A new year gives the opportunity to do things better. A new year means that we have hope to correct the bad things and make better new things. But, before starting a new year, it is time to review the old year. What happened in 2015?
We lived with fear from an attack from radical terrorist. Once we were a nation so strong that no one would have ever contemplated attacking us. Now, we are viewed as a has been power, that can easily be defeated with minor forces.
Unborn babies continued to die and tax payers continued to support the practice. We discovered that body parts were being sold, but did not stop the unthinkable horror.
We went $1.4 trillion further in debt to support what none of knows what. Even the politicians have no understanding of where the money goes. But, they kept increasing the burden on those that work and pay taxes. Even those born in 2015 will never be able to repay the debt.
History and traditions were removed from the public place because of political correctness. The political correctness cancer grew beyond anything that anyone can imagine.
Illegal immigration continued to increase by the millions, costing billions of dollars to support people that will never assimilate to the American dream. We knowingly brought some that want to destroy us, and very well may.
The foundation of every civilization, the family, consisting of one husband and one wife was destroyed.
Christianity, the foundation of America, was made to be a crime.
Before you jump with hope for happiness in a new year, it could be the year that insanity ends by what ever means it takes.
If we as a nation can’t come together to correct the mistakes of the past, then we have no future. Yes, it will take suffering, but if we do it right, generations to come can truly say, “Happy New Year.”
PMO
©2015
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Hurry Up And Wait
My financial controller had to have an eye surgery and we had to arrive an hour before the appointed appointment time. Yes, you did understand that correctly. Don’t ask me why we had to be an hour early. I’m guessing it was for us to enjoy the show.
The surgery clinic has a waiting room about the size of a refrigerator box so when we got there we had to climb over a room full of people to find the last two seats. The place was packed. It only took a couple of minutes to find out why. It seems that when one goes in for eye surgery, one should bring all of your next of kin and friends with you. During the time we were there, no one came in with their pets, but there were many stories about them.
A brief overview of the group included one lady that talked on her cell phone the whole time we were there, about three hours, although there were signs stating, NO CELL PHONES! Then there was “Gabbyell.” She wanted everyone to know she was there and would talk to strangers across the room even though they tried to ignore her. My favorite was the woman that would get up and watched those coming out of surgery to see how big the bandage on their eye was. Then she would walk over everybody to get back to her seat and argue with her daughter that kept telling her not to do that.
And, the good news is that we get to go back in a couple of weeks to have the other eye done. By then, Texas new open carry gun law will be in effect. Surely, you say, that I would not wear a gun on my hip when we go there again.
Wanna bet?
PMO
©2015
The surgery clinic has a waiting room about the size of a refrigerator box so when we got there we had to climb over a room full of people to find the last two seats. The place was packed. It only took a couple of minutes to find out why. It seems that when one goes in for eye surgery, one should bring all of your next of kin and friends with you. During the time we were there, no one came in with their pets, but there were many stories about them.
A brief overview of the group included one lady that talked on her cell phone the whole time we were there, about three hours, although there were signs stating, NO CELL PHONES! Then there was “Gabbyell.” She wanted everyone to know she was there and would talk to strangers across the room even though they tried to ignore her. My favorite was the woman that would get up and watched those coming out of surgery to see how big the bandage on their eye was. Then she would walk over everybody to get back to her seat and argue with her daughter that kept telling her not to do that.
And, the good news is that we get to go back in a couple of weeks to have the other eye done. By then, Texas new open carry gun law will be in effect. Surely, you say, that I would not wear a gun on my hip when we go there again.
Wanna bet?
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Terms For Winter Temperatures In Texas
We’ve recently experienced weather in Texas that the rest of the world thinks is unusual. When the temperature goes from the upper 70s to the mid 30's in about two minutes, it can make foreigners (anybody not from Texas) wonder a bit. As a community service, let me explain the terms for temperatures in Texas.
First is “air’ish” or “a might air’ish.” That means the temperature has just dropped to the low 40s or upper 30s.
“Nippy” or “a bit nippy” simply means the temperature is somewhere around 35 degrees, maybe even 32.
Then, there’s “chilly.” Chilly translates to the anywhere in the 20s to below 32 degrees.
Cold is the last term of measurement of temperature.
It means, don’t worry about the cow, she’s frozen solid.
PMO
©2015
First is “air’ish” or “a might air’ish.” That means the temperature has just dropped to the low 40s or upper 30s.
“Nippy” or “a bit nippy” simply means the temperature is somewhere around 35 degrees, maybe even 32.
Then, there’s “chilly.” Chilly translates to the anywhere in the 20s to below 32 degrees.
Cold is the last term of measurement of temperature.
It means, don’t worry about the cow, she’s frozen solid.
PMO
©2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
Worth It
Recently I saw an interview on a local TV news program that featured an Iraq war veteran. The vet had suffered severe physical injury in an explosion while on duty. He was being interviewed because he was heading up a fund drive to help vets, especially those with PTSD. He had suffered not only the physical injuries but stated that his mental injuries were much worse. That is why he is trying to help other vets overcome the mental problems created as a result of combat.
In closing the interview, the reporter said, “Thank you for your service.” The reply the vet gave was not what you might expect.
He said, “You’re worth it.”
PMO
©2015
In closing the interview, the reporter said, “Thank you for your service.” The reply the vet gave was not what you might expect.
He said, “You’re worth it.”
PMO
©2015
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Talking About Weather
Mark Twain said, ‘Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” The one sure thing about the weather in Texas is that it is going to change. It sure has changed in the past couple of days. We’ve gone from summer to tornados to winter and floods.
In Biblical days, the extreme weather experienced across the country recently would have prompted the prophets to call on the people to repent of their sins that have angered God. Those silly prophets thought that God controlled the weather and all of nature. The enlightened generation is convinced that Al Gore has the answer and you don’t have to repent.
However, it will cost you a lot of money.
PMO
©2015
In Biblical days, the extreme weather experienced across the country recently would have prompted the prophets to call on the people to repent of their sins that have angered God. Those silly prophets thought that God controlled the weather and all of nature. The enlightened generation is convinced that Al Gore has the answer and you don’t have to repent.
However, it will cost you a lot of money.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015
They Said
Different people view different things as being funny. I don’t care who you are, the following true stories are worth a chuckle.
First story: The pastor during a Christmas candlelight service explained that for the past few years he would disappear for a few moments and then return dressed as one of the Biblical characters in the story of the birth of Jesus. “I have done all the characters except the angel and the donkey,” he said. And he continued with, “I don’t feel worthy to play the part of an angel, and I just don’t want to be the donkey.”
Second story: Two old women talking on the phone when one asked the other if she is still working. “Yes, “ said the first woman, “But I only work four days per week.” The second woman asked, “You work only four days a week, how many days do you get off?” To which the first woman replied, “Three.” The second woman then said, “Well, that works out nicely.”
For my safety, I have not identified who the two old ladies are.
That’s why truth is funnier than fiction.
PMO
©2015
First story: The pastor during a Christmas candlelight service explained that for the past few years he would disappear for a few moments and then return dressed as one of the Biblical characters in the story of the birth of Jesus. “I have done all the characters except the angel and the donkey,” he said. And he continued with, “I don’t feel worthy to play the part of an angel, and I just don’t want to be the donkey.”
Second story: Two old women talking on the phone when one asked the other if she is still working. “Yes, “ said the first woman, “But I only work four days per week.” The second woman asked, “You work only four days a week, how many days do you get off?” To which the first woman replied, “Three.” The second woman then said, “Well, that works out nicely.”
For my safety, I have not identified who the two old ladies are.
That’s why truth is funnier than fiction.
PMO
©2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
Speedy Santa
Someone with far too much time on their hands has calculated that Santa Claus would have to visit 822 homes per second, traveling at 660 miles per second, in order to deliver all of his presents on Christmas Eve.
That explains why no one ever sees him.
PMO
©2015
That explains why no one ever sees him.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas
There are so many things I could say about Christmas, but I think the single most important message I have for one and all is very simple.
Christmas is not about you.
©2015
Christmas is not about you.
©2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Texas Christmas Weather
Here it is again, Christmas time. It’s pretty easy to tell in Texas. If it has been colder than, well you know what, and then it turns to summer time overnight, it’s Christmas.
But wait! It could snow a foot before dark.
It’s Texas.
PMO
©2015
But wait! It could snow a foot before dark.
It’s Texas.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
A Poem
The following has been around on the internet several times and I usually don't post from the internet. However, this little poem tells the story of those that are mostly forgotten but should be remembered, especially this time of year.
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest..
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile..
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.." " So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
A salute to all that wear the uniform and stand the post.
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest..
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile..
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.." " So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
A salute to all that wear the uniform and stand the post.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Beef Jerky
There’s a speciality meat store not far from us, so I decided to stop and see what they had to offer. The short answer is, a lot of very expensive steaks, chops and fish. But, they also had jerky. One of my favorites.
I browsed the selection of flavors and chose my usual hickory smoked flavor. To be sure I liked it before making a large purchase, I bought just one 2 ounce package. That’s one piece. I took it to the register to find that it cost $6.00. It is good, but not that good. Do the math. That’s $48.00 per pound.
I wonder what the whole cow cost?
PMO
©2015
I browsed the selection of flavors and chose my usual hickory smoked flavor. To be sure I liked it before making a large purchase, I bought just one 2 ounce package. That’s one piece. I took it to the register to find that it cost $6.00. It is good, but not that good. Do the math. That’s $48.00 per pound.
I wonder what the whole cow cost?
PMO
©2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Football And Politics
Have you turned on you TV lately? It doesn’t matter what channel you tune, it’s either football, football, football or politics.
It would be more fun to watch if the politicians played football to determine who wins.
My guess is Hillary would take them all out.
PMO
©2015
It would be more fun to watch if the politicians played football to determine who wins.
My guess is Hillary would take them all out.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Christmas Shopping
Christmas shopping is not easy. Unless, you do like I do and let someone else do it. What to get someone is not an easy decision. You can pretty well rule out those hideous holiday sweaters and fruitcake.
The problem is that we rarely know what someone would really like. Even children and grandchildren. The end result is usually a rush to get something, anything to put under the tree, but that’s really not the way it should be. The real problem is that we don’t know those we love the most and what their likes and dislikes really are. Sure it easy with young children. It’s not that simple when people grow up. What you think they will like, they don’t. Yes, they will pretend your gift is great, but quietly place it in the corner, next to the pile of used wrapping paper.
After 50 years, neither my financial controller, nor I, knows what the other would really want. I think we gave up several years ago. You see, when people get older, they usually just go and get what they really want. And, you can’t guess what they have or don’t have or what would make the perfect gift.
Since there’s been only one perfect gift, Jesus Christ, I guess what ever we do is not always going to be the exact right thing. What we are really trying to do is say, “I love you.” That’s what He said.
Maybe next year we all should endeavor to really get to know those we love. Then Christmas shopping would be easier.
I have learned to avoid standing in long lines for returns, so I always get something I can use if my financial controller doesn’t like what I got her. This year I’m getting her a new rifle, although I know she hates guns.
Last year I got her a fishing tackle box.
PMO
©2015
The problem is that we rarely know what someone would really like. Even children and grandchildren. The end result is usually a rush to get something, anything to put under the tree, but that’s really not the way it should be. The real problem is that we don’t know those we love the most and what their likes and dislikes really are. Sure it easy with young children. It’s not that simple when people grow up. What you think they will like, they don’t. Yes, they will pretend your gift is great, but quietly place it in the corner, next to the pile of used wrapping paper.
After 50 years, neither my financial controller, nor I, knows what the other would really want. I think we gave up several years ago. You see, when people get older, they usually just go and get what they really want. And, you can’t guess what they have or don’t have or what would make the perfect gift.
Since there’s been only one perfect gift, Jesus Christ, I guess what ever we do is not always going to be the exact right thing. What we are really trying to do is say, “I love you.” That’s what He said.
Maybe next year we all should endeavor to really get to know those we love. Then Christmas shopping would be easier.
I have learned to avoid standing in long lines for returns, so I always get something I can use if my financial controller doesn’t like what I got her. This year I’m getting her a new rifle, although I know she hates guns.
Last year I got her a fishing tackle box.
PMO
©2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
Enigmatology
Will Shortz is an enigma. In fact, he is the only know person with a college degree in enigmatology, which he received from Indiana University in 1974. He also has law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. I might add that he never took the bar exam.
From an early age, Will fell in love with puzzles. He has been the crossword puzzle editor of the New York Times since 1993.
He says that his favorite puzzle clue is, “It might turn into a different story,” whose solution is, SPIRAL STAIRCASE.
So, there you have it. If you’re looking for an unusual career, you might start training now. I suspect having a last name like Shortz might help. You would cherish all the alone time you could get.
Imagine his life in grade school.
PMO
©2015
From an early age, Will fell in love with puzzles. He has been the crossword puzzle editor of the New York Times since 1993.
He says that his favorite puzzle clue is, “It might turn into a different story,” whose solution is, SPIRAL STAIRCASE.
So, there you have it. If you’re looking for an unusual career, you might start training now. I suspect having a last name like Shortz might help. You would cherish all the alone time you could get.
Imagine his life in grade school.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Omnibus And Ominous
Your lawmakers are being asked to sign off on a 2,200 page omnibus spending bill that has an additional 1,000 pages of explanatory materials. As usual, they have not had time to analyze the contents. I not sure they could correctly analyze the contents if they had all eternity.
But, hey folks, it’s only $1.1 trillion of your money. Don’t even think about the other trillions they have borrowed in your name.
Let this be a lesson to you.
Never co-sign a note.
PMO
©2015
But, hey folks, it’s only $1.1 trillion of your money. Don’t even think about the other trillions they have borrowed in your name.
Let this be a lesson to you.
Never co-sign a note.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Get Your Priorities Straight
I like to read what interest me. The Bible, newspaper business section, comics, news summaries and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The last Ripley’s I read told about a man with his priorities straight. It seems that Robert Wright, of Fresno, California, did the "wright" thing. He rescued his family from an apartment fire, and then he went back inside to save the barbeque ribs he was cooking.
There’s a man of my own heart.
Believe me, ribs are worth the risk.
PMO
©2015
There’s a man of my own heart.
Believe me, ribs are worth the risk.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Foiled Again
A few posts ago I wrote about my problem with the toll tag on my truck not working at the security gate in our little compound. I took the time to carefully remove it from my windshield and relocated it to where the people in charge of the project wanted it. Then I tried it out and it worked. That was once in a row. Today, I discovered it no longer works. And, in typical East Texas fashion, I get no response when I call to get some resolution. A lot of people here figure if they ignore you long enough, you’ll just go away. But, I don’t ignore very well. And, I don’t go away.
I know that I must be the problem because I’ve done everything I was asked to do, and there can’t possibly be anything wrong on their side.
I may have to adjust the arm that comes down to block the lane and prevent entry.
Think chainsaw.
PMO
©2015
I know that I must be the problem because I’ve done everything I was asked to do, and there can’t possibly be anything wrong on their side.
I may have to adjust the arm that comes down to block the lane and prevent entry.
Think chainsaw.
PMO
©2015
Monday, December 14, 2015
Political Crazy
It appears that a seventh grade student in Rosenberg, Texas had to cover up his Star Wars T-shirt because it depicted a storm trooper with a gun. Although he had worn the shirt to school before, last week the administrators took issue with it. Hence forth and evermore, the term political correctness shall be called “political craziness.”
Now, I’m wondering how Texas Tech University gets by with their hand symbol of a gun. Their Red Raiders mascot hold his gun up into the air.
I think it’s time for the political crazies to learn to read at least one hand symbol.
PMO
©2015
Now, I’m wondering how Texas Tech University gets by with their hand symbol of a gun. Their Red Raiders mascot hold his gun up into the air.
I think it’s time for the political crazies to learn to read at least one hand symbol.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Concussion
There’s a new movie set to release December 25. “Concussion,” set in 2005 tells the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, and his fight against the NFL to suppress his research on the brain damage suffered by professional football players. Reviews are mixed.
Having watched a clip from the movie, the part that disturbs me is a scene where, I presume, an NFL executive explains to Dr. Omalu, “You are going to war with a corporation that owns a day of the week....the same day the church used to own.” That speaks volumes about football and the church.
But mostly, it speaks volumes about the American people.
PMO
©2015
Having watched a clip from the movie, the part that disturbs me is a scene where, I presume, an NFL executive explains to Dr. Omalu, “You are going to war with a corporation that owns a day of the week....the same day the church used to own.” That speaks volumes about football and the church.
But mostly, it speaks volumes about the American people.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Best Legislation Ever
In 1995, New Mexico state senator Duncan Scott was aggravated by the number of psychologists and psychiatrists being used as expert witnesses in legal trials. In protest, Scott tacked an amendment onto a bill. The amendment passed unanimously in the senate, but was ultimately dropped before the house vote. What did the amendment say, you ask?
“When a psychologist or psychiatrist testifies during a defendant’s competency hearing, the psychologist or psychiatrist shall wear a cone shaped hat that is not less than two feet tall. The surface of the hat shall be imprinted with stars and lightning bolts. Additionally, a psychologist or psychiatrist shall be required to don a white beard that is not less than 18 inches in length, and shall punctuate crucial elements of his testimony by stabbing the air with a wand. Whenever a psychologist or psychiatrist provides expert testimony regarding a defendant’s competency, the bailiff shall contemporaneously dim the courtroom lights and administer two strikes to a Chinese gong.”
Friends, neighbors, and those that are not friends or neighbors, I proposed this very amendment be rewritten to apply to all members of the house, senate, presidency and the supreme court and presented to the people to vote on it as the 28th amendment to the Constitution.
My guess is it would pass unanimously.
PMO
©2015
“When a psychologist or psychiatrist testifies during a defendant’s competency hearing, the psychologist or psychiatrist shall wear a cone shaped hat that is not less than two feet tall. The surface of the hat shall be imprinted with stars and lightning bolts. Additionally, a psychologist or psychiatrist shall be required to don a white beard that is not less than 18 inches in length, and shall punctuate crucial elements of his testimony by stabbing the air with a wand. Whenever a psychologist or psychiatrist provides expert testimony regarding a defendant’s competency, the bailiff shall contemporaneously dim the courtroom lights and administer two strikes to a Chinese gong.”
Friends, neighbors, and those that are not friends or neighbors, I proposed this very amendment be rewritten to apply to all members of the house, senate, presidency and the supreme court and presented to the people to vote on it as the 28th amendment to the Constitution.
My guess is it would pass unanimously.
PMO
©2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Toll Tag
The powers that want to be in our HOA decided we need an automatic gate at the entrance of the property, so they put one in. It is keyed by the RFID chip in a toll tag. That’s where the problems started. Not everyone has a toll tag and some don’t want one. Then there’s the ones that have one that work on the new system.
In typical HOA fashion, no one has any idea on what to do. But, they are certain that it will work - someday. Meanwhile, there those of us, me included, that have grown tired of the new plan because it does not work for everyone. I need to mention that if you don’t have a toll tag that is recognized by the reader, you have to drive in through the lane used by vendors and visitors. In the morning this lane is backed up all the way to Seattle.
Because I am such a nice guy, or I really know how to complain, the man in charge of the project came to my house yesterday to talk. After some discussion, I am confident that he knows nothing about electronic systems. That would be truly qualified on an HOA. He asked me if I would move the toll tag on my windshield to a different location so the reader would have a better field to recognize it.
Believe it or not, I took the time to peel the tag off and move it. I glued it on the tailgate of my pickup and now I back in.
It works.
PMO
©2015
In typical HOA fashion, no one has any idea on what to do. But, they are certain that it will work - someday. Meanwhile, there those of us, me included, that have grown tired of the new plan because it does not work for everyone. I need to mention that if you don’t have a toll tag that is recognized by the reader, you have to drive in through the lane used by vendors and visitors. In the morning this lane is backed up all the way to Seattle.
Because I am such a nice guy, or I really know how to complain, the man in charge of the project came to my house yesterday to talk. After some discussion, I am confident that he knows nothing about electronic systems. That would be truly qualified on an HOA. He asked me if I would move the toll tag on my windshield to a different location so the reader would have a better field to recognize it.
Believe it or not, I took the time to peel the tag off and move it. I glued it on the tailgate of my pickup and now I back in.
It works.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, December 10, 2015
What To Write About
I’ve been trying to think of what to write about today in this little blog. I suppose I could write about politicians or the media, but I avoid those subjects as much as I can. There’s always a few possibilities in what’s going on in our little commune (gated community). Then, there’s the latest escapades of the in-laws. Those can be funny, but most of the time they are entirely too serious. Granddaughters are fun to write about, but I’ve had some other folks tell me they have perfect grandchildren too. I don’t think that is true.
So, today I have chosen to write, or not write about anything.
A lot of people say that’s what I do everyday.
PMO
©2015
So, today I have chosen to write, or not write about anything.
A lot of people say that’s what I do everyday.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Snake Bit
There’s an old saying, “snake bit.” It means that everything just turns out bad. That’s what’s happening in my life lately. Currently I’m in a dispute with a contractor that did some work on our house. He did a really bad job and he doesn’t care. Then, there’s the problem with replacement windows that have green glass. Green glass doesn’t go well with any house, especially ours. This time, the manufacturer doesn’t care.
We have a home food delivery service that can’t an order right anymore, even though I order on-line. All they would have to do is put it on a truck and bring it out.
I’ve had Lyme disease since 1987 and I have a lot of pain and a variety of symptoms, like feeling I’m having a heart attack. Last week I caught some kind of a “bug” that is causing me more misery.
The security gate on our commune has installed a new tag reader to get into the gate. It became operational this week. My tag doesn’t work, so I can’t get in without assistance from the guard on duty.
There must be an antidote for “snake bit.”
If I have to bite a snake, I will find one.
PMO
©2015
We have a home food delivery service that can’t an order right anymore, even though I order on-line. All they would have to do is put it on a truck and bring it out.
I’ve had Lyme disease since 1987 and I have a lot of pain and a variety of symptoms, like feeling I’m having a heart attack. Last week I caught some kind of a “bug” that is causing me more misery.
The security gate on our commune has installed a new tag reader to get into the gate. It became operational this week. My tag doesn’t work, so I can’t get in without assistance from the guard on duty.
There must be an antidote for “snake bit.”
If I have to bite a snake, I will find one.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
The Russians Ain't Coming
According a story from Newsmax this week, you should not expect the Russians during the holiday season. They have been advised by the head of Russia’s consumer protection agency not to travel some of their favorite vacation spots: Egypt, Turkey and Thailand. The agency also advised against traveling to Europe or the United States.
The fear is infections. According to the report, Syrian refugees are increasing the risk of serious infections. So, the Russians ain’t coming.
Not to worry.
The Syrians are coming.
PMO
©2015
The fear is infections. According to the report, Syrian refugees are increasing the risk of serious infections. So, the Russians ain’t coming.
Not to worry.
The Syrians are coming.
PMO
©2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
December 7, 1941
FDR said, December 7, 1941 was “a date that will live in infamy.” He was correct. Let us all remember and resolve that something like it never happens again.
PMO
©2015
PMO
©2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
American Values
The “Resident” keeps talking about American values. He uses the term to justify what he wants, like bringing potential terrorist into the country with other immigrants. But, my question is, “What are American values?”
We are not a Christian nation according to the resident. Therefore we can’t have Christian values, the foundation of everything that made this country great. Any sign of Christianity is removed from public display if it is perceived as a conflict of church and state. At any rate, we apparently don’t have any tried and proved spiritual values.
Shame certainly has to be one of our values. We are told we are to be ashamed of our successes and we are a disgrace for our capitalism. Any pride or unification of the people is to be looked upon as shameful.
Freedom of speech is not a value, because one might say something offensive to someone, somewhere. Political correctness is the value one should strive for. Yes, like the neighbors to the California couple that did not dare speak up about what they saw for fear of being accused of racial profiling.
From observation, I can easily see the values of placing no worth on the unborn, glorifying drug use, being submissive and dependent upon government and replacing the rule of law anytime there’s a whim to do so.
I am still confused about exactly what American values are. But, I guess I shouldn’t be.
When you give up Judeo-Christian values, there are no values left.
PMO
©2015
We are not a Christian nation according to the resident. Therefore we can’t have Christian values, the foundation of everything that made this country great. Any sign of Christianity is removed from public display if it is perceived as a conflict of church and state. At any rate, we apparently don’t have any tried and proved spiritual values.
Shame certainly has to be one of our values. We are told we are to be ashamed of our successes and we are a disgrace for our capitalism. Any pride or unification of the people is to be looked upon as shameful.
Freedom of speech is not a value, because one might say something offensive to someone, somewhere. Political correctness is the value one should strive for. Yes, like the neighbors to the California couple that did not dare speak up about what they saw for fear of being accused of racial profiling.
From observation, I can easily see the values of placing no worth on the unborn, glorifying drug use, being submissive and dependent upon government and replacing the rule of law anytime there’s a whim to do so.
I am still confused about exactly what American values are. But, I guess I shouldn’t be.
When you give up Judeo-Christian values, there are no values left.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Can't Understand
My financial controller is having a difficult time understanding how the California shooting mother of a six month old child could become a terrorist. Truthfully, so do I. It is incomprehensible to most of us.
The facts are that the woman and her husband went on a well planned shooting spree to kill and spread fear. Both were more than willing to die for their cause, whatever they may be. We are dealing with a mind set that is foreign to our way of thinking. People like this don’t want a hug, they want to kill and destroy. Remember, the victims were some of the people that had given the couple a baby shower.
Yes, we all are presented with not understanding, but we must not fear that we cannot deal with such actions. We can.
Now we have to clearly understand what it will take to stop the killings.
PMO
©2015
The facts are that the woman and her husband went on a well planned shooting spree to kill and spread fear. Both were more than willing to die for their cause, whatever they may be. We are dealing with a mind set that is foreign to our way of thinking. People like this don’t want a hug, they want to kill and destroy. Remember, the victims were some of the people that had given the couple a baby shower.
Yes, we all are presented with not understanding, but we must not fear that we cannot deal with such actions. We can.
Now we have to clearly understand what it will take to stop the killings.
PMO
©2015
Friday, December 4, 2015
Hold Your Tongue
Attorney General Loretta Lynch has warned that if anyone should use anti-Muslim rhetoric she will prosecute them for violence inspiring speech. Speaking at the Muslim Advocate’s 10 annual dinner, she assured the attendees that “we will stand with you.” She continued with assurance that she will use the Justice Department to protect Muslims from “violence” and discrimination. Can you think of anyone else who has made pledges like this? Hint. He is the resident at the White House.
Meanwhile back in the summer, Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan called for 10,000 men to rise up and kill. No rhetoric there I suppose.
Not to worry, Resident Obama says that we are all safe from terrorist attacks. Therefore there is no need for you to say anything negative.
You can say whatever you want about “workplace violence.”
Well, maybe not.
PMO
©2015
Meanwhile back in the summer, Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan called for 10,000 men to rise up and kill. No rhetoric there I suppose.
Not to worry, Resident Obama says that we are all safe from terrorist attacks. Therefore there is no need for you to say anything negative.
You can say whatever you want about “workplace violence.”
Well, maybe not.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Women In Combat
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has announced the U.S. military will open up front line combat roles to women. This announcement comes after the Marine Corps pointed out that mixed gender combat units are not as effective as men only groups. Hey, what would those silly Marines know about combat anyway?
You better look out for the rush on recruiting offices as women try to join up. They won’t be able to resist the urge to get in there and fight.
ISIS and other terrorist must be looking forward to the new policy which will take effect in 30 days. Those guys reportedly love to rape and kill.
There are lots of reasons that women haven’t been allowed in combat for centuries. But, I’m not going to tell Carter.
He wouldn’t understand.
PMO
©2015
You better look out for the rush on recruiting offices as women try to join up. They won’t be able to resist the urge to get in there and fight.
ISIS and other terrorist must be looking forward to the new policy which will take effect in 30 days. Those guys reportedly love to rape and kill.
There are lots of reasons that women haven’t been allowed in combat for centuries. But, I’m not going to tell Carter.
He wouldn’t understand.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Proposed IRS Rule
The Daily Signal is reporting that there is now a proposed rule by the IRS that guides non-profits to voluntary collect the Social Security numbers of donors that make a donation of $250 or more. You may think, “what’s the big deal?” Do you want a charity to have your Social Security number in their files?
One might suspect that most people will not want to divulge their number and donations would drop considerably. And, one might also suspect that the security of a Social Security number would be none or less.
Remember the rule is proposed and it is optional.
We all know how that turns out with the IRS.
PMO
©2015
One might suspect that most people will not want to divulge their number and donations would drop considerably. And, one might also suspect that the security of a Social Security number would be none or less.
Remember the rule is proposed and it is optional.
We all know how that turns out with the IRS.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Supergirl
In a rare moment this week, I was watching live TV and saw the first few minutes of “Supergirl.” I rarely watch live televison. Television is bad enough if you record programs you want to see, and fast forward through the commercials. But, on with my story.
Supergirl is taking a leisurely fly around when she hears with her super hearing an incident of road rage. Two men are speeding and crashing into each other when their route takes them through a school zone where some children are crossing in the crosswalk. Just in time, Supergirl swoops down and stops both cars. Then one of the drivers decides to attack her and she grabs his fist and shoves him away. Pay attention because those are the facts I saw. But, that’s not the story.
According to the media, Supergirl is the villain because she defended herself against the attacker. There were plenty of cell phones that recorded that part.
Does any of this sound familiar to you?
PMO
©2015
Supergirl is taking a leisurely fly around when she hears with her super hearing an incident of road rage. Two men are speeding and crashing into each other when their route takes them through a school zone where some children are crossing in the crosswalk. Just in time, Supergirl swoops down and stops both cars. Then one of the drivers decides to attack her and she grabs his fist and shoves him away. Pay attention because those are the facts I saw. But, that’s not the story.
According to the media, Supergirl is the villain because she defended herself against the attacker. There were plenty of cell phones that recorded that part.
Does any of this sound familiar to you?
PMO
©2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
The Sky Is Falling
Resident Obama says the greatest immediate threat to mankind is global warming, a.k.a. climate change. It is, according to him, the most important threat to the citizens of this country and the world. You can forget terrorist. They are not a real threat.
When this country, and others, are attacked by radical Muslim terrorist, just ignore them. You need to focus on not emitting any gases. It will help a lot if you will just refrain from breathing.
Makes me wonder if he has ever read, or had someone read it to him, the story of Chicken Little.
PMO
©2015
When this country, and others, are attacked by radical Muslim terrorist, just ignore them. You need to focus on not emitting any gases. It will help a lot if you will just refrain from breathing.
Makes me wonder if he has ever read, or had someone read it to him, the story of Chicken Little.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
One, Two, Three
The Donald just may be the best choice of the Republican candidates for three very good reasons. First, he is very good at shaking up the status quo. The Republicans don’t know what to do with him. Nor do the Democrats or the media. He just has too much money and can’t be controlled.
Secondly, he is very good at overcoming bankruptcy. The current resident is determined to bankrupt the country before he gets out of office. The Donald can handle that.
And, thirdly, his coiffure. Our enemies can’t help but be distracted by his hairdo. Everybody else is.
It’s going to be hard not to vote for a candidate with such qualifications.
PMO
©2015
Secondly, he is very good at overcoming bankruptcy. The current resident is determined to bankrupt the country before he gets out of office. The Donald can handle that.
And, thirdly, his coiffure. Our enemies can’t help but be distracted by his hairdo. Everybody else is.
It’s going to be hard not to vote for a candidate with such qualifications.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Touch Subject
People want statues taken down, buildings renamed and all reference to certain individuals removed from any public view. All in the name of slavery. Truth is, that slavery is wrong when it was popular and it’s still wrong today. Yes, slavery still exists today around the world. It always will so long as humans by reason of war, debt, sex trafficking, or any other reason can have absolute control over another human being.
Today we hear about historic figures being singled out for posthumous disgrace for something that was done in another time. Yes, the time was wrong, but it was another time.
Some people seem focused on the Confederate flag. Facts are that there was more slavery under the American flag, in this country, than under the southern states banner. And, one might look at the flags of other countries that were much more involved in slavery, England was at one time, the worst. Don’t forget the African flags, because it was there that a majority of slaves were captured by Africans and sold to European slave traders.
If we are to remove all symbols, lets start with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Both owned slaves.
I grew up believing that slavery and racism was wrong. It is wrong on all sides and all races.
It is wrong for politicians to enslave people and stir them with racial strife. But, that is what has happened and will continue to happen so long as people allow it to happen. When someone or some government has absolute control over a person, - food, shelter, clothing, - then that makes them the master.
It is time for this country to focus on today and forget the actions of the past. We have a history like no other nation in the world. We must build on what we do best and what is right.
If we don’t, everything will end terribly wrong.
PMO
©2015
Today we hear about historic figures being singled out for posthumous disgrace for something that was done in another time. Yes, the time was wrong, but it was another time.
Some people seem focused on the Confederate flag. Facts are that there was more slavery under the American flag, in this country, than under the southern states banner. And, one might look at the flags of other countries that were much more involved in slavery, England was at one time, the worst. Don’t forget the African flags, because it was there that a majority of slaves were captured by Africans and sold to European slave traders.
If we are to remove all symbols, lets start with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Both owned slaves.
I grew up believing that slavery and racism was wrong. It is wrong on all sides and all races.
It is wrong for politicians to enslave people and stir them with racial strife. But, that is what has happened and will continue to happen so long as people allow it to happen. When someone or some government has absolute control over a person, - food, shelter, clothing, - then that makes them the master.
It is time for this country to focus on today and forget the actions of the past. We have a history like no other nation in the world. We must build on what we do best and what is right.
If we don’t, everything will end terribly wrong.
PMO
©2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Now You Know
Did you know that 111,111,111 multiplied by 111,111,111 equals 12345678987654321. Now you do.
Don’t try it with a calculator because most don’t have enough digits in the display.
It’s a slow day for this blog today.
PMO
©2015
Don’t try it with a calculator because most don’t have enough digits in the display.
It’s a slow day for this blog today.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Pilgrims
A long long time ago in a land just outside your front door, lived a people that had plenty to eat and shelter. Until, the immigrants started pouring in. At first, the people just thought they were tourist and would go back home. They didn’t. Some more came and then some more. They ruined the neighborhood and the culture.
Pretty soon the immigrants took all the good land of the people and put them on worthless land to live unhappily ever after in poverty. The cultures and languages of the people were replaced with new cultures and language.
All the original people wanted was to be helpful to the immigrants. They taught them how to store grains and to hunt and fish. But, these immigrants wanted more, and more and more. They demanded and took whatever they wanted, until a nation was completely changed.
Native Americans should have had, and enforced immigration laws.
Pilgrims can be a real problem if you don't control them.
PMO
©2015
Pretty soon the immigrants took all the good land of the people and put them on worthless land to live unhappily ever after in poverty. The cultures and languages of the people were replaced with new cultures and language.
All the original people wanted was to be helpful to the immigrants. They taught them how to store grains and to hunt and fish. But, these immigrants wanted more, and more and more. They demanded and took whatever they wanted, until a nation was completely changed.
Native Americans should have had, and enforced immigration laws.
Pilgrims can be a real problem if you don't control them.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving Day designated by the United States of America was proclaimed by George Washington on October 3, 1789:
"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Doesn't sound much like Thanksgiving today does it?
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Worth Repeating
Every now and then I run across something that just needs to be repeated. The following article is one of those things that I just have to pass along. While it is a bit long, read it all the way through.
Author’s Note: The following column is comprised of excerpts taken from my first lectures on the first day of classes this semester at UNC-Wilmington. I reproduced these remarks with the hope that they would be useful to other professors teaching at public universities all across America. Feel free to use this material if you already have tenure.
Welcome back to class, students! I am Mike Adams your criminology professor here at UNC-Wilmington. Before we get started with the course I need to address an issue that is causing problems here at UNCW and in higher education all across the country. I am talking about the growing minority of students who believe they have a right to be free from being offended. If we don’t reverse this dangerous trend in our society there will soon be a majority of young people who will need to walk around in plastic bubble suits to protect them in the event that they come into contact with a dissenting viewpoint. That mentality is unworthy of an American. It’s hardly worthy of a Frenchman.
Let’s get something straight right now. You have no right to be unoffended. You have a right to be offended with regularity. It is the price you pay for living in a free society. If you don’t understand that you are confused and dangerously so. In part, I blame your high school teachers for failing to teach you basic civics before you got your diploma. Most of you went to the public high schools, which are a disaster. Don’t tell me that offended you. I went to a public high school.
Of course, your high school might not be the problem. It is entirely possible that the main reason why so many of you are confused about free speech is that piece of paper hanging on the wall right over there. Please turn your attention to that ridiculous document that is framed and hanging by the door. In fact, take a few minutes to read it before you leave class today. It is our campus speech code. It specifically says that there is a requirement that everyone must only engage in discourse that is “respectful.” That assertion is as ludicrous as it is illegal. I plan to have that thing ripped down from every classroom on campus before I retire.
One of my grandfathers served in World War I. My step-grandfather served in World War II. My sixth great grandfather enlisted in the American Revolution when he was only thirteen. These great men did not fight so we could simply relinquish our rights to the enemy within our borders. That enemy is the Marxists who run our public universities. If you are a Marxist and I just offended you, well, that’s tough. I guess they don’t make communists like they used to.
Of course, this ban on “disrespectful” speech is really only illusory. The university that created these speech restrictions then turns around and sponsors plays like The Vagina Monologues, which is loaded with profanity including the c-word – the most offensive and disrespectful word a person could ever possibly apply to a woman. It is pure, unadulterated hypocrisy.
So, the university position can be roughly summarized as follows: Public university administrators have a First Amendment right to use disrespectful profanity but public university students do not. This turns the First Amendment on its head. The university has its free speech analysis completely backwards. And that’s why they need to be sued.
Before we go, let us take a few minutes to look at the last page of your syllabus where I explain the importance of coming to class on time, turning off your cell phone, and refraining from talking during lectures. In that section, I explain that each of you has God-given talents and that your Creator endowed you with a purpose in life that is thwarted when you develop these bad habits.
Unbelievably, a student once complained to the Department chairwoman that my mention of God and a Creator was a violation of Separation of Church and State. Let me be as clear as I possibly can: If any of you actually think that my decision to paraphrase the Declaration of Independence in the course syllabus is unconstitutional then you suffer from severe intellectual hernia.
Indeed, it takes hard work to become stupid enough to think the Declaration of Independence is unconstitutional. If you agree with the student who made that complaint then you are probably just an anti-religious zealot. Therefore, I am going to ask you to do exactly three things and do them in the exact order that I specify.
First, get out of my class. You can fill out the drop slip over at James Hall. Just tell them you don’t believe in true diversity and you want to be surrounded by people who agree with your twisted interpretation of the Constitution simply because they are the kind of people who will protect you from having your beliefs challenged or your feelings hurt.
Second, withdraw from the university. If you find that you are actually relieved because you will no longer be in a class where your beliefs might be challenged then you aren’t ready for college. Go get a job building houses so you can work with some illegal aliens who will help you gain a better appreciation of what this country has to offer.
Finally, if this doesn’t work then I would simply ask you to get the hell out of the country. The ever-growing thinned-skinned minority you have joined is simply ruining life in this once-great nation. Please move to some place like Cuba where you can enjoy the company of communists and get excellent health care. Just hop on a leaky boat and start paddling your way towards utopia. You will not be missed.
Thank you for your time. I’ll see most of you when classes resume on Monday.
PMO
©2015
Author’s Note: The following column is comprised of excerpts taken from my first lectures on the first day of classes this semester at UNC-Wilmington. I reproduced these remarks with the hope that they would be useful to other professors teaching at public universities all across America. Feel free to use this material if you already have tenure.
Welcome back to class, students! I am Mike Adams your criminology professor here at UNC-Wilmington. Before we get started with the course I need to address an issue that is causing problems here at UNCW and in higher education all across the country. I am talking about the growing minority of students who believe they have a right to be free from being offended. If we don’t reverse this dangerous trend in our society there will soon be a majority of young people who will need to walk around in plastic bubble suits to protect them in the event that they come into contact with a dissenting viewpoint. That mentality is unworthy of an American. It’s hardly worthy of a Frenchman.
Let’s get something straight right now. You have no right to be unoffended. You have a right to be offended with regularity. It is the price you pay for living in a free society. If you don’t understand that you are confused and dangerously so. In part, I blame your high school teachers for failing to teach you basic civics before you got your diploma. Most of you went to the public high schools, which are a disaster. Don’t tell me that offended you. I went to a public high school.
Of course, your high school might not be the problem. It is entirely possible that the main reason why so many of you are confused about free speech is that piece of paper hanging on the wall right over there. Please turn your attention to that ridiculous document that is framed and hanging by the door. In fact, take a few minutes to read it before you leave class today. It is our campus speech code. It specifically says that there is a requirement that everyone must only engage in discourse that is “respectful.” That assertion is as ludicrous as it is illegal. I plan to have that thing ripped down from every classroom on campus before I retire.
One of my grandfathers served in World War I. My step-grandfather served in World War II. My sixth great grandfather enlisted in the American Revolution when he was only thirteen. These great men did not fight so we could simply relinquish our rights to the enemy within our borders. That enemy is the Marxists who run our public universities. If you are a Marxist and I just offended you, well, that’s tough. I guess they don’t make communists like they used to.
Of course, this ban on “disrespectful” speech is really only illusory. The university that created these speech restrictions then turns around and sponsors plays like The Vagina Monologues, which is loaded with profanity including the c-word – the most offensive and disrespectful word a person could ever possibly apply to a woman. It is pure, unadulterated hypocrisy.
So, the university position can be roughly summarized as follows: Public university administrators have a First Amendment right to use disrespectful profanity but public university students do not. This turns the First Amendment on its head. The university has its free speech analysis completely backwards. And that’s why they need to be sued.
Before we go, let us take a few minutes to look at the last page of your syllabus where I explain the importance of coming to class on time, turning off your cell phone, and refraining from talking during lectures. In that section, I explain that each of you has God-given talents and that your Creator endowed you with a purpose in life that is thwarted when you develop these bad habits.
Unbelievably, a student once complained to the Department chairwoman that my mention of God and a Creator was a violation of Separation of Church and State. Let me be as clear as I possibly can: If any of you actually think that my decision to paraphrase the Declaration of Independence in the course syllabus is unconstitutional then you suffer from severe intellectual hernia.
Indeed, it takes hard work to become stupid enough to think the Declaration of Independence is unconstitutional. If you agree with the student who made that complaint then you are probably just an anti-religious zealot. Therefore, I am going to ask you to do exactly three things and do them in the exact order that I specify.
First, get out of my class. You can fill out the drop slip over at James Hall. Just tell them you don’t believe in true diversity and you want to be surrounded by people who agree with your twisted interpretation of the Constitution simply because they are the kind of people who will protect you from having your beliefs challenged or your feelings hurt.
Second, withdraw from the university. If you find that you are actually relieved because you will no longer be in a class where your beliefs might be challenged then you aren’t ready for college. Go get a job building houses so you can work with some illegal aliens who will help you gain a better appreciation of what this country has to offer.
Finally, if this doesn’t work then I would simply ask you to get the hell out of the country. The ever-growing thinned-skinned minority you have joined is simply ruining life in this once-great nation. Please move to some place like Cuba where you can enjoy the company of communists and get excellent health care. Just hop on a leaky boat and start paddling your way towards utopia. You will not be missed.
Thank you for your time. I’ll see most of you when classes resume on Monday.
PMO
©2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Who Was First?
Yes, I know that I think about strange things, and right now I am thinking about who was the first to try some of the foods we take for granted. I’m guessing that before mankind learned how to make fire, fruits, berries and grains were the only real choices for food. But, once fire was combined with meat, good things were on the menu. I’d like to think that barbeque ribs were one of the first dishes early man enjoyed.
But, looking back, how in the world or, why in the world would someone try some of the things we have today. Milk for example. Did some caveman get up one day, look at a cow, and say to himself, “I think I’ll squeeze those things and drink what comes out?” How about the first guy to eat a raw oyster? He must have hit the fermented fruit a little heavy first. Eggs are another think. Did somebody eat a raw one first? I bet he was happy after he got a fire and could scramble them, with a side order of bacon.
Yes, I know that the whole evolution of food was trial and error, with some of the errors ending in death. But, the one that still puzzles me is broccoli. No, it won’t kill you, but it tastes like it will.
Must have been one hungry caveman.
PMO
©2015
But, looking back, how in the world or, why in the world would someone try some of the things we have today. Milk for example. Did some caveman get up one day, look at a cow, and say to himself, “I think I’ll squeeze those things and drink what comes out?” How about the first guy to eat a raw oyster? He must have hit the fermented fruit a little heavy first. Eggs are another think. Did somebody eat a raw one first? I bet he was happy after he got a fire and could scramble them, with a side order of bacon.
Yes, I know that the whole evolution of food was trial and error, with some of the errors ending in death. But, the one that still puzzles me is broccoli. No, it won’t kill you, but it tastes like it will.
Must have been one hungry caveman.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Shrek The Musical
My youngest granddaughter performed her final high school drama performance in Shrek, The Musical, this weekend. She will be graduated this spring and will soon be off to seek her fortune. I hope she makes a big fortune so she can support me.
She played a witch and a mouse in the play. As usual it was an academy award performance. At least that’s how I graded it. I knew she would.
A few hours before the play my financial controller told her to “break a leg.” In the stage play business, that means to take a bow. I didn’t always know that and thought it sounded like a bad thing until it was explained to me.
When told it was a good thing to break a leg was a good thing. I just started saying, “put an eye out.” I figured if breaking a leg was good, putting out an eye would be super good.
Just so you’ll know. She broke a leg.
I knew she would.
PMO
©2015
She played a witch and a mouse in the play. As usual it was an academy award performance. At least that’s how I graded it. I knew she would.
A few hours before the play my financial controller told her to “break a leg.” In the stage play business, that means to take a bow. I didn’t always know that and thought it sounded like a bad thing until it was explained to me.
When told it was a good thing to break a leg was a good thing. I just started saying, “put an eye out.” I figured if breaking a leg was good, putting out an eye would be super good.
Just so you’ll know. She broke a leg.
I knew she would.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
#49
In the grumpy old man life rules, #49 is one of the tough ones. “Be a friend.” For those of us that have had or now have a friend know why it can be a tough job.
Sometimes being a friend is not easy.
It’s usually worth what it takes.
PMO
©2015
Sometimes being a friend is not easy.
It’s usually worth what it takes.
PMO
©2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
The Award Goes To
In one of my previous lives, I was a salesman. And, I was pretty good at it. I’ve sold advertising, cars, insurance and even electronic components. I had some outstanding training and adapted it to my own style of selling. Most people know at least one salesperson and probably think they are good. Every year across the country there are awards presented to the best and the best of the best in sales of numerous products and services. But, the best salesman I’ve ever seen or heard of is Resident Obama.
Since he took over the office, gun sales have increased 140%, according to a report by Breitbart in July. The Washington post had a story about how Obama has boosted gun sales by over $9 billion - at least. And, recently, guns sales have skyrocketed in various parts of the country. This guy is good.
Former presidents go on speaking tours, write their memoirs, or get involved in a variety of civic organizations. Obama could hit up gun manufacturers for a piece of the action.
Best salesman in the world.
PMO
©2015
Since he took over the office, gun sales have increased 140%, according to a report by Breitbart in July. The Washington post had a story about how Obama has boosted gun sales by over $9 billion - at least. And, recently, guns sales have skyrocketed in various parts of the country. This guy is good.
Former presidents go on speaking tours, write their memoirs, or get involved in a variety of civic organizations. Obama could hit up gun manufacturers for a piece of the action.
Best salesman in the world.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
What Will It Take?
Unless you live in oblivion, like over half of the country, it is not difficult to surmise that this country is heading for a major change. There are simply too many events to ignore. And, now the Resident wants to bring in refugees that have the potential to include those that want to attack us like the recent attacks in France.
My financial controller asked me, “What can be done about it?” Well folks, here is my answer. We need men with a commitment. If you’ve never read the last sentence of the Declaration of Independence, it says in part, “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Following the signing of the Declaration Ben Franklin had this to say, “We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
What will it take to save America and make it the nation it once was? It will take men with the same commitment as those signers.
Without that kind of commitment, freedom is easily taken away.
PMO
©2015
My financial controller asked me, “What can be done about it?” Well folks, here is my answer. We need men with a commitment. If you’ve never read the last sentence of the Declaration of Independence, it says in part, “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Following the signing of the Declaration Ben Franklin had this to say, “We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
What will it take to save America and make it the nation it once was? It will take men with the same commitment as those signers.
Without that kind of commitment, freedom is easily taken away.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Lowest Thief
My in-laws live in an assisted living center, nearby. My wife checks on them everyday to ensure they are okay and getting what they need and want. Recently the management of the center held a meeting to warn residents of thefts. Guess what? This week someone took some money from the in-laws apartment.
It is a sad testimony for our society where people steal from those least able to protect themselves and their belongings. I am led to believe that this is common practice in nursing homes and other facilities like assisted living. And, usually it is an employee that commits the crime.
What kind of people steal from the elderly? That’s a rhetorical question. But, I do have an answer.
Scum of the lowest level.
PMO
©2015
It is a sad testimony for our society where people steal from those least able to protect themselves and their belongings. I am led to believe that this is common practice in nursing homes and other facilities like assisted living. And, usually it is an employee that commits the crime.
What kind of people steal from the elderly? That’s a rhetorical question. But, I do have an answer.
Scum of the lowest level.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
More This About That
Yesterday’s post was about protecting yourself. I’m not finished talking about that. There are some really simple things one can do, like keeping doors and windows locked when you are away and when you are home. It only takes a split second for someone to walk through an unlocked door or crawl in an unlocked window.
Believe it or not, your car alarm system can help in an emergency. If you park your car within range, all you have to do is hit the alarm button on the key. A good idea is to sleep with the key on your night stand. If a car alarm goes off in the middle of the night, it will annoy someone enough to investigate.
Should you have a situation where someone has broken into your house, run if you can. Get outside and go to a neighbor you know. If that’s not possible, just start running and yell “fire.” People respond to fire, but most folks won’t come out if you shout, “he has a gun.”
Most people can think about calling 911, and you should if you can. But, remember, the police or fire department is going to want to get a lot of information that you may not have time to give. Give them your location first, so at least they will know where to start searching for your body.
Use anything and everything as a weapon to defend yourself. You would be amazed how much damage a 90 pound woman can inflict when her life depends upon it. Go for the eyes and throat of an attacker. The theory is that they will quit attacking if they can’t see or breath. Please understand that you may injure yourself when you strike with force. But, what’s worse, a broken finger or hand, or being dead.
Home alarm systems will alert you if you have one, but it will still take time before police respond. If you don’t have one, get an alarm company sign and put it up in your yard.
Remember, to think when you are least likely to think. Rehearse different scenarios so that your muscles will do what needs to be done before your brain kicks in.
When my ace number one daughter went off to college, I gave her a gun. Yes, I showed her how to use it. And, I told her to get away if she was confronted. Go out a door or window, lock yourself in another room. Heck, hide under the kitchen sink if you have to. And, if all else fails, use the gun. Just shoot until the aggressor stops.
Fight or flight is a common phrase, but flight is always best if possible. Avoidance is the objective. Be aware and stay in control.
Rule #22: Only you can protect you.
In most cases, ain’t nobody coming to help you.
PMO
©2015
Believe it or not, your car alarm system can help in an emergency. If you park your car within range, all you have to do is hit the alarm button on the key. A good idea is to sleep with the key on your night stand. If a car alarm goes off in the middle of the night, it will annoy someone enough to investigate.
Should you have a situation where someone has broken into your house, run if you can. Get outside and go to a neighbor you know. If that’s not possible, just start running and yell “fire.” People respond to fire, but most folks won’t come out if you shout, “he has a gun.”
Most people can think about calling 911, and you should if you can. But, remember, the police or fire department is going to want to get a lot of information that you may not have time to give. Give them your location first, so at least they will know where to start searching for your body.
Use anything and everything as a weapon to defend yourself. You would be amazed how much damage a 90 pound woman can inflict when her life depends upon it. Go for the eyes and throat of an attacker. The theory is that they will quit attacking if they can’t see or breath. Please understand that you may injure yourself when you strike with force. But, what’s worse, a broken finger or hand, or being dead.
Home alarm systems will alert you if you have one, but it will still take time before police respond. If you don’t have one, get an alarm company sign and put it up in your yard.
Remember, to think when you are least likely to think. Rehearse different scenarios so that your muscles will do what needs to be done before your brain kicks in.
When my ace number one daughter went off to college, I gave her a gun. Yes, I showed her how to use it. And, I told her to get away if she was confronted. Go out a door or window, lock yourself in another room. Heck, hide under the kitchen sink if you have to. And, if all else fails, use the gun. Just shoot until the aggressor stops.
Fight or flight is a common phrase, but flight is always best if possible. Avoidance is the objective. Be aware and stay in control.
Rule #22: Only you can protect you.
In most cases, ain’t nobody coming to help you.
PMO
©2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Rule #22
In case you have missed it, I have a list of Life Rules that are occasionally posted. In light of the recent events in Paris and around the world, I call your attention to rule #22: “Only you can protect you.”
Ladies and gentlemen, the bottom line in life is that you have to be responsible for protecting yourself. You have to learn to lock your doors and windows, don’t drive or go places you know that are not safe and be prepared to take whatever action it takes to survive. Do not assume that someone will come to your aid in a life and death situation. Learn to defend yourself with what ever is available. It is true, “The most powerful weapon is your brain, provided you can use it when your life is in danger.”
Don’t think that the police or fire departments will protect you. While they do outstanding work, they can’t be everywhere. “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away,” is what we gun nuts always say.
Be prepared. Lean what to do. Make up your mind before you face intimate danger.
It’s your life. The only one you’ll ever have.
PMO
©2015
Ladies and gentlemen, the bottom line in life is that you have to be responsible for protecting yourself. You have to learn to lock your doors and windows, don’t drive or go places you know that are not safe and be prepared to take whatever action it takes to survive. Do not assume that someone will come to your aid in a life and death situation. Learn to defend yourself with what ever is available. It is true, “The most powerful weapon is your brain, provided you can use it when your life is in danger.”
Don’t think that the police or fire departments will protect you. While they do outstanding work, they can’t be everywhere. “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away,” is what we gun nuts always say.
Be prepared. Lean what to do. Make up your mind before you face intimate danger.
It’s your life. The only one you’ll ever have.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Separation
With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, isn’t it about time we have true church and state separation? All across the country, atheists force removal of symbols of religion from government buildings. Well, if that’s a good thing, then lets get complete separation. No more religious holidays for government workers. Actually, it has begun. Good Friday has gone by the wayside and replaced with Martin Luther King day in a lot of places in the public and private sectors.
Since there is no time like the present, Resident Obama should just proclaim that he is doing away with Christmas and anything related to the observance. Therefore, government workers will not get the day off.
He may want to just proclaim that no one can have the day off.
Surely Hillary will support the move when she gets to be the Resident.
PMO
©2015
Since there is no time like the present, Resident Obama should just proclaim that he is doing away with Christmas and anything related to the observance. Therefore, government workers will not get the day off.
He may want to just proclaim that no one can have the day off.
Surely Hillary will support the move when she gets to be the Resident.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, November 14, 2015
No Guns
The tragedy in France is going to cause another run at banning guns in this country. How do I know that? It’s simple. Government will politicize anything to get rid of guns. So, I am going on record as supporting banning all guns in this country. But, there’s a catch.
Banning guns would have to mean all guns. That includes police from every agency and all private body guards and security. NO ONE can have a gun. This means that the secret service will have to use sticks or something to protect politicians. And, all the intellectual celebrities will need to stay home, because they will no longer get to have a small army with guns protecting them.
Only the military will have guns.
They have to keep them stored in another country.
PMO
©2015
Banning guns would have to mean all guns. That includes police from every agency and all private body guards and security. NO ONE can have a gun. This means that the secret service will have to use sticks or something to protect politicians. And, all the intellectual celebrities will need to stay home, because they will no longer get to have a small army with guns protecting them.
Only the military will have guns.
They have to keep them stored in another country.
PMO
©2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Buying Tires
Why is buying almost anything so complicated? Case in point is buying tires. It’s like buying a mattress. They are impossible to compare. And, tires are about as bad. You have to compare treadwear, traction, temperature, load range, speed rating and something called UTOG. There must be a million tire manufacturers and they have a million different tires to choose from.
All I want is a good tire, round, that will last a lot longer than what came on the car. Seems simple enough, but when you have to compare all the ratings, prices, rebates and other stuff, it is not an easy task. Yes, there are the major brands, but some of the lesser known brands have better marks. And, the major brands are confusing.
I did a comparison of three major tires that were customer rated. The highest rated tire on all of the above, was the least rated on wether to buy the tire again. ???
Maybe I should just shop for a new mattress instead.
At least I could take a nap.
PMO
©2015
All I want is a good tire, round, that will last a lot longer than what came on the car. Seems simple enough, but when you have to compare all the ratings, prices, rebates and other stuff, it is not an easy task. Yes, there are the major brands, but some of the lesser known brands have better marks. And, the major brands are confusing.
I did a comparison of three major tires that were customer rated. The highest rated tire on all of the above, was the least rated on wether to buy the tire again. ???
Maybe I should just shop for a new mattress instead.
At least I could take a nap.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
50% Increase In Social Security
Who wants to get a 50% increase on your Social Security check? Believe it or not, it’s possible and legal. As I mentioned before, my financial controller has a friend that has a new baby at age 65. When he went down to sign up for Social Security, he was informed that because he has an underage child, the child is entitled to half the amount he draws. That translates to a 50% raise in benefits.
So, there you have it. All you old people have to do is have a baby.
It would take a million percent increase for me.
And, I’d have to think about it for a long time - like a million years.
PMO
©2015
So, there you have it. All you old people have to do is have a baby.
It would take a million percent increase for me.
And, I’d have to think about it for a long time - like a million years.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Windows
We recently replaced the windows in our house. Naturally, I had some people come out and give me some bids, and then I made a choice based upon the information I had gathered. The dealer I chose came and installed the windows, but had to make two trips to get the job done. But, the glass in the windows is green.
I worked in energy efficiency for almost 30 years and I’ve never seen green glass. It doesn’t work very well because it reflects a green hue over the frames. So, instead of beige windows, I have green windows. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a house with green windows.
I talked to the installing dealer and he said to call the window company. I called and wrote to the window company and they said to talk to the installing dealer.
A word of caution. Never buy a product built by Associated Materials, especially the Gentek window line.
I think I will find someone else to talk to.
PMO
©2015
I worked in energy efficiency for almost 30 years and I’ve never seen green glass. It doesn’t work very well because it reflects a green hue over the frames. So, instead of beige windows, I have green windows. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a house with green windows.
I talked to the installing dealer and he said to call the window company. I called and wrote to the window company and they said to talk to the installing dealer.
A word of caution. Never buy a product built by Associated Materials, especially the Gentek window line.
I think I will find someone else to talk to.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Life Rule #20
It’s time for another life rule. Rule # 20 “Take time to do it right.”
If you don’t, you’ll just have to do it over.
PMO
©2015
If you don’t, you’ll just have to do it over.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Husband And Father
I listened to one of those radio talk shows last week where the host was discussing marriage and fatherhood. It seems that there has been a major decline in the number of young white males getting married and having children. The take away from the program is “why are young white males interested in rasing a family?”
It doesn’t matter what religion you are or even if you have none, the family is the foundation of civilization. Without the family, society cannot survive. A father is critical to raising children. His job is to protect and provide, but also to teach values, honor, guide the family to living meaningful lives.
I can only guess why young white males don’t want the responsibility of a family. The one thing that stands out is that so many of them have been raised by a mother only. They missed out on understanding the importance and satisfaction of a family.
Hey, guys. Get married and have children.
That way, you’ll never run out of something to do.
PMO
©2015
It doesn’t matter what religion you are or even if you have none, the family is the foundation of civilization. Without the family, society cannot survive. A father is critical to raising children. His job is to protect and provide, but also to teach values, honor, guide the family to living meaningful lives.
I can only guess why young white males don’t want the responsibility of a family. The one thing that stands out is that so many of them have been raised by a mother only. They missed out on understanding the importance and satisfaction of a family.
Hey, guys. Get married and have children.
That way, you’ll never run out of something to do.
PMO
©2015
Friday, November 6, 2015
Question Or Not
The latest in a series of just plain stupid ideas from the Resident, is wether or not to have a question on a job application about “have you ever been convicted of a felony?” I haven’t given a lot of thought to this question for two reason. First, I’m still trying to determine which restroom to use. And, next this question is a no brainer. If for no other reason, an employer needs to get the issue on the table for discussion.
About a million years ago, I had to hire an accountant. As I interview candidates, I paid close attention to lapses in employment. One nice man with a lot of experience had a space of about 8 years that he did not have a job. When I inquired about this, he informed me that he had been in prison for embezzlement. He was a very polite and knowledgeable man. He did not get the job.
Had he been an engineer, I might have considered him.
But, I wouldn’t have let him count the money.
PMO
©2015
About a million years ago, I had to hire an accountant. As I interview candidates, I paid close attention to lapses in employment. One nice man with a lot of experience had a space of about 8 years that he did not have a job. When I inquired about this, he informed me that he had been in prison for embezzlement. He was a very polite and knowledgeable man. He did not get the job.
Had he been an engineer, I might have considered him.
But, I wouldn’t have let him count the money.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Memorable Day
People often talk about what one should do on a 50th wedding anniversary. First, I can tell you that everything moves a lot slower, but I planned a special day.
Since we are retired, I let her sleep until 5:30 a.m.. When she work up, I had prepared her breakfast in bed. I put a bowl, spoon, box of shredded wheat, and a quart of milk on her night stand and told her to help herself.
Of course, I got her card. It’s hard to find a card anymore for $1. But, if one tries, it can be done.
Then, we were off to browse two sporting goods stores. I think she really enjoyed the guns and ammo more than she did all the fishing tackle.
On a day like this, I gave her a choice for lunch - Sonic or McDonalds. She chose Mickey D’s because you can go inside. I even let her choose which toy she wanted out of the Happy Meals we had.
Back at home, after my nap, we cleaned some stuff out of the garage. She had to leave for a trip to Wally World.
We had an early dinner so she could get all the dishes done in time to watch several reruns of Gunsmoke.
It’s going to be hard to top all this for our 75th.
Those that know me, know that not all of this was a lie.
PMO
©2015
Since we are retired, I let her sleep until 5:30 a.m.. When she work up, I had prepared her breakfast in bed. I put a bowl, spoon, box of shredded wheat, and a quart of milk on her night stand and told her to help herself.
Of course, I got her card. It’s hard to find a card anymore for $1. But, if one tries, it can be done.
Then, we were off to browse two sporting goods stores. I think she really enjoyed the guns and ammo more than she did all the fishing tackle.
On a day like this, I gave her a choice for lunch - Sonic or McDonalds. She chose Mickey D’s because you can go inside. I even let her choose which toy she wanted out of the Happy Meals we had.
Back at home, after my nap, we cleaned some stuff out of the garage. She had to leave for a trip to Wally World.
We had an early dinner so she could get all the dishes done in time to watch several reruns of Gunsmoke.
It’s going to be hard to top all this for our 75th.
Those that know me, know that not all of this was a lie.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Our Song
Back in the day, couples (man and woman) had a song, that was their song. Such was the case with us. The song written by Abner Silver and Aaron Schroeder was recorded by Elvis Presley. On this our 50th, this is for my wife.
You're so young and beautiful
And I love you so
Your lips so red your eyes that shine
Shame the stars that glow
So fill these lonely arms of mine
And kiss me tenderly
Then you'll be forever young
And beautiful to me
You're so young and beautiful
You're everything I love
Your angel smile your gentle touch
Are all I'm dreaming of
Oh take this heart I offer you
And never set me free
Then you'll be forever young
And beautiful to me
You still are.
Fifty years ago I said, "I do." I still do.
Happy Anniversary Honey
©2015
You're so young and beautiful
And I love you so
Your lips so red your eyes that shine
Shame the stars that glow
So fill these lonely arms of mine
And kiss me tenderly
Then you'll be forever young
And beautiful to me
You're so young and beautiful
You're everything I love
Your angel smile your gentle touch
Are all I'm dreaming of
Oh take this heart I offer you
And never set me free
Then you'll be forever young
And beautiful to me
You still are.
Fifty years ago I said, "I do." I still do.
Happy Anniversary Honey
©2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Percy
Percy is a customer service worker at the supermarket where I shop. He’s the guy that takes your groceries out to your car. And, the store policy is that he isn’t allow to take tips. So, usually, when I get Percy to push the basket out, I strike up a conversation with him about fishing. He loves to fish.
Percy usually works until noon each day, beginning about 6:00 am. And, he goes fishing everyday. Even ties his own jigs for crappie fishing. His favorite spot in under a bridge that crosses the area of the lake near where we live. Percy catches a lot of fish.
Why I have shared this story? Percy is 81 years old. He always tells me that he’s having a great day, then he looks at me and says, “When you get as old as WE are, if you get out of bed, it’s a great day.” Percy doesn’t know that I am a lot younger than 81.
Note to me: Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon.
PMO
©2015
Percy usually works until noon each day, beginning about 6:00 am. And, he goes fishing everyday. Even ties his own jigs for crappie fishing. His favorite spot in under a bridge that crosses the area of the lake near where we live. Percy catches a lot of fish.
Why I have shared this story? Percy is 81 years old. He always tells me that he’s having a great day, then he looks at me and says, “When you get as old as WE are, if you get out of bed, it’s a great day.” Percy doesn’t know that I am a lot younger than 81.
Note to me: Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon.
PMO
©2015
Monday, November 2, 2015
Calendar
Okay, I know I am old and set in my old ways. That’s why I like a calendar on my desk - not on the wall or phone. For several years, my friend in the speciality advertising business provided me with a small standup desk calendar. Then he retired. So, I found out that my insurance agent had the same calendar. They have been providing me with one for the past several years. I always get two of them about the end of October. Not this year.
I called my agent and asked about the calendars. They told me they had big wall calendars but no desk calendars. After I explained to them that I may have to start shopping for an agency that has the right kind of calendar, I was promised they would be on the case and get some. All I can say is that mine better get here before December 31.
When you’re retired, it’s hard to tell one day from another without a calendar.
PMO
©2015
I called my agent and asked about the calendars. They told me they had big wall calendars but no desk calendars. After I explained to them that I may have to start shopping for an agency that has the right kind of calendar, I was promised they would be on the case and get some. All I can say is that mine better get here before December 31.
When you’re retired, it’s hard to tell one day from another without a calendar.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
50 Years
Many years ago we had an evangelist at the church we attended at the time. He was an old man from Alaska. Believe it or not, I still remember parts of his sermons. But, what I remember most is that he said that he had been married for 50 years. And, during those 50 years, he had not once thought about divorce. Then he mentioned that he had thought about murder several times.
Guess what? This week, my financial controller and I will be married 50 years. There are fewer and fewer couples that can say that anymore. Too many marriages today only last a few years or even a few weeks. The reason is simple. True love.
True love is patient and long suffering. It takes a lot of forgiveness to truly love. Back when we got married the vows included, “good and bad times, sickness and health, until death do us part.” I believed that.
Now we are at the big 50, I have to ask myself, “Do you love her more than ever?” Then I answer myself, “You must, or else you would have killed her a long time ago.”
Something tells me that she would have killed me first.
PMO
©2015
Guess what? This week, my financial controller and I will be married 50 years. There are fewer and fewer couples that can say that anymore. Too many marriages today only last a few years or even a few weeks. The reason is simple. True love.
True love is patient and long suffering. It takes a lot of forgiveness to truly love. Back when we got married the vows included, “good and bad times, sickness and health, until death do us part.” I believed that.
Now we are at the big 50, I have to ask myself, “Do you love her more than ever?” Then I answer myself, “You must, or else you would have killed her a long time ago.”
Something tells me that she would have killed me first.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Daylight Saving Time
Major news services remind you November 1 is the end of Daylight Savings Time. These are supposed to be the professionals. The correct term is Daylight Saving Time.
That the ‘journalist’ today don’t know the correct term does not surprise me. Twelve out of ten of them can’t form a simple sentence. “Joe Bob, he ran all the way round the bases.’ Please pick out the subject of that sentence. There’s another error too. Look for it.
Just turn your clocks back one hour. You sure don’t want to be early for church.
God might not be there yet.
PMO
©2015
That the ‘journalist’ today don’t know the correct term does not surprise me. Twelve out of ten of them can’t form a simple sentence. “Joe Bob, he ran all the way round the bases.’ Please pick out the subject of that sentence. There’s another error too. Look for it.
Just turn your clocks back one hour. You sure don’t want to be early for church.
God might not be there yet.
PMO
©2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Hi Ho, It's Down The Road We Go
My financial controller and I made a road trip back to the Dallas area to see a new baby. This is over four hours of driving, with a lot of it in Dallas traffic - with heavy rain. This is something she has been planning for sometime and I only agreed to go if we could meet a friend of mine for lunch, which we did.
Now you need to know that the father of the baby is about to be 65 and the mother is in her 40's. Whatever you said, that’s what I said and then some. We made the trip because they are such good friends with my financial controller. I don’t think they like me very much.
We made the trip, stayed for about 20 minutes and left. Of course my take on the whole thing was once you’ve seen one baby, you pretty well know what they look like.
I had to say something, so I asked, “Does he do any tricks?”
Maybe that’s why they don’t like me.
PMO
©2015
Now you need to know that the father of the baby is about to be 65 and the mother is in her 40's. Whatever you said, that’s what I said and then some. We made the trip because they are such good friends with my financial controller. I don’t think they like me very much.
We made the trip, stayed for about 20 minutes and left. Of course my take on the whole thing was once you’ve seen one baby, you pretty well know what they look like.
I had to say something, so I asked, “Does he do any tricks?”
Maybe that’s why they don’t like me.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Co-Signers
If you have never co-signed a loan, let me give you some advice. Never, never, never do it. Not, for your mother, brother or favorite child. Give them money if you have to, but don’t co-sign a loan. Doing so, puts you on the hook for payment and there are too many variables that can affect that outcome.
Having said that, you have just co-signed a loan for another trillion dollars or so. When the government decides to take out loans, you are the co-signers. A perfect example of why I just told you not to sign. We have a group that loves to borrow money that you will pay back. Government has no means of paying a loan except taxes and “fees” and therefore you are left holding the sack.
If government were to be told that we will no longer pay more, somebody somewhere would start to try and manage on what we already have.
I have a dream. That someday the American people will wake up and realize before it is too late, that they have to be involved with what the government does.
Dreams sometime come true.
PMO
©2015
Having said that, you have just co-signed a loan for another trillion dollars or so. When the government decides to take out loans, you are the co-signers. A perfect example of why I just told you not to sign. We have a group that loves to borrow money that you will pay back. Government has no means of paying a loan except taxes and “fees” and therefore you are left holding the sack.
If government were to be told that we will no longer pay more, somebody somewhere would start to try and manage on what we already have.
I have a dream. That someday the American people will wake up and realize before it is too late, that they have to be involved with what the government does.
Dreams sometime come true.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Short Message
This is short message to all Republican candidates for POTUS.
The Democrats are your opponents.
Write it down so you won’t forget it.
PMO
©2015
The Democrats are your opponents.
Write it down so you won’t forget it.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Train To Wash Hair
Currently in Texas, a person that wishes to only shampoo a customer’s hair at a hair salon is required to complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology and barber training. That’s more than the flight time required of commercial airline pilot trainees.
In some states hair braiders need more training than emergency medical technicians. It can take up to 2,100 hours and cost upwards of $20,000 to get a license. EMTs, on average, only take 140 hours to get a license.
What does all this mean? It means that someone needs to examine license requirements.
I can see it now. A plane crashes and the EMTs are called. Investigators determine pilot error caused the crash and few survived because of the emergency medical services. BUT!
Everyone had a nice hairdo.
PMO
©2015
In some states hair braiders need more training than emergency medical technicians. It can take up to 2,100 hours and cost upwards of $20,000 to get a license. EMTs, on average, only take 140 hours to get a license.
What does all this mean? It means that someone needs to examine license requirements.
I can see it now. A plane crashes and the EMTs are called. Investigators determine pilot error caused the crash and few survived because of the emergency medical services. BUT!
Everyone had a nice hairdo.
PMO
©2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
No Surprise
If you live in a dream world, you’d better sit down before reading further. Your government operates under a double standard. Whoa be unto you if you happen to be a white Christian when it comes to government. Case in point is a press release from the EEOC on October 22, 2015.
Two Muslim truck drivers were awarded $240,000 because they refused to haul beer in their truck. The EEOC alleged that Star Transport fired the two men because they refused to haul alcohol for religious reasons.
But, what about Christian bakers, florist, pizza makers, and even county clerks that refuse to take part in gay or lesbian weddings? I suppose those people should have taken my advice several months ago when I wrote that all they had to do was pretend to be Muslim when they refused service.
I know that you are not surprised about this. What I wonder is, ‘what are you going to do about it?’
Nothing.
That’s why there is a double standard.
PMO
©2015
Two Muslim truck drivers were awarded $240,000 because they refused to haul beer in their truck. The EEOC alleged that Star Transport fired the two men because they refused to haul alcohol for religious reasons.
But, what about Christian bakers, florist, pizza makers, and even county clerks that refuse to take part in gay or lesbian weddings? I suppose those people should have taken my advice several months ago when I wrote that all they had to do was pretend to be Muslim when they refused service.
I know that you are not surprised about this. What I wonder is, ‘what are you going to do about it?’
Nothing.
That’s why there is a double standard.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Don't Fit
Roger Miller, several years ago, recorded a song titled, “Where Have All The Average People Gone.” In the lyrics there is a line that says, “funny I don’t fit.” Well, that’s me. I don’t fit. As discussed before, I look at almost everything logically. I examine the pros and cons, the cost and benefits and finally I ask, “Does this make sense?” This kind of thinking is very upsetting to a lot of people. Especially family.
Several years ago we bought my in-laws a new television because they had the old tube type. When they came home after I had set up the new set, they didn’t even notice they had a new TV - while they were watching it. My brother-in-law decided, he and my financial controller should get them a new one again. A 55" set. There is nothing wrong with the one we bought them.
I expressed my opinion and was promptly overruled. Logic does not apply. Because the in-laws live in a very small apartment now, they sit close to the TV. The screen size will be a source for complaints. Not to mention that “it is not like the old one.” That’s why I am at home writing this blog while the TV is being set up.
I’m also going to send an email to the cable company and tell them to hire more people.
They are going to need them.
PMO
©2015
Several years ago we bought my in-laws a new television because they had the old tube type. When they came home after I had set up the new set, they didn’t even notice they had a new TV - while they were watching it. My brother-in-law decided, he and my financial controller should get them a new one again. A 55" set. There is nothing wrong with the one we bought them.
I expressed my opinion and was promptly overruled. Logic does not apply. Because the in-laws live in a very small apartment now, they sit close to the TV. The screen size will be a source for complaints. Not to mention that “it is not like the old one.” That’s why I am at home writing this blog while the TV is being set up.
I’m also going to send an email to the cable company and tell them to hire more people.
They are going to need them.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Say What?
Frequently I receive a usage summary from my medical insurance company. These are known as EOBs or Explanation of Benefits. They explain what one is charged for medical service, how much the insurance company pays and any amount you may owe. And, there are always additional pages explaining various information about the benefits. On my latest EOB, I discovered that I may receive adverse information in four languages: Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, or Navajo. I had no idea what Tagalog was, so I looked it up.
Tagalog is the Austronesian language of the Philippines and is spoken by about 57 million people. How about that! I’m not absolutely sure, but I do believe it may be what some people in East Texas speak. At least the ones I talk to.
Not that I will ever travel to the Philippines, I decided to look up a translation for a very important word for grumpy old men. The word is paliguan. Bathroom. And, the Spanish word, banyo also works.
I feel a lot better knowing this.
PMO
©2015
Tagalog is the Austronesian language of the Philippines and is spoken by about 57 million people. How about that! I’m not absolutely sure, but I do believe it may be what some people in East Texas speak. At least the ones I talk to.
Not that I will ever travel to the Philippines, I decided to look up a translation for a very important word for grumpy old men. The word is paliguan. Bathroom. And, the Spanish word, banyo also works.
I feel a lot better knowing this.
PMO
©2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
You Need
My financial controller went to have the oil changed in her car this week. The car is now about two years old, so the shop we use went into their sales mode. They told her that on her next visit, she would need to have some services and repairs that would cost about $500. As expected, when she told me, I replied, “I don’t think so.”
She told me that they wanted to do something to the transmission, change the air filter, replace two tires and I don’t know what else. Why do these people tell customers such things? They tried all that on me on one of my visits. I changed the air filter myself.
But, in this age of equality, the same old approach of thinking a woman doesn’t know anything about a car still prevails. I do agree they usually don’t, but at least they should ask someone before agreeing to the ‘recommended’ services and/or parts.
Because they didn’t give her a written estimate, I’m not sure of what they intended.
Change the air in the tires, deep clean the glove compartment and adjust the radio station?
PMO
©2015
She told me that they wanted to do something to the transmission, change the air filter, replace two tires and I don’t know what else. Why do these people tell customers such things? They tried all that on me on one of my visits. I changed the air filter myself.
But, in this age of equality, the same old approach of thinking a woman doesn’t know anything about a car still prevails. I do agree they usually don’t, but at least they should ask someone before agreeing to the ‘recommended’ services and/or parts.
Because they didn’t give her a written estimate, I’m not sure of what they intended.
Change the air in the tires, deep clean the glove compartment and adjust the radio station?
PMO
©2015
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Rule #6
It’s time for another official grumpy old man rule of life. This week I had to talk to a financial planner to conduct some business. The commons with financial planners is they have an opinion, and they plan to separate from your finances.
The fellow, named David, and I did agree on one point which happens to be rule #6: “Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” A vast majority of the population has yet to discover this simple to becoming richer than you are. Note, I said richer, not rich. When one pinches the pennies, they add up rather quickly to dollars. And, when you have more dollars, be just as careful with them.
Hey, I still pickup a penny when I see one on the ground.
I get dirty fingers but I’m always richer than I was.
PMO
©2015
The fellow, named David, and I did agree on one point which happens to be rule #6: “Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” A vast majority of the population has yet to discover this simple to becoming richer than you are. Note, I said richer, not rich. When one pinches the pennies, they add up rather quickly to dollars. And, when you have more dollars, be just as careful with them.
Hey, I still pickup a penny when I see one on the ground.
I get dirty fingers but I’m always richer than I was.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
American Values
As usual, I have questions. What are the American values today? Are truth, honesty, honor, righteousness, and a strong Judeo-Christian beliefs our treasures? How about, freedom, independence, pride, a unique culture, patriotism, strength, unity or family first? Nope.
Doesn't leave much does it?
PMO
©2015
Doesn't leave much does it?
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Mechanical Televison
Strange as it may sound, the first televisions were mechanical contraptions. Basically, they had a mechanical spinning wheel with holes that scanned an image and converted it into transmission device and a ‘televisor’ on the receiving end with a spinning wheels with holes that allowed for a display of the object. Pretty simple, huh. Not really. Through a number of experiments, a working prototype was developed in the late 1880s by a 23 year old German student.
Can you just imagine what it would be like today if we had mechanical TV? The scanners were huge and the receivers were just about as big. When connected you could see a still image on a very small screen. That translates to no 24/7 football games.
I can only imagine what it was like in the early days of broadcasting images. We’ve come a long way.
But I do wonder, since the devices were mechanical, how often you had to change the oil.
PMO
©2015
Can you just imagine what it would be like today if we had mechanical TV? The scanners were huge and the receivers were just about as big. When connected you could see a still image on a very small screen. That translates to no 24/7 football games.
I can only imagine what it was like in the early days of broadcasting images. We’ve come a long way.
But I do wonder, since the devices were mechanical, how often you had to change the oil.
PMO
©2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
They Hate Us
If you sleep a lot or are dead you may have missed the attacks on Christians and their beliefs. For some strange reason, a lot of people don’t like other people that spread charity (love) around the world. And, they choose right over wrong, preferring evil over good, and are quite willing to use courts or any means to stop Christians from doing what they do. There are those that kill Christians and sincerely believe it is the right thing to do.
Well, here are my thoughts about all that. There are lots of reasons to be a true Christian. The after death benefit alone is worth signing up. Not to mention all the church suppers. Plus, you get to learn things you will never learn from other religions. Like, love, forgiveness, peace, understanding, and insight that escapes most of the world.
So, I am convinced that Christianity is the way to go. I personally have witnessed a miracle that had a lasting impact on me. But that’s just one event. Think about it, the world hates us.
If you are hated that much, you must being doing something right.
That’s what Jesus said.
PMO
©2015
Well, here are my thoughts about all that. There are lots of reasons to be a true Christian. The after death benefit alone is worth signing up. Not to mention all the church suppers. Plus, you get to learn things you will never learn from other religions. Like, love, forgiveness, peace, understanding, and insight that escapes most of the world.
So, I am convinced that Christianity is the way to go. I personally have witnessed a miracle that had a lasting impact on me. But that’s just one event. Think about it, the world hates us.
If you are hated that much, you must being doing something right.
That’s what Jesus said.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Driverless Cars
Toyota, Apple and Google are working on a ‘driverless car.’ These little bugs are supposed to take the worry out of driving and make decisions based upon the data received. They speed up, slow down, yield to traffic, navigate obstacles, maintain safe distances from other cars, and honk the horn at good looking women. I made that last one up.
While these are all in development stages, Google is reportedly working with the city of Austin, Texas for some test runs. Another new technology is taking the place of human responsibility.
Don’t scoff. They laughed at the “Dick Tracey” watch too. Before long we could see cars zipping along the roadways with no driver. Which presents at least one problem. Who are you going to make an obscene gesture to if the car cuts you off?
With all the advances in artificial intelligence, I suppose that driverless cars will someday be just another common traveler on the road.
My opinion is that artificial intelligence beats no intelligence.
Try driving in East Texas where most drivers have none.
PMO
©2015
While these are all in development stages, Google is reportedly working with the city of Austin, Texas for some test runs. Another new technology is taking the place of human responsibility.
Don’t scoff. They laughed at the “Dick Tracey” watch too. Before long we could see cars zipping along the roadways with no driver. Which presents at least one problem. Who are you going to make an obscene gesture to if the car cuts you off?
With all the advances in artificial intelligence, I suppose that driverless cars will someday be just another common traveler on the road.
My opinion is that artificial intelligence beats no intelligence.
Try driving in East Texas where most drivers have none.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Play For "Zish"
Back in the old days when I was in the Army, I used to play pool. Before you think it, I was not in the Continental Army. Truth is, I never learned to play pool very well. But, there was an old black man that worked in one of the rec centers on post that tried his best to teach me. He was very good.
One of the things he stressed was to play “zish.” That was his term for position. He would say, “Boy, you gotta know where the cue ball is going if you make the shot or miss. You have to play two or three shots ahead. And, if you don’t make your shot, at least leave your opponent in a bad place so he can’t make a shot.” There’s a life lesson in playing “zish.”
How many of us plan two or three shots ahead or what to do if we fail? Yes, you plan to win, but just like in combat, you always need to know how and where to retreat if you have to. Having a plan keeps one from being a failure, or getting killed.
Whatever your plan for life is, be sure that you think and plan ahead. And, know what you will do if you don’t make your plan. Plan your plan and plan for a failure. I still play for “zish.”
Now days my plan is to sit. If that fails, I take a nap.
PMO
©2015
One of the things he stressed was to play “zish.” That was his term for position. He would say, “Boy, you gotta know where the cue ball is going if you make the shot or miss. You have to play two or three shots ahead. And, if you don’t make your shot, at least leave your opponent in a bad place so he can’t make a shot.” There’s a life lesson in playing “zish.”
How many of us plan two or three shots ahead or what to do if we fail? Yes, you plan to win, but just like in combat, you always need to know how and where to retreat if you have to. Having a plan keeps one from being a failure, or getting killed.
Whatever your plan for life is, be sure that you think and plan ahead. And, know what you will do if you don’t make your plan. Plan your plan and plan for a failure. I still play for “zish.”
Now days my plan is to sit. If that fails, I take a nap.
PMO
©2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
Misused And Abused
In my non-humble opinion, the most powerful word in the English language is constantly misused and terribly abused. The word is love - LOVE! It is used to describe someone’s feelings about everything from puppies to laxatives. Despite what the TV commercial says, people that “love” their laxative have more problems than constipation.
Do people really love their car? I hope not. That would mean they could marry the car. Yet, everyday we hear people say they love this or that. What they really mean is that they like something or enjoy something. The word love has become a throw away word. The true meaning has been lost. And, perhaps that’s why we live in a throw away world. If we love a new material something, but throw it away when we are tired of it, then it’s okay to love someone and throw them away after we tire of them. It happens everyday.
We get our language from a variety of other languages including Greek. There are six or maybe seven Greek words that we translate as love. Agape and phileo are two of them.
Phileo translates to a feeling for someone, such as a friend. This is what we often feel about those that are close to us as we navigate this little journey called life. But, some even take this word lightly. “Oh, I just love him/her,” someone might say about someone they barely know. Usually it only takes one misunderstanding or mistreatment for the love word to change to the hate word.
The word agape is complex, but what it really means is love. Love, in all circumstances and conditions. You might call it unconditional love. Unlike other words we use loosely, agape includes action. How many mothers would stay up all night with a sick child without this kind of love? You have to do something that you may not want to do. Perhaps swallow your pride, forgive when you have been terribly wronged or even suffer severe emotional or physical pain. That’s love.
This is the kind of love that God has. After all, he sent his only son to die. Can you love that much? I don’t think I could. Sacrifice an only child for people that hate you? I can only compare that to our military, police and firefighters. Sometimes they die to protect others and the best we can do is honor the wife, mother, father, children, brother or sister for their sacrifice.
STOP! Before you say it again. Do you really love this or that, or do you truly just like it or have affection for it?
Words have meanings. The word “love” is the most important and powerful word you can ever use.
Don’t waste it.
PMO
©2015
Do people really love their car? I hope not. That would mean they could marry the car. Yet, everyday we hear people say they love this or that. What they really mean is that they like something or enjoy something. The word love has become a throw away word. The true meaning has been lost. And, perhaps that’s why we live in a throw away world. If we love a new material something, but throw it away when we are tired of it, then it’s okay to love someone and throw them away after we tire of them. It happens everyday.
We get our language from a variety of other languages including Greek. There are six or maybe seven Greek words that we translate as love. Agape and phileo are two of them.
Phileo translates to a feeling for someone, such as a friend. This is what we often feel about those that are close to us as we navigate this little journey called life. But, some even take this word lightly. “Oh, I just love him/her,” someone might say about someone they barely know. Usually it only takes one misunderstanding or mistreatment for the love word to change to the hate word.
The word agape is complex, but what it really means is love. Love, in all circumstances and conditions. You might call it unconditional love. Unlike other words we use loosely, agape includes action. How many mothers would stay up all night with a sick child without this kind of love? You have to do something that you may not want to do. Perhaps swallow your pride, forgive when you have been terribly wronged or even suffer severe emotional or physical pain. That’s love.
This is the kind of love that God has. After all, he sent his only son to die. Can you love that much? I don’t think I could. Sacrifice an only child for people that hate you? I can only compare that to our military, police and firefighters. Sometimes they die to protect others and the best we can do is honor the wife, mother, father, children, brother or sister for their sacrifice.
STOP! Before you say it again. Do you really love this or that, or do you truly just like it or have affection for it?
Words have meanings. The word “love” is the most important and powerful word you can ever use.
Don’t waste it.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Very Interesting
The top Republican contenders for the 2016 presidential election include candidates that are white, black, Hispanic, and Indian. There is a woman too. And, in the Democrat corner, you have a bunch of rich white people. The woman they offer is a habitual liar and is running on the fact she is a woman. (I am going to accept that she is a woman.)
This seems interesting because the demagogues constantly point to the republicans as a bunch of old white rich men. But the real interesting fact is, that millions believe them.
Again, you can’t fix stupid.
PMO
©2015
This seems interesting because the demagogues constantly point to the republicans as a bunch of old white rich men. But the real interesting fact is, that millions believe them.
Again, you can’t fix stupid.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
No More Chuck In A Truck
In our little commune, we have an intranet bulletin board which allows one to ask for recommendations on various trades. In the three years we’ve been here (seems like 300 years) I’ve asked for help in locating someone to do a job at a fair price. I’ve also asked neighbors and friends.
We just had the windows replaced by a company which has several trucks, a website and a BBB rating of A+, but they don't have an address. That's because they don't want anyone to know where they are. Just a phone number.
I have now made myself a promise that whatever I need done, I will do it myself, which takes forever even on the simple jobs, or I will not get it done. I have yet to find anyone that I would want to hire again. Hence forth and evermore, I promise me that I will only deal with large companies. At least there I can get someone to do a job right once in awhile.
Right now my garage needs a complete update. So, I’ve told my financial controller that I will do it myself, even it kills me. If this blog goes away, you will know it did.
At least I will die with my boots on and a paint brush in my hand.
PMO
©2015
We just had the windows replaced by a company which has several trucks, a website and a BBB rating of A+, but they don't have an address. That's because they don't want anyone to know where they are. Just a phone number.
I have now made myself a promise that whatever I need done, I will do it myself, which takes forever even on the simple jobs, or I will not get it done. I have yet to find anyone that I would want to hire again. Hence forth and evermore, I promise me that I will only deal with large companies. At least there I can get someone to do a job right once in awhile.
Right now my garage needs a complete update. So, I’ve told my financial controller that I will do it myself, even it kills me. If this blog goes away, you will know it did.
At least I will die with my boots on and a paint brush in my hand.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
How To Get Richer
There are a few million get rich schemes that millions of people fall for everyday. And, the end result is always the same. The schemers get rich. In case you haven’t noticed, rich people get there through hard work and planning. Emphasize planning.
It doesn’t matter how much your income is, you must have a financial plan. And, you must pay attention to your plan. Part of your plan has to be control expenses. I think I just lost most of my readers. People don’t like to control expenses. They like making more money. That’s why there are a lot of rich people. They get the money you don’t control.
We are a people of wants and more wants. So what if I spend the rent, I can make up a story or wait until next month to pay. I want the latest and greatest something.
Recently I read a brief story about a family that shut down expenses except for the essentials - food and shelter. They went into an absolute “control expenses” mode for a year. This meant that if something non-essential broke, they repaired it or did without it. Yes, they had a good income, but they had not controlled expenses and wanted to see what would happen.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to have all the sports channels, the latest phone or TV or even a new refrigerator just because you want one. Really rich people, that deal in millions and billions of dollars, will tell you that without controlling expenditures, you will never get richer.
With controlling expenses, you have no financial future.
PMO
©2015
It doesn’t matter how much your income is, you must have a financial plan. And, you must pay attention to your plan. Part of your plan has to be control expenses. I think I just lost most of my readers. People don’t like to control expenses. They like making more money. That’s why there are a lot of rich people. They get the money you don’t control.
We are a people of wants and more wants. So what if I spend the rent, I can make up a story or wait until next month to pay. I want the latest and greatest something.
Recently I read a brief story about a family that shut down expenses except for the essentials - food and shelter. They went into an absolute “control expenses” mode for a year. This meant that if something non-essential broke, they repaired it or did without it. Yes, they had a good income, but they had not controlled expenses and wanted to see what would happen.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to have all the sports channels, the latest phone or TV or even a new refrigerator just because you want one. Really rich people, that deal in millions and billions of dollars, will tell you that without controlling expenditures, you will never get richer.
With controlling expenses, you have no financial future.
PMO
©2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
A Secret
Marines are tough. When Donald “Donnie” Dunagan was 18, in 1952, he joined the Marine Corps. He became the youngest ever Marine Corps drill instructor. Dunagan served three tours in Vietnam and for his service he received a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. He retired at the rank of major in 1977.
Marines are tough, but this marine had a secret. A secret he kept, even from his wife, for 25 years. When he was a child, for a short time he was an actor and at one time he was the main source of support for his family. No, that’s not the secret.
Major Dunagan was a Marine, and Marines are tough. Not only did he serve as a drill instructor, he became a commanding officer for training recruits. A decorated hero, now living in San Angelo, Texas, he now readily admits his secret.
During the time he was a child actor, Disney released the film, “Bambi,” in 1942.
Major Donald Dunagan, the tough Marine, was the voice of Bambi.
PMO
©2015
Marines are tough, but this marine had a secret. A secret he kept, even from his wife, for 25 years. When he was a child, for a short time he was an actor and at one time he was the main source of support for his family. No, that’s not the secret.
Major Dunagan was a Marine, and Marines are tough. Not only did he serve as a drill instructor, he became a commanding officer for training recruits. A decorated hero, now living in San Angelo, Texas, he now readily admits his secret.
During the time he was a child actor, Disney released the film, “Bambi,” in 1942.
Major Donald Dunagan, the tough Marine, was the voice of Bambi.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Friends
It has been said that you are known by the friends you keep. If that is true, then I am confused. Over the years I’ve had friends that are very smart, well educated and sophisticated. And, I’ve had friends that are not smart, not educated and might be considered crazy.
My friends range from one that has a PhD in economics to one that I’m not sure if he ever finished high school. Many of my friends are engineers, but I am not. I have friends that are common laborers and some that are executives in large corporations. There are a couple of medical doctors on my friends list. And, then there is the Baptist preacher, Dr. Wild Bill. You have to know him to understand why he is ‘wild’ Bill.
My friends range from the very rich to poor people. Most probably fit in the middle class when it comes to money. I don’t ask for a financial statement before making a friend.
Really close friends have been people from various races, colors, and religions. I don’t notice things like that with a friend.
What do your friends say about you?
PMO
©2015
My friends range from one that has a PhD in economics to one that I’m not sure if he ever finished high school. Many of my friends are engineers, but I am not. I have friends that are common laborers and some that are executives in large corporations. There are a couple of medical doctors on my friends list. And, then there is the Baptist preacher, Dr. Wild Bill. You have to know him to understand why he is ‘wild’ Bill.
My friends range from the very rich to poor people. Most probably fit in the middle class when it comes to money. I don’t ask for a financial statement before making a friend.
Really close friends have been people from various races, colors, and religions. I don’t notice things like that with a friend.
What do your friends say about you?
PMO
©2015
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Not Funny
According to Buzzfeed.com, there are people that believe the movie, ‘The Martian’ is based upon a true story.
These people vote too.
PMO
©2015
These people vote too.
PMO
©2015
Friday, October 9, 2015
Dr. Ben Again
Dr. Ben Carson is at it again. Now he says that if Jews had been allowed to have guns, the holocaust would have been much harder to implement. Can you imagine that?
Dictators don’t want armed subjects. If you have a plan to annihilate a race, the last thing you want is for them to have the ability to fight back. All through the history of mankind, the tactics of dictators have been pretty much the same - keep the peons in place with force. Force doesn’t work if the peons have weapons.
Have you ever wondered why our government wants to take away all the guns? Dr. Ben has.
And, so have I.
PMO
©2015
Dictators don’t want armed subjects. If you have a plan to annihilate a race, the last thing you want is for them to have the ability to fight back. All through the history of mankind, the tactics of dictators have been pretty much the same - keep the peons in place with force. Force doesn’t work if the peons have weapons.
Have you ever wondered why our government wants to take away all the guns? Dr. Ben has.
And, so have I.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Really Late Term Abortion
California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a measure to make physician assisted suicide legal in that state. The law will not go into effect until January. Oregon already has a law on the books. Didn’t Jack Kevorkian go to jail for this?
The new plan is to allow a terminally ill patient to administer his/her own drugs (pills) to end life. The target population is those that are ‘suffering’ and without insurance coverage that will cover treating them. Insurance will pay for the ‘pills’ to stop living. Ain’t that nice.
The patient must make the decision and take the medication while a doctor sits or stands around watches them die. Has the Hippocratic oath turned into the hypocritic oath? Looks like they can get you coming or going - abortion or suicide.
No, I am not going to get into the arguments about ‘right to choose’ when one’s life should end. It just seems that hanging around would be the sensible choice. As long as you are alive, you have a chance.
I would like to ask the ‘elite’ where they got authority over human life. And, I would like to know what they will do when ‘their time comes?’
If life means nothing we may as well become a nation of criminals, sexual deviants, masters and slaves, communist and haters of right that focus on whatever feels good and whatever a few can make the others succumb to.
Oops. We’re already there.
PMO
©2015
The new plan is to allow a terminally ill patient to administer his/her own drugs (pills) to end life. The target population is those that are ‘suffering’ and without insurance coverage that will cover treating them. Insurance will pay for the ‘pills’ to stop living. Ain’t that nice.
The patient must make the decision and take the medication while a doctor sits or stands around watches them die. Has the Hippocratic oath turned into the hypocritic oath? Looks like they can get you coming or going - abortion or suicide.
No, I am not going to get into the arguments about ‘right to choose’ when one’s life should end. It just seems that hanging around would be the sensible choice. As long as you are alive, you have a chance.
I would like to ask the ‘elite’ where they got authority over human life. And, I would like to know what they will do when ‘their time comes?’
If life means nothing we may as well become a nation of criminals, sexual deviants, masters and slaves, communist and haters of right that focus on whatever feels good and whatever a few can make the others succumb to.
Oops. We’re already there.
PMO
©2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
No Common Sense Please
Dr. Ben Carson, candidate for president, has gotten into trouble for his comments about guns. The good doctor suggested that having well trained and licensed teachers in classrooms could deter attacks such as the recent community college in Oregon. These kind of comments start a feeding frenzy with liberals and media talking heads. I hate to mention it, but there is a tiny community in north central Texas near where I grew up that now has a sign posted on their schools. The signs proclaim they have armed teachers. No gun free zone for them.
Dr. Carson also said that had he been at the Oregon shooting, he would not have stood still and let the killer shoot him. He said that he would have yelled at everyone to charge the shooter. Yes, some may have been shot, but the carnage would have been a lot less. It is called the rule of 21.
The rule of 21 simply states that if you have three or more unarmed people, within 21 feet or less, charging at you, and you have a gun, at least one of them will get to you. Reality is that you can’t shoot fast and accurately enough to get all three before they can get to you.
Dr. Carson appears to be a man with common sense.
No wonder he has so much opposition.
PMO
©2015
Dr. Carson also said that had he been at the Oregon shooting, he would not have stood still and let the killer shoot him. He said that he would have yelled at everyone to charge the shooter. Yes, some may have been shot, but the carnage would have been a lot less. It is called the rule of 21.
The rule of 21 simply states that if you have three or more unarmed people, within 21 feet or less, charging at you, and you have a gun, at least one of them will get to you. Reality is that you can’t shoot fast and accurately enough to get all three before they can get to you.
Dr. Carson appears to be a man with common sense.
No wonder he has so much opposition.
PMO
©2015
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
News Update
In case you missed the latest news, here is my update. Politicians are still lying and getting rich. Radicals in every extreme are rolling over everything that makes sense. Hatred for Christians, guns and white people continues to rise. The country is not going broke, it is already broke and we are living on how much we can borrow. The populous is focused on football and iPhones.
And, the average desk contains more bacteria than a toilet seat. You should not eat at your desk.
Perhaps you should eat sitting on a toilet seat.
You’ll be prepared for all of the above.
PMO
©2015
And, the average desk contains more bacteria than a toilet seat. You should not eat at your desk.
Perhaps you should eat sitting on a toilet seat.
You’ll be prepared for all of the above.
PMO
©2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
Sick Humor
Okay. I know I sometimes have a weird sense of humor. Usually it is caused by some sign or ad posted for all to see. My mind seems to race to questions.
I saw a website for a funeral home near my lean-to. There was an ad stating they take credit cards. This appeared a little strange to me. Think about this. The funeral is all over and when they ask for payment a relative tells them payment will be made by credit card. It is in the deceased’s pocket and he’ll have to sign the receipt.
Or how about the notice that they are handicapped accessible. Well, if you are dead, I guess you would be handicapped.
Sometimes I worry about me.
PMO
©2015
I saw a website for a funeral home near my lean-to. There was an ad stating they take credit cards. This appeared a little strange to me. Think about this. The funeral is all over and when they ask for payment a relative tells them payment will be made by credit card. It is in the deceased’s pocket and he’ll have to sign the receipt.
Or how about the notice that they are handicapped accessible. Well, if you are dead, I guess you would be handicapped.
Sometimes I worry about me.
PMO
©2015
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Help Wanted
I am officially posting my help wanted ad. Needed: plumber, painter, carpenter, window installer, electrician, and just about any other trade worker. All the jobs require that you work fast, sloppy, incompetent, and make a lot of messes. You will need to show up for work when ever you get in the mood and always leave early. Pay is a fair price for a good job, but since you won’t do a good job, I won’t know until you are finished.
If there is a competent trade worker in East Texas, he/she is hiding from me.
PMO
©2015
If there is a competent trade worker in East Texas, he/she is hiding from me.
PMO
©2015
Saturday, October 3, 2015
News And Commentary
It is time for some lawsuits against every news network and most local newspapers, radio and television stations. The issue is that they pretend to present the ‘news’ when they actually present a bit of news and a lot of their commentary.
Every news source should be forced to add a disclaimer that the opinions expressed about the news may or may not have anything to do with what really happened.
Said disclaimer should be conspicuously placed or announced repeatedly throughout the broadcast or publication to ensure that readers, viewers or listeners understand that commentary is strictly an opinion and is an attempt to sway an audience into believing their side of a story.
Here’s a simple example:
At (name of publication or broadcast facility) we believe that we should never let the facts or the truth interfere with a good story.
PMO
©2015
Every news source should be forced to add a disclaimer that the opinions expressed about the news may or may not have anything to do with what really happened.
Said disclaimer should be conspicuously placed or announced repeatedly throughout the broadcast or publication to ensure that readers, viewers or listeners understand that commentary is strictly an opinion and is an attempt to sway an audience into believing their side of a story.
Here’s a simple example:
At (name of publication or broadcast facility) we believe that we should never let the facts or the truth interfere with a good story.
PMO
©2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
Gun Free?
By now, unless you are dead, you have heard about the terrible shooting at a college in Oregon. I won’t bore you with details because by now you’ve heard more than you need to. Let us all pray for the families and those that are wounded. You can never have too much prayer.
The point today is that as expected Obama is back on gun control, which is really just ‘control.’ The school was a typical ‘Gun Free Zone,’ which means law abiding people will respect the law, but those that are intent upon doing harm only see it as a safe place to kill while no one can defend themselves.
No, I am not advocating guns in schools, but I do know that criminals don’t act when enforcement is present.
If you think that this tragedy was a gun’s fault, you live in a make believe world. Personally I know a dozen ways to kill people without a gun. Yes, I do mean kill more than one or two, without a gun. What we have is a people problem.
We’ve created, or allowed a society to be created, that we don’t want to live in. If you think that guns are the problem, consider this, “guns may be the solution.”
At least temporarily, we may have to resort to guns to put the criminals and terrorist back under control.
It’s obvious that what government is doing now is not working.
PMO
©2015
The point today is that as expected Obama is back on gun control, which is really just ‘control.’ The school was a typical ‘Gun Free Zone,’ which means law abiding people will respect the law, but those that are intent upon doing harm only see it as a safe place to kill while no one can defend themselves.
No, I am not advocating guns in schools, but I do know that criminals don’t act when enforcement is present.
If you think that this tragedy was a gun’s fault, you live in a make believe world. Personally I know a dozen ways to kill people without a gun. Yes, I do mean kill more than one or two, without a gun. What we have is a people problem.
We’ve created, or allowed a society to be created, that we don’t want to live in. If you think that guns are the problem, consider this, “guns may be the solution.”
At least temporarily, we may have to resort to guns to put the criminals and terrorist back under control.
It’s obvious that what government is doing now is not working.
PMO
©2015
Thursday, October 1, 2015
NDSAM
A friend of mine sent me an email to make me aware that October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. He has a young grandson with Downs. It has been a learning experience for the entire family to learn how to deal with a ‘special needs’ child. Because my financial controller worked with ‘special needs” for many years as an RN, she has offered support and information to the family as they need it.
Last week there was a story in the Dallas Morning News about a family and how they were dealing with a similar situation. So, today I am repeating a post from 2011 to all those that have ‘special needs’ members in the family. Please read it slowly and think about what it really says.
Special Needs
The doctors said she would never walk, talk or interact with other people. In the beginning they had no real diagnosis. She spent a lot of time in doctor offices, hospitals and therapy centers. But she did learn to say some words. And, because she couldn’t walk or crawl, she rolled. She rolled to the TV and by the time she was two she could operate a VCR to play the videos she wanted to watch.
As time progressed, the diagnosis came to light. She had a very rare syndrome. There are only a couple hundred others in the world. There is no treatment.
But, there is the human spirit. Today, she walks, but does not like to walk very far, especially if it is hot weather. She talks, not in sentences but in words that communicate what she wants or needs and how she feels. It is interesting that when she is really tired, she speaks in sentences. Her brain slows down and she can communicate.
She went to school and a teacher noticed that she loved books. She can read and does for hours at a time. If it is electronic, she probably can operate it. Her favorite entertainment is a computer.
She has social friends developed from school in the Special Ed class, and from just about anyone she meets. She always has a hug.
Bad days are few. Her attitude is always, “everything is okay.” I wish I could say that.
Society has given her and millions of others the label of “special needs.” I would argue that it is not them, but us that have special needs. We need to see them succeed, play, laugh and push harder to do anything that we take for granted. It is us that can learn more from them than they can learn from us. We don’t think we have time. They have all the time they need.
My granddaughter is twenty one now. She stays with me during the day sometimes. I know and she knows that she rules me. That’s the way it should be.
I have special needs to be more understanding, more patient, more loving, more determined, and more focused on the things that are really important. She shows me how.
I am a slow learner, but she is patient with me.
©2015
Last week there was a story in the Dallas Morning News about a family and how they were dealing with a similar situation. So, today I am repeating a post from 2011 to all those that have ‘special needs’ members in the family. Please read it slowly and think about what it really says.
Special Needs
The doctors said she would never walk, talk or interact with other people. In the beginning they had no real diagnosis. She spent a lot of time in doctor offices, hospitals and therapy centers. But she did learn to say some words. And, because she couldn’t walk or crawl, she rolled. She rolled to the TV and by the time she was two she could operate a VCR to play the videos she wanted to watch.
As time progressed, the diagnosis came to light. She had a very rare syndrome. There are only a couple hundred others in the world. There is no treatment.
But, there is the human spirit. Today, she walks, but does not like to walk very far, especially if it is hot weather. She talks, not in sentences but in words that communicate what she wants or needs and how she feels. It is interesting that when she is really tired, she speaks in sentences. Her brain slows down and she can communicate.
She went to school and a teacher noticed that she loved books. She can read and does for hours at a time. If it is electronic, she probably can operate it. Her favorite entertainment is a computer.
She has social friends developed from school in the Special Ed class, and from just about anyone she meets. She always has a hug.
Bad days are few. Her attitude is always, “everything is okay.” I wish I could say that.
Society has given her and millions of others the label of “special needs.” I would argue that it is not them, but us that have special needs. We need to see them succeed, play, laugh and push harder to do anything that we take for granted. It is us that can learn more from them than they can learn from us. We don’t think we have time. They have all the time they need.
My granddaughter is twenty one now. She stays with me during the day sometimes. I know and she knows that she rules me. That’s the way it should be.
I have special needs to be more understanding, more patient, more loving, more determined, and more focused on the things that are really important. She shows me how.
I am a slow learner, but she is patient with me.
©2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Red Wasp Revenge
I have an old freezer that doesn’t work so I use it to store all my outdoor cooking tools and stuff. A few days ago I opened the lid on the box and discovered I had a red wasp nest on the back of the freezer. Most of the wasp either flew off or just stayed on the nest, except one. It decided that attacking me was a really good idea.
I tried swatting the blame thing, but it kept on attacking. If you’ve never been attacked by a wasp, they go for your head. Try as I may, it got me on my right eye brow. I took an antihistamine, but it didn’t stop the swelling or pain for a few hours.
Today I was spraying outside for bugs with my trusty pump up sprayer. It holds two gallons of mix. When I got near the old freezer again, I approached with caution. There was one lone red wasp buzzing around. I hit it with my sprayer. Used a whole gallon.
Don’t know if the chemical killed it or it drowned.
Revenge is sweet.
PMO
©2015
I tried swatting the blame thing, but it kept on attacking. If you’ve never been attacked by a wasp, they go for your head. Try as I may, it got me on my right eye brow. I took an antihistamine, but it didn’t stop the swelling or pain for a few hours.
Today I was spraying outside for bugs with my trusty pump up sprayer. It holds two gallons of mix. When I got near the old freezer again, I approached with caution. There was one lone red wasp buzzing around. I hit it with my sprayer. Used a whole gallon.
Don’t know if the chemical killed it or it drowned.
Revenge is sweet.
PMO
©2015
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