I received this e-mail and I think it is worth passing on, for it is truly a sad but true obituary:
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:Knowing when to come in out of the rain;Why the early bird gets the worm;Life isn't always fair; and Maybe it was my fault.Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 -year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student,only worsened his condition.Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or a band-aid to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and planned to have a medical procedure.Common Sense lost the will to live as churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion;his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame,and I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Monday, March 19, 2007
DRINKING
The last time I visited this subject I caught some flak. Now I'm no prude and I'm not against it. It's just that the morons have seemed to have corralled it and abuse it to no end.
Yes, I along with countless others have imbibed fermented and distilled beverages, before and after the age of twenty one. The big difference was that we included drinking into social events, and now drinking is the event.
The emphasis falls on the drinking, and not the "play date". The kids are used as the excuse to drink.
Spring breaks included drinking, and yes sometimes to excess, in the past. But now the corporate sponsors have turned the spring break into a binge drinking main event, where students are no longer welcome in many cites, because of the drinking.
The parties of old included drinking. But they were small gatherings as not to attract attention. Now parties are of epic proportions with casts of thousands
with loud music and disruption of neighborhood tranquility. The look of amazement on the participants face at the arrival of the constabulary is what is amazing. However, the most amazing thing of all, is how many of these drinking parties are parent sponsored.
Just a word of advice: Prohibition is not on a future agenda, nor can you drink Milwaukee dry, no matter how hard you try.
Yes, I along with countless others have imbibed fermented and distilled beverages, before and after the age of twenty one. The big difference was that we included drinking into social events, and now drinking is the event.
The emphasis falls on the drinking, and not the "play date". The kids are used as the excuse to drink.
Spring breaks included drinking, and yes sometimes to excess, in the past. But now the corporate sponsors have turned the spring break into a binge drinking main event, where students are no longer welcome in many cites, because of the drinking.
The parties of old included drinking. But they were small gatherings as not to attract attention. Now parties are of epic proportions with casts of thousands
with loud music and disruption of neighborhood tranquility. The look of amazement on the participants face at the arrival of the constabulary is what is amazing. However, the most amazing thing of all, is how many of these drinking parties are parent sponsored.
Just a word of advice: Prohibition is not on a future agenda, nor can you drink Milwaukee dry, no matter how hard you try.
Monday, March 12, 2007
PLAYING INTO THEIR HANDS
I am grateful that there is a FOX News network, and I have learned quite a bit from watching it. It is always nice to see how the other side thinks and reacts to various news stories.
The one thing that disturbs me greatly, is not only the commentators views, but that of the viewers via the e-mails, on both the liberal and conservative news stations.
Am I the only one to notice that we are throwing the baby out with the bath water, as both sides dig in and do battle, neither side willing to give an inch?
The democrats are doing battle with the evil empire and their conservative ways. Every imaginable failing is the republicans fault. They can do no right. The war, economy, the pandering to big business, it's all their fault.
The republicans don't want this country to fall into those liberal hands for surely, those ideas will ruin the American way of life. Abortion, gay rights, immigration and stem cell research, what will they think of next.
It's us against them mentality, that will be the downfall of us all. The world is passing us up, and we progress backwards in petty squabbles like kids on a playground, "if you don't play by my rules, I'm taking my ball and going home". Both sides play this game, refusing to compromise on anything, or give credit, when it is due.
As we bicker back and forth, our economy, education, manufacturing, technology and ranking as a nation to be looked up too, is sinking faster then a rock.
Let's stop the blame game, and start finding the solutions to get us out of this quagmire we are in. The politicians have us battle one another and we suffer as they keep going back to Washington and feast.
The one thing that disturbs me greatly, is not only the commentators views, but that of the viewers via the e-mails, on both the liberal and conservative news stations.
Am I the only one to notice that we are throwing the baby out with the bath water, as both sides dig in and do battle, neither side willing to give an inch?
The democrats are doing battle with the evil empire and their conservative ways. Every imaginable failing is the republicans fault. They can do no right. The war, economy, the pandering to big business, it's all their fault.
The republicans don't want this country to fall into those liberal hands for surely, those ideas will ruin the American way of life. Abortion, gay rights, immigration and stem cell research, what will they think of next.
It's us against them mentality, that will be the downfall of us all. The world is passing us up, and we progress backwards in petty squabbles like kids on a playground, "if you don't play by my rules, I'm taking my ball and going home". Both sides play this game, refusing to compromise on anything, or give credit, when it is due.
As we bicker back and forth, our economy, education, manufacturing, technology and ranking as a nation to be looked up too, is sinking faster then a rock.
Let's stop the blame game, and start finding the solutions to get us out of this quagmire we are in. The politicians have us battle one another and we suffer as they keep going back to Washington and feast.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
A QUICK WAY TO END THE WAR
If the following steps were followed, the solution to this and any other war would quickly be found.
All the children of the president, the cabinet, and all in congress would immediately be pressed into the service branches upon declaration of war. Also the children of anyone profiting from the war, such as large corporations like Haliburton and subsidiaries.
For the duration of the war all government officials must live on a military base, in barracks and dine only on fine military cuisine, and have to survive on military pay. No limousines or chauffeurs. Drive what our soldiers drive. No Armani or Ralph Lauren, just plain military fatigues and combat boots.
The families would also have to cut back and have to manage to keep their heads above water on sub standard military pay. Children may not attend private schools, rather the schools military family kids attend.
By taking these drastic measures, we would get to see government at work. No committee hearings, no drafting of resolutions, no prancing around in front of the news cameras. Just plain results and quick ones at that.
All the children of the president, the cabinet, and all in congress would immediately be pressed into the service branches upon declaration of war. Also the children of anyone profiting from the war, such as large corporations like Haliburton and subsidiaries.
For the duration of the war all government officials must live on a military base, in barracks and dine only on fine military cuisine, and have to survive on military pay. No limousines or chauffeurs. Drive what our soldiers drive. No Armani or Ralph Lauren, just plain military fatigues and combat boots.
The families would also have to cut back and have to manage to keep their heads above water on sub standard military pay. Children may not attend private schools, rather the schools military family kids attend.
By taking these drastic measures, we would get to see government at work. No committee hearings, no drafting of resolutions, no prancing around in front of the news cameras. Just plain results and quick ones at that.
MEMORIES
My son, a blog and a PBS show got me to thinking of all the fond memories I have of the past, and how we are depriving our kids and grand kids of these precious moments.
I hope he continues to take my granddaughter, age one, to Tony's Beef stand for their famous pepper and egg sandwich during lent. It truly will be a fond memory for them. What memory will there be of going to the fast food franchises? Note, I have written in previous posts of the sameness and blandness of these various establishments and their products.
Pepsi or Coke, have taken over, and even then you can't make a choice since they want exclusive rights in many places. In the past dozens of brands, were recognized by their bottles and flavors; not their names.
Cars start like clock work, no more flooding the engine; no more opening the hood and sticking a screwdriver down the carburetor to get it started.
TVs turn on instantly and the picture is perfect, no adjusting the controls or playing with those rabbit ear antennas. Did those balls of tin foil really work?
What memories do you get from going to Baskin Robbins to get ice cream? However, at the corner drug store or the ice cream parlor; oh,what a treat! You watched as that shake or banana split was being made and wondered why it was taking him so long to make it. Then, the pleasure of looking at the candy counter, with it's various shapes, sizes and colors galore made one delirious with joy.
Getting back to TV, there were a variety of shows and we were able to associate with them. We knew the characters or a least someone like them. Now a show becomes a hit and we are instantly bombarded with a thousand carbon copies.
Vacations spots; once no two were alike and you can still remember each and every one. Now they are a blur with their catchy names and nothing else.
No more is there a favorite toy or gadget. The minute you purchase your dream thing, it is quickly replaced with a new and improved, "can't live without it" one. No more treasures to cherish, we are to busy discarding the memories for want of a new one.
Crazes change hour to hour if not minute to minute, how quickly something becomes passe'. So let's get off of that four lane super highway and try to travel a two lane, slower paced road. You never know, you might run into a memory. They are out there; its just that they are getting harder to find.
I hope he continues to take my granddaughter, age one, to Tony's Beef stand for their famous pepper and egg sandwich during lent. It truly will be a fond memory for them. What memory will there be of going to the fast food franchises? Note, I have written in previous posts of the sameness and blandness of these various establishments and their products.
Pepsi or Coke, have taken over, and even then you can't make a choice since they want exclusive rights in many places. In the past dozens of brands, were recognized by their bottles and flavors; not their names.
Cars start like clock work, no more flooding the engine; no more opening the hood and sticking a screwdriver down the carburetor to get it started.
TVs turn on instantly and the picture is perfect, no adjusting the controls or playing with those rabbit ear antennas. Did those balls of tin foil really work?
What memories do you get from going to Baskin Robbins to get ice cream? However, at the corner drug store or the ice cream parlor; oh,what a treat! You watched as that shake or banana split was being made and wondered why it was taking him so long to make it. Then, the pleasure of looking at the candy counter, with it's various shapes, sizes and colors galore made one delirious with joy.
Getting back to TV, there were a variety of shows and we were able to associate with them. We knew the characters or a least someone like them. Now a show becomes a hit and we are instantly bombarded with a thousand carbon copies.
Vacations spots; once no two were alike and you can still remember each and every one. Now they are a blur with their catchy names and nothing else.
No more is there a favorite toy or gadget. The minute you purchase your dream thing, it is quickly replaced with a new and improved, "can't live without it" one. No more treasures to cherish, we are to busy discarding the memories for want of a new one.
Crazes change hour to hour if not minute to minute, how quickly something becomes passe'. So let's get off of that four lane super highway and try to travel a two lane, slower paced road. You never know, you might run into a memory. They are out there; its just that they are getting harder to find.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
IF I WERE DICTATOR
If I were dictator, my first act would be to save humanity from all these electronic gadgets, that need to be charged. There would be one universal charger that would charge every make and brand of phone. Also one charger for all the various power tool batteries, and other electronic gadgets. Store sizes could be cut in half, with no need for all those display areas. You know if you throw that charger away, it would come back to haunt you, when the one you had before also by miracle fit this one.
Next would come the autos. Gas fillers would all be on the same side, as were the lights and windshield wipers.
I would outlaw preferred customer cards, or at least make one card that could be used universally.
And lets not forget the million and one remote controls that need as many pages of instructions to operate them.
And yes I would start wars, what with all the politicians out of work, it would give them something to do, and see what it is really like, rather then just talking about it.
Next would come the autos. Gas fillers would all be on the same side, as were the lights and windshield wipers.
I would outlaw preferred customer cards, or at least make one card that could be used universally.
And lets not forget the million and one remote controls that need as many pages of instructions to operate them.
And yes I would start wars, what with all the politicians out of work, it would give them something to do, and see what it is really like, rather then just talking about it.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
How many times are we going to have to endure "I endorse this ad" before we finally choose a president. There is a simple solution. Give each candidate five million for expenses from a tax based fund. Next have six televised debates in various venues around the country, preferably domed stadiums so thousands could view it live. Have a panel of hard hitting reporters ask the questions, and not allow beating around the bush to stand as an answer, and if they continue to do so, inform everyone that the question was not answered and let the people decided on why it was evaded.
Primaries would be held and the field narrowed. Then allow those left to appear in 10 parts of the country in town hall settings, where only questions can be asked by citizens and no speeches. All the candidates would appear together, so that people could easily make their choices.
Fund raisers would then be eliminated, and no favors would be owed. Then possibly honesty in government might return. And we may be shocked to see our politicians actually working for the people that elected them.
Pandering to various groups would also be eliminated, such as speaking with a drawl or as a Baptist minister. Or greeting ethnic crowds with a few words in their tongue.
We wouldn't be bombarded with all those awful adds. The candidates would actually be doing their jobs they were elected to. Fuel would be saved, when they were not criss crossing the country to give their song and dance routines to bolster the polls.
This system can be used for local, state as well as federal elected officials.
Primaries would be held and the field narrowed. Then allow those left to appear in 10 parts of the country in town hall settings, where only questions can be asked by citizens and no speeches. All the candidates would appear together, so that people could easily make their choices.
Fund raisers would then be eliminated, and no favors would be owed. Then possibly honesty in government might return. And we may be shocked to see our politicians actually working for the people that elected them.
Pandering to various groups would also be eliminated, such as speaking with a drawl or as a Baptist minister. Or greeting ethnic crowds with a few words in their tongue.
We wouldn't be bombarded with all those awful adds. The candidates would actually be doing their jobs they were elected to. Fuel would be saved, when they were not criss crossing the country to give their song and dance routines to bolster the polls.
This system can be used for local, state as well as federal elected officials.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
WAKE UP AMERICA
We heard so much thunder from the democrats at election time. After the elections a few days of activity, and now it is back to normal as the voters concerns are put on the back burner and it's back to business as usual.
Good jobs being sent overseas. Little Teddy Kennedy, kissing up to Bill Gates as the only one testifying on why more visas should be issued for skilled computer technicians jobs, when the unemployment rate is high in that field.
Shipping containers dot our country side, as the trade imbalance grows. For it is a lot cheaper to build new containers then ship empty ones back.
Does it surprise anyone that our biggest export to China is scrap metal. No wonder the only jobs available are those high paying Wal-Mart or McDonald's jobs.
Let's not worry about whether "scooter", little Georgie, or Dicky are to blame. There are a lot more important things to worry about. Both parties are quick to promise us Eden before the elections, and it sure turns out to be that for them.
Good jobs being sent overseas. Little Teddy Kennedy, kissing up to Bill Gates as the only one testifying on why more visas should be issued for skilled computer technicians jobs, when the unemployment rate is high in that field.
Shipping containers dot our country side, as the trade imbalance grows. For it is a lot cheaper to build new containers then ship empty ones back.
Does it surprise anyone that our biggest export to China is scrap metal. No wonder the only jobs available are those high paying Wal-Mart or McDonald's jobs.
Let's not worry about whether "scooter", little Georgie, or Dicky are to blame. There are a lot more important things to worry about. Both parties are quick to promise us Eden before the elections, and it sure turns out to be that for them.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
SAVE SOMETHING FOR THE FUTURE THIEVES
The toll roads are being sold off to private enterprise, and now there is talk of selling the lottery, to cover the huge deficits in state budgets. Think of the next thief that gets elected to office, what will he sell off, to stuff his and his cronies pockets.
The excuse now is that there is a short fall in the pension funds. Keep the double and triple dippers out and maybe there wouldn't be a deficit. Tighten the rules so that pensions for your favorites don't double with a stroke of a pen.
Before only a few people tapped the till for loose change to grease the wheels that made politics work. Everyone was happy and the taxes were low.
Now the new breed with their entourage of lackeys aren't happy with a dollar here and there. It's let's see how much more we can squeeze out of these saps today.
There is no looking toward tomorrow, lets see how much we can steal today.
The excuse now is that there is a short fall in the pension funds. Keep the double and triple dippers out and maybe there wouldn't be a deficit. Tighten the rules so that pensions for your favorites don't double with a stroke of a pen.
Before only a few people tapped the till for loose change to grease the wheels that made politics work. Everyone was happy and the taxes were low.
Now the new breed with their entourage of lackeys aren't happy with a dollar here and there. It's let's see how much more we can squeeze out of these saps today.
There is no looking toward tomorrow, lets see how much we can steal today.
Monday, March 5, 2007
THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND
Why are we allowing ourselves to be led by the nose and told by others on what we should like and dislike.
Everything is becoming homogeneous. Back in the 40's, 50's and 60's you could tell the year and make of an auto, and now except for a few models every car looks alike and forget about telling what year it is.
Stores, restaurants and hotels and motels were unique structures. It was a pleasant experience to enter these establishments. Never knowing what to expect. Now no matter where you go in this country, and enter one, the same drabness engulfs you as you can find what you are looking for blindfolded. The same menus and isles of goods laid out the same whether in New York or California.
Amusement parks with there diversified entertainment such as Riverview and Santas Village with picnic areas where families brought their own food and enjoyed a picnic atmosphere have been replaced by Six Flags and there blandness.
Every where one turns food courts have overtaken our malls, airports and public attractions. Luckily they are still in there original shapes, such as pizza, hot dogs and burgers, or we would not know what we were consuming, do to there lack of taste.
Glitz and glitter have replaced workmanship and quality. Uniqueness with blandness. And forget about originality, just play follow the leader.
It used to be that we built homes and took pride in the landscaping as we planted flowers and shrubs to beautify them. Now the contractors and landscapers give us the cookie press sameness.
A word or a phrase is introduced, and we are forced to endure it as the simple minded bombard us with it constantly.
This phenomanom has not escaped our entertainment industry. Where once athletes, performers and newscasters were judged by their accomplishments, now they are being held in esteem for their outrages antics. The more idiotic, the more airtime.
These are just a few for the list is endless and sorry to say growing.
Everything is becoming homogeneous. Back in the 40's, 50's and 60's you could tell the year and make of an auto, and now except for a few models every car looks alike and forget about telling what year it is.
Stores, restaurants and hotels and motels were unique structures. It was a pleasant experience to enter these establishments. Never knowing what to expect. Now no matter where you go in this country, and enter one, the same drabness engulfs you as you can find what you are looking for blindfolded. The same menus and isles of goods laid out the same whether in New York or California.
Amusement parks with there diversified entertainment such as Riverview and Santas Village with picnic areas where families brought their own food and enjoyed a picnic atmosphere have been replaced by Six Flags and there blandness.
Every where one turns food courts have overtaken our malls, airports and public attractions. Luckily they are still in there original shapes, such as pizza, hot dogs and burgers, or we would not know what we were consuming, do to there lack of taste.
Glitz and glitter have replaced workmanship and quality. Uniqueness with blandness. And forget about originality, just play follow the leader.
It used to be that we built homes and took pride in the landscaping as we planted flowers and shrubs to beautify them. Now the contractors and landscapers give us the cookie press sameness.
A word or a phrase is introduced, and we are forced to endure it as the simple minded bombard us with it constantly.
This phenomanom has not escaped our entertainment industry. Where once athletes, performers and newscasters were judged by their accomplishments, now they are being held in esteem for their outrages antics. The more idiotic, the more airtime.
These are just a few for the list is endless and sorry to say growing.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
DEEP POCKETS
Jurys and sports fans, here is a news flash. That Deep Pockets corporation happens to be you. Whenever you award someone a huge amount in a civil suit, or want your favorite player to get an exorbitant amount in salary, it's you that is footing the bill and not them.
A prime example is the new contract the Bear's head coach just signed this week. Just a few days later higher ticket prices were posted for the upcoming season. And I can guarantee higher concession prices. So who is paying that high salary? Not the corporation, that's for sure.
When insurance companies make huge pay outs, the rates immediately rise, and who ends up paying? They are great at passing the buck on to someone else.
The sports fan, will start spouting off, I don't go to ball games, I just watch them on TV, so it doesn't affect me. All those advertisement raise the prices on all the products you purchase, you moron. One way or another you pay and get poorer, while they collect and get richer.
A prime example is the new contract the Bear's head coach just signed this week. Just a few days later higher ticket prices were posted for the upcoming season. And I can guarantee higher concession prices. So who is paying that high salary? Not the corporation, that's for sure.
When insurance companies make huge pay outs, the rates immediately rise, and who ends up paying? They are great at passing the buck on to someone else.
The sports fan, will start spouting off, I don't go to ball games, I just watch them on TV, so it doesn't affect me. All those advertisement raise the prices on all the products you purchase, you moron. One way or another you pay and get poorer, while they collect and get richer.
SOME SUCCESS
As you may have noticed, I have had partial success. Blue seems to be the only color that seems to go through. It is tedious to color each letter, but I will do anything for the three readers of this blog to keep their interest.
BARACK AND HILLARY
After listening to those two for the past few months I've come to the conclusion that if they were soup, they would be just a broth with no stock in it. In other words they both sound good, but have no sound ideas or solutions.
Friday, March 2, 2007
THEY CALL IT PATRONAGE & CONSULTATION; I CALL IT STEALING
Government officials whether elected or appointed, from city to federal, act as if their treasuries were their own personal piggy banks to do with as they please.
Interim board president Steele, doled out nearly $100,000 to four friends under the guise of contracts and consultations in her six month tenure. The latest on the silk pajama scandal, two appointed state officials had personal chauffeur's at $70,000 and $80,000 in salary.
School teachers labor at slave wages, purchasing supplies out of their own pockets, with the excuse money is tight. Yet money abounds whenever a school superintendent decides to retire, salaries are raised so that $150,000 yearly pensions can be received. That not being enough, they are rehired as consultants at $70,000 plus salaries. A suburban police chief retires from his six figure job, and is immediately rehired as a civilian at the same salary and collecting a pension at the same time.
An alderman, a retired policeman, who is now working for the county will be collecting two separate pensions from the city and when eligible, from the county.
Essential county services are cut due to budget constraints, yet money abounds for friends and family and their high salaried and fancy titled jobs. The pension shortfalls are due to the fact they are used as rewards to friends who collect from several of them at the same time. It's not your money, but rather mine and millions like me, and we are starting to tire of your antics.
Interim board president Steele, doled out nearly $100,000 to four friends under the guise of contracts and consultations in her six month tenure. The latest on the silk pajama scandal, two appointed state officials had personal chauffeur's at $70,000 and $80,000 in salary.
School teachers labor at slave wages, purchasing supplies out of their own pockets, with the excuse money is tight. Yet money abounds whenever a school superintendent decides to retire, salaries are raised so that $150,000 yearly pensions can be received. That not being enough, they are rehired as consultants at $70,000 plus salaries. A suburban police chief retires from his six figure job, and is immediately rehired as a civilian at the same salary and collecting a pension at the same time.
An alderman, a retired policeman, who is now working for the county will be collecting two separate pensions from the city and when eligible, from the county.
Essential county services are cut due to budget constraints, yet money abounds for friends and family and their high salaried and fancy titled jobs. The pension shortfalls are due to the fact they are used as rewards to friends who collect from several of them at the same time. It's not your money, but rather mine and millions like me, and we are starting to tire of your antics.
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