singer of all time - you might be a redneck.
If you have two poles holding up one end of your house, but have satellite TV - you might be a redneck.
If you attend a funeral and bring a bucket of chicken and a six pack - you might be a redneck.
If you think that Duck Dynasty should win an Emmy - you might be a redneck.
If you think these are made up - you may be too sophisticated.
PMO
©2013
If your bride to be is registered at Tractor Supply and at least one beer store - you might be a redneck.
If the church you attend takes a smoke break between the singing and the preaching - you might be a redneck.
If you think that Little Jimmy Dickens is the best singer of all time - you might be a redneck.
If you have two poles holding up one end of your house, but have satellite TV - you might be a redneck.
If you attend a funeral and bring a bucket of chicken and a six pack - you might be a redneck.
If you think that Duck Dynasty should win an Emmy - you might be a redneck.
If you think these are made up - you may be too sophisticated.
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Spring Concert
We attended the spring concert for the choral department of the local high school. Granddaughter number two, is a member. I might add that she was the prettiest and best soprano there - just my opinion.
I’m not sure what the director is thinking when he picks out the songs, but they were all something that you don’t hear on the local country music radio station. Ave Verun Corpus by Mozart, Bist Du Bei Mir by J. S. Bach, Gia sole dal Gange by Scarlatti are just a few of the selections. Of course everyone applauded at the end of each song, but I’m not sure anyone understood a word. The director did say that the first song he assigned when he came, a short time ago, was in Latin. There are not a lot of folks in East Texas that speak Latin.
While many may have been somewhat disappointed that none of the songs said anything about momma, trucks or getting drunk, a fun time was had by all.
Did I mention that granddaughter was the prettiest and best soprano.
PMO
©2013
I’m not sure what the director is thinking when he picks out the songs, but they were all something that you don’t hear on the local country music radio station. Ave Verun Corpus by Mozart, Bist Du Bei Mir by J. S. Bach, Gia sole dal Gange by Scarlatti are just a few of the selections. Of course everyone applauded at the end of each song, but I’m not sure anyone understood a word. The director did say that the first song he assigned when he came, a short time ago, was in Latin. There are not a lot of folks in East Texas that speak Latin.
While many may have been somewhat disappointed that none of the songs said anything about momma, trucks or getting drunk, a fun time was had by all.
Did I mention that granddaughter was the prettiest and best soprano.
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Big Brother Is Watching You
International Business - ibtimes - Warrants? We don’t need no stinking warrants. Apparently the FBI doesn’t think it’s legally required to have a warrant to search your emails, Facebook messages and any other electronic communications.
Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the ACLU suggest that the U.S. Department of Justice is flouting a 2010 federal appeals court ruling that declared warrant less access to email a violation of the Fourth Amendment. The FBI is reportedly considering any mail left beyond six months on a third party server - yahoo, gmail, Facebook, etc - is exempt from the ruling.
So if you tell someone something that is personal and private, it may not be private. Be careful not to tell aunt Bernice that the party you threw over the weekend, was a bomb.
But don’t feel alone. Newsmax reporter Carl Bernstein call the Department of Justice securing telephone records of Associated Press reporters a "nuclear event." Actually, I’m kind of happy about that one. I have a real mean streak when it comes to the media.
Remember, you may not be interested in government or politics, but they are interested in you.
If they start reading this blog, they will have hit the bottom of the barrell.
PMO
©2013
Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the ACLU suggest that the U.S. Department of Justice is flouting a 2010 federal appeals court ruling that declared warrant less access to email a violation of the Fourth Amendment. The FBI is reportedly considering any mail left beyond six months on a third party server - yahoo, gmail, Facebook, etc - is exempt from the ruling.
So if you tell someone something that is personal and private, it may not be private. Be careful not to tell aunt Bernice that the party you threw over the weekend, was a bomb.
But don’t feel alone. Newsmax reporter Carl Bernstein call the Department of Justice securing telephone records of Associated Press reporters a "nuclear event." Actually, I’m kind of happy about that one. I have a real mean streak when it comes to the media.
Remember, you may not be interested in government or politics, but they are interested in you.
If they start reading this blog, they will have hit the bottom of the barrell.
PMO
©2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Media Siblings Work For Obama
Newsmax - The presidents of ABC News and CBS News have siblings who work in the Obama administration and are involved with Bengazi. Political consultant Richard Grenell told "Fox News Watch" that the ties raise concerns as to why the mainstream media has not more aggressively pursued the story.
"I think the media’s becoming the story, let’s face it," Grenell said. "CBS News President David Rhodes and ABC News President Ben Sherwood, both of them have siblings that not only work at the
White House, that no only work for Obama, but they work at the National Security Council on foreign policy issues directly related to Bengazi."
"Additionally, CNN deputy bureau chief Virginia Mosely is married to Hillary Clinton’s deputy, Tom Nides," Grenell noted. "It is time for the media to start asking questions why they are not covering this. It’s a family matter for some of them."
Isn’t all this kind of like saying, "incest is alright, so long as you keep it in the family."
Still trust the media? Reminds me of an email I got last year. It may or may not be true, but how political spin can change a story is on target.
A professional genealogy researcher in California was doing some personal work on her family tree when she discovered that Senator Harry Reid’s great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. She and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
On the back of a photo the researcher obtained was this inscription: "Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison in 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889."
She emailed Senator Reid for information about their great-great uncle and purportedly got this response.
"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
What’s worse, not watching, reading or listening to the news and being uninformed or watching, reading or listening to the news and being uninformed?
PMO
©2013
"I think the media’s becoming the story, let’s face it," Grenell said. "CBS News President David Rhodes and ABC News President Ben Sherwood, both of them have siblings that not only work at the
White House, that no only work for Obama, but they work at the National Security Council on foreign policy issues directly related to Bengazi."
"Additionally, CNN deputy bureau chief Virginia Mosely is married to Hillary Clinton’s deputy, Tom Nides," Grenell noted. "It is time for the media to start asking questions why they are not covering this. It’s a family matter for some of them."
Isn’t all this kind of like saying, "incest is alright, so long as you keep it in the family."
Still trust the media? Reminds me of an email I got last year. It may or may not be true, but how political spin can change a story is on target.
A professional genealogy researcher in California was doing some personal work on her family tree when she discovered that Senator Harry Reid’s great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. She and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
On the back of a photo the researcher obtained was this inscription: "Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison in 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889."
She emailed Senator Reid for information about their great-great uncle and purportedly got this response.
"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
What’s worse, not watching, reading or listening to the news and being uninformed or watching, reading or listening to the news and being uninformed?
PMO
©2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mother's Day Outing
Just so you will know, my financial controller did get treated special on mother’s day. First, she got to sleep late - 6:15 a.m. She found the card I had left in a conspicuous place. Isn’t that the first place you go when you get up?
After she got the granddaughters fed and dressed, she didn’t have to do anything until we left for an early lunch at the number one cafeteria in town. Our ace number one, favorite daughter treated. We have only one child.
Next it was off to one of the big box lumber yards for some supplies. I let her push the cart. And, at the check out, I used my ATM card. She didn’t even have to bring her purse.
Back at home, she got to watch a movie she had recorded off one of the free TV channels, while I took a nap. Then we took the golf cart to daughter’s house to deliver some bones and meat scrapes to the dogs.
What a day! Just wait until next year.
Who says I can’t adjust to East Texas culture?
PMO
©2013
After she got the granddaughters fed and dressed, she didn’t have to do anything until we left for an early lunch at the number one cafeteria in town. Our ace number one, favorite daughter treated. We have only one child.
Next it was off to one of the big box lumber yards for some supplies. I let her push the cart. And, at the check out, I used my ATM card. She didn’t even have to bring her purse.
Back at home, she got to watch a movie she had recorded off one of the free TV channels, while I took a nap. Then we took the golf cart to daughter’s house to deliver some bones and meat scrapes to the dogs.
What a day! Just wait until next year.
Who says I can’t adjust to East Texas culture?
PMO
©2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Fried Chicken And Fried Cornbrdead
On mothers day, folks take mother out to dinner or at least give her a call. Mothers usually just wave off any praise and thanks for what they do. Let’s face it, without your mother, you would probably still be wearing diapers.
My mother has been dead for many years. She died at the young age of 59, from a stroke. It’s strange what you remember about your mother. There are a million things, but especially remember fried chicken and fried cornbread.
It took her an hour or more to fry a chicken - which she cut up by hand. She used a cast iron skillet with a lid. She always saved me the wish bone and a breast if I was not at the table at meal time. The chicken was served with white gravy made in the same skillet. That means all the bits of chicken and flavor went into the gravy. Nobody has ever duplicated that meal. And they never will.
Mother made fried cornbread. I don’t know why, except she fried a lot of food. I didn’t like regular cornbread, and fried was even lower down on my list of favorites. But, I ate it. At least I tried to. It was better than her pancakes - which she fried too.
We had pumpkin pie once per year - Thanksgiving. She made three pies. One for her. One for me. And one for the family meal.
What I would give for fried chicken and gravy with pumpkin pie for dessert. My own pie.
I miss her. You will too when she’s gone.
PMO
©2013
My mother has been dead for many years. She died at the young age of 59, from a stroke. It’s strange what you remember about your mother. There are a million things, but especially remember fried chicken and fried cornbread.
It took her an hour or more to fry a chicken - which she cut up by hand. She used a cast iron skillet with a lid. She always saved me the wish bone and a breast if I was not at the table at meal time. The chicken was served with white gravy made in the same skillet. That means all the bits of chicken and flavor went into the gravy. Nobody has ever duplicated that meal. And they never will.
Mother made fried cornbread. I don’t know why, except she fried a lot of food. I didn’t like regular cornbread, and fried was even lower down on my list of favorites. But, I ate it. At least I tried to. It was better than her pancakes - which she fried too.
We had pumpkin pie once per year - Thanksgiving. She made three pies. One for her. One for me. And one for the family meal.
What I would give for fried chicken and gravy with pumpkin pie for dessert. My own pie.
I miss her. You will too when she’s gone.
PMO
©2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
I'm Offened Again
The debate over school prayer has reared it’s ugly head in Arkansas this week - (Yahoo News) Two sixth grade graduations were cancelled in Riverside Unified School District after a parent protested against a prayer that was to be recited during the ceremony, according to the report.
The school received a letter from Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin nonprofit with a mission to educate the public "on matters relating to nontheism and to promote the constitutional principle of separation between church and state." Let me see if I have this correctly. A group in Wisconsin and one parent in Arkansas shut down two graduations because they don’t like prayer?
Freedom from Religion also recently shut down a Georgia school from saying prayers and playing any songs with religious references at graduation. Similar occurrences have and are happening around the country.
In Lake City, Arkansas, parents are trying to decide on a church that will host a private graduation ceremony for Christian students.
It is interesting that the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers is disappointed that Riverside school canceled its graduation . Anne Orsi, a Society member told Take Part, "We think that the students are the big losers in this astonishing display of religious selfishness on the part of the school"s administration. There is absolutely no reason the graduation ceremony cannot continue without forcing the attendees to submit to a public prayer." Tell me why the one couldn’t just stick their fingers in their ears and keep their mouth shut, so the ceremony would run smoothly as planned..
As cited in the story, could one person protest our accommodating Muslim food and prayers at Gitmo and get that stopped? No one seems to dare to protest against Muslim prayer in the streets or anywhere else. Could it be they know they will get their head cut off?
I want to go on record that I am offended and protest any and all meeting and ceremonies that do not include a Christian or Jewish prayer. What non-profit will support me?
The correct answer is - None!
PMO
©2013
The school received a letter from Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin nonprofit with a mission to educate the public "on matters relating to nontheism and to promote the constitutional principle of separation between church and state." Let me see if I have this correctly. A group in Wisconsin and one parent in Arkansas shut down two graduations because they don’t like prayer?
Freedom from Religion also recently shut down a Georgia school from saying prayers and playing any songs with religious references at graduation. Similar occurrences have and are happening around the country.
In Lake City, Arkansas, parents are trying to decide on a church that will host a private graduation ceremony for Christian students.
It is interesting that the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers is disappointed that Riverside school canceled its graduation . Anne Orsi, a Society member told Take Part, "We think that the students are the big losers in this astonishing display of religious selfishness on the part of the school"s administration. There is absolutely no reason the graduation ceremony cannot continue without forcing the attendees to submit to a public prayer." Tell me why the one couldn’t just stick their fingers in their ears and keep their mouth shut, so the ceremony would run smoothly as planned..
As cited in the story, could one person protest our accommodating Muslim food and prayers at Gitmo and get that stopped? No one seems to dare to protest against Muslim prayer in the streets or anywhere else. Could it be they know they will get their head cut off?
I want to go on record that I am offended and protest any and all meeting and ceremonies that do not include a Christian or Jewish prayer. What non-profit will support me?
The correct answer is - None!
PMO
©2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
People And Animals
My old friend Melvin used to say, "Customer service would be a great job, if it wasn’t for all the customers." He and I worked in Customer Service for a large utility. Someone said, "The world would be a great place if it wasn’t for people." From my perspective, both statements are true.
Animals on the other hand, are hardly a nuisance that can’t be dealt with reasonably ease. Most people I know recognize that I like animals better than people. And I don’t like all animals. I’ve been bitten, scratched, chased, kicked and run over by animals. But, all they wanted was for me to leave them alone. People will do the very same things with no rational reason at all.
Through out the years, I’ve met some really nice people - good people. And, I’ve met some really rotten people - really rotten. Animals are a lot easier to get along with.
Today has been one of those days. I do volunteer work for some organizations - mostly computer stuff. The problem is that you have to deal with people that don’t do anything but complain. They only want what they want, without regard to limitations or rules. Maybe that’s why I like animals more than people.
At least I’m consistent.
PMO
©2013
Animals on the other hand, are hardly a nuisance that can’t be dealt with reasonably ease. Most people I know recognize that I like animals better than people. And I don’t like all animals. I’ve been bitten, scratched, chased, kicked and run over by animals. But, all they wanted was for me to leave them alone. People will do the very same things with no rational reason at all.
Through out the years, I’ve met some really nice people - good people. And, I’ve met some really rotten people - really rotten. Animals are a lot easier to get along with.
Today has been one of those days. I do volunteer work for some organizations - mostly computer stuff. The problem is that you have to deal with people that don’t do anything but complain. They only want what they want, without regard to limitations or rules. Maybe that’s why I like animals more than people.
At least I’m consistent.
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Charlie
"We ate grass, worms and a dog. Tige, good old Tige. A starving man isn’t picky about what he eats." Those are the words that began an article I wrote for a magazine about Charlie more than 30 years ago. I did the interview at his house in North Texas. The title of the piece was, "March to Death, Walk to Hell." Charlie was part of the Bataan Death March in World War II. He died this week at 95.
He survived the death march and was a POW for 42 months. He could tell you stories that you didn’t want to hear. Yes, he did receive numerous medals for his service, but when he and all the others were finally rescued, he was literally skin and bones. It took a long time for him to recover.
He taught and coached at the local school where he grew up. He was the postmaster - twice. And, he had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To most, Charlie was just a regular guy.
I remember him because I was in one of his classes. If we pushed him, he would share some of the milder stories about his experiences. It was years later when I did the interview and realized what he and thousands when through in the labor camps.
Charlie may just be one of those that can stand at Heaven’s gate and tell Saint Peter, "Let me in, for I’ve served my time in hell."
Rest in peace Charlie. The world is a little better place because you were here.
I just hope they realize it.
PMO
©2013
He survived the death march and was a POW for 42 months. He could tell you stories that you didn’t want to hear. Yes, he did receive numerous medals for his service, but when he and all the others were finally rescued, he was literally skin and bones. It took a long time for him to recover.
He taught and coached at the local school where he grew up. He was the postmaster - twice. And, he had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To most, Charlie was just a regular guy.
I remember him because I was in one of his classes. If we pushed him, he would share some of the milder stories about his experiences. It was years later when I did the interview and realized what he and thousands when through in the labor camps.
Charlie may just be one of those that can stand at Heaven’s gate and tell Saint Peter, "Let me in, for I’ve served my time in hell."
Rest in peace Charlie. The world is a little better place because you were here.
I just hope they realize it.
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Print Your Own Pistol
A libertarian group says it has manufactured the first working plastic gun made entirely with a 3-D printer, and the weapon would elude metal detection - New York Post, May 6, 2013.
Defense Distributed, a Texas based group, said it plans to soon publish the digital blueprint for anyone to download. 3-D printers can create solid objects by following digital blueprints. The group reportedly test fired a model last week. It fired six bullets before becoming unusable. Probably not something you would want to take to the range for a day of targets.
Discussion is high on exactly what this means. Will everyone have a gun manufacturing plant in their garage? I won’t. I can’t get the car in there. Are such weapons truly undetectable?" Not if they have bullets. Bullets are made out of metal. A plastic bullet would blow up the gun and cause the shooter never to be able to count to two again.
What I want is a 3-D printer that can reproduce a person from DNA. I would like to see the expression on the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and all the other founders of this great country when they saw what it has become. Tom would probably nudge George and say, "What the "*@!**%#" happened?"
It could happen.
PMO
©2013
Defense Distributed, a Texas based group, said it plans to soon publish the digital blueprint for anyone to download. 3-D printers can create solid objects by following digital blueprints. The group reportedly test fired a model last week. It fired six bullets before becoming unusable. Probably not something you would want to take to the range for a day of targets.
Discussion is high on exactly what this means. Will everyone have a gun manufacturing plant in their garage? I won’t. I can’t get the car in there. Are such weapons truly undetectable?" Not if they have bullets. Bullets are made out of metal. A plastic bullet would blow up the gun and cause the shooter never to be able to count to two again.
What I want is a 3-D printer that can reproduce a person from DNA. I would like to see the expression on the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and all the other founders of this great country when they saw what it has become. Tom would probably nudge George and say, "What the "*@!**%#" happened?"
It could happen.
PMO
©2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
World Famous?
Our little commune is located near Noonday, Texas. If you are an onion connoisseur, you may actually have heard of Noonday onions. They are world famous - so I am told. This particular onion is sweet and can only be grown on Noonday soil - and not even all of Noonday.
I stopped and bought some from a road-side stand. They are delicious. A little pricy, but delicious.
There is a gas station/general store/café combination in Noonday that proudly boasts of having the best hamburgers in the world - again world famous. They are pretty good, but "world famous or best?" I do know they sell a lot of them, not to mention the beans and cornbread.
I guess in the grand scheme of things, "world famous," is all in the perspective. If you limit your world to Noonday, Flint, Teaseville, Coffee City and Bullard - all in the neighborhood- then it may be true.
The onions are good enough to be world famous. The burgers are the best in Noonday.
It is the only burger place in Noonday.
PMO
©2013
I stopped and bought some from a road-side stand. They are delicious. A little pricy, but delicious.
There is a gas station/general store/café combination in Noonday that proudly boasts of having the best hamburgers in the world - again world famous. They are pretty good, but "world famous or best?" I do know they sell a lot of them, not to mention the beans and cornbread.
I guess in the grand scheme of things, "world famous," is all in the perspective. If you limit your world to Noonday, Flint, Teaseville, Coffee City and Bullard - all in the neighborhood- then it may be true.
The onions are good enough to be world famous. The burgers are the best in Noonday.
It is the only burger place in Noonday.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Cost Of Living
Living is expensive - just in case you hadn’t noticed. I heard that the cost of living in the country is less than in the big city. WRONG! I suppose if you don’t buy anything, it might be cheaper, but I have grown fond of groceries, being dry when it rains and having a reasonable ambient temperature around me.
First, there is little or no competition so prices are more often than not, at full retail. And, because stores are smaller, product selection is not very good. A simple example is a 24 pack of Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper used to cost less than $6.00 and if I caught them on sale, less than $5.00. In the new land, I haven’t found a 24 pack, but you can get the 12 can size for $5.24. Do the math.
Gasoline is usually 20 to 30 cents per gallon higher here. Other essentials like water are three times what I paid in the big city. Taxes are cheaper until you find your lean-to is valued at a half-million dollars. Doesn’t matter what you paid for it. Medical services are about 25 percent or more than I am used to paying. If you want a haircut that you can actually go out in public with, get ready to pay 20 to 30 percent more. And, the list goes on.
A box of 18 fishing worms cost $4.29.
That’s serious folks.
PMO
©2013
First, there is little or no competition so prices are more often than not, at full retail. And, because stores are smaller, product selection is not very good. A simple example is a 24 pack of Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper used to cost less than $6.00 and if I caught them on sale, less than $5.00. In the new land, I haven’t found a 24 pack, but you can get the 12 can size for $5.24. Do the math.
Gasoline is usually 20 to 30 cents per gallon higher here. Other essentials like water are three times what I paid in the big city. Taxes are cheaper until you find your lean-to is valued at a half-million dollars. Doesn’t matter what you paid for it. Medical services are about 25 percent or more than I am used to paying. If you want a haircut that you can actually go out in public with, get ready to pay 20 to 30 percent more. And, the list goes on.
A box of 18 fishing worms cost $4.29.
That’s serious folks.
PMO
©2013
Saturday, May 4, 2013
No Rush Hour
After over 25 years driving in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metro-mess, I have come to the conclusion that driving in East Texas is worse. First and foremost is, that it does not matter where you need to go, it will take several hours. There is no "rush hour" because it is always bad if you drive in the city. The traffic lights are timed to a very relaxing 30 minutes or maybe in some locations, an hour. None of that big city two to three minutes for these folks. And, when the light does change, you had better on your toes because that’s where speed takes over. If there are more than two cars in front of you, it is probable that you will not make the light.
My financial controller and I had to make a trip into town today and it only took five hours. Yes, we did make two stops, but that was just to walk around and try to get my legs back. I commented to her that the next time we come to town, I’m going to put my charcoal grill in the bed of my pickup so I can make lunch while we sit at the traffic lights.
On the thoroughfares with two or four lanes and a turn lane in the middle, people sit in the lane that is not a turn lane and wait for the light to change. Why don’t they move to the turn lane? The only explanation I can come up with is, "we’ve never done that before."
I really miss the city where everybody drives like they are on fire and when the light turns green, they go. There is no discussion with whomever is in the car with you, about if green or yellow means go.
So far, most of them agree that red means stop.
PMO
©2013
My financial controller and I had to make a trip into town today and it only took five hours. Yes, we did make two stops, but that was just to walk around and try to get my legs back. I commented to her that the next time we come to town, I’m going to put my charcoal grill in the bed of my pickup so I can make lunch while we sit at the traffic lights.
On the thoroughfares with two or four lanes and a turn lane in the middle, people sit in the lane that is not a turn lane and wait for the light to change. Why don’t they move to the turn lane? The only explanation I can come up with is, "we’ve never done that before."
I really miss the city where everybody drives like they are on fire and when the light turns green, they go. There is no discussion with whomever is in the car with you, about if green or yellow means go.
So far, most of them agree that red means stop.
PMO
©2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
Too Old For This
There was a time, back in the day, when I almost understood computers. I could write machine basic code and some other stuff. Way back then, personal computers ran on DOS - disk operating system. In DOS, if you told the computer to jump, it jumped - that’s all. It didn’t do anything else. Then along came windows. Windows was wonderful because everything was visual - almost. But, I quickly learned that if you told the computer to jump in Windows, strange things could happen - they still do.
Now I find myself involved with software that just doesn’t make sense to a grumpy old man. Computers were supposed to save time and money. As near as I can tell, they don’t do either one. Oh, sure there are so many wonderful things you can do today on a phone that you couldn’t do on the best PCs just a few years ago. And, who knows what will be revealed in the future.
But, if you get into some real task, more important than "tweeting" a message that you are on the potty, it is almost like going backward. I’m talking about using mass marketing email servers. They make perfect sense to the people that wrote the code, but to a casual user, there is no rhyme or reason. I have complained about this before and still am - it’s therapeutic. Still, I can see no reason to take almost 30 steps to forward an email. I’m beginning to think it would be a lot easier just to use the postal service.
But, I hate licking stamps.
PMO
©2013
Now I find myself involved with software that just doesn’t make sense to a grumpy old man. Computers were supposed to save time and money. As near as I can tell, they don’t do either one. Oh, sure there are so many wonderful things you can do today on a phone that you couldn’t do on the best PCs just a few years ago. And, who knows what will be revealed in the future.
But, if you get into some real task, more important than "tweeting" a message that you are on the potty, it is almost like going backward. I’m talking about using mass marketing email servers. They make perfect sense to the people that wrote the code, but to a casual user, there is no rhyme or reason. I have complained about this before and still am - it’s therapeutic. Still, I can see no reason to take almost 30 steps to forward an email. I’m beginning to think it would be a lot easier just to use the postal service.
But, I hate licking stamps.
PMO
©2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Climate Change Causes Prostitution
I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried. The Los Angeles Times reports that Representative Barbara Lee, who represents Berkeley, Oakland and other parts of the East Bay, has reintroduced a resolution declaring that climate change - the new term for global warming - could force more women to become prostitutes.
The California Democrat and 11 co-sponsors introduced House Concurrent Resolution 36 that states that warming temperatures could push as many as 3 million people into poverty by 2050. Some of those people may be women looking for any possible way to provide for themselves and their children. "Food insecure women with limited socioeconomic resources may be vulnerable to situations such as sex work, transactional sex, and early marriage that put them at risk for HIV, STIs, unplanned pregnancy and poor reproductive health," according to the resolution. The document’s purpose is to call attention to the ways that women are vulnerable to climate change.
These people not only walk among us, they are part of the government that rules. What’s next? Maybe the old line, "WORLD TO END TOMORROW! WOMEN AND CHILDREN EXPECTED TO BE HARDEST HIT!"
Hey, I just report. And, shake my head in amazement.
PMO
©2013
The California Democrat and 11 co-sponsors introduced House Concurrent Resolution 36 that states that warming temperatures could push as many as 3 million people into poverty by 2050. Some of those people may be women looking for any possible way to provide for themselves and their children. "Food insecure women with limited socioeconomic resources may be vulnerable to situations such as sex work, transactional sex, and early marriage that put them at risk for HIV, STIs, unplanned pregnancy and poor reproductive health," according to the resolution. The document’s purpose is to call attention to the ways that women are vulnerable to climate change.
These people not only walk among us, they are part of the government that rules. What’s next? Maybe the old line, "WORLD TO END TOMORROW! WOMEN AND CHILDREN EXPECTED TO BE HARDEST HIT!"
Hey, I just report. And, shake my head in amazement.
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
You Have To Be Tested
An influential U.S. panel is calling for HIV screening for all Americans aged 15-65, regardless of whether they are considered to be at high risk, a change that may help lift some of the stigma associated with HIV testing. - (Reuters - Chicago) Read that one more time, especially the last part.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government-backed panel of doctors and scientists, now align with longstanding recommendations by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention for testing all adults aged 15-65, regardless of their risk. Quick question, when did a 15 year old become an adult?
The USPSTF guidelines issued in 2005 recommended HIV screening for high risk groups, and their recommendation is part of healthcare law. High risk groups include those who have sex with gay or bisexual men, illicit drug users and economically disadvantaged populations in which HIV rates are high. Whoa! Another question. Being poor can cause AIDS? Who would have thunk it?
Remember, the intent of this testing is to remove the stigma of being tested for those that do engage in high risk behavior. Currently there are about 50,000 new cases per year. If that nasty stigma can be overcome, we just might get those numbers up.
To summarize, because people that do things to get HIV are embarrassed about getting tested, the whole country has to get tested.
They are not embarrassed about doing what it takes to get HIV.
PMO
©2013
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government-backed panel of doctors and scientists, now align with longstanding recommendations by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention for testing all adults aged 15-65, regardless of their risk. Quick question, when did a 15 year old become an adult?
The USPSTF guidelines issued in 2005 recommended HIV screening for high risk groups, and their recommendation is part of healthcare law. High risk groups include those who have sex with gay or bisexual men, illicit drug users and economically disadvantaged populations in which HIV rates are high. Whoa! Another question. Being poor can cause AIDS? Who would have thunk it?
Remember, the intent of this testing is to remove the stigma of being tested for those that do engage in high risk behavior. Currently there are about 50,000 new cases per year. If that nasty stigma can be overcome, we just might get those numbers up.
To summarize, because people that do things to get HIV are embarrassed about getting tested, the whole country has to get tested.
They are not embarrassed about doing what it takes to get HIV.
PMO
©2013
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