I would not claim to be some type of 'Presidential Historian;' like most Americans with limited in-depth knowledge, I have my favorite Presidents. Those Commander-in-Chiefs are Abraham Lincoln, Harry S. Truman and George Washington. The listing order is intended and significant.
We (countrymen and women) have always been critical of our leaders; I liken it to my critical eye on St. Louis Cardinals' managers.
The other day, I caught a portion of President Obama's press conference as he spoke briefly to the nation about the economy numbers, which seem improved and the mess confronting the world by the activities of the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
The President stated at one point that he would be engaging Congress regarding the desired direction after the Pentagon weighs in with more information but at the moment there IS NO firm strategy. Holy cow-crap, the right-wing group went off on the President who would dare suggest WE OMNIPOTENT Americans don't have a game plan. Shit-fire-and-save-matches cowboys, we should just bomb the bastards and hoist a flag stating: "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED." Oops, scratch that idea that's what put us in this shit hole!
Another thing Mr. President what's up wearing a beige suit during the press conference. Ronald Reagan NEVER wore a tan suit representing our country.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Friday, August 29, 2014
Too Much Too Soon !
I am well aware that I piss off you gun-lovers but perhaps you can appreciate this comment from another perspective, however don't get the notion that I would apologize for my gun control beliefs; that ain't never gonna happen!
If it is 'okay' for an eight-year old child to receive instructions shooting a machine gun then why is it NOT okay (with parental permission) for the same age child to practice automobile driving and attend a brothel to observe; would this not be education and preparation for real life experiences and issues? Steady folks, don't come unglued with my question after all recently the highest rated television shows are those that offer violence and nudity. We Americans have broken those Puritanical shackles. Dad-gum-it, good parenting is getting our kids ready...get'em a uzi submachine gun and some porn.
Okay, the thought of the aforementioned driving or brothel observation for a child is ridiculous and sick. Can one imagine how sick it is to imagine an eight year-old forging through her life trying to erase a horrific sight at her hands? There must be laws to protect the vulnerable from idiots.
If it is 'okay' for an eight-year old child to receive instructions shooting a machine gun then why is it NOT okay (with parental permission) for the same age child to practice automobile driving and attend a brothel to observe; would this not be education and preparation for real life experiences and issues? Steady folks, don't come unglued with my question after all recently the highest rated television shows are those that offer violence and nudity. We Americans have broken those Puritanical shackles. Dad-gum-it, good parenting is getting our kids ready...get'em a uzi submachine gun and some porn.
Okay, the thought of the aforementioned driving or brothel observation for a child is ridiculous and sick. Can one imagine how sick it is to imagine an eight year-old forging through her life trying to erase a horrific sight at her hands? There must be laws to protect the vulnerable from idiots.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Keep A Perspective
With the start of another school year, we anticipate the coming sports' hoopla. Many communities across this nation will see the Friday night football lights glowing and the cafe' talk turning its attention from weather and politics to the local high school sports' scene. The beat goes on throughout the school year.
I would hope a parent or wise mentor would caution young sport participants on two significant matters. First, it is important for young athletes to understand and embrace the fact that sport successes or failures DO NOT alter self-worth. The sport participant is not more worthy when they win or have personal accomplishments nor or they less worthy after defeat or poor performance. It's a game!!
Secondly, there are NO guarantees in sport but there are risks. In simple terms, the athlete may practice a lot, work hard and yet play very little in game contests. No guarantees. The athlete may be criticized by the 'fanatic' (fan) and the sport participant can be injured during play. There are risks.
There is a tremendous up-side to sport participation. The opportunity to test one's physical and emotional resolve. The chance to embrace humility on the heels of success while drawing on resilience after defeat and applying learned lessons.
The two greatest anchors in my life, which have served me for my entire adult life are: religious teachings and sport participation experiences...I call on these anchors each day of my life.
I would hope a parent or wise mentor would caution young sport participants on two significant matters. First, it is important for young athletes to understand and embrace the fact that sport successes or failures DO NOT alter self-worth. The sport participant is not more worthy when they win or have personal accomplishments nor or they less worthy after defeat or poor performance. It's a game!!
Secondly, there are NO guarantees in sport but there are risks. In simple terms, the athlete may practice a lot, work hard and yet play very little in game contests. No guarantees. The athlete may be criticized by the 'fanatic' (fan) and the sport participant can be injured during play. There are risks.
There is a tremendous up-side to sport participation. The opportunity to test one's physical and emotional resolve. The chance to embrace humility on the heels of success while drawing on resilience after defeat and applying learned lessons.
The two greatest anchors in my life, which have served me for my entire adult life are: religious teachings and sport participation experiences...I call on these anchors each day of my life.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Virginia Slims
In 1988, Virginia Slims menthol cigarettes debuted marketing the professional women as the company parlayed the phrase, "You've come a long way baby." That slogan came to mind yesterday morning.
I returned from my morning 45-minute walk and sat-a-spell with my wife to enjoy a cup of coffee. She was watching a popular morning television program and some women were discussing 'sex'. The four ladies came to an agreement that 'after about seven years of marriage, the missionary style (sex act) becomes boring.' In a million years, I would have never believed I'd hear such a conversation on American airways.
I recall my parents concern that should they take me to the drive in theater to 'see' Gone With The Wind,' I would hear Rhett Butler say, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!" Several years later, I remember the 1952, I Love Lucy episode when Lucy could not say the word 'pregnant' on television; she told Ricky, "We're having a baby." Lucille Ball's pregnancy was an issue and the television censors decided her belly could not be shown.
Like Virginia Slims..."You've come a long way baby."
Personally, considering ALL things, I always found algebra boring; in any 'position.'
I returned from my morning 45-minute walk and sat-a-spell with my wife to enjoy a cup of coffee. She was watching a popular morning television program and some women were discussing 'sex'. The four ladies came to an agreement that 'after about seven years of marriage, the missionary style (sex act) becomes boring.' In a million years, I would have never believed I'd hear such a conversation on American airways.
I recall my parents concern that should they take me to the drive in theater to 'see' Gone With The Wind,' I would hear Rhett Butler say, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!" Several years later, I remember the 1952, I Love Lucy episode when Lucy could not say the word 'pregnant' on television; she told Ricky, "We're having a baby." Lucille Ball's pregnancy was an issue and the television censors decided her belly could not be shown.
Like Virginia Slims..."You've come a long way baby."
Personally, considering ALL things, I always found algebra boring; in any 'position.'
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Pusillanimous
The American Academy of Pediatricians have concluded that teenagers are not getting the recommended 8-to-81/2 hours nightly sleep resulting in poor academic school performance, bad diet habits (leading to obesity) and depression. Those doctors suggest that our American schools should start at a later time; not before 8:30 AM. Well kiss my ass, please don't tell the parents to insist that Missy and Junior get home before 8PM (school nights) and haul ass to bed before 10PM !
Let's acknowledge once and for all, not all BUT many parents today are enablers who give impetus to many problems facing their kids and that is an irrefutable fact. Parents are simply reluctant to hold children to a tighter rein and insist on greater accountability. We note more teens with social network devices at an earlier age and parents who refuse to monitor the time spent by children networking. Check out any school parking lot and note the number of student driven autos. Most parents perceive these autos as necessary.
Here is the obvious question: Do you really believe that employers, in the real world, give a rat's ass how much sleep their employees get ? The only thing 'boss man' cares about is PRODUCTIVITY ...another word meaning... 'accountability.'
Pusillanimous means timid, cowardly, faint-hearted, spineless. My father was not a pussy-foot parent!!
Let's acknowledge once and for all, not all BUT many parents today are enablers who give impetus to many problems facing their kids and that is an irrefutable fact. Parents are simply reluctant to hold children to a tighter rein and insist on greater accountability. We note more teens with social network devices at an earlier age and parents who refuse to monitor the time spent by children networking. Check out any school parking lot and note the number of student driven autos. Most parents perceive these autos as necessary.
Here is the obvious question: Do you really believe that employers, in the real world, give a rat's ass how much sleep their employees get ? The only thing 'boss man' cares about is PRODUCTIVITY ...another word meaning... 'accountability.'
Pusillanimous means timid, cowardly, faint-hearted, spineless. My father was not a pussy-foot parent!!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Sickness Within All Borders
One does not need a video of a beheading of a human being; just the mention or thought of such a sic-horrendous act paralysis our senses. Recently, an American journalist met such a death at the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This is a terrorist organization that goes beyond previous heinous acts committed by al-Qaeda.
The American Ku Klux Klan, which began in the mid 1860's has similar characteristics and traits to that of al-Qaeda and ISIS. They burned down peoples' homes and hanged innocent men in front of their families; how sick was THAT? These groups are so embarrassed and ashamed of their devil-deeds they cover their faces with hoods. Another common denominator these groups share is believing that they have some religious cause to support their behavior.
The only people I know wearing masks and 'doing-good' is my surgeon, Batman and the Lone Ranger.
The American Ku Klux Klan, which began in the mid 1860's has similar characteristics and traits to that of al-Qaeda and ISIS. They burned down peoples' homes and hanged innocent men in front of their families; how sick was THAT? These groups are so embarrassed and ashamed of their devil-deeds they cover their faces with hoods. Another common denominator these groups share is believing that they have some religious cause to support their behavior.
The only people I know wearing masks and 'doing-good' is my surgeon, Batman and the Lone Ranger.
Friday, August 22, 2014
'Hello, Anybody Here ?'
Perhaps many of you, as I have noticed the declining number of sales clerks ready to assist you when shopping. Just the other day, I had to wonder around a store seeking an associate who would mix some paint for me. It happens in many stores; not enough sales people. It is obvious that the reduction of people on the payroll means more money for 'the man.' It also means more frustration for the customer.
It seems that there is a growing disconnect between buyer and seller; where is the service?
It seems that there is a growing disconnect between buyer and seller; where is the service?
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