It's time for some perspective...
A. 1 billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. 1 billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. 1 billion hours ago our ancestors were enjoying the Stone Age.
D. 1 billion days ago nobody walked on the earth on two feet.
E. 1 billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number, what does it mean?
A. If you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you
would receive $516,528.00
B. If you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home would be eligible for $1,329,787.00 in reconstruction and/or remodeling.
C. If you are a family of four, your family would receive $2,066,012.00Now, we know that even if the $250,000.00 Billion is granted, none of the above scenarios will play out, so where would all that money end up?
While I have you thinking…
Following are some of the reasons you cannot live on what you earn…
Accounts Receivable TaxBuilding Permit TaxCDL License TaxCigarette TaxCorporate Income TaxDog License TaxFederal Income TaxFederal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)Fishing License TaxFood License TaxFuel Perm it TaxGasoline TaxHunting License TaxInheritance TaxInventory TaxIRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),Liquor Tax,Luxury Tax,Marriage License Tax,Medicare Tax,Property Tax,Real Estate Tax,Service charge taxes,Social Security Tax,Road Usage Tax (Truckers),Sales Taxes, Recreational Vehicle Tax,School Tax,State Income Tax,State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),Telephone Federal Excise Tax,Telephone Federal Universal Service Fe e Tax,Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,Telephone State and Local Tax,Telephone Usage Charge Tax,Utility Tax,Vehicle License Registration Tax,Vehicle Sales Tax,Watercraft Registration Tax,Well Permit Tax,Workers Compensation Tax.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few….
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. The U.S. had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and most mom's stayed home to raise the children.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Viral Email Worth Sending
This came to me today. I don't usually send this stuff out, but I thought this one was really important.....
Dear Stranger;
I am a very sick little boy. My mother is typing this for me, because I can’t.
She is crying. Don’t cry Mommy.
Mommy is always sad, but she says it’s not my fault. I asked her if it was God’s fault, but she said no and started crying harder, so I don’t ask that anymore.
The reason she is so sad is that I am so sick. I was born without a body.
It doesn’t hurt, except when I to sleep. The doctors gave me an artificial body made of leaves wrapped in burlap. They said it was the best they could do because we didn’t have insurance.
I would like to have a body transplant, but we don’t have any money.
Mommy doesn’t work because employers don’t hire crying people.
I said, “Don’t cry Mommy.” And she hugged my burlap body. Mommy always hugs me even though she is allergic to burlap and it makes it hard for her to breathe.
I hope you will help me. You can help me if you forward this email to as many people as you can.
Dr. Johansen said if you forward this email to enough people then Bill Gates will team-up with AOL and do a survey with NASA. Then the astronauts will collect prayers and aluminum pull tabs from school children all over the world and take the prayers up into space so that the Angels can hear them better. I don’t know what they will do with the aluminum pull tabs.
Maybe one day I will be able to play baseball. Or maybe just have lungs and a heart. The doctors said that every time you forward this email $1.00 will be contributed to a fund in Nicaragua that will be used to fund the creation of a heart and lungs for me.
Please help me. Mommy is so sad, and I want a body before I turn 10, because that is about as long as my leaves will last before they rot.
If you don’t forward this email, that’s OK. Mommy says it is because you are a heartless shithead who doesn’t care about poor little boys with only a head. She says that if you don’t stew in the raw pit of your own guilt-ridden stomach, she hopes you die a long slow horrible death so you can burn forever in Hell. What kind of person can’t take 5 minutes out of their day to forward this email to all your friends and make them feel guilty too?
Please help me. This really sucks. I try to be happy but it’s hard.
I wish I had a puppy.
I wish I could hold a puppy.
Thank you
Billy “Smiles” Evans,
The boy with just a head
Dear Stranger;
I am a very sick little boy. My mother is typing this for me, because I can’t.
She is crying. Don’t cry Mommy.
Mommy is always sad, but she says it’s not my fault. I asked her if it was God’s fault, but she said no and started crying harder, so I don’t ask that anymore.
The reason she is so sad is that I am so sick. I was born without a body.
It doesn’t hurt, except when I to sleep. The doctors gave me an artificial body made of leaves wrapped in burlap. They said it was the best they could do because we didn’t have insurance.
I would like to have a body transplant, but we don’t have any money.
Mommy doesn’t work because employers don’t hire crying people.
I said, “Don’t cry Mommy.” And she hugged my burlap body. Mommy always hugs me even though she is allergic to burlap and it makes it hard for her to breathe.
I hope you will help me. You can help me if you forward this email to as many people as you can.
Dr. Johansen said if you forward this email to enough people then Bill Gates will team-up with AOL and do a survey with NASA. Then the astronauts will collect prayers and aluminum pull tabs from school children all over the world and take the prayers up into space so that the Angels can hear them better. I don’t know what they will do with the aluminum pull tabs.
Maybe one day I will be able to play baseball. Or maybe just have lungs and a heart. The doctors said that every time you forward this email $1.00 will be contributed to a fund in Nicaragua that will be used to fund the creation of a heart and lungs for me.
Please help me. Mommy is so sad, and I want a body before I turn 10, because that is about as long as my leaves will last before they rot.
If you don’t forward this email, that’s OK. Mommy says it is because you are a heartless shithead who doesn’t care about poor little boys with only a head. She says that if you don’t stew in the raw pit of your own guilt-ridden stomach, she hopes you die a long slow horrible death so you can burn forever in Hell. What kind of person can’t take 5 minutes out of their day to forward this email to all your friends and make them feel guilty too?
Please help me. This really sucks. I try to be happy but it’s hard.
I wish I had a puppy.
I wish I could hold a puppy.
Thank you
Billy “Smiles” Evans,
The boy with just a head
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Painting Memories
I spent the morning at my parents home painting the ceiling in their dining room.
It's amazing the flood of memories and emotions that rush on when you are doing such a task in the home you grew up in.
When I was a child, the existing dining room was actually the living room. We added a room to the back of the house after I was married and living elsewhere. That new room became the living room and the old living room became the dining room.
I guess after nearly 30 years of it being the dining room I had pretty much forgotten that it ever was the living room. But that fact is what brought on the memories this morning. For instance, as I was painting the north end of the room, I remembered that there was an electrical outlet right under where I was working. That outlet is usually hidden by the hutch. But when I was a child, that outlet was not quite behind the sofa. As a two year-old, I found it fascinating to lick my finger and stick into that outlet. It's amazing I am here to remember anything!
As I painted the ceiling my Dad supervised the entire time. He is now 81 years old. I thought about a time when he would have been painting the ceiling and I as a child would have been "supervising" or at least getting in his way. That caused me to remember the mural that was on the east wall. I wondered if it was still there under the current wall paper or did we remove it?
As I moved to the south wall, I remembered countless Christmas trees and opening gifts with my big brother. Then I looked out the window to the front yard now populated with evergreen trees at least 70 feet high, and I remembered the day my Dad, my Brother, and I planted them. They actually came in the mail. They were about 6 inches high then. Looking out that window, I saw my Dad as a young man, coming home late from work, in the dark, stuck at the bottom of the long driveway on a snowy night. I thought about the night my Mom overloaded the incinerator ( yes kids, there was a time when suburbanites actually had incinerators to eliminate garbage.) and nearly caught the house on fire. The chimney erupted in flames, our neighbor called the fire department, my Brother carried me out of the house and we watched the firemen, run up our driveway with hoses and axes. The whole thing was over in a matter of minutes but today, I remembered it vividly as if it happened last night.
I thought about my maternal grandmother. She suffered from Alzheimer's for years. She would live with us for one month at a time, on rotation with my Mom's siblings. This went on throughout my high school years. Grandma could be quite a handful, but we were lucky that she was always a gentle, pleasant soul.
I remembered all the times I was ill and Mom let me convalesce on the sofa in the living room. Any other time the sofa was for sitting. " If you want to lay down, go to bed."
In the last few years Mom & Dad have had some serious health issues. Thankfully they have recovered well and are in pretty good health. But still, on days like today when I am doing the work that my Dad truly loved to do around the house, I get a little melancholy and anxious.
So, I put a fresh coat of flat ceiling white latex on the ceiling of the dining room. A room that has housed countless family meals, holiday gatherings, and social meetings. The ceiling really didn't need to be repainted, but Mom really wanted it fresh for the holidays.
It didn't take me long to paint the ceiling today. It's amazing how reliving 52 years makes the time fly. Thanks Mom & Dad, for allowing me the opportunity to visit our past.
Much love to you both.
It's amazing the flood of memories and emotions that rush on when you are doing such a task in the home you grew up in.
When I was a child, the existing dining room was actually the living room. We added a room to the back of the house after I was married and living elsewhere. That new room became the living room and the old living room became the dining room.
I guess after nearly 30 years of it being the dining room I had pretty much forgotten that it ever was the living room. But that fact is what brought on the memories this morning. For instance, as I was painting the north end of the room, I remembered that there was an electrical outlet right under where I was working. That outlet is usually hidden by the hutch. But when I was a child, that outlet was not quite behind the sofa. As a two year-old, I found it fascinating to lick my finger and stick into that outlet. It's amazing I am here to remember anything!
As I painted the ceiling my Dad supervised the entire time. He is now 81 years old. I thought about a time when he would have been painting the ceiling and I as a child would have been "supervising" or at least getting in his way. That caused me to remember the mural that was on the east wall. I wondered if it was still there under the current wall paper or did we remove it?
As I moved to the south wall, I remembered countless Christmas trees and opening gifts with my big brother. Then I looked out the window to the front yard now populated with evergreen trees at least 70 feet high, and I remembered the day my Dad, my Brother, and I planted them. They actually came in the mail. They were about 6 inches high then. Looking out that window, I saw my Dad as a young man, coming home late from work, in the dark, stuck at the bottom of the long driveway on a snowy night. I thought about the night my Mom overloaded the incinerator ( yes kids, there was a time when suburbanites actually had incinerators to eliminate garbage.) and nearly caught the house on fire. The chimney erupted in flames, our neighbor called the fire department, my Brother carried me out of the house and we watched the firemen, run up our driveway with hoses and axes. The whole thing was over in a matter of minutes but today, I remembered it vividly as if it happened last night.
I thought about my maternal grandmother. She suffered from Alzheimer's for years. She would live with us for one month at a time, on rotation with my Mom's siblings. This went on throughout my high school years. Grandma could be quite a handful, but we were lucky that she was always a gentle, pleasant soul.
I remembered all the times I was ill and Mom let me convalesce on the sofa in the living room. Any other time the sofa was for sitting. " If you want to lay down, go to bed."
In the last few years Mom & Dad have had some serious health issues. Thankfully they have recovered well and are in pretty good health. But still, on days like today when I am doing the work that my Dad truly loved to do around the house, I get a little melancholy and anxious.
So, I put a fresh coat of flat ceiling white latex on the ceiling of the dining room. A room that has housed countless family meals, holiday gatherings, and social meetings. The ceiling really didn't need to be repainted, but Mom really wanted it fresh for the holidays.
It didn't take me long to paint the ceiling today. It's amazing how reliving 52 years makes the time fly. Thanks Mom & Dad, for allowing me the opportunity to visit our past.
Much love to you both.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Time for a new sport
We had a sports filled Sunday as we watched the Cleveland Indians win over Oakland, then watched the Cleveland Browns lose to Oakland ( the stunt Oakland pulled during the final play of the game is the topic of another rant yet to come).
The Browns and The Raiders were playing in Oakland where the stadium is used for both baseball and football. It makes for a strange looking gridiron.
In any case, the combination of a football field and baseball diamond in one facility got me thinking that it is time to start a new sport in the U.S. combining football and baseball. My daughter Stefanie suggested that if we could somehow pull a marching band into the scene it would really round out the new game.
So here it is. The name is still in development and I am open to suggestions for same, as well as suggestions for additional rules of play. In the meanwhile, the game basically looks like this...
There are two teams ( of course ). The game is played on a conventional baseball diamond shape, but the field is all grass. A team is up to bat. Upon hitting the baseball the batter attempts to run to first base. The opposing team however is permitted to tackle the runner. If the runner actually makes it to first base, then he/she must reach into a large box located near the plate and withdraw at random a brass instrument. ( trumpet, trombone, sousaphone, etc). Whatever they withdraw, they must be able to play. The opposing team chooses the musical selection that they must play. After their performance, the crowd rates the performance. If they score a 5 or less ( on a scale of 1-10 ) they are OUT. If they rate a 6-8 they may advance to second base. If they rate a 9 they advance to third. If they rate a 10 they get to go home and score. 6 points.
Since it is a somewhat violent and difficult task to get to first base, instead of 3 outs, each team gets 4 outs and only 4 innings are played.
So there it is... your comments and suggestions are requested.
The Browns and The Raiders were playing in Oakland where the stadium is used for both baseball and football. It makes for a strange looking gridiron.
In any case, the combination of a football field and baseball diamond in one facility got me thinking that it is time to start a new sport in the U.S. combining football and baseball. My daughter Stefanie suggested that if we could somehow pull a marching band into the scene it would really round out the new game.
So here it is. The name is still in development and I am open to suggestions for same, as well as suggestions for additional rules of play. In the meanwhile, the game basically looks like this...
There are two teams ( of course ). The game is played on a conventional baseball diamond shape, but the field is all grass. A team is up to bat. Upon hitting the baseball the batter attempts to run to first base. The opposing team however is permitted to tackle the runner. If the runner actually makes it to first base, then he/she must reach into a large box located near the plate and withdraw at random a brass instrument. ( trumpet, trombone, sousaphone, etc). Whatever they withdraw, they must be able to play. The opposing team chooses the musical selection that they must play. After their performance, the crowd rates the performance. If they score a 5 or less ( on a scale of 1-10 ) they are OUT. If they rate a 6-8 they may advance to second base. If they rate a 9 they advance to third. If they rate a 10 they get to go home and score. 6 points.
Since it is a somewhat violent and difficult task to get to first base, instead of 3 outs, each team gets 4 outs and only 4 innings are played.
So there it is... your comments and suggestions are requested.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Economic Indicators Part II
Evidently, things are looking up. Interest rates on adjustable rate mortgages are starting to stabilize and even run down a little. The job market seems to be improving although slightly.
The key economic indicator however is what I call the loose change factor.
A few posts back I discussed "lost change" and shared my wisdom regarding the fortune in lost change available for the taking. In recent months however the available change seemed to have dried up.
But lo and behold, only a few days after that post... what do my wandering eyes see but 6 cents laying next to my car at the Giant Eagle parking lot. Another 2 cents today at the Home Depot.
My son reports that he found 3 dollar bills yesterday. The recession is definitely coming to an end!
The key economic indicator however is what I call the loose change factor.
A few posts back I discussed "lost change" and shared my wisdom regarding the fortune in lost change available for the taking. In recent months however the available change seemed to have dried up.
But lo and behold, only a few days after that post... what do my wandering eyes see but 6 cents laying next to my car at the Giant Eagle parking lot. Another 2 cents today at the Home Depot.
My son reports that he found 3 dollar bills yesterday. The recession is definitely coming to an end!
Monday, September 10, 2007
I got your anniversary right here Binny
So Bin Laden is issueing another video tape... what does he think he is BMG Music? Every video has to come out with advance hype that another Bin Laden video is about to be released. Why doesn't he just make them available for 19.99 on late night TV..."Call now, and get all the "fundamentalist Islamic terrorist hits".
Listen up "Binny" you probably haven't noticed but REAL world leaders do live press conferences. They don't issue videos from the comfort of their cave.
Listen up "Binny" you probably haven't noticed but REAL world leaders do live press conferences. They don't issue videos from the comfort of their cave.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Economic Indicators
A few years ago, I read a study conducted at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. The study had to do with the "value of money".
The research went something like this; researchers dropped pennies throughout the mall and then observed as teenagers came in and out of the mall. The idea was to gage how many people would bend over to pick up the pennies. After several hours, virtually no one expended the energy to pick up the pennies. Next they tried nickels. They found that a relatively low number of people would stop and pick up the nickels. When they went to dimes the number fell below that of the nickels. ( They theorized that it had to do with the size of the coin versus the value. ) Next they started dropping quarters and the number of people bending over to pick up the quarters increased to about 1 in 10. It wasn't until they started dropping dollar bills that they were able to get more than 90%. Even with the paper money, people seemed to be more concerned with "their image" than with the value of money. This led the researchers to theorize that there was little understanding of the true value of money, at least within the teen age demographic.
I shared this story with my son who was about to go off to college. I suggested to him that even a found penny had huge value as it was tax free, investment free, virtually labor free money. In other words; Pure Profit.
I further challenged Tim to keep his eyes peeled as he traversed the campus and pick up any loose change he spotted. I suggested that there was a virtual fortune in lost coin just laying around on the ground, and that based on the Mall of America study, the college campus would be an ideal hunting ground.
I don't remember the exact amount but after his first year of college I believe he found somewhere around $60 in change. (Not bad for just "wandering around income".
At the same time, I embarked on my own coin hunting adventure and had similar results. I was absolutely astounded at how much change could be found laying around on the ground.
Interestingly enough however, I have noticed that in the last 5 months or so, the "change well" has dried up. I haven't found even a penny in weeks.
Could it be that with the rising cost of food and gas, rising interest rates, rising taxes, and increased consumer debt, the American public is finally starting to understand the value of money?
The research went something like this; researchers dropped pennies throughout the mall and then observed as teenagers came in and out of the mall. The idea was to gage how many people would bend over to pick up the pennies. After several hours, virtually no one expended the energy to pick up the pennies. Next they tried nickels. They found that a relatively low number of people would stop and pick up the nickels. When they went to dimes the number fell below that of the nickels. ( They theorized that it had to do with the size of the coin versus the value. ) Next they started dropping quarters and the number of people bending over to pick up the quarters increased to about 1 in 10. It wasn't until they started dropping dollar bills that they were able to get more than 90%. Even with the paper money, people seemed to be more concerned with "their image" than with the value of money. This led the researchers to theorize that there was little understanding of the true value of money, at least within the teen age demographic.
I shared this story with my son who was about to go off to college. I suggested to him that even a found penny had huge value as it was tax free, investment free, virtually labor free money. In other words; Pure Profit.
I further challenged Tim to keep his eyes peeled as he traversed the campus and pick up any loose change he spotted. I suggested that there was a virtual fortune in lost coin just laying around on the ground, and that based on the Mall of America study, the college campus would be an ideal hunting ground.
I don't remember the exact amount but after his first year of college I believe he found somewhere around $60 in change. (Not bad for just "wandering around income".
At the same time, I embarked on my own coin hunting adventure and had similar results. I was absolutely astounded at how much change could be found laying around on the ground.
Interestingly enough however, I have noticed that in the last 5 months or so, the "change well" has dried up. I haven't found even a penny in weeks.
Could it be that with the rising cost of food and gas, rising interest rates, rising taxes, and increased consumer debt, the American public is finally starting to understand the value of money?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
In Blue...one of a million stories in the naked city.
It was an especially gruesome scene. The victim or more appropriately what was left of the victim was now covered in a sheet awaiting a positive identification, if that was even possible after having been shoved through a wood chipper.
I tried not to look in that direction, but focused instead on the marked patrol unit that was bringing the victim family to the scene of the find. As they exited the car, they had the same distraught look that they had when we took the initial report a day earlier. Now, their emotions were careening from terror and fear to calm repose that maybe now they would find some closure.
I was surprised that they had brought the children, as this scene would no doubt be indelibly etched in their psyche forever. But it wasn’t our call, and the parents seemed to think that the kid’s input might be helpful.
We had the scene taped off with yellow “crime scene” tape. As I lifted the tape for them to enter the area, I thought about the night before…
“Radio…please repeat your traffic.” The dispatcher calmly replied; “5555, see the man at 8200 Appleton regarding items missing from his home.” This did not sound like a “lights and siren” call, so we made our way quickly but without urgency to the address. We rolled into the driveway and immediately the family came to us as if we could somehow assuage their fear and anxiety. I thought; “This is what being a cop is all about…we are the blue knights.”
The kids looked as if they had not only seen a ghost, but were now possessed by it. They paced nervously around their front yard. The mother appeared to be in tears and the father was definitely rattled as he answered our question; “What seems to be the problem here?” He buried his hands in his face as he responded… “My wife came home about a half an hour ago, and noticed…something was wrong…something was terribly wrong…” It had been right here…right here in our yard for about three years, and now…gone, just like yesterday’s dinner…look right here officer, you can see where it was dragged off through the dirt…Who would do something like this?... What is the likelihood that you can find these bastards?”
My partner and I looked around the scene, we looked at each other, we absorbed the scene unfolding around us…it was much worse than the radio call indicated. There was no doubt, these people had been victimized by the theft of something precious…I was grateful that both my partner and I had enough experience to control our own emotional responses… We did our best to turn away from the family so as not to give away our own reaction to what was happening.
My partner actually thought quickly and said he was going down the street to the closest neighbor to inquire as to whether or not they had seen anything. Not able to tolerate the raw emotion of the moment, I suggested that the family remain by our car, while I joined my partner in the neighborhood canvass.
The neighbors were less than helpful… this was not going to end well.
The terrorized shrieks of the family brought me back to the moment at hand. We were right, it was not ending well. This incident would scar this family for generations…
Now here we are…24 hours later after some routine patrol we stumble on the gruesome remains of the family’s loss. What had been a vital living being now lay in a pile of shredded remains under a sheet, on the edge of a sub-division building site.
Our sergeant radioed for an update on the identification and it appeared we had a positive ID. Now, it was up to the detectives to put the case together…
OK… so it didn’t’ really happen like that…
“5555 see the man at 8200 Appleton Road regarding the theft of a log.” “Radio, could you repeat that?” “5555, complainant at 8200 Appleton reports a 15 foot log has been removed from his property and would like a report.” “10-4 radio, we’re on our way.”
We arrived in the driveway and the scene looked pretty much as I described it earlier…
The kids looked as if they had not only seen a ghost, but were now possessed by it. They paced nervously around their front yard. The mother appeared to be in tears and the father was definitely rattled as he answered our question; “What seems to be the problem here?” He buried his hands in his face as he responded… “My wife came home about a half an hour ago, and noticed…something was wrong…something was terribly wrong…” It had been right here…right here in our yard for about three years, and now…gone, just like yesterday’s dinner…look right here officer, you can see where it was dragged off through the dirt…Who would do something like this…what is the likelihood that you can find these bastards?”
My partner asked; “What were you planning to do with the log?” “We were going to use it for landscaping…but now…?”
We advised them that taking a report for a log was highly unusual and in fact not even practical as logs are generally not registered or have serial numbers.
I was really thinking that we were on “ Candid Camera” when Jared suggested that we could talk to the neighbors. We had to do something to get away from these people. Both of us were working really hard not to burst into laughter. These people were behaving as if one of their kids had been taken.
We did talk to the neighbors. They laughed. We laughed. We cleared the call by advising the family to mark their remaining log with a sign: “Do not take”. Then we advised Dispatch to “log the log, on the log”. We thought it was funny.
I then went off on the fantasy you read above.
“There are a million stories in the city.”
Epilogue;
About two hours after the stolen log caper, we discovered several young men working late in a machine shop. At this time of night, no one is usually in this place so we thought it was worth checking out.
After questioning one of the men outside of the building and satisfied that they were legitimate, Jared, asked me…”What were they doing in there?” I replied; “not sure, looked like they had a big piece of wood they were cutting up.”
I love this job.
I tried not to look in that direction, but focused instead on the marked patrol unit that was bringing the victim family to the scene of the find. As they exited the car, they had the same distraught look that they had when we took the initial report a day earlier. Now, their emotions were careening from terror and fear to calm repose that maybe now they would find some closure.
I was surprised that they had brought the children, as this scene would no doubt be indelibly etched in their psyche forever. But it wasn’t our call, and the parents seemed to think that the kid’s input might be helpful.
We had the scene taped off with yellow “crime scene” tape. As I lifted the tape for them to enter the area, I thought about the night before…
“Radio…please repeat your traffic.” The dispatcher calmly replied; “5555, see the man at 8200 Appleton regarding items missing from his home.” This did not sound like a “lights and siren” call, so we made our way quickly but without urgency to the address. We rolled into the driveway and immediately the family came to us as if we could somehow assuage their fear and anxiety. I thought; “This is what being a cop is all about…we are the blue knights.”
The kids looked as if they had not only seen a ghost, but were now possessed by it. They paced nervously around their front yard. The mother appeared to be in tears and the father was definitely rattled as he answered our question; “What seems to be the problem here?” He buried his hands in his face as he responded… “My wife came home about a half an hour ago, and noticed…something was wrong…something was terribly wrong…” It had been right here…right here in our yard for about three years, and now…gone, just like yesterday’s dinner…look right here officer, you can see where it was dragged off through the dirt…Who would do something like this?... What is the likelihood that you can find these bastards?”
My partner and I looked around the scene, we looked at each other, we absorbed the scene unfolding around us…it was much worse than the radio call indicated. There was no doubt, these people had been victimized by the theft of something precious…I was grateful that both my partner and I had enough experience to control our own emotional responses… We did our best to turn away from the family so as not to give away our own reaction to what was happening.
My partner actually thought quickly and said he was going down the street to the closest neighbor to inquire as to whether or not they had seen anything. Not able to tolerate the raw emotion of the moment, I suggested that the family remain by our car, while I joined my partner in the neighborhood canvass.
The neighbors were less than helpful… this was not going to end well.
The terrorized shrieks of the family brought me back to the moment at hand. We were right, it was not ending well. This incident would scar this family for generations…
Now here we are…24 hours later after some routine patrol we stumble on the gruesome remains of the family’s loss. What had been a vital living being now lay in a pile of shredded remains under a sheet, on the edge of a sub-division building site.
Our sergeant radioed for an update on the identification and it appeared we had a positive ID. Now, it was up to the detectives to put the case together…
OK… so it didn’t’ really happen like that…
“5555 see the man at 8200 Appleton Road regarding the theft of a log.” “Radio, could you repeat that?” “5555, complainant at 8200 Appleton reports a 15 foot log has been removed from his property and would like a report.” “10-4 radio, we’re on our way.”
We arrived in the driveway and the scene looked pretty much as I described it earlier…
The kids looked as if they had not only seen a ghost, but were now possessed by it. They paced nervously around their front yard. The mother appeared to be in tears and the father was definitely rattled as he answered our question; “What seems to be the problem here?” He buried his hands in his face as he responded… “My wife came home about a half an hour ago, and noticed…something was wrong…something was terribly wrong…” It had been right here…right here in our yard for about three years, and now…gone, just like yesterday’s dinner…look right here officer, you can see where it was dragged off through the dirt…Who would do something like this…what is the likelihood that you can find these bastards?”
My partner asked; “What were you planning to do with the log?” “We were going to use it for landscaping…but now…?”
We advised them that taking a report for a log was highly unusual and in fact not even practical as logs are generally not registered or have serial numbers.
I was really thinking that we were on “ Candid Camera” when Jared suggested that we could talk to the neighbors. We had to do something to get away from these people. Both of us were working really hard not to burst into laughter. These people were behaving as if one of their kids had been taken.
We did talk to the neighbors. They laughed. We laughed. We cleared the call by advising the family to mark their remaining log with a sign: “Do not take”. Then we advised Dispatch to “log the log, on the log”. We thought it was funny.
I then went off on the fantasy you read above.
“There are a million stories in the city.”
Epilogue;
About two hours after the stolen log caper, we discovered several young men working late in a machine shop. At this time of night, no one is usually in this place so we thought it was worth checking out.
After questioning one of the men outside of the building and satisfied that they were legitimate, Jared, asked me…”What were they doing in there?” I replied; “not sure, looked like they had a big piece of wood they were cutting up.”
I love this job.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
What's ( or who is ) In your Wallet?
My youngest daughter purchased a new car a few days ago.
Her previous vehicle still had a balance due on the loan with Capital One. You know them they are the bank that ask's; What's in your wallet?" The question is a good one because if you listen to their commercials, you think they are promoting their credit card and their better way of doing business. The reality is that they really want to know what's in your wallet, because they are scheming how to take it!
Back to the story... The dealer is paying off the note. Consequently, the monthly electronic funds transfer payment that is due to come out of her bank account on May 28 needed to be cancelled. Since the account is in my name, I called Capital One and spoke with one of their Vikings. They told me that they needed 6 days notice to cancel an EFT and that I should contact my bank to stop the payment. ( Six days? You could sail from Norway, raid and pillage a small city in America and return to Norway in that amount of time. ) So Stef dutifully went to National City Bank this morning and asked them to stop the transfer. She was informed by the bank Ogre, that she would be charged $29.00 to file a stop payment request, and that there was no gurantee that it would actually stop it. Further, Miss Congeniality explained that Capital One would likely hit her account for an additional $30 for failing to honor the EFT. So now her $150 payment is up to $209.00. On a vehicle that is actually paid off. The best part of the NCB incident however is that when Stef decided NOT to pursue the stop payment, the NCB Ogre, actually admonished her for making additional work for her, as she had already initiated the stop payment and would now have to "come in on Tuesday, and file a cancellation of the stop payment in order to prevent the $29.00 charge". Excuse me honey... but that's why they call it work.
Being the supportive Dad that I am, I deposited $150 into Stef's account at NCB so that when the Vikings raid her account on Tuesday she will at least avoid the "insufficient fund" charges of $39.00 plus $8.00 a day, that NCB would have charged her due to Capital One requesting the EFT, and the NCB Ogre, not getting the work done, because she was too busy discussing American Idol with the troll at the door.
Anyhow... Are you sick of being treated like crap by Banks? I know I am. I have a solution. We just have to beat them at their own game. If you want to hear about my plan, get in touch with me through this blog. Together we CAN make a difference and take our lives back from Capital One, National City Bank, Bank of America, and all the rest who are victimizing us with fees and rates that make the Vikings look like Care Bears.
Her previous vehicle still had a balance due on the loan with Capital One. You know them they are the bank that ask's; What's in your wallet?" The question is a good one because if you listen to their commercials, you think they are promoting their credit card and their better way of doing business. The reality is that they really want to know what's in your wallet, because they are scheming how to take it!
Back to the story... The dealer is paying off the note. Consequently, the monthly electronic funds transfer payment that is due to come out of her bank account on May 28 needed to be cancelled. Since the account is in my name, I called Capital One and spoke with one of their Vikings. They told me that they needed 6 days notice to cancel an EFT and that I should contact my bank to stop the payment. ( Six days? You could sail from Norway, raid and pillage a small city in America and return to Norway in that amount of time. ) So Stef dutifully went to National City Bank this morning and asked them to stop the transfer. She was informed by the bank Ogre, that she would be charged $29.00 to file a stop payment request, and that there was no gurantee that it would actually stop it. Further, Miss Congeniality explained that Capital One would likely hit her account for an additional $30 for failing to honor the EFT. So now her $150 payment is up to $209.00. On a vehicle that is actually paid off. The best part of the NCB incident however is that when Stef decided NOT to pursue the stop payment, the NCB Ogre, actually admonished her for making additional work for her, as she had already initiated the stop payment and would now have to "come in on Tuesday, and file a cancellation of the stop payment in order to prevent the $29.00 charge". Excuse me honey... but that's why they call it work.
Being the supportive Dad that I am, I deposited $150 into Stef's account at NCB so that when the Vikings raid her account on Tuesday she will at least avoid the "insufficient fund" charges of $39.00 plus $8.00 a day, that NCB would have charged her due to Capital One requesting the EFT, and the NCB Ogre, not getting the work done, because she was too busy discussing American Idol with the troll at the door.
Anyhow... Are you sick of being treated like crap by Banks? I know I am. I have a solution. We just have to beat them at their own game. If you want to hear about my plan, get in touch with me through this blog. Together we CAN make a difference and take our lives back from Capital One, National City Bank, Bank of America, and all the rest who are victimizing us with fees and rates that make the Vikings look like Care Bears.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
I want to be perfectly clear
Today is Peace Officer Memorial Day.
The U.S. Flag in front of my house is flying at half-staff in honor of fallen police officers. NOT Jerry Falwell.
The U.S. Flag in front of my house is flying at half-staff in honor of fallen police officers. NOT Jerry Falwell.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Thinking things through
I was in our local hardware store yesterday. As I walked in, I noticed one of those signs on the door, a handgun in a red circle with line through it, along with the warning that guns were prohibited.
The store owners son was there, so I thought I would engage him in a little mind exercise by asking him about the sign. I asked; "Let's say I'm in the back of your store, and I hear some commotion coming from the cash register area. I discover that someone has a gun to your cashier's head. The perpetrator is agitated, and making no sense, is obviously a threat to the cashier's life and the other customers in the store. No one can get to a phone to call the police. I have a perfect vantage point. I am concealed and covered. A perfect position to do something...however, because I obeyed your request and did not "carry" into your store, there is nothing I can do. Have you ever thought about that type of scenario?" The store owner's son, looked confused then said; " I just put up the sign, 'cause I was told to."
I'm not a gun-toting advocate of arming the entire society. I do have a brain however and I like to use it occasionally to think about life's possibilities in a rational way. It was obvious that this store owner, like so many other store owners, arena managers, park supervisors, college administrators, and etc. had not thought things through.
The law abiding individual who takes the time to take the necessary course work, apply for, and take the necessary tests, be finger printed, have their background checked, and pay for a license to carry is not a threat to the public. They have been well educated in the potential emotional issues that would inevitably follow a shooting. They know the legal and financial risks that would come from lawsuits and legal defense. They are the individuals who will respect the wishes of the merchants who post the "no carry" signs.
Will the criminal respect those signs or use them merely as a guide for locations that have less risk of intervention?
The store owners son was there, so I thought I would engage him in a little mind exercise by asking him about the sign. I asked; "Let's say I'm in the back of your store, and I hear some commotion coming from the cash register area. I discover that someone has a gun to your cashier's head. The perpetrator is agitated, and making no sense, is obviously a threat to the cashier's life and the other customers in the store. No one can get to a phone to call the police. I have a perfect vantage point. I am concealed and covered. A perfect position to do something...however, because I obeyed your request and did not "carry" into your store, there is nothing I can do. Have you ever thought about that type of scenario?" The store owner's son, looked confused then said; " I just put up the sign, 'cause I was told to."
I'm not a gun-toting advocate of arming the entire society. I do have a brain however and I like to use it occasionally to think about life's possibilities in a rational way. It was obvious that this store owner, like so many other store owners, arena managers, park supervisors, college administrators, and etc. had not thought things through.
The law abiding individual who takes the time to take the necessary course work, apply for, and take the necessary tests, be finger printed, have their background checked, and pay for a license to carry is not a threat to the public. They have been well educated in the potential emotional issues that would inevitably follow a shooting. They know the legal and financial risks that would come from lawsuits and legal defense. They are the individuals who will respect the wishes of the merchants who post the "no carry" signs.
Will the criminal respect those signs or use them merely as a guide for locations that have less risk of intervention?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Hooray, Hooray
Tomorrow is the first of May.
It always makes me think of Marge. Marge was a woman who I worked with for years. I mentioned her in this blog last year when she passed away. She was a unique individual. She worked her ass off and would make sure you knew it. She would do anything for you, was faithful to a fault, and she knew who she was. There was a wrong way to do things and there was Marge's way. She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. She loved a good stiff drink ( or multiples thereof). Her favorite "superstar" was Eddie Rabbitt ( does anybody else remember him?)
Anyhow... every year on the first day of May, Marge would come into the office and yell;
"Hooray, hooray, it's the first of May. Outside intercourse starts today!
So in memory of Marge... Tom, Ilona, Rob, MaryEllen, Jan, & anyone else reading this blog who knew Marge; Make sure you yell it tomorrow. In fact... even if you didn't know Marge... yell it anyhow. You would have liked her.
It always makes me think of Marge. Marge was a woman who I worked with for years. I mentioned her in this blog last year when she passed away. She was a unique individual. She worked her ass off and would make sure you knew it. She would do anything for you, was faithful to a fault, and she knew who she was. There was a wrong way to do things and there was Marge's way. She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. She loved a good stiff drink ( or multiples thereof). Her favorite "superstar" was Eddie Rabbitt ( does anybody else remember him?)
Anyhow... every year on the first day of May, Marge would come into the office and yell;
"Hooray, hooray, it's the first of May. Outside intercourse starts today!
So in memory of Marge... Tom, Ilona, Rob, MaryEllen, Jan, & anyone else reading this blog who knew Marge; Make sure you yell it tomorrow. In fact... even if you didn't know Marge... yell it anyhow. You would have liked her.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Global Warming
When I was in the fourth grade, our teacher ( Mr. Shane) spent a substantial amount of time teaching us about the environment. Mr. Shane was ahead of his time in many ways. Having an interest in the environment is just one example.
I remember being both fascinated and terrified at the information that he provided us regarding the pending condition of life on the planet Earth. Of course his information was not self-manufactured, he had done substantial research and everything he spoke about was backed up by what was being reported on the news and in print.
Bottom line... The Earth was cooling too fast. Additionally, it was predicted that by the time we would be seniors in high school (1972) there would be no more gasoline.
I'm really not in much of a mood to write alot today, so I will provide a photo to make my point.
Today's date is April 7, 2007, and this is the view out my back door in "Sunny" Cleveland, Ohio
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Do the math
According to the most recent Citibank commercial, 6 people have their identity stolen every minute.
I did some quick calculations on this and encourage you to do the same.
My point being... if this is true, then I should know at least one person who has had their identity stolen.
By the way... if someone wants mine they can have it. Based on Citibank's claim, sometime in the next 10 years I will end up being someone else anyhow.
I did some quick calculations on this and encourage you to do the same.
My point being... if this is true, then I should know at least one person who has had their identity stolen.
By the way... if someone wants mine they can have it. Based on Citibank's claim, sometime in the next 10 years I will end up being someone else anyhow.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Cuckoo for Coco Puffs
I know it has been awhile since my last post. I apologize to my regular readers. I haven't been feeling particularly inspired to write.
This morning I was watching the Food Network with our youngest daughter and then it struck me...I have been missing out on the latest trend in creative presentation. So beginning now, I am adding a new feature to my blog...Not to be outdone by Rachel Ray and the rest, I will be from time to time posting my culinary tips...
Today the topic is cereal;
I like to begin by selecting a bowl. I recommend a bowl that is not too big and not too small. You want to be able to put enough cereal in the bowl to provide a satisfying meal, but not so much that by the time you get to the last spoonfull it has all gone soggy.
Next is the spoon selection. I find that a standard spoon is just too small. I like to use a soup spoon. Generally, it will help prevent spillage while providing the maximum amount of cereal to appropriately fill your mouth.
Cereal selection is important but is so personal that I will not even try to address it here.
I have found that placing the cereal into the bowl is the most effective way to prepare the cereal. Then depending on whether or not it is pre-sweetened, you may or may not want to add some sugar.
My daughter likes to use skim milk. I don't even like the sound of it. It just looks like somebody washed out the milk bottle and poured the rinse into her bowl.
I suggest instead a mix of 1 part half & half cream and 2 parts 2%. The 2% milk is lowfat and satisfies my wife that I am trying to cut down on my fat intake, while the half & half makes the whole presentation palatable.
So, there it is... sit down and enjoy...cereal in 1 minute.
That's it for today... next time I will discuss Toast...White or Otherwise
Bon Apetite ( did I spell that right?)
This morning I was watching the Food Network with our youngest daughter and then it struck me...I have been missing out on the latest trend in creative presentation. So beginning now, I am adding a new feature to my blog...Not to be outdone by Rachel Ray and the rest, I will be from time to time posting my culinary tips...
Today the topic is cereal;
I like to begin by selecting a bowl. I recommend a bowl that is not too big and not too small. You want to be able to put enough cereal in the bowl to provide a satisfying meal, but not so much that by the time you get to the last spoonfull it has all gone soggy.
Next is the spoon selection. I find that a standard spoon is just too small. I like to use a soup spoon. Generally, it will help prevent spillage while providing the maximum amount of cereal to appropriately fill your mouth.
Cereal selection is important but is so personal that I will not even try to address it here.
I have found that placing the cereal into the bowl is the most effective way to prepare the cereal. Then depending on whether or not it is pre-sweetened, you may or may not want to add some sugar.
My daughter likes to use skim milk. I don't even like the sound of it. It just looks like somebody washed out the milk bottle and poured the rinse into her bowl.
I suggest instead a mix of 1 part half & half cream and 2 parts 2%. The 2% milk is lowfat and satisfies my wife that I am trying to cut down on my fat intake, while the half & half makes the whole presentation palatable.
So, there it is... sit down and enjoy...cereal in 1 minute.
That's it for today... next time I will discuss Toast...White or Otherwise
Bon Apetite ( did I spell that right?)
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
What might have been
I received a copy of the book; "McDonald's - Behind the Arches". Very interesting book about the history, the company, and it's system of operation.
Early in the book, the author is discussing the original McDonald brothers; Richard and Maurice, who were known as " Dick & Mac". While reading this, it occurred to me that this must have been the origination for the name of the sandwich; "The Big Mac"...
It was probably a good thing that they chose to honor Maurice instead of Richard.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas to All!!
Following is a reprint of my post from December 24, 2004…
My uncle Paul was a war hero. He was never recognized in that fashion by the world, but I know he was a war hero. He was a part of the greatest generation. He helped save the world during WWII. He was a fun loving man, a devoted father, brother, husband, son, uncle and friend to many. He died too young, probably from injuries and illnesses he received during the war. He was Santa Claus when I was a child. I didn’t know it then, but when I became a teen-ager I found out that he was Santa Claus. The last time he was Santa, I was ten years old. I remember that Christmas, specifically because that was the year my parents gave me a slot-car set. I don’t know why he stopped playing Santa. I know he didn’t always feel very well. Perhaps he merely wanted to pass the torch. My memories are becoming too foggy about these things. Twelve years ago when my son was 10, I gave him a slot-car set for Christmas. Oddly enough that year, my Aunt-Ann asked me to play Santa at our family’s traditional Christmas Eve celebration at her house. I have been Santa each year ever since. On Christmas Eve around 10pm, my cousin Laura will herd all the kids to the basement family room of Aunt-Ann’s home. Her brother and her husband will escort me to the second floor bedroom and help me change into my Santa suit. When I am ready and all the kids are out of the living room, I will go downstairs and out to the porch where I will wait until the kids are escorted back up to the living room. It amazes me that the little kids never question why they are being moved from floor to floor. But it is Christmas, and they are anxious to please, so they go. When they are all seated in the living room, someone will suggest singing a Christmas Carol. As this happens, I am standing on the porch and listen through the walls. Sometimes I peek through the window to watch my family. When I do, I see generations of love. I see tradition. I see time slipping by .I see memories in creation. When I get the signal from my cousin, I knock on the door and yell; “HO, HO, HO”. Then I make my grand entrance.
All the kids even the older ones sit on Santa’s lap and receive a small gift. Some of the adults sit on Santa’s lap. I am continually astounded by the fact that the kids can’t figure out who Santa is. Even my own children didn’t know until they were told. Maybe they choose not to know. My Mom always sits on Santa’s lap. He wishes her a happy birthday (She was born at 5pm on Christmas Day). She doesn’t see it, but Santa’s eyes are wet. When all of “the kids” have visited Santa we all sing another Christmas Carol then Santa exits through the front door wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. And that is it. My favorite, and the fastest 30 minutes of the year. Before I leave the porch, I look back through the window in the door…Though I hope I can play Santa for many more years, I know I will ultimately give it up to the next generation. I also know that whoever becomes Santa, will look back through the window and see the same things that I see; parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, children, grandparents, and a war hero.
2006 footnote:
This is the first year that everyone is old enough to know who Santa is. We have only one new family member; Connor. Connor is my brother’s grandson. He is less than one year old, so Santa’s visit might be traumatic for him. None-the-less, Santa will visit just as sure as the sun will rise on Christmas morning. But Santa is magic…so who knows what else might occur…
My uncle Paul was a war hero. He was never recognized in that fashion by the world, but I know he was a war hero. He was a part of the greatest generation. He helped save the world during WWII. He was a fun loving man, a devoted father, brother, husband, son, uncle and friend to many. He died too young, probably from injuries and illnesses he received during the war. He was Santa Claus when I was a child. I didn’t know it then, but when I became a teen-ager I found out that he was Santa Claus. The last time he was Santa, I was ten years old. I remember that Christmas, specifically because that was the year my parents gave me a slot-car set. I don’t know why he stopped playing Santa. I know he didn’t always feel very well. Perhaps he merely wanted to pass the torch. My memories are becoming too foggy about these things. Twelve years ago when my son was 10, I gave him a slot-car set for Christmas. Oddly enough that year, my Aunt-Ann asked me to play Santa at our family’s traditional Christmas Eve celebration at her house. I have been Santa each year ever since. On Christmas Eve around 10pm, my cousin Laura will herd all the kids to the basement family room of Aunt-Ann’s home. Her brother and her husband will escort me to the second floor bedroom and help me change into my Santa suit. When I am ready and all the kids are out of the living room, I will go downstairs and out to the porch where I will wait until the kids are escorted back up to the living room. It amazes me that the little kids never question why they are being moved from floor to floor. But it is Christmas, and they are anxious to please, so they go. When they are all seated in the living room, someone will suggest singing a Christmas Carol. As this happens, I am standing on the porch and listen through the walls. Sometimes I peek through the window to watch my family. When I do, I see generations of love. I see tradition. I see time slipping by .I see memories in creation. When I get the signal from my cousin, I knock on the door and yell; “HO, HO, HO”. Then I make my grand entrance.
All the kids even the older ones sit on Santa’s lap and receive a small gift. Some of the adults sit on Santa’s lap. I am continually astounded by the fact that the kids can’t figure out who Santa is. Even my own children didn’t know until they were told. Maybe they choose not to know. My Mom always sits on Santa’s lap. He wishes her a happy birthday (She was born at 5pm on Christmas Day). She doesn’t see it, but Santa’s eyes are wet. When all of “the kids” have visited Santa we all sing another Christmas Carol then Santa exits through the front door wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. And that is it. My favorite, and the fastest 30 minutes of the year. Before I leave the porch, I look back through the window in the door…Though I hope I can play Santa for many more years, I know I will ultimately give it up to the next generation. I also know that whoever becomes Santa, will look back through the window and see the same things that I see; parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, children, grandparents, and a war hero.
2006 footnote:
This is the first year that everyone is old enough to know who Santa is. We have only one new family member; Connor. Connor is my brother’s grandson. He is less than one year old, so Santa’s visit might be traumatic for him. None-the-less, Santa will visit just as sure as the sun will rise on Christmas morning. But Santa is magic…so who knows what else might occur…
Monday, December 18, 2006
They say the military is not efficient...
I've been having some issues with my left knee. 15 years ago I had to have my anterior cruciate ligament replaced. Everything has been going along swimmingly until a couple weeks ago. Suddenly I am having a lot of pain and difficulty getting around. So finally today I went back to the Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Department ( they did the orginal surgery) to find out what is going on.
Turns out I have arthritis and am in the midst of a bad "arthritic episode". They issued me a brace and gave me some physical therapy routines to do. Other than that...pain killers are the answer.
Anyhow in my quest to find humor in everything, I noted the following; When I arrived for my 1pm Xray appointment I heard on the television in the waiting area that a high ranking Iraqi official had been kidnapped... My Xray appointment was pushed to 2pm. That of course moved my doctor appointment to "later". I finally got in to see the doc around 4. As I was going into the exam room, I heard from the television in the lobby, that the Iraqi official had been freed.
I spent more time in captivity than he did!
Turns out I have arthritis and am in the midst of a bad "arthritic episode". They issued me a brace and gave me some physical therapy routines to do. Other than that...pain killers are the answer.
Anyhow in my quest to find humor in everything, I noted the following; When I arrived for my 1pm Xray appointment I heard on the television in the waiting area that a high ranking Iraqi official had been kidnapped... My Xray appointment was pushed to 2pm. That of course moved my doctor appointment to "later". I finally got in to see the doc around 4. As I was going into the exam room, I heard from the television in the lobby, that the Iraqi official had been freed.
I spent more time in captivity than he did!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Imagine
I was never a huge Beatles fan. I liked them of course, but there were other bands that I liked better. I actually appreciated the individual musicians more as they went their separate ways.
December of 1980 was a special month for us. Our first child ( Melissa ) was born on December 6. After some tense weeks anticipating a c-section delivery we were relieved, ecstatic, and exhausted in the days immediately following her birth.
Since Robin and Melissa were both in the hospital and I was running between home, work, and the hospital neither Robin or I paid any attention to TV. In fact we didn't hear of John Lennon's death until Robin's brother Scott called us from his home in Manhattan.
Melissa has such a strong love of music. Perhaps it is because we always had music playing in the house and car. We sing, and of course we sang to her even before she was born.
Melissa's musical tastes are eclectic to say the least. She would have been a Beatles fan. Especially in their 70's style. I'm sure that she would have loved John Lennon.
It is hard for me to believe that She as well as Tim and Stef grew up not knowing John Lennon as a living, creative force. It angers me that this was stolen from them and their generation.
A few years ago, Robin and I strolled through Central Park, and sat for a few minutes in Strawberry Fields. We looked across the street toward that fateful spot where John Lennon's life was stolen from him and from the world. I felt an emptiness. I am reminded of that today.
I often wonder what the great musicians of the world would do with today's technology. Imagine Bach with a sequencer. Imagine Beethoven with computerized notation software. Imagine Mozart with digital equipment and digital lighting controls. Imagine John Lennon having been able to finish the musical dreams within him.
Imagine.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
What's in your walls?
I read an article today about a family in Vermont that discovered an original Norman Rockwell painting behind a wall in their fathers' studio. They sold the painting for several millions of dollars.
It might be a long shot, but I figured what the heck. If I don't look, I might be missing something. So I spent the day "examining" our house.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Big Brother is watching
“Big Brother” is watching us. But he is not alone. In fact, everyone is watching everyone.
Web cams, “red-light” cameras, traffic monitoring cameras, mini-recorders, electronic entry devices, cell phones, camera phones, video phones, police video cams… everywhere we go, everywhere we are there are people seen and unseen, who are viewing and recording our every move.
My daughter received a speeding ticket from a red-light camera that snapped a picture of her license plate as she sped through a Cleveland intersection at 4 miles per hour over the limit. The President is recorded by an unseen microphone as he holds a private conversation and his private statements become headline news. Your mug is recorded at the ATM as you make a withdrawal from your own bank account. (don’t pick your nose while waiting). The gaming tables in Vegas are viewed by the “eye in the sky”. Department stores have monitored their aisles by video for years. Caller ID tells us who is calling before we answer the phone. Parks, intersections, bridges, buildings & sidewalks are being monitored by web cams. If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation ( or worse ) there is a better chance than not, that you are being video taped. And as if all of this isn’t enough; anyone with an up to date cell phone can record your actions on video and post them to the web before you even finish whatever it is you shouldn’t be doing!
Recently, former “Seinfeld” star; Michael Richards learned this lesson when he was captured by multiple cell phone videographers as he railed against a heckler at a California comedy club. Within hours this very disturbing video made it to the web and was viewed by millions thereby marring his reputation possibly beyond repair.
Could technology become society’s behavioral monitor? Perhaps the realization that “Big Brother” along with every other brother and sister ARE watching will impact our behavior as individuals.
I’m not sure if this is good or not.
Web cams, “red-light” cameras, traffic monitoring cameras, mini-recorders, electronic entry devices, cell phones, camera phones, video phones, police video cams… everywhere we go, everywhere we are there are people seen and unseen, who are viewing and recording our every move.
My daughter received a speeding ticket from a red-light camera that snapped a picture of her license plate as she sped through a Cleveland intersection at 4 miles per hour over the limit. The President is recorded by an unseen microphone as he holds a private conversation and his private statements become headline news. Your mug is recorded at the ATM as you make a withdrawal from your own bank account. (don’t pick your nose while waiting). The gaming tables in Vegas are viewed by the “eye in the sky”. Department stores have monitored their aisles by video for years. Caller ID tells us who is calling before we answer the phone. Parks, intersections, bridges, buildings & sidewalks are being monitored by web cams. If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation ( or worse ) there is a better chance than not, that you are being video taped. And as if all of this isn’t enough; anyone with an up to date cell phone can record your actions on video and post them to the web before you even finish whatever it is you shouldn’t be doing!
Recently, former “Seinfeld” star; Michael Richards learned this lesson when he was captured by multiple cell phone videographers as he railed against a heckler at a California comedy club. Within hours this very disturbing video made it to the web and was viewed by millions thereby marring his reputation possibly beyond repair.
Could technology become society’s behavioral monitor? Perhaps the realization that “Big Brother” along with every other brother and sister ARE watching will impact our behavior as individuals.
I’m not sure if this is good or not.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Where were you?
I was in Mrs. Cochran’s third grade room at the old Royalton Rd School. I don’t recall what time it was. I think we were in reading class. Mrs. Gold, the school principal turned on the school PA system and announced that school was ending early because; “ President Kennedy has been assassinated.” Mrs. Cochran had to define assassination for some of us. As she did you could hear gasps from around the room and other classrooms. Some of the girls started crying. Our teacher herded us quietly to the door and led us to our respective busses. On the bus the conjecture of conspiracy had already begun. The “older” kids ( 7th & 8th graders) were speculating that the Russians were responsible. Other than that discussion, the bus ride home was silent except for the gentle sobbing of children who didn’t thoroughly understand the ramifications of what had just happened. They understood only that an American hero was gone.
When I arrived home, my mom was crying. Some of the neighborhood mom’s were at our house. They were all crying. Mrs. Trimber said she had the worst headache of her life. She left in silence, as did the other mom’s. The TV was on. Walter Cronkite and CBS News was already narrating the surreal events surrounding this national tragedy. And it was a national tragedy. Like nothing anyone had experienced ( at least in our lifetime )…
They were different times. It was before television was in control of information. ( It was on its way, but not there yet) It was before the Internet or even the dream of an Internet. We still had faith in government. Those who voted for Nixon instead of Kennedy buried the hatchet before inauguration day, and the nation was united in support of the seated President. The position was one that was awarded respect despite the color of your state. Kennedy was young, handsome, and athletic. His wife was poised, beautiful, admired, and loved by a nation that was not yet addicted to celebrities. The White House was affectionately dubbed: Camelot.
Then came Dallas...
Flags were at half-staff, schools closed, businesses shutdown, social activities cancelled. The nation was glued to the TV for days watching and listening to Walter Cronkite describe play by play every event of the day. We watched in real time the transportation of the fallen hero from Dallas to Washington. We saw Jackie follow the casket as it was removed from Air Force 1. We saw his blood still on her dress ( which she refused to change ) . We watched LBJ sworn in as our new President. We watched as Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused killer was himself gunned down outside a Dallas police station. We watched his killer; Jack Ruby arrested. We viewed the casket on display in the Rotunda. We listened to Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings" played mournfully as we watched the rider-less horse lead the procession to Arlington. We watched “John-John” salute his father as the casket passed.
The world changed during those days. The questions began to rise regarding the “real” circumstances behind Kennedy’s death. Conspiracy theories about this event led to conspiracy theories about everything else involving our government. The television coverage of the event taught news producers how to cover such a disaster. The ratings of those broadcasts taught broadcasters just how hungry the population was for “instant” news. The media had been born earlier, but it came to age in late November 1963.
Eventually, our schedules went back to normal. Schools re-opened, business began their day-to-day operations again, and people went back to their social calendars. But everything was different... November 22, 1963 was the last day of an age of innocence.
When I arrived home, my mom was crying. Some of the neighborhood mom’s were at our house. They were all crying. Mrs. Trimber said she had the worst headache of her life. She left in silence, as did the other mom’s. The TV was on. Walter Cronkite and CBS News was already narrating the surreal events surrounding this national tragedy. And it was a national tragedy. Like nothing anyone had experienced ( at least in our lifetime )…
They were different times. It was before television was in control of information. ( It was on its way, but not there yet) It was before the Internet or even the dream of an Internet. We still had faith in government. Those who voted for Nixon instead of Kennedy buried the hatchet before inauguration day, and the nation was united in support of the seated President. The position was one that was awarded respect despite the color of your state. Kennedy was young, handsome, and athletic. His wife was poised, beautiful, admired, and loved by a nation that was not yet addicted to celebrities. The White House was affectionately dubbed: Camelot.
Then came Dallas...
Flags were at half-staff, schools closed, businesses shutdown, social activities cancelled. The nation was glued to the TV for days watching and listening to Walter Cronkite describe play by play every event of the day. We watched in real time the transportation of the fallen hero from Dallas to Washington. We saw Jackie follow the casket as it was removed from Air Force 1. We saw his blood still on her dress ( which she refused to change ) . We watched LBJ sworn in as our new President. We watched as Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused killer was himself gunned down outside a Dallas police station. We watched his killer; Jack Ruby arrested. We viewed the casket on display in the Rotunda. We listened to Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings" played mournfully as we watched the rider-less horse lead the procession to Arlington. We watched “John-John” salute his father as the casket passed.
The world changed during those days. The questions began to rise regarding the “real” circumstances behind Kennedy’s death. Conspiracy theories about this event led to conspiracy theories about everything else involving our government. The television coverage of the event taught news producers how to cover such a disaster. The ratings of those broadcasts taught broadcasters just how hungry the population was for “instant” news. The media had been born earlier, but it came to age in late November 1963.
Eventually, our schedules went back to normal. Schools re-opened, business began their day-to-day operations again, and people went back to their social calendars. But everything was different... November 22, 1963 was the last day of an age of innocence.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
My Thanksgiving diet
I decided this morning that I need to lose some weight before Thanksgiving. So, today I donated blood and got a haircut.
That ought to do it.
That ought to do it.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
If you cook it they will come
I ran across another blog the other day that is being published by a friend of mine who at one time worked with me in the crazy world of entertainment marketing. Jennifer is an extremely talented woman with a wonderful Seinfeld type sense of humor.
Anyhow, she has launched her own communication company and her blog provides some insight as to how she works. The blog is: http://ifyoucookittheywillcom.blogspot.com/ I highly recommend it.
( Jennifer, if you are reading this, notice that I used the word "insight"!!)
Anyhow, she has launched her own communication company and her blog provides some insight as to how she works. The blog is: http://ifyoucookittheywillcom.blogspot.com/ I highly recommend it.
( Jennifer, if you are reading this, notice that I used the word "insight"!!)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Halloween lights
My friend Tom has a fun Halloween light show at his home... click on "Halloween lights" to see and hear...
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
18 Safety Tips About Serial Killers
As a public service I present the following:
I thought it might be helpful to provide some tips for protecting yourself from serial killers. Further, since most serial killer victims are woman, I am directing this advice to woman.
I suggest that this list be memorized, and the procedures practiced regularly so that these tips might be drawn upon at anytime without hesitation.
(You may also print these warnings and pass them out to friends. )
1. Always be on the lookout for serial killers
2. Serial killers like to hang out in parking lots at K-Mart & WalMart sitting in their cars all day.
3. Don't be friends with any serial killers.
4. Never invite a serial killer over to watch Desperate Housewives or Ellen.
5. It is important for women to avoid serial killers who have killed more than 6 people because being victim number 7 is unlucky.
6. If you are walking to your car and you see a male in the car next to yours, assume that he is a serial killer. Shoot him and then run. This is legal in most states.
7. All men are serial killers. You cannot be too paranoid.
8. Be afraid of anyone who looks at you any time in any place.
9. There is no such thing as having too many weapons in your purse or briefcase.
10. Even if you accidently kill innocent people who are not serial killers, that's OK. The police will understand and won't arrest you.
11. Sometimes friends and family turn out to be serial killers. Never trust them.
12. Your spouse is probably a serial killer and you don't know it.
13. Even though you've tried hard to raise your sons right they are probably going to be serial killers anyway. It's not your fault. Never trust them.
14. Some women have been known to kill everyone in their house just to be on the safe side. This may sound extreme, but it works.
15. Some women have been known to go out hunting and killing men. Even though the FBI refers to these women as serial killers, it is far more likely that they were just trying to keep themselves safe from serial killers by being proactive.
16. When you shoot a serial killer always remember to empty your gun into him. Use every last bullet before you stop shooting. Also, you may want to shoot anyone else who is around. They are probably accomplices. Don't worry if you have to stop and reload. Just shoot anyone you see until you run out of ammunition. This will help keep you safe.
17. All serial killers are men. Women who kill are just retaliating for years of abuse. You'll understand better what I mean when their stories are told on Lifetime or discussed on The View.
18. Never wear wool socks on a Thursday. This is a sign to rapists and serial killers that you are a willing victim.
I thought it might be helpful to provide some tips for protecting yourself from serial killers. Further, since most serial killer victims are woman, I am directing this advice to woman.
I suggest that this list be memorized, and the procedures practiced regularly so that these tips might be drawn upon at anytime without hesitation.
(You may also print these warnings and pass them out to friends. )
1. Always be on the lookout for serial killers
2. Serial killers like to hang out in parking lots at K-Mart & WalMart sitting in their cars all day.
3. Don't be friends with any serial killers.
4. Never invite a serial killer over to watch Desperate Housewives or Ellen.
5. It is important for women to avoid serial killers who have killed more than 6 people because being victim number 7 is unlucky.
6. If you are walking to your car and you see a male in the car next to yours, assume that he is a serial killer. Shoot him and then run. This is legal in most states.
7. All men are serial killers. You cannot be too paranoid.
8. Be afraid of anyone who looks at you any time in any place.
9. There is no such thing as having too many weapons in your purse or briefcase.
10. Even if you accidently kill innocent people who are not serial killers, that's OK. The police will understand and won't arrest you.
11. Sometimes friends and family turn out to be serial killers. Never trust them.
12. Your spouse is probably a serial killer and you don't know it.
13. Even though you've tried hard to raise your sons right they are probably going to be serial killers anyway. It's not your fault. Never trust them.
14. Some women have been known to kill everyone in their house just to be on the safe side. This may sound extreme, but it works.
15. Some women have been known to go out hunting and killing men. Even though the FBI refers to these women as serial killers, it is far more likely that they were just trying to keep themselves safe from serial killers by being proactive.
16. When you shoot a serial killer always remember to empty your gun into him. Use every last bullet before you stop shooting. Also, you may want to shoot anyone else who is around. They are probably accomplices. Don't worry if you have to stop and reload. Just shoot anyone you see until you run out of ammunition. This will help keep you safe.
17. All serial killers are men. Women who kill are just retaliating for years of abuse. You'll understand better what I mean when their stories are told on Lifetime or discussed on The View.
18. Never wear wool socks on a Thursday. This is a sign to rapists and serial killers that you are a willing victim.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Katrina Relief Eplogue
Arriving in Pascagoula, Mississippi the devastation that still exists one year after Katrina was overwhelming. My first thought was; “Can we really make a difference?”
On Monday morning we met Ann; the homeowner who we were sent to assist. Looking at her home and hearing her story I remembered the story of the young man on the shore and the thousands of starfish washed up and left behind from the low tide.
Thousands of starfish were dieing while the young man furiously worked to throw them back. An older man came by and saw the young man struggling to save the starfish. He said to the boy; “Can’t you see how futile this is? You will never be able to save enough to make a difference.” The boy thought for a moment then picked up a single starfish, threw it into the ocean and said; “ I just made a difference for that one.”
We made a difference.
On Monday morning we met Ann; the homeowner who we were sent to assist. Looking at her home and hearing her story I remembered the story of the young man on the shore and the thousands of starfish washed up and left behind from the low tide.
Thousands of starfish were dieing while the young man furiously worked to throw them back. An older man came by and saw the young man struggling to save the starfish. He said to the boy; “Can’t you see how futile this is? You will never be able to save enough to make a difference.” The boy thought for a moment then picked up a single starfish, threw it into the ocean and said; “ I just made a difference for that one.”
We made a difference.
Day 5 Katrina Relief
Our final day in Mississippi. Everyone had a good night sleep so we were up a little earlier today. Consequently we got off to an early start. We arrived at Ann’s to find that no one had come in and finished our job!
It still looked like we had a mountain to move in order to finish, but we were diligent…
Mike and Dave finished sawing up the bathtub and got it out of the house. Homer went to work hanging dry wall in the master bedroom, while Jan & Jim began hanging dry wall in the back bedroom. Robin and Dee began cleaning up until we got some board hung, then they began mudding and taping the new drywall.
A few challenges popped up with the depth of the pre-installed electrical outlets and the varying thickness of the previously installed dry wall. But we were ingenious and undaunted in our tasks.
By 12:30 we realized that were further ahead than we expected.
We took our lunch break at a place called; “Bozo’s”. It was shrimp & oyster Po-Boys all around. “Bozo’s” is just a hole in the wall kind of place, but the food was incredible. We had a lunch that would have cost at least $15 per person back home, but here two could eat for $14!
Our new friend Jack recommended both Bozo’s and the place we went to last night. Jack is our new hero!
We returned to our task at 1:30 and before we knew it, our time with Ann was over. The job was finished, at least to a point where the next team will take over.
We had a tearful “goodbye” with Ann. She took pictures of all of us, and we took pictures with her. She gave each of us handwritten card of thanks, then with many hugs we loaded into the van, and with Ann “waving us on” we headed back to our “residence”.
No injuries to report today. We are thankful for a safe week.
A new team arrived this evening. We were able to have dinner with them and share our stories with them.
It is going on 10pm, the van is loaded, the GPS is set for home. After devotions and our evening meeting with Jan, we will go to bed early as we will be leaving for home at 6am. Our stay is ending much sooner than any of us prefer or are ready for.
It still looked like we had a mountain to move in order to finish, but we were diligent…
Mike and Dave finished sawing up the bathtub and got it out of the house. Homer went to work hanging dry wall in the master bedroom, while Jan & Jim began hanging dry wall in the back bedroom. Robin and Dee began cleaning up until we got some board hung, then they began mudding and taping the new drywall.
A few challenges popped up with the depth of the pre-installed electrical outlets and the varying thickness of the previously installed dry wall. But we were ingenious and undaunted in our tasks.
By 12:30 we realized that were further ahead than we expected.
We took our lunch break at a place called; “Bozo’s”. It was shrimp & oyster Po-Boys all around. “Bozo’s” is just a hole in the wall kind of place, but the food was incredible. We had a lunch that would have cost at least $15 per person back home, but here two could eat for $14!
Our new friend Jack recommended both Bozo’s and the place we went to last night. Jack is our new hero!
We returned to our task at 1:30 and before we knew it, our time with Ann was over. The job was finished, at least to a point where the next team will take over.
We had a tearful “goodbye” with Ann. She took pictures of all of us, and we took pictures with her. She gave each of us handwritten card of thanks, then with many hugs we loaded into the van, and with Ann “waving us on” we headed back to our “residence”.
No injuries to report today. We are thankful for a safe week.
A new team arrived this evening. We were able to have dinner with them and share our stories with them.
It is going on 10pm, the van is loaded, the GPS is set for home. After devotions and our evening meeting with Jan, we will go to bed early as we will be leaving for home at 6am. Our stay is ending much sooner than any of us prefer or are ready for.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Day 4 Katrina Trip Injury Report
Robin's foot is a little sore, but healing well. No new injuries today.
Dee Dee's cuts are healing. No new injuries today.
Mike: 0
Dave: Minor cut on knee from kneeling on a prybar. DOH!
Jim: 0
Jan: No injuries, but suffering from a migraine.
Homer: 0
Dee Dee's cuts are healing. No new injuries today.
Mike: 0
Dave: Minor cut on knee from kneeling on a prybar. DOH!
Jim: 0
Jan: No injuries, but suffering from a migraine.
Homer: 0
Day 4 - Katrina Relief
The team was tired today. Nobody is sleeping very well. We're just too motivated to work!
We got up on time, but got a slow start to the day because we had to make a trip to Lowe’s for some materials and tools.
The temperature was a little cooler today and the humidity was down a bit. So working was warm but bearable. There was no breeze however, so our lunchtime break at the beach was pretty warm.
We had a lot to do today; install new insulation, begin replacing drywall, remove a bathroom vanity and sink, commode, and bathtub. So we broke up into teams; Robin and I installed insulation, Dee Dee and Jan were our drywall measurer/cutters, Mike and Homer continued destruction by removing yet more drywall in the bathroom, and Dave bounced from room to room trying to keep us from destroying Ann’s house any further!
We didn’t get up as much drywall as I had hoped for. In fact, because I accidentally dry-walled over an electrical outlet I had to take that sheet down. In the process I realized that the outlets need to be remounted…a task we haven’t figured out how we will do yet.
In the midst of things, Ann ( the owner ) asked if we could remove her bathtub as she would like to order a new one. Dave ended up having to use the “saws all” to cut it up because it is too large to fit through the framed-in doors. Needless to say, this is not a fiberglass tub. It is cast iron…(Yes, we could use some high speed carbon blades)
By the way, the way I discovered the outlet that was covered over, was when I attempted to run a drywall screw into it! Luckily, I missed the actual outlet and was hitting the space between the outlet and utility box. Otherwise, Jan would be conducting a memorial service tonight.
As we sat in the park on our lunch break a man with a guitar came over and asked if he could sing for us. He writes gospel lyrics and sets them to contemporary tunes. Then, a friend of his was casting a 14-foot net into the ocean to catch mullet. So we wandered down to the shore to watch. (Fascinating characters here in Mississippi) Anyhow, watching this guy fish made us all hungry for seafood, so this evening we are off on a seafood dining adventure.
We got up on time, but got a slow start to the day because we had to make a trip to Lowe’s for some materials and tools.
The temperature was a little cooler today and the humidity was down a bit. So working was warm but bearable. There was no breeze however, so our lunchtime break at the beach was pretty warm.
We had a lot to do today; install new insulation, begin replacing drywall, remove a bathroom vanity and sink, commode, and bathtub. So we broke up into teams; Robin and I installed insulation, Dee Dee and Jan were our drywall measurer/cutters, Mike and Homer continued destruction by removing yet more drywall in the bathroom, and Dave bounced from room to room trying to keep us from destroying Ann’s house any further!
We didn’t get up as much drywall as I had hoped for. In fact, because I accidentally dry-walled over an electrical outlet I had to take that sheet down. In the process I realized that the outlets need to be remounted…a task we haven’t figured out how we will do yet.
In the midst of things, Ann ( the owner ) asked if we could remove her bathtub as she would like to order a new one. Dave ended up having to use the “saws all” to cut it up because it is too large to fit through the framed-in doors. Needless to say, this is not a fiberglass tub. It is cast iron…(Yes, we could use some high speed carbon blades)
By the way, the way I discovered the outlet that was covered over, was when I attempted to run a drywall screw into it! Luckily, I missed the actual outlet and was hitting the space between the outlet and utility box. Otherwise, Jan would be conducting a memorial service tonight.
As we sat in the park on our lunch break a man with a guitar came over and asked if he could sing for us. He writes gospel lyrics and sets them to contemporary tunes. Then, a friend of his was casting a 14-foot net into the ocean to catch mullet. So we wandered down to the shore to watch. (Fascinating characters here in Mississippi) Anyhow, watching this guy fish made us all hungry for seafood, so this evening we are off on a seafood dining adventure.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Day 3 - Katrina Trip Injury Report
Dee Dee: 1 cut finger, 1 cut on right Knee
Robin: nail through boot into right foot
Jim: 0
Mike: 0
Dave: 0
Homer: 0
Jan: 0
Robin: nail through boot into right foot
Jim: 0
Mike: 0
Dave: 0
Homer: 0
Jan: 0
Day 3 - Katrina Relief Trip
We arrived at our assigned job site at 8am today. We met Ann; a 77 year old widow who lives about 6 blocks from the beach.
Ann’s insurance company told her that she didn’t live in a flood zone. Consequently she was ineligible for flood insurance.
Her home sits on a foundation about 18 inches high. Yet, the floodwaters reached the two-foot mark inside, where it sat for 3 days.
Our mission is to remove the water damaged drywall throughout the house from the floor to two feet up. Additionally, we are removing damaged flooring and sub-flooring.
We were successful today in removing the drywall and insulation and sub-floor from three rooms. Tonight, the exposed walls will be treated with an anti-fungal spray. Tomorrow we will begin hanging new drywall.
We hope to refinish a bathroom while we are here as well.
We took a break for lunch today and went down to a park by the beach. As we arrived, people were driving past and asking if we were volunteers. When we replied that we were, they thanked us. Passing cars waved their gratitude. I think that we realized at that moment just how important our mission was.
We met a man whose wife went into the hospital just before the storm. The storm prevented him from seeing her before she died. He left the area and just returned three weeks ago.
Ann’s insurance company told her that she didn’t live in a flood zone. Consequently she was ineligible for flood insurance.
Her home sits on a foundation about 18 inches high. Yet, the floodwaters reached the two-foot mark inside, where it sat for 3 days.
Our mission is to remove the water damaged drywall throughout the house from the floor to two feet up. Additionally, we are removing damaged flooring and sub-flooring.
We were successful today in removing the drywall and insulation and sub-floor from three rooms. Tonight, the exposed walls will be treated with an anti-fungal spray. Tomorrow we will begin hanging new drywall.
We hope to refinish a bathroom while we are here as well.
We took a break for lunch today and went down to a park by the beach. As we arrived, people were driving past and asking if we were volunteers. When we replied that we were, they thanked us. Passing cars waved their gratitude. I think that we realized at that moment just how important our mission was.
We met a man whose wife went into the hospital just before the storm. The storm prevented him from seeing her before she died. He left the area and just returned three weeks ago.
After lunch we drove through several neighborhoods and viewed the awesome devastation. What were beautiful homes have been reduced to rubble. In many cases there is nothing left but a driveway and a foundation, or a mailbox on an empty lot.
Many of the lots are now up for sale. Evidence that people have either gone broke, or don�t want to chance another �Katrina�.
At the end of our work today, a young boy walking past stopped to talk to us. We asked what it was like to be living in this place at this time. His response was;
�We were doing ok. Then Katrina came, and BAM, we are poor.�
Monday, September 11, 2006
The Great Mississippi Adventure
According to mapquest it is a 15 hour journey from Cleveland, Ohio to Biloxi, Mississippi.
Mapquest is wrong!
We are on Day 2 of a mission trip to Mississippi to do some Katrina Relief. Day 1 was a day of travel. It took us from 1pm Cleveland time to 8am ( next day ) to get here. Of course the van we are travelling in kept stalling out which didn't help. But we had a good trip that was relatively uneventful and arrived in time to eat breakfast and then get to work. So, at this point in time, we have been awake for about 32 hours. We are doing amazingly well. I guess there is energy derived from doing something for someone else.
We are staying in a temporary housing unit that was constructed for people coming here to work. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wireless internet connection. We will try to update on a daily basis.
Mapquest is wrong!
We are on Day 2 of a mission trip to Mississippi to do some Katrina Relief. Day 1 was a day of travel. It took us from 1pm Cleveland time to 8am ( next day ) to get here. Of course the van we are travelling in kept stalling out which didn't help. But we had a good trip that was relatively uneventful and arrived in time to eat breakfast and then get to work. So, at this point in time, we have been awake for about 32 hours. We are doing amazingly well. I guess there is energy derived from doing something for someone else.
We are staying in a temporary housing unit that was constructed for people coming here to work. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wireless internet connection. We will try to update on a daily basis.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Faster Than A Speeding Rebate Check
Several weeks ago, my cell phone decided it had made enough calls and was no longer interested in functioning. So, I wandered into the local Radio Shack and picked up a new Samsung A900 to be used on the Sprint system.
I was told that I qualified for a $100 rebate through Sprint as long as I extended my service agreement. Seemed like a good plan. So after I programmed my new phone I sorted through the rebate instructions and mailed them in.
Four weeks later, I received a notice from Sprint stating that since I had NOT extended my contract they would not honor the $100 rebate. I promptly did nothing then forgot about the whole thing.
This morning I received an email from Sprint telling me that my rebate was in the final stages of processing and that I would be receiving my rebate in four weeks.
My question is this…in this day of high technology, how is it that it takes a “hi-tech” company like Sprint over 8 weeks to process a rebate check? I’ve seen houses built faster than that.
While I’m on this “hi tech” tirade…Why can’t another “hi-tech” company; DELL accept on-line account payments?
These things keep me up at night.
I was told that I qualified for a $100 rebate through Sprint as long as I extended my service agreement. Seemed like a good plan. So after I programmed my new phone I sorted through the rebate instructions and mailed them in.
Four weeks later, I received a notice from Sprint stating that since I had NOT extended my contract they would not honor the $100 rebate. I promptly did nothing then forgot about the whole thing.
This morning I received an email from Sprint telling me that my rebate was in the final stages of processing and that I would be receiving my rebate in four weeks.
My question is this…in this day of high technology, how is it that it takes a “hi-tech” company like Sprint over 8 weeks to process a rebate check? I’ve seen houses built faster than that.
While I’m on this “hi tech” tirade…Why can’t another “hi-tech” company; DELL accept on-line account payments?
These things keep me up at night.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
First District Detective Jonathan "AJ" Schroeder, Badge #2191, was killed in the line of duty last evening while serving an arrest warrant at a home near West 98th Street and Madison Avenue. The subject of the warrant was wanted for an Aggravated Burglary and Rape which occurred in our city on August 25th. As Detective Schroeder and other Officers approached the front door, the suspect opened fire, striking Detective Schroeder above his bulletproof vest. He was pronounced dead minutes later at Metrohealth Medical Center. The suspect, who yields a very long criminal history, was captured and is being held at city jail, and several charges including the Aggravated Murder of Detective Schroeder and the Attempted Murder of the other officers are expected within days.
Detective Schroeder was a 10 year veteran of the Department, and he leaves behind a wife and infant son. He was a native of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and a graduate of Penn Hills High School and Kent State University.
The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of the Metrohealth Medical Center, the citizens and businesses of Greater Cleveland, the media outlets
A fund has been set up to assist the family. Donations may be dropped off or delivered to:
The Jonathan Schroeder Memorial Fund
c/o The Cleveland Police Credit Union
2301 Payne Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 861-3535
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The Two Faces Of Cleveland
So today is the second day that the site selection team from the Republican National Convention is in Cleveland to evaluate it as a potential site.
Everywhere you look, every electronic media report, every publication in town is touting the attributes of this fair city. Some have gone so far as to promote; “Hug a Republican Day”.
I hope that all the effort produces the desired results. The RNC 2008 convention would no doubt bring dramatic opportunities to Cleveland. Further, Cleveland has demonstrated on multiple occasions just how “friendly” it can be as a host.
Here is what bothers me…
Traditionally, while the balance of the state votes Republican, the good people of the City of Cleveland do NOT support Republican candidates.
The major daily; The Plain Dealer is so far left they are backed up against the margin.
The same politicians who are now asking everyone to “Hug A Republican” are the same individuals who normally “Mug a Republican”. But now for the sake of the regions' economics are “putting aside party differences”.
Excuse me, but the basis for virtually every point of disagreement between the parties is economics.
I am reminded of the Bush tax refund from W’s first term. There were many shouting that it wasn’t enough to make a difference. Others were bemoaning that those funds should have been used to fund humanitarian needs in the cities. What confounded me is that none of those critics gave the money back to the IRS or even offered to.
As the song from the Broadway show Cabaret says; “Money makes the world go ‘round”. To prove it, today even the Democrats in Cleveland are thinking like Republicans.
Good luck Cleveland, you need a break like this.
Everywhere you look, every electronic media report, every publication in town is touting the attributes of this fair city. Some have gone so far as to promote; “Hug a Republican Day”.
I hope that all the effort produces the desired results. The RNC 2008 convention would no doubt bring dramatic opportunities to Cleveland. Further, Cleveland has demonstrated on multiple occasions just how “friendly” it can be as a host.
Here is what bothers me…
Traditionally, while the balance of the state votes Republican, the good people of the City of Cleveland do NOT support Republican candidates.
The major daily; The Plain Dealer is so far left they are backed up against the margin.
The same politicians who are now asking everyone to “Hug A Republican” are the same individuals who normally “Mug a Republican”. But now for the sake of the regions' economics are “putting aside party differences”.
Excuse me, but the basis for virtually every point of disagreement between the parties is economics.
I am reminded of the Bush tax refund from W’s first term. There were many shouting that it wasn’t enough to make a difference. Others were bemoaning that those funds should have been used to fund humanitarian needs in the cities. What confounded me is that none of those critics gave the money back to the IRS or even offered to.
As the song from the Broadway show Cabaret says; “Money makes the world go ‘round”. To prove it, today even the Democrats in Cleveland are thinking like Republicans.
Good luck Cleveland, you need a break like this.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Killer Frogs
OK...so the picture below is not really the frog in our pond... We did however watch a large frog consume a mouse a few nights ago...Yeah, I know we couldn't believe it either, but there it was right in front of us. This frog about the size of a softball, stalked, caught, drowned, and ate a mouse. We immediately went on line and did a search for "frog diet". We found no mention of frogs eating mice. Evidently as we always thought they are supposed to eat insects, spiders, worms, etc. but no mention of mice. So evidently, our little water garden is inhabited by mutant killer frogs... Stay tuned. This could result in a new movie; "Frogs on a Plane."
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know that we went to considerable length to build a water garden last summer. It has become its own ecosystem. We have several fish including an 18" catfish that feeds at the surface. The most surprising development however was the discovery of a killer frog.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
There are a million stories in the city...
Listening to my police radio this evening... the big call in our crime ridden city:
"5455 please respond to North Star. Complainant advises the ice cream truck is playing its music too loud."
My comments are too numerous to print.
"5455 please respond to North Star. Complainant advises the ice cream truck is playing its music too loud."
My comments are too numerous to print.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
I'm Looking for Someone To Sue
This past Weds. evening I went for an early evening swim in our pool. While in the pool I noticed that our inflatable lobster that normally floats around in there, was missing. Since I keep it tied to the filter return line, I knew it couldn't have gone far. Suspecting that the wind had blown it over the edge of the pool, I boosted myself over the edge and found it languishing in the stones around the sidewall.
I leaned over and grabbed on to the errant bottom feeder and as I brought it back into the pool a swarm of yellow jackets that had evidently built a nest under the edge of the pool, came after me.
The first strike hit me on the left bicep. The second shot was to my right eyebrow, then a third to my stomach and a fourth to my back as I dove under the water. When I resurfaced, the swarm was still buzzing around so I went back under. Luckily 3 of the 4 attackers drowned immediately, but the first one was still biting me on the arm. I gave him a good smack and he dropped lifelessly into the wash with the rest of them.
Despite the pain, I went immediately to my backyard shed and retrieved the wasp and hornet spray. Ignoring my potentially fatal wounds ( I am allergic to bee stings ), I went back to the scene of the attack, located their encampment, and destroyed every last one of them.
Robin went to the drug store and purchased some sort of medication to calm the pain. It worked pretty well on the eyebrow, stomach and back wounds. The bicep however is another story. It's been 4 days and my left bicep still is swollen and itchy.
The upside is that I have a left bicep like a power lifter. ( I'm thinking about trapping a yellow jacket and getting my right arm done. )
So anyhow, in this world of litigation, there ought to be someone I can hold responsible; The manufacturer of the inflatable lobster, because it should have a warning on it that says;" Lobster may get blown out of pool and land near a yellow jacket nest". Perhaps I could go after the pool manufacturer for not putting a warning on the pool; " Yellow jackets may nest near your pool, be careful when retrieving inflatable lobsters." I'm thinking that somehow my neighbors must be liable because they should have noticed this nest while I was on vacation and warned me about it when I returned home. The other possibility is that since allergies are somehow passed through genetics, my parents should be responsible for this tragedy.There is also a local high school football team that has as their mascot a large yellow jacket. It seems to me that by humanizing the yellow jacket in this fashion, they have masked the danger of these beings. Consequently, I and most likely others have become complacent of this hazard.
So, if anyone knows the name and number of the attorney who handled the McDonalds Hot Coffee lawsuit, please pass it on to me.
I leaned over and grabbed on to the errant bottom feeder and as I brought it back into the pool a swarm of yellow jackets that had evidently built a nest under the edge of the pool, came after me.
The first strike hit me on the left bicep. The second shot was to my right eyebrow, then a third to my stomach and a fourth to my back as I dove under the water. When I resurfaced, the swarm was still buzzing around so I went back under. Luckily 3 of the 4 attackers drowned immediately, but the first one was still biting me on the arm. I gave him a good smack and he dropped lifelessly into the wash with the rest of them.
Despite the pain, I went immediately to my backyard shed and retrieved the wasp and hornet spray. Ignoring my potentially fatal wounds ( I am allergic to bee stings ), I went back to the scene of the attack, located their encampment, and destroyed every last one of them.
Robin went to the drug store and purchased some sort of medication to calm the pain. It worked pretty well on the eyebrow, stomach and back wounds. The bicep however is another story. It's been 4 days and my left bicep still is swollen and itchy.
The upside is that I have a left bicep like a power lifter. ( I'm thinking about trapping a yellow jacket and getting my right arm done. )
So anyhow, in this world of litigation, there ought to be someone I can hold responsible; The manufacturer of the inflatable lobster, because it should have a warning on it that says;" Lobster may get blown out of pool and land near a yellow jacket nest". Perhaps I could go after the pool manufacturer for not putting a warning on the pool; " Yellow jackets may nest near your pool, be careful when retrieving inflatable lobsters." I'm thinking that somehow my neighbors must be liable because they should have noticed this nest while I was on vacation and warned me about it when I returned home. The other possibility is that since allergies are somehow passed through genetics, my parents should be responsible for this tragedy.There is also a local high school football team that has as their mascot a large yellow jacket. It seems to me that by humanizing the yellow jacket in this fashion, they have masked the danger of these beings. Consequently, I and most likely others have become complacent of this hazard.
So, if anyone knows the name and number of the attorney who handled the McDonalds Hot Coffee lawsuit, please pass it on to me.
Finally... Research I can believe in...
Ok... so I know I am very critical of the media, and I am very skeptical and critical of so-called research studies. Basically, I believe that all of these reports are biased to prove a point, and that in today's world you can report anything as long as you attach the words; "research has shown".
Thursday, August 03, 2006
A Summer Camping Vacation Epilogue
Epilogue
We arrived back home Weds. at 12:30pm. Our oldest daughter came over with lunch and spent the day with us. We swam in our pool, grilled dinner on our deck, ate dinner in our central air, and swam some more at night. We even built a campfire in our fire ring on the deck. Then we sat together and looked up at the stars and held hands.
We arrived back home Weds. at 12:30pm. Our oldest daughter came over with lunch and spent the day with us. We swam in our pool, grilled dinner on our deck, ate dinner in our central air, and swam some more at night. We even built a campfire in our fire ring on the deck. Then we sat together and looked up at the stars and held hands.
A Summer Camping Vacation Part IV
Day 3. I awaken to more heat. I make my way to the restroom, look in the mirror and discover a sunburn on my nose that makes me look like one of those street winos with the alcoholic bulging nose. Vacation doesn’t get any better than this… We are going home. Sorry, can’t take it anymore. The weather people are saying it will be hotter today than it has been. I don’t need to prove anything anymore. I have been beaten by the elements. The only question is; “How fast can I break camp?” I don’t even mind the heat now. The end is in sight. Once the trailer is back on the truck, I can rip off my sweat soaked shirt, put on a clean dry one, and climb into the breeze…
We didn’t even think about taking pictures. It would have been too much effort. We did take one photo. On the way home, we were looking down the road and asking… What is that? Looks like some sort of tanker truck…What is it? It’s an enormous cow on the back of a truck…the heat must have finally fried our brains we are both hallucinating… but wait… we can’t be having the same hallucination… so here it is…
We didn’t even think about taking pictures. It would have been too much effort. We did take one photo. On the way home, we were looking down the road and asking… What is that? Looks like some sort of tanker truck…What is it? It’s an enormous cow on the back of a truck…the heat must have finally fried our brains we are both hallucinating… but wait… we can’t be having the same hallucination… so here it is…
A Summer Camping Vacation Part III
Day 2
It actually felt a little chilly around 3am. But without the box fan it would have probably been uncomfortable. Robin only got up 4 times last night. At least Chloe slept. The raccoons got into our garbage, but that was our fault.
Robin made eggs and bacon for breakfast. We didn’t have a toaster so we buttered some bread and put it into a fry pan. We are so adaptable.
Then despite the 94 degrees we went for a walk in the woods. It was one of the most serene places I have ever seen. There wasn’t another soul around. We walked on a deer path deep into the woods where we could hear nothing except the sound of the trees. Chloe was in heaven with all the new scents and sounds. We didn’t notice that our hike was primarily down hill, until we turned around to go back. Damn it is hot.
On to the lake… Damn their no pets rule. Chloe is going swimming with us.
It is amazing how warm the lake is. It literally feels like bath water. It doesn’t cool you down at all. I am up to my neck in water and still sweating. I am really trying to be a sport and not complain, but I can’t think of anything except our swimming pool and air conditioning back home. So we leave the lake about 5pm and return to our site. If it is anything like last night, we have survived the day and can look forward to a pleasant evening.
Yeah right…the temperature and humidity are going up! AND there is no breeze. We make a half-hearted attempt to cook and eat dinner. Robin is such a trooper. I have stopped dreaming about my swimming pool and the A/C. I am now asking Jesus to take me home.
At 9:00 it is still over 90 degrees. So we go out for ice cream. Anything to get into the air-conditioned Ranger. I would have agreed to go to a cock-fight if it meant 2 minutes in the breeze. The ice cream run was worth it. By the time we got back, the temperature had fallen to 88.
A campfire is mandatory. Right? So I spent about an hour competing with the thick damp air to get a fire started. Finally, at 10:10pm success. The fire is started. The heat however has taken its toll on all of us. Everyone falls asleep. Including the fire.
Finally, we move into the trailer around midnight. Thank you God for the gift of box fans.
It actually felt a little chilly around 3am. But without the box fan it would have probably been uncomfortable. Robin only got up 4 times last night. At least Chloe slept. The raccoons got into our garbage, but that was our fault.
Robin made eggs and bacon for breakfast. We didn’t have a toaster so we buttered some bread and put it into a fry pan. We are so adaptable.
Then despite the 94 degrees we went for a walk in the woods. It was one of the most serene places I have ever seen. There wasn’t another soul around. We walked on a deer path deep into the woods where we could hear nothing except the sound of the trees. Chloe was in heaven with all the new scents and sounds. We didn’t notice that our hike was primarily down hill, until we turned around to go back. Damn it is hot.
On to the lake… Damn their no pets rule. Chloe is going swimming with us.
It is amazing how warm the lake is. It literally feels like bath water. It doesn’t cool you down at all. I am up to my neck in water and still sweating. I am really trying to be a sport and not complain, but I can’t think of anything except our swimming pool and air conditioning back home. So we leave the lake about 5pm and return to our site. If it is anything like last night, we have survived the day and can look forward to a pleasant evening.
Yeah right…the temperature and humidity are going up! AND there is no breeze. We make a half-hearted attempt to cook and eat dinner. Robin is such a trooper. I have stopped dreaming about my swimming pool and the A/C. I am now asking Jesus to take me home.
At 9:00 it is still over 90 degrees. So we go out for ice cream. Anything to get into the air-conditioned Ranger. I would have agreed to go to a cock-fight if it meant 2 minutes in the breeze. The ice cream run was worth it. By the time we got back, the temperature had fallen to 88.
A campfire is mandatory. Right? So I spent about an hour competing with the thick damp air to get a fire started. Finally, at 10:10pm success. The fire is started. The heat however has taken its toll on all of us. Everyone falls asleep. Including the fire.
Finally, we move into the trailer around midnight. Thank you God for the gift of box fans.
A Summer Camping Vacation Part II
So, even though it is already in the low 90’s, there is a nice breeze and the online reservation service said our site is in “full shade”…
Site G-24… I backed that trailer into the spot in one try. Like a seasoned trucker. I remembered everything Tim told me about set up. In about 15 minutes we had the camper set up and the truck unloaded. Ok, so we forgot to fill the propane tanks, and left the garden hose for water hook up at home. We have a butane burner… we just have to find butane canisters and purchase a garden hose. How hard can that be?
4:00pm: The box fan we brought is keeping the trailer fairly cool as we venture back out in the truck to purchase our butane canisters and garden hose.
REPORT: No butane canisters available. ANYWHERE.
No problem, we’ll purchase a new camp stove that runs on propane. Walmart comes through with a $20 stove.
5:00pm: Went swimming at the beach. They have signs posted that pets are not allowed on the beach. I can understand that. Who wants to be running barefeet in the sand and then find something that resembles and Italian cigar squished between your toes. This would be a fine rule and a logical one at that…IF THEY DIDN’T HAVE SUCH A GOOSE PROBLEM!. Our little dog couldn’t have competed with either the size or the amount of crap that the Geese left on the beach. Hopefully the campsite beach will be cleaner.
Returning to the campsite we noticed that “full shade” has become “partial shade” with the sun coming in directly from the west. No problem…the temperature is starting to go down. Time to hook up the water supply…
“Has Tim ever tested this?” Robin asked. “Of course he has. No son of mine would go camping without knowing the full capabilities of his equipment.” Said I.
So where is all the water coming from? So much for indoor water supply.
8:30pm Dinner is over, Chloe is entangled around the trailer but soon, the sun is down, the fire is lit… a little warmer than planned, but holding hands, and gazing at the stars.
Site G-24… I backed that trailer into the spot in one try. Like a seasoned trucker. I remembered everything Tim told me about set up. In about 15 minutes we had the camper set up and the truck unloaded. Ok, so we forgot to fill the propane tanks, and left the garden hose for water hook up at home. We have a butane burner… we just have to find butane canisters and purchase a garden hose. How hard can that be?
4:00pm: The box fan we brought is keeping the trailer fairly cool as we venture back out in the truck to purchase our butane canisters and garden hose.
REPORT: No butane canisters available. ANYWHERE.
No problem, we’ll purchase a new camp stove that runs on propane. Walmart comes through with a $20 stove.
5:00pm: Went swimming at the beach. They have signs posted that pets are not allowed on the beach. I can understand that. Who wants to be running barefeet in the sand and then find something that resembles and Italian cigar squished between your toes. This would be a fine rule and a logical one at that…IF THEY DIDN’T HAVE SUCH A GOOSE PROBLEM!. Our little dog couldn’t have competed with either the size or the amount of crap that the Geese left on the beach. Hopefully the campsite beach will be cleaner.
Returning to the campsite we noticed that “full shade” has become “partial shade” with the sun coming in directly from the west. No problem…the temperature is starting to go down. Time to hook up the water supply…
“Has Tim ever tested this?” Robin asked. “Of course he has. No son of mine would go camping without knowing the full capabilities of his equipment.” Said I.
So where is all the water coming from? So much for indoor water supply.
8:30pm Dinner is over, Chloe is entangled around the trailer but soon, the sun is down, the fire is lit… a little warmer than planned, but holding hands, and gazing at the stars.
It's a Summer Camping Vacation Part I
We attempted to take a camping vacation.
Our son recently purchased a pop-up camper. It is a really nice unit that he purchased far under value. So when he brought it home last spring, our recollections of cool summer evenings by the campfire, gazing at the starlit skies, and holding hands under the moonlight caused us to make a reservation at Salt Fork State Park. Of course the day we made the reservation it was a perfect 78 degree day with about 35% humidity. It was the kind of day that doesn't last in NE Ohio.
The last few weeks have brought some really nasty weather patterns. We have had unbelievable downpours resulting in massive flooding throughout the area. We have had several days of 90+ degree days and 90+% humidity.
So as we got closer to our departure day, we joked that we would be faced with either torrential rain, or record breaking heat...
As I loaded firewood into the truck last Sunday night, the sweat poured off of me. I kept thinking...we have central air in our house.
Then, I loaded the bbq grill on to the truck, and packed the charcoal and lighter fuel and thought...Cooking outdoors without the benefit of eating indoors can be a buggy, hot, muggy nightmare...but Robin is really excited about this. Put on a sweatband Jim.
Tim, took me out and showed me how to set up the camper and make everything work. Then he told me that the trailer lights were out because the connection had dragged on the highway all the way home from Marblehead the night before. That's ok I thought, "I can work on that first thing in the morning... while it is still relatively cool out".
9:00am Temperature is already 85 degreees. Wow... the pool sure looks nice.
We planned to leave at 11am. We would have made it too, if the trailer hitch would have opened properly and locked on to the ball. Ten or fifteen minutes of jumping up and down on the hitch like the gorilla in the old Samsonite commercial, finally got it locked up...One last shower and we were on our way...to the gas station to put air in the trailer tires.
11:35am We are finally on the road. The Ranger is doing a pretty good job of pulling the trailer except for a some acceleration challenges on the highway ramps.
12:30pm We're both getting hungry already. So, a stop at Wendy's was in order. Beside, Chloe had to pee. ( oh yeah, we brought the puppy ). So while Robin went in to get food, I took Chloe out to drain. Not being accustomed to travel, she developed "public urination anxiety" and chose instead to bark and whine incessantly in the general direction she last saw Robin.
12:50pm Back on the road. Gretta the GPS lady says we'll be there by 1:37pm. Although she keeps updating her predictions based on my speed. We were picturing the GPS lady sitting at a desk with maps and calculators spread out in front of her...I named her Gretta. Robin doesn't like that name so if you can think of something better send me a comment. Until then I will continue to call her Gretta. )
1:38pm Arrival at Salt Fork State Park...
End Part I
Our son recently purchased a pop-up camper. It is a really nice unit that he purchased far under value. So when he brought it home last spring, our recollections of cool summer evenings by the campfire, gazing at the starlit skies, and holding hands under the moonlight caused us to make a reservation at Salt Fork State Park. Of course the day we made the reservation it was a perfect 78 degree day with about 35% humidity. It was the kind of day that doesn't last in NE Ohio.
The last few weeks have brought some really nasty weather patterns. We have had unbelievable downpours resulting in massive flooding throughout the area. We have had several days of 90+ degree days and 90+% humidity.
So as we got closer to our departure day, we joked that we would be faced with either torrential rain, or record breaking heat...
As I loaded firewood into the truck last Sunday night, the sweat poured off of me. I kept thinking...we have central air in our house.
Then, I loaded the bbq grill on to the truck, and packed the charcoal and lighter fuel and thought...Cooking outdoors without the benefit of eating indoors can be a buggy, hot, muggy nightmare...but Robin is really excited about this. Put on a sweatband Jim.
Tim, took me out and showed me how to set up the camper and make everything work. Then he told me that the trailer lights were out because the connection had dragged on the highway all the way home from Marblehead the night before. That's ok I thought, "I can work on that first thing in the morning... while it is still relatively cool out".
9:00am Temperature is already 85 degreees. Wow... the pool sure looks nice.
We planned to leave at 11am. We would have made it too, if the trailer hitch would have opened properly and locked on to the ball. Ten or fifteen minutes of jumping up and down on the hitch like the gorilla in the old Samsonite commercial, finally got it locked up...One last shower and we were on our way...to the gas station to put air in the trailer tires.
11:35am We are finally on the road. The Ranger is doing a pretty good job of pulling the trailer except for a some acceleration challenges on the highway ramps.
12:30pm We're both getting hungry already. So, a stop at Wendy's was in order. Beside, Chloe had to pee. ( oh yeah, we brought the puppy ). So while Robin went in to get food, I took Chloe out to drain. Not being accustomed to travel, she developed "public urination anxiety" and chose instead to bark and whine incessantly in the general direction she last saw Robin.
12:50pm Back on the road. Gretta the GPS lady says we'll be there by 1:37pm. Although she keeps updating her predictions based on my speed. We were picturing the GPS lady sitting at a desk with maps and calculators spread out in front of her...I named her Gretta. Robin doesn't like that name so if you can think of something better send me a comment. Until then I will continue to call her Gretta. )
1:38pm Arrival at Salt Fork State Park...
End Part I
Road Apples
It was reported this morning that 36% of the American public believes that the US Government either planned and executed the 9/11 terrorist attacks, or at least sat by an allowed them to happen.
The news report goes on to explain that there were 1010 people interviewed to determine these results. In other words, the poll takers were able to locate 364 morons who were capable of nodding in agreement to a jaded question.
What else is wrong with this picture? Let's see, how many people are there in the U.S.? What exactly was the criteria for who was interviewed? Are these the same people that listen to late night radio and also believe that the Japanese Mob has control over global weather? Are they 364 leftist liberals who merely believe that our current national leadership is responsible for every societal ill. Did they interview kindergarten students? Did they interview nursing home altzheimer patients? Did they interview sports legends, washed up actors, you, me?
There is no doubt in my mind that there are idiots who believe that 9/11 was a government plot. The media would like us to believe the numbers are 36% of the U.S. or greater. They somehow believe that "perception is reality" even if the perception is created. If however this statistic is correct, we should be able to go outside and speak to our neighbors on either side and find that one of the households share in this ridiculous notion. Again... one in three!
I have news for the news. Perception is NOT reality. Especially when perception is created by ill-conceived malice. Perception may be some persons reality but it is NOT truth.
Give me a university sponsored grant and I gurantee I can interview 1010 people and develop a report stating that 36% of the country believes that the earth is flat.
Just try actually finding those people.
The news report goes on to explain that there were 1010 people interviewed to determine these results. In other words, the poll takers were able to locate 364 morons who were capable of nodding in agreement to a jaded question.
What else is wrong with this picture? Let's see, how many people are there in the U.S.? What exactly was the criteria for who was interviewed? Are these the same people that listen to late night radio and also believe that the Japanese Mob has control over global weather? Are they 364 leftist liberals who merely believe that our current national leadership is responsible for every societal ill. Did they interview kindergarten students? Did they interview nursing home altzheimer patients? Did they interview sports legends, washed up actors, you, me?
There is no doubt in my mind that there are idiots who believe that 9/11 was a government plot. The media would like us to believe the numbers are 36% of the U.S. or greater. They somehow believe that "perception is reality" even if the perception is created. If however this statistic is correct, we should be able to go outside and speak to our neighbors on either side and find that one of the households share in this ridiculous notion. Again... one in three!
I have news for the news. Perception is NOT reality. Especially when perception is created by ill-conceived malice. Perception may be some persons reality but it is NOT truth.
Give me a university sponsored grant and I gurantee I can interview 1010 people and develop a report stating that 36% of the country believes that the earth is flat.
Just try actually finding those people.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Driving in Strongsville
Driving around Strongsville today, I found myself behind a Green Saturn. Across the rear bumper in huge block letters was printed: " Do not tailgate, child on board".
I have seen this admonition before but usually, it says, "show dogs on board". So about the time I am thinking this woman is a whacked out over protective mother, she cuts across two lanes of traffic (without signaling)and makes a right turn on red without stopping. I witnessed a minimum of 5 other vehicles react to avoid being hit, or hitting her.
I wish I had the the time to follow her and edit her bumper to read; " Do not tailgate, IDIOT at wheel".
I really feel sorry for the child on board if it survives mom's driving, he/she is sure to have a miserable, overprotected life.
On the other hand, if you happen to see this vehicle stay back, the child on board might be the driver.
I have seen this admonition before but usually, it says, "show dogs on board". So about the time I am thinking this woman is a whacked out over protective mother, she cuts across two lanes of traffic (without signaling)and makes a right turn on red without stopping. I witnessed a minimum of 5 other vehicles react to avoid being hit, or hitting her.
I wish I had the the time to follow her and edit her bumper to read; " Do not tailgate, IDIOT at wheel".
I really feel sorry for the child on board if it survives mom's driving, he/she is sure to have a miserable, overprotected life.
On the other hand, if you happen to see this vehicle stay back, the child on board might be the driver.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
I had a great day today
I had a great day today.
I got up early this morning for a business meeting, then went to the eye doctor for a follow-up, then I met with a young couple that was purchasing a new home ( I wrote the mortgage loan for them.) None of that was what made it a great day though. I set a goal for myself today that where ever I went, I would make someone laugh...brighten up the day for someone. I did it. I complimented people for doing good work, I told jokes, I made funny comments, I smiled at people I didn't know...
It is really amazing that when you go out of your way to compliment someone, or to make someone laugh, that it really changes your outlook as well.
The day got better...If you go back to my July 2005 posts, you will find a post where I talked about running into an old friend ( Russ ) from high school. Well, he and his wife Laura are in town, and we were able to get together for dinner tonight. They were only able to stay for a couple hours, but in that time I felt so blessed to have reunited with Russ and to get to know his wife.
It is pouring down rain ( again ). With as much rain as we have had lately, it would be easy to be depresed. But I don't care...
It was a great day.
I got up early this morning for a business meeting, then went to the eye doctor for a follow-up, then I met with a young couple that was purchasing a new home ( I wrote the mortgage loan for them.) None of that was what made it a great day though. I set a goal for myself today that where ever I went, I would make someone laugh...brighten up the day for someone. I did it. I complimented people for doing good work, I told jokes, I made funny comments, I smiled at people I didn't know...
It is really amazing that when you go out of your way to compliment someone, or to make someone laugh, that it really changes your outlook as well.
The day got better...If you go back to my July 2005 posts, you will find a post where I talked about running into an old friend ( Russ ) from high school. Well, he and his wife Laura are in town, and we were able to get together for dinner tonight. They were only able to stay for a couple hours, but in that time I felt so blessed to have reunited with Russ and to get to know his wife.
It is pouring down rain ( again ). With as much rain as we have had lately, it would be easy to be depresed. But I don't care...
It was a great day.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
John and Angie celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on July 20. The couple met at the end of World War II when John returned from service in the U.S. Navy. They were married in Cleveland on July 20, 1946. John was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Warren, Ohio. Angie was born on Christmas Day in Cleveland and grew up on the west side.
Their first son, John A. was born in September of 1947 while the couple was living in Cleveland.
Against the advice of all their friends and relatives, John and Angie purchased their home in North Royalton in 1954. �Everyone told us it was too far out�, said John. �The only person who thought we did the right thing by moving here, was my Dad� added Angie.
Their second son, James was born in August of 1955.
John worked as a draftsman until he developed his own sign business; The business is now closed, John is retired and the couple is enjoying their home and property. The highlights of their life are entertaining friends and family at their home. The family now includes six adult grandchildren and one 5-month old great-grandson.
Recently John and Angie appeared as guest lecturers at a local college, where they spoke about John�s WWII Naval service and Angie�s experiences at home during WWII.
The couple and their family celebrated the anniversary at a local restaurant with their entire family.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Trip to the BMV... What is wrong with this system?
It is that special time that comes along every four years in the State of Ohio...
Time to renew my driver's license.
So, I made the pilgrimage to the BMV. I was pleased to find a short line. In fact, I pulled number 47, and they were already servicing 46. So with not much of a wait, I didn't have much time to people watch. I did however witness a rather troubling occurance.
Number 46 was an older gentleman also renewing his license. He was instructed to gaze into the vision testing device. After giving him instructions to watch for flashing lights on the right and left, he was asked to read from line 5A. He couldn't see it. So the agent asked him to read line 4A. He couldn't read that either, so she asked him to read 3A. Evidently, he was able to see about 50% of that line, so she gave him a hint on the rest of the line. Then she asked if he could see the flashing red light... He said; "what light?" She said, "the one on the right". He said, "No". She said, "Can you see the green flashing light on the left?" He said "yes" Then she asked if he could see the flashing light on the right, he said he could. She congratulated him on passing his vision test, then asked him to sign his license application. HE COULDN'T FIND THE SIGNATURE LINE! She politely pointed it out to him. He signed, his application, got his picture taken, and received his renewed driver's license. Yeah... I feel safe driving on the same road with this guy.
Time to renew my driver's license.
So, I made the pilgrimage to the BMV. I was pleased to find a short line. In fact, I pulled number 47, and they were already servicing 46. So with not much of a wait, I didn't have much time to people watch. I did however witness a rather troubling occurance.
Number 46 was an older gentleman also renewing his license. He was instructed to gaze into the vision testing device. After giving him instructions to watch for flashing lights on the right and left, he was asked to read from line 5A. He couldn't see it. So the agent asked him to read line 4A. He couldn't read that either, so she asked him to read 3A. Evidently, he was able to see about 50% of that line, so she gave him a hint on the rest of the line. Then she asked if he could see the flashing red light... He said; "what light?" She said, "the one on the right". He said, "No". She said, "Can you see the green flashing light on the left?" He said "yes" Then she asked if he could see the flashing light on the right, he said he could. She congratulated him on passing his vision test, then asked him to sign his license application. HE COULDN'T FIND THE SIGNATURE LINE! She politely pointed it out to him. He signed, his application, got his picture taken, and received his renewed driver's license. Yeah... I feel safe driving on the same road with this guy.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Independence Day
Our second President, John Adams wrote; Independence Day "ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."
If only we could...
We do alright with the pomp and parade, we even manage to see shows, play some games, and view some sports. Bells do ring. But guns, bonfires, and illuminations?
Virtually every community in America has laws prohibitng bonfires. Many states prohibit the private use of fireworks. In the great State of Ohio, you may purchase them and possess them, just don't light them within the borders of Ohio. You may have a "campfire" in our community as long as you are cooking on it. Guns? Yeah right. If you have a CCL in Ohio you may carry it, however if it is visible you are in trouble. If it is concealed when in your car, you are in trouble. Many merchants mistakenly post "no firearms permitted" signs in their windows (thus letting the bad guys know that they are unprotected). And, there aren't too many places where you could even fire the weapon without going to jail, even if you were merely shooting at paper targets.
Tonight, every police department in Ohio will be deluged with "complaints" about fireworks. By policy, they must respond. Most cops I know, would prefer to be home lighting their own bottlerockets. But, we must be protected from ourselves. Otherwise, we will not buckle-up or wear our helmets. We will mutilate ourselves with fireworks, guns, and bonfires. We will take too many drugs, drink too much alcohol, eat too much fat, smoke too many cigarettes, etc, etc, etc.
America used to be free. When Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and the others risked their lives and pledged their fortunes to free us from tyranny, they really didn't plan that someday we would legislate our freedoms away over time.
Don't get me wrong, I wear a seat belt all the time. I think people who ride motorcylces are idiots if they don't wear a helmet. I don't want everyone in America to carry guns. I do however believe that we all have inalienable rights that include the right to mutilate ones self with fireworks, drink too much, drive in a car without a belt, squash our brains on pavement if we so choose and when properly trained carry a gun to help protect ourselves, our families, and this great country.
Disagree with me? That's your right. Many men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice to give us all the right to voice our opinions. Let's stop watering down their efforts, by legislating away our freedom.
It is the fourth of July. The birth of the greatest nation on earth. Let's celebrate with pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations. When the cops arrive, offer them a hot-dog, coke, and some apple pie.
If only we could...
We do alright with the pomp and parade, we even manage to see shows, play some games, and view some sports. Bells do ring. But guns, bonfires, and illuminations?
Virtually every community in America has laws prohibitng bonfires. Many states prohibit the private use of fireworks. In the great State of Ohio, you may purchase them and possess them, just don't light them within the borders of Ohio. You may have a "campfire" in our community as long as you are cooking on it. Guns? Yeah right. If you have a CCL in Ohio you may carry it, however if it is visible you are in trouble. If it is concealed when in your car, you are in trouble. Many merchants mistakenly post "no firearms permitted" signs in their windows (thus letting the bad guys know that they are unprotected). And, there aren't too many places where you could even fire the weapon without going to jail, even if you were merely shooting at paper targets.
Tonight, every police department in Ohio will be deluged with "complaints" about fireworks. By policy, they must respond. Most cops I know, would prefer to be home lighting their own bottlerockets. But, we must be protected from ourselves. Otherwise, we will not buckle-up or wear our helmets. We will mutilate ourselves with fireworks, guns, and bonfires. We will take too many drugs, drink too much alcohol, eat too much fat, smoke too many cigarettes, etc, etc, etc.
America used to be free. When Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and the others risked their lives and pledged their fortunes to free us from tyranny, they really didn't plan that someday we would legislate our freedoms away over time.
Don't get me wrong, I wear a seat belt all the time. I think people who ride motorcylces are idiots if they don't wear a helmet. I don't want everyone in America to carry guns. I do however believe that we all have inalienable rights that include the right to mutilate ones self with fireworks, drink too much, drive in a car without a belt, squash our brains on pavement if we so choose and when properly trained carry a gun to help protect ourselves, our families, and this great country.
Disagree with me? That's your right. Many men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice to give us all the right to voice our opinions. Let's stop watering down their efforts, by legislating away our freedom.
It is the fourth of July. The birth of the greatest nation on earth. Let's celebrate with pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations. When the cops arrive, offer them a hot-dog, coke, and some apple pie.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
DaVinci Code vs Monty Python
Our minister delivered a wonderful sermon on Sunday in which he made it quite clear that the DaVinci Code is FICTION. He further stated that anyone whose faith would be shaken by this movie must not have had much faith to begin with. I couldn't agree more.
Anyhow, the sermon prompted some discussion over dinner yesterday and got me thinking...Why was there no fuss over "The Quest For The Holy Grail" as presented by Monty Python? In it, the French claimed to all ready have one. "It's very nice."
"Bring me a shrubbery."
Anyhow, the sermon prompted some discussion over dinner yesterday and got me thinking...Why was there no fuss over "The Quest For The Holy Grail" as presented by Monty Python? In it, the French claimed to all ready have one. "It's very nice."
"Bring me a shrubbery."
Monday, May 29, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
The land of the free
Once again I must apologize to my loyal readers. It has been a long time since my last post. I haven't been feeling real creative lately, so my comments tonight are pretty much limited to a catch up of everything that has been going on...
Both my aunt and uncle are having heart challenges. Aunt Ann is recovering, Uncle Arney is about to have a bypass.
My Dad has now purchased a new Chevy Impala equipped with On-Star and is very proudly driving around talking on his new hands free On-Star cell phone. Mom continues to cook.
My nephew Steve just bought his first house. By now, he should have his belongings in place. In just a few weeks he will make his first mortgage payment ( on a loan I set up for him ). Welcome Steve to the world of having a mortgage, which I believe is a word that actually means "death grip".
My kids all went to Macinac Island for the weekend. I hope they at least bring me back a cheap T-Shirt!
I attended a WMD/Haz-mat/know your terrorist training class at the Columbus Police Academy. The class was pretty good, but the best part was the tour of their state-of-the-art facility.
Robin planted our garden yesterday; tomatos, 4 types of peppers, zucchini, beans, and various herbs ( the legal kind ). I found a potato in the basement when I was looking for beach towels. It had quite a long root on it, so we planted that just for yucks.
My friend Todd just got a really great promotion. When I spoke to him about it, he paid me a wonderful compliment. Todd had worked for me at one point, and he told me that I was by far his best boss ever. That really meant alot to me.
Stefanie graduates from college on June 11. Then she will start grad school. She will not be coming home as we had thought. But she will be closer to home this summer than she has been for the last 3 summers. She did bring her truck home with about $3,000 worth of damage. It seems a brick sorority house broadsided her.
I opened our pool this weekend. The filter pump was dead so I had to buy a new one. It also seems that a family of mice took up residence in our "molly brown" floating raft. Neither us or the mice will be using it any longer.
New cars, damaged cars, college, surgery, new jobs, gardens, vacations, mortgages, and etc. All possible because somewhere in a distant part of the world, men and women sacrificed their lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we have. Lower your flag to half staff tomorrow until noon. Then raise it high. Take time to say a prayer for those brave souls that gave the last measure of courage. You might even sing The Star Spangled Banner.
Both my aunt and uncle are having heart challenges. Aunt Ann is recovering, Uncle Arney is about to have a bypass.
My Dad has now purchased a new Chevy Impala equipped with On-Star and is very proudly driving around talking on his new hands free On-Star cell phone. Mom continues to cook.
My nephew Steve just bought his first house. By now, he should have his belongings in place. In just a few weeks he will make his first mortgage payment ( on a loan I set up for him ). Welcome Steve to the world of having a mortgage, which I believe is a word that actually means "death grip".
My kids all went to Macinac Island for the weekend. I hope they at least bring me back a cheap T-Shirt!
I attended a WMD/Haz-mat/know your terrorist training class at the Columbus Police Academy. The class was pretty good, but the best part was the tour of their state-of-the-art facility.
Robin planted our garden yesterday; tomatos, 4 types of peppers, zucchini, beans, and various herbs ( the legal kind ). I found a potato in the basement when I was looking for beach towels. It had quite a long root on it, so we planted that just for yucks.
My friend Todd just got a really great promotion. When I spoke to him about it, he paid me a wonderful compliment. Todd had worked for me at one point, and he told me that I was by far his best boss ever. That really meant alot to me.
Stefanie graduates from college on June 11. Then she will start grad school. She will not be coming home as we had thought. But she will be closer to home this summer than she has been for the last 3 summers. She did bring her truck home with about $3,000 worth of damage. It seems a brick sorority house broadsided her.
I opened our pool this weekend. The filter pump was dead so I had to buy a new one. It also seems that a family of mice took up residence in our "molly brown" floating raft. Neither us or the mice will be using it any longer.
New cars, damaged cars, college, surgery, new jobs, gardens, vacations, mortgages, and etc. All possible because somewhere in a distant part of the world, men and women sacrificed their lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we have. Lower your flag to half staff tomorrow until noon. Then raise it high. Take time to say a prayer for those brave souls that gave the last measure of courage. You might even sing The Star Spangled Banner.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Too much TV
Does anybody else think that UPS has made a huge mistake in remarketing themselves as: "Brown"? It just seems to me that UPS already had tremendous equity in the name: UPS. Everyone knows who they are, what they do, and how well they do it. What kind of advertising agency decides that this type of equity should be traded in on something as bland and unidentifiable as "Brown". Am I alone on this, or does the whole concept of "Brown" conjur up something that most people don't want to discuss? Maybe they just think it is cute. I think long term UPS will regret this campaign.
Meanwhile, there was a news teaser tonight indicating that microwave popcorn contains dangerous chemicals... Here we go...
Some idiot on the east side of Cleveland went "postal" on one of the new electronic voting machines. It seems that he was frustrated with the operation of the device...I really have trouble idenifying with people who find voting so difficult. Whether it was the old written ballots, punch cards, or the new electronic machines...these things just aren't that difficult to use. Are people just getting dumber, or have our brains really been turned to "Brown" by too much TV?
Meanwhile, there was a news teaser tonight indicating that microwave popcorn contains dangerous chemicals... Here we go...
Some idiot on the east side of Cleveland went "postal" on one of the new electronic voting machines. It seems that he was frustrated with the operation of the device...I really have trouble idenifying with people who find voting so difficult. Whether it was the old written ballots, punch cards, or the new electronic machines...these things just aren't that difficult to use. Are people just getting dumber, or have our brains really been turned to "Brown" by too much TV?
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