Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Don't count your chickens before they've hatched!




Normally I'd be happy seeing that slimy little weasel Rep Tom Delay get into trouble. Still, it ain't over till he's gone. I think this one is certainly driven by partisan politics. So far, through the hurricanes and all I don't think either party shines. The Democrats have appeared too eager to down prominent Republicans and the Republicans do appear to have some real weakness. I'd call it a wash. If I could predict the elections next year, I'd say they depend on local issues. I just hope, for whatever reason, there is no continued loss of Democrats.

That said, I have to say the Republican names for President I've seen like McCain and Giuliani are a lot more appealing than Hillary. Keep the congress half way balanced. That way the important things like this hurricane bailout will pass, but things like controversial constitutional amendments and other intrusive social legislation won't. I don't care if Republicans "keep control", just take away the large majority.

My critics will say this will lead to gridlock. I say if the current unity is moving the country in the wrong direction, we don't need to move it. Issues like healthcare and the environment have been pushed back too long. Most of us are aware of the healthcare mess (except those few who are perfectly healthy) and Katrina and Rita have demonstrated the need to focus on the environment. Bush talks a good game and can sound like a real tree hugger or someone who cares about the poor when he wants to. The time is NOW to cut this crap out and clean house!

Get rid of the @*!!##*!@* Neo-Cons, the Religious Right and the Porkbarrel Politicians (both parties)!!!!






Picture of the Hydro - Gen


Mine is a black canister, I guess the stainless steel gets corroded. Kind of worried putting next to the battery and starter relay. Maybe it could go in the back of the truck?

Intelligent Design?

O.k., I have no problem with them teaching the idea that perhaps we were designed. I don't think that class would be very long as there isn't any real proof it was done. All we have is some stories in the Book of Genesis and the fact that scientific theory doesn't explain everything. They would probably spend most of their time poking holes in current theory. Admittedly there are a lot of gaps to be filled. Still, it's only fair.....

My concern is that there seems to be a few defects in this design. Namely the human spine and nerves that emanate from it. These hard, sharp vertebrae with those squishy nerves and fragile disks inbetween them. Not a good combination! Of course, to be fair, perhaps we are not using these bodies as intended. Maybe they were not designed for sitting at a computer? Maybe these bodies weren't designed to withstand automobile crashes!? Maybe our diet varies from that needed to keep the vessel healthy.

Here's my suggestion: Make the spine a smooth leathery sheath which is flexible, yet tough. All edges will be rounded. Nerve cells will regenerate themselves, including those in the spinal canal. Make the canal adequately wide so that if it becomes kinked, there will be room to keep the neurons intact. Perhaps cartilage could replace the rigid calcium based bones. When a nerve becomes severed, have the nerve cells send out chemicals so that each half will seek out the other and subsequently grow together. Design the exit points of nerves from the spine to be well-rounded and smooth, so that there is little chance of injury when the spine moves relative to the nerve root. Most importantly, if a nerve does become compressed, allow pain signals to gradually diminish over a few weeks to a tolerable level. If the nerve is still conducting, there is little sense in it sending out pain signals for months and years. If it is so constricted that it cannot conduct or do so only partially, just allow it to do what it can do. The brain should regulate the pain signals better and know what is urgent (such as a burn or cut) and what is not so urgent.

The main two points are pain regulation by the brain and regeneration of cells. Further, let's work on longevity and keeping the spine supple and flexible in old age. Of course I am NOT the Creator and have NO idea how these modifications might be accomplished. I'm not sure if the Creator would allow evolution into these changes or if they could happen instantaneously. And then, would those of us with the pre-existing problems be retro-fitted with the new design? Please?

Oh, one more thing; Please don't be mad at me for my suggestions! I can't create life and have a hard time even building the simplest things. So, yes, I'm impressed with the complexity of the human vessel and all other life. Thank you, Creator!

Sunday, September 25, 2005

There they go again...

Well, first of all, I'm not against GOD in the Pledge of Allegance or allowing students some time to pray in public schools (optional time to do this or just to meditate). The latter, I suppose would have to happen in a manner sensitive to the great diversity of religions now found in this country. No manditory prayer! This ain't Saudi Arabia or Iran, thank you! And this sure ain't your grandfather's America!

Lots of things may have been better in the "good old days": Less people, better environment, less annoying news media and less noise in general. Some things weren't so good: Blacks sitting on the back of the bus and at seperate sections in restraunts.

I get yet another e-mail blaming the Hurricane(s) on the godlessness of America. I don't see it! Religion may have been more institutionalized and a "way of life" back then. Now people are turning to God not because they feel they have to (because of family or social pressure), but because they can recieve comfort and enlightenment in these stressfull times. People have the freedom (wisely guaranteed them in the constitution) to seek GOD in a manner true to their hearts and not just because they are told that is what their family happens to be.

I was lucky growing up. At Steck Elementary school in Denver around the time of the holidays, we sang not only Christmas songs (religious and non-religious), but Hanukkah (or Chanukuh) songs for our Jewish kids. I'm not sure I really understood it all, but at least it sent a message about a world which was more diverse than I could imagine. I wonder what holiday songs they are allowed to sing nowdays? Well, see, I'm sounding like an old codger! If you were a student in a public school around here now, you might sit next to a Muslem, Hindu, Jewish student who came from another country. If you are even half awake you'd see the World has a great many ways of looking at GOD!

Though I definately blame the Hurricanes on a climate fluctuation most likely caused by human activity, I still pray that there won't be any more really bad ones in the 'pike and that the people of the Gulf Coast can recieve all the love, aid and comfort they deserve.

Friday, September 23, 2005

Two strikes and you're out!


I'm sorry, big fella, but I swear you hit the same spinner in May on the same stretch of Lake Ogallala. You sure look like the other one! Hey, I was going after Rainbows!I would much rather have caught a couple more 'Bows, but oh well! Cleaning a Channel Cat is a challenge, for sure!

See what happens when I leave for a few days!

I had this sinking feeling about those storms out in the Atlantic. Now, I'd like to see the storm train coming out of West Africa to see if any more are in the Pike. It's all so flat down there on the Gulf Coast! Then footage of the Levee breaking in New Orleans! God, that place must smell!

Up here it's kind of dry. But if Global Warming means dry here and innundated there, I'll take Colorado! Winters aren't so bad any more.

There are NO quick fixes to Global Warming! I'm sorry, but it's a certainty in my mind. Then throw in the other tumultuous stuff this Planet can do such tsunamis, earthquakes, fires and everything else, we best enjoy each peaceful day.

Gas was cheaper in Nebraska, even in the tiny town of Arthur it was only $2.77, compared with $2.86 here in Denver. Maybe it's has something to do with being closer to Ethanol production. One would like to think so, anyway. All they need to do is switch to a more water-efficient crop, such as sawgrass. Might create a bit of a stir among the pheasant hunters, but it would please us fishermen.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

My Reply to the Pundits...

This is my response to those trying to politicize the Katrina mess: We're still in the middle of the emergency and as of today, 40% of New Orleans is still flooded! None of the politicians are up for re-election. Barring a sudden resignation, I do not believe any of them will be replaced soon, either. So we can only wish for them to do their best. You can bet there will be extensive hearings on this and much finger pointing later!!!

The piece, forwarded to me by my Uncle Chuck (which I saw today), said that Mayor Nagin and Governor Blanco had dropped the ball and failed to get the evacuation, National Guard and everything else rolling on time. While I certainly don't think the Mayor is another Rudy Giuliani , I believe he is trying to do his best now. So are the President and the two Governors involved. It's a mess, period! As you may well know by now, I am not that religious. I do however send my good thoughts and prayers to those involved, as well as a few more dollars to help the effort.

Friday, September 16, 2005

How do fish bite when the moon is full?

I could care less. How do they bite when I get my cast into the water, where I want it, vs. how they bite when I'm all tangled??? The stars are nice, but the moon is nicer. I can see what I'm doing. Nobody can answer the question of when the fish bite with complete confidence, anyway.

Toan has a Big Pole. It's HUGE! Does it mean more fish bite what's on the end of it? Still it's a great pole. I try not to feel so insecure about my small poles.

TGIF

It's September and time to get out of doors! No more work (if you could call this work)! Hasta La Vista, Baby!

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Approve Him!

Roberts displays more moderate views USATODAY.com - Thu Sep 15, 8:57 AM ET
Supreme Court nominee John Roberts suggested Wednesday that his views on civil rights were more moderate than those he expressed during his days as a Reagan administration lawyer, and he hinted at a concern for gay men and lesbians who might face discrimination. Roberts, 50, also described several principles that seemed to separate his legal views from those of Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, the high court's most conservative members. Roberts said he did not subscribe to a limited view of constitutional liberty, and he suggested that constitutional principles should evolve with the times.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Carhenge

Away to Sandhills (shhhhh!)


Always wanted to go there. No interstates! I'll stop by Carhenge along the way.

Pain Relief



You CAN control your pain! You really can! O.k., I can't but this guy did. He didn't flinch through the whole episode. All was found was his heart. Please don't try this at home! With the cost of gasoline, we all need to conserve.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Will it go the way of the Hindenburg?


Waiting for the Hydrogen Generator to arrive. Now I'm not so sure about this. Wasn't it hydrogen that caught fire in the Hindenburg? Best use care.

Gay and Lesbian fund does it again!

The Gay And Lesbian Fund for Colorado has announced a $1 million matching grant to the American Red Cross that will bring a total of $2 million in aid from Coloradoans to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts. The grant will match individual donations from Coloradoans up to $250 - dollar for dollar - thus doubling the effect of every donation. Donate Now!

Monday, September 12, 2005

Waylon Lyrics

"Women have been my problem since I found out they weren't men!"

Sunday, September 11, 2005

This Needs to be in the Blog!

I shouldn't SPAM people with my opinion. This reminds me of an old Irma Thomas song: "If you want it come and get it." Here is Text from my e-mail that caused the uproar:

First the Piece that set me off:
HURRICANE KATRINA DESTROYS NEW ORLEANSDAYS BEFORE "SOUTHERN DECADENCE" 8/31/05
PHILADELPHIA - Just days before "Southern Decadence", an annual homosexual celebration attracting tens of thousands of people to the French Quarters section of New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina destroys the city. "Southern Decadence" has a history of filling the French Quarters section of the city with drunken homosexuals engaging in sex acts in the public streets and bars. Last year, a local pastor sent video footage of sex acts being performed in front of police to the mayor, city council, and the media. City officials simply ignored the footage and continued to welcome and praise the weeklong celebration as being an "exciting event". However, Hurricane Katrina has put an end to the annual celebration of sin. On the official "Southern Decadence" website (www.SouthernDecadence.com), it states that the annual event brought in "125,000 revelers" to New Orleans last year, increasing by thousands each year, and up from "over 50,000 revelers" in 1997. This year’s 34th annual "Southern Decadence" was set for Wednesday, August 31, 2005 through Monday, September 5, 2005, but due to massive flooding and the damage left by the hurricane, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has ordered everyone to evacuate the city. The past three mayors of New Orleans, including Sidney Barthelomew, Marc H. Morial, and C. Ray Nagin, issued official proclamations welcoming visitors to "Southern Decadence". Additionally, New Orleans City Council made other proclamations recognizing the annual homosexual celebration. "Although the loss of lives is deeply saddening, this act of God destroyed a wicked city," stated Repent America director Michael Marcavage. "From 'Girls Gone Wild' to 'Southern Decadence,' New Orleans was a city that had its doors wide open to the public celebration of sin. From the devastation may a city full of righteousness emerge," he continued. New Orleans was also known for its Mardi Gras parties where thousands of drunken men would revel in the streets to exchange plastic jewelry for drunken women to expose their breasts and to engage in other sex acts. This annual event sparked the creation of the "Girls Gone Wild" video series. Furthermore, Louisiana had a total of ten abortion clinics with half of them operating in New Orleans, where countless numbers of children were murdered at the hands of abortionists. Additionally, New Orleans has always been known as one of the "Murder Capitals of the World" with a rate ten times the national average. "We must help and pray for those ravaged by this disaster, but let us not forget that the citizens of New Orleans tolerated and welcomed the wickedness in their city for so long," Marcavage said. "May this act of God cause us all to think about what we tolerate in our city limits, and bring us trembling before the throne of Almighty God," Marcavage concluded. "[God] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:45)

My Reply:

Let us look at the logic:

If GOD was angry at the decadence of the French Quarter, why did it survive
relatively intact? While I can't speak for the fate of the drunken homosexual or Girls Gone Wild (probably weren't there as it wasn't Spring Break or Mardi Gras), why did GOD flood churches in low-lying neighborhoods, which were also disproportionately poor. Was not Jesus a champion of the Poor???


It is certainly understandable that the sinful casinos of Biloxi were destroyed. But why were little GOD-fearing hamlets, including their Churches, flattened in Mississippi as far as 100 miles inland? Why was Senator Trent Lott's house destroyed? While I can't speak for his faith, was he not the conservative Southern Senator who compared homosexuals to kleptomaniacs, drug addicts and alcoholics in 1998? Are not Mississippi and Alabama in the heart of the Bible Belt? And by the way, my thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Lott and every one else who lost their home there; rich or poor!

I don't know why this happened, but it is difficult for me to believe such wrath could belong to a man! More likely it was a Woman - Mother Nature. She had every reason to be pissed! We have warmed her waters with Global Warming and raised their levels, thus making these storms more intense and frequent. We have destroyed the wetlands and turned a place nicknamed the Sportsman's Paradise into an Industrial Sewer. I suspect that GOD feels badly for all the suffering and is there, as always, to comfort us and guide us out of this mess.

I need a good dose of Nebraska!

No T.V., no e-mail no news! Phone only when I turn it on. Waylon, CSNY, NRPS, CCR and the White album. Dreaming of the Revolution!!! Return of Proloteriat Rule. Quang Duc lives! Got to replace those living room blinds as I believe the neighbors can see through them to my fat naked body!

Fire me now, Get it over!

It's sooner or later. I suppose I'll postpone my mid life crises (retirement) a wee bit longer. How sad it is I have to be taking a job that some poor homeless person could take. A slave for benefits, thats what I am! Heck, I could probably afford to hire someone in a business I create.

Is it fair to my employer that they pay (or their insurance) pays out more than my salary for health benefits?

I hope the woman who replaces me comes from Wal-Mart, so she can get better benefits here.

Sept 11, return to the Blog.

It appears to be an ordinary day. After the past weeks, that is a good thing. I saw Bush's approval ratings had dropped. I don't really want to see the guy go down in flames nor do I blame him for the problems getting help to Hurricane victims. Everyone in all levels of government is equally to blame! So I give W. credit for trying and showing up and hugging the hurricane victems. It also was a great photo op! Aside from that, I don't want to see the Republicans gaining in next years elections. We have enough Republicans! That said, the Dems need to show some restraint and be patient. They need to work on consolidating party resources and a unified messsage for the '06 election.

We can not go back to that post 9/11 mentality where it was considered unpatriotic to question actions of government. Since we've just had a rather drastic failure of government at all levels, it would be unAmerican not to question government!

As far as the current crisis is concerned, I believe it will be the generosity of the American people will save the day. I'll have to see how it goes, but I might book a vacation for the next Mardi Gras just to support the effort.