Legitimate Rape

Todd Akin

There are many instances of rape, deemed legitimate, taking place every day.  

The definition of rape is "to seize and take away by force" - not necessarily sexual as Todd indicated.  I would like to point out a couple of instances of this event occurring in our country and, of course, it is all perfectly, legitimately legal.  A good example is the ever increasing operation of corporate and wealthy folks - with the help of our Grand Old Party in congress, against presently unemployed and employed workers, despite their living standard; middle class, poor, destitute, etc.  And that is rejecting or lowering workers benefits, income and, probably most important to consumers, negative impact on workers morale. 

Morale is defined as "the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence, or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or tasks at hand."  The degree of morale, whether low or high, is greatly determined on how a worker is treated by his or her superiors and the company as a whole.  In the past, when Boeing workers were made to feel part of the "Boeing Family", morale was very high. Now, not so much...

Wally J. McNerney

The best example in our location is the recent events of the Boeing company CEO and his executive team, events obviously approved by the company's board of directors. The job of the CEO, and his executive team, along with the board of directors is to help guide a company to it's most profitable position.  In most cases, the board of directors is comprised of wealthy individuals, mostly CEO's and ex-CEO's who basically have the same goal in mind; the accumulation of more personal wealth. I didn't look up the board members salary's but you can bet they don't come cheap, and there are eleven members!.  Apparently, the present CEO and the boards' decisions are increasingly short-term; using the most immediate method to obtain maximum profit.  Longer terms of company success probably will not be considered until things start going down-hill which, most likely, will be when most of the present board members are comfortably retired and receiving very large pensions along with free, first-rate medical insurance, etc. 

It has become apparent that, evident in Boeing's case, a corporation will behave like an acquisition company - stripping pension plans, reducing negotiated benefits, laying off workers, outsourcing work and resources to other areas.  The present Boeing executive team has accomplished, mainly through deceptive and bully-like leveraging methods, all items mentioned.  

About a month ago, Herald writer Dan Catchpole quotes Richard Aboulafia, an analyst speaking at the annual Pacific Northwest aerospace conference:  

"Boeing's efforts to drive down labor and supplier costs might yield short-term savings but could also have a down side, including missed opportunities for innovation by shop-floor workers who might now be disinclined to help the company improve factory efficiency.  Boy, that seems foolish." 

Many years ago when I worked for the Boeing Company, we were shown a motivational film staring Seahawk Steve Largent.  His closing statement about flying:  "If it's not Boeing, I ain't going!"  

With the present scenario - a problematic, continuously patched-up 787  Dreamliner and newer, cramped versions of present Boeing models, along with a disappointed, demotivated work force  - Do you think Steve would still feel the same?

Wally's World (The Wally and Ray Show)

Boeing CEO Wally J. McNerney

Obviously, Wally J. McNerney's world is one of arrogance, greed and a strong feeling of disdain for the Boeing workforce.  Of course, he is not alone - many corporate executives feel and act much the same - doing all they can, not so much for their stockholders as for themselves; to accumulate wealth and live the "high life" at the expense of their stockholders and the very workers who have enabled them gain those beloved material treasures. These folks rise to the top of their corporation much like the scum rising to the surface of an open cesspool. To me, these types of greedy individuals are the scum-of-the-earth; disparaging and demotivating people who's labor has made them successful. There are many corporation executives that this description fits to a T.  

Fitting that mold are top Boeing company executives Wally and Ray who have both received massive pay raises and benefits the past several years.  Not only have these two (as well other, too many to count {or need}, Boeing executives) received a tremendous amount of extra pay but most likely their pension and medical plans are intact and will provide an exceptional safety-net for them and their families in future years.  Further proof that the corporate "Good old Boy" network is still in full swing.

Of course, the reason they get those massive raises is because the Boeing labor force, both hourly and salaried, fixed many the f-ups that these not-so-worthy executives caused by outsourcing design and physical work on the 787, including the 787 low-productive, token plant in "right-to-work" South Carolina.  Their reward to the labor force (who have continuously saved their butts) is to discontinue the worker's pension plan as well as decrease medical benefits and minimize future raises. Thank you very much filthy-rich, scummy people!  By the way, there are many who feel that the 787 problems are still a work in progress.

Of course, there is the well publicized, "massive $10,000 signing bonus" but that represents less than two years of pension payments for those before the cut-off date or new-hires who won't even be getting the bonus!  Most of the union members getting the signing bonus will still get pensions. The new-hires will be getting what is commonly known as the "Bone-us".  A thing that Wally and Ray (and the board of trustees) seem to enjoy doing to the Boeing workforce.  

As we all know, these scum guys have used area job leverage to manipulate the state government to provide Boeing an essentially "Tax-free" environment and, as mentioned, eliminate the employee pension plan and reduce other benefits which has the desired effect of reducing the effectiveness of unions - a plan the GOP has supported for many years.  Having a "right-to-work" state is uppermost on the GOP's and Wally's World's lists but, in reality, a right-to-work state doesn't mean you can always get work as implied, it really means a "right to work for whatever they want to pay you state".  During these times, while you are trying to make ends meet and provide for your family as your hard-earned benefits are slowly disappearing, keep that in mind the next time you vote.

Yes, it's true - the union majority essentially voted to save their own jobs, with the side benefit of increasing other work in the area, which is commendable. However, the summary of this latest, demeaning of the Boeing workforce event is the enhancement of the ever increasing income disparity between the wealthy and everyone else.  The main problem is, of course, is that there is not much we can do about it since both our state and federal governments seems to support, and many times take part in, said disparity.  Most members of congress and the senate are millionaires with very secure retirement benefits so it's, "What, me worry?  I think not..." 

Sadly, you can bet that our representatives,both state and federal, won't say much about this part of the conversation, only that "the union workforce made the decision to save jobs" - which, of course, is true but far from the complete story.

Boeing executives make the big bucks...

Haven't posted for awhile but couldn't let this one pass

Thanks for a job well done?

 The new contract offered to union Boeing workers is obviously a very thin veil of intent to move the company, division at a time, to a "Right to Work for what the Corporation is Willing to give us State".
In other words, a non-union state.

2012 executive compensation was increased from 2011, mainly due to the excellent work accomplished by both salaried and hourly union personnel, by a whopping 54.44 percent! This is only part of the pay increases - the main executives not counting probably 100 or so "junior executives". The poor decisions of the executives, especially in the design and problematic out-sourcing construction of the 787, had no marked negative effect in terms of massive pay raises. By the way, union workers corrected many of the 787 problems - thank you very much...

Just considering the Boeing Company CEO, a recorded compensation raise of roughly 20%, from $22,958,000 to $27,484,000 was awarded. He had a take-home pay of over $20,000,000 for a job well done. Congrats!

In light of this, and other massive increases in executive salaries, the same group of guys are offering to dispense with the workers pension plan, offer practically no wage increases (1% every other year) and other significant reductions in benefits. I was a Boeing Company manager for many years and I can certainly see the insult proposed to the amazing Boeing workforce I was honored to work with, and I am also certain upper management sees it and intended it that way as well.

The union workers voted an appropriate No to the contract proposal and the Boeing Company, which used to proudly call itself "The Boeing Family" will most likely pull up stakes in an effort to blame and diminish the union and further increase executive compensation. Local economy effects are of no concern to these guys; that seems to be the corporate way of conducting business.

A Revolution?

As with most revolutions in history, presently there is a long-awaited revolution occurring in our country - and around the world - against greed, corporate and government corruption, discrimination (on all levels), eroding personal rights and income inequality.
At present, the revolution is organized as demonstrations and - other one recorded death in the USA and possibly several injuries resulting from pepper spray and infrequent (but ever-present possibility of) police brutality - is essentially non-violent.  Granted, however, that there will always be troublemakers that will put the entire demonstration group in harm's way.

The current opposition to the status  quo of excessive executive bonuses of so-called public corporations, as shown by the recent Citibank stockholder vote against excessive executive bonuses, is an important step of a revolution that will possibly evolve into a full-scale conflict as opposition to change and resulting frustrations increases.

Here's a video from MSNBC taken at the very start of the Occupy Movement in the USA - can you see where this is may be going?

Woman's Health Panel

Contraception means more to most women than simply having sex without getting pregnant. Well documented, "the pill" can also help control many other medical ailments for women.

The right to contraception has been made a rather large issue amongst republicans looking for anything to give them leverage to regain power. Don't be fooled by the kangaroo panels, irate bishops, etc. they are a ploy to convince you to be one-sided on this issue. Republican senator Issa created a shock wave by convening an all-male panel to discuss woman's health issues and, if you are a woman, would you put your health welfare into these guy's hands?

Vote Republican? I think not.....

Justice for all.

An appropriate petition to president Obama:

"We, the undersigned, feel that at the beginning of your administration, you provided what we consider a "blanket pardon" to members of the Bush Administration for the reason of "moving our country forward". In doing that, you neglected to expose many acts of possible wrong-doing by members of the administration who had conducted and/or advised President Bush on many items including waging a war against a sovereign nation without proof that a significant "clear and present danger" to the United States or it's allies existed. The result of this single act mentioned resulted in massive destruction and wastefulness including the death and/or maiming of several thousand American military and support personnel, Iraqi civilians and the purposeful destruction of much of the Iraqi infrastructure. The war event and several other possible crimes must be investigated and individuals involved, no matter how highly placed in the administration, must also be investigated and, if criminal activity evidence is found, charged and answer for criminal activities proven, including war crimes, performed during their tenure in the Bush administration. We realize that investigations will be very expensive but feel that the American way of decency and "Freedom and Justice for all" must be preserved and protected at any cost. Thank you for reading our letter."


Click or paste to sign petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-justice-prevail/

America's laughing-stock

The Supreme Court?

How about if we call it The Special - interest Court? I believe that would be much more accurate than the given name.
Actually, we shouldn't call the members Judges - how about "Protected Lobbyists" - just to be more accurate?

My favorite part of President Obama's 2010 State-of-the-Union speech was when the president confronted them for essentially opening the flood gates to establish unlimited, undocumented political contributions from corporations and special interests, both foreign and domestic.

I watched Sam Alito shaking his rather inflated head as the president spoke about their horrific decision. I was proud of Obama and enjoyed watching the "Justices" obvious uneasiness as he spoke.


The Supreme Court is, in reality, A Supreme Joke.

President Obama - you will need a much bigger stick for your 2nd term.

Toss that Expensive Foot Cream!

After approximately 5 decades (and several foot doctors) - I have finally learned how to cure abrasions, roughness, painful cracked heels, etc. on my feet.
After a considerable length of time thinking about how much money this would be worth to the one or two people that read my blog - I decided to give the info away for nada! I mean, how much can you make from maybe two semi-avid followers....?

So, here is the miracle treatment: Aloe Vera gel.
Surprise, surprise! Once again we can say "screw you!" to the pharmacist and the drug companies! Instead, we can dole out a couple of bucks ($5.95) to our local Nursery for a live, healthy Aloe Vera plant, slice off a chunk or two and stick it to the problem area.

I feel really stupid for not thinking about trying this stuff before; I have used Aloe Vera for minor burns and abrasions for years - I guess I just didn't have much faith for the bigger things Mother Nature can do.

Here's a display (rather poor photos but - oh well..) of one of my heel cracks and the under the foot abrasion: Not pretty - that's for sure; and it is amazing how much it hurts!


I went to my foot specialist (about to be my ex-specialist) and was told I needed Surgery to remove the nerve that was "causing the pain". But, although the jury is still out, I think it was not the nerve but perhaps the topical stuff. As one of my favorite aunts used to say, "Can I be angry?"
Yes, you flipping right I can!




You can see how this aloe stuff is done; cut off a piece and rub the sticky goo on the affected area. Trust me, in a short time the area will feel better. it is truly amazing! Yes, I know - I am a simple guy..



Anyhow, my feet now feel a hell of a lot better and I will let you all know how everything works out. I promise not to send more gross photos... Well, maybe just a couple.

Aren't we all terrorists?

This picture has been around for awhile but it still stirs my deepest emotions and renews a profound sense of reality.

Got Roots?

Mike, a friend of mine, invented a wonderful device for root propagation - he calls it the "OxyClone".

What it does is provide a very favorable atmosphere to grow roots from plant cuttings or stems - actually does leaves as well. Here he is with a OxyClone 16 and cuttings that have been there for a couple of weeks. "Works pretty well, eh ?" he said with that devilish look in his eyes.

"Jesus!" I stated as he opened the lid containing the cuttings (actually new plants at this stage) with incredible root mass. "Ya think?"

Click on these photos below to see amazing root growth:

It operates on a principle known as Deep Water Culture (DWC) which enjoys increasing popularity in the Hydroponic Gardening community. The principle works extremely well in all sizes of hydro systems but is unique in the OxyCloner.

But before I tell you how it's principle is unique - let me explain a bit about DWC to help you get a grasp on the subject:

Plants in a DWC system are grown with the roots remaining in water throughout the plant's life. The addition of nutrients (fertilizer) and a constant supply of air into the water allows the plant to grow in an unrestricted manner. Here's a video of a simple DWC bucket system to demonstrate the principle:



Basically, the plant's root's are suspended in water and supplied oxygen (usually via an air pump and air-stone) and nutrition 24/7. To grow properly, plants need a decent outside environment; clean, warmish, with plenty of sunshine and CO2. As mentioned, in addition, the plant's root's require a constant supply of moisture, nutrition and oxygen. If done properly, with the proper ratios, the plants in a DWC system will grow at least 2 times faster than the same type plants in soil!

So, what makes the OxyClone unique? Well, as you saw in the Bucket System video, air is supplied via an air-stone by an external, aquarium-type air pump. In the OxyCloner - a submersible pump is installed directly in the rooting area solution and air is pulled in from the outside and distributed, and well circulated in the solution by the submersible pump. It is the combination of the air and constant circulation that makes this system work so well and, essentially, maintenance free.

Check out the video at this u-tube address to see the full operation of the OxyClone.

http://www.youtube.com/user/rwkleinman#p/a/u/2/aZfrWeLXag0

Here's a couple of larger cloning machines Mike Manufactures:




Click on these photo's for a closer view.


So, there you have it. For those of you who are not familiar with Hydroponic Gardening; not only will plants produce faster, the harvests are better and there are also organic nutrients available.




Oh - I mentioned the OxyClone will grow "roots on a leaf"?

Love my Sweet, Sweet Basil...

That seemingly crazed, redneck-looking man hugging the large sweet basil plant is me. The Ronald Reagan cap makes me look nuttier and even more rednecky...sorta makes me want to go rogue...

The basil plant was grown in a Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic gardening system I developed using a standard 5 gallon bucket and a 10" net-basket. Here's a couple of them operating together; one with basil and one with a Gynura plant (the one you saw in the last post when it was smaller).
The green bucket on the left is a kosher pickle bucket I bummed off a local deli. The Orange bucket I purchased at Home Depot. I wanted to see the if there would be any different effects caused by using different colors - otherwise, I would have bummed the 2nd one as well and they both would have been free! Turns out there was a difference: The orange color allowed more light to pass through to the roots and caused some algae growth - so, the dark green or a black bucket is a tad more efficient because there is no algae to feed.

Here is how the system is built: One hole (13/16") is drilled in the lower part of the bucket close to the bottom. This hole will accommodate a 1/2" rubber grommet which will hold a 1/2" plastic elbow. A 1/2" ID flexible, vinyl tube is attached to the elbow; this multipurpose tube serves as a sight glass, nutrient replenishment tube, air delivery tube and a drain hose. An adapter is constructed using a couple of different sized bits of tubing to adapt the multipurpose tube to a standard air pump hose.
Here is what makes it work: The plant is put in the 10" net basket using a non-soil medium - I use either clay pellets (Hydroton) or recycled glass rocks (Growstones) - they both work great. The bucket is filled with nutrient solution and the net basket is placed on top, extending into the bucket. The next step is the key to it's operation and success; the air pump is adapted to the multipurpose tube and pumps air into the nutrient solution 24/7. The constant supply of air provides the roots with more than enough oxygen and causes the plants to grow like wildfire!

Everyone who has seen this system wants one! To make things easier, I put a video on YouTube to explain the construction and use of the system. You can check it out here as well:




I do not heat my little greenhouse and the basil and Gynura will perish in the cold, so I have started two systems inside the house:

Here's a table I made from a gutted-out light fixture with a metal light stand I also manufactured using a very solid, steel metal rod holder and aluminum square tubing from Home Depot - this was the most expensive thing I actually manufactured - the stand at around $100.

Other things you see are the light above on adjustable cords, the double output air pump, and the small ventilation fan. Oh, and also a few insect sticky-traps just in case.

This set-up should provide us with plenty of basil and my wonderful Gynura plant through the Winter months. Oh, also I have a cloning station and a small herb garden in the garage. I will probably show that one in a later post.

By the way; did you know that Webster's definition of rogue is: "A dishonest or worthless person"? So ...... is "Going Rogue" really a good thing?

Gynura Procumbens - Miracle Plant?

One of it's formal names is Gynura Procumbens - more commonly called "Longevity Spinach" or just plain Gynura.

The person who turned-me-on to Gynura is a Type 1 Diabetic who wears the insulin injection pump device; he claims that, since eating the plant's leaves, his insulin requirement has been reduced a considerable amount! Since he now sells the plant, rooted cuttings, cloning equipment, etc., I figured he was just being a typical, good salesman and was trying to sell me his products. Instead of selling however, he offered me several cuttings, along with a sample of his cloning machine, to try to grow the Gynura plant hydroponically - there is no way in hell I could refuse all those freebies! Also, by that time, I was very curious about the plant's properties and if any of the things he told me about it and things I found on the internet soon after our meeting were true.
Looks like there is a great deal of truth to his story, but that is not all: I started munching the leaves (roughly 6 - 7 medium sized a day) about six months ago. It was an easy task, since I was tending to the cuttings and plants in my greenhouse and - since the Gynura plant grows very fast - leaves were soon readily available.
At the time I weighed 220 pounds and basically, mainly because of my obese condition, did not feel very well most of the time. Sometimes I didn't feel like eating that wonderful Dick's Deluxe or McDonald's quarter-pounder with cheese but managed to forge ahead and eat 'em anyhow!

Now, six months later, I weigh 170 pounds naked (I guess there is part of that you don't really need to know) and I feel great! So, what happened? I have to say that I really don't know; all I did was start eating a few leaves and a couple of weeks later my wife mentioned that I looked like I was losing weight. "You talking to me?" I asked. But, at the same time, I did notice that my pants were not as tight and felt better than normal - sort of what a young buck may feel during mating season..
By the way, why is it so hard to find "stretch-waist" jeans for men? Doesn't seem fair... but, screw it, I don't need them anymore anyhow! I went from a very tight 40 to a rather loose 36 and expect to reduce to a 34 waist before long. What a rush this is to me - I haven't weighed 170 since I was in my very early 30's!!

My neighbor is a Type 2 Diabetic and I told him about the plant and it's owner's claims. I had several plants by then and gave a couple to him. A couple of weeks later he, very excitedly told me that his blood sugar got so low that he had to quit taking the pill! That has been about two months ago and he is still off the pill. My wife is eating the leaves as well - I call it bush-munching - and is also losing weight.

So, I think what Mike from Green Harmony - the Gynura guru - told me was true and I also think that the plant has either changed my metabolism, cut my cravings (it has) or both. It has, in fact, made me a lot more regular! From two number 2's a day to 3 or 4, I would say that's considerably more regular, especially for an old guy...

I don't claim that this herb will do anything for you - I know very little about herbs in general, antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and micro-nutrients, etc. (Sadly, I've always expended more effort towards fixing my Chevy than learning that herbal stuff!) but I truly believe it has helped me lose weight and feel better so - even if it is a "sugar-pill" and it's all in my mind - I just don't give a hoot; I'm gonna continue growing and munchin' the Gynura bush!

Fast Food Prevails!

Most fast food is not super-good for us, but it's cheap, provides a certain degree of nourishment and down-right delicious!

For example, a burger provides nourishment because it contains an abundance of nutrients; leaning more heavily toward the starch/fat end of the spectrum. But despite the high fat and carb content, it still is quite nourishing and, let's face it, tastes pretty darned good! Reduce the fat content and the taste is also reduced - dramatically! Can you even imagine removing that delicious greasy-fat from a Jack-in-the-box 2 for $.99 deep-fried taco? How about that Jack's Ultimate grease-dripping Cheese Burger? Micky D's Quarter-pounder with cheese? No way dude! By the way, Micky D's cooks-up the best french -fries and Jack produces the best curly-fries.

Despite the present hard times; a weak economy coupled with a lousy job market caused, in part, by an abundant supply of crappy, special-interest politicians, the fast food business will most likely remain a success.
Of course, the main reason it will remain a success is that most fast food tastes GREAT!
My favorite is a Dick's Deluxe burger coupled with a REAL strawberry ice cream shake. Can't handle Dick's fries though, real, hand-cut potatoes but much too limp and greasy for my taste. I believe, after having a little fry-cook experience, that the oil temp is probably too low for erect, sturdy, less greasy fries. We lovingly refer to them as "Limp Dick's fries".

But since I mentioned Dick's Drive-in Restaurant, and they are local establishments - let's use Dick's as a prime example of success; I borrow the following brief history from Wikipedia:

"Founders Dick Spady, H. Warren Ghormley, and Dr. B. O. A. Thomas opened the first Dick's in 1954 in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood, on N.E. 45th Street close to the University of Washington. In 1955, a second Dick's was opened in Seattle's Capitol Hill district. This was followed by a third in 1960 in the Ballard neighborhood, a 4th in 1963 in Lake City, a fifth in Queen Anne in 1974. In September 2010, it was announced that Dick's was planning on opening a new sixth location in Seattle and that an online poll on their website would determine the new location. After a few weeks of polling, North Seattle won the right for a new Dick's Drive-In. On October 15, 2010, Dick's officials announced the new location to be in Edmonds on the corner of Hwy 99 and 220th St. All but the Queen Anne location are without customer seating. The Queen Anne location has indoor tables and no drive-in. The restaurants only accept cash; there are no ways to use electronic forms of payment.

The simple menu has changed little over time. It features fast-food staples such as hand-cut french fries, and individually made milkshakes. Dick's is particularly well known for the "Dick's Special," which includes lettuce, mayonnaise, and chopped pickles; and the "Dick's Deluxe," a quarter-pound version of the Special, with cheese. These burgers were added in 1971. Cashiers do not accept variations on the burger's preparation, or omissions such as asking for the burger without lettuce, but will serve the Deluxe without cheese.

For several years Dick's has promoted benefits offered to employees such as 401K, medical coverage, and a college tuition scholarship."

End of history.

I would like to mention here, perhaps adding to the history of Dick's Restaurant, that Dick's serves a wide range of customers, ranging from the poorest among us (that would probably include me) to one of the richest people in the world - Bill Gates, Jr. At least that is what is reputed to be true.

Also, over the past 30 years that I have visited Dick's for an occasional "Dick's deluxe and a strawberry shake", I have noticed they obviously do not discriminate in either clientele or employment opportunities.

So, in very deep recession, despite pending competition from four (4) other major fast food establishments in very close proximity - a new, modern Dick's drive-in Restaurant is being built. New people are hired, trained, etc. Rather telling, I would say, about the popularity of fast food even in the most troubled times.

I recently discovered (quite by accident) a diet that works well for me and that I know will stay with me. Six months ago I weighed 220 pounds - today I weigh 175. Pretty easy math on that one.... But that's another story. The point for this post is that, part of the "diet" concerns drastically reducing the consumption of what we refer to as fast or "junk" foods. But, I said
"reducing" not eliminating. So, here's a couple of photos of my favorites - "Dick's Deluxe"; two pure beef patties, one slice of cheese, a generous glob of mayo mixed with lettuce and pickles and a pure white bun and a real ice cream strawberry shake - yummy to the power of 10 !! Click on that Dick's Deluxe photo on the left - can't you almost taste the goodness!
By the way, if you want ketchup or onions, it will cost you 5 cents a small cup - darned good way to cut waste!

So here's the wrap: I have been told that the owners of the business are conservative and I don't doubt that - but these folks are true conservatives - unlike the group in congress and the senate making the most feeble attempt running our great country via special interest groups. I'm talking about so-called conservative democrats too. These Dick's partners may even realize that Reagan was actually a lousy president and maybe republicans shouldn't continuously use him as a pattern.
True conservatives know how to run a business effectively, these guys obviously have that know-how and truly know and practice the bottom line: Businesses are made most effective by how it's employees handle the product and conduct themselves. A happy worker is more than pleased to do a better than average job and they are made happy by being treated fairly. I am sure that the employees of Dick's drive-in restaurants feel like part of a family by the way they are treated - fair wages, excellent benefits, a chance for promotions and higher education - I wonder if I am too old for an interview?

Indicators of stupidity

Marks of Stupidity.

We've all seen them - these actions/statements that are a true sign of stupidity; here are a few:

1. One who expresses they "just can't wait" until the next Nicolas Cage movie or Sarah Palin book.

2. Paying $5.00 plus for a pack of cigarettes.

3. People who still smoke - despite the price and health risk.

4. Folks who obviously feel it is their right not to use turn signals.

5. Believing Dick Cheney's book is non-fiction.

6. Thinking torture is a good thing.

7. Believing Water-boarding is code for "Dude - let's go surfing!"

8. Paying $4.00 plus for a cup of coffee (Seattle people will pay anything...).

9. Thinking veggie pizza is good for you.

10. Going on hiking expeditions in Iran (or anywhere in the Middle East).

11. Choosing Sarah Palin as a running mate.

12. John McCain's contribution to American politics; Joe the plumber and Sarah Palin. Thanks John - yeah, thanks a lot.

13. Saying "Why should we demonize (tax} the people who have already achieved the American Dream?" (Chris Christie)

14. "What's wrong with porking-out?" (Chris Christie?)

15. Saying "The poor is getting richer faster than the rich." (Rand Paul)

16. Voting for either of the above 3...

17. Religions are cults ..... except for mine, of course...

18. The Pope dresses like a flamer ... even though he promotes discrimination against them.

19. Religion does not instill discrimination?

20. "Hey - I see Jesus in my tortilla!"

21. Ann Coulter saying someone else is "unfair"...

Does religion discriminate?

Religious advice, political persuasion, discrimination ..... or all-of-the-above?










This sign is posted in front of a church in my neighborhood.

It makes me sad.

Health care reform or bust!

Me, as a young Arizona republican, at the first health care reform rally ever (under FDR).

My Newest Hydroponics experiment

I posted this on my facebook page but thought I'd pass it around here as well. This basil is growing like gangbusters - and it's organic!

Two Reasons to drink Beer from a Glass

Here's looking at you!

I discovered an excellent beer in Austin Texas a couple of weeks ago while visiting my daughter and her family. It's Fireman's 4, a blond ale with a very mild, tart, flavor; very pleasant to my taste buds. However, I was drinking straight from the bottle, which I already knew was a no-no.

Why is it a No-no? The one reason I already knew was that the beer always tastes much better when drinking from a glass. If you doubt me, just try it, I am sure you will agree.

You see, when you drink beer, wine - or actually anything - from a glass your nose comes in to play; your sense of smell takes in the aroma which adds to the flavor when you take a mouthful of delicious beer. Your taste buds react with your sense of smell when drinking or eating , hopefully creating a pleasant taste sensation.

I knew a fellow in the navy who had no sense of smell. The poor bastard nearly poisoned himself several times because, without realizing, he would occasionally eat rotten food or drink spoiled milk, etc.. If there was no visual problem; mold, greenish meat, veggies that actually looked bad - he would generally ingest it. Luckily, he was married and his wife alerted him to most nasty uneatable things. The one benefit to his lack of smelling ability was that he stayed slender. Can you imagine? Ice cream tasting like just something cold - pizza tasting like crusty paste, prime rib tasting like lean, unflavored, hamburger meat, etc. I would rather be a taste-loving fatty!

In Austin I discovered reason number 2 to drink out of a glass: As I mentioned, I had been drinking beer from the bottle and, at the same time, munching on beer nuts. Jesus, I love beer nuts! You get that salty, sweet, roasted peanut flavor combination that is almost a sexual thing to me. I know - that's weird....

Anyhow, I swallowed a mouthful of chewed-up beer nuts then took in a big mouthful of that delicious beer. I always savor the beer in my mouth for a few seconds before I swallow to get more beer flavor satisfaction. This time, however, there was something soft, yet somehow crunchy feeling, in my mouth with the cool beer. I first thought it was a lone beer nut that escaped my usually thorough chewing and swallowing, but, as I moved the thing around the inside of my mouth with my tongue, I soon realized it was something other than a beer nut.

As it played out, the item in my mouth was a thoroughly drowned bee. I was quite sure that the bee did not enter the beer while I had been drinking it because - since I don't spend much time drinking a single beer - if it would had entered the bottle while I was drinking it would surely have still been alive. No, this bee came with the beer, all bottled up and totally dead, when it entered my unsuspecting mouth. I felt sure that being totally dead was a good thing since, if it would have still been alive, my tongue would probably have become much larger than the inside of my mouth. I don't even want to think about it...

So, anyhow, when you drink beer - drink it from a glass - preferably a clear glass so you don't have to worry about swallowing something weird or even dangerous like a scorpion or black widow.

Will I drink Fireman's beer again? Yes, it is a wonderful tasting beer - but, next time, I will do it properly.

Cutting root propagation

This is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to clone plants from cuttings.




More to come....

A good Role Model?

Should celebrities be our children’s role models?
In his 1991 biography, A View From Above, basketball great Wilt Chamberlain wrote that he had had sex with approximately 20,000 women. "At my age," he wrote, "that equals out to having sex with 1.2 women a day, every day since I was fifteen years old." A record of which one can be proud? Lucky for him it all was done in the pre-AIDS, era.

French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane was banned for three games after head-butting Italian player Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final. Zidane claimed that Materazzi had been tugging on his jersey during the game so he told him, “If you wait, I’ll give you the shirt after the game.” After the head-butt he claimed that Materazzi then insulted his mother and his sister. Despite the head-butt penalty, Zidand was still awarded the Golden Ball for that competition. According to Wikipedia, over a year after the incident, Materazzi confirmed that his precise words to Zidane were: "I prefer the whore that is your sister." He also claimed that he didn’t realize that Zidane actually had a sister…. Would you want either of these accomplished idiots to be your kid’s role model?

James Harrison punches Aaron Francisco during Super Bowl 43: His proud fans gave him a standing ovation for a record-breaking 100 yard run-back touchdown but, later in the game, Harrison vents his frustration - for which receives a personal foul penalty plus much criticism - by multi-punching Arizona Cardinal Aaron Francisco. What a guy!

Michael Phelps was photographed taking a bong hit. Oops!

Snoop Dog appears seems to love hanging out with the “Girls Gone Wild”- college or otherwise. Setting another fine example….

Trust me, there are many more: Barry Bonds, Roger Clements, Michael Vick, and on and on. The truth is, having talent has nothing to do with being a decent human being. A good swimmer, football, soccer, baseball player, etc., may be very accomplished but possibly meaner than a Tasmanian devil and/or dumber than a rock! Are they good role models? Not in my world!

Don’t get me wrong; there are many accomplished, celebrities and perhaps even our relatives, friends or neighbors that would serve as exceptional role models - folks like Jay Buhner, Jamie Moyer and many other real, down-to-earth individuals. However, the reason they could easily serve as our role models is not because of special skills, or talents, but because they are caring, decent human beings eager to contribute to humanity and still remain humble.

I cried with Jay as he gently, tearfully held that beautiful, but cancer ridden, child at one of the Mariner games and I am truly impressed with his continued dedication to ill and underprivileged children.
A few years ago, I grieved with my grandson over the loss of my son, his father, but was thankful for Camp Erin and to the Moyer Foundation for helping him express his grief and helping us to move on.
These are the true role models; not exceptional athletes, actors or dare-devils - but real, unpretentious, honest individuals who deserve our honor and recognition and would serve as excellent patterns to use as we mold our own character.