WHATWHY

George Stephannopolis from ABC & Bill & Hillary

2012-01-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

From a debate this past weekend George asks Mitt Romney about states rights and banning the use of contraceptives by a state.
How stupid are you George? I have not heard a more ignorant, stupid, out of touch question in decades. And you man make more $ in a year than most of those below the poverty income level in a lifetime will. The point of the money? Someone with your education should ask questions that are not so stupid (unless the intent was to change the topic to make the president look better in the future). Don't ask me how I have no education.

Tim Tebow

2012-01-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to understand why he is criticized about kneeling down and thanking his God for whatever he says when on one knee.
Yesterday and Saturday I watched the NFL playoffs and guess what? Several players after scoring TD or making a great play, pounded their chest and then pointed to the sky.
I see know difference between the Tim Tebow and the others (mostly if not all African Americans).
Double standard? Political Correctness (thanks Bill & Hilliary). You make the call.

I know a man

2012-01-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

This guy, a well to do professional with his own company has many contacts within business and religion in this community. The guy's father once managed the property of a corporation. During a remodel there was no announcement that certain items would be put up for sale. This guy of course knowing the items could be bought, did so. The only thing that troubles me is he did not let anyone outside his children that the items could be purchased, then later on he bragged about the purchase (his spouse is always very vocal about such things).

I know a man

2012-01-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

I know of a guy who used to work construction. Office building remodels to please the renters/lease. He also did home remodel and various other things related to remodels. He was working at a site and in the basement of this semi-public building the crew found many artifacts dating back to the 1850s thru 1900 or so. The members of the crew removed items they thought would be of interest to families and friends. Was it the right thing to do? most likely not. But they did it anyway.

RAINBOW

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

IT's GOD's SIGN: GET ANOTHER
I wanted to create a bumper sticker with the statement above. Never got around to it.
H.R. 998 already has 150 co-sponsors in the House!

And S. 555 already has 34 co-sponsors in the Senate!

"Student Non-Discrimination Act," is not non-discrimination. In fact it discriminates against those who don't care what homosexuals, gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexual people think & do. It is not enough for them to have risen from the shadows to being able to be open and proud about their lifestyle choices. Why must it be interdicted into the mainstream education of children whose only thoughts at school should be reading, writing, arithmetic, physical education (thanks Illinois) science and recess.
If you believe in schools as an educational institution for learning about the three "R's" plus three I listed please contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to vote against the legislation now pending in congress. PLEASE!

Fewer civilians may get the honor to serve the Nation in the Uniformed Services

2011-12-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Force Cuts are the nature of the beast. That beast is the US Army and for those that wanted to serve after the end of the Viet Nam war, it meant a "RIF". Those that were serving at the end of the first Gulf War and Cold War it meant let Uncle Sam pay you to leave the Army. Now that the war in Iraq is over and the end is in site for Afghanistan the Army is now stuck with more Soldiers than it needs. For as long as I can remember the annual recruiting goal of the Army was 80,000 people. This current fiscal year the goal is 58,000. This is the first step in reducing the budget of the Army's and the nation's to decrease the national deficit.
Another problem faces those that decided to make the Army a carreer. That primary concern Soldiers have involves how the budget may affect their retirement. The sergeant major (Seargeant Major of the Army) said he and other leaders are committed to preserving for Soldiers what they were promised.

"The bottom line is this, the president, through the secretary of Defense, and the secretary of the Army and the chief and myself are committed to maintaining the current system of retirement for those that currently serve," Chandler said. "I meet with members of Congress ... I have yet to find a member of Congress who said that we are willing to cut retirement for those currently in uniform, because they all understand the commitment and the sacrifice that very small population of folks have paid to our nation." That number is less than 1% of the population of the US.
Retirees have a different problem. Some members of congress feel the benefits the nation gives to retired military people is to generous. Senators like the not conservative the honorable RINO John McCain want to raise costs of the most charished benefit, TRICare health insurance. It is bad enough that at age 65 military retirees are shoved, pushed or moved to Medicare. That benefit we thought was for life (what we were told when we signed up), just isn't.
So for those that are currently serving with ideas of making it a carreer, start now letting your congressional representatives (approval as a body <10%) that you are watching them and don't want any possible future benefits cut. What benefits you have now is nothing like what you will receive in the end.
Thanks for serving

No one is interested "The Donald"

2011-12-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

A quote from the article "Jesse Benton, (Ron) Paul's national campaign chairman, said, "the selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential debate that voters nationwide will be watching is beneath the office of the Presidency and flies in the face of that office's history and dignity." Aah stupid, your Congressman is not the president.
Currently the only two republican candidates that have sent a positive response are Rick Santorum and Newt (not conservative enough) Gingrich. Rick "the stumbler" Perry and Michelle "miss speak" Bachman are undecided.
The former Utah Governor Jon (<2%) Huntsman who called the idea of a Trump-moderated debate "a joke," commented that he was "not going to kiss [Trump's] ring, and I'm not going to kiss any other part of his anatomy." Really Mr Huntsman, you need all the exposure you can get no matter how big that state tax cut was.
Mitt, stiff as a starched collar, Romney declined to participate. Why? If you never get above 20 something % can he win the nomination?
In reality if all politics are perception it makes sense to get all the exposure on TV for free that one can. Even if ION TV has a .5 share at any given time, the only cost is getting to Vegas and a place to stay.

Does it matter?

2011-12-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

I received an email at work last week about work and for some reason I couldn't get past the word DEACON. Now I think I know what that says. But perhaps I don't. the subject was about the VA Hospital and its emergency response team. A group of people who have volunteered to go to disasters to provide releif when needed. The subject was the decontamination team and upcoming training. Now the word DECON has a lot of meaning to me and many others who served in the military. It was always an individual common task for every soldier in the Army. Which takes me to DEACON, a position in many christian churches and I don't think it is interchangable with DECON.
I was reading about a construction project that recently had the ground breaking ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary. A new building for the inturnment of those who would prefer a mosoleum instead of being burried in the ground. There are currently 5 such buildings at ANC. The author of the story used the word INURNMENT when refering to the burial or placing of a casket in a mosoleum several times.
Does it matter if the correct terminology or grammar is used in correspondence? Does it matter if an author does not know the difference between their, there or they're. All come up correct using spell check. However "that is their property" is correct and "that is there property" is not correct. Your wasting your time or you're wasting your time. Get it?

GRAB YOUR WALLET

2011-11-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

We all know that we pay to much "total tax" each year. State Income tax, State property taxes (home, cars/trucks, boats, camping trailers, etc.), State, County & City sales taxes, Federal income tax and perhaps more for some. Now with certain deductions going away everyone will pay more each year over the next three or four (ObamaCare taxes, penalties & fees) are creeping up fast. So if you read this blog on occasion but missed articles that are coming out because of the end of year getting closer, read below to find out what you may have missed.

Wow, thanks Fox Business:
Major Individual Income Tax Benefits Expiring 12/31/2011:
• Personal tax credits applied against income tax no longer apply
• Higher alternative minimum tax exemptions revert back to extraordinarily-low thresholds
• $250 school teacher expense deduction ends
• Mortgage insurance premium deduction expires
• State and local sales tax deductions expire
• Tuition and related fees deduction end
• IRA to charity tax-free transfers stop
• 2% Social Security tax reduction ends
Major Individual Income Tax Benefits Expiring 12/31/2012:
• Marriage penalty equalization ends
• Dividends taxed at capital gains rates removed, taxed at regular rates now
• Capital gains low tax rates expires
• Removal of itemized deduction phase out for higher income Americans
• Removal of personal exemption phase out for higher income Americans
• Child care deduction limit of $3,000 reverts to $2,400
• Child credit reduces from $1,000 per child to $500 per child
• Low 10% tax bracket for low income Americans is eliminated
• Lower income tax rates and smaller brackets expires
• Refundable adoption credit and reduced deduction
• American Opportunity college education credit expires
• Major reduction in earned income credits and refunds
• Income tax exemption for debt forgiven on home foreclosures and repossessions
• Deduction for student loan interest ends
• Education IRA limit drops from $2,000 to $500

Health Care and the courts

2011-11-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

After reading about a "conservative appeals court" in Washington DC upholding the Affordable Health Care Reform Act or President Obama=care being constitutional I am now of the opinion that there is no thing as a "conservative" court in the US Justice system. Not only do we have a corrupt Attorney General of the United States, but courts have drifted to the left despite the appointments by both Republican and Democratic Presidents. If you look at the Supreme Court appointees by President George W Bush and their opinion on imminent domain we should all have recognized that right leaning, conservative, constitutionalists and other monikers means nothing.
Judge Laurence Silberman stated: "The right to be free from federal regulation is not absolute and yields to the imperative that Congress be free to forge national solutions to national problems." Sounds more like a talk show guest rather than a judge appointed by President Ronald Reagan (just an example of moving to left in the appeals court system). The problem with "national solutions" is that politics enter into the equation. When politics are involved we are all screwed. Many national solutions are created by the federal government and the congress of the United States.
A lower court's ruling found Congress did not overstep its authority in requiring people to have insurance or pay a penalty on their taxes, beginning in 2014. In the desenting opinion Judge Brett Kavanaugh stated the court had no right to review a portion of the law that is not in effect until 2014. Once the portion of the law is in effect then the court can way in.
Taxes without representation: if a divided congress passes a tax law or change does that mean the we were all represented? Or not? As it is today the phrases of the American revolt against England are just a phrase that we pass over in reading a history book. Don't Tread on Me is just a phrase. Government has imprinted semi-truck tire tread tracks on our backs and with the current people running for president nothing will change no matter who is president!

Consumer Price Index & SS & Medicare

2011-11-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Let me start with the statement from the article:

"Many economists argue that the chained CPI is more accurate because it assumes that as prices increase, consumers switch to lower cost alternatives, reducing the amount of inflation they experience."
For a bunch of educated people they sure are stupid! Things that it takes for people to live and have a basic quality of life are not "lower cost alternatives". Gasoline we pay what the stations charge and there are not "lower cost alternatives". Natural Gas & heating oil we pay what the rate is for the area we live in charges there are no "lower cost alternatives". Electricity is a controlled monopoly that we pay what is charged with no "lower cost alternatives". If I buy store brands of foods, household items I usually can't find a lower priced item, I am already at the "lower cost alternatives". If i had a home and refinanced it at the under 5% mortgage rates, I am already at the "lower cost alternatives". Medical care just keeps rising and there are no other "lower cost alternatives". Same for Rx there are no "lower cost alternatives", unless you are a guy named Dr Ezekiel Emanuel who would probably just let us die after age 70, because we are a burden to society and should not consume so much natural & man made resources.

These educated idiots have stated "For example, if the price of beef increases while the price of pork does not, people will buy more pork. Here again is the stupidity! People who do not like pork and those whose religion prohibit the eating of said meat WON'T DUMBAS*ES. As you educated idiots know the price of beef and pork and poultry are all determined by the price and AMOUNT OF ETHANOL produced in this country, not solely on supply & demand. Many of the income disadvantaged are already wearing sweaters and have the thermostat set at 68 or lower with no "lower cost alternatives."

"If adopted across the government, fewer people would be eligible for many anti-poverty programs because the poverty level also would increase at a lower rate each year. That would result in fewer people living below the official poverty line, despite having the same income" (no they won't have the same income because they will loose to inflation and things like "Quantitative Easing") Does that statement seem odd to anyone (anyone who reads this)? "At a lower rate each year", that speaks volumes about the true feelings and lack of concern by Washington Politicians serving in the Congress.

In educated circles where economists get around a table for lunch, this all makes such common sense to them. But it is just that lack of common sense which makes all this wrong. Since this would be the 3rd recalculation of the measure of inflation in the last 40 years no wonder the gape between the rich (>$1 million per year) and the remaining population is ever growing.

Men & Women Restrooms

2011-10-20T16:12:00.002-06:00

No link to this one. A speaker at the University of Utah's Pride day made some references to Transgender people feeling left out because there are no restrooms at the U for his type of people. Just so you know I can type cast this person because the stupid federal government allows separating genders and races on almost all surveys, questionnaires and forms that are in use today. This he/she or maybe a she/he wanted the world to recognize that Transgender people (not really) need the same treatment as the other sexes. Bathrooms with a sign recognizing that they are different. So what will the sign look like? When there are restrooms set aside for families you see the stick figure of a guy, gal & a baby and in a sign stating there is a changing table. Women stick figures have a dress on them. Male restrooms have pants on the stick figure. So will the Transgender restroom sign (at the present it will take about 5 years for this to happen) be a two stick figures back to back with one in pants and the other in a dress? Or will it be just one with a dong on one side and nothing but exclamation marks at the waist of the other? Don't know and don't care (I do care about the length the government has gone to make gays and lesbians feel good about themselves & this too will happen for the Bi's and Tran's).
One other issue the person stated was a problem, the issue of separate dorm rooms for guys and gals. Where do the TGs fit in. No where if you ask me. You were born the way you are because your father supplied a gene that made you a girl or boy. That gene probably over rides whatever you say made you the opposite.

Who is in CHARGE!

2011-10-20T15:52:00.000-06:00

I don't watch the republican debates that have been on TV. I heard today that there have been 12!!!!!!!! Why? The media picks the winners and the non winners. Ron Paul went 40 minutes without being asked a question in the debate from Tuesday evening. Besides the stupid questioning, there is the constant interuptions by the candidates. Is there no civility among men? It is just not right (and I don't mean right as in wing of the RINO party). The responses are also canned as much as the questions. I am surprised that a station that has hosted a debate hasn't piped in laughter for one of the favs when they crack a joke, joke isn't it. So my point about who is in charge is referring to those who organize each and every debate. What I and I think many others would like to see is a response from each candidate for each question asked. I would really enjoy a response from Ron Paul or Gary Johnson, both libitarians. It would be good to hear that guy from PA or MN that is still in the running but not a good percentage in the polls. Maybe he is really running for VP at this point, but he has an OPINION & a PLAN.
Do I care if Perry had a GPA at Texas A&M of 2.5. Hell no. Because the later in the 20th century the easier it became to get a degree. U of Al was infamous in the 1970's for giving everyone who paid money a degree. U of NM is the same now with the lottery scholarships that are given to almost everyone who applies. A college degree is only a piece of paper proving nothing other than perseverience. So for the one in a million chance anyone in a position to make changes to this process, PLEASE HIRE SOMEONE WITH INTELLIGENCE to moderate these debates (and maybe I will watch a complete hour or two).

WhtWhy is it that way?

2011-10-11T14:51:00.000-06:00

Earlier today I had some thoughts I wanted to publish . But something happened, I FORGOT THEM. I am sure that it had to do with another of those National something day, week or month. Of course in the medical world there are thank a nurse week, thank a sterilization employee week, thank a CWT worker week, hug a psychiatrist week and acknowledge a house keeping employee week.

NOW I REMEMBER: #1) The Top 1% Owns 40% of the Nation's Wealth
#2) The Top 1% Take Home 24% of National Income
#3) The Top 1% Own Half of the Country's Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds
#4) The Top 1% of Americans Have Only 5% of the Nation's Personal Debt:
#5) The Top 1% Are Taking In More off the Nation's Income Than at Any Other Time Since the 1920s(I don't understand that statement).

This is what the people demonstrating on wall street are mad and upset about (though many have no clue why they are there). While there are things in the trading of stocks that should not be, short selling, congress in their continuous stupidity along with the SEC will not put a stop to those who make money from the buying and selling of stocks no matter which way they go, up or down. There is just something wrong with that. Now I don't give a damn what the rest of the world does, however if you buy a stock because you think it is going to increase in value, and it goes down in price then you should not benefit from the loss of value in that stock.
The wealth building playing field is not level. It has not been for a century or more and will not until the simplification of buying and selling stocks is reduced to if it is up you make money and if it goes down below what you paid you loose money. There should be no continuous tax on the gain other than the difference between the last sell off and any increase since you bought it again. Does that make sense? If you paid a $1.00 and it goes to $2.00 and you sell, you are taxed on the gain. If you buy it at $2.05 and it goes to $3.05 you pay again when you sell it. If there is a tax deduction because you are incorporated and you loose in the stock market it should be done away with.
Just my thoughts as a lay(not sure of spelling) person.

2012 Harley Davidson Motorcycles

2011-09-22T14:04:00.001-06:00

The last one, a XL1200C, looks almost like my 2008. Of course anyone of the above is a great ride. If Road Kings came with a radio/CD player it would be what I buy next, to replace my 2007 FLHR.

Why do we let China dictate so much

2011-09-22T12:30:00.000-06:00

WHAT: US decides not to sell Taiwan F16 C/Ds
WHY: China
WHERE: US and Asia
WHEN: Unofficially Sunday, Officially Wednesday 9/21/2011
A signal of mixed results when the Obama administration decides not to sell the newer jets, built in Texas, to the Taiwan government. Instead of the F16 C/D model, the US offers to upgrade the F16 A/Bs that Taiwan has now. This action does not appeal to the government that has been described as "a democratic bastion and long-standing security partner" in Asia. At the same time the selling of the D/Cs would evoke the ire of the Chinese government. Since China has a substantial amount of US debt, what else could the US government do?
Taiwan is in the worlds view not a separate country from China, which split during the civil war that brought communism to the worlds most populated country. The 23 million citizens of Taiwan live in a democracy supported by the US for nearly 6 decades. The US military holds joint exercises almost annually sometimes in conjunction with Japan. So why do we let China dictate our foreign policy in Asia? The answer is as complex as any foreign relations question but as simple as economics. We being China's largest trading partner is the simple answer. Since the trade balance always favors China, with the Chinese holding so much of our debt, could a turn of the spigot to slow trade cause tensions to increase? Putting tariffs on Chinese goods so they are not so cheap signal that we will not let China dictate what we do and when we do it? Would tariffs do anyone any good? Wal Mart would certainly object to tariffs.
As a citizen that feels the United States and its citizens should always be our number one consideration. Walk softly and carry a big stick will not work but insuring that Americans have jobs and a good standard of living should always be priority #1.

Hispanic Heritage Month & others

2011-09-13T11:54:00.000-06:00

Wow, has a year gone by already! Just kidding! I don't follow what goes on when it comes to celebrating this type of event. There is African American Month in February each year. There is GLBT,doesn't look right, but it is the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender, Pride day in July or August, National Women's History Month in March . Then there are the political organizations like the caucuses in congress. The Veterans Administration has "Minority Veterans Programs" that recognize the following: Pacific Islander, Asian American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American - to include American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian. The VA minority programs are based on public law, Title 38 Public Law 103-446
In conclusion how many of these are there? It is amazing that as the Anglo-Euro population and heritage diminishes in the US and minority populations increase what will the future look like? Will there be a White American Male Heritage month or something similar in 2050? Or will history relegate the Anglo-Euro population to asterisks in history books. Something to ponder in this (stupid, literally stupid) PC de-nationalization of America.

Sturgis

2011-09-07T13:48:00.000-06:00

WHAT: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
WHY: because it is somewhere to go
WHERE: Sturgis, South Dakota, USA
WHEN: Aug 6 to Aug 12, 2012
Yes 459,568 is a lot of people. That number is based on 2010 atendance. 2011 figures are not available. If you look at the past few years, attendance is dropping from a high in 2003 of 605,140 people (Harley Davidson"s 100th anniversary) and the second biggest year of 604,441 in 2000. Is this because of the aging "baby boomers" not wanting to travel to hot Sturgis in August? Or perhaps it is the rally itself has peaked and the style of the rally and sponsors have changed? I really don't have an answer, though the image of an unshaven long haired biker and an MC going together may have changed the once largest rally in the US if not the world.
I must say it would be nice to attend once in a lifetime, sort of a bucket list event. There are other rallies around the US. Bike Week in Daytona Florida, there is Laconia, Los Angeles (or California), Laughlin, NV & numerous state rally's sponsored by HDs H.O.G. and others. Anyway it is a great place to get out on the road and see some of this country's most beautiful scenery. Stay off of I-90 unless it is the only option, if you don't you will miss a lot of what Sturgis and the surrounding area have to offer.

MLK & Angelou

2011-09-01T14:33:00.000-06:00

Society has placed Martin Luther King at the same level as Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam war veterans by having a statue of the civil rights leader on the Mall of the US Capitol. So with so many accolades said about Mr. King why would someone say a condensed quote of a part of a speech engraved on the statue makes him look like a "twit"? Nothing could make Mr. King look like a twit. Maybe her statement . "The quote makes Dr. Martin Luther King look like an arrogant twit," Maya Angelou said. I think her statement makes her look like a twit. Mr. Kings quote is "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness," is the inscription on the 30-foot-tall statue of Mr. King.
The part of the speech this refers to is "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice," King said. "Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter."
Mr. King, if there were shallow things in your life maybe the media will start to bring them up, but in the PC world of journalism I doubt it.

Post Log to: Military Pay Fair or Not

2011-08-26T13:48:00.001-06:00

Here is a link to a story by a former member of the NY Army National Guard & a combat veteran. Sergeant Raab states better than I why soldiers should never be compared to a civilian in any facet of life, HOOAH!

1) From Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
http://iava.org/blog/returning-soldier-answers-inevitable-question-%E2%80%98why%E2%80%99

Military Retirement: FAIR or NOT

2011-08-25T13:27:00.001-06:00

Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and now Secretary of Defense Leon Pannetta are having committees look at and suggest changes to the Military Retirement System. It was stated that "The board members are from big businesses -- experts, the Pentagon says, in executive management, corporate governance, audit and finance, human resources, economics, technology and health care." Associated Press|by Pauline Jelinek
I did not see if any of these "leaders" were former service members or not. I would make the assumption that they are not. There are several statistics that hit me as I read the article and will not quote them directly here. A couple of things stand out from my own experience in the US Army. First is that I never heard a recruiter refer to the Army as a career when talking to potential recruits. Recruiters talk about things such as education benefits. With $51,000.00 available for anyone currently serving for going to college or CC. Another recruiting pitch is soldiers can learn a skill. Many do very well at what the Army teaches them while others just want to get by and get out. There are certainly many Soldiers that enter the Army with the idea of making it a career and many of those never see service beyond their first enlistment. So that brings us to statistics. 17% of those who enter active duty retire after 20 or more years. The opposite of that is 83% who leave prior to the 20 year level.

So how does civilian careers compare to military careers? They don't! Take a military mechanic, supply/logistics soldier, truck driver or even medical careers. Though they sound like there is a direct correlation the jobs are vastly different. Look at the number of COMBAT ACTION BADGE awards (non combat arms jobs). 94,395 non combat soldiers were awarded the badge for combat actions in Iraq & Afghanistan, civilians are not in combat. The number of infantry soldiers awarded the COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE is 64,741 for Iraq & Afghanistan. If non military citizens think that the medical field is exempt (don't even consider that stupid show on ABC) from combat, they are not. The COMBAT MEDICAL BADGE has been awarded 15,573 times for action in Iraq & Afghanistan.

So when the civilian heads of the military consider a change to the retirement plan don't ask a civilian with no military experience to come up with a better plan.

One more thing, no one in civilian employment gets a retirement after 5 or 10 years on the job.

Question for reporter

2011-08-25T11:04:00.000-06:00

http://news.yahoo.com/back-school-special-arne-duncan-goes-off-script-092006580.html "There is a lot of concern that these new waivers could lessen the pressure, particularly in diverse suburban schools, to improve outcomes for minority kids. How are you going to continue to ensure that minority kids don't get overlooked as a result of the new flexibility?" by ANDREW J. ROTHERHAM | Time.com In an interview with the US Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. But in the world of political correctness does the question mean that educators are racist? That educators would deliberately not teach to minorities?

Just a thought!

Another 5 Soldiers Killed

2011-08-18T16:21:00.000-06:00

WHAT: Five Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum NY killed by an IED.
WHY; Because the US is still in Afghanistan fighting for a nation that does not want us there.
WHERE: Kandahar province while on a breakfast run.
WHEN: Thursday, 18 August 2011

While headed to breakfast an IED ripped through the hull of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP). The type of explosion was so powerful that it pushed the engine into the crew compartment. Thus the thought that the explosive was of military grade. The five were led by their Squad Leader who perished in the attack. The other four Soldiers & Squad Leader were all in their 20's. What a waste of great Americans doing what the enlisted to do: Follow the Orders of their Superiors. Just have to wonder what "superior" means. Certainly there are many Soldiers that do not believe in the war, but because they are good Soldiers they do as told. If the President had kept his campaign promises about ending the Afghan war there is a chance that this news would not have been delivered to the families of those lost.
As the Army developed better vehicles to withstand the blasts of IED's they should have known that the enemy would also improve the bomb making material used against the US Military in both theaters. This war should not go on as long as the current withdrawal plans indicate. It should end now and bring our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors & Airmen home sooner rather than later.
Screw you GW & Donald Rumsfeld.

"A closed mouth don't get fed!"

2011-08-15T16:07:00.000-06:00

While not grammatically correct, could a statement be more true?
Of course there are more meanings to that statement than an empty stomach. In a way I guess you could apply that statement to a great many things in life. Apply it to your brain, opinion, weight gain/loss, relationships, appetites & passions and i think the list could go on & on & on.
As Confusious said "An opinion set in stone is that of stupidity." Look that up on Googgle or Bing.

National Debt

2011-08-15T14:38:00.001-06:00

The US Congress seems afraid to vote against most legislation that comes before them concerning the DoD budget, especially the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Active duty Soldiers and SPOUSES can now be reimbursed for books and other supplies. Does that mean if they sell the book back, do they have to return the money back to DoD/Treasury? Beginning Oct. 1, active duty members and their spouses can receive up to $1,000 for books and supplies, per academic year, as part of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Active duty members were not previously eligible for the books and supplies funding, Veterans are. Spouses? Spouses are considered a part of the military almost as much as those who took the oath of service. Spouses just don't earn a retirement unless they divorce the service member after 10 years of marriage. If Congress' Super Committee of 12 wanted to strip a few million dollars from the DoD budget they could start with all non-service member benefits under the GI Bill. To me it is just to much "pork" in a program that costs a lot of money.
Department of Defense: The mission of the Department of Defense (DOD) is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country. Almost seems worth $700 billion and is mandated by the Constitution.
The Army currently at 570,000 plus active duty members and the Marine Corps currently with 201,000+ or - was deemed capable to fight 2 wars with only 483,000 soldiers and 171,000 Marines respectively. So with the draw down of troops in both Iraq & Afghanistan why can't they go back to the post cold war numbers established under Bush I & Bill Clinton? The so-called Cheney Powell doctrine. There is no reason not to return the Navy & Air Force to those levels. The Coast Guard should be left alone in force reductions & budget cuts, 1.3 million men and women on active duty (should be reduced to post cold war numbers), nearly 700,000 civilian personnel (should be cut at least in half), and 1.1 million citizens who serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces (best value for the dollar).
Other things that could be done to reduce the current deficit budgets is do away with "Americorp", end the Bush prescription drug program under part D of Medicare, do away with the departments of Education, HUD, Energy & Labor.
Department of Education: Do away with the bureaucracy and the money that is sent to the states can continue. The states can do a much better job of spending the money without federal government help. Besides "No Child Left Behind" is a farce and a failure. The U.S. Secretary of Education oversees the Department's 4,200 employees and $68.6 billion budget.
The USDA also plays an important role in overseas aid programs by providing surplus foods to developing countries. Why wouldn't you feed the poor and destitute in this country before sending it overseas? In a recent news articles and on TV news food banks all around Utah and the nation need more to help feed those who can't buy their own. $95 billion annual budget
"The Department of Commerce is the government agency tasked with improving living standards for all Americans by promoting economic development and technological innovation. The department supports U.S. business and industry through a number of services, including gathering economic and demographic data, issuing patents and trademarks, improving understanding of the environment and oceanic life, and ensuring the effective use of scientific and technical resources. The agency also formulates telecommunications and technology policy, and promotes U.S. exports by assisting and enforcing international trade agreements." Do you see anything wrong with that statement from the whitehouse.gov/our-government/executivebranch? Those in yellow seem to belong to some other agencies and are duplicated elsewhere in federal & state governments. But why would I throw a tizzy about $6.5 billion budget for a cabinet department with that low of a budget.
Department of Energy:

The mission of the Department of Energy (DOE) is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States. If this agency, formed in the 1970's, had done anything towards accomplishing its mission, perhaps I wouldn't think it should go away. But I doubt it because with its budget of $23 billion it is truly a waste of taxpayer money.

More later......

adding search element to my blog

2011-08-10T11:14:00.000-06:00

I tried and tried to add the search box code & search results code to my layout. Did not have any success doing so. I even read the instructions several times and still couldn't get both to upload as .txt documents or using a copy & paste. Maybe tomorrow when I am not in so much pain.

I moved wrong on Saturday evening, just twisted a little. Nothing happened then that would have made this week somewhat difficult to bare. Sunday morning I sat up in bed to eat pancakes and "pop", pain. Since then movement has been difficult and painful. A few years back this wouldn't have bothered me so much. I would be less mobile but it would only last a couple of days, now going on 4 days.

Take vitamin D or get some sunshine every day. It works miracles.

Socialist Drift

2011-08-09T10:59:00.000-06:00

As I sit here dozing & nodding off I wonder what it would have been like if I would have stayed on unemployment insurance instead of going back to work? Seems the Donkeys in Washington DC think those unemployed should continue to get paid for being unemployed as if it were a job. So instead of go out and find "something" that pays you money, we will pay you to stay at home, NANNY STATE will take care of you. What can you do with $350.00 a week (local average)? Just think how much money the IRS will collect from the income taxes on that income. Wow! Balance the Federal Budget maybe.
The Food Stamp Nation! Approximately 15% of the population of the U.S. was on NANNY STATE we will pay for you to eat. Now that comes with some restrictions of course but at least it isn't taxed at the federal level. I do have to thank the NANNY STATE for feeding my family during a time of under employment.
I recall Nanci Pelosi coming to a microphony with some others not serving and defending the Constitution of the United States of America with great big smiles on their faces when the Donkeys were in charge of congress. Nothing but smiles. I have begun to think that part of freshman orientation for serving in congress must be acting lessons on smiling and frowning. Back to nothing but smiles. She would almost take it down the throat to get close to a microphony in order to smile because something had passed congress and moved us closer to NANNY STATE. Now that the Donkeys are not in charge we don't see much of Nanci smiling & sometimes almost laughing (at us) with her comrades. Mostly frowns now because she isn't getting her way.
Now to be a little fair. We rarely see Speaker of the Farce ranting and raging because "the hell you have" Boehner has less to rant about. What good are RINOs anyway, John Wayne used to go hunt them in Africa in the movies and didn't wipe them all off the planet. To bad.
On more cheerful news gold is over $1700 a troy ounce and silver is somewhere over $40 an ounce. Is silver measured in Troy? I wonder why the Greeks moved?

Playing with fire!

2011-07-14T14:48:00.001-06:00

As a politically independent person I wonder what will happen if there is no deal on the National Debt Limit. Currently I believe that if it is not raised there is a great deal that the government can still pay out. $178 billion to $220 billion a month is what the US Treasury takes in. I have heard that SSN payments take up in the neighborhood of $20 billion a month. Military pay is < $13 billion (if my math is correct) per month. Interest on the National Debt has averaged 42,874,661,055.30 for the 9 months of FY 11. Approximate total is $76 billion for the 3 largest expenditures by the US Federal Government. I haven't looked at outlays for Medicare/Medicaid, so the total remaining for all other Fed Programs is $102 to $144 billion a month.

The point of this is that my income comes from the Federal Govt. I could be in a lot of trouble if the POYUS & Congress do not resolve their differences on raising the debt limit and cutting spending. Personally I hope that they do not and we will see that nothing changes because the words the POYUS keeps saying is that social security recipients won't get paid, there is enough to pay on time. Military serving in the wars, OIF/OEF/OND will not get paid, there is enough for that and the entire military to get paid. Now when it comes to other agencies there will probably need to be some cut backs.

I feel that there is a lot of hot air blowing out of DC and that the average guy on Main Street can just keep on keeping on. Then we can all vote the bums out who were elected to Congress prior to 2000. That is where the real problem is. Just look at the House Ways & Means Committee, it all begins there.

You don't stumble

2011-07-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

You just don't.

Harley-Davidson introduces more new models than ever before. 34 new metal masterpieces. 9 brand new models.Check it out at Harley-Davidson® 2011 Motorcycles

2011-07-14T13:41:00.001-06:00

You don't stumble

2011-06-07T15:50:00.001-06:00

You just don't.

Enjoying it though at work

2011-06-07T15:46:00.000-06:00

I went outside for a break from all this posting accounting stuff. The sky is very blue today with the very white clouds floating by. As the clouds reach the mountains they billow up more and more. Taking on more water as they move east. It is a fascinating thing.
Then there are the magpie birds, I think magpies that have to make a lot of noise and break the peace and quite of the garden. Peace and quiet other than the traffic on Foothill Dr/Blvd. which is just normal and doesn't disturb the tranquility.
This is a day that I wished I had ridden the motorcycle to work. This morning I was not in the mood to put on the chaps and a warmer jacket due to the temperature. But what a beautiful day. Finally a few days of great weather. Not the two good days followed by 3-4 rainy cloudy & cold days as has been the pattern.
Maybe it will be a camping weekend. Haven't looked at the trailer but Mom and Nichole took out one of our canopies and said everything inside looked OK. Only real problem is the truck is overheating a bit, so pulling the trailer may be a problem. After front shocks maybe it is time for a new thermostat or worse a new water pump.
No postings by any one other than Heather. Nice post about their trip to Disneyland, yes the California resort not Disney world.

Golf ball flies further & straighter

2011-05-11T14:02:00.005-06:00

I love golf, the only sport I love. A ball that corrects my slice, great though the USGA does not agree. Rugge said "So we're not going to dumb it down." ""For the last 15 years, advances in conforming club and ball technologies have made it easier to play," Yes younger players hit the ball longer than the golden bear, arnold, gary, tom, curtis and others over 50. So do those over 50 hit it further than the did with the old wood drivers. so how does a ball effect anyone but a duffer like me. USGA has rules so it does'nt. end of story.
Rugge is in charge of something for the USGA.

Add ons

2011-01-25T15:44:00.003-07:00

I added a few pictures of some of the things I really enjoy. You will have to guess what they are.
Hint: What I love to do when the weather is dry and above 40 degrees F.
I found these on a site linked with Facebook, there are so many but I am sure you have figured it out by now.

Months and Months have gone by

2011-01-25T15:08:00.002-07:00

Yes, it has been at least 4 months since anyone connected here have posted anything. I started a few weeks ago to write a soldiers night before Christmas, but have up. Now with little or nothing to do here at work, I thought I would check out the blogs I follow to see if there was anything new. There's not.
So with Facebook, Tweeter, MySpace etc., probably no one I know will see this. For privacy this is the best place to post things. But, I have nothing to say or post so I will just close for now.

Helloooooo

2010-12-10T08:19:00.002-07:00

I haven't posted since Nov 3. Just thought I would put something here so any followers would know this is still a great way to communicate things.
Look for a rendition of the night before Christmas poem. The theme has been used before but i thought I would give it a try.

Twas

2010-12-08T09:49:00.003-07:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with careIn hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

election day 2011

2010-11-03T18:27:00.002-06:00

Wow, I am very happy that the election turned out like it did. Republicans in charge of the US House of Representatives, gains in the US Senate (even if gains would have been limited to 1, Harry Reid), 19 state legislatures going over to republicans, and I don't know how many governorships changed to republicans.
The heart is doing very good. I see the cardiologist next week. One year of Plavix and then we will see.

Wow, another month gone

2010-05-30T16:33:00.002-06:00

Here it is, 30 April 2010. I missed the Indy 500 on TV today. It's not that the 500 is my favorite sporting event, but since I went to the Indy 500 in May 2007 I have not missed watching the race the last 3 years. Open wheel racing is the best.
This month has been memorable. First the house, Donna and I never thought we would own again. Our thought was Hunter's Woods would be our last move. It is so nice to be in our own place. Still more work than I care to think about, but it is our home and over time it will look and feel like our home (the garage drives me nuts).
Second was the news about the job hunt. Same government agency, same department, just about the same everything, just a different supervisor who reports to my previous boss. Start date is 21 June and maybe even a 3 day weekend in the first pay period.
The third thing and most difficult in nearly 21 years was my Mom's passing away. I had only one wish for her since she moved here 13 months ago, that wish came true on May 18th. She is no longer trapped in that body that had served her well for over 85 years. Mom would have been 89 years old on May 28th, 2010.
The fourth, we bought a 13 foot travel trailer. Sleeps 2, has a stove, a furnace, all lights work and the refrigerator cools but does not keep things cold (but that is what ice chests, ice and dry ice are for). We pick it up Tuesday. Oh it is a 1977, we are so excited.

Mom's passing & Paul's visit.

2010-05-23T10:42:00.004-06:00

I really don't use this blog enough. We buried my Mom yesterday, May 22 she passed away on May 18th, 2010. I wasn't really sad nor did I cry much until this morning when I said goodbye to Paul at the SLC airport. Goodbyes or see ya soon or take care is just so hard these days. It is quiet right now, first in many days. Peaceful even. I have cried more this morning than I have since the 18th, guess with everyone leaving and going back to Virginia, St George, Des Moines and other places this just makes me sad. For some reason many of my siblings chose to live and work elsewhere. I too traveled the country with family and work, and though I bitch a great deal about the weather here in the SL Valley I guess this is home. Though I think after I start drawing Social Security in 3 years Mom and I may travel more. It is so hard to put all of the feelings I have into words. Maybe I will write more later but as for now it has been a hell of a week.

Black Hawk Down

2010-04-16T15:02:00.002-06:00

I justed started to watch this movie and a thought popped into my head: "THE DISCRIMINATION FELT BY THE MINORITIES IN THE UNITED STATES PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE DISCIMINATION DIRECTED AT THE MAJORITY BY THE MAJORITY IN AFRICA!"

My Flag, My Country's Flag

2010-03-26T20:11:00.001-06:00

I am in the process of reading a two inch thick book called, A Patriots History of the United States, 1492 to 2000 plus the war on terror and a couple of other topics. One of the authors was interviewed by Rush Limbaugh for a March 2006 Limbaugh letter. Now don't go crazy or think that this is about Rush Limbaugh, it is not. The author stated that he believed that George Washington was put on earth by God at the time that this country was being founded. The reason, George Washington was the only man that had the credentials, the history to insure an infant representative form of democracy would survive it's beginning.
Most of my six children sang the song that is the title of this blog. As I reflect back at those times I find myself proud of each of them and hope their children know the song. Today as Mom and I were driving home from a not so good movie I noticed flags being furled by the wind, a couple being blown so hard that they appeared to be standing up. We as Americans born in the 20th century have a huge advantage over every generation that preceded us. There are great challenges that face us. For the first time in history my grandchildren face a less affluent life than my children.
The problem? Government. Not just the federal government, though they are the biggest problem, but every layer of government down to a town the size of 100 people. I would say that a small town like the one my mother was born in is probably more efficient than any other size of government. You can go to Huntington Utah or Adel Iowa and probably not see a government owned and run physical fitness swimming aquatic spa tennis court racquetball court basketball floor and sand pit volleyball area. Is this really a responsibility of government. It takes tax dollars that most levels of government do not have. Public education has never been free, though in my day it was called "free" education. Property taxes is the primary source of public education's revenue. So what am I rambling about? The United States is nearly 14 trillion dollars in debt. $14,000,000,000,000 dollars in debt. In the next 10 years that will increase by another $10 billion (Congressional Budget Office estimate released today). That is a debt now of roughly $72,000.00 per household. By 2020 it will increase to $106,000.00 per household. Do you have a spare $72,000.00 lying around? Where does that money come from? Currently it is borrowed from other countries and to an extent Bonds that are sold by the US Treasury.
SO AS I LOOKED AT MY FLAG, MY COUNTRY'S FLAG I SEE A DIFFERENT FLAG THAN ANY GOVERNMENT ENTITY SEES. A different flag than the President sees or a Congressman and Senator sees and it doesn't matter what political party they claim loyalty to. For none of them are loyal to you or me. Each of them are loyal to the once almighty US dollar and anyone who will give them large amounts of it. Each of them is loyal to each other so they can perpetuate there own self interest, not yours or my interests.
Post log: The US House of non Representatvies is now controled by the Republican party. Thanks to the movement called the Tea Party. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

The house

2010-03-18T16:48:00.000-06:00

Today I met our realtor at the house so a plumber could fix the water supply line just as it enters the house by the water. I didn't think about the cost when I made the appointment. Fortunately it is only about $86.00, the cost for the first hour though they were there 26 minutes. So with the leak fixed we hope when the VA appraiser/inspector looks at the house all will be good and we can set a closing date. Other than three doors with holes in them and 3 holes in walls everything is good.

Mom & the net

2010-03-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

Mom has had problems using the desktop computer, it makes her back and shoulder hurt a great deal. Today we went to Best Buy and bought a laptop so she could use it while sitting down or while waiting for me to come to bed. We are using a wireless connection through Verizon and it is cool that we can do such a thing. Now maybe I will figure out how to add music and photos to this so it is not so generic. The best thing is the wireless thingamabob was free. For now we will keep the desktop and with Brad's help it will run faster, maybe not as fast as this computer but I'm sure faster than the snails pace it now has.
The best thing about the desktop and the worst thing about this laptop is the screen. I don't have to scroll up and down as much on the desktop and I don't need glasses to see some things on the desktop.

Congratulations to the Saints

2010-02-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

They aren't the "AIN'Ts" anymore. But to the SOB that took my Colts flag last night...can't write that kind of language here and expect anyone to continue to read.

Wow, it has been how long?

2010-01-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

I talked with Paul and he thought that blog spot was the way to go instead of Face Book. I think he may be correct since anyone you have as a friend can see what you post. Then there are the relatives, some of which you may not want as one of your 150 friends and relatives.
The Utes won as did that team from 30 miles south of here, it was a good season for the two best teams in the MWC (TCU hasn't shown enough yet for me to say they are in the best category).
Mckenzie came into this world yesterday and was home today by 130 pm. She is not eating enough and hopefully Heather's milk will come in quickly.
Matthew and Kat are expecting number 2 in late July or early August I think.
Grandma Beth is OK but changes happen like wow she can't feed herself, is moved to a different dining room and behold she feeds herself. Gregg thinks it is because she was the only person at the table in the other dining room, makes sense since Joann and Sophia were no longer there.
It has been seven weeks since I quit the VA, do miss the money but not the job. Still have the heart issue but much less than say 4 weeks ago.
If this computer had more usable RAM I would post some pictures or video like Kim, Nichole, and Kris do. I am just technically challenged on that thing.
I am approaching the two year anniversary of retiring from the Army, Jan 31, 2008 last day in uniform or Feb 1. 2008 is the day I was put on the retired rolls of the Army. It has been rough and seeing certain things while at appointments at the VA has caused problems. A neighbor who I knew from Evanston IL, left today for Las Vegas. SFC Chris Miranda and her husband/boy friend left. Chris got tired of the bull shit that goes on in any corporation, not just the Army though there may be some "special" things limited to the Armed Forces of the US. Seeing the moving packers and the moving van brought back some great memories and some not so great experiences along the roadways of America that now are funny. Just to many emotions.

Last Day with the VA

2009-11-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Wow.......15 months has passed since I started. Glad it is over, maybe I will have less chest pain and shortness of breath in a couple of days. I do know the shortness of breath episodes have decreased and no more burning sensation below my larynx with exertion. Love ya all.

$42.00 per month

2009-10-15T11:38:00.000-06:00

Not much money. With that you get a doctor who comes to your work. Specialists who you can get same day appointments with. Massage Therapists on duty most of your work day in case a little tension builds up as you argue against common sense solutions to issues. A months worth of prescription medications at costs less than Wal Marts $4.00 for generics. And things that $42.00 a month shouldn't cover. Welcome to the United States Congress.
Then with Health Care "Reformation" they will exempt themselves from the legislation and the President will sign it as if he just does not know, who can read let alone understand a Senate bill that is over 1300 pages. 1300 pages that refer to things like USC 49 para 32 sub pare (3) of the 1949 Hardly a whisper will come from the media and we will all get what we deserve. A government that does not follow the majority of its constituents opinions. And it does not matter the political affiliation.

I UN-Quit

2009-09-28T12:23:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday I gave my two week notice. Friday morning the primary employee travel person found out she was selected for a secretary position and pay increase. So this morning I went to my boss and asked if I could stay on, "unquit", and apply for her job. He, my boss, was thinking of asking me the same thing. More than likely I will not have to apply for the job, since we are both the same pay grade and 60% of my job is employee travel. So I will stay and continue to work and should be busy most of my work day.

I Quit

2009-09-24T20:20:00.000-06:00

Mom and I have been married 38 years as of today. Thanks Love for all you have and continue to do.
After a few days of discussion with Mom and a few months of hating work, I gave my notice and quit today. October 9th will be my last day with the VA. Don't know what I will do though I have a couple of ideas.
I don't know how people can sit at a desk or job and do nothing for hours on end. It just wasn't my thing. My supervisor apologized and stated it had come up several times about finding more I could do. Just wasn't able to even when I asked. Some of it he blamed on AFGE and others on the job description. When the job was first conceived the transportation assistant (s) would create the travel plans for most employees. But when the director stated that all employees would complete their own travel plans via FedTraveler.com 60% of the reason I was hired almost disappeared. The other 40% of my job is not enough to keep me busy for 40 hours a week. Many a day I wanted to just walk out and never return. Guess I did it the correct way this time.

Been a while since I posted

2009-09-17T15:37:00.000-06:00

Utes: 2 & 0 though if you compared them to a V8 engine they would only be running on 6 cylinders. The home opener was great, I did not feel like going all day but once Matthew and I got to the stadium it was great. The concession food owned by the U is a bit less tasty than MacDonald's. How can you ruin a Brat. We will have to checkout some that are not on the concourse.
Go Colts!
Our current representatives in the US Congress are truly amazing me at how stupid they think the general electorate is. Bennett and Hatch voted to confirm Cass Sunstein? They both need to go. I am on the fence about Matheson.
Will the Yankees make it to the World Series? Only time will tell but with that payroll the should end the season with 150 W's and 12 L's and go through the playoffs 12 & 0.
Work is work and I dislike it more each day. Don't know how much dislike I can really have for such a thing. Been looking but must not have the best resume to make the Army, Air Force, DHS, and the Defense Logistics Agency happy.
Mom and I are going to Disneyland on October 15th. Thanks Jet Blue. We will make our hotel/motel reservations on Saturday. The best deals I have found is on getawaytoday.com. Can't wait for the days to pass. Haven't been on a real vacation since Ride "n" the Rockies.

Heros

2009-07-02T11:59:00.000-06:00

George E. Whalen passed away on June 5th. The VA Salt Lake City Medical Center is named after this WWII Medal Of Honor recipient. Congress passed a special one time approval for the med center to be named after a living person. Mr. Whalen received his MOH as a Navy corpsman (medic) on Iwo Jima. One article stated he saved countless lives during which he was wounded three times. He always said he did it because he did not want to let any Marines down for not doing his job. Later Mr. Whalen joined the Army and served in Korea and Vietnam and retired from the Army at the rank of Major.
I knew one other Navy corpsman, JB Thorton. JB was Ron and Steve's age. He was killed in Vietnam while on patrol with Marines. The Marine Corps does not have its own medics, they all come from the Navy. Ron was wounded twice in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf (each oak leaf means an additional award of a medal).
As you all know, I get real emotional about things military. Even now there are tears welling up as I type. I have often wondered as in Matthew's last post, where is God? I know where He is, there is just more I don't know, so much more. We often ask ourselves why things do or don't happen. Perhaps asking the question causes more problems than not asking or pondering.
It is like this job. I needed to work so each day didn't seem to last as much as two days. But as time has progessed I wonder each day why I come to work. It is like right this very minute (1217) I have had two expense reports to approve since 0948, nothing else to do. I can only read so much news. I read a little about Teddy Roosevelt, what an amazing man. A real American Hero that just happened to be a President.

Cities, States and Federal Budgets

2009-06-16T10:37:00.000-06:00

Really this is only about Salt Lake City but I think it applies to all levels of government. When Mom and I were kids/teenagers there was a job nicknamed "Meter Maid". These mostly ladies road around the city on a three wheeled motorcycle called a Cushman checking out parking meters and no parking zones and giving out citations for expired meters etc. There was no such thing as handicap parking, expectant mother parking, sheriff or police parking spaces. Any way while on my way to work the other day I saw a Jeep Wrangler 4 door with the marking of "Traffic and Parking Enforcement" on it. Probably not an unusual siting, but just think of the cost of a Jeep Wrangler vs say a John Deere Gator. Gator's come with covers and heaters and can be used in any weather cause they have a high/low range transfer case and all wheel drive. Sure it would be hot in the summer but lots of people work out in the heat. Just a thought on how government spends like we have more money than we know what to do with.
A couple of weeks ago the city/town of Syracuse Utah had to cut their budget due to a shortfall of taxes. The mayor said he did not know where they would come up with the budget cuts, thus the problem. No one in government leadership can figure out where to cut funds because they are so accustomed to just saying "sure we can pay for that". It is the wrong attitude.
The real attitude should be "no we can't pay for that" and won't tax our constituents to pay for something that only benefits the few, in any case it should benefit the many like public safety and roads. Thats all.

Fleetwood Mac Concert

2009-06-05T11:17:00.000-06:00

Good time, good music especially if you knew the words. Very loud and sometimes the words were not distinguishable. Lindsay Buckingham was on stage the entire concert except the next to last song which was primarily a drum solo by Mick Fleetwood, balls and all. Lindsay did a couple of tunes by himself while all other band members took a break. I overheard a few people talk about Stevie Nicks' wardrobe down to the boots she wore on "Don't forget about tomorrow", guess you would have needed to see the music videos or followed the band more closely to understand (or whatever the songs title is). Don't know if it is the makeup but Stevie looks like she has aged better than Lindsay, Mick or John McVie (bass player). The only original band member not doing the concert tour this time is Christy McVie (ex wife of John). Stevie told a story of a time while a teenager that she lived in SLC and dedicated a song to an old friend named Karen. Nicks states that she did the San Francisco music seen during the late 60s after high school, which she wrote a song about, I mention it because she does not look older than me. Don't ask me the name of the song I just can't remember.
Thanks to you all for the tickets.

PotUS & SOCIALISM

2009-05-27T15:33:00.000-06:00

They call him a lot of things: President of the United States, Obama, Borock, Barock and even spell his name correct sometimes. We don't know where he was born. We don't know if he is truly a Christian or Muslim. We don't know what he really thinks of Gitmo, the War on ? Terrorism or even the military. We do know how he handles oposition. Just look at Chrysler and this
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/05/shock-big-dem-donor-group-gets-to-keep.html

So love him or hate him, do YOU really know the man YOU voted for? I don't think so.

The Jackson 5

2009-05-21T16:01:00.000-06:00

Wednesday night Kim called about Kale's video I just chuckled thinking of what it might be. Mom asked me what I was laughing at, and of course I just said there is a video of Kale and Alivia on the blog. Alvia was not on the video. Now I wonder if Kale would have been able to carry a tune had the piano been turned on. A star in the making? Mozart was composing arrangements of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at age three, so let him play.

Brandon's ride

2009-05-11T13:38:00.000-06:00

Saturday May 9th Brad Scott and I rode to Orem and met up with about 140 motorcycle riders to raise money for a scholarship fund, money to aid deceased veterans families and assist hospitalized recuperating veterans. This was the 5th such ride named for a soldier who died April 2004. Brandon's parents received the news the day before Mothers Day 2004. His Dad started the ride in 2005.
Just before the departure time it was thrilling to hear that many motorcycles start up, the roar of engines bouncing off the buildings surrounding us. At about 10:30 we took off with police escorts to get us out of town and up to Provo canyon. I have never understood what the hurray is on rides like this. On the previous rides Donna and I or just myself had been on it was the same way. Speed limits just didn't matter. And guess who was in the lead of the group, SL Country Sheriffs' Deputies on motorcycles. Riding up the canyon could have been a real enjoyable ride if not for the speed, 10-15 mph over the limit. When we reached Daniel's pass the group stopped for drinks, snacks and of course a restroom break, maybe a half hour. At this time Brad and I left with the first group, maybe 40-50 bikes, it is a quite the site to see them winding the road ahead of you. This leg the road was nice and speed rarely hit 65 mph, a more leisurely speed. I guess this was the Indian Canyon section of the ride toward Duschene. Duschene was our gas stop and of course the other things as well. Brad and I looked at a very sleek fully loaded Victory motorcycle (too much plastic/fiberglass for me), a bike custom painted with the US Flag, Mt Rushmore, F16s and an Air Force Emblem on the tank. The fenders were painted with the Flag as well. There were choppers, bunches of Harley's and goldwings, royal star yamahas and even one Dukatti. We we left Duschene Brad and I were in the last group near the rear of the group. The ride was OK as we headed toward Helper and US 191/6 to head back to Orem. I guess at some point someone decided we were to far behind the other groups so we took a detour to shave time and miles off the ride. The road was hell on wheels, very rough with shallow pot holes and very bad shoulders. About a 1/2 half mile or so prior to reaching US 191/6 a rider went off the road and ended up in the right shoulder in some very soft dirt/sand. He appeared to be OK from where we were. They tried push starting his bike but when we finally left I don't think they had it started. When we turned onto the "main" road we were a couple miles or so from "Hilltop". I have probably passed that gas station/store 200 times in my life and never knew it was a ghost town. Nichole was helping Carter do a report on Utah county and dug out that info from the Internet. Butch Cassidy had passed through there several times during the wild bunch era. We finally arrived back at the Golden Coral restaurant 45-50 minutes later than the goal. The owner of the GC donated lunch and $5000 to the scholarship fund. There were other sponsors so I guess Brandon's Father and Mother were happy about the results of the event.
With the exception of the last twenty miles I was cold most of the time. Polys, jeans and chaps didn't keep the legs warm. My vest and vented leather jacket were not the best choice for keeping the upper body warm, though on the ride from Orem to home they were perfect. I felt for the guy on the Ducatti, light jacket, jeans and athletic shoes. I will never ride on I-15 between the 53rd and 90th south street exits again! The I-215/72nd south area is just to crazy unless you can stay in the HOV lane and even then I'm not sure it is safe in that area.
Good time, nice to ride with someone I know for a change and good to get off the seat after about 6 hours or so. Thanks Brad!!

Better day

2009-05-04T17:07:00.000-06:00

It appears the home hunting is going to pay off. Finally and accepted offer, I think. The design center that handles the interior stuff for hamlet homes called today to set an appointment. May 15th Mom and I will choose our interior colors, appliances, plumbing fixtures etc. We actually don't have a signed back offer from the builder, but with the emails and the design center phone call I think it is a done deal. Hooray!!!!!!!!!

Facebook

2009-03-16T09:41:00.000-06:00

Since many of us have facebook I don't see as many blogs as I once did. Hope everyone continues to use blogspot, It is easier to post things that fewer people will look at. With all the relatives and their facebook friends are able to see anything you post blogging just seems more personal.

One of Five Senses

2009-03-16T09:16:00.001-06:00

I rode the motorcycle to work this morning and with the temperature near 50 it was truly delightful. As I was headed north on State Street a very familiar aroma hit my sense of smell. The smell of bacon in the air brings back more memories than almost any other of my senses. Back in May and June of 1971 while at Fort Lewis, WA., every morning started with a run of 2 to 3 miles. As the company passed mess halls the smell of bacon and a bit less so of maple syrup and pancakes was in the air. Bacon and eggs was a 4 day a week offering. Sausage and ham probably on the other 3 days. But sausage and ham never smell as good as bacon. I love that smell especially when the air is crisp and cool. Since that time in my life each time I smell bacon in the air on a crisp morning it takes me back to that time. I do not think it was an aroma I loved prior to then, but as I pass a Denny's, IHOP or local place and the smell of bacon is in the air I go back in time for a few minutes.
Another probably more of an odor is the smell of Army canvas. Occasionally I go out to the healing garden just outside my office and sit and each lunch in the sun. It has not mattered what the temperature is I just like and need the sun. In the southeast end of the garden is a SWEAT LODGE (google it). The lodge is made of a tree branch frame with plastic sheeting over it to help hold in the heat. On top of the sheeting is Army canvases from deuce and a half or 5 ton cargo trucks. At some time early in my Army career I learned to love that smell. It is one I will miss for a very long time once I no longer have the chances to smell that distinct odor.

The Visit

2009-03-16T09:07:00.000-06:00

The last full week of February was and is still vivid in my mind. Paul and Kris went to Puerto V Mexico for 5 or 6 days. Donna and I had a great opportunity to watch Kale and Alivia. While filled with challenges it was also filled with great joy. The kids are very active and as each day came and went more and more enjoyable. I think a lot of it is due to how little Donna and I get to see the two of them. Kale knew who I was from my time in Indy and getting to go to Des Moines on a somewhat regular basis. It would take a couple of hours for him to warm up but he did realize that I was someone he knew. While the two of them are very close they each have a mind of their own and know what they want. For me the three days I took off as vacation were more than worth the experience of being with them. I even changed a diaper, something I have not done since my our last child finally started going all the time in a toilet.
To Kris and Paul, thanks for the opportunity of watching and taking care of two of your children. It will always be a cherished time in my life.

13-0

2009-01-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

It was a great game. Utah 31 Alabama 17. Rivals.com had two great articles about why the U was snubbed. Couldn't agree more with the two writers.
Christmas was fantastic for Donna and I. Best the two of us have had in years. We stayed at Matthew and Kat's on Christmas Eve. We watched as Matt, Kat and Zoe opened presents. Stopped at Heather and Brad's on the way to Nichole's. We had purchased tickets to see the movie Marley and Me, but the roads were bad down south so by the time Donna and I got home we felt it was to late to see the movie. We opened our gifts to each other, fixed dinner and had a good time with all the family. Wished Paul and Kris could have been there but I understand the distance and such.

THOUGHTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

2008-12-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE AND RINGO (or maybe just Paul) cut a song about Christmas using the word CHRISTMAS, and I don't believe any of them are Christians.
Since the early 1990's the word Christmas has slowly been taken out of everything except our hearts and minds.
A member of the State of Utah senate wants to pass a non-binding resolution asking companies that do business in Utah to put the word Christmas back into advertising and such things. He was condemned in the Salt Lake Tribune editorial section for not being "inclusive."
Every Saturday and Sunday starting in mid August atheletes from the NFL are constantly acknowledging God when they score touchdowns or make great plays.
You can see the words Hanakah, Kwanza, Festivas and Happy Holidays in many places during the seasons, so whats so wrong about Christmas?
Why do we have "winter break" when generally winter has not even started when winter break begins?
No one since the death of Jesus of Nazareth and His resurection can prove that He and His Father exist. But no one has ever proved that they do NOT!
I think the celebration of the Saviors birth (notice how all the so called holiday celebrations are at the same time as Christmas) should be moved to April which is the time of year most bible scholars say He was born.
Hanakah may be the first and oldest of the celebrations, but at least Jewish people believe in God the Father.

2008-10-31T15:36:00.000-06:00

Cowboy Ethics, taken from our national history and heritage. It is a code of how to live life.

1. Live each day with courage
2. Take pride in your work
3. Always finish what you start
4. Do what has to be done
5. Be tough, but fair
6. When you make a promise, keep it
7. Ride for the brand
8. Talk less and say more
9. Remember some things aren’t for sale
10. Know when to draw the line

Only one comment from me. #9 should apply to this country, but I'm afraid it does not.