Yep, and it's sort of hot already, somewhere in the mid eighties with lots of sultry added on (that would translate to a lot of humidity for you desert dwellers). The garden is well watered, and even the bean plants that looked wilted yesterday look ready to face the heat today; and it is expected to get pretty hot - up to the mid nineties. With that humidity that should make it feel in the hundreds as the sweat pours out of one's pores and sticks to one's body. As for Brendan and I that should not present too much of a problem - we are heading east on a trip to visit my mom, my sister, my brother-in-law, and my nephew.
The trip was going to include a stop at the rifle range in Brookhaven, but alas other things have interfered. We need to make a stop for washing machine parts at a Sears service center. No, thank the gods, not for my washing machine; enough has gone wrong in my house, but for my sister's. Heck it may just be too hot for a fun day at the range anyhow; and we are also taking Mimi along with us, and we could not leave her in the car while we would have been out shooting in the expected heat. I have another thing or three up my sleeve. I figure to remember my fishing pole this time, the surf caster. My bet is that the bluefish are running, and maybe to too are the stripers and weakfish. A nice striped bass would be delicious! We are also taking Mimi along with us, and we could not leave her in the car while we would have been out shooting in the expected heat.
I guess I should also grab a small shovel, the screen sifter, and the metal detector. Who knows, maybe we will get a chance to look for Blackbeard's treasure while we are out east. One never knows, now does one. Yeah - I know - my luck stinks, so the most I'll find is a metal slug. Then again, with Brendan along, we make get lucky, he has much better luck than me - no black clouds following him around. If you don't ever see more written on this blog after today, you can figure either we struck it rich or that I hooked a big one, got pulled into the drink, and was eaten by sharks.
Of course I am also taking a frisbee. It just seems like a good day for it. Maybe if I stick to throwing the old flying disc around I can avoid the shark thing.
All the best,
Glenn B
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Home Repairs - Nothing Is Easy When You Have My Luck
So I finally got the spare bedroom painted. Took about 4 weekends of my spare time. That is okay - no hurry here. It looks pretty good. I also took up the old carpet today, and when I saw the old floor underneath, I figured I'll have to sand it, then refinish it. That will not be the easiest thing to do, but not too hard.
Of course, with a house it is one thing after another. About a week or so ago, I tried to change the handle on the upstairs throne. As my luck and ineptness would have it, I broke the side of the toilet tank doing so. Luckily for me above the water line; but it is ruined. It needs replacing, but it is so old I cannot find a match. So after a week or week and a half of it being usable but broken, I took off the tank and tried to line up a new one. No go. So that left me with needing to replace the whole toilet and tank. Okay, I took off the old toilet too. Then there it was a major problem, at least for me who am no plumber. The brass flange to which the base of the throne attaches is cracked. It seems the knuckleheads who put in my new bathroom 14 years ago placed the tile floor atop the old tile floor. When they left the hole for the toilet, they made it too wide. Instead of the flange having floor under it to support it, they attached the flange to the drain pipe and left the edges of it in thin air. Well the toilet and floor must have settled causing the brass flange to crack. I imagine I could just put everything back atop it, but all the books I've read and advice I have been given is to have a new flange installed. While I am sure this would be a major job for me, I am hopeful it will be easy for the plumber I am calling on Monday. My guess though is it will be a major job for him just to remove the old one without cracking the drain pipe. I can only hope they get it done easily and inexpensively. Then I can put in the new toilet myself, or maybe may as well have them do it since that job will take all of a half hour more at most.
I have to say, it really sucks because all was going well, in fact better than I had expected, until I saw the crack. I had thought it would be tougher to do under normal circumstances, but replacing the loo would actually have been an easy job if there were no surprise problems like the cracked flange. Oh well, a house is, I suppose, a pit into which to throw money. I just wish I had the money. If it was not for my own personal black cloud following me around, maybe it would be less expensive. As it is though, I really am getting better at doing things around the homestead despite this most recent screwup.
I had other things to keep me busy today too, like moving the paving stones from under my oak tree. The tree is coming down next Wednesday. I was supposed to have it down weeks ago but the tree service guy never showed up. I got a new guy, at almost double the price, and he still is less than all the others I have called except for thebum guy who did not show. Then I did some spraying for ants/termites. Hopefully I don't have any in the house, but I sprayed all around it for a protective barrier. Those carpenter ants and termites can be nasty even in a brick house to what wood there is, especially the beams.
Now I am going to go out and do some gardening. The broccoli is coming in nicely, the lettuce has been unused and thus wasted by the wife, the cabbage looks good, and the tomato plants have been better in previous years. If I am lucky I'll find some ripe strawberries. Only had a few last year, but this year they are coming in strong. As for the pepper plants Mimi, the latest mutt in the house, dug em all up. I am learning, sprayed some hot pepper sauce in the garden and the digging sure has subsided. Next time though only on the soil as it really ruined some of the leaves on some of the plants.
Later for you.
All the best,
GB
Of course, with a house it is one thing after another. About a week or so ago, I tried to change the handle on the upstairs throne. As my luck and ineptness would have it, I broke the side of the toilet tank doing so. Luckily for me above the water line; but it is ruined. It needs replacing, but it is so old I cannot find a match. So after a week or week and a half of it being usable but broken, I took off the tank and tried to line up a new one. No go. So that left me with needing to replace the whole toilet and tank. Okay, I took off the old toilet too. Then there it was a major problem, at least for me who am no plumber. The brass flange to which the base of the throne attaches is cracked. It seems the knuckleheads who put in my new bathroom 14 years ago placed the tile floor atop the old tile floor. When they left the hole for the toilet, they made it too wide. Instead of the flange having floor under it to support it, they attached the flange to the drain pipe and left the edges of it in thin air. Well the toilet and floor must have settled causing the brass flange to crack. I imagine I could just put everything back atop it, but all the books I've read and advice I have been given is to have a new flange installed. While I am sure this would be a major job for me, I am hopeful it will be easy for the plumber I am calling on Monday. My guess though is it will be a major job for him just to remove the old one without cracking the drain pipe. I can only hope they get it done easily and inexpensively. Then I can put in the new toilet myself, or maybe may as well have them do it since that job will take all of a half hour more at most.
I have to say, it really sucks because all was going well, in fact better than I had expected, until I saw the crack. I had thought it would be tougher to do under normal circumstances, but replacing the loo would actually have been an easy job if there were no surprise problems like the cracked flange. Oh well, a house is, I suppose, a pit into which to throw money. I just wish I had the money. If it was not for my own personal black cloud following me around, maybe it would be less expensive. As it is though, I really am getting better at doing things around the homestead despite this most recent screwup.
I had other things to keep me busy today too, like moving the paving stones from under my oak tree. The tree is coming down next Wednesday. I was supposed to have it down weeks ago but the tree service guy never showed up. I got a new guy, at almost double the price, and he still is less than all the others I have called except for the
Now I am going to go out and do some gardening. The broccoli is coming in nicely, the lettuce has been unused and thus wasted by the wife, the cabbage looks good, and the tomato plants have been better in previous years. If I am lucky I'll find some ripe strawberries. Only had a few last year, but this year they are coming in strong. As for the pepper plants Mimi, the latest mutt in the house, dug em all up. I am learning, sprayed some hot pepper sauce in the garden and the digging sure has subsided. Next time though only on the soil as it really ruined some of the leaves on some of the plants.
Later for you.
All the best,
GB
Friday, June 6, 2008
Lest We Forget - June 6, 1944
Today is the 64th anniversary of the allied invasion of Normandy in an attempt to route the Nazi's from occupied France, and to double the efforts against the Nazis that had started with the invasion of Anzio months before. The invasion of Normandy was the largest amphibious assault in the history of the world. The first day of the assault has gone down in history simply as D-Day. It should be needless to say it was one of the bloodiest battles of all time - but lest we forget I make mention of it here that total losses in the Battle of Normandy were approximated at: over 425,000 for both sides combined, with 209,000 allied casualties. On D-Day alone there were an estimated 10,000 allied casualties. There were also an estimated 15,000 - 20,200 French civilians killed, mostly due to allied bombing. (Yet the allies were praised for liberating France, could you imagine the outcry of the libs if this happened today in these numbers.)
As I said, I make note of this here lest we forget. We should never forget those who were wounded or who died in service of our nation, or in pursuit of true freedom in the world. We should hold them in a place of honor as long as there is one man or woman among humanity who is left standing. They were scared, they were brave, they were tenacious, they were tender, they were fathers, they were sons, they were soldiers, they were civilians, they were all there to defeat a common enemy, they were there to help liberate our allies, they were the men and women who lost their lives, their limbs, their innocence forever doing the right thing for the rest of us. Lest we forget.
More info on D-Day can be found at:
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
http://www.ddaymuseum.co.uk/faq.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_701702421/D-Day.html
http://www.warchronicle.com/numbers/WWII/ddaycasualtyest.htm
All the best,
Glenn B
As I said, I make note of this here lest we forget. We should never forget those who were wounded or who died in service of our nation, or in pursuit of true freedom in the world. We should hold them in a place of honor as long as there is one man or woman among humanity who is left standing. They were scared, they were brave, they were tenacious, they were tender, they were fathers, they were sons, they were soldiers, they were civilians, they were all there to defeat a common enemy, they were there to help liberate our allies, they were the men and women who lost their lives, their limbs, their innocence forever doing the right thing for the rest of us. Lest we forget.
More info on D-Day can be found at:
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
http://www.ddaymuseum.co.uk/faq.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_701702421/D-Day.html
http://www.warchronicle.com/numbers/WWII/ddaycasualtyest.htm
All the best,
Glenn B
Thursday, June 5, 2008
In Memoriam - Ronald Wilson Reagan
He was born February 6, 1911 - he died June 5, 2004. During the time in between those dates he did many things, but most importantly he was the leader of the United States of America and a staunch ally and protector of much of the Free World as we now know it. I did not say he was president of the USA, but while indeed such was the case, it is more importantly noted that he was indeed a great leader. He was not a manager, not a supervisor, not a coach, not a puppet nor puppet master, not anything like what the world seems to want to make of those they call presidents, prime ministers, and politicians today. Instead of fitting the mold of one who merely managed what was at hand, he actually took the reigns of leadership, and he rode that steed sitting high in the saddle all the way through some of the toughest times in our history to assure we remained free men in a free world. Too bad we don't have anyone even close to him today because we sure could use his talent, his zeal, his love of freedom, his morality, his belief that man is inherently good, his determination to make certain that good would triumph over evil whenever evil reared its ugly head, and to assure freedom would ring throughout the land. He is gone, but certainly not forgotten, nor should he ever be lost to memory because he was indeed a great leader, a good man, and a loyal American.
All the best,
Glenn B
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Obama Staffers Reportedly Defile Police Memorial For Fallen Officers
I thought I had seen it all when it came to the debasedness of America at the hands of politicians, but I guess I ain't seen nothing yet! Well I have not seen it in person, but I did see a picture - and the picture plainly shows that at a recent rally for Barack Hussein Obama, his staffers reportedly had set up portable toilets directly atop (and I mean DIRECTLY as in touching) the Police Memorial in Portland, Oregon. This memorial honors the 25 police officers of that city who gave their lives in the line of duty. If you'd like to see the picture and the brief report that describes the scene, go here: http://www.policelink.com/news/26729-obama-uses-police-memorial-for-porta-potties and here: http://www.kptv.com/news/16412289/detail.html
Now many of you, my regular readers, know I am a federal law enforcement officer. If you are a regular reader, you also probably realize I do not normally blog about anything wherein I go out of my way to show special support for police or other law enforcement groups, although I may honor a fallen officer time and again. Tonight I am going to make an exception. I am going to blog about the sanctity, in general, of any memorial for fallen police officers. I think that such a memorial amounts to hallowed ground; hallowed by the sacrifice made by the fallen officer. It is not to be taken lightly, not to be tread upon in disrespect, and should be a place where only honor is offered.
Yes that is my opinion, and here is upon what I base that opinion. You see when a police officer lays down his or her life in the line of duty, I think it not just akin to a military service person laying down his or her life for country, but I think it goes somewhat beyond that. Why, well it is difficult to explain, especially difficult without offending any veterans or current service members; and I can assure you it is not my intent to demean loss of life in the military, so please bear with me as I try to explain.
You see, each day when a police officer goes to work, the officer leaves his or her family or loved ones behind and heads out into America, on the streets, in the country, on the waters, into businesses, and into homes. Yes that's it in a nutshell - can you see why the death of a police officer in the line of duty is different than that of a service person in the military. They go out into America, and that my friends is mostly what makes it different from most contemporary duty deaths of soldiers within our military. Our military people are trained to go out and fight our enemies in foreign lands in order to protect our nation. Our police officers are trained to go out and fight crime and criminals to protect our nation. The big difference is that our law enforcement officers go out among other Americans here at home, and most of them who fall in the line of duty fall on their home soil. They do not live, fight and die to protect us on foreign soil thousands of miles from home at the hands of an avowed enemy, they are right here living among the rest of us each and everyday - here at home - yet home is where they are killed.
Despite that, we here at home with them take them for granted, we get pissed off at them if they give us a ticket, we get angrier still if they treat someone wrongly, we accuse them of be jack booted thugs, we call them racists, we sue them regularly, yet we call them for help when we need it, we underpay them and expect them to be honest, and in general we take them for granted until we need them, that is unless we are putting them down. Sure some put down the military too, but the guys fighting the war are not here to hear it. They are focused on a mission thousands of miles away. I know, sure they get it second hand, then come home and get it first hand, but the cop gets it second hand and first hand each and every day of his or her career right here at home. Of course on the other hand they get praised, they get thanked, they get blessed, again all here at home - though I can tell you not nearly enough for what the good ones do for us.
Still though it does not explain fully why I believe that a law enforcement officer losing his or her life in the line of duty is all so much different, more noble, or maybe that is not the word but bear with me, more of something anyway that goes beyond a soldier being killed protecting his or her country. It is not that I am saying one life, that of a soldier or that of a police officer is better. They are both servants of the people, both doing a dangerous job, both wonderful in that they would risk their lives to protect others - and I guess the difference is not so much in who they are, or what they do, or how much they get paid, or much they get put down - but rather the circumstances under which they lose their lives.
You see, it is the Police Officer, the FBI Agent, the Probation officer, the Game Warden, the SPCA Officer, the local Sheriff, the Correction Officer, and all the other law enforcement officers who go out not among foreigners who are our enemies living in foreign lands - but rather who go out among us their fellow Americans each and every day of their careers. Yes that is the main difference between the loss of a soldier (under most circumstances) and the loss of a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer all to often loses his life on native soil, at the hands of a fellow American - the same guy that the police officer and the soldier are trying to protect. You see the police officer dies at home, at the hands of the same people he is sworn to protect; the same dirtbag who just pulled the trigger may have been saved by that officer just days before. You get my point don't you - you see it clear as crystal now. I am not putting down the value of the life of a military service person, nor raising the value of the life of a cop, but I am saying that the way a cop loses his or her life here at home in is own backyard so to speak, usually at the hands of an a fellow American, or an immigrant to America, is something that strike me as more heinous than a sworn enemy of America killing a soldier. So while it does not take away one iota from the importance of a war memorial, it makes a memorial to fallen police officers something very special to me, and it makes the killing of a police officer in the line of duty not more special than a war loss, but something that is harder to understand, something for which it is much more difficult to reach down into the depths of my soul and find an answer as to why it happened here INSIDE of America - here at home.
So when I see a picture of portable toilets, set up atop a Police Officers Memorial, with the flag still flying at half staff in the background (because of the recent passing of a memorial remembrance for the officers) I get upset. When I see political supporters, of thehack candidate from whose campaign the staffers came that set up that disgrace, lounging about on what I consider hallowed ground, and apparently heading to the head, well my fucking head is just about ready to explode from the anger within and a red curtain of blood (to borrow a phrase from another blogger) descends over my eyes. I can count my blessings that I was not present at said political rally where this reportedly occurred because I might have gotten into a confrontation over this shameful display of disrespect. I am happier yet that I was not assigned on a detail to work in a protection unit for the particular candidate because I probably would have lost my cool, and then lost my job and career, over the tirade I would have unleashed. Really though, it is probably better I was not there in an unofficial capacity and already retired with no job to lose because then I may have done something more than just release a verbal assault on that disgrace and those responsible for it. Most of all, I am lucky that I was not the one who questioned Barack Hussein Obama's staff about the placing of the toilets on the fallen officers memorial, because if I had gotten this reported reply:
"Despite a large amount of open areas in the vicinity, the campaign staffers claimed the toilets were placed on the memorial for safety reasons to accommodate wheelchair access."
Well, let me just say I hypothesize it would have been possible I might have just lost control and punched someone in the mouth. I only am speaking in the hypothetical. I do not advocate such illegal violence, nor am I saying I actually would have gotten physically violent; although I have to admit - I can imagine it. That is I can imagine beating some sense and respect into the arrogantson of a bitch moonbat who thought it was appropriate to place the toilets on the memorial to fallen police officers - and for some reason it brings a smile to my face to imagine the likes of it.
As it stands, I will keep it peaceful. I will lodge my complaint with the Obama campaign, I will express my concerns to the city of Portland, OR for allowing it to happen, I will complain to he head of the Secret Service (you can bet that they allowed it to be placed there whether by neglect of thought or by design), I will express my disdain to the media for not widely reporting it, and I will express my disgust to all of the elected officials who represent me. Most importantly, I will not vote for the candidate whose staffers were responsible for this sickening display of unabashed disregard something so honorable as the Police Officers' Memorial.
I guess after thinking of it all, it is no surprise that his supporters would pick as a toilet area a memorial to our brave fallen, be they civilian or military service. It is no surprise because it comes from the staff of the candidate whose wife was never proud of America until her husband ran for the presidency, whose minister was an apparent racist and anti-American hack, who has friends who were once in essence considered terrorists, who refused to wear an American flag pin until he realized it was to his political benefit to do so, who refused to place his hand over his heart during the singing of the National Anthem, and who mocks an American war hero by saying John McCain does not support the troops, yet Obama himself has made only a single visit to our troops in a combat area. If this guy becomes president, it is my personal opinion, we are doomed as We The People of the United States of America as his lack of respect for we Americans be we military service, civil service, or the rest of us is, as I see it, absolutely lacking.
All the best,
Glenn B
Now many of you, my regular readers, know I am a federal law enforcement officer. If you are a regular reader, you also probably realize I do not normally blog about anything wherein I go out of my way to show special support for police or other law enforcement groups, although I may honor a fallen officer time and again. Tonight I am going to make an exception. I am going to blog about the sanctity, in general, of any memorial for fallen police officers. I think that such a memorial amounts to hallowed ground; hallowed by the sacrifice made by the fallen officer. It is not to be taken lightly, not to be tread upon in disrespect, and should be a place where only honor is offered.
Yes that is my opinion, and here is upon what I base that opinion. You see when a police officer lays down his or her life in the line of duty, I think it not just akin to a military service person laying down his or her life for country, but I think it goes somewhat beyond that. Why, well it is difficult to explain, especially difficult without offending any veterans or current service members; and I can assure you it is not my intent to demean loss of life in the military, so please bear with me as I try to explain.
You see, each day when a police officer goes to work, the officer leaves his or her family or loved ones behind and heads out into America, on the streets, in the country, on the waters, into businesses, and into homes. Yes that's it in a nutshell - can you see why the death of a police officer in the line of duty is different than that of a service person in the military. They go out into America, and that my friends is mostly what makes it different from most contemporary duty deaths of soldiers within our military. Our military people are trained to go out and fight our enemies in foreign lands in order to protect our nation. Our police officers are trained to go out and fight crime and criminals to protect our nation. The big difference is that our law enforcement officers go out among other Americans here at home, and most of them who fall in the line of duty fall on their home soil. They do not live, fight and die to protect us on foreign soil thousands of miles from home at the hands of an avowed enemy, they are right here living among the rest of us each and everyday - here at home - yet home is where they are killed.
Despite that, we here at home with them take them for granted, we get pissed off at them if they give us a ticket, we get angrier still if they treat someone wrongly, we accuse them of be jack booted thugs, we call them racists, we sue them regularly, yet we call them for help when we need it, we underpay them and expect them to be honest, and in general we take them for granted until we need them, that is unless we are putting them down. Sure some put down the military too, but the guys fighting the war are not here to hear it. They are focused on a mission thousands of miles away. I know, sure they get it second hand, then come home and get it first hand, but the cop gets it second hand and first hand each and every day of his or her career right here at home. Of course on the other hand they get praised, they get thanked, they get blessed, again all here at home - though I can tell you not nearly enough for what the good ones do for us.
Still though it does not explain fully why I believe that a law enforcement officer losing his or her life in the line of duty is all so much different, more noble, or maybe that is not the word but bear with me, more of something anyway that goes beyond a soldier being killed protecting his or her country. It is not that I am saying one life, that of a soldier or that of a police officer is better. They are both servants of the people, both doing a dangerous job, both wonderful in that they would risk their lives to protect others - and I guess the difference is not so much in who they are, or what they do, or how much they get paid, or much they get put down - but rather the circumstances under which they lose their lives.
You see, it is the Police Officer, the FBI Agent, the Probation officer, the Game Warden, the SPCA Officer, the local Sheriff, the Correction Officer, and all the other law enforcement officers who go out not among foreigners who are our enemies living in foreign lands - but rather who go out among us their fellow Americans each and every day of their careers. Yes that is the main difference between the loss of a soldier (under most circumstances) and the loss of a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer all to often loses his life on native soil, at the hands of a fellow American - the same guy that the police officer and the soldier are trying to protect. You see the police officer dies at home, at the hands of the same people he is sworn to protect; the same dirtbag who just pulled the trigger may have been saved by that officer just days before. You get my point don't you - you see it clear as crystal now. I am not putting down the value of the life of a military service person, nor raising the value of the life of a cop, but I am saying that the way a cop loses his or her life here at home in is own backyard so to speak, usually at the hands of an a fellow American, or an immigrant to America, is something that strike me as more heinous than a sworn enemy of America killing a soldier. So while it does not take away one iota from the importance of a war memorial, it makes a memorial to fallen police officers something very special to me, and it makes the killing of a police officer in the line of duty not more special than a war loss, but something that is harder to understand, something for which it is much more difficult to reach down into the depths of my soul and find an answer as to why it happened here INSIDE of America - here at home.
So when I see a picture of portable toilets, set up atop a Police Officers Memorial, with the flag still flying at half staff in the background (because of the recent passing of a memorial remembrance for the officers) I get upset. When I see political supporters, of the
"Despite a large amount of open areas in the vicinity, the campaign staffers claimed the toilets were placed on the memorial for safety reasons to accommodate wheelchair access."
Well, let me just say I hypothesize it would have been possible I might have just lost control and punched someone in the mouth. I only am speaking in the hypothetical. I do not advocate such illegal violence, nor am I saying I actually would have gotten physically violent; although I have to admit - I can imagine it. That is I can imagine beating some sense and respect into the arrogant
As it stands, I will keep it peaceful. I will lodge my complaint with the Obama campaign, I will express my concerns to the city of Portland, OR for allowing it to happen, I will complain to he head of the Secret Service (you can bet that they allowed it to be placed there whether by neglect of thought or by design), I will express my disdain to the media for not widely reporting it, and I will express my disgust to all of the elected officials who represent me. Most importantly, I will not vote for the candidate whose staffers were responsible for this sickening display of unabashed disregard something so honorable as the Police Officers' Memorial.
I guess after thinking of it all, it is no surprise that his supporters would pick as a toilet area a memorial to our brave fallen, be they civilian or military service. It is no surprise because it comes from the staff of the candidate whose wife was never proud of America until her husband ran for the presidency, whose minister was an apparent racist and anti-American hack, who has friends who were once in essence considered terrorists, who refused to wear an American flag pin until he realized it was to his political benefit to do so, who refused to place his hand over his heart during the singing of the National Anthem, and who mocks an American war hero by saying John McCain does not support the troops, yet Obama himself has made only a single visit to our troops in a combat area. If this guy becomes president, it is my personal opinion, we are doomed as We The People of the United States of America as his lack of respect for we Americans be we military service, civil service, or the rest of us is, as I see it, absolutely lacking.
All the best,
Glenn B
She Would Not Concede Last Night...
...and she made that freaky comment about staying in until the end because one never knows what might happen then essentially referenced the assassination of Robert Kennedy in that same statement. It has to make one wonder, in a creepy sort of way, is she expecting, hoping, wanting something to happen that will destroy the candidacy of Barack Obama tomorrow or two days from now being that RK was shot on the 5th and died on the 6th? I am not a supporter of either Clinton or Obama, and only support McCain as the better of three evils, but I have to say I hope for the sake of America and American Politics that Clinton has the decency to concede defeat, or announce that she is staying in it, on a day other than tomorrow or this Friday. If she comes out with some freaky announcement that she is staying in it, or that she is dropping out on the anniversary of the assassination, well then she has no shame - none at all. If Barack Obama and she announce on either of these days that she will become the vice presidential candidate that too is beyond the scope of decency. Finally, if the Republican Party, or any conservative, releases the rumored and so called Michelle Obama smoking gun on either of these days it will be likewise a shameful piece of timing; that of course being if the so called smoking gun exists. I did not care much for any of the Kennedys, I thought they were a bunch of typical boss Tweed politicians, but I will respect the fact that two were gunned down, one is suffering from brain cancer, and their family is going through tough times again. So I give them the respect due and I for one would not want to go out of my way to attack, use to advantage them or their political ideology, or exploit their fates over the next couple of days because it would be reprehensible to do so on the anniversary of RK's assassination and death. I certainly hope that the current political figures do likewise, it is merely a common courtesy to do so; but I have got to say I get that feeling that something creepy is about to come down.
All the best,
Glenn B
All the best,
Glenn B
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Is More Food Really The Answer?
According to the United Nations, as reported in: UN chief: food production must rise 50 percent by 2030, found at: http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jun03/0,4670,UNFoodCrisis,00.html the world food supply not only needs to increase, but food producing nations must "...minimize export restrictions and import tariffs during the food price crisis and quickly resolve world trade talks".
So what the UN Secretary general was saying is that not only does the world need more food, but we need cheap food too. Of course this is all geared toward certain countries. On the receiving end it is geared toward countries that do not produce enough food for their own population. In other words, it is geared toward countries that do not even come close to performing the basic work necessary to meet the basic needs of their own people - basic needs being food, water and shelter. Of course this is not how the UN sees it; the UN would rather blame those countries at the other end of the spectrum, those who produce enough food to feed their own populations and then have some surplus left over. Here is an example of this last: "The United Nations is encouraging summit participants to start undoing a decades-long legacy of agricultural and trade policies that many blame for the failure of small farmers in poor countries to feed their own people."
No, the failures of small farms in poor countries are not due to policies of other nations in my opinion. Rather these failures are due to tyrannical governments oppressing people of those poor nations. Look at Myanmar for the perfect example. They not only oppress the people during fairly normal times, but have done so after a catastrophic natural disaster. Even when food and other aid freely flows into the country from abroad what has happened to it, it has in great part gone to the 'haves' and not to the 'have nots'. It is either about time that the UN start to address the real problem here, and try to look for lasting solutions. Having countries like the USA or Brazil dole out welfare like shipments of food, farm equipment, and fertilizer to third world nations is doing little to resolve their problems. Assuring that honest, moral, beneficent governments come to and remain in power in these countries would do an awful lot more in the long run. Then again whom am I trying to kid, because if we really live to see that happen it would not be the UN that would be doing it. As a matter of fact, it is many of the countries who participate in the UN who are apparently responsible for the same oppression that is responsible for keeping the masses of their own countries downtrodden in misery. I guess that leaves us with one place to start, so why not abolish the UN!
Edited to add: Oh, how could I forget? Maybe there is also another solution to this mess. Maybe those in third world countries ought to start acting responsibly when it comes to population growth. They could exercise some form of birth control and reduce the need for handouts while also reducing their own suiffering due to overpopulation. After all, overpopulation causes food shortages, and shortages of all other resources, just look to countries like India if you don't beleive it. They could start with abstinence, or condoms, or the pill, or family planning (as the one child rule in most of China). Or they could go with good old oral sex for a more fun solution. What a thought, can you imagine anyone trying to solve a shortage of resources by actually realizing that over population is the root cause for those shortages, and then trying to stem overpopulation. I must be some sort of radical, but it makes sense to me that there are just too many rats in the cage and not enough rat chow to go around.
All the best,
Glenn B
So what the UN Secretary general was saying is that not only does the world need more food, but we need cheap food too. Of course this is all geared toward certain countries. On the receiving end it is geared toward countries that do not produce enough food for their own population. In other words, it is geared toward countries that do not even come close to performing the basic work necessary to meet the basic needs of their own people - basic needs being food, water and shelter. Of course this is not how the UN sees it; the UN would rather blame those countries at the other end of the spectrum, those who produce enough food to feed their own populations and then have some surplus left over. Here is an example of this last: "The United Nations is encouraging summit participants to start undoing a decades-long legacy of agricultural and trade policies that many blame for the failure of small farmers in poor countries to feed their own people."
No, the failures of small farms in poor countries are not due to policies of other nations in my opinion. Rather these failures are due to tyrannical governments oppressing people of those poor nations. Look at Myanmar for the perfect example. They not only oppress the people during fairly normal times, but have done so after a catastrophic natural disaster. Even when food and other aid freely flows into the country from abroad what has happened to it, it has in great part gone to the 'haves' and not to the 'have nots'. It is either about time that the UN start to address the real problem here, and try to look for lasting solutions. Having countries like the USA or Brazil dole out welfare like shipments of food, farm equipment, and fertilizer to third world nations is doing little to resolve their problems. Assuring that honest, moral, beneficent governments come to and remain in power in these countries would do an awful lot more in the long run. Then again whom am I trying to kid, because if we really live to see that happen it would not be the UN that would be doing it. As a matter of fact, it is many of the countries who participate in the UN who are apparently responsible for the same oppression that is responsible for keeping the masses of their own countries downtrodden in misery. I guess that leaves us with one place to start, so why not abolish the UN!
Edited to add: Oh, how could I forget? Maybe there is also another solution to this mess. Maybe those in third world countries ought to start acting responsibly when it comes to population growth. They could exercise some form of birth control and reduce the need for handouts while also reducing their own suiffering due to overpopulation. After all, overpopulation causes food shortages, and shortages of all other resources, just look to countries like India if you don't beleive it. They could start with abstinence, or condoms, or the pill, or family planning (as the one child rule in most of China). Or they could go with good old oral sex for a more fun solution. What a thought, can you imagine anyone trying to solve a shortage of resources by actually realizing that over population is the root cause for those shortages, and then trying to stem overpopulation. I must be some sort of radical, but it makes sense to me that there are just too many rats in the cage and not enough rat chow to go around.
All the best,
Glenn B
1st Amendment Only Good For Dems?
Did anyone catch Fox News this morning at about 0610 hours? Some goon guy named Bob Beckell was on the show as a Democrat Strategist or something like that. He blatantly stated his dislike of right wing bloggers, and if I heard it and understood him correctly he in essence said they should not be allowed to be blogging. So I guess what he is implying is that it is okay for the leftists to blog - since he did not comment about them in a negative manner, and since he is apparently on the left, thereby in essence saying that the Right of Free Speech applies only to the left. This guy, in my opinion, is a blowhard fool, and I have to wonder how the hosts on the Fox News show did not catch the implication, or even the direct statement he made about right leaning bloggers, and then call him to task for it. Yeah, I know he is entitled to his opinion, and entitled to speak under the 1st; but so too am I deserving of that right just as much as he - maybe even a bit more since I support the Constitution.
All the best,
Glenn B
All the best,
Glenn B
Monday, June 2, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Controversial Subjects Discussed Here - Opposing Opinions Welcome
Yes feel free to come to this site to read my blog, and to leave comments regarding posts I have made. Please make sure they are decent, without going overboard with cursing (though now and then I'll do it myself and allow you to do it too), and without becoming a name calling person who uses only insult and innuendo without ever actually addressing the issue at hand in any intelligible manner. In other words do it as you have been doing it so far, feel free to discuss the issues at hand even if you vehemently disagree with me or those who leave comments. Your comments will not be deleted if kept with the realms of semi-decency. Of course, unless you become an out and out abusive, name calling, zealot (or something like a spammer or flamer) - you will never be banned from this blog just because you give a strong opinion, or strong factual evidence, or both that disagrees with the way I see things. If we all did that, banned people for stating their opinion that did not agree with our own, heck there would be no intelligent discussion at all, and no one would learn a thing. So feel free to be neutral, or to agree, and feel just as free to disagree, with anything I say here in this blog; and feel free to disagree with others who leave comments as well.
I may not visit your site if I don't like your stuff, but I will not prevent you from visiting mine or commenting here if you do it with some intelligence and common decency. That goes even if it is a tough or very disagreeable point for me to take. I invite tough and mind exercising discussion of all the issues. By the way, if I ever decide to ban you, I will let you know why first before actually doing so if at all possible, and give you the courtesy of an opportunity to explain and discuss with me whatever it was that got me to even consider a ban in the first place. Heck it could be I got it all wrong, (can you imagine a know it all like me saying that, but if I can say it I guess others should be able to do likewise, that would be common courtesy), and I would not want to be so arrogant as to think you could have only been wrong and only I be right.
All the best,
Glenn B
I may not visit your site if I don't like your stuff, but I will not prevent you from visiting mine or commenting here if you do it with some intelligence and common decency. That goes even if it is a tough or very disagreeable point for me to take. I invite tough and mind exercising discussion of all the issues. By the way, if I ever decide to ban you, I will let you know why first before actually doing so if at all possible, and give you the courtesy of an opportunity to explain and discuss with me whatever it was that got me to even consider a ban in the first place. Heck it could be I got it all wrong, (can you imagine a know it all like me saying that, but if I can say it I guess others should be able to do likewise, that would be common courtesy), and I would not want to be so arrogant as to think you could have only been wrong and only I be right.
All the best,
Glenn B
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Fresh Eggs in the Incubator...
...and you know I don't live even anywhere near to a farm, so if you guessed they are some kind of reptile eggs - well, you guessed right. My female corn snake laid a clutch of eggs about 2 days ago. I don't know if they are going to be alright or not, because as things would have it I forgot to assure that the humidity level was high enough for them, and they kind of caved in a bit. Chances are though they are still alive and well, and my having moistened the sphagnum moss / coconut husk fiber blend that they are in should solve the problem. Time will tell if all the eggs are viable; if not they should start discoloring within a few days to a week or so. As for the ones that are good, they should hatch in about 60 days if I keep them at the right humidity level and proper temperature. I incubate them at about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and am not sure of the humidity level but it has to be close to 90 to 95 percent in the incubation chamber. The chamber itself consists only of a plastic food container with the lid on, and with the lid drilled through with small holes to allow some air to circulate through it. I always amazes me how fertile and viable eggs manage not to become overridden with mold or fungus in these conditions, but they usually make it all the way to hatching without mold or fungus killing them. As for the bad eggs in the clutch, well they do get attacked by mold and or fungus, and it makes them smell pretty badly quite quickly. Sometimes I leave them in the incubator, that is if attached to other eggs, because I don't like to risk rupturing a good egg by trying to pull them apart. Snake eggs, unlike bird eggs, are leathery to the touch, and remain pliable as opposed to becoming brittle. They also often adhere to one another just after the time they are laid. Also, as opposed to bird eggs, they need to pretty much remain in the same position as they were when they were laid by the mother. The great majority of snakes (except some pythons and cobras) do not tend to their eggs, and snake eggs never need to be rolled over as to bird eggs. In fact rolling them over can reportedly kill the embryos.
For now, I'll just pretty much leave them alone, and check on the incubator's temps now and again. The incubator I use now is basically just a container in which I place the incubation chamber, and in which I place a waterproof heating unit and some water. The heater heats the water to about 80 degrees, which in turn evenly heats up the interior of the container including the incubation chamber along with the eggs inside of it. In about 56 to 65 days, I'll know if I did it right.
All the best,
Glenn B.
For now, I'll just pretty much leave them alone, and check on the incubator's temps now and again. The incubator I use now is basically just a container in which I place the incubation chamber, and in which I place a waterproof heating unit and some water. The heater heats the water to about 80 degrees, which in turn evenly heats up the interior of the container including the incubation chamber along with the eggs inside of it. In about 56 to 65 days, I'll know if I did it right.
All the best,
Glenn B.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Not Much To Write about - So Allow Me To Intoduce you To Potato Vodka.
When I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn, and then Queens, I remember my father and my uncles (brothers on his side), and a few years later my godfather (husband of my godmother, both my moms friends), then my uncle (my moms brother) all talking about various things. One of those topics that has stuck in my mind was about a subject that oft times comes up in man to man discussions as it did in these various talkfests - and that topic was booze and in this particular case I mean Vodka. Somehow, I recall them talking about Vodka, over many years and throughout many get-togethers of my disjointed family. One of the recurrent themes was which of the few countries, from which it was imported, produced the best vodka (back then not nearly as many were imported as are today). I seem to recall Russia coming out as the winner for best country of origin, although I don't remember or know if a lot was imported during the cold war (although I did find out that Stolichnaya was first imported to the USA in 1965 and then Pepsi made a Pepsi-Cola for Stoli swap with the Ruskies in 1973 - both right about the time period about which I am writing, give or take a few years). They also discussed Polish Vodka, American Vodka, and Vodka from northern European countries. I don't recall an awful lot of what they said, but I do remember them telling me it was made from potatoes. I got a taste now and then, and I remember too that it was terrible.
So needless to say, I grabbed it, paid for it, and was soon enjoying it. I had a couple of drinks with it over the weekend, mixed drinks made with simple ingredients like cherry flavored seltzer, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Hawaiian Punch. I liked it best with cherry flavored seltzer, but the others by themselves, or in weird mixtures with one another, and some vodka are all fine by me. Of course before trying it in a mixed drink, I gave it the real man's test for any booze and I had one (or was it two) neat (straight up). It was ever so smooth, and that was a big surprise considering how inexpensive it had been. Now after several more mixed drinks, and one or two neat, I can say without a doubt, it is still ever so smooth. This is good stuff, and I suggest if you are a Vodka drinker and can get hold of a bottle, that you give it a try.
Well nowadays, I don't think it so terrible. In fact I think it is a great alcoholic beverage to mix with other things like sodas, juices, other alcoholic ingredients, flavored seltzer and the like. The thing is though, in all those years since the mid 60s through today, I have never as best I can recall, enjoyed a Vodka that was distilled from potatoes. Stoli is made from grains, Absolut and Grey Goose likewise as far as I am aware. I am not sure about Finlandia, Ketel One, or Boru, but my guess would be grain for them also. By these brands all I have had the pleasure of being stung. Not that vodka has a nasty bite, it is neat and clean, but it can pack a sting to your psyche if you drink enough of it at any given moment. I have done so, let us say, more than thrice.
But I digress from the meat (and potatoes) of the matter - and that my friends is Vodka distilled from potatoes. It was indeed long ago that I began to associate potatoes with real man's vodka. I had known from an even earlier age, that meat and potatoes were a real man's eats, and darned tasty at that, and I enjoyed them as much as did the adults even if I was only a young lad at the time. So why would not potatoes be part of a real man's drink too! It only made sense to a lad of somewhere between about 7 to 14 (when I was mostly at home listening to all these old farts, and not yet hanging out in the park with my friends getting sloshed). Now as I said, I do not recall ever imbibing of the spirits of distilled potatoes in the past. Heck I never even saw a vodka made from smashed in the past as far as I know. But there I was, in the vodka section, of the local retailer of fine spirits, just before this past weekend began. (Last Thursday or Friday night, which it was I cannot recall.) Well, there I was perusing the stock on hand, and debating between Stoli, and another brand or two, when something caught my eye. It had not quite registered, but I knew whatever it was had been important enough for me to scan the bottles again once or twice before it did register. When it did, a smile came to my face, because what I had seen were the words: POTATO VODKA" and the words "100% Neutral Potato Spirits".
I grabbed hold of a bottle and took a better look. The brand was Luksusowa, made in Poland, and it was 80 proof. It was also triple distilled through charcoal. All seemed well with the world, except maybe that it appeared the only bottle size they had of it was: 1.75 liters. Now that my friends is about double the size of the bottle I normally get, and I thought it a tad much. I searched in vain for a smaller size and finally decided on the one at hand. I was happily surprised to discover it was only about $26.00 including tax for that size bottle. I usually pay more than that for less than half the amount of another brand, and those made from grain. Now do not get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with booze made from grain, not even Vodka made from grain, but Vodka made from potatoes had a certain aura to it for me - after all I had memories of it being the real man's Vodka!
So needless to say, I grabbed it, paid for it, and was soon enjoying it. I had a couple of drinks with it over the weekend, mixed drinks made with simple ingredients like cherry flavored seltzer, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Hawaiian Punch. I liked it best with cherry flavored seltzer, but the others by themselves, or in weird mixtures with one another, and some vodka are all fine by me. Of course before trying it in a mixed drink, I gave it the real man's test for any booze and I had one (or was it two) neat (straight up). It was ever so smooth, and that was a big surprise considering how inexpensive it had been. Now after several more mixed drinks, and one or two neat, I can say without a doubt, it is still ever so smooth. This is good stuff, and I suggest if you are a Vodka drinker and can get hold of a bottle, that you give it a try.The terrible picture I just took of it is to make you familiar with the look of it in case you happen to look for it in your local fine spirits emporium. The stuff in the glass next to it is a combination of OJ, Cranberry Juice, and a tad of the Luksusowa Potato Vodka (can't have too much since I do have to work tomorrow). I have to wonder, does my concoction have as many servings of fruit and vegetables as does that letter after U/number before 9 drink they advertise on television all the time? Maybe not, but I'd bet it packs more of a wallop and tastes better. As you can see there has been a fair depletion of the liquid nectar from that bottle in just a week's time - of course, mostly taken in over the long Memorial Day weekend.
If you do decide to enjoy some of this splendid alcoholic beverage, please remember to drink responsibly, and don't mix drinking alcohol with handling firearms, driving, operating machinery and so forth because when you screw up in a moment while drunk, you have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life.
All the best,
Glenn B
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Stocking Up...
...on supplies, as in putting together a cache of survival items may seem silly to some, but the realization has hit me that it may not be a bad idea. I don't mean going out and buying things for a 'emergency preparedness bag' or for a 'grab & go kit' (which I already have), I mean actually going out and stocking up on essentials such as food, medical supplies, toiletries, paper products and so forth in a large enough amount to last my family at least a few to several months. This is not something that would be easily done at today's prices, but I am truly concerned that future prices will climb so high as to either make these prices sky rocket further, that there will be a major depression, that civil unrest dues to the economy will create disruptions in supply, or that something along the lines of a major truckers strike will completely cut off supply.
So what would one include in such a store of supplies. One of the first purchases I am thinking of making will be a water filtration system. Nothing fancy, and something small will fit the bill. A couple of Brita pitchers will do nicely. After that I will think of foodstuffs to purchase. I am thinking about a couple or few bags of rice in the 50 pound size, about 100 pounds canned or vacuumed sealed flour, several pounds of salt, several cases of canned vegetables and fruits, canned meat - again several cases, powdered milk, and some high energy foods like nuts. As to medical supplies I am thinking of picking up enough to stock first aid needs my family for at least a year. As to toiletries, I think a good supply to last at least a few months would be in order. I do not mean things like perfumes or hair gel, but rather things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, mouthwash. Other things that might be a good idea could be: matches, candles, batteries, flashlights, charcoal, a can or two of gasoline for emergency use only. There are quite a few other things I will include on my list. Shopping for all this stuff could be done in a day, but I sure cannot afford to buy it all at once. I figure if I spread out the purchases over the next few paychecks, well it should work out fine.
I am not about to do this because of any great fear I have that we are about to face doomsday or anything like that; but I do see the signs out there that we may indeed go into a deep recession which would put us only one small step away from a depression. I remember the riots of the late 60s,the shortages of the mid 70s, and my mom lived through the great depression and through the rationing of WWII. If I ever have to face anything along any of those lines, I would hope to have been somewhat prepared by the time things get bad. Now I may go out and spend a lot of money on things, and then the economy will suddenly turn rosy and good times will be upon us. That will be okay because times will be good for me too and the money while spent will not have been wasted because I can still use all the items I bought. Of course it will not have been all that great if I will have gone out and made a lot of purchases at inflated prices and then the prices drop drastically, in fact that will suck. The thing is though, I keep wondering which way I would be worse off: spending too much money now on things I did not need right now, or not having things my family and I need when times get really tough and then not being able to get them at all. I think you know the answer. So this weekend I'll be on a BJ's Club or Costco shopping spree to start building up the larder.
All the best,
Glenn B
So what would one include in such a store of supplies. One of the first purchases I am thinking of making will be a water filtration system. Nothing fancy, and something small will fit the bill. A couple of Brita pitchers will do nicely. After that I will think of foodstuffs to purchase. I am thinking about a couple or few bags of rice in the 50 pound size, about 100 pounds canned or vacuumed sealed flour, several pounds of salt, several cases of canned vegetables and fruits, canned meat - again several cases, powdered milk, and some high energy foods like nuts. As to medical supplies I am thinking of picking up enough to stock first aid needs my family for at least a year. As to toiletries, I think a good supply to last at least a few months would be in order. I do not mean things like perfumes or hair gel, but rather things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, mouthwash. Other things that might be a good idea could be: matches, candles, batteries, flashlights, charcoal, a can or two of gasoline for emergency use only. There are quite a few other things I will include on my list. Shopping for all this stuff could be done in a day, but I sure cannot afford to buy it all at once. I figure if I spread out the purchases over the next few paychecks, well it should work out fine.
I am not about to do this because of any great fear I have that we are about to face doomsday or anything like that; but I do see the signs out there that we may indeed go into a deep recession which would put us only one small step away from a depression. I remember the riots of the late 60s,the shortages of the mid 70s, and my mom lived through the great depression and through the rationing of WWII. If I ever have to face anything along any of those lines, I would hope to have been somewhat prepared by the time things get bad. Now I may go out and spend a lot of money on things, and then the economy will suddenly turn rosy and good times will be upon us. That will be okay because times will be good for me too and the money while spent will not have been wasted because I can still use all the items I bought. Of course it will not have been all that great if I will have gone out and made a lot of purchases at inflated prices and then the prices drop drastically, in fact that will suck. The thing is though, I keep wondering which way I would be worse off: spending too much money now on things I did not need right now, or not having things my family and I need when times get really tough and then not being able to get them at all. I think you know the answer. So this weekend I'll be on a BJ's Club or Costco shopping spree to start building up the larder.
All the best,
Glenn B
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day - Take A Moment Today...
...to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service of their country. Although many think that today is akin to Veterans' day, it is a vastly different holiday. On Veterans' Day we honor the veteran of military service living and dead. However, this is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who have fallen in battle never to raise themselves up again, or those who have otherwise died in military service. They are in my thoughts in a place of honor, they deserve at least as much from each and every one of us.
All the best,
Glenn B
All the best,
Glenn B
A New Soldier For Me
It has been awhile since my adopted/assigned soldier in the Soldiers' Angels program returned stateside. We keep in touch a little bit now and then, which reminds me I have to drop Bob a line to see how he is doing. Now that he is back home, I was left without someone in the military to whom I could give some support while he or she is over in Iraq or Afghanistan. I don't know, I suppose though that because it was Memorial Day Weekend, this all came to mind so yesterday I sent an email to Soldiers' Angels requesting I be assigned to another soldier. I was pretty surprised, when I signed on line today, to see I had received an email from them already assigning me to another soldier.
Once again my soldier is over in Afghanistan. His (or her) name is Jamie (sorry I am not allowed to give away any more about his/her identity, and no I don't know if its a guy or a gal, so I will use he from now on). He is in FOB Salerno in or near Khost, Afghanistan. If I understand correctly, it is pretty close to Pakistan, and right on top of the Taliban stronghold in that region. My guess would be hot as hell in the summer, and icy cold in the winter. If I figured out the military address correctly, then he is part of a Field Artillery Regiment that supports the 101st Airborne. I won't know more about him until he gets back to me.
In the meantime, while waiting for a reply to the email I just sent him, I will start with the task of putting together a decent care package for Jamie and his fellow troops. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to leave them in the comments section. I have put together and sent quite a few of these packages already for other soldiers, but I am always open to suggestions as to what to include inside of them. One new idea just read about, in a tank you note from a soldier to someone who sent him a package, is to send bandannas among whatever else I include in the package. They seemed to be a big hit.
Right now it is time for me to make a trip to my brother-in-law's house to pick up some hot pepper plants he has for me. Then maybe a stop by a Memorial Day parade. Then to some stores to pick up some goodies for the care package, and then back home for a BBQ, and to get some more painting done in the now spare bedroom (almost done with he job, hopefully by tonight).
Have a happy Memorial Day, and if you are thinking of how you can help support the troops, why not become one of the many who have joined the ranks of Soldiers' Angels, it is easy and well worth the effort.
All the best,
Glenn B
Once again my soldier is over in Afghanistan. His (or her) name is Jamie (sorry I am not allowed to give away any more about his/her identity, and no I don't know if its a guy or a gal, so I will use he from now on). He is in FOB Salerno in or near Khost, Afghanistan. If I understand correctly, it is pretty close to Pakistan, and right on top of the Taliban stronghold in that region. My guess would be hot as hell in the summer, and icy cold in the winter. If I figured out the military address correctly, then he is part of a Field Artillery Regiment that supports the 101st Airborne. I won't know more about him until he gets back to me.
In the meantime, while waiting for a reply to the email I just sent him, I will start with the task of putting together a decent care package for Jamie and his fellow troops. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to leave them in the comments section. I have put together and sent quite a few of these packages already for other soldiers, but I am always open to suggestions as to what to include inside of them. One new idea just read about, in a tank you note from a soldier to someone who sent him a package, is to send bandannas among whatever else I include in the package. They seemed to be a big hit.
Right now it is time for me to make a trip to my brother-in-law's house to pick up some hot pepper plants he has for me. Then maybe a stop by a Memorial Day parade. Then to some stores to pick up some goodies for the care package, and then back home for a BBQ, and to get some more painting done in the now spare bedroom (almost done with he job, hopefully by tonight).
Have a happy Memorial Day, and if you are thinking of how you can help support the troops, why not become one of the many who have joined the ranks of Soldiers' Angels, it is easy and well worth the effort.
All the best,
Glenn B
Sunday, May 25, 2008
I Started Painting...
...the small bedroom about a week ago. Well, not really painting, but opening and cleaning out cracks, then plastering. I did more of it yesterday,sanding (thank the gods for a good dust mask), then a second coat of spackle where needed. Then more sanding today, then vacuuming up the mess. After that I washed the walls and ceiling, just a rinse really. Then I taped up all the molding. Then I realized, holy horse feathers, some of the cracks were still not fully filled in with spackle. So a finishing touch with the spackle.
Before I started all this today, I tried to replace the handle on the upstairs toilet. Gave a turn of the nut to take it off, and wham the side of the toilet tank broke off. Thank goodness only above the water line. It looks like it must have been cracked there somehow, maybe however the handle got busted put the crack in the tank. I wonder. Did not matter, because I needed to think about replacing either the tank or the whole shebang. I opted for the tank, but the guy at Home Depot told me the tank size is no longer made. I find that hard to believe - I mean that a tank today will not fit on a toilet of old, if only because all the other holes, as in the ones to attach the bowl to the floor, the flush hole, the valve hole, remain standard sized throughout the years. So I hemmed and hawed and just bought some painting supplies. I figure I'll check better on the tank size, maybe go to a plumbing supply store and see if I can get just the tank. It would be a whole lot easier to fix that.
On the way home from HD, I stopped at the local supermarket. I picked up a couple of lamb chops, a 12 pack of St. Pauli Girl, and some cherry flavored seltzer (great with vodka). The chops went down on the grill right after I got home, and a couple of beers soon followed the chops down my gullet. Then back up to the room to get done what I outlined above. Right now, over another St. Pauli Girl, I am here typing this, and waiting for the spot jobs of spackling to dry. I figure about an hour or two. I'll get that sanded and then its primer/sealer time. Hopefully I get the whole room, really more like a jail cell, done tonight with the primer/sealer, then tomorrow I'll put on the paint. The wife wanted lime green, and I got something between the outside and inside colors of a lime. Green for the walls, white for the ceiling. I think it is disgusting, she has not seen it yet. I hope she likes it. Really though, I figure once on the walls, with the stained woodwork trim, it will look nice.
Wait a minute. What was that? I think I hear a duetches frauline calling me, a St. Pauli Girl at that. Time for another cold one; later for you.
All the best,
Glenn B
Before I started all this today, I tried to replace the handle on the upstairs toilet. Gave a turn of the nut to take it off, and wham the side of the toilet tank broke off. Thank goodness only above the water line. It looks like it must have been cracked there somehow, maybe however the handle got busted put the crack in the tank. I wonder. Did not matter, because I needed to think about replacing either the tank or the whole shebang. I opted for the tank, but the guy at Home Depot told me the tank size is no longer made. I find that hard to believe - I mean that a tank today will not fit on a toilet of old, if only because all the other holes, as in the ones to attach the bowl to the floor, the flush hole, the valve hole, remain standard sized throughout the years. So I hemmed and hawed and just bought some painting supplies. I figure I'll check better on the tank size, maybe go to a plumbing supply store and see if I can get just the tank. It would be a whole lot easier to fix that.
On the way home from HD, I stopped at the local supermarket. I picked up a couple of lamb chops, a 12 pack of St. Pauli Girl, and some cherry flavored seltzer (great with vodka). The chops went down on the grill right after I got home, and a couple of beers soon followed the chops down my gullet. Then back up to the room to get done what I outlined above. Right now, over another St. Pauli Girl, I am here typing this, and waiting for the spot jobs of spackling to dry. I figure about an hour or two. I'll get that sanded and then its primer/sealer time. Hopefully I get the whole room, really more like a jail cell, done tonight with the primer/sealer, then tomorrow I'll put on the paint. The wife wanted lime green, and I got something between the outside and inside colors of a lime. Green for the walls, white for the ceiling. I think it is disgusting, she has not seen it yet. I hope she likes it. Really though, I figure once on the walls, with the stained woodwork trim, it will look nice.
Wait a minute. What was that? I think I hear a duetches frauline calling me, a St. Pauli Girl at that. Time for another cold one; later for you.
All the best,
Glenn B
Apartheid Has Not Disappeared...
...but rather it has again reared its ugly head, this time maybe a head of a different color. See: Anti-foreigner violence in South Africa kills 50.
It seems that South Africans have taken to the streets of squatter camps and "dormitories" and have been attacking and killing foreigners, blaming the foreigners for loss of jobs and the like. While I agree that foreigners could be responsible for loss of jobs, especially if enough of them are illegal aliens and are taking away jobs from South Africans by way of undercharging for their own labor, I also believe that the attackers have stooped to the dregs through their deplorable actions. They are most assuredly justified in their anger if it is true that so called immigrants are taking away their jobs, however they are at the same time repeating apartheid by taking the violent actions they take. I mean, are the attackers not the very same people who claimed ethnic rule and oppression was wrong, immoral and illegal? Or is it that South Africans just believe it to be the case when a certain ethnic group is in power and it does not suit them? The hypocrisy of the current state of affairs seems par for the course when it comes to ethnic disputes. I imagine there is some hope as others are marching for peace; but maybe the best hope would be found in South Africa having a strict Immigration policy that affords its own people the opportunity to work without interference from aliens, illegal or otherwise, who push citizens out of jobs. Sound familiar?
All the best,
Glenn B
It seems that South Africans have taken to the streets of squatter camps and "dormitories" and have been attacking and killing foreigners, blaming the foreigners for loss of jobs and the like. While I agree that foreigners could be responsible for loss of jobs, especially if enough of them are illegal aliens and are taking away jobs from South Africans by way of undercharging for their own labor, I also believe that the attackers have stooped to the dregs through their deplorable actions. They are most assuredly justified in their anger if it is true that so called immigrants are taking away their jobs, however they are at the same time repeating apartheid by taking the violent actions they take. I mean, are the attackers not the very same people who claimed ethnic rule and oppression was wrong, immoral and illegal? Or is it that South Africans just believe it to be the case when a certain ethnic group is in power and it does not suit them? The hypocrisy of the current state of affairs seems par for the course when it comes to ethnic disputes. I imagine there is some hope as others are marching for peace; but maybe the best hope would be found in South Africa having a strict Immigration policy that affords its own people the opportunity to work without interference from aliens, illegal or otherwise, who push citizens out of jobs. Sound familiar?
All the best,
Glenn B
Socialist Takeover of U.S. Oil Companies On The Agenda, How Far Behind Is Tyranny
What can I say folks, you heard her say it; there is no doubt she wants to socialize our economy with a government takeover of businesses like the oil companies. I have no great liking for those price gouging businessmen, but I do much prefer a free market and our Republic over anything that a big mouthed apparent communist loving and socialist loving politician like Maxine Waters has to offer. What do you think she would do next if her bid for a government takeover of the oil companies was successful? How she remains within her political office is far beyond my comprehension except for the fact that she was elected in the 35th District of California. She not only, in my opinion, deserves to be removed from office, but probably to apologize to the nation and to promise she will never again accept political or public office.
If you live within the 35th District of California, that she supposedly represents, I think you should consider doing all you legally can do to get her out of office because I think If left to folks like her our country would be on its knees in no time, and 'we the people' would be 'we the oppressed'. As a matter of fact, everyone who has access to a keyboard or a pen can write to her to denounce her statement, or call her to do the same, and to insist that she step down from political office. Will it work - hell probably not - because she is, in my personal opinion, a pompous ass; but it will remind the rest of them in Congress that we will not stand for the likes of her trying to get away with things like this; and most of the rest of them have brains between their ears. Heck if enough stink is made about this, maybe her constituents will wake up. When her reelection stint comes back around - I would think that you would want to vote her out of office if you want to do yourself a favor.
All the best,
Glenn B
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Twice in A Week At The Range...
...sort of made the week an especially nice one. On Monday I qualified for my job. That means I had to shoot the Glock 19, twice for qualification, and once for a tactical shoot. Then I shot the Remington 870 for qualification 2with slugs, and for another round with buckshot. Finally it was the H&K MP5 submachine-gun. Loads of fun even though it was a geriatric Monday for me and I was having trouble getting things right. Heck, I shot only a 234 out of 250 for my first qualification round, then a 238 out of 250 for the second. maybe not bad, but not good by my standards for myself. If I shoot below 240 I am very dissatisfied, and if below 245 or 244 well I am not all that happy about it. I got 5 out of 5 in the center ring with the shotgun, though that too had its troubles. I had to pull out two shell casings that did not eject fully. Just a bad day I suppose. Finally when it came to the MP5 I must have been back in the swing of things. I scored a 240 out of 250 with the subgun. Not my normal either, but acceptable for me by me.
Yesterday, after a ho-hum day at work, I decided to head to the West Side Rifle & Pistol Range on W. 20th Street in Manhattan (NYC). I figured I could use the practice with the Glock, those low scores of mine were bugging me; and I also wanted to make sure I did not get stuck in Memorial Day weekend traffic on the way home. Besides that I wanted to shoot my Ortgies pocket pistol, and a couple of my 22LR handguns I had with me. As it turned out, I forgot the key for one of the gun locks, so my Beretta 70 S stayed in the range bag. I did have a good time though with the S&W Model 17-8, and with my Ortgies and Glock.
As for the Glock, I banged away with about 250 or 300 rounds of ammo. That was fun, and presumably I needed the practice. When it came to the S&W Model 17, I probably fired another 300 rounds easily. Its the only revolver I own, but it sure can be a lot of fun. Being a 10 shot, and shooting inexpensive .22LR rounds, fun is bound to be had with it.
When it came to the Ortgies, I only had 14 rounds of ammo with me for it (I had it in my bag without extra ammo than what was in its two magazines), so I decided to see just how accurate it could be for close in slow fire. I set the target up at 7 yards and fired all 14 shots at it. I was shooting FMJ Magtech .32Auto ammunition. Not a bad little group at 1 5/8". Next time when I have more ammo for it with me, I'll shoot rapid fire, point shooting, at the same distance and also at a closer range to see just how good of a pointer this would be in a self defense situation. My guess is it would be a whole lot better than yelling for help when a bad guy was trying to hurt you.
As you can see from the photo of the target this little pistol, manufactured sometime in 1920's Germany, is inherently pretty accurate. I don't know if it was me, the ammo, or the gun that put almost every shot a tad high and to the right. I'll try with another brand of ammo and see if I get different results. As for the gun itself, I can tell you the sights are darned difficult to pick up, especially with my middle aged eyes, and my guess would be that they would be virtually useless in a low light situation thereby demanding that you resorted to point shooting with it. They are certainly nothing like modern combat sights, and are basically just a sight channel milled out of the top of the slide, and a thin blade front sight milled into the front of the slide. All in all though, my guess is: it would be okay for close in self defense work; and after all that is just what for a pistol like this was designed.
Then onto the S&W revolver. I can say without a doubt that the ammo I shot through the S&W Model 17 made a lot of difference in the group size. I shot four different types of ammo through it on this range trip. I started with Federal Champion solid nosed ammo. This stuff is old, probably at least 15 to 20 years old. It still shoots and gets the job done, though it is pretty dirty leaving a lot of unburned powder behind. I got a fairly tight group with it with one flier. It was high and to the left at 21 feet when aiming center of the target. Of 7 shots fired aiming center of target, 6 were in a group almost covered by a quarter, with one flier. Measured group size was 1 1/4" for 7 shots. When I changed the sight picture to that of a lolly pop, and used Kentucky windage to move things a bit right, the last three shots were pretty much in the bull. A sight adjustment for this ammo would do the trick.
Then I put some American Eagle high velocity solid nosed ammo through the S&W. All the shots were closer to the center, but no tight grouping as with the federal Champion. In fact this ammo produced the widest grouping (not counting fliers) that I shot all day with the 22LR ammo. These shots were scattered in a group spread out to 2 5/8"; pretty miserable.
Next up was Peters high velocity solid nosed bullets. Te ones that come in the yellow plastic box. I had 6 of them make one hole, but also had 2 fliers, and 2 that were close enough to the rest of the group not to be considered fliers. Another 1 1/4" group size, not counting the fliers. All of these also a little to the left, and high (except for one low left flier). I guess that a sight adjustment would do the trick.
Finally I shot some Remington Golden Bullets, high velocity, solid nose. I got 9 shots in a 1 1/9" inch group, pretty much dead center of the target, with one flier low to the left. I cannot recall, but my guess is that last time I adjusted the sights on the S&W it was for this lot of Remington Golden Bullets.
Not the best I have ever shot, not by a long shot, but not the worst I will ever shoot either. All in all I had a fun time at the range, even though I spotted one guy a few lanes to my right who decided he was Billy The Kid, or some other desperado. He was shooting from the hip, somewhat from behind the booth, and therefore definitely too far behind the firing line, with a pistol in each hand. Every few shots I heard that unmistakable zing of a round ricocheting off of something. Since this range is in the basement of an old building in NYC, it has support pillars downrange, and I figured that was where some of his bullets were striking. Luckily no one was hit by a ricochet. Of course, once I saw that, I was off of the range and over to one of the guys who worked there to say my piece about thisfantastic pistelero less than safe shooter. The range guy watched the self imagined sharpshooter for a bit, then went into the range and told him to knock it off. After that I went back to my lane and shot up the rest of my ammo, and left for the night. As I was packing up, a friend of the trick shooter told him something to the effect: 'Don't worry about it, they only said something because they don't know you yet, and how good you shoot'. Two asshole buddies peas in a pod I suppose, but thank goodness only one was shooting like that right then. That is the thing about a range, you always need to be safety minded not only about your own gun handling, but that of others at the range too.
Once I left the range, I made it home in about 35-40 minutes at most. That has got to be a record for me, and I drove right at the speed limit at least 95% of the way. I guess staying at the range until about 8PM did the trick and all of the holiday weekend traffic had disappeared, along with all of those folks who were trying to disappear for the weekend.
All the best,
Glenn B
Yesterday, after a ho-hum day at work, I decided to head to the West Side Rifle & Pistol Range on W. 20th Street in Manhattan (NYC). I figured I could use the practice with the Glock, those low scores of mine were bugging me; and I also wanted to make sure I did not get stuck in Memorial Day weekend traffic on the way home. Besides that I wanted to shoot my Ortgies pocket pistol, and a couple of my 22LR handguns I had with me. As it turned out, I forgot the key for one of the gun locks, so my Beretta 70 S stayed in the range bag. I did have a good time though with the S&W Model 17-8, and with my Ortgies and Glock.
As for the Glock, I banged away with about 250 or 300 rounds of ammo. That was fun, and presumably I needed the practice. When it came to the S&W Model 17, I probably fired another 300 rounds easily. Its the only revolver I own, but it sure can be a lot of fun. Being a 10 shot, and shooting inexpensive .22LR rounds, fun is bound to be had with it.
When it came to the Ortgies, I only had 14 rounds of ammo with me for it (I had it in my bag without extra ammo than what was in its two magazines), so I decided to see just how accurate it could be for close in slow fire. I set the target up at 7 yards and fired all 14 shots at it. I was shooting FMJ Magtech .32Auto ammunition. Not a bad little group at 1 5/8". Next time when I have more ammo for it with me, I'll shoot rapid fire, point shooting, at the same distance and also at a closer range to see just how good of a pointer this would be in a self defense situation. My guess is it would be a whole lot better than yelling for help when a bad guy was trying to hurt you. As you can see from the photo of the target this little pistol, manufactured sometime in 1920's Germany, is inherently pretty accurate. I don't know if it was me, the ammo, or the gun that put almost every shot a tad high and to the right. I'll try with another brand of ammo and see if I get different results. As for the gun itself, I can tell you the sights are darned difficult to pick up, especially with my middle aged eyes, and my guess would be that they would be virtually useless in a low light situation thereby demanding that you resorted to point shooting with it. They are certainly nothing like modern combat sights, and are basically just a sight channel milled out of the top of the slide, and a thin blade front sight milled into the front of the slide. All in all though, my guess is: it would be okay for close in self defense work; and after all that is just what for a pistol like this was designed.
Then onto the S&W revolver. I can say without a doubt that the ammo I shot through the S&W Model 17 made a lot of difference in the group size. I shot four different types of ammo through it on this range trip. I started with Federal Champion solid nosed ammo. This stuff is old, probably at least 15 to 20 years old. It still shoots and gets the job done, though it is pretty dirty leaving a lot of unburned powder behind. I got a fairly tight group with it with one flier. It was high and to the left at 21 feet when aiming center of the target. Of 7 shots fired aiming center of target, 6 were in a group almost covered by a quarter, with one flier. Measured group size was 1 1/4" for 7 shots. When I changed the sight picture to that of a lolly pop, and used Kentucky windage to move things a bit right, the last three shots were pretty much in the bull. A sight adjustment for this ammo would do the trick.
Then I put some American Eagle high velocity solid nosed ammo through the S&W. All the shots were closer to the center, but no tight grouping as with the federal Champion. In fact this ammo produced the widest grouping (not counting fliers) that I shot all day with the 22LR ammo. These shots were scattered in a group spread out to 2 5/8"; pretty miserable.
Next up was Peters high velocity solid nosed bullets. Te ones that come in the yellow plastic box. I had 6 of them make one hole, but also had 2 fliers, and 2 that were close enough to the rest of the group not to be considered fliers. Another 1 1/4" group size, not counting the fliers. All of these also a little to the left, and high (except for one low left flier). I guess that a sight adjustment would do the trick.
Finally I shot some Remington Golden Bullets, high velocity, solid nose. I got 9 shots in a 1 1/9" inch group, pretty much dead center of the target, with one flier low to the left. I cannot recall, but my guess is that last time I adjusted the sights on the S&W it was for this lot of Remington Golden Bullets.
Not the best I have ever shot, not by a long shot, but not the worst I will ever shoot either. All in all I had a fun time at the range, even though I spotted one guy a few lanes to my right who decided he was Billy The Kid, or some other desperado. He was shooting from the hip, somewhat from behind the booth, and therefore definitely too far behind the firing line, with a pistol in each hand. Every few shots I heard that unmistakable zing of a round ricocheting off of something. Since this range is in the basement of an old building in NYC, it has support pillars downrange, and I figured that was where some of his bullets were striking. Luckily no one was hit by a ricochet. Of course, once I saw that, I was off of the range and over to one of the guys who worked there to say my piece about this
Once I left the range, I made it home in about 35-40 minutes at most. That has got to be a record for me, and I drove right at the speed limit at least 95% of the way. I guess staying at the range until about 8PM did the trick and all of the holiday weekend traffic had disappeared, along with all of those folks who were trying to disappear for the weekend.
All the best,
Glenn B
John Augustus Roebling and Washington Roebling...
...father and son, would both be proud to know that their most acclaimed piece of architecture, an engineering marvel, has withstood not only the 125 years since it opened, but also the additional 13 years it took to be built. Of course I am talking about The Brooklyn Bridge - today marks the 125th anniversary of its opening. If you have ever been to New York City and you did not get a chance to see the Brooklyn Bridge, let me just say you missed one grand old lady. It is truly a sight to see, and better yet - if you walk across her span - there are some fine views of New York Harbor, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty. There is a lot of story behind this bridge, once the tallest structure in the western hemisphere, and for many years the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is an engineering and architectural marvel. Why? Well because it was designed to be built 6 times stronger than necessary, yet during actual construction inferior cables were supplied by a crooked supplier. The younger Roebling (his father having died from disease before completion of the bridge) decided to go with the inferior cable instead of delaying the project. In addition one of the two support towers, the one on the Manhattan side is built over sand, as opposed to that of the Brooklyn side supported by bedrock. Why the difference, because of caisson disease (the bends) - and the younger Roebling was afflicted by it due to his time down in the caissons. He decided to stop sinking the supports of the west towerdown to bedrock level, and the tower is now atop sand, supported only by sand, 30 feet short of the bedrock. Yet despite that, this beautiful bridge still stands as she did on her first day.
I lived in New York City most of my life, and now live not far from the city on Long Island. I still work there, and still sometimes take the Brooklyn Bridge to get to work. It is mot a pleasure to get caught in the traffic jams that routinely happen on this bridge, but it is always a pleasure to see the view from it. Like some other bridges in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge has rail traffic that crosses its span in the form of New York City Transit Authority Trains - the subway (though there the trains are elevated); and I have crossed her that way too. I have also taken a boat ride around manhatan that twice passed under her span.
One thing the Brooklyn Bridge offers, that most other major spans in new York City do not offer, is the chance for the pedestrian to walk across her length. In all my time in and around New York City, I have only attempted this once. I decided to do so, one beautiful sunny spring day some years back, and I made it half way before I had to turn around and get back to court in Brooklyn. Someday though it will be my pleasure to walk across the completeness of her span, and that day is coming soon. Why soon? Well now that I think of it, I had always said I would someday go to the top of the World Trade Center to visit the observation deck and to dine in the restaraunt there. For some reason I always decided instead to visit the Empire State Building when I wanted a grand view of New York City and the surround states. (Yes you can see at least 5 states on a clear day from atop the Empiere State Building.) I figured the WTC would always be there for me. As it turned out, I never made it to the top of the Trade Center even though I worked there for several months. Now I will never have the chance. Before something disastrous can happen to the bridge, or before they close it to pedestrian traffic for whatever reason, I plan to make it across her span at least one time; and I imagine I ought to get my ass in gear before I lose the opportunity. Its funny what we take for granted as a thing that will always be there, I did just that with the WTC; I will not do it again - and certainly not with the Brooklyn Bridge or with my opportunity to walk her span.
If you want to read about the Brooklyn Bridge, try a web search, or look at these links, but let me remind you - the best thing you can do is to visit it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Bridge
http://www.nycroads.com/crossings/brooklyn/
http://nyctrip.com/Pages/Details.aspx?TourID=325
http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridge.html
http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgefacts.htm
All the best,
Glenn B
Why Debase Our Country Like This?
So Jenna Hager (aka: Jenna Bush) reportedly answered "sure" to Ellen Degeneres when Degeneres asked if she and her lesbian lover could use the Bush ranch for their wedding (see: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,357921,00.html). Okay, okay, yeah it was probably supposed to be funny, a joke albeit a bad one. Still though it brings a question to my mind. My question is this: "Why would the not only the daughter of the current President of the USA appear on a show hosted by Degeneres, but why would the First Lady also appear on the same show?" I ask this in light of the fact that the Bush family is supposed to be a Christian family, an Evangelical family if I recall correctly, a devoutly religious family, yet they give appeasement to the lesbian and gay communities in exactly the same manner that they appease the illegal alien community! It is a sad day for those in America who cheered George W. Bush's speech in Israel earlier this week when he came out against those who offer appeasement to our enemies since now the Bush family is offering appeasement not only to criminals who broke the law to enter our country (and who often continue breaking our laws), but also to those who would make a sham of the institution of marriage as well. What is next - pedophiles, or terrorists being invited to a Bush BBQ?
If I am ever again faced with the offer of voting a Bush into office, I will vote democrat for the first time in my life in a presidential election. That is of course unless the Bush is running as a Dem - heck they sure act like Dems - don't they! I used to think Jimmy Carter the worst president in my lifetime, but now I am no longer so sure since the current president seems to be trying his hardest to out do Carter. One thing Carter has going in his favor: At least Carter remained loyal to his political party's base and remained a screaming whacko lib like the rest of them; on the other hand Bush claims to be a Republican, and to me he seems anything but Republican. I wonder if we will be paying war reparations to terrorists and seeing them on the ranch too, right next to the pedophiles. This president is the most liberal Republican I have ever known, except of course when it comes to filling the pockets of big business. What a sham he has pulled off. What is, in my personal opinion, the word that describes him? RINO - pure and simple.
All the best,
Glenn B
If I am ever again faced with the offer of voting a Bush into office, I will vote democrat for the first time in my life in a presidential election. That is of course unless the Bush is running as a Dem - heck they sure act like Dems - don't they! I used to think Jimmy Carter the worst president in my lifetime, but now I am no longer so sure since the current president seems to be trying his hardest to out do Carter. One thing Carter has going in his favor: At least Carter remained loyal to his political party's base and remained a screaming whacko lib like the rest of them; on the other hand Bush claims to be a Republican, and to me he seems anything but Republican. I wonder if we will be paying war reparations to terrorists and seeing them on the ranch too, right next to the pedophiles. This president is the most liberal Republican I have ever known, except of course when it comes to filling the pockets of big business. What a sham he has pulled off. What is, in my personal opinion, the word that describes him? RINO - pure and simple.
All the best,
Glenn B
Osama bin Laden's Liquor Store
Yes you read that correctly! It seems Osama bin Laden had been hiding out somewhere far from Pakistan in Brooklyn, NY. He actually was found running a liquor store to help fund his slime bag cause. Gladly though this has come to an end, because he was shot numerous times this morning by a rare bird in NYC, an armed citizen. Don't you wish that what I just wrote was true? Don't you wish it could be you who was the lucky bastard hero who got the chance to gun him down. I know I sure wish it could be me. Well now you have the chance. Heavens forgive me for saying it, but this is absolutely great. I knew I went to the range last night for a good reason. See:
http://www.sizor.com:80/flash/binladen.htm
I just cannot believe this has been around since 2001, and I never saw it before.
Good shooting,
Glenn B
http://www.sizor.com:80/flash/binladen.htm
I just cannot believe this has been around since 2001, and I never saw it before.
Good shooting,
Glenn B
Friday, May 23, 2008
Keeping The Right To Keep & Bear Arms...
...is something we need to work at in order to accomplish it. It isn't easy that is for sure, what with the millions of anti-gun fanatics who are out there. One way to help overcome their influence is to support groups that support the RKBA. National groups like the National Rifle Association, or the Gun Owners Foundation, state/local groups such as the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association. I try to do my part, and I support these three particular organizations. I am a life member of the NRA, an annual member of the NYSRPA, and a yearly supporter of the GOF. I recommend that if you want to keep your RKBA, you should do something similar.By the way, every now and then, it is nice to get something more than continuous solicitations for funds (like those I receive from the NRA) or newsletters (like I get from the NYSRPA). Yes every now and then it is nice to get a letter thanking you for what you have done. In that regard I have to hand it to the GOF because an acknowledgement like the one they sent me let's a person know that not only is their donation being used to fight for our rights, it is also appreciated by those who received it. That appreciation, coupled with a job well done, goes a long way toward making sure I will donate to them again.
All the best,
Glenn B
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Now This Could Become Addictive...
...especially if I had a real one, enough gas to fill the tank to get me to where I thought it would do any good, and of course - a good supply of shells.
See: http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/future-weapons/games/cannon/cannon.html
All the best,
Glenn B
See: http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/future-weapons/games/cannon/cannon.html
All the best,
Glenn B
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Oh Tell Me It's Not So - Not Mr. Sulu Too!
Maybe I have been living in a cocoon, and maybe that is why I never realized that the actor who portrayed one of my favorite characters from the original Star Trek series apparently (and reportedly) was and is a man who prefers the company of men in a gay way! Go here to read the brief story about how George Takei plans to marry his partner who I am assuming is a man with a name like: Brad Altman.
First it was Rock Hudson (a he man of the film world), then the rumor was that Jim Nabors (aka: Gomer Pyle from the Andy Griffith show, and Gomer Pyle USMC) had joined the ranks (maybe just rumor?), and now Mr. Sulu too. I am in disbelief is all the rest I can say.
If any one ever proves to me that Chuck Connors (aka: Lucas McCain- The Rifleman), who was married three or four times and had at least a few kids, was also gay as I have heard it rumored, well I'll probably justshoot shit myself.
All the best,
Glenn B
First it was Rock Hudson (a he man of the film world), then the rumor was that Jim Nabors (aka: Gomer Pyle from the Andy Griffith show, and Gomer Pyle USMC) had joined the ranks (maybe just rumor?), and now Mr. Sulu too. I am in disbelief is all the rest I can say.
If any one ever proves to me that Chuck Connors (aka: Lucas McCain- The Rifleman), who was married three or four times and had at least a few kids, was also gay as I have heard it rumored, well I'll probably just
All the best,
Glenn B
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