Just Killing Electrons

Today, I have no particular point to this post, so I'm just going to slaughter innocent eletrons for our amusement.

OK, mainly for mine.

The worst part about not having a job is not being able to take a day off. I had a bad night last night, only getting about 2 hours sleep. So, after getting up this morning, I had no one to let know that I'm going back to bed. Instead of my usual day of hanging around the house and doing nothing, I'll be hanging around and doing nothing.



I'll spend my day preparing to go to the doctor tonight. It takes me about an hour to get ready, but I spend considerable time thinking about it. This is the monthly podiatrist visit. He whacks at my wounds with a scalpel, turning my foot into little more than a bleeding stump. It only hurts a little while he is doing it, but tomorrow it will hurt like hell. I'll be kind and not post a picture of my foot, but if anyone truly wants to see it, I posted a picture of it on my Diabetes blog a few days ago. It's disgusting.

You were warned.

It's Fleet Week

The annual U.S. Navy invasion known as Fleet Week opens here on Wednesday with a flotilla of five American warships and three Canadian entries to add an international flavor to the 21st annual observance.

Some 3,000 sailors and Marines will disembark from the ships during the eight-day event that includes public tours and a variety of aerial and simulated combat technique demonstrations by Marine Corps units.

A decade ago, as many as a dozen ships from several nations took part in Fleet Week, but the size of the assemblage has diminished in recent years. The last time it included a full-size aircraft carrier was in 2005, when the USS John F. Kennedy made its final appearance before being retired.

New York City policy bars nuclear-powered craft from the harbor, effectively denying port calls by the Navy's newer fleet carriers.

From today's Newday.com

Fleet Week is a pretty big deal here in the NY area. Lots of media coverage, and many folks go out of their way to thank the sailors and marines who defend our country.

And Fleet Week is the Crotchety Old Lady's favorite holiday week. She's always had a thing for sailors. Must be something about a man in uniform. Don't know why she's with me. Most days I don't even wear pants.

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)

The art of parody

Performers like Frank Caliendo make their living with parody. His spoofing of John Madden, President Bush, and countless others have made him well known and wealthy.

Good parody doesn't have to be mean spirited to be funny. It's a shame that so many think it has to be.

I have a good friend who is an acclaimed artist. Her name is Artistic --not her real name, (I think) and she gave me permission to share one of her most famous works. This has won some prestigious awards in different shows. It is done in pencil, and it's hard to believe it's not the actual famous photograph of the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906.



My friend Rubba (that may be his real name) also is an artist. He is a master modelmaker, and his model cars command big money. As a joke, he did a parody of Artistic's painting. It so captured the essence of a good parody, I thought it deserved to be shared, too.



I can't look at it without laughing. And Artistic laughed the loudest when she first saw it.

Parody at it's finest.

TV Show Cars part 1

One of the things that has been missing from TV shows for quite some times is the custom cars that were a part of so many shows, especially during the 1960's. I've made a list of these, and wanted to share the top 10.

Today, I'll post the 3 greatest TV Show cars ever.

My all-time favorite is the Batmobile.

In late 1965, George Barris, one of the greatest custom car builders ever, built a steel Batmobile on a frame from a 1955 Lincoln. The car was similar to that of the comic book. By late 1966, Barris built 3 more fiberglass copies of the original Batmobile.

While the original used the frame from the 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept car (a one of a kind) the copies used 1965-1966 Ford Galaxy frames.



My next favorite is the Monkeemobile.

The car, designed by Dean Jeffries, was based on a 1966 Pontiac GTO. He made 2 of these cars for the TV show, "The Monkees." One was used for promotional appearances, while the other was used and driven in the show. The car used in the show had a functioning supercharger, and produced so much torque that it could do wheelstands. They eventually replaced it with a fake blower because the car was too powerful and very difficult to drive.



My 3rd favorite car is the Munstermobile. The technical name was the Munster Koach, but everyone commonly called it the Munstermobile.

Built by the incomparable Geoge Barris, the Munster Koach was made from 3 Model Ts, and was powered by a 289 Cobra engine bored out to 425 cubic inches. It had 10 carbs. I couldn't find any other specs on it, but I'm sure the car had some go power.

Rumor has it that one at least one occasion, Fred Gwynne "borrowed" the car, and drove around Hollywood with the cast.

It's Always About the Benjamins

According to Washingtonpost.com

Hepatitus C Outbreak In Nevada

It was the re-use of syringes and vials containing medicine that caused a hepatitis C outbreak resulting in 84 patients becoming infected at two Las Vegas clinics, theAssociated Pressreports.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was first contacted early in 2008 after two people had come down with hepatitis C, the wire service reports. CDC investigators said in their report they observed clinic employees reusing syringes to administer a sedative, and followup interviews indicated it was a common practice, the wires service reported. "This was considered the most likely mode of transmission," the report concluded.

The two clinics in question, the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and the Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center -- both now shut down -- treated about 50,000 patients over this amount of time, theA.P.said. Law enforcement officials from Las Vegas, Nevada and the U.S. government are pursing criminal investigations, according to the wire service.

The doctors who ran the clinics, Dipak Desai and Eladio Carrera, have had their medical licenses suspended and paid a $50,000 fine, theA.P.reported.

Brian Labus, a senior epidemiologist with the Southern Nevada Health District, told the A.P.that the link between being treated at the clinics and contracting Hepatitis C was strong. "We know they [the 84 patients] didn't have a positive test before they went to the clinic, and now they're positive," he said.

State officials are worried that all 50,000 patients who were treated at the clinics between March, 2004 and Jan. 11, 2008 may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, which can linger in a person's system for years without symptoms. The disease can result in liver failure.

Unbelievable. These two doctors have put the health of as many as 50,000 people at risk just to save a few dollars on each one, and they get a relatively small fine in addition to losing their license to practice medicine. Big deal. Who knows how much money they pocketed by re-using syringes, and how much this is going to cost the state as these poor unfortunate victims start experiencing health problems.

What kind of sweetheart deal is this? They should lose every dime they made in the timeframe, and do some jail time. I'm sure the jail can use some "volunteer" assistants to the doctor for the next few years.

I humbly apologize

According to the Telegraph (www.telegraph.co.uk)

As if they didn’t already have enough problems on their hands fat people are now being blamed for global warming.
British scientists say they use up more fuel to transport them around and the amount of food they eat requires more energy to produce than that consumed by those on smaller diets.

According to a team at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine this adds to food shortages and higher energy prices.

Researchers Phil Edwards said: “We are all becoming heavier and it is a global responsibility. Obesity is a key part of the big picture."

It's not bad enough I'm a fat bastard, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, I am a weight on the world.

I'm working on it, though. Slowly. Maybe too slowly. But I am now so guilt ridden, I am inspired to do more to get in shape. Not for me or my children, but for yours.
And the polar bears.



The Bush administration is considering putting the polar bear on the endangered list, but oil drilling in Alaska would be impacted, so basically, for now, it's "F the polar bears."

So, I'm sticking up for the polar bears by giving up fried Twinkies. Sounds like a fair trade off. Win-win. Except for the company that makes Twinkies, of course.

Now I'm off to do something about those greenhouse gases.

I had nothing to do with them.

I swear.

Ok, maybe a little.



Pull my finger

California Supreme Court Says Gays have the Right to Marry

"The California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples," the court said in a 121-page decision that gives gays unprecedented rights.

For today, I'm turning into the Philosophical Old Man. Seems I'm doing a lot of that lately. Both of my regular readers have probably noticed my blog is as much my philosophical search for answers as it is my delivering the answers to everything else.

This is not a sign that I have mellowed, for those who know me are well aware that I can turn into a ranting, raving, spittle spewing a-hole in much less time than it took to read this sentence. I am maturing, though. Never confuse the two. Maturity is the ever increasing recognition of the human condition, and our place in this vast framework known as the world. Mellowing means we just don't care. I'll probably never be mellow.

Back to today's topic. I truly do not understand all the aspects of it from the gay perspective, and would welcome any comments to help me understand. And I do not want to, nor have any intenton of addressing the issue as to whether being gay is a choice, nature, or anything else. I also won't discuss the religious aspects of gay activities because it is between the individuals involved and God. Last I checked, I marked answer "C. None of the above."

Here is my understanding of the marriage issue. I only understand the objections, to be honest. Civil unions are legal in many states. I know they are in mine. These give every right to gay individuals except the right to marry. They appear to be, to me, the same as a marriage. What is the big deal? Marriage usually has religious overtones, and, as such, is considered to be between a man and a woman, at least within the realms of all the religions of which I am familiar. I don't believe such a provision (civil unions) lessens anyone in any way.

Please, I welcome any comments to help explain why this way of thinking should be changed.

Some entertainment updates

OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!

Syesha Mercado was eliminated last night from American Idol after host Ryan Seacrest announced that 56 million home viewer votes were cast following Tuesday night’s performances.

I'm stunned.

Not that she was eliminated, but that 56 million votes were cast at a buck a vote. Where does that money go? I haven't watched Idol in many years, and I seem to remember it being pretty heavy with sponsorship (aka commercials.) So, at over 50 million dollars worth of votes, is Idol now like PBS, with its support coming from "Viewers Like You?"

If the premise of the show wasn't so hokey, and the singers so mediocre, I'd probably watch to find out. If the singers were any good, why haven't any of them been able to throw off the mantle of being on Idol? That is, why aren't any of them ever introduced without the "former Idol contestant/winner" tag assigned to them?

Throughout entertainment history, various contests have existed. Many years ago, the Amateur Hour featured top future entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Pat Boone, Nick Carter, Gladys Knight, Ann-Margret, Robert Klein, Raul Julia, Beverly Sills, Connie Francis, Maria Callas, Joey Dee and The Starlighters, Robert Merrill, and Jim Stafford. Did the "Amateur Hour" tag follow them for years? The appearance was at best a footnote, yet ex-Idols are always given the recognition as such.

Maybe it's just that we as a people have become rather, for lack of a better term, dumb. Not my readers, of course, but everyone else. Just look at some of th commercials on TV.

I watched the BMW one for the certified, used Beemers. "Look, Ed, it's a new car." Ok, it's not cute, it's not funny, and it's not clever. It's incredibly stupid and insults the intelligence of anyone watching it.

Or the wireless phone bill one where Dad is so obsessed with the phone bill, he ignores his daughter's scholarly achievements and son's driving through the wall. Oy vey. How dumb can a commercial get?

Sometimes I really get concerned about our future. We seem to be developing a class of techno-geniuses, and an underclass of dullards. Is this how mankind advances?

Is the media biased?

I just read the AP story of Hillary Clinton's win in West Virginia, and it raised a very interesting point. Here's the quote:

Nearly a quarter of the voters in West Virginia's primary were 60 or older, and a similar share had no education beyond high school, exit polls indicated. More than half were in families with incomes of $50,000 or less, and the former first lady was winning nearly 70 percent of their votes.

Now, here's where I have the problem and accuse the media of bias--Mrs. Clinton won with 67% of the vote state-wide. Although I've taught Math, so I'm slightly better at it than most people, but wouldn't almost everyone recognize and agree that 67% is nearly 70%? So, why is the AP writer trying to make it look as if a huge block of the Clinton supporters in West Virginia are old, poor, uneducated (aka dumb) racists? This is starting to annoy me. No one questions why blacks voted 19-1 in favor of Obama, yet it's fine to besmirch Clinton's supporters? I don't understand this at all.

By the way, before anyone accuse me of any kind of agenda, I'm only questioning this from a purely academic standpoint. I wonder why we don't get follow up questions. If the writer truly believed this (the suggestion of voting along racial lines) was significant, why leave it open to speculation? Ask the people at the exit poll why they voted as they did. It could have been done quickly and anonymously. To be perfectly honest, I would be upset if they voted against Mr. Obama because of his color. This is 2008, even in West Virginia.

The more I read about our political process, the more convinced I am that we need some sort of criteria to cast a vote. Perhaps one needs to recite at leat 2 potential policy differences between the candidates before they get in the booth. Hell, I'd take it if a voter could recite one significant policy difference.

Talking about clueless voters, in NJ we voted in a governor a few years ago, and many of those voting for him did so because "he's not a political insider." Of course, the guy who was "new" to the political scene was a former State Assemblyman and then State Senator, and a career politician. Never overestimate the intelligence of the American voting public.

Tying up some loose ends

I woke up this morning at 3 a.m. again. But this time I decided not to run with it. I did have an idea for the greatest blog entry ever. It would have won the Pulitzer, Peabody, Emmy, Tony, or whatever award goes to the best blog entry ever. But I chose to go back to bed, and when I git up around 7, I realized I had forgotten. I spent the next 2 hours thinking and hoping, but still--nothing. So, I was going to go with a Larry King-esque series of nonsequiters, but that was even worse than just not blogging at all.

So I have done the next best thing; just a few random observations. Things not worthy of an entire blog entry, but they are annoying me anyway.

As I listened to the radio, it was announced that one of the Freeloaders Freeholders had been given some county administration position. His pledge was to make the department more efficient. This tagline by every politician has become rather hackneyed. It's along the lines of "I'm Myron Ketchup, and I approve of this message" that follows every political commercial, or at least the ones from Myron for Mayor. I would think that after 20 years of eliminating the waste in government, we'd have none left. Could all those polticos have lied?

Say it ain't so, Joe.

I also heard them talk about the economic impact on us of the earthquake in China. In no way am I saying anything against those hurt or killed, for I am greiving for any pain they are now enduring. I'm talking just about the economic impact on us, only. It's time we do something about our dependence on Chinese goods. After all the contaminated food products, and the dangerous toys



it's time to make some changes.

And it's easy enough to do, really. Our government needs to support American manufacturing. Support, rather than handouts. I know a guy who used to be a health inspector. His goal was to protect the consumer, and to help the business he was inspecting. For example, one store used raw wood storage racks in their back room. He failed them for this. The store owner was very upset as he envisioned the cost for all new shelving. My buddy explained to him that to be in compliance, all that was needed was for the wood to be painted. Support. It cost the store owner almost nothing, made the consumer safer, and became win-win. I'm positive many such situations exist in the manufacturing sector. We have safety and other rules that are obtrusive, and border on ridiculous. We don't need business to run roughshod over the environment, nor do we need workers at risk, but we do need sensible solutions. I've heard that one of the biggest costs facing US manufacturing is in environmental compliance. Perhaps this is where government financial aid could be used? I find it abhorrent that we are destroying the environment in other countries so we can get cheaper goods.

Lastly, it's nice to see Britney Spears seems to be getting her life back on track. For the sake of her, and her kids, I hope she keeps it together.

We're from the government and here to help

From today's Wall Street Journal:

You may not know it, dear reader, but Congress is playing you for a sap. During the housing mania, you didn't lend money at teaser rates to borrowers who couldn't pay, or buy a bigger house than you could afford. You paid your bills on time. As a reward for that good judgment and restraint, Barney Frank is now going to let you bail out the least responsible bankers and borrowers.

The Massachusetts Democrat's housing bill passed the House Thursday, and it makes us wish we had splurged like so many others. In the name of helping strapped home buyers, Mr. Frank is giving lenders a chance to pass their worst paper onto Uncle Sugar. If both borrower and lender agree to participate, lenders can accept 85% of the current appraised mortgage value and in return get to dump up to $300 billion of those loans on the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Guess which loans they are likely to dump?

Looking at the details in Mr. Frank's 45-page first draft of this bill, FIS Applied Analytics estimated that taxpayer losses could reach as high as $27 billion, more than four times Mr. Frank's estimate. The next draft, clocking in at 72 pages when it passed Mr. Frank's committee, was miraculously scored by the Congressional Budget Office at "only" a $2.7 billion cost to taxpayers.

CBO lowballed it in part because it assumed that most people eligible for this assistance will not apply for it. It is true that some lenders may be wary of taking a 15% haircut off the top, but watch out if bankers and borrowers do take the taxpayers up on Mr. Frank's offer. This is especially likely because at the same time that Mr. Frank touts the lowball estimate, he is also making mortgage servicers an offer they can't refuse.

"I want to put the servicers on notice," the celebrated liberal declared at a recent hearing. "If we see a widespread refusal on the part of servicers to cooperate voluntarily in what we see as an important economic problem . . . they can expect much tougher regulation in the future." And they called Tom DeLay "the Hammer"?

The plan seems to get more generous by the week, at least if you're an ally of Mr. Frank. The monster he brought to the floor Thursday runs to hundreds of pages. State governments receive authority to issue $10 billion in tax-exempt bonds to subsidize home purchases and to help subprime borrowers refinance.

In a sop to builders, Mr. Frank also expands the low-income housing tax credit, and he creates a new refundable credit for certain home buyers. To help defray the cost to the Treasury, Mr. Frank raises taxes on multinational companies by delaying a scheduled reform. A law set to take effect this year would expand firms' ability to claim foreign tax credits and thereby avoid double taxation. Mr. Frank would put it off for another year.

Then there is the $230 million for housing counseling to be distributed by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. You might think that all of this money will simply be disbursed to left-wing activists in the nonprofit world. But at least $35 million is specifically earmarked for lawyers, who can then pursue foreclosure-related litigation. Now there's a way to help housing markets clear.

Also included is this addition to the Home Owners' Loan Act: "A Federal savings association may make investments, directly or indirectly, each of which is designed primarily to promote the public welfare . . . through the provision of housing, services, and jobs." Mr. Frank has got to be kidding. Federal savings associations are lenders regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, which was created in the wake of the 1980s savings and loan debacle. Despite the sorry state of bank balance sheets, the Congressman is now telling federal thrifts to make investments on criteria other than risk and return.

We can only imagine what else is buried in this tome, which deserves a Presidential veto. But the worst problem remains its invitation for bankers to dump their biggest losers on taxpayers. The Frank plan appears to take care of everyone in the housing market, except the renters and homeowners who lived within their means.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The worst part of this entire debacle is that the "crunch" only affects about 3% of the population, at most. Over a third of us are renters, and most of the rest either own their homes outright, or have been responsible. So, now it appears we have to get beat up (tax wise) because of the mistakes of others.

I fully understand how this can happen. People lose jobs or get sick, and it becomes nearly impossible to pay the bills. But I believe this is the minority. Most of those I know who have had these troubles (and yes, over the years, people have had these problems before) it is nearly always someone driving a newer and nicer car than I ever had, one who takes vacations like I never took, and who eats at restaurants I could never afford.

I've seen shows on TV where a person like Suzy Orman looks at one's finances and helps them get straightened out. In almost every case, they spend extravagently.

Heck, I have an acquaintance who went bankrupt a few years ago. She went almost straight from the bankruptcy hearing to the new car showroom. She's on her 3rd brand new car since the bankruptcy less than 10 years ago.



They have been having financial difficulties (again.) Since the bankruptcy, the house has been in danger of being in foreclosure (again.) Now, explain why this person should be bailed out (again.)

I worked with a woman who had financial difficulties. Money was tight. What did she drive? An economical car? Nope, a big ass Caddy. Even though gas was cheaper then, she still was using at least double what a reasonable sized car like a Toyota or Nissan would use. A person like her needs financial help because...?

I believe many of those (definately not all--sh*t happens) in trouble are there of their own doing. It seems no one is willing to take responsibility for their stupid actions. What's worse, is no one learns from them, it seems.

How far can I throw a laptop?

Even though I have been online for over 10 years, I'm still a technological knucklehead--little more than a caveman with a computer.



Fortunately, over the years I have mellowed quite a bit. When I am confronted with a computer problem, I no longer am this guy:



but I am more a civilized caveman.



To quote the late, great, Phil Hartman, as Cirroc, Caveman Lawyer, "I'm just a caveman. I fell on some ice and was later thawed by some of your scientists. Your world frightens and confuses me!"

So, how does all this tie in on this fine early Sunday morning? And why am I babbling on about my lack of computer ability?

Simple. I have been trying to be a better blogger. I also believe that some of my ideas are pretty logical, and I'd like to spread the word. Rather than stand at the town square, mount a soapbox, and become a public orator/gadfly, I am using the technology of today. Besides, where would I even find a soapbox, let alone one sturdy enough to support my substantial weight.

In public, I could be the victim of rocks, rotten food, or who knows what tossed at me, while here, the worst I have to dodge is some angry pixels.

Ok, Rambling Old Guy, back on track.

Yesterday, in order to promote my blogsite, and take over the known universe and spread peace and joy and heal mankind through my logical ideas, I decided to get a widget from entrecard. I was assured this would help me accomplish my goals. So I got one. So far, so good. I even figured out how to put it on my blog. It's over on the left somewhere. Yes, the Old Man has been officially dragged into the 21st century. I'm acquiring some techie skills.

Last night, I got some requests to advertise here. Seems like a good idea. Again, so far, so good. I logged into my entre account, approved, and all was right in the world.

Got up this morning, got some more requests in my inbox. Ok, I'll go check them out.

I can't get into my account. It said my password was incorrect. WTH? OK, maybe I made a mistake. So I tried again. Nada.

Now, I tried to request to reset my password. Considering my memory, I probably forgot my password, or something equally dopey.

I get the message The email address given does not exist

I tried to login from the address given to me in an email sent to me from them.

I am now totally verklempt. I have no idea what to do. I've evolved enough to realize that smashing the computer won't help. Yelling at it makes me feel a little better, but it still doesn't work. I tried some mild cussing--still nothing. Dropping the "F" bomb, again, fruitless.

I've given up for now. I'll try again later.

BTW, with a good slide afterward due to a low projectory, I'll bet I can toss my laptop 25 feet, easily.

Just sayin'

Reverend Wright Apologists

By now everyone knows the story--Reverend Wright spews hatred from the pulpit, and Barack Obama sits quietly and listens to it. FOR 20 YEARS!!!

How long would I sit in church and listen to something I claim to have vehemently opposed? I'm not sure, but I know for damn sure it wouldn't last for 20 years. Nor would I consider the minister spewing that garbage to be my spiritual advisor, nor refer to him as "my uncle." So now, because it is politically expedient, Obama tries to distance himself from Wright?

Sorry, I ain't buying what he's selling.

I was reading Newsweek about Oprah:

According to two sources, Winfrey was never comfortable with the tone of Wright's more incendiary sermons, which she knew had the power to damage her standing as America's favorite daytime talk-show host. "Oprah is a businesswoman, first and foremost," said one longtime friend, who requested anonymity when discussing Winfrey's personal sentiments. "She's always been aware that her audience is very mainstream, and doing anything to offend them just wouldn't be smart. She's been around black churches all her life, so Reverend Wright's anger-filled message didn't surprise her. But it just wasn't what she was looking for in a church."

Oprah was intelligent enough to know that Wright was offensive to many. She distanced herself from him after a short time. We'll never know if it was a business decision or if it was that in her heart, she knew he was wrong, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that she did not sit there for 20 years without reacting. Just sitting there and taking it all in. Maybe I'm wrong (it's happened before) but sitting quietly is acceptance of the message. No rational person would sit quietly for 20 years unless he or she agreed with the message.

As recently as December 2007, Wright's organization honored Louis Farrakhan, racist extraordinaire. While Obama had begun to seperate himself from Wright before then, it was about 20 years too late. Obama's lack of reaction for so long speaks to me of his character, or lack of it. I wonder if he ever would have reacted if it were not for the public outcry. And, by the way, Obama did apologize for Wright. His initial reactions were that sound bites were used to make him appear worse than he was.

I'm going to have to call shenanignas on that. It is nearly impossible to put denouncing Jews, Italians, and all white people in context. Stop apologizing, and stand up for what is right.

Mickey Mantle, HBO Documentary

Believe it or not, this is a sports documentary that will appeal to nearly everyone, from the most hard core sports fan, to anyone with an appreciation of the universality of man's struggle with life.

Years after his death, Mickey Mantle continues to be one of the most fascinating figures in sports history. HBO is currently airing a newly made documentary about his life and career. Neither Shakespeare nor Sophocles ever created a character in any work that was more heroic, yet more tragic than Mantle. His story is one of a man who worked hard to achieved success, and then became a victim of that success. This story has it all: Mantle ascended to the top of the highest mountain, then went into a personal hell, the depths of which made him an almost despicable person. Finally, in the third act, I mean in the twilight of his life, he attains true redemption and the peace he sought for so many years.

I could not recommend any special more than HBO's Mantle.

Yay, Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp. reported sales that rose more than analysts estimated after U.S. consumers bought discounted clothing and food as they contended with higher gasoline prices.

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, said sales at stores open at least a year climbed 3.2 percent, beating its forecast and sending the shares higher in early New York trading. Costco's sales advanced 8 percent...Wal-Mart climbed 36 cents to $57.19 at 9:43 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The retailer increased 20 percent this year through yesterday, the biggest gain in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Bloomberg.com



Isn't it wonderful? Lenin's quote, "The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them," comes to mind. Companies like Wal-Mart, ok they are probably the main one, put the economic squeeze on American companies and rather than buy here, at a fair price, they buy from China. China, the country with the human rights violations. China, the country that poisoned our pets, and sold toys painted with lead for our children, that is where Wal-Mart does most of its buying. The last report I read stated that Wal-Mart is China's 8th largest trading partner, bigger than all but 7 COUNTRIES. And what do American consumers do? They buy from Wal-Mart, a company that has policies that put Americans out of work. Furthermore, Wal-Mart treats its employees poorly. Health insurance? They don't need no stinkin' health insurance. Meanwhile, the Walton family heirs are among the richest in America. Recently, it was stated that if the 4 main Walton heirs put their fortunes together, it would be more than Bill Gates's fortune.

Yet, we line up to buy crap there.

I realize in some parts of the country, some people have no choice because Wal-Mart has already destroyed the local economy, forcing out small businesses. But in much of the rest of the country, we have choices. Most folks I know have homes loaded with junk they don't need. Hey, just go to a couple garage sales around here, and you'll see what I mean. If the choice is Wal-Mart or starve, by all means, go to Wal-Mart. But I don't believe most are buying essentials from Wal-Mart, they are just buying crap. And others are selling out their neighbors for a few pieces of silver.

Are voters racist? Hillary getting a bad deal

The media has been all over Hillary Clinton to quit the race. They seem to be skewing the news, as she "barely wins in Indiana," while Obama "wins in a landslide" in North Carolina. And, again, two huge states, Michigan and Florida, don't count because the DNC decided they did not have the right to move up their primaries.

What a total bunch of nonsense.

It was just announced on TV that African American voters in No. Carolina voted 94% for Obama. WTH???

He is getting those votes only because he is black. Clinton has done at least as much (probably more) for the black community than Obama ever has, yet she is virtually shut out? I can understand if Obama had a huge majority among blacks, but 94%? Racism, pure and simple.

I don't really have a dog in this fight, I guess, because I won't vote for either one. I'm a registered Democrat, but can't in good conscience vote for either one in the Presidential election. I'm not voting for McCain, either. I'm one of those who wastes his vote by choosing either a Libertarian or Green candidate. Not that I believe any of those have a chance in hell of winning, but it is impossible to pull the lever for one I have no faith in at all.

It's tough being a compassionate Conservative. Bush ruined that for us. He is neither, although that is the bill of goods he sold the voters in 2000.

Sock it to me?

That was the phrase that won the Presidential election of 1968.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ItU6tkdF2A

Richard Nixon appeared on one of the top sketch comedy shows of the day (one of the greatest of all-time, really.) Laugh-in had the effect of humanizing him, and made him into an electable candidate. He went from a punchline of many jokes to almost lovable. This was the first time such a tactic was used.

Today, appearing on TV programs is a staple part of the campaign. A week or so ago, John McCain appeared on WWE Wrestling (you can't make this up.) Hosting, or at least being a part of a comedy or funny talk show is almost routine for presidential candidates. Obama has been on Letterman to do a Top Ten List, and last night it was Hillary's turn.

In case you missed it, here is her list:

10. "We have more Dakotas than every other country combined."

9. "Canadian bacon: soggy and chewy; American bacon: crisp and delicious!"

8. "Thanks to the internet, I can order new pantsuits 24/7. There's your pantsuit joke, Dave. Are you happy now?"

7. "232 years and not one cookie shortage."

6. "TiVo."

5. "Did I mention the soup? Mmm, soup."

4. "Did you know former President Teddy Roosevelt was an American?"

3. "Where else can you get a car painted for $29.95?"

2. "Is this the part where I say, 'Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!'?"

1. "Apparently anyone can get a talk show."


Apparently, making a fool of oneself is the way to win the hearts of Americans.

I wonder if either party is thinking about Carrot Top for 2012?

I Don't Want to Grow Up

I'm not sure why I titled this entry what I did, but I guess after reading the following quote, I couldn't get the Toys R Us jingle out of my head. : )

All my life I used to wonder what I would become when I grew up. Then, about seven years ago, I realized that I was never going to grow up...that growing is an ever ongoing process.

M. Scott Peck

I picked this quote today because this is an issue that has been on my mind. We, as humans, continue to evolve as a species and as individuals every day. I know I'm a different man than I was a few years ago, and I'd like to think I'm a better person, too.

Life is a learning process, and the ultimate knowledge is that which we learn of ourselves.

Lifestyles of the uber rich and not very famous

I was just looking at the list of the world's richest individuals, and it dawned on me that the overwhelming majority are pretty much unknown here in the USA. Outside of Warren Buffett and Bill gates, the rest are from other countries, and truth be told, names not recognized by us.

Warren Buffett (US): $62bn
Carlos Slim (Mexico): $60bn
Bill Gates (US): $58bn
Lakshmi Mittal (India): $45bn
Mukesh Ambani (India): $43bn
Anil Ambani (India): $42bn
Ingvar Kamprad (Sweden): $31bn
KP Singh (India): $30bn
Oleg Deripaska (Russia): $28bn
Karl Albrecht (Germany): $27bn

But here is what I thought about: the plight of Africa and many other countries without pure water. I have read that it costs anywhere from $70 to $300 depending on who is giving the estimate. If each of these top super rich billionaires gave just $30,000,000 each, a pittance by their standards, almost like a dollar to you and me, a million wells could be drilled. If just one gave a billion dollars, over a quarter million wells could be drilled. The impact of fresh water is tremendous for a local area. It allows them to be self-sufficient. It frees up hours normally spent just attaining this staple of life that we take for granted being available right at our tap. It allows crops to grow, and for the people living there to be more healthy.
The billionaires have the ability to change the world for untold millions.

Addendum:

I was looking at the list, and I realized that 5 of the top ten are from countries that are considered to be extremely poor. It makes me wonder about how wealth is distributed, and why we, as Americans, feel so obligated to help others when their own countrymen don't seem to care.

Today was one of the most difficult of my life

I got back a little while ago from the service for my friend, Bob. In addition to having a great sense of humor, Bob was one of the most extraordinary gentle men I have ever known. I seperated those words for a reason. Bob was a gentle man. I remembered how we would hang out in his garage doing guy stuff--working on cars, bikes, whatever. Ok, it was mostly him working on his car and bike, and I provided comic relief because my mechanical knowledge would barely fill an index card, while Bob could do almost anything. What he couldn't do, he would teach himself to do.

During these work sessions, chipmunks would come into the garage, and go up to Bob. He would tell them to hold on a minute, and he then give them a peanut from the stash he kept in the garage. This was done like it was the most normal thing in the world.

But what really struck me today was the fragile nature of our existence. Bob was a powerful man. He was 6'5" and strong and healthy. When we were younger, he was a really good athlete, and could have been a jock if he wanted to. He did all the crazy stuff young men do. He was a biker all his life, and he may have occasionally played fast and loose with speed limits. Ok, on more than one occasion, police showed up at his home and told him, "Look we know it was you," referring to reports of a bike racing through his hometown at speeds that were in triple digits. Considering that he was the only one in town with a street legal racing bike, they really didn't have to think too much to figure out who it was.

But all it took to end the life of this strong man was the flu. I'm sure, wherever Bob is, he is laughing his ass off about that.

Divorce sucks

I spent time on the phone yesterday speaking to an old friend. He's going through a nasty divorce. His can't be soon enough ex-wife is really making it hard for him. It's not the financial part of it, it's that she is engaging in spiteful behavior. How can two people who used to be in love be so vicious towards one another?

I know the old joke is that divorce is so expensive because it's worth it, but why does it have to be hurtful? Funny part is, this is the third divorce I've heard of recently where the one who initiated it by doing things that were wrong in the context of marriage, act like they were so aggrieved. Can't anyone own up to their shortcomings? Won't anyone admit wrongdoing any more?

I'm going to my buddy's memorial service today. He and his wife were together for 27 years. They had rough patches, but they got through them because they started out as friends, and worked through problems and stayed friends. I never heard Bob utter an unkind word about anyone (ok, maybe a few of his bosses, but we all know what jerks they can be) and perhaps that is a huge part of the reason he and his wife were so happy for so long.

The Democrats are confusing me

I don't under stand why so many are coming out and saying Hillary should drop out of the race and get behind Obama. I'm confused for a number of reasons. First, would be that the race is still close. By her just dropping out, when the race is still very tight, and a number of voters haven't been heard yet, sounds, for lack of a better term, not very democratic.

Secondly, her dropping out without a winner being decided makes anyone who supported her insignificant, as if they don't count. If I back someone and they lose, I could deal with that, but if they were pressured to quit while it was still a race, I would be offended.

Third, the logic that by focusing on each other rather than McCain, is destructive and is a faulty premise. The American voting public has a short memory, at best. The all-important first primary was in New Hampshire. How many people can name all the candidates? Mrs. Clinton came in first, Obama came in second. I doubt few people can name who came in 3rd, or any of the other high rated candidates, let alone some of the fringe ones. The Democratic National Convention is in August. 10 weeks is more than enough time to decide. These folks are not exactly unknowns. I think they are selling the American public short by assuming we need more than 10 weeks to make a decision.

Let the registered voters decide. If it is still undecided come August, let it be dealt with it then. That is democracy in action.

A Bob Story

I have been thinking about my buddy Bob all morning.

I wanted to share one of the stories that just describes the kind of guy he was. Back when we were around 17 or 18, a huge snow storm hit NJ. We drove around (back then gas was around 30 cents a gallon, so it was not an unusual activity --why am I starting to sound like Grandpa Simpson?) anyway, we came upon a car stuck in the snow. We pulled over and pushed the car out and got the driver back on the road. Bob decided it was fun helping out stranded motorists, so we spent the next few hours driving around and pushing people stuck in the snow. Most of them offered us money, but we never took a dime. Just randomly helping out strangers, that was the kind of guy he was. You can only imagine just how great a friend he was.

It's Hard to Find the Words

I got a call around 8:00 tonight from the wife of one of my oldest friends. My buddy passed away from the flu. I am still in a state of disbelief. Bob was one of the biggest, toughest, most athletic guys I ever knew, and he died from the friggin' flu. He got sick about 2 weeks ago, and it turned into pneumonia, I guess, and he never got better. Bob was a great guy, always ready to help anyone. I could blog for days with Bob stories. But I'm not ready right now to talk about him. I'm just too sad.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

WTH?????

I need to know what is up with those things where I have to sign in or sign up and leave a comment at MySpace, eBay or various other places. It will say to type in the following code. What the hell is it? I can barely make out the letters.

Is that Pi, then some Greek letters, and an ankh? I don't even have those keys on my computer. I totally understand the logic, but why are the letters so damn hard to read? The other day, I had to guess 3 times before I finally got a letter pattern I could read.

I should be able to leave a comment without studying Egyptian or Sanskrit first.

Just sayin'.

According to Jim

According to Jim is in its 8th season, and I have no idea why. Are we that starved for entertainment that such a plain vanilla show just goes on and on?

Here's the part I don't get, though. I like the entire cast. Jim Belushi has been in some movies I liked, and whenever he is on a talk show, he is worth watching. He's a funny guy. I like the guy who plays Andy (notice I'm not even interested enough to look up names, thats how boring the show can be,) Jim's wife, and all the ancillary characters. But, put it all together, and it's "family entertainment," which is code for boring.

I don't even mind family entertainment. I love the Simpsons, which is family fare. Maybe I'm just tired of shows where Dad is a buffoon, made fun of by the sister-in-law, wife, kids, and whoever is in the neighborhood. This doesn't bother me with the Simpsons because well, Homer is a cartoon. I can suspend belief. I should be able to do the same with Jim, but I just can't. I can only assume I dislike it because it's just so formulaic: conflict, Jim over reacts, wife or other family member gets upset, Jim saves the day, everyone hugs after wife or family members get out an "Oh, Jim."

Yawn. I can't remember ever having a LOL moment while watching the show. I'm embarassed to say I've watched quite a few episodes when there was even worse on elsewhere.

I'd have to rate the show a rather disappointing 4.8



It's been a while, so here's a quick review of my ratings system:
10--a prime show. The Sopranos or 24 would rate a 10.
9-- definately worth watching. Think South Park or Seinfeld re-runs. Not as funny as the first time, but still great TV fare.
8-- Pretty darn good stuff. If you can't be home, you'd consider setting up the VCR or DVR. Some solid 8's would be Earl, or Everybody Hates Chris.
7-- Not quite good enough to record. But you can look forward to watching. The Office is the first show that comes to mind as a 7.
6--Now we get into the shows that are ok, but only a first choice if other shows are re-runs. You won't mind watching a 6 at a different time. Britcoms are 6's.
5-- Think of a movie you liked, but have seen a dozen times or more.You'd choose the movie over the program, then the program is a
5. Mash and almost everything on TVLAND has become a 5.
4--Crappy show, but with some redeeming quality, like it features hot chicks. Any show with Pam Anderson would be a 4.
3--Only worth watching if the only alternative is infommercials. Fishing shows are 3.
2-- About the same as a good infommercial. QVC is a 2.
1-- Infommercials, unless they are The Knife Collector Show. They sell swords!

Has South Park Jumped the Shark? Poor Britney Spears.

This year, while they have had some great episodes like Super Fun Time, the Britney Spears episode was just so..I don't know..disturbing. And the "no intenet" one had it's moments, but overall, just lacking a little bit. I'm almost expecting Ted McGinley to show up any episode now.

I wonder if he'll be sporting a faux hawk when he does.

I will be following this closely.

FYI (because I like to educate and inform)

What is "Jumping the Shark?"

Here's the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpraJYnbVtE

http://www.jumptheshark.com/index.jspa

My cyber stalker

When I got this computer, I had a security program on a trial basis. I used it for a short period of time (maybe 30 days) and decided not to continue. Now, every day, like some former depraved, obsessive jilted lover, I get a popup reminding me to renew. You'd think after 8 months it would stop. It's relentless.

About once a week or so I get a note from a different service that will find all the computer problems that I have. It turns out the only two problems I have are these never ending reminders to buy the services that will prevent others like them.

I wonder if I can arrange to have the one meet the other? Sort of a cyber lonely hearts club bot dating service. Hmm.

Fox 5 Messes with my Head

I love watching my TV infotainment in the morning. And, Fox 5 in NY is my favorite station. But I have a problem with it. I seem to develop an emotional attachment to the on air personalities. I need to get my soft news from Jodi Applegate and her co-anchor. She's been through quite a few since I started watching. The latest was Ron Corning. He just disappeared. At least with some of the team, they announce that they are leaving. I just tune in hoping to see Ron, and I see some other guy. The weather, man, Mike Woods (who I think the Crotchety Old Lady has a secret crush on)
has been around for a long time. The traffic reporter and the other woman--who doesn't get a title, I guess, seem to last longer than co-anchors. The field reporters have a longer shelf life, but even they just disappear with no notice.

I hate when that happens.

Traffic Reporter Ines Rosales

I Hate Spam

No, not the mystery meat in a can that is favored by Hawaiians and geriatrics everywhere else. But the darn spam that comes in my email every day. And the worst is I fell for a spammer/scammer today. It just seemed to be so simple and safe.

Bastards.

I don't see the difference between this and stealing or harassment.

The method of Tagged.com is best described in a blog by Rubymoon at

http://alphawomen.com/me-me-me-me-me/heads-spam-mail-more

"My e-mail address has been spammed! How? I was sent an e-mail with my sister in law's name..inviting me to Tagged.com. This website is a spam website. Once you click on the yes button to verify that this person is a friend..you have to register. Then they will ask you for your e-mail address and you PASSWORD! Yes, I was foolish enough to enter it. I actually didnt think anything of it. Usually Im very careful and weary. Anyhow..there are e-mails that have a link "unsubscribe"..it will actually subscribe you without your consent & send you a thank you e-mail. Then I got these "Return Path" e-mails asking to verify that I wanted to update my e-mail address for Sprint Nextel. I dont even have an account with them! This e-mail had my email address from where the spam started..and wanted me to update "my account" with my yahoo email address. I kept wondering how they knew it. So please, please..read your e-mails carefully, if you find them the slightest bit suspicious, do not click on any link. Do not even open the link on a new tab! Yes, Im that foolish..lol, apparently. *sigh* And once again, I am truly sorry for causing this mess. Remember "Tagged.com"

I don't think she will mind me borrowing her perfect explanation.

New Scientific Study...Blogging Makes You Smarter

OK, it's not very scientific, and I'm the only participant, but headlines sell. And blogging is making me smarter.

"How so, Old Man," you may ask? Simple, really. Blogging on my 3, and counting, blogs is forcing me to expand my horizons. Because I feel an obligation to my readers and myself, I drag myself away from watching really bad TV, like TMZ or any of the other celeb news programs and horrible sitcoms, and instead watch good movies, or even read.

Sure, a lot of what I read is in the blogoshpere, but the intermingling of ideas is what makes the web exciting. I also get to read news articles from around the world, and again, find different perspectives.

And while I am as interested as the next guy to find out what Britney Spears or Lindsey Lohan is up to, it's nice to keep my mind active with real news, too.

It's funny, but the more I discover about others, the more I discover about me.

Is This Any Way to Treat a Hero?

Is this how you would treat a hero?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46vYZFU1Dew

This video showed the conditions at Fort Bragg, home to the renowned 82nd Airborne.

The Mission of the 82nd , taken right from their own website is: Within 18 hours of notification, the 82nd Airborne Division strategically deploys, conducts forcible entry parachute assault and secures key objectives for follow-on military operations in support of U.S. national interests.

They have a long, storied, and proud history. They have served the United States well. And, after serving us, this is how we treat them? Have them housed in deplorable conditions, and expose them to heaven knows what diseases.

The video asks us to contact Colonel Fox at Fort Bragg, but after spending an hour, I was unable to find any phone number, e-mail, or even a mailing address for him or any of the big Kahunas in the military high command. So, I drafted a letter to the Boss, President Bush. I will e-mail it as soon as I post this blog. I don’t know if it will help, but it sure can’t hurt.

Here’s my letter:

Dear President Bush:

I have seen, through video and newspaper coverage, stories about the abysmal living conditions at Fort Bragg. Our fighting men and woman put their lives on the line for America, and while this is something for which no price could ever be determined, we do owe them, at the very least, safe, sanitary, and comfortable living conditions when they return to the United States. Our heroes deserve nothing less. I ask you to please help resolve this issue.

Respectfully,

Me

President Bush may be contacted at

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington D.C. 20500

Or

Comments@whitehouse.gov

Or

A comment may be left at (202) 456-1111

Please do your part to right this injustice.

Televisions Little Annoyances

For all of my TV viewing life, with rare exceptions, TV shows have started and ended in convenient little intervals. They start and stop on the hour or half-hour, and last either 30 or 60 minutes. TBS did try some an experiment when they first started out with programming on the 5's, but obviously that didn't work out.

So, what is up with this stupid crap that Gray's Anatomy and The Office did last night and have been doing all too frequently? Gray's ran 62 minutes, and the Office went 31. The biggest irritant? Gray's ended, more or less at 60 minutes, but I can't turn it off until the Old Lady sees the coming attractions for next week. Not that she, or most of the viewing public will remember them, mind you, but it is done to stretch it out even more. This stupid ploy is a way to provide a lead in for the next program. But all it does is make me miss the opening of the show I want to watch. And, of course, make me angry with the Old Lady for making me miss it so she can see the previews that she is going to forget anyway. Here's an idea: instead of gimmickry, why not offer quality programming? That sleight of hand may have been more successful before remotes, but now, it just takes a quick click to get me out of bad TV.

Another thing that really makes me irritated is that it seems every successful show becomes a double episode. Biggest Loser was probably the first show that did it. The 2 hour super special season premiere episodes have morphed into a regular part of the schedule. And, of course, much of the show is just repetition, as they recap highlights seen earlier. And now, Deal or No Deal has adopted the same formula. It is almost as if they punish the faithful viewer and reward the channel flipper.

Considering my well-known short attention span, anyone can guess what I do. I watch a different show for the first hour, and then tune in later, or vice versa, just checking in quickly near the end of the show to see who won. Their programming strategy is doing, with me, exactly the opposite of what they wanted. They are encouraging me to tune out.

Not that anyone cares, but Leyla is my favorite Deal or No Deal model.

Giving some love to the Red Sox

It may be the cold medicine talking, but I realized recently that the Sox have a second player I don't hate. This may not seem like big news to anyone, but I have hated the Sox since my first game as a Crotchety Little Kid waaaaay back in 1961. And since then I have hated every player except Manny. I still want him to strike out every single at bat versus the Yankees, of course, but I don't hate him. I may even admit that I like him. Guy just makes me LOL.
But I did say a second player exists.

Sean Casey, back up infielder/DH was just mentioned on Mike and Mike the other day as being a really good guy. This made me happy because the Crotchety Old Lady and I met him when he was a rookie with the Indians. He was a really nice kid from South Jersey, and we have kind of watched his career over the years. It's good to know he is still a decent guy. I hope he does well, but not so well as to ever cost the Yankees a game.

It was nice to see the shirt that the moron buried in the new Yankee Stadium has raised some serious change for the Jimmy Fund. It ended at $175,000. Good to see some positive coming out of the actions of an idiot. Most actions don't have such a happy ending.

I'm Sick + The Farm Report

I have a cold, so I feel like crap. Went through a big box of tissues yesterday, and today ain't looking any better. I'm using every available OTC cold fighter known to modern man, and they seem to work for about 10 minutes.
Cold-Eeze

Emergen-C

Airborn

Kold Kare

Infagard

Clinical Air

Yup, an entire cocktail of these, and no help at all.

Today I have read about the coming food price surges. It is already hitting countries like Haiti and many others. Imagine how thrilled those who are starving must be to find that producers in the USA and Canada are being paid either to grow less, or to grow corn for ethanol. Especially if they ever knew that ethanol doesn't work.

Do our legislators ever f'ing study anything that they vote in? All they seem to do is pander to the loudest voice and that usually results in the most short-sighted legislation possible.

And, I have to blame the voters. We should elect more responsible representatives, and do a little research ourselves. Is showing up every 4 years enough to keep this republic free and responsive?

I doubt it.

Big Bang Theory--can this be my new favorite show?

In the NYC area, Monday nights at 8:00 is the time for what may be one of the funniest shows I've seen in a long time. The Big Bang Theory on CBS is very, very funny.
Of course it's formulaic. Won't find anything groundbreaking in the set up or even most of the plots. 4 nerdy young guys, all doctors (not medical, rather in scientific fields) hang out together, and 2 share an apartment. Beautiful (ok, hot) single girl, played by Kaley Cuoco, moves in next door, and the nerdy guys are smitten. They have no idea how to deal with her, and hilarity ensues.

OK, so the basic premise is kind of hackneyed. But the writing is crisp, while the jokes fly fast and furiously. Every nerd stereotype is exploited to its full potential, so I can't imagine this show lasting very long, like a Seinfeld or some other classic comedy. However, I am really enjoying it while it's here. For today, it's can't miss TV.

I rate it a solid 9.6.


Kaley Cuoco:
Remember her from 8 Simple Rules?



http://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory

Our health care system in this country is perfect as is

Just ask anyone with full benefits and a $10 co-pay. But for so many others, it's not so hot. I have an online friend who has failing kidneys. She is on the transplant list, but was just told she will not get the operation because she can not afford to pay for the drugs she will need after the operation for the rest of her life. These meds she needs are not covered by Medicaid. But let a f'ing crackhead need heaven knows what for as long as can be, and all is well. What the hell is wrong with anyone who does not see this as a system that is in serious need of something being done?

I don't know the answer. I have no idea how to solve the health care situation, but I do know saying it's the best in the world is a bunch of claptrap.

Right now, I am paying over a thousand dollars a month for insurance (not particularly good insurance at that) and medication and various and sundry items. Based upon what I have paid so far, including a couple expenses I doubt I'll have again this year, I expect to pay out over $16,000 in health care costs, just for me. If I worked and made minimum wage, that would be about my entire paycheck, if I got some overtime. How can these people survive?

It pains me to no end to see that 4 of the top ten billionaires on the list are from a company that does not believe in paying benefits for its workers. This same company used to pride itself on supporting American factories, but now it imports mostly from China. The only Americans it supports it pays minimum wage and gives no health benefits to. They should be embarassed, but instead, they point with pride to their father and his legacy.

Shouldn't there be more to business than the bottom line?

When I think about some of the great business leaders of the last century, I see men of vision, men who understood the old adage, everybody eats. Today, I see men and women who are so distanced from their employees, who only live by numbers. They import crap from companies that use deadly poison in food products (but it's cheaper) and use lead paint on kid's toys (but they were cheaper.) They kill our planet and our people while filling their pockets. Get mine, get enough, then get some more. For shame.

And this health care dilemna is just an extension of this same self-centered attitude. And, sadly, this attitude has trickled down. As long as I can get my Viagra script filled for 10 bucks, screw the person who is going to die because she doesn't have the money for her kidney meds. Some days it's hard to admit being a member of the human race.

I like the Pope as much as the next guy, but...

does he have to be on nearly every channel?

Sure, it was a big deal that His Holiness came to NYC, but he was on my cable system in the NY market, channels 2,4,6,7,9,11, and 68. At the same time. Who knows, he may have been on even more, I just got tired of checking the other ones on the dial. And the worst part of it all? He was simply getting on his plane, Shepherd One.

And what surprised me also is that it was an Alitalia plane. I thought the Pope had his own plane. Even John Travolta has his own plane, and the Pope is the top man in a bigger religion, while Travolta is what, a uber Theton or something like that? Should be no contest. But the Pope does have the cooler ride, that must count for something, I suppose.

Gawd, I love Bollywood

I just watched Dhoom2 (available from Netflix) and I truly love Bollywood movies. Just something about them that is hard to describe. First, the movies are long. Bollywood films generally give about 25% more movie for your money. This one was 2 hours and 15 minutes. And it was loaded with action, beautiful women, and according to the Crotchety Old Lady, very handsome men. (Direct quote from her--"My, isn't he fit!)
One thing that must be understood to really appreciate a Bollywood film is that it really doesn't flow like an American or Hollywood one. Dhoom2 started out with a daring robbery to set the tone and introduce the thief, and an equally exciting, (re: unbelievable) introduction of the police officers on the case. A drug deal broken up by, hell, you have to see it to believe it. Just as we settled in for a good old-fashioned spy/action/thriller/police movie --Bam--a dance number.

In case anyone had thought it made sense at that point, well, no, it didn't. Other scenes just randomly put in involved a basketball game in the pouring rain, a ride in a dune buggy on the freeway, and a few more dance numbers. The plot is pretty unbelievable, sort of a love story, sort of a mystery.

I give up. The only genre it fits is Bollywood entertainment. But somehow, the movie works. It is really entertaining, if long. But I stayed awake during it, which is more than I can say about most movies. I love Bollywood movies. Have I mentioned that before?

Here's one of the female leads, Bipasha Basu

Daytime TV stinks--TGIM

I'm pretty much on my own all day, just me and close to 200 channels of bad TV. Fortunately, Comedy Central runs repeats of the Daily Show and Colbert, so that the vast wasteland does have the occasional entertainment oasis.
Another break from terrible TV is Monk. I'm not entirely sure why I like the show. It doesn't have the suspense even of Scooby Doo and doesn't come close to a fair to middlin' whodunit like Murder She Wrote. But there is something about the character, Adrian Monk, that is endearing. It must be that he is one of the greatest detectives in the world, yet he is called, behind his back, the defective detective.

He is able to excel despite his flaws and fears. While he rarely overcomes his negative character traits, he continues to do his job in spite of them. The show is more comedy than detective show, more human interest than interesting crimes.

A typical episode would be one like Mr Monk and the Psychic. A local official's wife is killed (by the way, the opening of the show details who did it--mystery solved) and the rest of the episode is used to discredit the psychic who found the body, and to pin the rap on the murderer.

Monk begins nearly every case by deciding "he's the guy," and then setting out to gather evidence. It is sort of a reverse whodunit, may be the best way to explain it. But the show maintains my interest through the interpersonal relationships of Monk, the San Francisco PD, Monk's assistant, his psychiatrist, and occasionally, various ancilliary characters.

Monk's assistant (there have been a couple from season to season) has such duties as providing nursing care for Mr Monk, along with maintaining his list of fears. Naturally, his list is in perfect order. A recent episode included an encounter with frogs. Mr Monk had to decide if he was afraid of frogs (he decided he was) and then had to determine where they went on the list.

I rate this show pretty highly, putting it at a very solid 7.2.

Instant Gratification Gone Wild

I was watching a TV program (ok, I admit it was Oprah) about waste. First was featured a family that just was on the verge of bankruptcy. It was shown how much they wasted. By one week of living without wasting, they were able to save about $400!!! I was shocked people lived like that. Mom made 4 seperate dinners for her family w/3 kids. She threw out huge garbage bags full of spoiled food because they refused to eat leftovers. One kid had a half-dozen or so a day bottled water habit. After making breakfast, which the kids didn't eat, they went out to Dunkin for another breakfast, buying donuts and bagels. The one kid probably had 100 or so outfits in her closet, many of which she never even used. The family kept the heat between 75 and 80 because one kid felt a chill.
The second family had a kid (maybe around 7) who had a twice a week Starbucks habit, along with a 5 year-old with a video game habit. Dad had lunch packed for him, but most days he threw itout to get something different.

According to audience response, this large scale waste is apparently a common problem.

This all got me thinking about various things.

How freaking stupid are these people?

Who doesn't know that throwing out hundreds of dollars worth of food every week, along with keeping the heat on 75 is going to lead to ridiculously high bills? Who is surprised that eating out multiple times per week is expensive? And who didn't know how costly, both to the pocketbook and the environment, bottled water can be?

What I'd like to know most, I suppose, is who has hired these folks and why are they paid so much when they are not able to make the most common sense decisions?

The best we can do

As the election process winds down, it appears, barring any last minute miracles, that Obama will run against McCain for President. Not for nothing, but is this the best we can do? Once again, I will not be able to vote FOR someone, I will vote against someone.

Is it me, or are these choices really terrible? Not saying Mrs. Clinton is any better, either. The last person I voted for (with a legitimate chance to win) was over 20 years ago. I supported Reagan, and to be truthful, he didn't do as much as I'd hoped. Looking back, his record is not nearly as good as folks give him credit. To borrow a word that is making the rounds, there appears to be a Santa Clausification of Reagan. He has taken on mythical qualities, delivering prosperity and fulfilling dreams. Among Republicans, he is considered one of, if not the greatest, Republican President ever. I can only presume they never heard of Teddy Roosevelt or Abe Lincoln.

What is the answer? The only one I can see is a movement towards additional political parties. How likely is it that I could find someone who stands for me when I generally only have 2 choices? One of the most beautiful parts of our system is our President is powerful, yet not all-powerful. I can only imagine the progress we could make as a people if our Congress was composed not of 2 parties, each with around 50%, but instead a legitimate 3rd or 4th party, with enough clout to swing a vote either way. Voting would not always follow party lines, but representatives could actually wind up speaking for the people who selected them.

Goodbye Verizon

I only have only one other option to Verizon, and that is Cablevision. Tomorrow, they will show up and switch me over. It costs a bit, but I will save around $40 per month, so in a month or two, I'll be even.
It stinks that we have such few choices, but, for today, at least one exists. Competition makes every one better, and keeps prices down. I wonder how good things would be if true competition was allowed to exist in a free market?

Not too much to say today. Feeling kind of bummed. One of the guys I went to grammar and high school died last week, and it was pretty impressive reading all he accomplished. Made me realize how much I screwed up, I guess. It's said, it's all about the dash. The part of a tombstone that is between the year of birth and death. I just got to feeling that my dash is pretty lacking.

All I can do is the best I can from this point on.

**sigh**

The Money Mess

I watch the ads for instant loans (Cash call and the like) and I wonder who is using them. The rate is a Mafia-like 99.25%. I thought we had laws against predatory lenders. Or is that considered a fair rate of return? Credit cards are bad enough with the 30% they charge some customers, but this is triple that usurious rate.
I realize they claim the rates are valid because the individuals are credit risks, but if they are that bad a risk, they shouldn’t get any loan at all, let alone one that is so high it almost guarantees that the borrower will default.

I’ve read a lot of the stories about people defaulting on their mortgages. Many are quick to point out that the reason people over extend themselves is greed, wanting it all at once--instant gratification gone wild. Certainly that is a lot of it, but it should be pointed out that in many cases, buyers were assured that before the ARM became too expensive, the buyer could convert from the ridiculously low teaser rate into a regular mortgage. So, who’s at fault? Do we blame the person who tried to make it work, or the lender lying to make the deal? Seems to be a combination of the 2. Couple that with plunging housing prices, and that makes it nearly impossible to get out of a house with a mortgage that is strangling one’s budget.

The folks I feel the most empathy for is the homeowners who borrowed to either make needed repairs, or to pay medical bills or some other unusual expenses. They tried to do the right thing, and are getting punished for it. One of the biggest problems with government intervention is that it either becomes too onerous, or it will exclude those who are normally responsible and truly need the help.

What is the happy medium?

I made it!!!

The Crotchety Old Lady goes back to work tomorrow. She's been home recovering from her toe surgery, 24-7 for 5 years. Ok, it's felt like 5 years. It was only about a month, but one of the longest months in recorded history.

Not that she isn't fun to have around. She has a great sense of humor, and is fun to talk to, but I need my space, dammit! I've watched so many Soap Operas and Oprah, I think I'm beginning to menstruate. If there is bad TV, I swear that woman will find it, and become enamored of it.

And speaking of Oprah, what is her deal? I admit I have seen the show a few times, and it is occasionally interesting, but the majority of it is basic celebrity yammering. I don't give a crap what 99.9999% of Hollywood types say or think. I could not possibly care less about what book Oprah is reading. I don't dislike the woman, but oy vey, her program is annoying as hell.

Some odds and ends

I watched a pretty decent movie last night. Surf's Up is an animated film that kids would like, but I enjoyed it a lot. Sure, it had a lesson, and was very predictable, but it was funny.

I have seen a trailer for the new Harold and Kumar movie, Escape from Guantanamo Bay. They are the Cheech and Chong of a new generation, but much funnier. And NPH as himself is the best.

Kal Penn, the Kumar of the duo, has appeared in a serious Bollywood film, The Namesake, and I highly recommend it. It's not what one usually associates with Bollywood, as it had no musical numbers, or lame comedy. It was a touching, dramatic family film.

A little teaser for Guantanamo Bay

http://youtube.com/watch?v=y_NOc6yH5JY

I'd like to give a shout out to Jesus

I was watching The Price Is Right the other day, and I was amazed by what I saw. First of all, the show is much better without Bob Barker. I started to find him rather smarmy-- an old man surrounded by “Barker’s Beauties.” I only watched the show when I’m in the hospital as channels are limited. But I have started viewing it since Drew Carey became the new host. Drew is one of my all-time favorite comics, a very funny guy, although he does tone it down a lot on the show. Still, it cracks me up when he gets the occasional hot chick contestant. It’s subtle, but he definitely acts differently. He also does get in some really good one liners during the show.
But I digress from what had been the main focus of today’s writing. Drew always asks the contestant spinning the big wheel to try to get into the showcase at the end of the game the same question: “Is there anyone you’d like to say hello to?” At least twice this last week, a contestant said, “I’d like to give a shout out to my Mom, and to Jesus.”

This really starts a stream of questions in my mind.

Will Jesus then help the guy on the wheel?

Does Jesus think, “Hey, that guy just gave Me a shout out. Cool”

And probably the last question, and the one that resonates most loudly in my demented brain, what would the show do if the contestant said, “I would like to give a shout out to the hoary Lord of the Underworld, Beelzebub. Satan Rocks!!!”

And lastly, everyone always thanks Jesus or God when they do well. Did anyone ever complain that they lost because God liked the other contestant better? I would.

The ethanol "solution"

Once again, government is foisting some phoney, feel-good scheme upon the people of the USA. And, once again, we are falling for it.
"Let's get fuel from distilling corn," is the latest example. On the surface, it looks great. After all, we produce millions of tons of corn. Corn is a renewable resource. Alcohol burns cleaner than petroleum based fules. What could be better?

Woohoo, time to go order my new SUV. My fuel woes are over.

But wait, Newton postulated that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Does his theory apply equally to economics as to every other immutable law of the universe? Can it be stated that for every action, there is a reaction? Certainly, for our economic systems are so integrated that a significant shift in one industry will disrupt various other industries. This new use for corn will drive up the price of corn (there's that pesky old economic law of supply and demand kicking in) and so, therefore, other grains will be used to replace corn for animal feed and human consumption.

Guess what happens as the demand for wheat and soybeans begins to rise? If you guessed they will also go up due to demand, then you are one of the few Americans who are paying attention. Unfortunately, again due to the silly one person, one vote rule, you get the exact same ability to make an impact in the next election as the clueless voter down the block who gets all their information from Fox News. Isn't it sad that ones who confuses news with infotainment get to choose our leaders?

Isn't it equally interesting/sad that a self-described "fake news show" like the Daily Show has more journalistic integrity than most of the major news outlets?

I've got to go buy soybean futures. Hope I make enough to pay for fuel for my Hummer.

The Player's Edition works for me.

Getting political

I am so annoyed at the latest government subterfuge--the economic stimulus payment. On the surface, it appears to be a good idea. Pump up the economy by putting more money into it. But wait, isn’t that then inflationary? Of course it is. Each additional dollar in an economy makes the other dollars worth less. I’m not sure of the impact of the money being released, but what really cheeses me is that radio stations are running PSA’s encouraging those who don’t file due to low income to file just so they get the “rebate.”
According to dictionary.com a rebate is

return of part of the original payment for some service or merchandise; partial refund

So please explain to me how someone who doesn’t pay taxes gets a rebate on them?
I call shenanigans. That is all it is. An attempt to get more votes. The Romans placated the masses, and thus controlled them, through bread and circuses. Anyone who doesn’t believe this is the same method being used by modern governments is foolish. And the worst aspect of this is we are creating an entire class of people who not only regularly feed at the government trough, but develop an entitlement mentality whereby they start to believe this is the way it should be. And government, whose ultimate goal is control, is complicit in this. After all, who is easier to control than one who is dependent for food, clothing, and shelter?

Just look at families today. It was reported that 1 in 5 NYC kids eat from a food bank. And, while I don’t have the statistics available, I’m sure more than half of NYC kids eat 2, sometimes 3 meals at school. While I do not think kids should go hungry, don’t parents have an obligation to provide for their families? If one can’t feed one kid, should they continue to have more? I have seen families with generational welfare recipients. The government has created this system to control people. It’s a shame.

And all this government deception knows no political boundaries. I have always believed one can’t tell a Republican from a Democrat without a scorecard. It has never been more true than today.

Verizon still sucks

Quick update: my phone is working, but it won't be correct and static free until Verizon comes through with fiber. In the meantime, I can expect the occasional 1 week interruption in service.
They advertise the new fiber network on TV a few hundred times a day. They ask me to switch and get the whole package from them, TV, DSL, and phone. Guess when they estimate I'll have fiber available?

20 freakin 10. I live in one of the largest and most wealthy counties in the country, and it will be 2 years to get phone service that isn't much better than that of some 3rd world countries?

WTF??????

At one time in our country, monopolies made sense. We never would have had the Transcontinental Railroad if it was totally left up to private enterprise, and anyone was allowed to build. We would have been left with dozens of RR's connecting some East Coast cities and Chicago or some other cities that were more or less towards the West. Same thing with communications systems. Cities would have hundreds of telephone poles per block, and the sun would be blocked out by the veritable spider web of wires strung between them.

But that time has passed. The infrastructure is in place. Real competition, whereby 2 or more cable companies can be in the same area, along with multiple phone companies. But, as usual, business has influence over the politicians, and, as usual, we get the fuzzy end of the lollipop.

DA DEATH OF LANGUAEG AS WA KNOW IT

“Such exquisite and admirable things can be done with words. They can be used to build great cathedrals of thought, and to decorate those cathedrals. They can arise from the depths of the soul and ascend to the heavens.”

Edwin Faust

Language, or rather the misuse and abuse of it, has always fascinated me. Not the comic things like parking on a driveway, and driving on a parkway (why do we do that, anyway?) but instead the dumb things that are said.
“I need to use an ATM machine.” Really? An Automatic Teller Machine, machine.
Or “we need a new hot water heater.” If the water is already hot, why heat it?

Colloquialisms also give me pause. The one I have the most trouble understanding is “I could care less.” What the hell does that mean? And why does that mean exactly the same thing as “I could not care less?” While I’m at it, how is it that flammable and inflammable mean the same thing? Excusable and inexcusable are opposites, just as effective and ineffective are.

My mind is starting to wander. Again. Back to the topic at hand. The written word seems to have taken a back seat today to basic communication on a level which is, for lack of a better term, sophomoric gibberish.

For example: “This is pretty stupid becomes:”

THES SI PRETY STUPID ISNT IT?!?!???!! OMG LOL

I wonder what will happen to our rich language and its nuances in 25 or 50 years when an amalgamation of Spanglish, Hip Hop, and text combines into some form of communication that a person from just a few years ago would be hard pressed to understand.

While language constantly evolves, and always has, it seems to be doing so at such an alarming rate. I fail to see the upside of this.

Verizon Sucks

I hope I can get this entire blog written because my computer keeps shutting down because, well, quite simply, Verizon Sucks. Big time. My phone went out on Saturday. I used a cell (fortunately, I have service with a different company that doesn't suck like Verizon) to call Verizon. They scheduled a repair for Tuesday. I'm disabled, and it takes me half an hour to put on the equipment that it would take to get out of the house in case of an emergency. So, I talked to a rep who said since it is a medical emergency, they will get someone out Sunday. No one showed. I called back, and they rescheduled for Thursday. I called again, and spoke to some sarcastic supervisor/bitch who told me everybody has a medical emergency, so they could not accomodate me.
So, until Thursday, I have limited DSL service (it cuts out every so often due to the line problem) and the phone will ring once in a while, and sometimes the call waiting will work. Sometimes the phone will work, sometimes not.
I should expect this since I live way out in the middle of nowhere in a 3rd world country. Oh wait, no, I live in a highly populated county, which also happens to be one of the richest in the USA. What possible excuse could they have? They have none, they just suck. I'm so happy to write that check for $82.00 a month for such shitty service for my phone and DSL.
So far this morning, I got 2 calls. Both were from Verizon. Both let me know my phone was fixed. Of course, there was so much static on the line, I could barely hear them tell me it was fixed. Bastards. So, I called them on my cell (using my prepaid cell cost me to do this) and they are still coming out Thursday. Guy said he wanted to make sure I was going to be home. I asked him if he missed the part where I said I was homebound and couldn't walk. Stupid bastards.

Verizon sucks.

And for the visual learners:

Living la vida loca

Why can't I get this stupid song out of my head? I barely know the lyrics, in fact, about all I know is the refrain. One song, which I will not name because the mere mention of it makes me have to sing the entire song in my head for a few days. It's that hard to get it out. It's sort of like the South Park episode where Cartman had to sing all of Sail Away if he heard any part of the tune. The mind works in strange ways. Right now, I have been watching "I Can Make You Thin" on TLC with Paul McKenna. (http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/make-you-thin/make-you-thin.html) The premise is that he can help reprogram a fat person's brain to make them think, and eat, like a thin person. Both the Crotchety Old Lady and me could stand to lose a few pounds (ok, for me, a lot) so we are trying his methods. So far, we seem to be doing better. The scale will be the final judge. I'm not going to hit it for a month, though. I want to give it some time to work. This ain't the Biggest Loser.
I'll provide updates next month.

Just got back from AC

I just got back from Atlantic City. I had a very interesting and enjoyable time. The Crotchety Old Lady and I played the slots and found video roulette, a new addition to the casino floor. One can get the feeling of gambling like James Bond in Monte Carlo using quarter “chips.” Maybe I was wearing a Yankees shirt instead of a tux, and she was in a sweat suit, but damn we looked as fine as any jet-setter.
The Old Lady also discovered the joys of 3 card poker. This is a very interesting game. From what we saw, and how we played, simply put $45 on the table in stacks of 3, and (usually) the dealer laughs and scoops them up. Every few hands he would give us a couple back. We sat next to a guy who knew the game very well. We lost a hundred bucks in about a half-hour, while the guy who knew the game dropped over $600. I’m hoping we don’t learn to play as we can’t afford to get better.
We stayed at the Trump Taj Mahal, and Mr. Trump does it right. We usually stay at the Showboat, which is right next door, but we found we like Trump much better. The food is superior. We ordered room service, and had the best onion rings and burgers ever. And, most surprising of all, the pizza was great, too. Thin crust, and a tasty sauce made for a really good pie. The first night that’s what we ordered and liked it so much, we had the same thing the next night. Who knew?
We also visited the buffet. Because we went at 3:00 on a Tuesday afternoon, the place was empty, and the choices were fairly limited. The Old Lady had a steak smothered with onions and mushrooms. It was cooked to order and she loved it. I had some pasta and a small piece of chicken.
But a casino is more than great food. The room was really well appointed, with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. I need handicapped “facilities” and they made my stay very pleasant. Also, the staff was wonderful. Showboat staff is fine, but Trump’s people were so friendly and helpful, it was as if we were the glitterati renting the penthouse, rather than some schmoes who had a free room.
One of our favorite hobbies is people watching. We like to notice things at various spots in the casinos. Some of these things really gives one pause. We notice a lot of seniors who look like they can barely afford to eat, let alone gamble, sit at the dollar slots. I was surprised at the number of folks dragging oxygen tanks with them. African Americans seem to crowd around the dice tables, while Asians fill the tables in the big money rooms. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but it is fun to speculate.