tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51077822016668022642024-02-19T02:52:51.068-05:00Watson In The AdirondacksThese are my thoughts and opinions on life, politics, love, humor, and whatever else crosses my flaky mind.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-92188284511887213422008-10-28T06:18:00.003-05:002008-10-28T07:37:58.502-05:00Frankly Speaking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhuC2V-ejWUx7j14RXuk2Cf12bH9Mu1RV7UjIZbQmey23W8NsCvaJEB96ftHq1BTwm5fEDwAczYge2z8vAg-pQGXNjKsQVbDtTRFQrkkvc7xu0OLwalXvnf6mjilw2dowiO7sc71vmyU/s1600-h/image0031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262182869203039746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhuC2V-ejWUx7j14RXuk2Cf12bH9Mu1RV7UjIZbQmey23W8NsCvaJEB96ftHq1BTwm5fEDwAczYge2z8vAg-pQGXNjKsQVbDtTRFQrkkvc7xu0OLwalXvnf6mjilw2dowiO7sc71vmyU/s320/image0031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I did my best to just ignore politics for as long as I could. The fall is my favorite time of the year, and this year was no exception. I have thoroughly enjoyed my respite from blogging and following the news every day. Enjoying the world that surrounds you is a lot more fun than following politics, but after the last couple of days I find that I can't ignore what's about to happen to our country.<br /><br />In previous posts I have been chastised for labeling Senator Obama as a socialist. If there is anyone out there with any doubts as to his socialist/Marxist mindset, then you haven't been paying attention.</div><br /><div><br /><em><strong>"To avoid being mistaken for a sellout,I chose my friends carefully.The more politically active black students.The foreign students.The Chicanos.The Marxist Professors and the structural feminists and punk-rock performance poets."</strong> Senator Obama</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>Consider the 2001 interview with a public radio station in Chicago, which you can access by clicking on the title of this piece. When he speaks of how the courts are not structured to implement the redistribution of wealth, it doesn't take a political science major to figure out that a liberal Congress, a liberal President, and judges with similar liberal political philosophies, appointed for life by the President, will do their best to alter the framework of our government. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There is no longer any doubt that an Obama administration will do everything within it's power to institutionalize socialism and turn us into the United Socialist States of America.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Socialism in and of itself will not destroy the country, but the proponents of this philosophy will. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ask a question of the candidate like Joe the Plumber and suddenly government computers are used to check your taxes and find anything they can to destroy your reputation.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ask a question of the candidate and your television station is banned from further interviews.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Turn on any channel, other than Fox News, and view with incredulity the liberal bias of the mainstream media. Given the power, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid will implement a "fairness doctrine" that is anything but fair. Under the guise of fairness, the voices of the opposition are stifled. I wonder where they'll setup their re-education camps.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All that redistributed wealth needs to be handed out, and the socialists will make sure that the money goes to ACORN or other phony non-partisan groups that have no interest in anything other than their parochial concerns.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Do you have any doubt that a 25% cut in the military budget, as proposed by Barney Frank, will be enacted by an Obama administration? You shouldn't. We'll basically be waiving a white flag and inviting a level of terrorism that only Israel has experienced.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And while we're at the task of withdrawing from the world, let's stop free trade as well. Ignore the benefits to all the countries involved, and let's return to the days of tariff wars.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The economic crisis we've been treated to over the last few weeks will pale in comparison to the depths that an Obama administration will lead us to. Why would anyone with money invest it and try to grow a business only to have the profits of their hard work handed out to people that don't even contribute to the tax base? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If your options are work your butt off and give more and more of your money to the government to redistribute, or sit on your butt and let the government subsidize your life of leisure, which one would you chose?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There has never been a clearer distinction between two candidates in my memory, but with the assistance of the mainstream media, that distinction has been blurred and misconstrued to make Senator Obama appear more middle-of-the-road.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>He is not a centrist, he is a socialist steeped in Marxism who wants to take this country down a path that will assure our descent as the leader of the free world. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>However, we do not need to despair. Regardless of the what the polls pronounce, this race is not over by a long shot. I'm sticking with my prognostication of a McCain victory, but even if I prove to be about as accurate as Carnac, I will never lose faith in the ability of this country to overcome the foibles of our elected officials. I will fight socialism with every bit of my being because the dignity of man demands it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There are millions of Americans that will never sit idly by while a socialist/communist administration leads this country towards Soviet style democracy. We will fight you in the halls of Congress; we will fight you in the courts; we will fight you on the airwaves, we will fight you with every legal means available. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Senator Obama will never unify this country because the millions of us who enjoy freedom and individual responsibility are willing to fight, and if necessary, die for it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em></em></div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-87266130848887909272008-10-05T12:52:00.009-05:002008-10-05T15:57:53.176-05:00Water In India - Dinner In ChinaLeading my remote life in Lewis County is wonderful. There is truly no where else I'd rather live in the world, but there sure are lots of places that would be something to see. Photos from one of my groups are below. I have done nothing other than add some captions.<br /><br />First up: Water In India - I have paraphrased info from the website below:<br /><br /><a href="http://amaze.learnhub.com/lesson/page/5048-the-amazing-well-of-chand-baori-india">http://amaze.learnhub.com/lesson/page/5048-the-amazing-well-of-chand-baori-india</a><br /><br /><em>The Amazing Well of Chand Baori (India) was built back in the 10th century, and it is situated in the village Abhaneri near Jaipur in Indian state of Rajasthan. This was a practical solution to the water problem in the area. The arid climate forced the locals to dig deep for a dependable water source, one that would last throughout an entire year. Chand Baori well is 30 meters deep, it has 13 floors and 3,500 steps. It is a fine example of the architectural excellence prevalent in the past. This impressive step well is as deep as a seven storeyed building. The famous Harshat Mata temple situated opposite to this well shows that there must have been a religious connection with the step-well. The well is 35 m on each side with steps leading down from each side and water can be drawn from any level. Abhaneri is 4 km northwest of Sikandra on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Abhaneri is on the Ahmadabad-Delhi railway line, near Bandikui in Jaipur District. The other nearest railway station Bandikui Junction is 6 km from Abhaneri.</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcRwp4JC4ldARKGrL0EBp1eLAtoBXm1xOor7yCdqfCN4_BC8pL33UqKS8eZaEiwQh0qnmNkaVKVJVMo8F2w8zOydGF5jWA7MFqm0Q7fyC2zT1VZUyNqYRp7wcqQtDv0zat86lIiWHaco/s1600-h/Chand+Baori+Well-Stairs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253750372941510962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcRwp4JC4ldARKGrL0EBp1eLAtoBXm1xOor7yCdqfCN4_BC8pL33UqKS8eZaEiwQh0qnmNkaVKVJVMo8F2w8zOydGF5jWA7MFqm0Q7fyC2zT1VZUyNqYRp7wcqQtDv0zat86lIiWHaco/s320/Chand+Baori+Well-Stairs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohfSzP5aklt3d_iHPIi3uwL2N9ieT4LOq9Cl0_u4RSt0yW3znpGFdRxCjA5ZinvvGOeitAN_2bBnmg-areh1w_Jmyw7CGas6hinZQugwBb6wEziojjniFPRLa-UMdFz14rF4hFk3AdS8/s1600-h/Chand+Baori-All+Stairs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253750370430792450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohfSzP5aklt3d_iHPIi3uwL2N9ieT4LOq9Cl0_u4RSt0yW3znpGFdRxCjA5ZinvvGOeitAN_2bBnmg-areh1w_Jmyw7CGas6hinZQugwBb6wEziojjniFPRLa-UMdFz14rF4hFk3AdS8/s320/Chand+Baori-All+Stairs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx21ZseKegqY79lap0rPkUUDPQO9IeJ4MC4qOXc88Bt0NvCkW6KAz9-RRjfZMXiWltRW1gEBDRHiYHaSYBqwrKrkY9307RaGuWb6LJJ7tFvWprXlryaSYgQQTI3BkRJ5XAH-Yr_T-ADRE/s1600-h/Chand+Baori-Opp+View.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253750375897737650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx21ZseKegqY79lap0rPkUUDPQO9IeJ4MC4qOXc88Bt0NvCkW6KAz9-RRjfZMXiWltRW1gEBDRHiYHaSYBqwrKrkY9307RaGuWb6LJJ7tFvWprXlryaSYgQQTI3BkRJ5XAH-Yr_T-ADRE/s320/Chand+Baori-Opp+View.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Now we head off for dinner in China. If you don't have an appetite already, you'll be able to work one up on the way there:</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WDpyZKIqz-DNX7aOR63MSVw6pdhALokklGNgrpeQKawqzy90rXfG0g-y0JGY3BANF_1lX89A2P8LDF5vXK10PD8Fl8_IM6__Kegxn6qi4ADd_0nDGp_5hE6k8dR-23TwAVd8RTYxkn8/s1600-h/Cable+Car+Ride.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253750381660496274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WDpyZKIqz-DNX7aOR63MSVw6pdhALokklGNgrpeQKawqzy90rXfG0g-y0JGY3BANF_1lX89A2P8LDF5vXK10PD8Fl8_IM6__Kegxn6qi4ADd_0nDGp_5hE6k8dR-23TwAVd8RTYxkn8/s320/Cable+Car+Ride.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAH6WBwyLj55dmhY-LxRwWaYXZbGlf6oQeftDQ-dynmNAUlRO41ydc1BW4Ihbm9XK8g0OnZ1pSnM9u_5vWbyPLzA9S5Y4EJZXos8_OJUrzpmJQPVZqva1N1pzHeIgeKp9NGFhxWrrBDU/s1600-h/Walking+the+Planks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253750383648622530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAH6WBwyLj55dmhY-LxRwWaYXZbGlf6oQeftDQ-dynmNAUlRO41ydc1BW4Ihbm9XK8g0OnZ1pSnM9u_5vWbyPLzA9S5Y4EJZXos8_OJUrzpmJQPVZqva1N1pzHeIgeKp9NGFhxWrrBDU/s320/Walking+the+Planks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJdcVozvYBwhg7B9BDrEJY5uB9OBKLrZ8JqrR1rwgdPmZnbe4EFAViYFfVUswA8f_Sq6bEvYme1D1x8peQLd3o-KZ687g2DZaT8AtzuKt1vD-qNNrFn8ZzfrjhyphenhyphenNQKNqGS9_t-P1EjQ8/s1600-h/Time+Worn+Holes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253751384043231634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJdcVozvYBwhg7B9BDrEJY5uB9OBKLrZ8JqrR1rwgdPmZnbe4EFAViYFfVUswA8f_Sq6bEvYme1D1x8peQLd3o-KZ687g2DZaT8AtzuKt1vD-qNNrFn8ZzfrjhyphenhyphenNQKNqGS9_t-P1EjQ8/s320/Time+Worn+Holes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyS6RR84KgeGkvb-NeZurdjjLcVe8ICzIkSCKMXUkVzCOUIZc3Jh5yx2Yec7PaaqWCx1gL-OS73BELFMMRjpTYtcx8eqkMeOWGMAHG2lAHOTp40i4H6JUB3-cUBnlfjcOIlqXJD1H4F64/s1600-h/Meeting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253751390718763394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyS6RR84KgeGkvb-NeZurdjjLcVe8ICzIkSCKMXUkVzCOUIZc3Jh5yx2Yec7PaaqWCx1gL-OS73BELFMMRjpTYtcx8eqkMeOWGMAHG2lAHOTp40i4H6JUB3-cUBnlfjcOIlqXJD1H4F64/s320/Meeting.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXxxbo5atP5bHux-d88DkKbjrWPL6gmcdDKzvg5fwrn4BipY0-0PZB93e78xuCgTuMqZnSv4GeGQvbVs1WHOfCYkBLNYl5JRK0yeCkFzsyifYCuUHYyr4SYeZzc5EgxitfBNQpqmmS4o/s1600-h/Just+A+Bit+Further.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253751397205125138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXxxbo5atP5bHux-d88DkKbjrWPL6gmcdDKzvg5fwrn4BipY0-0PZB93e78xuCgTuMqZnSv4GeGQvbVs1WHOfCYkBLNYl5JRK0yeCkFzsyifYCuUHYyr4SYeZzc5EgxitfBNQpqmmS4o/s320/Just+A+Bit+Further.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsKUUi2DgQT4exWHeOCmUySeuoPEbhmOG-5YZgNcc7R39F-Q1Aygc2_pwDJ9rQT4obzY5_FS_Pi4jV35ZF-Za-l6Jkn2U6K5hQ8JN4qRMps92jEfyZn0cCvAolOZd8odqOFavJx2d910/s1600-h/On+The+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253751402883744082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsKUUi2DgQT4exWHeOCmUySeuoPEbhmOG-5YZgNcc7R39F-Q1Aygc2_pwDJ9rQT4obzY5_FS_Pi4jV35ZF-Za-l6Jkn2U6K5hQ8JN4qRMps92jEfyZn0cCvAolOZd8odqOFavJx2d910/s320/On+The+House.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Personally, I'd fill my bowl with rabbit "smart pills", pour milk on them and pretend they're Cocoa Puffs before I'd EVER attempt that climb.</strong>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-58479733890030576532008-10-01T07:15:00.006-05:002008-10-01T07:53:32.515-05:00How Do You Handle Adversity?The current economic crisis has provided us with daily reaffirmation of Congressional inadequacies. Their dithering in the face of this economic crisis leaves one to wonder how they ever get anything accomplished. It also illustrates how different people react differently to adversity. Some of us fight the good fight; some of us assume the fetal position, and some of us look to others to help us find our way.<br /><br />I recently was introduced to the typewriter art of Paul Smith in one of my Yahoo Groups, and his story is one of the most inspirational I've ever come across. Born in Philadelphia on September 21, 1921, Paul suffered from severe cerebral palsy. His disease kept him from ever going to school, but it didn't keep him from developing artistic and visualization skills that made him a true artist and a heck of a chess player.<br /><br />Paul would use his left hand to steady his right, and usually had the shift key locked down because he could never push more than one key on the typewriter at a time. Consequently, his pictures are constructed mostly of the symbols ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ). If you click on the title of this piece you'll be taken to Paul Smith Foundation.Org where you can learn a lot more about this incredible man and see more of his art work.<br /><br />Paul passed away in 2007, but the story of his life should serve as a reminder of the true potential that lies within all of us. Perhaps if we made each of our representatives familiar with Mr. Smith and his incredible life they might be able to set aside politics and concentrate on the well being of their fellow citizens.<br /><br />Wishful thinking? Probably, but a little inspiration can go a long way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTXDlk0Q6xc2UPxBijebRSJTdscP1xDaHOZtwP6V89nuZC4fcFbSNHrAQeKy2TYYYdDkpFqLzxieNWTKPA628MiSJAwBIKngatgfLxPdo2f2kbxpbdpPwhvvKtC20behPm4w76K87s-M/s1600-h/image001111.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252160809138795250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTXDlk0Q6xc2UPxBijebRSJTdscP1xDaHOZtwP6V89nuZC4fcFbSNHrAQeKy2TYYYdDkpFqLzxieNWTKPA628MiSJAwBIKngatgfLxPdo2f2kbxpbdpPwhvvKtC20behPm4w76K87s-M/s320/image001111.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBnAci3D_r2bPk5gfyHvgLAbf_pzs2fJQcDIP8oX29XiZgwPepHl2CsQeq7qsQj2W88g7Ixp-HNSbYXe9GSr5x3nZF9eAymhsudCNEEsyRRRu7trTNJ_10R74rPgubo4X_wZg2BYhw-g/s1600-h/image002222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252160807395407426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBnAci3D_r2bPk5gfyHvgLAbf_pzs2fJQcDIP8oX29XiZgwPepHl2CsQeq7qsQj2W88g7Ixp-HNSbYXe9GSr5x3nZF9eAymhsudCNEEsyRRRu7trTNJ_10R74rPgubo4X_wZg2BYhw-g/s320/image002222.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpLiXspORzvNDTGJadjosIJI8jSPEzSDOnMS5-kHlsDHZeNe032xvWzILtvW6sSU2a97aKA2N53n0O7bm_tU94-so8xt5skQSFzL2QvnjiJ0Xp8eCh74swjg_qxpysoB__BE9y1NGDPw/s1600-h/image007777.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252160811442058642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpLiXspORzvNDTGJadjosIJI8jSPEzSDOnMS5-kHlsDHZeNe032xvWzILtvW6sSU2a97aKA2N53n0O7bm_tU94-so8xt5skQSFzL2QvnjiJ0Xp8eCh74swjg_qxpysoB__BE9y1NGDPw/s320/image007777.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjWa4QMsHq7CDBbgIwoGGzsXEc5egeWt8UE68mdjZZtRMMoGRpEO3oHWJOE8MkPLisYGl588BL8W8k-Y5W1YgoPopGwCt5U8zVTheDiBH6Bo-lQ1YEuFislninYnkpvCubG-H6y7KGDk/s1600-h/image005555.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252160813283010242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjWa4QMsHq7CDBbgIwoGGzsXEc5egeWt8UE68mdjZZtRMMoGRpEO3oHWJOE8MkPLisYGl588BL8W8k-Y5W1YgoPopGwCt5U8zVTheDiBH6Bo-lQ1YEuFislninYnkpvCubG-H6y7KGDk/s320/image005555.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXBQyEs2cNkrtayUhn6VAegPTzS196TLL88rWdud4ExuI4AfW1ScrBTHimC6e_mFZGOu9DNhUDiZ2JNDrKmnT3aOy17QRmwFJ2bYHs68BlS0bwvlVZkX3CkG4rNsdU7V7U8yBLcyuJ00/s1600-h/image006666.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252160813137023154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXBQyEs2cNkrtayUhn6VAegPTzS196TLL88rWdud4ExuI4AfW1ScrBTHimC6e_mFZGOu9DNhUDiZ2JNDrKmnT3aOy17QRmwFJ2bYHs68BlS0bwvlVZkX3CkG4rNsdU7V7U8yBLcyuJ00/s320/image006666.jpg" border="0" /></a>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-47603285767515825552008-09-30T07:01:00.003-05:002008-09-30T07:51:36.656-05:00All Hail Queen NancyYesterday Speaker Pelosi demonstrated to the country her total lack of ability as Speaker of the House. At a critical moment prior to the vote, she decided it was time to blame the Bush administration for all of the economic woes. Instead of focusing on the importance of passing the legislation, she opted to play the blame game.<br /><br />Her comments didn't kill the bill, regardless of how some Republicans feel. There were 90-some Dems who voted against it, some at the instruction of Queen Nancy because they were freshman congressmen up for re-election. That really puts the country before the party eh? Then we get to listen to Barney Funky-Frank tell us he'd speak uncharacteristically nice to the 12 Republicans who voted against it because of the Queen's utterances, when a number of his cohorts on the Ways & Means committee also voted against it.<br /><br />Queen Nancy conveniently overlooked legislation proposed in 2002 to overhaul Fannie & Freddie and tighten loan requirements. It passed the House, even though Funky-Frank voted against it, but it died in the Senate at the hands of Senator Chris Dodd, a man that I have always found to be honorable.<br /><br />This entire mess is the result of people acting with the best of intentions who failed to abide by the basic tenets of making loans. In their attempt to get as many Americans into their own homes as possible, the Dems decided that a down payment and proof of income and ability to pay were not essential criteria when making loans. At that point, human nature took over. Greedy bankers and other "financial geniuses" created the mortgage-backed securities that have led us to where we currently are.<br /><br />Fannie & Freddie are symbolic of how a country begins it's downhill slide into socialism, and the greedy bankers are symbolic of the dark side of capitalism. At some point we are going to have to decide, as a nation, which path leads to sustaining the greatness of our nation. Do we veer left towards European-style socialism, veer right towards unrestricted capitalism, or try and find a middle path that finds a balance between the two?<br /><br />The lack of leadership on both sides of the aisle has left the American citizenry not knowing what the future holds for them; not knowing what the real reasons for the crisis are; not knowing if it's a bailout or a buy-in, and not knowing what action, if any, can get us out of this mess.<br /><br />As I noted early on, I am opposed to the bailout on principle, but I see no other option that will prevent a worldwide depression.<br /><br />Watching Congress over the last week calls to mind Nero and his fiddling as Rome burned, except now there are hundreds of fiddlers, out of tune, out of time, and out of touch with the people they represent. If the trillion dollars of losses in the stock market we saw just yesterday doesn't get these people moving, we'd all better get back to farming and growing our own food because the Great Depression of the 21st Century will make the Great Depression of the 20th Century look like a banker's holiday.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-58037489590472096542008-09-28T07:15:00.003-05:002008-09-28T07:47:12.815-05:00The 545The political playhouse in Washington, also referred to as the Congress, has provided us with soap opera-like drama this past week. They have a plan - how nice of them to put aside election concerns and try to save the economy.<br /><br />In honor of their bipartisan cooperation I am going to share an editorial by Charlie Reese, previously a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper. If you're as sick of the "blame game" as I am, this is one of Reese's Pieces (sorry, couldn't help myself) that you'll find quite tasty.<br /><br /><em>Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes? You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices: 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country. I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.They have no legal authority. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash.T he politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>If the Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>They, and they alone, have the power. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!</em><br /><br />On 9-11-03 Barney Frank said Freddie & Fannie were not in distress, a claim he continued to make right up to the bitter end.<br /><br />Duke Cunningham, a Republican and a war hero, sits in jail because he accepted money for favors.<br /><br />The party makes no difference. The cesspool we've allowed to grow in D.C. continues to flourish, and yet most of us believe that everyone else's representative is doing a lousy job except for my representative.<br /><br />I don't have the solution and I don't know anyone who does, but transparency and accountability should be part of everything an elected official does.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-18150782479568009352008-09-19T08:31:00.003-05:002008-09-19T09:08:58.379-05:00Apply As NeededIf we've learned anything this week its the fact that government does have an important role in the economic life of not only our country, but the world. As I write this Secretary Paulson has not made his address as yet, but the major elements of the government's plan to steady the financial markets are already known. The stock market is soaring and it appears that the Bush administration's efforts to stabilize things have helped. We're not out of the woods by a long shot, but at least a degree of confidence has been restored and markets around the world are reflecting that.<br /><br />As a conservative I am not fond of the government stepping into our lives any more than necessary. This is certainly one of those times. By announcing that Money Market Funds will be insured like your bank deposits (FDIC) and limiting short selling for about 800 financial companies for a period of time, markets around the world have regained everything they lost earlier in the week. It appears that there will also be some form of restructuring of mortgages, which is a great idea.<br /><br />Even Senator Chuckie chimed in this week - a 90 day freeze on all foreclosures until the debt can be restructured. I don't often find myself in agreement with Senator Shumer, but if you're going to bail out the large financial institutions, you need to extend a hand to the little guy as well.<br /><br />The big problem, as I understand it, is that much of the paper that's being held on mortgages may well be based on over-valued property. Since determining the value of the "paper" is not something that can be accomplished overnight, banks are not willing to make any funds available for loans because no one knows for sure just exactly what they've got. The creation of a new federal agency to sort things out is a scary concept, but at this point I don't see any alternative if we're to maintain stability.<br /><br />All the political finger-pointing in the world solves nothing; it only pleases the partisans. The truth of the matter is that greed and the lust for more money is at the heart of the issue. Making loans based upon the assumption that the housing market will continue to climb is just plain stupid. Did you have to come up with 20% down when you bought your first home? Most of us who've owned homes for sometime had to meet that criteria, but the "I want it now" American mentality overcame the tenets of good business. The banks gladly handed out the money with an adjustable rate, and that adjustable rate has come home to roost.<br /><br />I applaud the quick action on the part of the President and his advisers. It has been reported that Congress will likely take action this weekend to pass the necessary legislation that will be part of the overall plan, as opposed to their earlier plans to adjourn because no one knew what to do. I can only hope that the leaders of both houses take the necessary action and not try to pass off some half-assed, watered-down legislation like the useless proposal to drill from 50 miles off the coast and out. When 88% of the oil is 50 miles or closer to the coast, you're not solving a problem or fooling anyone, and you're certainly not doing what the American people want you to do.<br /><br />If Congress fails to act in the best interests of the country, there should be a lot of incumbents looking for new jobs come November 5th.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-88366954024176949162008-09-12T13:43:00.002-05:002008-09-12T14:09:54.879-05:00I'm On The WagonN0, I am not giving up Jack Daniels. I am giving up giving a crap about politics until after the election. Hurricane Ike is headed for Texas and all these two can do is rush out political ad after ad, ad nauseum. If you take a look at the current titles of my fellow bloggers that are listed on the right, you'll see some examples of partisanship that will never change the mind of the undecideds. Therefore, I am swearing off any political commentary until after the elections.<br /><br />Why? Quite simply, my mind is made up, I'm voting for John McClain. No, that's not a misspelling, I'm voting for the Bruce Willis character from the "Die Hard" series of movies. If Bruce Willis decides to run, I'll vote for him. At least by voting for a fictional character I'll be more aptly expressing my opinion of how we select our Presidential candidates. And with fiction, you get to write your own ending - you can't beat that.<br /><br />OK, I will pull my tongue from my cheek and correct the above statement - I am voting for John McCain. Since Senator Obama has the most liberal voting record in the Senate, and I have no desire for socialism, the choice for me is quite simple.<br /><br />Candidates slandering each other is nothing new, but that doesn't make it any more palatable. If you make your decision based on anything other than your political philosophy, then we can only hope you use some criteria more relevant than lipstick on a pig, or the hundreds of flags the Dem's threw in the garbage in Denver after the convention. Obama wasn't calling Palin a pig, and it was some minor functionary who probably didn't know how flags are supposed to be disposed of who screwed up in Denver. Our non-partisan media (more fiction) tries to make mountains out of molehills to increase their ratings. At least Keith and Chris won't be in the anchor chairs anymore. Oh, by the way, the flags were rescued by some veteran's and used by Republicans for a rally.<br /><br />The point being that it is the political philosophy of the candidates that matters the most. If you are undecided, turn off the damn TV and start doing some research on the positions of each candidate. To do otherwise is to fail in your duty as an American citizen.<br /><br />It is more than likely that any "undecideds" have ever been to this blog, but touting windmills has never presented much of a problem to me.<br /><br />So, that's it. No more politics until after the election. I can't tell you what it is that I'll choose to do, I can only tell you that I'll do my best to keep it interesting.<br /><br />Happy voting.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-68011381907835917802008-09-05T12:47:00.004-05:002008-09-05T14:17:15.261-05:00Alice to Geri to Sarah<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f0TCdwOSK5GbGWO5isSaR_Rh0Ld1M3tfmogHzAUsc0h4AUSdh6EX4o31RTyjhFzb_gMHkI3U6JG4DV_WDohxmCDU4sn-vggzxphv_RzHfw15cAHxJ1offHFLSAJrMyTePpN9MJUcnBw/s1600-h/250px-AlicePaul_1901.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242595828343780610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f0TCdwOSK5GbGWO5isSaR_Rh0Ld1M3tfmogHzAUsc0h4AUSdh6EX4o31RTyjhFzb_gMHkI3U6JG4DV_WDohxmCDU4sn-vggzxphv_RzHfw15cAHxJ1offHFLSAJrMyTePpN9MJUcnBw/s320/250px-AlicePaul_1901.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>I have intentionally stayed away from writing while the conventions were in progress. I am so sick of listening to babbling sycophants that I'm about ready to propose we go back British-style democracy. At least there when<br />an election is called you only have to listen to BS for a few weeks at most. Here it never stops. The campaign for 2012 will begin shortly after election day 2008.<br /><br />The biggest shocker by far was the nomination of<br />Sarah Palin for Vice-President. I had never heard<br />of her before, but I sure like what I've seen and<br />heard thus far. Compared to some parts of the<br />world we are light years ahead on equality of the<br />sexes, but we still haven't had a woman in either<br />of the two highest offices.<br /><br />In case you're wondering who the young lady is, her name was Alice Paul. If you're like me, you know the name of Susan B. Anthony and the women's suffrage movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and that's about it. I became aware of her through a post in one of my Yahoo groups and decided to do a little more investigation.<br /><br />She was born January 11, 1885 and passed away on July 9, 1977. She was raised as a Quaker, which explains here early interest in women's suffrage, because many of the earliest proponents of giving women the right to vote to women were Quakers. She graduated from Swathmore College, attended the New York School of Social Work, and in 1906 she made her way to England to work in the settlement house movement. While in England she became involved in the women's suffrage movement there and became quite a militant. She is credited for originating the "hunger strike" on behalf of women's suffrage.<br /><br /><em>"Each day I was wrapped in blankets and taken to another cell to be fed, the food being injected through my nostrils. During this operation the largest Wardess in Holloway (prison) sat astride my knees, holding my shoulders down to keep me from bending forward. Two other wardesses sat on either side and held my arms. Then a towel was placed around my throat, and one doctor from behind forced my head back, while another doctor put a tube in my nostril. When it reached my throat my head was pushed forward."</em><br /><br />Upon her return to the United States she eventually split from the more moderate arm of the women's suffrage movement (National American Woman's Suffrage Association) and founded the National Woman's Party, which was to endorse a more militant approach to suffrage. They called themselves "Silent Sentinels" and stood outside the White House with signs that called President Wilson to task. Initially tolerated, they were soon being arrested for "obstructing traffic" and released. After we entered WWI, many Americans found these women to be unpatriotic and they were attached by mobs on more than one occasion.<br /><br />After spending three days in jail in 1917, Alice, along with her compatriot Lucy Burns, and other suffragettes were sent to The Occoquan Workhouse. The Occoquan Workhouse was actually a prison in nearby Virgina, and on the night of November 15, 1917, it was the scene of brutality that shocked the nation.<br /><br /><em>"Under orders from W. H. Whittaker, superintendent of the Occoquan Workhouse, as many as forty guards with clubs went on a rampage, brutalizing thirty-three jailed suffragists. They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head, and left her there for the night. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed, and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate Alice Cosu, who believed Mrs. Lewis to be dead, suffered a heart attack. According to affidavits, other women were grabbed, dragged, beaten, choked, slammed, pinched, twisted, and kicked."</em> (source: Barbara Leaming, Katherine Hepburn (New York: Crown Publishers, 1995), 182.)<br /><br />President Wilson soon changed his tune and lent his support to the movement. In 1919 the House and the Senate passed the 19th Amendment and ratification was finally achieved on August 18, 1920 when the Tennessee legislature ratified the amendment.<br /><br />The dedication and commitment of Alice Paul and other suffragettes made it possible for Geraldine Ferraro to be the first woman nominated for the office of Vice-President, and now we have Sarah Palin as well. Although I don't feel that militancy will get you anywhere most of the time, I am very glad that someone brought her story to my attention. I intend to share it with my daughters, even though one of them is an ardent Obama supporter. It doesn't matter who you support, what matters is that you participate by exercising your right to vote.<br /><br />One of the lines credited to Alice Paul was this: "If women had been allowed to participate in the end of WWI there wouldn't have been a WWII". I don't know if that's the case, but based on the observation that women are more compassionate and forgiving, she may well have been right.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODgpobdiYpIlV_Vg50AaFtB7QQIJelDfqlPZLbu24uZ88KeQ-fYyQrxxROO_ch9ZjStjcqXkClCxHgf8avIUW67tmpr_Rksn8w2w8p7G_1pDIgif6ZKsTSYk3_K5BmrQZB9MVE8oWOwc/s1600-h/alice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242595830167382642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODgpobdiYpIlV_Vg50AaFtB7QQIJelDfqlPZLbu24uZ88KeQ-fYyQrxxROO_ch9ZjStjcqXkClCxHgf8avIUW67tmpr_Rksn8w2w8p7G_1pDIgif6ZKsTSYk3_K5BmrQZB9MVE8oWOwc/s320/alice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When she died in 1977, Alice still held out hope that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would be passed. Although I found the ERA to be superfluous at the time, and I still do, I very much admire Alice Paul's efforts and dedication to bringing women to their rightful place in society - along side the men, not in back of them.<br /><br />Click on the title and you'll be directed to an oral history from Alice Paul that was completed in 1976 shortly before her death.<br /><br />I hope you find it as enlightening as I did.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-13210911865903009682008-08-27T05:53:00.010-05:002008-08-27T08:10:02.696-05:00Poetry, Pictures & MoreFirst, let's begin with something out of the ordinary: Ogden Nash<br /><br />I first came across this poem in a book edited by Issac Assimov and Janet Jeppson called "Laughing Space", but it was originally published in <em>The New Yorker </em>on May 22, 1948. I recently misread a statement in the "comments" section of this blog, and it reminded me of this poem - one of the few that I have actually memorized. Once you read the poem, you may begin to question exactly what goes on inside this gourd (yeah, I know, some of you have been questioning that for a long time).<br /><br />The reason I was reminded of the poem is because I have used it for many years as a toast while performing. Reactions ranged from laughter to "...you are a pig!". The reason - it's one of those poems that you have to read carefully, or listen to closely.<br /><br />You tell me: who was Ogden Nash<strong> </strong>reprimanding?<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Stag Night Paleolithic</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Drink hard to Uncle Ugg-lugg</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>The first heroic human</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>The first to eat an oyster</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>The first to marry a woman</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>God's curse on he who murmurs</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>As our party waxes moister</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Had only he eaten the woman</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Had only he married the oyster</strong><em><br /></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">If this is your first introduction to Ogden Nash, here's one more from him - marriage advice:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>A Word to Husbands<br /><br />To keep your marriage brimming</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>With love in the loving cup,</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Whenever you’re right, shut up. </strong></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Short, pithy and to the point - my kinda guy.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><strong><u>PICTURES</u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong><br /></div><div align="left">Talk about Karma, the gentleman driving the truck below had some "Good Karma" working for him on this:</div><div align="left"><br /><strong><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtQ1m5p7BEG-xMsI2jn62G6cwUnUF0ruag5ZK7eYaeRg92ueHUrkcSEIoQSMXE8fU8-GPA8PRPMuZ6JOH_6JG3XeLsnR7gNpiArs_9JwVQUn_zrN8Pm6H-09FAR4PruH7efSaoKhdUL8/s1600-h/image0014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239157159735099634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtQ1m5p7BEG-xMsI2jn62G6cwUnUF0ruag5ZK7eYaeRg92ueHUrkcSEIoQSMXE8fU8-GPA8PRPMuZ6JOH_6JG3XeLsnR7gNpiArs_9JwVQUn_zrN8Pm6H-09FAR4PruH7efSaoKhdUL8/s320/image0014.jpg" border="0" /></a></u></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">You'll note that the truck is facing in the direction of the the crushed guardrails. He had been going from right to left across the picture, hit the guardrail, became airborne, and landed opposite of the direction he had been traveling. Pretty lucky huh? Check out the last picture to see just how lucky he was!</div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BKQPE04GR8TNKUjRmadwDauupJBa_V9ZylL31sdt57npDdBBHQeFJlpzULs9ZbLtJNk_kVF-gQsSwpfIk8m_w1yLqie57qr60ialYjAIBIAQdGpGmO6y_z6Owkn7tl8BRGbKiulheDM/s1600-h/image0023.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239157158963085314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BKQPE04GR8TNKUjRmadwDauupJBa_V9ZylL31sdt57npDdBBHQeFJlpzULs9ZbLtJNk_kVF-gQsSwpfIk8m_w1yLqie57qr60ialYjAIBIAQdGpGmO6y_z6Owkn7tl8BRGbKiulheDM/s320/image0023.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Now that's what I call "Good Karma"!<strong><br /></strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrqXADbQ-wMMkswMntzlFDFtRkp17dfTwb4_LezEwoCromI-kH-5Z9MmlGyqReKdXDCmiieSbtfvOAC76JFM9rV4OcCGBkfVDA0ZfO_HdEk8L9EUisa6xkbIV-jN8wLU9fYE7PGvaCx0/s1600-h/image0032.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239157161809183522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrqXADbQ-wMMkswMntzlFDFtRkp17dfTwb4_LezEwoCromI-kH-5Z9MmlGyqReKdXDCmiieSbtfvOAC76JFM9rV4OcCGBkfVDA0ZfO_HdEk8L9EUisa6xkbIV-jN8wLU9fYE7PGvaCx0/s320/image0032.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong><u><br /></u></strong><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br /></strong></div><strong></strong><br /><div align="left"><u><strong>THE MENSA INVITATIONAL</strong></u></div><div></div><div>The Washington Post yearly conducts their "Mensa Invitational" where folks submit new words and their definitions. I found this in an old file, so I don't know what year these came from, but I thought most of them were pretty darn good. What's your favorite?</div><div><br /></div><div align="left">1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.<br /><br />2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.<br /><br />3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people, that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The Bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.<br /><br />4. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.<br /><br />5. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.<br /><br />6. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.<br /><br />7. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.<br /><br />8. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.<br /><br />9. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.<br /><br />10. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.<br /><br />11. Glibido: All talk and no action.<br /><br />12. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.<br /><br />14. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.<br /><br />13. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.<br /><br />14. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.<br /><br />And the pick of the lot:</div><div align="left"><br />15. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an ***hole. (I have a bit of a problem with this definition, as it demeans the anus, which is at least functional - as opposed to some of the people who're visiting Denver - sorry DD, I just couldn't resist!)</div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-41900279175218101722008-08-21T08:14:00.004-05:002008-08-21T09:29:33.196-05:00Texas & The Death PenaltyJeffrey Lee Wood is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection tonight in Texas. I am an opponent of the death penalty not only because it does nothing to prevent serious crime, but also because it goes against my basic principles regarding life in general. Other than self-defense or in a time of war, taking the life of another human being is abhorrent.<br /><br />The case of Jeffrey Lee Wood is one that simply amazes me. If you click on the title you'll be taken to the Washington Post website where you can read their article on this. Briefly, this is what happened:<br /><br />He was sitting in the car outside of the store where they had arranged with the clerk to pull off a fake robbery - then all 3 would split the proceeds. Something went wrong and his partner shot the clerk in the head.<br /><br /><em>"Since the case began, lawyers and family members have argued that Wood was mentally unfit for trial. They say he has a severe learning disability, is easily coaxed into doing what he is told and is delusional. Wood signed a statement confessing to the crime."</em><br /><em></em><br />Other than saving the citizens of Texas the expense of keeping him locked up for the rest of his life, I fail to understand what his execution will achieve. As a punitive action it goes too far, and as for setting an example for other criminals, it's impact is nil.<br /><br />I find it mind-boggling that someone can oppose the death penalty, yet state with a straight face that abortion is a matter of choice, not murder. When asked when life began last Sunday, Senator McCain answered "at conception" - a viewpoint held by approximately 70% of all Americans. Senator Obama on the other hand, said that the answer to the question was "above my pay grade." Quite the dodge for someone who is supposedly going to lead us to great change.<br /><br />In Psalm 139 God says 'I formed you in your mother's womb and before you were born I planned every day of your life'. Many Christians take the bible as the literal word of God, thus most Christians believe that life begins at the moment of conception. I tend to view the Old Testament as allegorical, not as the spoken word of God. Either way, it is clear that most Christians are not in favor of abortion, but there are a fair number of these same Christians that also support the death penalty. <br /><br />Regardless of whether or not your pro-life and pro-death penalty, or pro-abortion and anti-death penalty, the incongruity of the positions defies logic in my eyes.<br /><br />In a previous posting on abortion I suggested this: If the mother, after viewing the fetus clearly in the womb with the technology we now have available to do that, decides that she still wants to abort the fetus, then her "choice" can be honored. With all the judging we do of others on this earth, I suggested that Christians leave their judgements at the door step once the decision has been made by the mother, and concentrate on helping the woman who has had to make this difficult decision. Let God make the final decision on the morality of aborting the child, suppress your own judgements, and just help a fellow human being who will experience doubt, guilt and a myriad of other emotions.<br /><br />While discussing the death penalty with my son, he asked, "If somebody killed me, wouldn't you want them killed too?" I told him yes, I would want that person killed, but that would be a visceral reaction on my part. After time and thought, my principles would prevail and I would not endorse the death penalty for the murderer. He couldn't understand how I could feel that way about his murderer. All I could tell him is that life has taught me may things: it can stop in a heartbeat; to retain anger and a desire for revenge hurts you, not the guilty party; forgiveness is the key to a happy heart, and the less judging you do here on the earth, the better you'll be judged when it's time for the final judgement.<br /><br />With all of the other problems facing our world, a story like that of Jeffrey Lee Woods is seldom national news that draws the attention of the American public. That is unfortunate, but I believe that someday this country will come to the realization that killing someone as a punitive measure is strictly Old Testament - "an eye for an eye" - and it has no place in the evolution of mankind.<br /><br />It would be nice if the world viewed war in the same fashion, but I don't know if that day will ever come.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-77556297010854005582008-08-15T07:58:00.003-05:002008-08-15T08:51:35.845-05:00Poland & The Czech Republic<em>"Poland, by deploying (the system) is exposing itself to a strike — 100 percent," Nogovitsyn, the deputy chief of staff, was quoted as saying. He added, in clear reference to the agreement, that Russia's military doctrine sanctions the use of nuclear weapons "against the allies of countries having nuclear weapons if they in some way help them." Nogovitsyn that would include elements of strategic deterrence systems, he said, according to Interfax.</em><br /><br />You can click on the title of this blog to be taken to the full AP story on General Anatoly Nogovitsyn. The "system" he's referring to is the missile defense system, including Patriot missiles, that Poland has been after us to place in their country for eighteen months. As part of that agreement, the United States and Poland have also agreed that an attack on one will be considered an attack on the other.<br /><br /><em>"Russia's ambassador to Latvia Monday warned the Baltic states and Poland that they would pay for their criticism of the Kremlin over the conflict in Georgia, the Baltic news agency BNS reported."</em><br /><br />Here's the link to that story:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.topix.com/world/latvia/2008/08/russia-warns-baltics-poland-to-pay-for-georgia-stance-report">http://www.topix.com/world/latvia/2008/08/russia-warns-baltics-poland-to-pay-for-georgia-stance-report</a><br /><br />There are those in this country who think that we are enthusiastically beating the drums as a prelude to WW III, and that the dreaded "military-industrial-complex" is behind all of this. After reading the statements by the General and the Ambassador from Russia, you'd have to question the reading and comprehension capabilities of those who are already convinced that America is to blame.<br /><br />The paranoia of the Russian state is a matter of history, and that has driven their political calculations for centuries. Even when we offer to allow their scientists and military personnel to participate in the development of the missile defense system, they reject it out of hand and continue on their xenophobic way.<br /><br />We are at a very dangerous point in history right now. If we fail to stand up for the Eastern European democracies, it will signal the start of a new "Dark Ages" for those countries that once again fall under the Russian yoke. It will also signal to the world, especially Muslim extremists, that we aren't as willing to die for freedom as they are to die for tyranny. That's not the kind of message we should be sending.<br /><br />Thus far we've employed diplomacy to try and mollify the Russian, and that is absolutely the right course to pursue. Over the next couple of weeks, unless somebody does something really stupid, we should see the situation simmer down a bit. Eventually Georgia will end up giving up some of it's territory in exchange for promises of no more military incursions by Russia. All of the Baltic States, The Czech Republic and Ukraine will be granted NATO admittance if they so desire, and the stage will be set for the next incident.<br /><br />Vladimir Putin is a very dangerous individual. To deny that is to invite disaster. President Bush may have thought he looked into the man's soul, but I suspect the eyes of the ex-KGB chief are not the road to his soul. The old saw "actions speak louder than words" is quite appropriate in this instance. I, for one, am not ready to trust Putin.<br /><br />If we can get an international peacekeeping/observation force on the ground in Georgia, hopefully sponsored by the UN (good luck on that one), we can get the parties separated and allow things to cool down.<br /><br />President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia made a terrible miscalculation when he sent troops into South Ossetia and began bombing the Russian "peacekeepers", a miscalculation that the U.S. had been trying to prevent for the two weeks prior to troop movements. I can understand the justification that some will use: he started the damn thing, now let him finish it. I can understand it, but I don't share that point of view.<br /><br />This is not about American politics, liberals or conservatives, this is about freedom and the thousands of years it's taken to get this point. If we fail to unite and stand in face of tyranny, then we fail all of those who have given their lives over the centuries to bring freedom to the world. I hope we can achieve this without bloodshed, but that's pretty much in the hands of the Russians at this point.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-20891591495702305102008-08-13T14:20:00.004-05:002008-08-13T15:44:41.499-05:00Putin Shows Who's In ChargeI have purposely held off writing anything about the Russians until things in Georgia developed a little more. From all the reports I've seen, Russian forces continue their aggression even though a cease fire accord was signed after negotiations with the French. <br /><br />You'll have to excuse me for reflecting back on Poland in 1939. The duplicitous Russians had signed a secret agreement, along with the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany, which gave them half of Poland as theirs once Germany attacked. The reason that war was declared within days was due to the fact that England and France had signed an agreement with Poland to treat an attack on Poland as an attack on them as well.<br /><br />Georgia has applied for membership in NATO, as has Ukraine. If they had already been approved as members, we would be at war now.<br /><br />Instead, we are doing everything we can to try and resolve the matter diplomatically. Meanwhile, Russian forces have basically cut the small country in half, and their forces are 20 miles outside Tbilisi, the capitol of Georgia. Diplomacy is the correct course, but for how much longer?<br /><br />The disputed regions have a majority of people who are Russian - just like there were so many Germans in the Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia and Poland. The Georgian President's movement of forces into the area last week, albeit an action of questionable judgement, was a movement of a country's forces within their own borders. Nonetheless, it was the pretext the Russian's used for their entry.<br /><br />In May of 2007, in a post entitled "What's Your Guess?", I made the observation that it appeared that Russia's experiment with democracy was over. If anyone has any doubts about who's really making the calls in Russia these days, then you haven't been paying attention. Mr. Putin is the man in charge; an ultra-nationalist who is seeking to rebuild the old Soviet Union.<br /><br />I suspect that all of the threats and sanctions mean very little to Putin, because he has the power of immense reserves of oil and gas at his command. Not only does he have the ability to put Europe through an extremely cold winter, but his actions would have a dramatic economic impact worldwide. I don't think that means a lot to him either.<br /><br />So what are we going to do?<br /><br />The first thing we have to do is make sure we act in unison with the Europeans. Sending Secretary Rice to France and Georgia, and sending humanitarian supplies are good first steps. We have to ascertain if the Europeans are willing to commit forces if it comes to that. We are in no position to take on the Russians by ourselves, but we can do a lot of other things to isolate Russia from the international community with the cooperation of our European allies. <br /><br />Dismissal from the G8 should be immediate.<br /><br />If Russia refuses to remove it's forces from Georgia, we should immediately grant NATO membership to Poland, Ukraine, and any other former members of the soviet block who want to join. I don't know if NATO membership would have kept the Russian's out of Georgia, but if they don't leave, we have to draw a clear line in the sand that alerts Putin to the fact that the world will not tolerate any further aggression. We prefer discussion and negotiation, but if they chose otherwise, they will learn that the forces of democracy cannot be overcome.<br /><br />The Georgian forces may have over-reacted; they may have been driven to action by KGB provocateurs - how it began will take some investigation, but there is no doubt that Russia's actions have gone far beyond their stated goals. If we fail to unite and act as the forces of democracy, it does not bode well for the growth of freedom around the world.<br /><br />If a cowardly bully is never faced down, they continue their domineering behavior. Sometimes a show of force is sufficient, sometimes it isn't. We have to be ready to react to either situation.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-63195144429193986932008-08-08T05:43:00.013-05:002008-08-08T06:27:01.428-05:00Hook, Line & Sinker<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwNAA8jw_OwSpQounkC6r5e2wFho0NNzjdsxm8sVxj85E5Wwe3kJcjIuJzJJj_vFFUn-Unnn02HrM4EN2XpszFr68HIpFlWSzSWb2xi_zDMYfNI3cf6ILJTOLKn6zOrfefJO759SuuWU/s1600-h/Showrandopix_lastaug_005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232096726982588194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwNAA8jw_OwSpQounkC6r5e2wFho0NNzjdsxm8sVxj85E5Wwe3kJcjIuJzJJj_vFFUn-Unnn02HrM4EN2XpszFr68HIpFlWSzSWb2xi_zDMYfNI3cf6ILJTOLKn6zOrfefJO759SuuWU/s320/Showrandopix_lastaug_005.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwNAA8jw_OwSpQounkC6r5e2wFho0NNzjdsxm8sVxj85E5Wwe3kJcjIuJzJJj_vFFUn-Unnn02HrM4EN2XpszFr68HIpFlWSzSWb2xi_zDMYfNI3cf6ILJTOLKn6zOrfefJO759SuuWU/s1600-h/Showrandopix_lastaug_005.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU310ynqwdsWDnJU9hdMYnjTry5jmORiezATno2v24Wbv188YPdaDGO5l-5YK2Rxo-EN8CJaMQD5Xf7d8rc5viUWdOXL83IgiMeyvZnOAZPvuwN0tCRivI9It0W921-0VsL832-XmDPm8/s1600-h/lfire.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I've had the above photo saved for some time. I didn't know when I would ever use it, but it seems I have found the appropriate occasion. I was more than willing to believe that cell phones could pop the popcorn because of my dislike of cell phones.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I am now an official member of the Gullible Society.<br /><br />My thanks to PCS for alerting me to the fact that my membership had been approved.<br /><br />I have both Adobe Photoshop and Jasc Paint Shop Pro, so I am aware of some of the things you can do with pictures and video now; but since they are recent additions to the laptop I've only just begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities they provide.<br /><br />The pictures below provide some idea of the possibilities:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20klavOJ7pdzoNUOlwLXqGlgYjTGvemWVMuzv2ZvVfJPnFKRJITG_yaIFPsIMwd-fgl3Rfc2elcvfKv0SkgIEkQdxoujY6dwi6mDIGOiRIkHmNQQo9T8SVlHF43jSAdI3gqWgn9c6Us0/s1600-h/Showlfire2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232096733110417458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20klavOJ7pdzoNUOlwLXqGlgYjTGvemWVMuzv2ZvVfJPnFKRJITG_yaIFPsIMwd-fgl3Rfc2elcvfKv0SkgIEkQdxoujY6dwi6mDIGOiRIkHmNQQo9T8SVlHF43jSAdI3gqWgn9c6Us0/s320/Showlfire2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq4F3_pdztNMgQlrviA0pP5GeWdEP2ij0tROhYIzvFyBgjV2Wtt6MyXHsoOnhS7B49FQX9zEGqXmvx939kM7UVGRsZEJV_CtNmxGuEQ0z_HCJZp9mHpZ2wtFmjXDetv99AhBDXGzLAcU/s1600-h/lfire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232102883863155394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq4F3_pdztNMgQlrviA0pP5GeWdEP2ij0tROhYIzvFyBgjV2Wtt6MyXHsoOnhS7B49FQX9zEGqXmvx939kM7UVGRsZEJV_CtNmxGuEQ0z_HCJZp9mHpZ2wtFmjXDetv99AhBDXGzLAcU/s320/lfire.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCL95pQRJKygZdDUOpGwsDUxP-ohlx1zjqB-rlB3KMY6j83Y4jbZQ7S5Ln1gHos9lvb3P4Iy-Q1vFFa3yeLu6Q2LrJqchQxexaziH5WGa-DLGF3JgH7pE4wYrvAnvKnEQIig3jhKVWfY/s1600-h/Showlfire3.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiCBlUn1gApW2cGmkMKzT5FpIRYwaVacdMXa6MFZVNEeKmzFVexMM_nF-FDF_yEgM4US-qPZzuMA-dTp8hTAClRgZexywetl4ywrrSABioEbHeRFtChYUlvn6zFr8OPMS9mCZ_RB1dkg/s1600-h/Showlfire4.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCL95pQRJKygZdDUOpGwsDUxP-ohlx1zjqB-rlB3KMY6j83Y4jbZQ7S5Ln1gHos9lvb3P4Iy-Q1vFFa3yeLu6Q2LrJqchQxexaziH5WGa-DLGF3JgH7pE4wYrvAnvKnEQIig3jhKVWfY/s1600-h/Showlfire3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232096740612699858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCL95pQRJKygZdDUOpGwsDUxP-ohlx1zjqB-rlB3KMY6j83Y4jbZQ7S5Ln1gHos9lvb3P4Iy-Q1vFFa3yeLu6Q2LrJqchQxexaziH5WGa-DLGF3JgH7pE4wYrvAnvKnEQIig3jhKVWfY/s320/Showlfire3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiCBlUn1gApW2cGmkMKzT5FpIRYwaVacdMXa6MFZVNEeKmzFVexMM_nF-FDF_yEgM4US-qPZzuMA-dTp8hTAClRgZexywetl4ywrrSABioEbHeRFtChYUlvn6zFr8OPMS9mCZ_RB1dkg/s1600-h/Showlfire4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232096744859210082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiCBlUn1gApW2cGmkMKzT5FpIRYwaVacdMXa6MFZVNEeKmzFVexMM_nF-FDF_yEgM4US-qPZzuMA-dTp8hTAClRgZexywetl4ywrrSABioEbHeRFtChYUlvn6zFr8OPMS9mCZ_RB1dkg/s320/Showlfire4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This last image represents me trying to catch up with 21st Century technology. Urban legends aside, I guess I'll just have to pedal a little faster.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ePoDYZAXXeiqWhSJGMht92IAeKdEcTi3Pa2gNfOPa-GHa6v9b8xuzwBoucV2pNF9i0Qfs-4aXmg8DjTQWXnqPMsk_SC-9q_SdmDvJyg392geoMYZDAS7o_knTfLs12NHsSKJJOUSDCI/s1600-h/70727662ii8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232102597459566786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ePoDYZAXXeiqWhSJGMht92IAeKdEcTi3Pa2gNfOPa-GHa6v9b8xuzwBoucV2pNF9i0Qfs-4aXmg8DjTQWXnqPMsk_SC-9q_SdmDvJyg392geoMYZDAS7o_knTfLs12NHsSKJJOUSDCI/s320/70727662ii8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-47788532535790009382008-08-07T08:35:00.003-05:002008-08-07T09:31:16.842-05:00What the Cell?<p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZ8hROZ0T1GVsbg8-DzaDwY6jiFRTTTNiUOBJK5u8b-ZNv6unoNeGZqn-EwTdxboxx9cSNKZy4Ip0DRNuZ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="left">The only reason I have a cell phone is because the company pays for it. After October 31st I won't have one anymore, and I'm not sure that I'm going to run right out and buy another one after viewing the video. Just what I need, more electronic waves frying a brain that just barely made it out of the 70's.</p><p align="left">And then there's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">texting</span>. I've watched everyone else in the house do it, but I'm telling you right now, if you ever see me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">texting</span>, please walk up and feel free to break a couple of fingers. Since I plan on doing a lot more guitar playing before I depart, I'm not too concerned about the offer.</p><p align="left">My guess is that we are at the beginning of a new phase of evolution that will only become apparent hundreds of years from now. After a few generations of people who use cell phones from cradle to grave, humans will become truly telepathic and the spoken word will become obsolete. They'll also be able to fry eggs just by thinking about it.</p><p align="left">Talk about obsolete; movie stars and TV <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">anchor persons</span> will no longer command <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">any one's</span> attention, as affinity groups form around the world. The Yahoo of the Mind. Of course the more rebellious of our offspring will find ways to join groups only to jerk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">some one's</span> mental-chain.</p><p align="left">They'll be somewhat like Commander Data from "The Next Generation" version of Star Trek, only they'll be human - kinda. I think they had an episode where the race they were visiting needed them for breeding purposes because they'd stopped having sex. They were so mental (use any definition you like) that they had lost interest in sex. </p><p align="left">Time to do away with cell phones if that crap is gonna happen.</p><p align="left"></p>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-69425879896863098892008-08-05T16:20:00.004-05:002008-08-05T16:59:11.537-05:00I Just Couldn't Help Myself<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLzYNELxwepL8MgB-ZY3x82y_KglJC9wdhgbYA7c5ibs4hZJUPtmzZWTBH1z3xBOV-3x_64cnwsk3r1gKBrux9Wc55B6LJjNx7qUwpou1pF_sJN6qqMOP-9ED45hsSWlARSbxYBLsb-o/s1600-h/The+Chicken+or+The+Blade.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231155651237976562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLzYNELxwepL8MgB-ZY3x82y_KglJC9wdhgbYA7c5ibs4hZJUPtmzZWTBH1z3xBOV-3x_64cnwsk3r1gKBrux9Wc55B6LJjNx7qUwpou1pF_sJN6qqMOP-9ED45hsSWlARSbxYBLsb-o/s320/The+Chicken+or+The+Blade.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While deleting old files from "My Documents", I came across the following that was sent to me a while back, but for the life of me I can't remember who sent it. Sound familiar?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Two posts in one day is not my usual <em>modus operandi</em>, but I thought it was funny and I didn't want to forget about the document, much less who sent it to me. Personally, I think the picture answers the question.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Without further ado, I give you:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road? An American Response<br /></strong><br /><strong>BARACK OBAMA:</strong> The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!<br /><br /><strong>JOHN MC CAIN:</strong> My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.<br /><br /><strong>HILLARY CLINTON:</strong> When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure - right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......<br /><br /><strong>DR. PHIL:</strong> The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems. <em>(Editor's Note: The guy may be right, but he's still a pretentious pain-in-the-ass)</em><br /><br /><strong>OPRAH:</strong> Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.<br /><br /><strong>GEORGE W. BUSH: </strong>We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.<br /><br /><strong>COLIN POWELL:</strong> Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...<br /><br /><strong>ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:</strong> We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.<br /><br /><strong>JOHN KERRY:</strong> Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.<br /><br /><strong>NANCY GRACE:</strong> That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.<br /><br /><strong>PAT BUCHANAN:</strong> To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.<br /><br /><strong>MARTHA STEWART:</strong> No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.</div><div align="left"><br /><strong>DR SEUSS:</strong> Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.<br /><br /><strong>ERNEST HEMINGWAY:</strong> To die in the rain. Alone.<br /><br /><strong>GRANDPA:</strong> In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.<br /><br /><strong>BARBARA WALTERS:</strong> Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting and went on to accomplish a life long dream of crossing the road.<br /><br /><strong>ARISTOTLE:</strong> It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.<br /><br /><strong>JOHN LENNON:</strong> Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together in peace.<br /><br /><strong>BILL GATES:</strong> I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This is a new platform much more stable and will never reboot<br /><br /><strong>ALBERT EINSTEIN:</strong> Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken? (<em>Editor’s Note: I heard that somewhere in the 70's, may have even experienced it once or twice.)</em></div><div align="left"><br /><strong>BILL CLINTON:</strong> I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?<br /><br /><strong>AL GORE:</strong> I invented the chicken<br /><br /><strong>COLONEL SANDERS:</strong> Did I miss one?<br /><br /><strong>DICK CHENEY:</strong> Where's my gun? <em>(This one is for DD & PCS)</em><br /><br /><strong>AL SHARPTON:</strong> Why are all the chickens white. We need some black chickens.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>PEE WEE HERMAN: </strong>It wasn't because I was choking it.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">And with that, I bid you a pleasant evening.</div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-45965736753233809142008-08-05T05:54:00.008-05:002008-08-05T06:49:50.325-05:00How They Get Those "Everyday Low Prices!"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyw4EtHPjG7sbKnffgTnucgkMFYsSUXIrpQy1LWGR9q4Czq6R0Hz_t4Cipk8tDbwqA_PF_P1VlGLHp7uTP026I8SbO9KASNtXvfYzqnEzPrcqLgYd_k8QB1wXRlgJfEY4gyoaJ3vQdpEA/s1600-h/Image22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230985856919344770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyw4EtHPjG7sbKnffgTnucgkMFYsSUXIrpQy1LWGR9q4Czq6R0Hz_t4Cipk8tDbwqA_PF_P1VlGLHp7uTP026I8SbO9KASNtXvfYzqnEzPrcqLgYd_k8QB1wXRlgJfEY4gyoaJ3vQdpEA/s320/Image22.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you've ever wondered how WalMart gives you those "Everyday Low Prices", take a look at the photos of the ship "Emma Maersk". Here are some interesting statistics regarding her:<br /><br />Country of Origin: Denmark<br />Length: 1,302 ft.<br />Width: 207 ft.<br />Crew: 13<br />Net Cargo: 123,200 Tons<br />Engine: 14 in-line cylinder diesel<br />Cruise Speed: 31 Knots<br />Construction Cost: $145 Million<br /><br />Silicone paint on the bottom of the ship saves 317,000 gals. of diesel per year<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv18luPkipZvSgAn9LHhIUo3r-Kl6Uz1ddiWw4JLZG05SPM3f-EqK1HaE3OiwqsL4MnyV4IEjiatjVb6mMrTN3MVlkM3hfduM87OZFYiLyRbnpghBj7V3p9SJl_RBXync1-LMM8fYGOaE/s1600-h/Image55.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230985863781137970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 368px" height="342" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv18luPkipZvSgAn9LHhIUo3r-Kl6Uz1ddiWw4JLZG05SPM3f-EqK1HaE3OiwqsL4MnyV4IEjiatjVb6mMrTN3MVlkM3hfduM87OZFYiLyRbnpghBj7V3p9SJl_RBXync1-LMM8fYGOaE/s320/Image55.jpg" width="242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />15,000 containers and a 207' beam! 13 people for a ship longer than a US aircraft carrier which has a crew of 5,000 men and officers. The 207' beam means it cannot fit through the Panama or Suez Canals . It is strictly transpacific.<br /><br />Check out the cruise speed: 31 knots means the goods arrive 4 days before the typical container ship (18-20 knots) on a China-to-California run. This ship was built in five sections. The sections floated together and then welded. The command bridge is higher than a 10-story building and has 11 cargo crane rigs that can operate simultaneously.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5JbllKieVp39KIiGKhscD1fBJ1JabsowHgh9tQeczaOBDSF7jYBqPjaHUmNA5U7YWFU0m3ZlTvguSjSeNe_tgybSBxs76xc4JP-WIIdZ0tqITqG96-u7q66r9ZRna1MMi4WEanHQPIk/s1600-h/Image66.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230985868596594258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="242" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5JbllKieVp39KIiGKhscD1fBJ1JabsowHgh9tQeczaOBDSF7jYBqPjaHUmNA5U7YWFU0m3ZlTvguSjSeNe_tgybSBxs76xc4JP-WIIdZ0tqITqG96-u7q66r9ZRna1MMi4WEanHQPIk/s320/Image66.jpg" width="275" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5JbllKieVp39KIiGKhscD1fBJ1JabsowHgh9tQeczaOBDSF7jYBqPjaHUmNA5U7YWFU0m3ZlTvguSjSeNe_tgybSBxs76xc4JP-WIIdZ0tqITqG96-u7q66r9ZRna1MMi4WEanHQPIk/s1600-h/Image66.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5JbllKieVp39KIiGKhscD1fBJ1JabsowHgh9tQeczaOBDSF7jYBqPjaHUmNA5U7YWFU0m3ZlTvguSjSeNe_tgybSBxs76xc4JP-WIIdZ0tqITqG96-u7q66r9ZRna1MMi4WEanHQPIk/s1600-h/Image66.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Regardless of whether you think of them as WalMart or SprawlMart, you've got to admit that they provide a source of goods for many folks who could otherwise not afford them, and this is one of the ways they manage to do it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OLVjPedXDgFRj2-j1aN2m0rRd5UAwqL8wVO3krZvPvLmpnBIp3Kz5N4QfD2uoH0LEmOylPavS8c95nr-R_-kT-ULurwWbY2oRPnKPIoEgoy8LhBXJDLV-PLrhLJSmgemR7upuOwx6Bc/s1600-h/Image99.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230993609453585218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OLVjPedXDgFRj2-j1aN2m0rRd5UAwqL8wVO3krZvPvLmpnBIp3Kz5N4QfD2uoH0LEmOylPavS8c95nr-R_-kT-ULurwWbY2oRPnKPIoEgoy8LhBXJDLV-PLrhLJSmgemR7upuOwx6Bc/s320/Image99.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GXH7zt1c8MwQa-K_XPIuhTCPVL0Y7kuMLkfc_ESGTlkuME31S-Dpq3K9YijJYWhd5xCItuw7CfYuvg2pkdY_YA97tRWwsARfZ8Vnx6ICKxQKhN1e1KoVMKPCQtQRMHjVlOdgQKrLz00/s1600-h/Image88.jpg"></a>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-83549304398315443732008-08-03T09:59:00.006-05:002008-08-03T10:43:37.638-05:00Give The Man Some Credit<div><em>""My interest is in making sure we've got the kind of comprehensive energy policy that can bring down gas prices," Obama said in an interview with The Palm Beach Post.</em></div><br /><div><em>"If, in order to get that passed, we have to compromise in terms of a careful, well thought-out drilling strategy that was carefully circumscribed to avoid significant environmental damage - I don't want to be so rigid that we can't get something done," Obama said."</em></div><div><br /></div><div>You can call it a flip-flop if you want to, but I think the man is just using common political sense. You cannot continue to ignore the will of the American people and expect to be elected; a fact that remains lost on Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>President Bush - call these dilatory representatives of the people back into session!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps now that their standard bearer has had a revelation, others may have a change of heart also. Give them about a week to get their asses chewed out back at home, then call them back to work. The American people deserve better than elected representatives with ideologies to rigid to adapt to the will and the needs of the people.</div><div><br /></div><div>If, per chance, they refuse to compromise, I hear there are job openings in Alaska for surveyors, and I can think of a few Senators and Congressmen I'd love to see in this situation:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuAlPz9JTRekBcd5_0yHpn8llYXJPveaWUoL922CiBTsRBMlV120R7xyPrNX8Y-DB0YXkh1KyE16Lj7WHBR5taU4OuGr0OamiaNVADz-k-QWq_S-K1NdljtY62hEY4KV0ut28fxCSE_8/s1600-h/ATT2q.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230314120621555426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuAlPz9JTRekBcd5_0yHpn8llYXJPveaWUoL922CiBTsRBMlV120R7xyPrNX8Y-DB0YXkh1KyE16Lj7WHBR5taU4OuGr0OamiaNVADz-k-QWq_S-K1NdljtY62hEY4KV0ut28fxCSE_8/s320/ATT2q.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjLQJkWxpPWn4LlSCIa7xLuiXM9ygX3AhGtaawe1YEv8lSp0rrudRxKUqZrk1vYUfXeDn5U3kGdHAxCYGoLf6rPMGOwF5ifmXhVxEfYhxxF37JCj4W8qI5wLrNEtp0YN0kpxl0_my-q4/s1600-h/ATT3q.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230314123031507730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjLQJkWxpPWn4LlSCIa7xLuiXM9ygX3AhGtaawe1YEv8lSp0rrudRxKUqZrk1vYUfXeDn5U3kGdHAxCYGoLf6rPMGOwF5ifmXhVxEfYhxxF37JCj4W8qI5wLrNEtp0YN0kpxl0_my-q4/s320/ATT3q.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfqKjtvQRTYdoH4c1f8I0ICdkro1786c51XQxsrZfo8y-DzemWDvsVOKvjiPlBG983mp1Q_4qaknVL34RzxVOvrEi7hvCWLEFj_fUJERhSkvNLNeDA3mDacAQJFIUR3j5T4q8qoMXok4/s1600-h/ATT4q.jpg"></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh698QFHXoy1WkG51V_-wOeNEw_BX5edSBOjEZ957AQOsUx3gW-FTGXkId1ejWh-yDwTyGGHicD4y6Fyl3z2iXczsIx4o_k6v8fgTrx5PNj3_hVBlt76PRRuefzArpMaEK7wO4iTQl9xCs/s1600-h/ATT5q.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230314118017291602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh698QFHXoy1WkG51V_-wOeNEw_BX5edSBOjEZ957AQOsUx3gW-FTGXkId1ejWh-yDwTyGGHicD4y6Fyl3z2iXczsIx4o_k6v8fgTrx5PNj3_hVBlt76PRRuefzArpMaEK7wO4iTQl9xCs/s320/ATT5q.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBpci4aywZmN657NHt8daAzcsaMUqf6nGGgwC75MLDL_1cOmTIyNm6NQ6lNZKvCwAt1yOgVfsMY2U-9aExbCILFAMSzenZfl29eMUArng_okntXHrGif9V0CfN-7wm_QwWbLuuamjDNg/s1600-h/ATT6q.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230314117494004482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBpci4aywZmN657NHt8daAzcsaMUqf6nGGgwC75MLDL_1cOmTIyNm6NQ6lNZKvCwAt1yOgVfsMY2U-9aExbCILFAMSzenZfl29eMUArng_okntXHrGif9V0CfN-7wm_QwWbLuuamjDNg/s320/ATT6q.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><br />This poor guy doesn't realize that the bear was driven to this rage because the damn penguins have such a goofy sense of humor - not unlike yours truly. <div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJXUnp07zg6yWQX8Cn3_kD-H__KF39VpcApKn8KSzMpyUoCC00wFZwwWhWyrb1HTdyZ1HYMLBVsD0p7wpY8Eh6dysnDRgvKy2jifTW6z_TUzCPQ9NN-ElM7fK2L_xhn9A1Y74CigCdF0/s1600-h/ATT12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230315560509015682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJXUnp07zg6yWQX8Cn3_kD-H__KF39VpcApKn8KSzMpyUoCC00wFZwwWhWyrb1HTdyZ1HYMLBVsD0p7wpY8Eh6dysnDRgvKy2jifTW6z_TUzCPQ9NN-ElM7fK2L_xhn9A1Y74CigCdF0/s320/ATT12.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-33743411509513742562008-08-01T07:37:00.010-05:002008-08-01T08:47:10.037-05:00Images For A FridayAs we begin the month of August, let's take a break from all of the political BS we'll have to listen to from both sides for the next three months, and have a "Photo Friday". The first offering is the new international symbol for gas stations. Seems rather appropriate doesn't it.<br /><div align="left"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvzC-e1XL9W0e6RjVIYrOql-70Lyp4pSbvCKt4DOP6hmb485SCu1irrkK4yO4LZQj5_SQhpDaBvsaC5kmnOpIS-UYvQNtIbb8c9GzxH_NfjWdzNYdiqIRtpKyGCCAkCxOq9zbA44Tkcc/s1600-h/New+Symbol+for+Gas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229529821672936770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvzC-e1XL9W0e6RjVIYrOql-70Lyp4pSbvCKt4DOP6hmb485SCu1irrkK4yO4LZQj5_SQhpDaBvsaC5kmnOpIS-UYvQNtIbb8c9GzxH_NfjWdzNYdiqIRtpKyGCCAkCxOq9zbA44Tkcc/s320/New+Symbol+for+Gas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">It didn't have any impact on my vacation plans, because I never had any, but there millions of folks out there who wouldn't let a little thing like gas prices keep them off the beach:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDVnpMUuujgAwjjy_RrzsQq3UDZlQbnv9qb5pw0RptWmYAlx1fNnGUN1Ofy8jxDEQqu7ID23rZORbqTrEPEKrijwD8pI_3s39UipDBpwG7pF7chmuwsbtwKW3_4jMAysvj1uxY-PbFO8/s1600-h/c64.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229529812814886306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDVnpMUuujgAwjjy_RrzsQq3UDZlQbnv9qb5pw0RptWmYAlx1fNnGUN1Ofy8jxDEQqu7ID23rZORbqTrEPEKrijwD8pI_3s39UipDBpwG7pF7chmuwsbtwKW3_4jMAysvj1uxY-PbFO8/s320/c64.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">No, that's not Chases Lake, but it is the reason why most of us choose to live in the North Country.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgllZz5RtP8uzQWfV669WS4-PRbD5zHyMI-ggjHPIguLhWUBiGZUQdSTE_ZxXOYpXgLKnDz7JPdArlVNOkBKqD2vO2fkvescC7aB39fQiDK7sdDNBYGCmIn2twmby_li9tY8mMsGrpIM/s1600-h/8fs4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229528590577733698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgllZz5RtP8uzQWfV669WS4-PRbD5zHyMI-ggjHPIguLhWUBiGZUQdSTE_ZxXOYpXgLKnDz7JPdArlVNOkBKqD2vO2fkvescC7aB39fQiDK7sdDNBYGCmIn2twmby_li9tY8mMsGrpIM/s320/8fs4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Some shots of the beauty of summer!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31RqbUkaX9MYM3mPRmBN8SlNHoOaL9riNFsRxMtJbGIO3gl-yFbrbMOPtudrMG8rHbR8rGVTcGEgEF82Xv5beg3sXmm9Aq2Wm_x5Rt7jmq6dXvohxYpzoWdVE_t053k-_PFlTSeb05U4/s1600-h/5fu0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229528586095219826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31RqbUkaX9MYM3mPRmBN8SlNHoOaL9riNFsRxMtJbGIO3gl-yFbrbMOPtudrMG8rHbR8rGVTcGEgEF82Xv5beg3sXmm9Aq2Wm_x5Rt7jmq6dXvohxYpzoWdVE_t053k-_PFlTSeb05U4/s320/5fu0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVbt0YMmMQVaqQ7q3rxxuQ3k13WaAX5MqL8cs4A_q0GoGeH9srZ8MkXgOw99BQNdOGBw_91kVig5y4vmanTftvNaziUHNM0kyPBRyly5v4h5uMZyKx_b_Pdj0zeIBpaGR6mBjWnYA2rY/s1600-h/4rw1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229528587390963570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVbt0YMmMQVaqQ7q3rxxuQ3k13WaAX5MqL8cs4A_q0GoGeH9srZ8MkXgOw99BQNdOGBw_91kVig5y4vmanTftvNaziUHNM0kyPBRyly5v4h5uMZyKx_b_Pdj0zeIBpaGR6mBjWnYA2rY/s320/4rw1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kids love the summer, especially summer vacation, but the little ones can often find the heat and humidity as hard to take as some of us older folks. Here's a new way to keep your baby cool all through August:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46N9RltwqpDk7vfq-6S6xmT8_eYWK9PaF7L0dI9NVoJ2xZNFjFFeWND9WwhD7CX5pxfaUg4xDDDtwK8pO1tDRe1nyhbAU3RUpB1LMhceIHW4Z1Rk374Q6HjVO7WUNtMC1yvarjiTJC5o/s1600-h/image0033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229536031248972002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46N9RltwqpDk7vfq-6S6xmT8_eYWK9PaF7L0dI9NVoJ2xZNFjFFeWND9WwhD7CX5pxfaUg4xDDDtwK8pO1tDRe1nyhbAU3RUpB1LMhceIHW4Z1Rk374Q6HjVO7WUNtMC1yvarjiTJC5o/s320/image0033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdv0bdnAnn697UyMM0_mD4TQ2QMoYO8g-a5IVrFIhUoAkydi1HYgpLq1vEmUy7oj1I66wJWfPqzTWIDlSZEaUG-zxmFAVh9UadzgMFjb0HVVd52KKUgba95MjDtNATsdca6o7k0gzyK4/s1600-h/image0041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229529822732132210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdv0bdnAnn697UyMM0_mD4TQ2QMoYO8g-a5IVrFIhUoAkydi1HYgpLq1vEmUy7oj1I66wJWfPqzTWIDlSZEaUG-zxmFAVh9UadzgMFjb0HVVd52KKUgba95MjDtNATsdca6o7k0gzyK4/s320/image0041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdv0bdnAnn697UyMM0_mD4TQ2QMoYO8g-a5IVrFIhUoAkydi1HYgpLq1vEmUy7oj1I66wJWfPqzTWIDlSZEaUG-zxmFAVh9UadzgMFjb0HVVd52KKUgba95MjDtNATsdca6o7k0gzyK4/s1600-h/image0041.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As the sun slides below the horizon, another day comes to an end. We give thanks and get ready for what lies ahead.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oU5iusAfruYoD_vLDcFsrT71lfk4y7sGYUHKlmAp85CLJJDsEjCtnscRi6vQBlSiz7EYunqVYJPJe-LRxDdgVKKhNSpZIvuELO_yfsk30qAc0pLIhqA-jAa8kTOLL27WfUnQWlthrS0/s1600-h/aysoffancy23tn1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229528584783732354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oU5iusAfruYoD_vLDcFsrT71lfk4y7sGYUHKlmAp85CLJJDsEjCtnscRi6vQBlSiz7EYunqVYJPJe-LRxDdgVKKhNSpZIvuELO_yfsk30qAc0pLIhqA-jAa8kTOLL27WfUnQWlthrS0/s320/aysoffancy23tn1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI7myf6Y6l_6Tu2ImVFdsVh3evemCvFrNKnGAI-bzlvJLIbD6UcfeFVDstYFi0w7y_VdLRXzjRKGk2nJkWMdYzSOUfm1b5PCbOLxheVn3Jw7c0D_hOYPOjcWSBKWMDv_oRmDauyGXlq0/s1600-h/Birch.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229529807882403346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI7myf6Y6l_6Tu2ImVFdsVh3evemCvFrNKnGAI-bzlvJLIbD6UcfeFVDstYFi0w7y_VdLRXzjRKGk2nJkWMdYzSOUfm1b5PCbOLxheVn3Jw7c0D_hOYPOjcWSBKWMDv_oRmDauyGXlq0/s320/Birch.jpeg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The beauty of autumn . . .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRjrW_XdrOwpxBzwpOSA_t6mH4DRwVy460cGSezX-sZSz4npBF4tF1k9yJFK_B7OH2va9KNZrBbJ3u-wbrpH5MP-eRPGvb0Bz5swICyGJ1F0PKwtb4I3Euk_yH1haI8aX8Uij1Z505jg/s1600-h/ATTD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229543906017807074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRjrW_XdrOwpxBzwpOSA_t6mH4DRwVy460cGSezX-sZSz4npBF4tF1k9yJFK_B7OH2va9KNZrBbJ3u-wbrpH5MP-eRPGvb0Bz5swICyGJ1F0PKwtb4I3Euk_yH1haI8aX8Uij1Z505jg/s320/ATTD.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />. . and the need for a big ass </div><div align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snow</span></div><div align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">blower</span>!<br /><br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy your families, and turn off the TV. The boobs that run this country are on a month long vacation and the candidates still have three months of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yada</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">yada</span>, so you won't be missing anything.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk79mwOgBvE-74SfMVvBFq8qq2I0th1FzOOlhmFreoUIE_cyzn5DOihIm0NfBtJ1fqM_mg-HtkJNI3u-H_9Bpw6_6FnOM_-NTm0nvJapOJO5MGo7OwDeTuS6jZwVxws3_qNqxacQ91lco/s1600-h/ATTD.jpg"></a>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-35975655565080680392008-07-31T07:02:00.006-05:002008-07-31T08:27:14.241-05:00Important Legislation Passed!My positive feelings for Congress are now at an all time high. It is of little consequence that legislation regarding our energy problems will not be passed because it's time to head home for a month - the problem will still be there when they get back and I have heard that they'll pursue an alternative energy policy based on hot air.<br /><br /><br />The reason I'm so giddy over our esteemed representatives is because, by voice vote, they have finally apologized for slavery and the treatment of black people. They also formally apologized to Native Americans back in February of this year, but that story didn't get nearly as much coverage as this one will. Unfortunately the Native Americans don't have a Chief Jesse Jackson, or a Medicine Man Sharpton to continually point out the short comings of white men, so they don't get as much press. I guess since they get to run casinos they figured things had pretty much evened out anyway, so no need for a big news story.<br /><br /><br />In 1988, Congress also apologized to Japanese-Americans for their internment during WWII. The Father of The Entitlement Society, FDR, decided that we just couldn't trust them because they had slanty eyes, so he locked them away. He did allow a few of them to join up and fight the Germans, and after almost two years of fighting, the 100th/442nd emerged from the war the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history.<br /><br /><br />Since Congress has apologized for slavery, that should be the end of all talk of discrimination and the nonsensical idea of reparations for black people, right?<br /><br /><br />Now black Americans will listen more to Bill Cosby speak of personal responsibility instead of Jesse & Al's message that the man has kept you down and he owes you, right?<br /><br /><br />Now before the liberals that don't find this apology sufficient, and before those of the same ilk accuse me of being a racist, let me state that I am in full agreement with all of the apologies noted. It's "feel good" legislation (it's makes the Congress feel good) and in light of the abhorrent treatment that each of the groups have received over the years, they were certainly due.<br /><br /><br />My major problem with the apology is timing. With the energy crisis that we face; to set off for a month long vacation while we continue to pay $4+ at the gas pump is an insult to all of us. If you use fuel oil as your main source of heat here in the Northeast, have you given any consideration to the fact that 100 gallons of fuel oil is going to run you between $450- $500? Many suppliers won't even come to your house unless you're ordering more than 100 gallons, so it might be a good idea to start rolling those pennies now.<br /><br /><br />If you click the title of this piece you'll be taken to an AP story about the impending home heating crisis many of us will face this winter.<br /><br /><br />Kudos on the apologies, but isn't there something else you forgot to do before scurrying out of town? I know you're trying to save the world Nancy (is she sharing egos with Barack?), but why not start out with our little corner of it before you tell the rest of the world what to do.<br /><br /><br />One other interesting incident in Congress yesterday. The Dem's want the control of the tobacco industry under the DEA, not the FDA (if you don't know what the acronyms represent, look them up). Why? Greater control and the eventual elimination of all tobacco products.<br /><br /><br />John Bohner (R), Minority Whip, is a smoker. John Dingell (D) is not. When Bohner spoke against the idea, Dingall's response was that since the Minority Whip was a smoker, he was killing himself; slowly committing suicide, and it was the job of Congress to save him from himself. Talk about gall.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlIJKrV3_sHbbrS8OcpSJAIVADVcIjcLJ5p1rm2uf2Dkvu2D_lGz3EFF0LthYjjJZAQSRgIR5TrNvosCFSPD8RrdN_f9PIduXnaIW9H0i-P2m_TQL6_C0BB7qDrvq7HzvJpCDsekTUm4/s1600-h/image00111.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229166066433536674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlIJKrV3_sHbbrS8OcpSJAIVADVcIjcLJ5p1rm2uf2Dkvu2D_lGz3EFF0LthYjjJZAQSRgIR5TrNvosCFSPD8RrdN_f9PIduXnaIW9H0i-P2m_TQL6_C0BB7qDrvq7HzvJpCDsekTUm4/s320/image00111.jpg" border="0" /></a>How long before we reinstate Prohibition? How long before the liberals tell us what we can and can't do in the privacy of our own homes and vehicles? One quick observation - you'd have to drink in order kiss the lips of the group of haridans at left.<br /><br /><br />If you feel the control of your life, from cradle to grave, is best handled by all those smart lawyers who achieve political office, then be sure to vote for Obama; turn in your rifles and your testicles; accept the fact that WASP's are responsible for all the problems in the world, then just sit back and let the government take care of you in whatever internment camp your group belongs to.<br /><br /><br />Big Brother is waiting, and he's a staunch supporter of liberals everywhere.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-46584914903853400212008-07-27T09:07:00.006-05:002008-07-27T11:31:18.387-05:00Revenge<div align="center">"Yes, we need to stop this....after Republicans </div><div align="center">get a taste of their own medicine for a few years." - PCS</div><div align="center"><br />"An eye for an eye would make the whole world blind." - Mahatma Gandhi</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I don't recall ever using a quote from the comments section for a blog, but after serious consideration I decided to proceed. I never edit any of the responses in the comments section, and that leads to some lively discussion. <em>Vive la difference!</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">The quote above is from a regular visitor with whom I share many differences, as well as many similarities. The "this" he's referencing is partisanship. The quote was in response to the previous post, "Why Can't We Debate?". You can take a look there if you want to see the entire thread before continuing.</div><div align="left"><em><br /></em></div><div align="left">If you were to take the quote at face value, you would have to come to the conclusion that patriotism is when you care more about revenge against the other party than you do about the welfare of the nation?</div><div align="left"><br />I don't believe PCS feels that way; not in a million years. Beneath that mind-numbing liberalism beats the heart of one who loves America. In the midst of verbal sparring, one often says things that, given time and thought, they would probably revise. If you've read some of my previous posts you'll see that I am as guilty as the next man.</div><div align="left"><br />The need to "get even" is something we learn early in life - it's certainly not innate. Just for the heck of it, I went to Google and typed in "revenge" and there are websites dedicated to the "art of revenge". Some of them are directed at ex-spouses; most just dedicated to responding to a perceived injury or insult. It kind of took me by surprise, as revenge is not something I consider in the course of an average day; I would have to guess it's the same for most folks.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em>"There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness." Josh Billings US Humorist (1818 - 1885)</em></div><div align="left"><em></em><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I have never been introduced to Mr. Billings previously. It turns out that was his Nome de plume, his real name being Henry Wheeler Shaw, and he was a well known humorist with a number of attributable quotes. Just an FYI.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">When we argue with our significant other, especially in the early stages of marriage. the argument of the moment can easily escalate by opening the closet door and dragging out past grievances for display. You don't need to be a psychiatrist or a marriage counselor to know that type of argument rarely solves anything, and only leads to continued, contentious stalemate.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">It seems to me it works the same way in politics.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">It seems ridiculously naive to suggest that Congress accomplish anything prior to the August recess, but seeing as how they work for us, does it seem that much to ask?</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Oil prices continue to fall; whether you wish to ascribe the reason to the President's lifting of the offshore drilling ban, or Congressional threats to investigate speculators. I believe that the majority of Americans want to use all of our resources, but based on political considerations, the majority party refuses to act.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">It also reeks of naiveté to suggest that they could act any differently, on either side of the aisle, since we perceive most of them as only being interested in being elected and staying there.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I, for one, think it's time they kept their butts in their seats and worked all through August if they have to.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">The vast majority of Americans are responsible people. They live their lives to the best of their ability, raise families, and would never do anything to intentionally harm the welfare of their fellow citizens.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>We have to trust each other:</strong> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Trust in the fact that demonstrating a desire to work together will bring oil prices down even further.</strong></em></div><div align="left"><div align="left"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Trust in the fact that most environmentalists are reasonable people, and their concern about the environment is not only genuine, but most often beneficial to future generations.</strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Trust in the fact that the men and women who make up the oil companies, coal companies, nuclear power companies, and natural gas companies do their utmost to protect the environment, dedicating millions of dollars to research and development of cleaner, safer technologies.</strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Trust in the fact that there is nothing we can't accomplish as a nation once we set our minds to it. We have the resources and some of the best brain power in the world.</strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Trust in the fact that forgiveness is the balm of progress.</strong></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Hopefully, someday, hydrogen power will prove to be the panacea. If you click on the title of this piece you'll be taken to a site called "Global:Ideas:Bank", where you can find some interesting information on the progress that's being made, as well as some of the problems that researchers are trying to overcome.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">PCS, I'd like to thank you for giving me the idea for this piece. I have come to appreciate your frankness, as well as your ability to use your rapier-like wit. You can't enjoy writing without appreciating witty replies. I'd be happy to share some bull and a beer with you anytime.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Can you imagine Congress sitting around, having a beer and actually trying to accomplish something? I'm not sure how many "happy drunks", or "miserable drunks" there are on Capitol Hill, so we'd have one of two outcomes, both of which would benefit the country:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">1.) The "happy drunks" are in the majority and progress is achieved.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">2.) The "miserable drunks" beat the hell out of each other, are arrested, put in jail, and new folks are elected to take their places. Progress is achieved.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">One more quote from Josh Billings for my fellow bloggers:<br /></div></div><div align="left"><br /><div align="center"><em>"About the most originality that any writer can hope to </em></div><div align="center"><em>achieve honestly is to steal with good judgment."</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Makes sense to me.</div></div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-69055243956988257052008-07-25T06:39:00.005-05:002008-07-25T09:50:55.437-05:00Why Can't We Debate?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlsOekL6apKRgiqWbePfyeCwOhTRSUJtvgdgpM_psIe-opBFQ3MJuwh0Fmhr0un_wcXqIUOPwJqxT-Imo6-l_FJqDXleKHWa5JF72-kRX9ghmZSRQ4pJ_l_UNjvy3uOC-57UvD7QPwM8/s1600-h/nancypelosiplansImage1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226964169946545698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlsOekL6apKRgiqWbePfyeCwOhTRSUJtvgdgpM_psIe-opBFQ3MJuwh0Fmhr0un_wcXqIUOPwJqxT-Imo6-l_FJqDXleKHWa5JF72-kRX9ghmZSRQ4pJ_l_UNjvy3uOC-57UvD7QPwM8/s320/nancypelosiplansImage1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once again House Leader Nancy Pelosi has shown why she will be remembered not only as the first female Speaker of the House, but also as one of the most ineffective Speakers in modern times. Together with the rest of her cohorts, such as the sempiternal Senator Byrd, the Democrats are doing their best to make sure that the subject of off shore drilling is not debated or considered. I don't find myself in agreement with The Washington Post on many occasions, but this is one of them. If you click on the title to this piece you'll be taken to an editorial from today's Washington Post.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What is it that Speaker Pelosi would rather do?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>She'd rather draw down our strategic oil reserves than even debate the efficacy of off shore drilling. Remember what happened to the price of a barrel or oil when the President announced he was lifting the ban? The largest one day drop in the price of a barrel of oil ever! Of course this is the same person who thinks income redistribution should be the goal of government, so a reality check is completely lost on her. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As Norm once opined to Cliff at "Cheers": "What is the color of the sky in your world Cliffy?" Seems like a suitable question for both Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you'd like to hear a sensible approach to eliminating our dependency on foreign oil, click on the link below and it will take you to "You Tube", where you'll be able to listen to Congressman Don Young of Alaska. As a representative for the state that would feel the greatest impact of opening up ANWR and off shore drilling, he's a lot more aware of just how long it would take to get the oil pumping to the lower 48. This paranoia regarding ANWR is reminiscent of that which surrounded the Alaskan pipe line, which was supposed to harm the caribou, polar bears and other denizens of Alaska's wilderness - all of which proved to be groundless.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlfmvwxxgHM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlfmvwxxgHM</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As T. Boone Pickens states, this is a crisis that we can't drill our way out of. We need to use every form of energy available to us, including oil, coal and nuclear, if we are going to place ourselves in a position where the likes of Hugo Chavez or Ahmadinejad can't threaten our security by stopping oil shipments.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The fact that Speaker Pelosi won't even allow debate on the issue should serve as a wake up call for America. What is the majority party afraid of? Why do they disregard the fact that the majority of Americans want off shore drilling resumed and exploration of ANWR to begin?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Politics, pure and simple. Just the same as Obama saying that the surge was not the reason for the great strides made Iraq. I'm sure the troops were most appreciative of his insights.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Many political analysts are predicting a huge victory for the Dem's in November. Even the Dem's themselves figure they'll not only capture the White House, but also increase their majorities in both Houses of Congress.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As Gov. Dewey found out in the 50's - don't count your chickens before they're hatched. If Obama continues to flip-flop, and our Congressional Dem's continue to ignore the will of the people on energy, immigration, and the war on terror, we just might see some really unexpected results come November.</div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-7201442720628100552008-07-23T10:26:00.007-05:002008-07-23T11:30:32.511-05:00Photos From China<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-cG6xsdW_qvszWz2W_hGpqtMHPdVkEL3fFna3hQW2yo_gItS1OJX1lh_onrBhZLmDP6rgw2dPKG9ASx1lc41joEJohcIxUJ6gtcmNoIMQnLemcQB2z0j2vavRAvhpK4rbNSwwDOvRR4/s1600-h/sf06.city.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226241210802817474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-cG6xsdW_qvszWz2W_hGpqtMHPdVkEL3fFna3hQW2yo_gItS1OJX1lh_onrBhZLmDP6rgw2dPKG9ASx1lc41joEJohcIxUJ6gtcmNoIMQnLemcQB2z0j2vavRAvhpK4rbNSwwDOvRR4/s320/sf06.city.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One of the Yahoo groups I belong to is based out of India. I enjoy learning about their culture, sense of humor, world views, and I also get some great photos every now and then. On May 12, 2008, China suffered a severe earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale. That's one of the estimates of the size of the Great San Franciso Earthquake of April 18, 1906. While doing a little prep work I found this photo taken five weeks after the quake. A gentleman by the name of George Lawrence took a series of photos from kites to create this image. The view is looking over Nob Hill toward the business district, South of the Slot, and the distant Mission. The Fairmont Hotel is at the left.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple were preparing for a wedding ceremony at the famous 100-year-old Church of the Annunciation in Pengzhou, China. Pengzhou is located in the Sichuan province. A photographer named Wang Qiang was preparing to shoot wedding pictures for the young couple, and this was the test shot before the wedding ceremony started. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXC9pmMz9fui8uqVBGj9gzk6bexufp38fraOgPUGY-WLD1_eOQWpSnD7i6ttOkrWEeAgcsvdv0b8lIYRPA6V1_xQAUrnglVOn0ayTWYdhW3DkhWQWvKoPJ9taGqVuP5hPa5-OWAcXSos/s1600-h/image0011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226232783927949922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXC9pmMz9fui8uqVBGj9gzk6bexufp38fraOgPUGY-WLD1_eOQWpSnD7i6ttOkrWEeAgcsvdv0b8lIYRPA6V1_xQAUrnglVOn0ayTWYdhW3DkhWQWvKoPJ9taGqVuP5hPa5-OWAcXSos/s320/image0011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then the ground began to violently shake:</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcOVzn0TUSukA-vdPuQec20PamsU13uYIdL66j6gjP20FIQWfWFA7gx6JfNA1T5rpi62Z-OeMvD3ow5kTYnxSls6T6EPlv4AtpHamrqLSBDtaS_d7D3US9hz4HQrOMiOIloFO_vYiKuI/s1600-h/image00222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226233053615060210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcOVzn0TUSukA-vdPuQec20PamsU13uYIdL66j6gjP20FIQWfWFA7gx6JfNA1T5rpi62Z-OeMvD3ow5kTYnxSls6T6EPlv4AtpHamrqLSBDtaS_d7D3US9hz4HQrOMiOIloFO_vYiKuI/s320/image00222.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Bricks fall from the building during the earthquake.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>"'Thank God we were only shooting from outside the church!' remarked a helper."<br /><br /><br />"'I shouted to people, 'Run! Run!'' said photographer Wang Qiang.'The ground shook and we couldn't see anything in the dust.'"</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjbKhwOl46WY5KU3AWE6gYXyBJf8CbnFTHzdgbBeqQhkB0z6XiOmQ6vq5A6E1xkUghLMQWyiMrWlSWFsejGD8Iei80MhViyLeKSSYtEqoacbyRD6-GpnKF5b9sc89VkFb1mU7jNDVCaU/s1600-h/image0044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226233056254956962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" height="151" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjbKhwOl46WY5KU3AWE6gYXyBJf8CbnFTHzdgbBeqQhkB0z6XiOmQ6vq5A6E1xkUghLMQWyiMrWlSWFsejGD8Iei80MhViyLeKSSYtEqoacbyRD6-GpnKF5b9sc89VkFb1mU7jNDVCaU/s320/image0044.jpg" width="320" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKr9cmlO5Hukbla_-kHhnRpQ-ZLCBpM9p4yX-SHtCx6akk9e_XiatqEYt4B0nzuoEDBSdAXR9ciNtrssrDWcBM9LcFal8qjHP19-_PDsHTrfT4lQOn4unETw4MMkvYJoP6QKpLvKH7SA/s1600-h/image0015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226234249392583906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKr9cmlO5Hukbla_-kHhnRpQ-ZLCBpM9p4yX-SHtCx6akk9e_XiatqEYt4B0nzuoEDBSdAXR9ciNtrssrDWcBM9LcFal8qjHP19-_PDsHTrfT4lQOn4unETw4MMkvYJoP6QKpLvKH7SA/s320/image0015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OJ9d_9eoOkWb310xk9spAXyGFihZcsOIXdPImDC4dLZFrT5QcPyVj66nbVdGB9ihlBHyo0ta5TcZv8vfZaqMibgv8PgxgRYkL7Yv7f84K0nCHbdLJnT3RbuVARAswfLTDQiFcQdtuR4/s1600-h/image0048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226234252046898930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OJ9d_9eoOkWb310xk9spAXyGFihZcsOIXdPImDC4dLZFrT5QcPyVj66nbVdGB9ihlBHyo0ta5TcZv8vfZaqMibgv8PgxgRYkL7Yv7f84K0nCHbdLJnT3RbuVARAswfLTDQiFcQdtuR4/s320/image0048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>This shot below has the wedding vail laying on the ground in the forefront. It could be taken as a bad omen for the couple, but as Wang said: "... he thought the catastrophe would strengthen the bonds of the couple who were there that day: 'Having gone through a life-and-death test,they surely will clasp hands and grow old together.'"</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>It's nice to know that there are people in China who see the glass as half full too.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSTo_742pgM8XhFgWR_t3FvaH1KS8nHsRFwQyw0Mf-S4qvlznnRWqShEpDzO3_IbEhL9puXwiJ8HYocZIuOLPddwnbFUlpNkjKgO5EhUw-xK0qgvDXSpYcQFlfYreX0qPbDtloZkuXQ4/s1600-h/image0037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226234253669578994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSTo_742pgM8XhFgWR_t3FvaH1KS8nHsRFwQyw0Mf-S4qvlznnRWqShEpDzO3_IbEhL9puXwiJ8HYocZIuOLPddwnbFUlpNkjKgO5EhUw-xK0qgvDXSpYcQFlfYreX0qPbDtloZkuXQ4/s320/image0037.jpg" border="0" /></a></p></div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-67297851074803998332008-07-22T06:00:00.002-05:002008-07-22T06:35:09.914-05:00BPNo, I'm not doing a piece on British Petroleum.<br /><br />The "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BP</span>" I'm referencing is "Blood Pressure".<br /><br />I've spent the last few days with incredible headaches and my blood pressure, as of yesterday in the doctor's office, was 208/148. I have been treated for high blood pressure since I was in my early 30's, and I still have no idea as to what drives it.<br /><br />At a business conference in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saratoga</span> Springs last year I got up to get a cup of coffee, and as I returned to my seat I started gushing blood from my nose. 24 hours later the nose bleed finally stopped. At the hospital my blood pressure was 240/168 - thus the nose bleed.<br /><br />There's a darn good reason why high blood pressure is called "The Silent Killer". Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and nausea can be symptoms of hypertension, but for a lot of people there are no symptoms. Unless you visit your doctor and have your blood pressure taken, the first time you may become aware you have high blood pressure is when you have a stroke, a heart attack, kidney failure, loss of vision, or an aneurysm.<br /><br />I took a short break between the last paragraph and this one to have my wife take my blood pressure. Having an RN as a wife comes in handy at times. 178/118 - that was this morning's reading after doubling my blood pressure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">meds</span> as of yesterday. I'm already scheduled to return to the doctor tomorrow. If my blood pressure is not down by then I expect to have additional testing to try and find out what's causing this most recent episode.<br /><br />If you haven't had your blood pressure checked recently, make a point to visit your doctor and get your blood pressure checked.<br /><br />Once you know your blood pressure and receive treatment as necessary, you'll be able to watch the slobbering news anchors kiss up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Obama</span> and his "Magical Mystery Tour" without blowing a gasket.Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-10948889121233325702008-07-19T07:00:00.007-05:002008-07-19T09:01:39.891-05:00I Got One Right!<div align="center"><em>"Opening up ANWAR and drilling offshore are only stop-gap measures to be sure, but would an announcement that we intend to begin exploration not have an effect on the current speculation that is driving the cost of a barrel of oil through the roof? Hopefully that would help get the price headed in the other direction."</em></div><div align="center"><em>Watson In The Adirondacks - "What Are We Waiting For?" - June 10, 2008</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Well boys and girls, Uncle Watson actually got something right as a prognosticator. President Bush lifts the ban on offshore drilling and look what happens to the price of a barrel of oil - the biggest weekly drop in oil prices ever seen. You can click on the title of this piece and be taken to an article on Breitbart.com that examines the drop in the cost of a barrel of oil.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Imagine what would happen if we could get Nancy Pelosi and Diane Feinstein to shut up, or hope beyond hope, actually put the needs of the American people ahead of darter fish, spotted owls and polar bears. I love the creatures of this earth as much as anyone (except for "skeeters" and "no-seeums"), but I'm inclined to put the economic needs of my fellow human beings and the security of our country at the front of the line, and the creatures come in a distant second.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">If lifting the ban on offshore drilling can have this kind of impact, imagine what an announcement heralding the fact that we were going to explore, just explore, ANWR would have. Even cognizant of the fact that drilling would be a ways off into the future, just the fact that we were going to start to explore there should have a similar impact as the lifting of the ban on offshore drilling.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Al Gore's new proposal:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080717/D91VH6B00.html">http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080717/D91VH6B00.html</a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">The major flaw here is that nuclear power stays at current levels. We need to increase the percentage of nuclear power, not keep it the same. The salt mines will provide the space necessary to store the used fuel until a new means of disposal is discovered. If I were really cynical, I could opine that we'll be storing nuclear waste in the Middle East soon if we let Iran develop it's "peaceful" nuclear program.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Here's a link to an article on Texas and what they intend to do with wind power:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080717/D91VR9N80.html">http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080717/D91VR9N80.html</a></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I guess you could say I have one foot on the "green wagon" and the other "on the ground". I totally embrace alternative forms of energy of every kind, but when I listen to Speaker Pelosi or Senator Feinstein list "safe nuclear" and "clean coal" among their list of options, I hear the subtle undertones and meaning of "safe" and "clean" that indicate nuclear and coal power generation will only be given lip service. They also want to keep ANWR off limits and don't want offshore drilling to commence, even though the ban imposed by Bubba has been lifted.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Unless we do everything within our power to tap <strong>ALL</strong> of our own resources, we will continue to "spit into the wind" as Jim Croce once intoned.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">We have some of the finest intellects in the world working on alternative fuel sources and cleaner ways to use carbon based fuels. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">We have the resources.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">All we lack is a unified approach that uses <strong>ALL</strong> of the tools in our tool box.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I've been checking <a href="http://www.pickensplan.com/">http://www.pickensplan.com/</a> on a regular basis since I signed up, but there's not a lot of new info as yet. My hope is that when an individual citizen is willing to put their money where their mouth is, this will set an example that might persuade some of our more recalcitrant politicians to open their eyes and set aside politics to ensure the health and security of our economy and our nation. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I got one prognostication right, but I'll never predict that politicians have much of anything on their minds other than being elected and re-elected. Like T. Boone Pickens says - we, the people, are capable of solving this problem if we can get the politicians the hell out of the way. </div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107782201666802264.post-44698908935133394752008-07-18T07:04:00.004-05:002008-07-18T08:08:13.445-05:00Remember Art Linkletter?<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGgelECg6YekJKRSdIjiCBS_Te2eJJAbiVRWmB0JAFihLTdkPD3KoKb93JXcGCNRazF3WOmhbPwPWjw3bF_bwU2RDKT2KfZf6BXTw8m-ojd1wgWQelZZTW2D9jNaLk07NuOrul8picns/s1600-h/Oh+My+Gus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224337941444476386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGgelECg6YekJKRSdIjiCBS_Te2eJJAbiVRWmB0JAFihLTdkPD3KoKb93JXcGCNRazF3WOmhbPwPWjw3bF_bwU2RDKT2KfZf6BXTw8m-ojd1wgWQelZZTW2D9jNaLk07NuOrul8picns/s320/Oh+My+Gus.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>My daughter Carissa at a very young age.</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><div align="left"><em>"Art Linkletter's House Party"</em> was originally a radio show that debuted in January of 1945. He moved over to television on CBS where the show ran from 1952 to 1969, then from December of 1969 to September of 1970 on NBC. As I've noted in the past, TV reception was limited to WWNY out of Watertown, a CBS affiliate, so Art Linkletter was a daily visitor to our household. This was a talk/variety show, and although the producers would come up with ideas for the show, Art Linkletter never worked off of a script.</div><br /><div align="left"></div>The most popular feature on the show was "Kids Say The Darndest Things", where Art would ask questions of children, usually between the ages of 5 and 10. It has been a long time since I've seen the show, but the thought of just popped into my mind last evening, so I spent a few hours last night surfing the web to find what kind of darned things kids are saying today.<br /><br />I looked at a variety of subjects, including science, religion, and love, etc. I ended up with about 15 pages of stuff, which I have winnowed down to items below. I hope you have as much fun reading them as I did finding them:<br /><br /><em>St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage. A Christian should have only one wife.This is called monotony. </em><br /><br /><em>Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you.</em><br /><br /><em>A blizzard is when it snows sideways. (Kid could have been from Tug Hill)</em><br /><br /><em>I am not sure how clouds get formed. But the clouds know how to do it, and that is the important thing.</em><br /><br /><em>We say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.</em><br /><br /><em>Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun. But I have never been able to make out the numbers.</em><br /><br /><em>Water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. There are 180 degrees between freezing and boiling because there are 180 degrees between north and south. (I certainly never put the two together before – smart kid!)</em><br /><br /><em>The law of gravity says no fair jumping up without coming back down.</em><br /><br /><em>You can listen to thunder after lightening and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it you got hit, so never mind. </em><br /><br /><em>David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.</em><br /><br /><em>Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.</em><br /><br /><em>The Fifth Commandment is to humor thy father and mother. The Seventh Commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.</em><br /><br /><em>Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Don't forget your wife's name ... That will mess up the love. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work. (Another genius!)</em><br /><br /><em>"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you ...That's why I stopped doing it." (Age 10) </em><br /><br /><em>Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold...Other people care more about the food.</em><br /><br /><em>Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.</em><br /><br /><em>If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long. </em><br /><br /><em>You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming." </em><br /><br /><em>No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>The word trousers is an uncommon noun because it is singular at the top and plural at the bottom. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>One of the main causes of dust is janitors.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A city purifies its water supply by filtering the water then forcing it through an aviator. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A census taker is man who goes from house to house increasing the population.</em><br /><br /><em>It is sometimes difficult to hear what is being said in church because the agnostics are so terrible.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A kindergarten pupil told his teacher he had found a dead cat. “How do you know the cat was dead?”, asked the teacher. “Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move,” answered the child innocently. “You did WHAT?”, exclaimed the teacher in surprise. “You know,” explained the boy, “I leaned over and went “PSSST” and the cat didn’t move.”</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A little girl goes to the barbershop with her Dad. She stands next to the barber’s chair while her Dad gets a haircut, eating a snack cake. “Sweetheart, you’re going to get hair on you Twinkie!” said the barber. The young lady replied, “Yeah, I know, and I’m gonna get boobs too!” </em><br /><em></em><em><br /></em><a name="family"><em><span style="color:#000000;">When your mother is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" it's best not to answer her.</span></em></a><br /> <br /><em>If mom says "no," she means it. If dad says "no," it means maybe.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.</em><br /><br /><em>"Never let you Dad cut your hair if he's been drinking Utica Club." (One of my quotes based upon personal experience)</em><br /><br />Have a great weekend and enjoy your families!<br /><br /></div>Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629390498404488884noreply@blogger.com0