I just finished my 61st year of this incredible journey. So many things done and seen. So much time has passed and oh so quick. Just yesterday, I was a young man who was not supposed to "trust anyone over 30"!!! That was 40 years ago. Now I have been one of those untrusted ones for over 30 years. After all this time, I have yet to figure out just why I was not supposed to trust those over 30. Oh well, doesn't seem to matter much now. So many things change as we travel through time. Views about matters ebb and flow like the wind. Times change almost as fast as it passes.
One thing I have noticed. Everything we see and are told today has "faster" attached to it. Faster computers, phones, bill paying etc... We go so fast, supposedly to allow us more time to do stuff. I just get tired from all the speed. Another benefit of aging!
I always wondered why my parents generation looked back at the good old days and smiled. Now I know why. As we age we find it more difficult to keep up with all the changes happening around us. This scares us a little, so we wish things would not change so rapidly..We aren't as comfortable as we would like. We all know that the new generation is missing out on the good old days.
Well, Buckaroos, relax. Time will pass and accelerate. So hang on and try to enjoy the ride. But every now and then take a break, slow down and just say Whew.
Oh yea.......if you are 30 now, don't blink.......you will end up over 60!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friends
As we travel through life we accumulate a lot of stuff. My most prized possessions are family heirlooms, stuff made by my children and pictures of places visited, family and friends. Friends are collected throughout our lives for various reasons. We grew up with some, worked with some and just were lucky enough to meet some in some random way. Tonight, other friends and I held an informal memorial for a dear departed friend. Unfortunately, I have reached that age where this has become more frequent than I would like. Although it is hard to say goodbye to friends, I always try to remember that I was fortunate enough to have had these friends. Barb was a classmate but in so many ways she represented all that is good in friendship. I was able to spend a few precious hours with this friend over the last 40 or so years, but I never felt that we were that far apart. When you grow up with someone, you experience the same things at the same relative time. That creates a bond that doesn't require constant contact. For the most part, you develope the same likes and dislikes. You see things in much the same light. So physical distance does not hamper your relationship.
My other friends and I said our goodbyes. Shed a few tears and told a few rememberances. Even though we will miss Barbie, we will always be better for having shared our lives with her.
Keep your hearts and arms open for all those friends you have. Someday, you may have to say goodbye.
My other friends and I said our goodbyes. Shed a few tears and told a few rememberances. Even though we will miss Barbie, we will always be better for having shared our lives with her.
Keep your hearts and arms open for all those friends you have. Someday, you may have to say goodbye.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Federal (DEFICIT)
Did I hear correctly? The Federal Government has created a deficit of
$19.000,000,000,000,000. Holy crap, thats more than I make in a YEAR!!!
I am pretty sure everyone in Government needs to be fired. Thats worse than the banks and home loan companies were doing. Oh wait, they received some of that deficit spending as a reward for being totally inept at running a business. So who is going to bail out our Government for doing such a crappy job? My annual wage will not cover it!
I am tired of paying the salaries of Government officials that do not have the common sense to understand that you simply cannot keep spending money you do not have. I think it is time for wholesale changes in personnel and spending practices.
It's election time. Listen to the stupid bas----s telling us they will lower our taxes. I find that to be absurd. We are deeply in debt. How do they expect to get out of debt? Maybe they are expecting a bail out check. I am sure it's in the mail!!!
$19.000,000,000,000,000. Holy crap, thats more than I make in a YEAR!!!
I am pretty sure everyone in Government needs to be fired. Thats worse than the banks and home loan companies were doing. Oh wait, they received some of that deficit spending as a reward for being totally inept at running a business. So who is going to bail out our Government for doing such a crappy job? My annual wage will not cover it!
I am tired of paying the salaries of Government officials that do not have the common sense to understand that you simply cannot keep spending money you do not have. I think it is time for wholesale changes in personnel and spending practices.
It's election time. Listen to the stupid bas----s telling us they will lower our taxes. I find that to be absurd. We are deeply in debt. How do they expect to get out of debt? Maybe they are expecting a bail out check. I am sure it's in the mail!!!
Differentiate
So some whacko shoots up a Movie Theater, kills a dozen movie goers. We all grieve a little. Some of us drop off flowers at make shift memorials. In general, we behave with civility.
Police in L.A. shoot (and kill) two young men in seperate instances. We take to the streets. We assault all police, verbally and physically. We destroy businesses and vehicles. We act with uncontrolled violence. In general, we behave badly.
What amazes and confuses me is how we treat each of these occurrences so differently. On one hand, we react with shock and sadness. On the other hand we react with violence and lack of self control. Where are the flowers for the two individuals from L.A.? Why are we not burning the town in Colorado to the ground? Are the cultures of the two regions so different?
Each of these incidents are filled with questions and answers. I am moved by each loss, but I refuse to act out. Not from fear, or anger, or grief. I simply do not know enough to make impromptu decisions. Calm down out there.
Police in L.A. shoot (and kill) two young men in seperate instances. We take to the streets. We assault all police, verbally and physically. We destroy businesses and vehicles. We act with uncontrolled violence. In general, we behave badly.
What amazes and confuses me is how we treat each of these occurrences so differently. On one hand, we react with shock and sadness. On the other hand we react with violence and lack of self control. Where are the flowers for the two individuals from L.A.? Why are we not burning the town in Colorado to the ground? Are the cultures of the two regions so different?
Each of these incidents are filled with questions and answers. I am moved by each loss, but I refuse to act out. Not from fear, or anger, or grief. I simply do not know enough to make impromptu decisions. Calm down out there.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Tradgedy
Can we just take the ass-hole that shot up the movie theater in Colorado, tie him to a pole in the town square, dump a big pile of eqq sized stones near, and let anyone who wants to just chuck a stone at him. Hopefully, it will take a while to actually finish him off, so he gets the full effect of terror that he inflicted on his victims. That would not be a tradgedy.
Sooner or later we should consider harsher and swifter punishment.
What is the reasoning behind 413 (or so) years sentence for the child molester? He's certainly not gonna fill that sentence. Why do we need to fund the rest of his life behind bars for? Really, lets put him on the other side of the post in the town square.
Cruel? Probably. So were the crimes perpetrated by these nut jobs. Would stoning be a better deterrant than a room with bars and amenities? I think it might.
The cost of housing law breakers exceeds the amount an equal number of law abiding people earn. What's up with that? If we gotta house them, a 5 X 5 foot cell would do just fine. If we remember to feed them, thats OK. If we forget every now and then, thats OK too.
Sooner or later we should consider harsher and swifter punishment.
What is the reasoning behind 413 (or so) years sentence for the child molester? He's certainly not gonna fill that sentence. Why do we need to fund the rest of his life behind bars for? Really, lets put him on the other side of the post in the town square.
Cruel? Probably. So were the crimes perpetrated by these nut jobs. Would stoning be a better deterrant than a room with bars and amenities? I think it might.
The cost of housing law breakers exceeds the amount an equal number of law abiding people earn. What's up with that? If we gotta house them, a 5 X 5 foot cell would do just fine. If we remember to feed them, thats OK. If we forget every now and then, thats OK too.
Why do I care?
There is something inherintly wrong with me. I cannot stand the self proclaimed know-it alls that have their own TV shows, but I get stuck watching them at times. I think it's because I am dumb-founded by their air of superiority. Hannity, O'riley, Limbaugh, etc.., oh yea, NANCY GRACE. Now there is a woman that knows her opinion is the only valid one and boy, can she make a mountain out of a mole hill. I watch her for just long enough to tell her to shut up! Oriley, I get stuck on longer because I sit there with my mouth open in amazement that anyone would want to be a guest on his show. He answers his own questions that he poses to his guests, tells them they are wrong when they offer their opinions. In general, he seems to be a terrible host with incredibly poor manners. He may know something, but I can't hear his message because I am, again ,busy telling him to shut up.
We seem to be a society that is becoming less able to listen. We cannot wait for everyone to hear us, so we constantly interupt. I was raised to wait my turn, listen to others and offer my opinions as just that, MY OPINION. My opinion is important to me, but may not be agreeable to others. Why do I care? No one person has all the answers. So lets let each have his say. Talk show hosts, shut up and listen to others. You may learn something.
I need a talk show! After all, I really do know everything! And thats why I care.
We seem to be a society that is becoming less able to listen. We cannot wait for everyone to hear us, so we constantly interupt. I was raised to wait my turn, listen to others and offer my opinions as just that, MY OPINION. My opinion is important to me, but may not be agreeable to others. Why do I care? No one person has all the answers. So lets let each have his say. Talk show hosts, shut up and listen to others. You may learn something.
I need a talk show! After all, I really do know everything! And thats why I care.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The usual crap
I enjoy watching the news. Why? I know not.
I tuned into the Republican channel (Fox) for their normal unbiased approach to the news. YOU DECIDE! I found it interesting that the top story is yet another tale of He said, He said. Seems that the two front runners for our political chief are engaged in a heated debate over which is hiding the most from the public. Problem for me is that they seem to think I give a rip about their past tax returns or their college transcripts. I care about the economy, foreign trade deficits, rising budget deficits, unchecked spending, term limits, tort reform and health care costs to name a few. Do I care about their school yard war of words about who is the sneakiest or the least truthful? No! I have lost a lot of faith in the political system. I want people to speak for me in government that have a legitimate interest in the well-being of our people and our Nation as a whole. People that respect the job of representing the masses without hidden adgendas to further their own interests above those of the general population.
It is unlikely that anyone would be able to satisfy everyone. However, there should be a deep desire to do what is best for a majority. State and federal government has grown out of control and lost sight of their true mission. Their mission should be to care for the needs of the many and not to campaign for re-election. If you are successful at your job, we will be glad to have you back for a second term. If you fail us, you are fired.
Hey you two.......stop trying to convince me the other guy is guilty of something that I could care less about and convince me that you have a grip on things that do concern me. I am tired of trying to decide who will be the least objectionable. Give me a choice to make between two (or more) people that really project an understanding of our needs and desires. I am tired of the usual crap!
I tuned into the Republican channel (Fox) for their normal unbiased approach to the news. YOU DECIDE! I found it interesting that the top story is yet another tale of He said, He said. Seems that the two front runners for our political chief are engaged in a heated debate over which is hiding the most from the public. Problem for me is that they seem to think I give a rip about their past tax returns or their college transcripts. I care about the economy, foreign trade deficits, rising budget deficits, unchecked spending, term limits, tort reform and health care costs to name a few. Do I care about their school yard war of words about who is the sneakiest or the least truthful? No! I have lost a lot of faith in the political system. I want people to speak for me in government that have a legitimate interest in the well-being of our people and our Nation as a whole. People that respect the job of representing the masses without hidden adgendas to further their own interests above those of the general population.
It is unlikely that anyone would be able to satisfy everyone. However, there should be a deep desire to do what is best for a majority. State and federal government has grown out of control and lost sight of their true mission. Their mission should be to care for the needs of the many and not to campaign for re-election. If you are successful at your job, we will be glad to have you back for a second term. If you fail us, you are fired.
Hey you two.......stop trying to convince me the other guy is guilty of something that I could care less about and convince me that you have a grip on things that do concern me. I am tired of trying to decide who will be the least objectionable. Give me a choice to make between two (or more) people that really project an understanding of our needs and desires. I am tired of the usual crap!
The Missing Gene
So, I find it somewhat interesting that I (being of sound mind) decided to start "blogging" . I am from the age that grew up playing outdoors because we did not have the multitude of distractions so prevalent in the lives of younger people. Prior to friends, tweets, likes, birds that are angry for some reason, brothers named Mario etc.., we were capable of entertaining ourselves with toys that were manipulated through sand boxes, games that required us not sitting on our butts, and development of appendages other than our thumbs. Is it any wonder that I struggle to maintain the use of electronics that were science fiction when I was young.
I have not been able to BLOG for sometime because my computer / modem has been at odds with me. After several failures at fixing the problem, I called in the experts......30 year olds! The experts are from a generation raised on this electronic equipment much like I was raised with a baseball glove and a tent. I can start a fire without the aid of matches and survive a night without TV or my phone, but try as I might, I cannot come to grips with the mysteries of the internet. I suspicion that something has been added to the fast food that we live on today that has genetically altered recent generations. A new Gene has developed that allows new generations to understand the complexities of thin air.
Because I am missing this new super Gene, I am probably destined to struggle with the information highway for my remaining days. Fortunately my 9 year old grandson will be available to keep me on-line for the near future. While he does that, I will immerse myself in a good book. For you twitterers, that is a paper based document you have to manipulate with your hands, but not a joy stick.
I have not been able to BLOG for sometime because my computer / modem has been at odds with me. After several failures at fixing the problem, I called in the experts......30 year olds! The experts are from a generation raised on this electronic equipment much like I was raised with a baseball glove and a tent. I can start a fire without the aid of matches and survive a night without TV or my phone, but try as I might, I cannot come to grips with the mysteries of the internet. I suspicion that something has been added to the fast food that we live on today that has genetically altered recent generations. A new Gene has developed that allows new generations to understand the complexities of thin air.
Because I am missing this new super Gene, I am probably destined to struggle with the information highway for my remaining days. Fortunately my 9 year old grandson will be available to keep me on-line for the near future. While he does that, I will immerse myself in a good book. For you twitterers, that is a paper based document you have to manipulate with your hands, but not a joy stick.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Driving blind.......Again
I saw a new car commercial. Guess what? Even more stuff you don't have to do for yourself behind the wheel! This little vehicle slows down automatically if it detects a slower moving vehicle in front of you. In case you are texting or watching that little TV in your dash, I suppose. Side note....I should get my Niece one of those because she drives close enough to vehicles to read the little stickers fine print on the plates!!! This car also tells you of vehicles approaching you from your blind spot, which could be anywhere not seen on your phone or TV screen.
I watched the Jetsons back in the day. I know flying cars are in our future. So it stands to reason that vehicles capable of driving themselves would be an intermediate step? I cannot remember George (Jetson) not having to pilot his flying vehicle. So we may be off track with current trends of laziness and inattentiveness. I would suggest that if you are not capable of spotting a slower vehicle in front of you, looking in your rear-view mirror, parking with-out assistance and/or driving from A to B without your dashboard directing you, you may want to give us other motorists a break and stay off the highway. Or, in the event you are wealthy, keep that chauffer and pay him/her well. But under no circumstances send them to school to learn about the new electronics!
I have my eye on all you motorists, because your eyes may not be on the road. Here's lookin at ya!
I watched the Jetsons back in the day. I know flying cars are in our future. So it stands to reason that vehicles capable of driving themselves would be an intermediate step? I cannot remember George (Jetson) not having to pilot his flying vehicle. So we may be off track with current trends of laziness and inattentiveness. I would suggest that if you are not capable of spotting a slower vehicle in front of you, looking in your rear-view mirror, parking with-out assistance and/or driving from A to B without your dashboard directing you, you may want to give us other motorists a break and stay off the highway. Or, in the event you are wealthy, keep that chauffer and pay him/her well. But under no circumstances send them to school to learn about the new electronics!
I have my eye on all you motorists, because your eyes may not be on the road. Here's lookin at ya!
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