Tough!

I have seen a lot of blogs, these past few days. On 90% of them, there is a posting on devestation caused by Katrina.

My feeling is this: BFD!

Yeah, I feel bad that people got killed and that there are people missing. But, what dumbfuck stays in the path of a category 5 hurricane? You got hurt or killed? Here is the 'Darwin Award' for the entire lot of you.

Just more space for the rest of us

Daily Hours Count

Sunday - 10
Monday - 13
Tuesday - 14
Wednesday - 12
Thursday - 10.5

Total Count = 62.5 . Unless my math sucks.

I can't wait for the weekend!

Racial Topic

I got into this great discussion today with a man that I work with. His ancestors came from Africa, mine from Europe. A brief clip of the conversation and some notes:

This discussion started from his words, "I am an African American".

"Really", said I, "you were born in Africa?"

"No, Mercey"

"So, you are just an American. Like me."

"No, not like you. You are white."

"So, because I was born in Ash Tree and you were born in Mercey, and the added effect that I am white, means that we are not both Americans?" (Twisted logic, to be sure).

"You won't say that I am African-American?"

"No, I won't. Just because my ancestors are from Europe that doesn't make me European-American." (To quote Andy Rooney). "I am an American, that is all and enough."

"Well I am an American too, but I am black."

"So?"

This topic went on for quite a while. He kept telling me that he is 'African-American' and I just said 'American'.

So, my questions to the blogsphere are these: Why does this come down to race? Why can we not all just be Americans?

When I was growing up, we had two middle-class black kids, two middle-class white kids, two middle-class half Caucasian/half Hispanic kids, some white trash kids, and a half Hispanic/half Italian kid living in the neighborhood, all about the same age. We didn't discriminate between colors or money. We were all just American kids playing together.

I fear that the days of terrorism are just going to continue, if we as an American people do not let go of the hate over colors and become "One Nation Under God".

Nude Thief

In yet another story from the Freaks Zone, known as Russia, comes this news report. An ethnic Kyrgyz man has been robbing women that are alone or with children in the capital's Bitzevsky Park. Most of the women were so shocked that they put up no resistance to him taking their bags.

Now, this would be a really interesting story, if the man was doing it during the winter.

Big Stud of a Serviceman

A Russian Paratrooper grapped ahold of another paratrooper in mid-air during an exercise. The first soldier grabbed the second when the second's 'chute failed to open.

Man that is cool!

Senators Don't Do As They are Told?

There was a report out of Russia today that the two US Senators that were held up in the Perm airport, "Would not listen to the border guards and did not do what they were told."

What a shocking development! US Senators believing that they are above everyone else. What is the world coming to?

Granted, that there are two different stories coming out of Russia for the delay. But, I would rather just say the the senators stuck their nose where they shouldn't and ended up being held up for a while.

Could you do us a favor and keep some of them the next time they pull this stunt. I could nominate a few that I would love to see stuck over there.

Push Week

This is going to be a seriously tough week for me, so don't expect to read too much. We are going through push week to stock up accounts for Labor Day.

I worked a thirteen-hour day today and tomorrow looks to be much worse. We will see then.

In My CD Player 28 Aug

Just one disc is on continuous play!

dope - "American Apathy"

Guns, Food, & Beer

My brother, Water Rat, and I went out to a friend's house to do some varmint shooting. Unfortunately, wherever there were squirrels out, there were cattle in the background. For dumb little animals, they know their background pretty well. So, we had to go for some other targets. He and I lined up for a shot on two crows. We called a count and fired at the same time. Water Rat hit his crow and I missed mine to the right. Kind of bummed me out, but there were other things about. A few minutes later we spied a couple of hares. Again, we set up for a shot. We both missed. But I rebounded and got the hare with a second shot. After that, there were no more killings. We did see the crow that I originally shot at. But, that was the luckiest bird out there. Between the two of us, we somehow missed him another three times.

We decided that it was beer time. So sat around talking, drinking Coors, and waiting for the sun to set. We were actually hoping some coyotes would be coming out to hunt, but after three beers apiece and growing darkness, we saw nothing.

It was then decided to head to town for some dinner. We stopped in a local basque resturant and had a great dinner, with of course more beer and wine. After dinner, we hung around the bar for a few more beers. Water Rat got hit on by an older, drunk lady. But she backed off when she saw his ring. There were the common barflys to be seen and a few hotties. But, I was too drunk by that point to make any kind of play, so we headed for Water Rat's home.

I didn't sleep very well and woke up with a massive hangover. So, we headed off to Denny's for breakfast. I felt somewhat better afterwards and made my way towards home.

Today has been spent pretty much trying to recover, sleeping, and watching NASCAR. That was my weekend.

I am off to bed and have to be at work at 0430. Good night.

Turkish Man Makes Me Laugh

This guy in Turkey is going to sue the US and Britain. Why, do you ask?

When these two countries invaded Iraq, his wife suffered severe mental stress, fearing that Turkey would intervene. This caused her to file for divorce and return to Russia, her homeland, with the couple's child.

He is seeking $1 billion dollars from each the US and Britain. He has filed suit in the European Court of Human Rights. The ECHR has agreed to hear his claims.

This should be fun. I want the transcripts from the trial.

Notorious Russian Prison "Kresty"

It was reported that the notorious Russian prison, Kresty, located in St. Petersburg had a few visitors that it was not supposed to have.

From an investigation by the Federal Service for the Execution of Punishments (FSIN) came this report. The local warden was having call girls dressed as guards come in and...entertain some of the prisoners. "While thousands of Russian convicts have to put up with horrendous prison conditions widely criticized by human rights activists in and out of Russia, some who are luckier live life to the full...", said the Novye Izvestia newspaper.

Do you think that this could be done for some of the convicts in the US? Just a question.

Oooo!, 1 Person Killed

I find it so funny, and somewhat sad, that when a killing of one person happens in the city of Albuquerque, it makes national news.

Yes, this is the second killing in the southwest involving a Wal-Mart. The other happened in Phoenix. But, is this really national news?

Must be a slow day in the news rooms of the US.

The Shortest "Once Upon A Time"

I don't know who wrote this, but it is pretty funny!


Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?"

The girl said, "No."

And the guy lived happily ever after and went fishing and hunting a lot.

THE END

ps: He also drank beer whenever he wanted...

Can I Get Some Help Here?

I went to an account today (like I don't always). The customer was an idiot. I got counted in by the owner...basic stuff like 5, 5, 5, 10, 10, 10, 5, 10 etc. The guy got lost. He told me that I was missing 20 items. So, start over. Fine. I start over...He got lost again!

Again, "You are missing 20."

"No!", said I. "Let me see the invoice."

"I can't do that. Go check your truck for my twenty items."

"They won't be there, because they are here [you idiot], but I will check for you [asshole]."

I go out to the truck, turn around and go back in.

"The product is here."

No, it isnt. Go through this again."

So, we are counting slowly for #3. We get to the 'problem' area.

"You see, there are ten 10's" (Actually, eight 10's. But who's counting?)

"Let me see that invoice."

"No, it's mine."

[Fucking tard. If you show me the invoice, I can fix this] "Whatever."

"I am going to have x count it."

[Great, x can barely speak English] "Sure."

"Let's start over", said x.

[Fucking great] "Yeah, sure", I said. More than a little pissed off.

"Okay", says x, "It's all here."

"Great, can I do my job?"

I start working, when dumbfuck owner comes back.

"Why are you putting the product away?"

"X said it was okay."

"Well I didn't see you count it." [You mean that you werent paying attention the first three times, asshole?] "Count it again, with me watching you."

[Fucking ass] "Yes, sir."

Here we go, # 5. What do you know, it is all here. Just like the previous four times.

[I hope your daughter eats a pig]. (Against their religion) "Can I finish?"

"Oh, yeah. Now that you are counted. Have a nice day!"

[Cocksucker]

So, this account that I should have been in and out of in under an hour, takes two and a half. Because the people are idiots. My whole day is shot, with four accounts to go, I am pissed and tired.

[Thanks, pig fucker] Because of you, I have a thirteen hour day. [Eat shit]

[I wish that I had Tourette's, so that I could say what is in my head].


That is the best description of my day.

To come home and find that there are no new postings from some bloggers I read, drags me down more.

What a great fuckin' day. But tomorrow is my Friday. I have to be up in four and a half hours for work.

Oh, JOY!

Spam Me Please

Like most blogs that I have seen today, mine was hit too. What is the deal? Is this spamming hour on blogsville?

I had to put the 'word verification button' to on. I was told that this will help eliminate the problem. Sorry for any inconvienence to those of you that want to post.

ER

Work in the Trash Zone

My office is in Lard, I work mostly in Modesty and the City of the Goddess of Agriculture. My accounts are not in the best of neighborhoods. I mostly have customers of Vietnamese, Indian, Syrian, or Jordanian backgrounds. Only in the major accounts, do I deal with Caucasian customers. So, for the most part, I have to deal with people where English is their second or third language. This can create some difficulties in my understanding of their needs.

Mainly, the clientele of these accounts are black, Hispanic, or just plain white trash. In working with these customers, this summer, I have seen some hideous things. After seeing the bare bellies of women that should not even contemplate the usage of bare midriff clothing, it is a pure joy to come home, read, and see something posted by ~Eyes. Especially to see a bare midriff like that! Makes me all bothered just thinking about it.

The people, themselves, are all right. However, some of these women may have a great package, but are missing parts. (ie no teeth, face like a track shoe has run on it, and dumb as dogshit). So to talk/write to women that have beauty and a brain, is also most joyous. Especially, when you can get something as interesting as Jenius or Surface Ripple, or as funny as The Sausage Wallet or Her Daddy's Eyes.

I always enjoy coming home to see what is going on in the world and to forget about what I have seen. Sometimes to read a comment on one of my postings (which doesn't happen often).

So, to those of you that make me a little more sane each day, I sincerely thank you.

Iowa in Stockton

The USS Iowa was rejected a home port in San Francisco. The board of supervisors voted 8 - 3 against taking in the retired battleship.

Instead, the ship will be taken up the San Joaquin River into Stockton, CA. Stockton has already offered a dock on the river, a 90,000-square-foot waterfront building, and a parking area.

The city hopes to this will further bring people back to the riverfront located in the downtown area. Already, there is a new ball park for the single A team and, also, an ice arena for the hockey team located on the waterfront. City officials hope to attract at least 125,000 annual visitors to the ship.

It is not where I live, but I will certainly make the trip there to see her.

He Did What?

Pat Robertson called for the assasination of the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, on his evangelical show "The 700 Club".

"Pat, this is God. Do you remember the commandment 'Thou shall not kill'?"

You have a job to preach to the people about the Christian Faith, not put out death warrants on foreign leaders.

'"You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks that we are trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it," Robertson said. "It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war..."'

Robertson's press secretary was unavailable for comment. I think that Pat will come out with an apology, though, sometime in the near future.

If not, can he be arrested for inciting a riot in the Christian Faith?

Arrest that Vagrant

Great. The HSD and the FBI have issued a warning to be on the lookout for terrorists disguised as the homeless. The warning says to watch for homeless people, shoe shiners, street vendors, or street sweepers that may be scouting targets of opportunity.

Hello. Can you next start checking taxi drivers and liquor/convenience store employees?

Can we get the entire US to use racial profiling for everyone that looks to be a terrorist. Is this going to turn into a modern day witch hunt? I don't think that the strategy worked too well for the Puritains, either. Very soon, we are going to be told that the only safe place to be is at home, so that the imagined "terrorists" don't get you too.

This is leading us down the path to seclusion and mistrust of everyone. I nominate that guy on RFL. I think you should check him out next. Way too political. He has to be a terrorist, too.

A Small and Cowardly Man

Eric Rudolph was sentenced today for the bombing of the Atlanta Games and several abortion clinics.

Mr. Roberts said to the families of the victims that his reason for doing what he did was to, "anger and embarass the federal government because it does not prohibit abortions, and that he wanted to harm only government workers".

Harm government workers, at the Olympics? Harm government workers, at abortion clinics?

If he wanted to harm government workers, there are plenty of GOVERNMENT buildings in Atlanta.

Anger the government he got, embarassment he did not. The only people hurt in this tragedy were the innocent. There is nothing that he could say that would forgive his stupidity.

RFTP 3 H "Ghosts of the Park"

I was not someone who believed in ghosts, before I moved to Yosemite. Afterwards, I don't really believe, but I don't disbelieve, either. I just saw too many things that I could not explain. The following are two examples of the things I saw/felt.

It is rumored among the employees that the small meadow directly in front of the Ahwahnee Hotel was at on time an Indian burial ground.

I was walking home from an area near the Ahwahnee, called Devil's Hot Tubs. The most direct way home was across this particular meadow.

I remember that it was hot, somewhere in the 90's. I got to one point in the meadow where there is a stump by the trail. Immediately, the temp dropped to the point where you could see your breath. I stopped, turned around and walked back by the stump and started sweating again.

I thought that maybe it was just a low spot, with water near the surface, and my mind playing tricks on me. I turned around again, passed the stump and it was freezing again. So, I stopped again, turned around and took the long way home.

The second incident was quite different. Some of my friends and I rode our bikes up to Mirror Lake, that is directly below Half Dome. It was evening and we were all wearing headlamps and carrying extra beers in our packs. We stopped at this one section of the lake, where a large rock sticks out of the water.

We sat there talking, when we heard a splash. So we turned on our headlights and looked to the ripples. They were coming from somewhere near the rock. But, I kind of figured that it was a falling stone that hit the water from fairly high. We continued to drink and talk, when there was another splash. Again, no one around and the ripples coming from the same area.

We decided to leave the lamps on to see what was going on. A few minutes later, we observed a column of mist, approximately five to five and a half feet high and about twelve to eighteen inches across. The mist floated up the rock, out in the water, and stopped at the top. It then "jumped" off of the rock and actually splashed into the water. As if it was an actual person jumping into the water.

We jumped on our bikes and bailed. Too spooky...

RFTP 3 G "Rule of Age"

I didn't participate in this, in any way. But I knew quite a few that did.

The legal age, to be considered an adult, in the national park system is 16 years old. There were a lot of guys and girls that worked in the park, that would use this rule on the tourons. I saw it happen many times.

The problem, in this, is that the 16 yo needs to stay on federal property for a couple more years. Because at any time, they could go outside the boundaries of the park and claim molestation. Then the state would come in and haul you off. But some people continued the practice.

In My CD Player 21 August 2005

Crossfade - "Crossfade"
The Ravonettes - "Pretty in Black"
311 - "Don't Tread on Me"
Birdsaw - "Power on Control"
Cannibal Corpse - "Tomb of the Mutilated"

RFTP 3 F "The Flood"

In November and December of 1996, we had huge amounts of snow fall in the valley. The snow level was down to about 3500 ft (valley floor, about 4500 ft). There was so much snow, in fact, that the annual Bracebridge Dinner was closed for a few nights because people couldn't get into the park.

On New Year's Eve Day, a warm rain began to fall. We all thought nothing of it as we had seen it rain, then snow before. But, the snow never came. It continued to rain right through all of the next day.

By the second, the Merced River had started to rise fairly significantly. On the third, Curry Village (where I lived and worked) was effectively cut off from the rest of the valley. As the river now encircled this high spot.

I have no first hand knowledge of how things went in the other villages, but in Curry things wern't too bad. Between myself and two other managers, we had keys to all of the facilities. We could feed and care for the trapped employees and guests for a few days without problems.

By the sixth, we had no drinkable water and our food supply was dangerously low, though everyone was warm and dry. We ended up having the Army National Guard deliver to us cases of water and food via Chinook helicopter.

On the seventh, the water receded enough to get the guests out of the park. And by the tenth, the majority of us employees were gone as well. (The main sewer line ruptured during the flood).

Which didn't really matter to my friends and I. We had a group of about fifty in Joshua Tree National Monument for climbing and drinking. Five weeks of climbing.

RFTP 3 E "Lexus Bear"

'A couple and their child came up to Yosemite in their one-day-old Lexus. Mom and Dad up front, the child in the back. The kid was a little fussy on the road, up the hill, so Mom gave him some raisins to eat and to keep him quiet. They took their "Bear Aware" pamphlets at the gate and threw them on the front dash, as did everyone else in the line to get in the park that day.

"We are staying at the Ahwahnee Hotel, a five-star hotel. The bears won't bother us", said the husband to his wife.

They arrived on a beautiful day. There were several climbers on El Capitan and they stopped to watch these daring men and women, along with several hundred other tourists along North Side Drive. Jr. was becoming upset and threw his raisins around the back seat. They drove on to the hotel. Yosemite Falls was booming that day. A double rainbow shown in the sun.

"Ah, to camp in the mountains. This is the life!", exclaimed the wife.

They drove on to the south side of the valley, next to the hotel were a porter in green carried their belongings to the front gate and a vallet in burgandy went to park their car.

"Is there any food left in the car?", the vallet asked the husband. "No, the car is brand new, we didn't eat anything on the way up," said the man.

The couple ate in the fabulous Ahwahnee Restaurant. With it's high ceiling and log rafters.

"You know that they hold the Bracebridge Dinner here every Christmas. I am sitting where the lord would sit!", exclamed the husband.

They then retired to their room after a wonderful day in the park.


Then, the bears came out to search for food. A black bear can smell a ripe apple at close to ten miles. This particular mother bear and her cubs, smelled raisins. They found a car with this smell coming from inside. The mother showed her cubs how to lean on the glass on the driver's side and tapped the glass with her claws. The glass shattered and the smell of raisins wafted out of the car.

In the morning, The young couple found that the drivers side window was broken in and that all of the foam from the seats was gone. As was the interior carpet. All that remained of the inside of their car was bare metal and the frames of their seats, plus the dash. All this was done without setting off the alarm and because of Jr. and his raisins.'

This was one of the funniest things that I saw in Yosemite, relating to a bear. The couple's brand new (two days off of the lot) Lexus was stripped. And insurance doesn't cover bear damage.

Shooting the Paper Out

My brother, a family friend, and I went out today to do some shooting. Mostly to recalibrate the sights and to play with some new toys. We went out east of Fresno into the Sierra National Forest.
Found a great site and set up some targets at 100yds, 150yds, and 200yds. The firearms we used were a Savage .223 , Howa .223 , and a Springfield M1A.

We had a lot of fun and killed many paper targets.

Grandma

My last surviving grandparent celebrated her 95th birthday this weekend. I don't think that she is going to make 96, or I may be wrong. She still has the fight, common with the family (and her generation), to live.

It is really sad, though. She can't see very well, anymore. Nor can she hear or remember for the short term. This is a very determined woman. She, and her now dead husband, raised five kids in a small town in Illinois. She stayed on in IL, farming, long after grandpa died. (He died in 1982). She was finally convinced to move to CA, where the majority of the kids live, so that her eldest could watch her. Since moving here in 1998, she has broken her hip and found to have no shoulder sockets (either arm). She is in an assisted living facility in the same town as her eldest.

I have such a hard time dealing with her as she is today. I remember the indomitable spirit and zest for life that she once had and compare that to the broken shell of today.

It is heart wrenching.

Out of Town

I will not be able to post for about 36 hours. I am heading south to celebrate my grandmother's 95th birthday.

RFTP 3 D "Bears 2"

This is the bear story that no one believes, but those that have lived there. But here it goes anyway.

In Yosemite, the LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers) enforce two strict laws concerning employee cyclists at night. 1. You must always have a light facing forward to see by and they will cite and sometimes throw people in the drunk tank for 2. A BUI (bicycling under the influence).

So, I am drunk and riding a bike. If you have a light on, everyone can see you weaving all over the place because you are drunk and no one wants to get a BUI. I do what anyone would, I leave the light in my backpack and head for home, roughly a mile and a half away.

Everything was going well. No crashes, no cops. I am almost home, when BAM! I do an endo over the front of my bike and land in the street. (Good thing I had a helmet on!) I turn around and in the moonlight, I see a bear standing in the road looking right at me. On the other side of it lay my bike.

It seems that I t-boned this bear. In my drunken shape (and no light) I didn't see it or it me as I was riding along.

This bear gave me a look that I remember so clearly, as if to say, "What are you, stupid? I am a bear!" But, it just looked at me and ambled off into the woods. I picked up my bike and went to a friends place to tell him my drunken story.

No one believed me, until morning. When upon looking at my bike for damage, I found tufts of bear hair stuck in the name plate on the front of the bike stem.

RFTP 3 C "Bears 1"

I have a lot of bear stories. But, for this post, I will just tell of a couple of incidents from my first summer.

When you live in Yosemite in the first year, you are more than likely going to end up an a tent cabin. Basically, a 15' x 20' wood floor and frame "building" covered with canvas. So, I was sitting in my cabin with my feet hanging out the front door. I was looking over my right shoulder talking to my roommate, Ray.

When, all of a sudden, Ray stops talking and just gets this look on his face and whispers, "bear!" I say, "Bear? Hmm, bear". I turn my head to look out the door and there is a bear with his front paws on our step looking at us. His nose was practically two inches from my outstreached feet. I calmly said, "Hey bear! What's up?" The bear looks at me and walks away.

The second incident that summer involving bears went like this.

I was awakened at o'dark thirty by the screaming of tourons. So, I get up, open the door, and look out. What do I see? A bear cub goes tearing ass by my door. About twenty feet behind is a pack of Asian tourons with still cameras and video cameras, chasing the cub. Ten feet behind them is another group of mixed tourons chasing the first group and yelling at the top of their lungs. About ten feet behind them is the mother bear and she is pissed.

I watched them all run by, then went back to bed.

RFTP 3 B "Common Heard Questions"

To further emphasize the true meaning of the word touron, I have this list of things that I have been personally asked, things that have been listed on comment cards, and other crazy stuff. These are all true. You just can't make this stuff up.

"How much cement did it take to make Half-Dome?" (Asked while standing in Curry Village parking lot).

"My wife and I were married yesterday and we are up here on our honeymoon. We think that it would be a cool thing if you could send a deer by our door when we wake up." (Told to Curry Village Hotel).

"What time do let the animals out in the morning/evening?" (Asked all over the valley).

"What time do they shut the waterfalls off at night?" (Asked in Yosemite Village Hotel).

"There are too many bugs and spiders in the forests/trees. Why can't you just spray this valley down and kill them?" (Asked on Ahwahnee Hotel comment card).

"We drove an hour and a half, from the valley, to see Tuolumne Meadows. This is all there is? Just a big empty field with a river in it? There is no amusement park? No rides?" (Asked at Tuolumne Store).

"Why don't they install an escalator from Curry Village to Glacier Point?" (Asked at Glacier Point Gift Store).

And the last example

"Seventeen miles to the top of Half Dome and then we come back that distance? Why don't you install a gondola to take people from Curry Village to the top? It would save more time than walking." (Said in the Mountain Shop).

RFTP 3 A "Introduction"

Rememberances From The Past 3 (for as many parts as I can remember), is about some things that happened to me in Yosemite National Park.

In my first few months in the park, I saw a woman and her child die from stupidity. This is much like a recent story I read today.

From what I have seen, big city folk tend to see nature as a big, tame zoo. Please understand, I know that this does not mean all people from the big cities, just the idiots I saw.

Anyway, during the dog days of summer, the mule deer tend to come out to the meadows to relax and sleep in the shade. This family saw the deer and decided to take some pictures. The mother thought that it would be a good idea [last bad thought she had] to take a picture of her son sitting on the back of one particular male deer. So, she carried her son up to the deer and put him on it.

The sleeping deer awoke to find a kid on his back. He jumped up, threw his head back, and gored the kid. Kid gone (bled out quickly). This deer then reared up on his hind legs and used his front hooves to punch a hole through the mother's chest. He then walked to another shady spot in the meadow and went back to sleep.

The point of this (and a few more to come) is that the animals are wild. This is no petting zoo.

I heard and learned on this day the meaning of the word touron. It seems that people go to the mountains and check their brain in at the gate as they enter. So that what you have are a bunch of tourist morons running around with a bunch of wild animals. Not a good combination.

This was also my introduction to a theme that lasted for the entire time I lived there.

"If they call it tourist season, why can't we shoot them?"

Tough in CA? Part 2

I was happy to hear that an arrest was made from the shooting down of a sheriff helicopter in NM. (Where were the updates, Jenn?) A former Marine, Jason Kerns, was held on a $1.8M cash-only bond.

Kerns was arrested late Monday. He is being charged with assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon an officer, criminal damage to property, and tampering with evidence.

The crash injured both the pilot and the deputy on board. The pilot has since quit flying helicopters. No news on the condition of the deputy. (Jenn?)

Global Warming, Bull Shit!

Does anyone else believe, as I do, that global warming (caused by humanity) is bull shit?

The Earth has gone through many changes prior to man. It has warmed and cooled. Just because there is no "recorded history" of global warming, does it mean that it hasn't happened before. There have been Ice Ages, why not Heat Ages?

Sure, we need to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels, a "common" link to greenhouse gasses. But don't you suppose that greenhouse gases built up during the last Heat Age?

I just don't buy the theory.

Psycho Bitch, Party of 1

I have tried to not comment on the whole Cindy Sheehan business. I believe that she has a right to question the government and our leaders, as we all do. I also believe in the right to free speech.

But, some comments that she has made (see link), the pleas from family that she has ignored, and the fact that her husband has filed for divorce, recently, lead me to believe that this lady has lost a few bricks in her load.

Why does the media continue to show her ass on TV and print? (Rhetorical, I know why.) Just shut the fuck up! Many mothers and fathers have lost children in many wars. What makes yours any more special or important?

Get on with your life.

Iraqi Pilot Honored

An Iraqi pilot's remains and those of four US Airforce airmen were buried together in Arlington National Cemetary. This is one eight group burials, involving 19 foreigners, to be buried in the premire military cemetary. Captain Alrubaeye is the first Iraqi to be buried there.

Another Polish Joke?

I am not racist, by any means.

Everyone, though, has heard a Polish joke at one time or another. Generally that the Poles are not as bright as other folks.

Then I come across this story. Draw your own conclusions.

Residency Rules

I can understand that a higher learning institution will charge students who reside out of state more than students who live in state. Pretty common.

However, I think that the case in Texas is taking this to the extreme. Austin Community College is charging a decorated Marine, a Beeville native, the out of state rate after he returned from two tours in Iraq.

A government program that charges you for working for the government. Go figure.

Random Thought 2

In the late 16th and early 17th century, the Puritains believed that when you sneeze, your soul would leave your body. To keep the soul in place, the response, to the sneeze, would be, "God Bless You".

So, these days, we know that the soul isn't going to leave the body after a sneeze. Why is the saying, "God Bless You" still used?

Windows to the Soul

As I stated in the past, I do not like to have my picture taken. If I do (get it taken), then I need to either be wearing sunglasses or not have my eyes showing.

Why?

I have been told many things when people look into my eyes. Most see the rage and pain that is constantly in my soul. A select few see the calm core. I have scared more people by looking at them (uncovered) than I can count. At one time, I did have the awful fear that my essence would be trapped in a picture, if my eyes showed in them.

So, I salute those of you, like Jenn, her daddy's eyes, Kent, Erin, Gambl0r, and Katrina, for the showing of your eyes. Something I will have a hard time doing, if ever.

Pain and Anger

I woke up this morning in a shit mood, which doesn't bode well for the day. I am also in a great deal of pain. My back, shoulders, left hip, and both knees already hurt. This also makes me angry and feel less inclined to work today. However, I need the paycheck. So, I am off to work.

I have some meds, but hate to use them. It is almost always better to deal with the pain, than to deal with the affects of the drugs. The mood is just something that I have to deal with for a few hours.

I hope that those (few) of you out there in the blogsphere that read this site have a better morning and day [than what I am going to have].

Indian Mascots 3

There was a recent development in the college mascot/nickname problem. The NCAA is reconsidering it's decision to ban "hostile and abusive" Indian mascots.

The NCAA was led to believe that David Narcomey was speaking for the Seminole Nation in Oklahoma, when he wrote letters to them over the use by Florida State of the nickname Seminoles. Mr. Narcomey is a member of the council of the Seminole Nation. He was, in fact, on the losing end of a resolution proposed by himself to the council concerning the use of the name and the mascot. He lost 18 to 2.

What will the idiots of the NCAA do now? Is that egg I see on you collective face?

A Bunch of Idiots Otherwise Known as PETA

PETA, the ever present entity teaching absurdity, is in the news again. This time, they are protesting the sale of sushi at a fundraiser for the Tampa Aquarium.

Excuse me!? Are you saying that the fish will be offended by the sale of sushi?

These people are so crazy, it's funny.

Abuse Part 2

I recently commented on a teacher that had sex with her high school students. Now comes this story and posting.

Pamela Rogers Turner entered the plea of no contest to having sex with one of her students, a 13 year old boy. Miss Turner was a physical education teacher at Centertown Elementary School.

Does anyone else find this a disturbing as I do?

The List of Me

In the following of many other blogs, I decided to post my own list of me.

1. I am an addict. Caffeine, nicotine, and adrenaline.
2. I am an avid reader of mainly classic novels, sci-fi/fantasy, and philosophy.
3. I am a Republican. By birth, family influences, and personal choice.
4. I am single with no kids. But fear that there may be some kid out there with my genes.
5. Love all kinds of music. Rock, alternative, goth, metal, speed metal, blues, classical, country, swing, rap, pop, new age. Strongly dislike smooth jazz.
6. Severely competitive in all aspects of life. "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing".
7. Manipulative, especially at night and in the bedroom.
8. Played college waterpolo and ice hockey.
9. Currently involved in some severe extreme sports.
10. Love playing golf. Although it pisses me off to no end.
11. Hate the shorthand of internet life.
12. Unusually organized at work, messy at home.
13. Love to cook. Hate cooking for myself.
14. Own several firearms. Looking to buy more.
15. Filed for bankruptcy.
16. Lived in the National Park system for six and a half years.
17. Always use "ma'am" and "sir" when talking to those people older than I.
18. Hate chocolate. But occasionally crave a Reese's peanut butter cup.
19. I played trumpet as a kid. (Probably why I dislike jazz).
20. Love to eat pizza from Me-N-Ed's. (A local place).
21. Hate going to the doctor or the dentist.
22. Been in a doctor's office 12 times this year.
23. Prophesize that my eulogy will include something about me breaking every bone and injuring every organ.
24. Never tried a controlled illegal drug.
25. Attempted suicide.
26. Saw a therapist for over a year. Still think that he was an idiot.
27. Was in a fraternity in college.
28. Call in sick to work only in emergency situations. ie broken bones, recent surgeries.
29. Have had five kidney stones, working on number six.
30. Loved thunderstorms in the Grand Canyon.
31. Love to eat Maui onions like an apple.
32. Think that New England Clam Chowder is the best soup.
33. Have no patience with stupid people. Deal with stupid people on a daily basis.
34. Love barbecued oysters and oyster shooters. Hate raw oysters, from the shell.
35. Love airplane racing.
36. Love any World War 2 airplane. Especially the P-39 Aircobra.
37. Shave my head to "cover" bald spot.
38. Takes me three weeks, minimum, to grow a goatee.
39. Shave once a week.
40. Like to draw. But, I suck at anything non-technical.
41. Write poetry. See "ruminationsonamind.blogspot". All poetry is dark.
42. Have a younger brother that is one of my best friends.
43. Remember the first name of every woman that I have ever slept with. 15 total.
44. I usually have more stamina, during sex, than any other partner that I have had.
45. Hate hickeys. Actually punched one girl trying to give me one.
46. Like watching movies involving sports, both traditional and extreme.
47. Met Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robin Williams while working in Yosemite. Was not awestruck by either.
48. I was a vegetarian for three years. Until the next stone. See 29.
49. Used to take Gainers Fuel to gain weight. Metabolism ate right through it. Still 175 lbs.
50. Never smoked anything.
51. Fought with my brother, with real weapons.
52. Lived in Hawaii for a summer when I was 16.
53. I know all of the lines in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.
54. I hate being photographed.
55. Grew up in the Quaker denomination.
56. Jaws scared the hell out of me as a kid. Especially sleeping each night on a water bed.
57. Burned down my parents bathroom (and almost the house). A Firefighter scared me to the point were I didn't touch matches until high school.
58. I am mostly of Scottish and Dane background, with a Cherokee in there somewhere.
59. I love dark beer, especially Guinness and Anchor Porter.
60. I got caught cheating on a chemistry test in college.
61. I won't date anyone that can't play outside. Or is so big that will crush me while on top.
62. Lost my virginity after high school.
63. Allergic to scaled fish and beans.
64. Live my life in shorts. Both at work and at home. Own pants, but it has to be really cold or for a specific reason.
65. Mint Chip ice cream is my favorite, followed by homemade vanilla.
66. Studied martial arts for several years to get my anger in check.
67. Applied for a visa to the former Soviet Union to play water polo for the Red Army Team.
68. Applied to the California Highway Patrol, twice.
69. Sleep naked.
70. Like dogs, hate cats.
71. Hate tourons. (tourists + morons = tourons)
72. I believe in karma. But think that you can pick your own fate.
73. Like watching live baseball and ice hockey games. Fall asleep when watching them on TV.
74. A huge NASCAR fan. Go Tony!
75. Like summer and winter. Dislike spring and fall.
76. Have backpacked in the winter, by myself.
77. Like red licorice, not black.
78. Hate professional sports teams from my local area. (49ers, Raiders, A's, Giants, Warriors, Sharks).
79. My biggest hero is my father.
80. I would rather go commando, but the job won't let me.
81. I love redheads and brunettes. Blondes drive me nuts.
82. I have never been to New York City and I don't think that I want to.
83. I hate Los Angeles and San Francisco.
84. I don't like it when people wear socks with sandals.
85. I have a best friend that wasn't supposed to live past 12, he is now 38.
86. I have no tattoos or piercings.
87. I don't wear white socks. Usually cycling or Thorlos.
88. I have friends that own their own micro-brewing company. Their beer is still #3 on my best list.
89. I prefer to eat seafood.
90. Play Magic with some friends, on one vacation a year.
91. Wear only Smith sunglasses or goggles.
92. Own more outdoor gear than I need.
93. Use T-Mobile for my one and only phone service.
94. I am a work-a-holic.
95. Go car camping at least three times per year.
96. Will drink only good vodka. It has to be cold.
97. Like playing video games. Civ 3 on computer and GTA:San Andreas on PS2, were the last.
98. Actually reading Playboy.
99. Enjoy stereograms by NVision Grafix, Inc.
100. Believe that life, as we know it, will end in the year 2012. When the Mayan calender ends.

RFTP 2

I have been asked about the reason for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics flag over my right shoulder.

Back in college, I played goaltender for the Fresno State Ice Hockey Team. One day, one of my best friends (and best defensemen I had), showed up to practice with a small USA flag on the back of his helmet. The next day, the majority of the team had them. So, to piss them off, I painted my helmet red, put CCCP across the front and a hammer, sickle, and star on the back. My teammates freaked. But, I did my job, I took them off of their game and no one scored.

Several weeks went by and this same best friend shows up in a USA practice jersey. I let it go for a short time...But, I had a plan. First, I got a Soviet hockey jersey. Second, I got a red goalie bag [these things are big] and put the same designs as my helmet onto the bag. Third, I got the flag you see. And finally, I signed up this friend for a one year subscription to Soviet Life Magazine.

Practice the following day was hysterical for me. Everyone on the team was angry and especially my staunch, ultra-conservative best friend. Little did he know of the monthly surprise coming in the mail. But each month, this magazine would show up at his door and practice was funny again.

So, the gist of the flag is that it is a beautiful memory of college hockey and the utter disgust and anguish of teammates. It is now, also, a collector's item.

I still have that helmet, too.

Do you want to play?

Iranian Nukes

There has been talk, of late, concerning Iran's possible entry into the nuclear club. I believe that this is something that one country can't keep another from doing. However, I don't think that they will get the opportunity to finish their construction efforts. Because if they do, it will be the end of Israel and the entire Holy Land as we know it today.

Let's not forget that President Mohammed Khatami was at one time one of the perpetrators of the hostage crisis in 1979 involving 66 Americans. Also, that Iran has held the policy, since that year, that the only solution to the Israel problem is it's complete and total destruction. The Iranians currently have in production the Shahab 3 ballistic missile and with a range of 930 miles, Israel is easily within reach.

Mossad, easily one of the most efficient and deadly intelligence arms (of government), will certainly not sit idly by watching the completion of these reactors. Israeli F-15 Strike Eagles are also constantly keeping an eye on the reactor progress. These fighters are currently armed with conventional bombs (1-ton, 1/2 ton, and 1/4 ton loads) as well as EGBU-24 Paveway III satellite-guided smart bombs.

Somehow, I don't think that this is going to end well. Either Israel will become a fiery and radioactive land of glass or the entry of UN (and thus US) military troops into Iran to "fix" the problem.

Just what we need another country to occupy.

D'oh! My Bad

When Melvyn Reed woke up from triple bypass surgery, in London, he was greeted my his three wives.

He admitted, that he committed double bigamy. (D'oh!)

"Hello Mr. Reed? This is Joseph Smith. We have space for you in the State of Utah."

Well, At Least It's Not Molestation

Another blow to the Catholic church. Monsignor Eugene Clark was named as "the other man" in a White Plains Family Court divorce filing.

The 79-year old Msgr. Clark was reported in having an affair with his 46-year old private secretary.

Cardinal Edward Egan should look at the bright side, at least no little boys were involved.

In My CD Player 11 August 2005

Theory of a Dead Man - "Gasoline"
Static-X - "Start a War"
Tiamat - "a deeper kind of slumber"
Jane's Addiction - "Ritual de lo Habitual"
The Bloodhound Gang - "Hooray for Boobies"

Tough in CA?

I don't recall that a police helecopter was ever brought down in CA by ground gunfire.

What is the deal with people in NM? (Jenn, you got an idea?)

Bam! Straight to the Moon

There is a company that is looking to send civilians on a trip around the moon, for a price. Space Adventures could roll out the first mission in 2008 or 2009. With a goal of someday landing people on the moon, sometime after that.

The trip would take place on a modified Russian vehicle, the Soyuz TMA spacecraft. The Soyuz has been a great vehicle with a superb safety record. It has even been called, "the most reliable vehicle ever built for space". The Soyuz craft was originally intended for use to the moon, but was never used for that purpose.

I want to go! Does anyone have a spare $100 million for me?

A Slice of "Kiss my Ass"

I have this one account that just sucks. The receiver in is a bitch (too me) and so is the department manager. When one rags on me for shit, then I get to hear it from both. (They being the best of friends). I have had it with this account. Nothing is ever right. (And as man, I am always wrong). They lie to their bosses to make me look bad. They tell me one thing, then turn 180 and tell me the opposite the following day and say, "I didn't tell you to do it that way." If I point this out, they call me a liar. To top it off, they want to kick me out of their establishment because I can't follow their "rules".

It is with great relief that this account is going to be leaving my route in eight weeks. I am tickled purple over this.

I so want to tell these two to fuck off and let me do my job. Maybe I will get the opportunity to do so in the week before I leave...

Skinny White Man in a Big Metal Box

So, I know that I have mentioned this topic before, but I just wanted to re-emphasize the point.

I sell consumable products from a big metal box, on wheels. It has been hot here, somewhere in the 100's F. I truck around town in this box, as I said, that attracts heat. When it is 100 outside, it is somewhere around 115 to 120 inside. With no a/c. Just two windows and a vent. To make matters worse, the engine is sitting behind a thin piece of aluminum, about three inches from my right knee. So, you get the heat from that as well.

There is not enough Gatorade or water that you can drink to keep you hydrated. To add to this misery, I have an 0400 start time (a 1600 end time [or thereabouts]). At this time in the morning a stimulant of some kind is needed [I prefer Pepsi or Mountain Dew] to get going, also, this adds to the dehydration.

You can take Gatorade or water with you, but eventually, it will run out. The customers are no help. Can I get some ice? Sure, for a charge. How about some water? Charge for that too. Out of the faucet? Yes, that too.

After five days of this, you can come home for a brief respite. But, then it is too fucking hot to sleep, without sweating your ass off. What about a/c at home? Do you know what they charge in CA for that? I have to set it at 82, just to afford it.

By the time the weekend comes, it is time to get the hell out of Dodge. Someplace cool. Someplace wet.

I can't wait for winter and the cold [then I will be wishing for some heat].

You Know It's Hot When...

You sleep naked with no cover sheet and it is still too hot.

[Give me some examples]

Nevermind "Idiot"

I went somewhere else and found what I wanted. Why couldn't the other site have been this easy?

Just Call Me, "Idiot"

I tried to get a site counter for this blog through sitemeter. I must be an idiot. I can get to the stats page, but everytime I clicked on the Manager tab, I had to sign in again and then went back to the stats page.

Things like this were put on the web to personally tick me off! I swear!

Any suggestions on a good counter, that won't piss me off?

Erasing History

Today a 179-foot steel tower, that helped launch Atlas-Agena rockets in the 1960's, was demolished.

The Atlas-Agena rockets were used to map the moon to select suitable landing sites for later Apollo missions. This was a vital launch platform for many payloads in the early days of space exploration.

This was an aging structure that was enviromentally and structurally unsound.

Just another way for NASA to erase the memories of what we had once done in space [and have not accomplished since].

Indian Mascots 2

In a follow up to a previous posting, at least one school, of a possible 18, is looking to file a lawsuit against the NCAA over the use of Indian mascots/nicknames.

Let us hope that they are successful.

Miffed at Scholars & Clergy

The rememberance of the bombing of Hiroshima is now being held. Yes, it was a terrible thing to unleash such power. Yet, what some scholars fail to realize was that this was war. Do whatever you can to finish the war once and for all.

I have read reports such as Green Left, reporting on an article by the British New Scientist. Are these scholars serious? There are always choices to be made in a time of war. Was the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki the only option? No, there were other options available. Yes, the Japanese were weary of war and yes they may have surrendered peacefully. But the American leadership did what it could to end the war. Was there a hidden message in the bombings to our allies and to the rest of the world? Possibly. This action did start the Cold War. But, more importantly, it concluded World War 2 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Then, we have this bishop in Washington that equates the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to terrorism. [Excuse Me?] Yes, the terrorism committed against the United States on 9/11 killed innocent civilians, as did the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War 2. However, the difference is that we were at war with Japan. We were not at war with Al Queda. How can this idiot bishop make this statement?

There are still raw feelings on this issue even 60 years later. Yes, it was horrific. Yes, it killed innocents. Yes, it ended the world war. Yes, it started the Cold War. Yes, it was war. Yes, it was our world and country's history.

Should I feel guilty over a decision made by leaders far before I was born? Hell no! Should we as a country make reparations for a war time decision? Hell no!

Again, move on. Learn from the past, don't do it again in the future.

DD

Like any other guy my age, I am somewhat excited about the 'Dukes of Hazzard' movie.

Although I think that Jessica Simpson is a great looking woman, is she really Daisy Duke? I don't think that anyone could compare to Catherine Bach.

Indian Mascots

I can understand that to use derogatory names and/or mascots for college and pro sports, is something to be avoided, but isn't there a point where things go too far?

In the past, St. John's changed from the Redmen to the Red Storm and Marquette from the Warriors to the Golden Eagles. Even here in California, last year, a small group of students at San Diego State tried to get the "Monty Montezuma" mascot and the Aztecs nickname removed from use by the school. The Aztecs did remain, but "Monty" went the way of the dodo.

In a ruling this week, the NCAA banned the use of American Indian Mascots in all future NCAA tournaments, starting 1 Feb. "Nicknames or mascots deemed 'hostile or abusive' would not be allowed by teams on their uniforms or other clothing beginning with any NCAA tournament after 1 Feb." [Who is to judge what is 'hostile or abusive'?]

Let me tell you, if I were in high school looking for a suitable college and sports program, I would look towards the "Meek Manatees". Nothing too 'hostile of abusive'. Why choose a school with nicknames/mascots like the "Fighting Illini" or the "Rainbow Warriors", much too violent.

What is next? Will PETA stand up and claim that all nicknames and mascots associated with animals is cruel and wrong? Will color blind people claim that using a color to denote the nickname is unfair because they can't see it?

Do the depiction of mascots have any bearing on how we live our lives today? Are we as a people so blind as to blame our lot in life on these images from our past? Is "Chief Illiniwek" of the University of Illinois an unfair representation of the Native Americans from the past? Was "Monte Montezuma" an unfair depiction

The NCAA needs to shut the fuck up and let things stay as is or at least fix the bigger picture items. And all of the pc groups need to calm down. No one should be offended from the use of formal tribe names, if you are then grow up!

Senate Misfire

The Senate removed from its list of promotions Brigadier General Johnny Weida. General Weida is the No. 2 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. It seems that being a born again Christian has put his upward mobility on hold.

Since when does ones personal faith have any relevance to their ability to lead? This man has served for 26-plus years. He is well qualified for the promotion to Major General.

But the Senate has him under investigation, because of his religion. I guess that the Right Wing isn't in bed with the Christians after all.

Otherwise, wouldn't he be a shoe-in?

Oh, Those Crazy French!

This has been a bad luck week for France. First the airline mishap in Toronto and now this.

It was reported today that there has been a little mischief going on in France. Officials found 351 stillborn babies and fetuses in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Hospital's morgue.

I always suspected that the French were a little off, but this is pretty sick. Some of these bodies are up to 20 years old.

You know that these kinds of things run in 3's. What kind of crazy shit is going to come out of France next?

Liberal Media

I have always been untrustful of the media in this country. ABC, NBC, CBS, newsprint, and periodicals (the only exception being FOX News [in most cases]) all the same liberal horse shit. Mostly, I find that I have to sort out the truth from all of the media hype in a story.

It seems now that ABC News has overstepped its boundaries. ABC aired an interview on "Nightline" where they talked to Shamil Basayev, "a notorious Chechen warlord".

In response to this, the Russian Foreign Ministry has declared ABC to be "undesirable" by all Russian State agencies.

You know, just because we have free speech in our country, that does not mean that everyone in the world has the same rights. When you talk to "a terrorist of the Russian People" you should expect some backlash. In this case no more ABC in Russia.

If only we could ban the media from other avenues...

Pennies

Pennies...I saw a funny story of a man in North Dakota.

I wish that I had the cajones to pull off this stunt. However, the judge made the story funnier by making the man stay and count it.

It seems that Mr. Zukowski was fined $120 for a speeding ticket. He brought a trash can full of 12,000 pennies to the Clay County Court House. But, the judge made him stay until the pennies were counted.

What an imagination! What a ruling!

Abuse?

Where were the teachers like Sandra "Beth" Geisel to be found when I was in high school?

She gets charged with abuse, the three 17 year olds and one 16 year old get nothing. Well, they did get to have sex with their teacher. I guess that that is something.

There were no teachers about like this when I was 16 of 17. Believe me, there were teachers that some students wanted for sex, but no one got any.

Sandra was just a lonely lady looking for some lovin'. The boys just wanted to nail a teacher (or so I guess). But according to the letter of the law it is abuse and the adult suffers the consequences.

Now, I am not advocating that sex with minors is a good or moral thing. But the punishment should be doled out among these four kids as well.