Arlen Specter Goes Home

Senator Arlen Specter announced earlier this week [article link] he was breaking ranks from the Republicans and defecting to the Democratic Party. Senator Specter was a Democrat until 1965 when he decided to join the Republican Party. This puts the Democratic Party at the brink of a super majority with the likelihood that Al Franken will be seated as the 60th Democrat representing the state of Minnesota. Senator Specter stated the Republican Party no longer tolerated dissent from moderates. He therefore felt it time to leave.

I think Arlen Specter's reasons for leaving the Republicans were purely political in nature. He faced a brutal reelection campaign to continue as the Republican senator nominee from PA. His own pollsters told him his chances of winning the Republican primary were "bleak." He still faces a tough primary to gain the Democratic nomination in his state. I don't blame Sen. Specter for leaving. What I do blame him for is waiting so long. It was obvious he was not a "moderate" by no means. He is a liberal through and through. He's made that clear in voting with Democrats on increased taxes, spending, illegal immigration and a host of other issues that Democrats advocated. Speaking of few "moderate" Republicans; just how many "moderate" Democrats are left in the Senate these days? That's never discussed for some reason.

The bad news for the Republicans, they lost a seat they could ill afford to lose to the Democratic Party. The good news for the Republicans, Senator Arlen Specter is the Democrats problem to contend with now. Like John McCain, Senator Specter is in love with his "maverick-independent" label. What Senator Specter should realize is that riding both sides of the fence is going to have to end eventually. I suspect the good citizens of the state of Pennsylvania will send Senator Specter to a forced retirement.

She Drives Me Crazy

That is the way I describe my X. There isn't anyone on earth who can get me as riled up as she can. Why do I even answer the phone when she calls? Believe it or not, it is due to my former father-in-law. He is quite elderly and one fine gentleman. He is the reason I answer the phone. And she knows I will answer the phone because of him. Sometimes, I wonder if she was adopted. She is nothing like her father or late mother. Or even like her siblings. So, as I was browsing through YouTube today, I found a song that fits my feelings toward her quite nicely. Fine Young Cannibals, take it away!

A Sad Story

In Pompano Beach, FL, a 70 year old man [article link] made an effort to save two young boys (9 and 12 years of age) caught in rip currents. Both boys survived. However, the elderly gentleman died in the attempt. He succeeded in bringing them close to shore so others could grab them. But, obviously, it took all his strength and he collapsed in the water. A very sad story. But, one that might have been avoided.

Last year, I made a post [post link] about some people who were caught up in rip currents at local beaches over the Memorial Day weekend. It happens every year due to the many white, sandy beaches we have on the gulf coast. In my post, of last year, I made note how I was almost killed in a rip current. As I wrote then, it is relatively easy to get out of a rip tide or rip current. You must swim parallel to the shore. In most cases, you can swim out of the rip current with relative ease. Most rip currents are only about 15-20 feet wide. Most people can swim on their back for that length. The thing that causes people to drown is panic. It is difficult not to panic when you feel yourself being swept out to sea. I don't deny that. But, if you can simply lay on your back to float a bit to get over the panic attack, you can swim out of the rip current.

Remember, if caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. This is something that could have saved up to 12 lives last summer at local beaches. Repeat this message to everyone you know that intends to go to a beach. It could save their life.

Potential Pandemic

Latest news from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that the latest outbreak of the Swine Flu [article link] could become pandemic. In Mexico, at least 86 deaths have been attributed to the Swine Flu. It is in Mexico where officials reported the first cases of the Swine Flu. Countries all over the world are taking measures to try and contain this flu from becoming pandemic. About 20 confirmed cases of the Swine Flu have been reported in the U.S. However, in each case, the patients are said to be easily recovering. Some medical officials are saying this Swine Flu could be treated with Tamiflu.

In 1968, the Hong Kong Flu was scaring people out of their minds. I remember it quite well since I was a senior in high school. In school, we had to wash our hands three times a day with lye soap. It was not any fun. Lye soap would make your skin burn for about 10-15 minutes after washing. Many people came to school with surgical masks that are pretty popular right now in Mexico. Almost a million people world-wide died from this pandemic outbreak. About 34,000 people died in the U.S. As I said, there were people who panicked as you would expect. But, life went on, kids went to school, parents went to work. I thank we were all thankful that the Hong Kong flu wasn't worse than it was. Now, we have to hope for the same with the Swine Flu.

Lost on a Country Road

As I mentioned earlier this week, Ralph (my 1 year old beagle) and I go for an early morning walk. On Saturday, we walk at nearby park. Unfortunately, I was extremely busy Thursday morning and was unable to take Ralph for his Thursday morning walk. To make it up to him, I took Ralph riding in my little red Nissan truck. He loves three things in this world; walking, bacon strips and riding in that truck. I'm not sure exactly which order they should be placed as far as priority for him. He is the only one that can answer that question and he isn't talking.

So, about 1PM yesterday, I open the passenger side door of the truck and Ralph flies in like his tail is on fire. He starts his baying like beagles are known to do. He will start clawing at the window to come down. He likes to hang his head out the window so his ears can flap in the wind. He just loves this.

There are many country roads in the northern part of this county in which I live. So, I just usually just take whatever country road that suits me and off we go. As I turned down the chosen country road, I noticed I had forgotten my GPS device for the truck. Cussing my forgetfulness, I considered going back. Ralph almost immediately looked at me as if he could read my mind. So, not wanting to hear his whining, I continue on our journey. I notice there are a lot of cornfields on both sides of the road. So, even if I wanted to turn around, I wouldn't be able to. I sure wasn't going to try and turn around in this road since there are so many curves. As soon as I would try to turn around, I'm sure a school bus or some other vehicle would come zooming around one. However, I never did see another car. Eventually, we came to a fork in the road. I remember Yogi Berra's refrain and took it. We hung a right and continued on. I decided we had gone far enough and decided to pull into where there was a ramp leading to a fence. I turned around, and headed back in the direction I came...or so I thought. I don't know how I did it, but missed the turn at the fork in the road. I kept going until the paved road eventually became a dirt road and dead ended at a cornfield. Bummer. I turned to Ralph and said, "Well, old buddy, we are lost as can be." It didn't seem to bother Ralph.


So, I continue driving, taking lefts and rights back to where we should have come back to the main road to town. No such luck. I looked up at the sun...yep, it was definitely sinking west. I remember the main road was taking me north. I was east of the main road. So, I went down another country road (which had no name) and once again ended up at a cornfield. Now, I'm really mad. Not at Ralph. He was having the time of his life. I was mad at myself for forgetting that valuable GPS I always took on these ventures. So, I just parked there for a moment to contemplate my next move when I noticed the cornfield was parting directly in front of me. Someone was coming through. It was a boy about 15 or 16 who came through and stood looking at me. He came over to the truck, smiled and said, "You lost mister?" I said, "Why...yes...yes, I am." He looked at me and then looked at Ralph. The boy then said, "It's a good thing you are lost. Some folks come up here and go rabbit hunting. We heard your dog baying and thought that was what was happening. My daddy wouldn't be happy if you were doing that." I assured him that was not the case. I just wanted to get out of there. I asked him how could I get back to County Road 47. He said, "Well, you need to back up your truck, hang a left, go about 5 or 6 miles, hang another left, go about 10 miles and that should put you on County Road 47."

I did exactly as he said. True enough, it put me on the road back to civilization once again. I remembered why I never leave home without that GPS; I have a lousy sense of direction. Thursday proved that fact once again to me. It also reminded me of one of my phobias; the fear of being lost. I'll never do that again. And I'm not sure I want to see another cornfield anytime soon either.

Janet Napolitano : Who Is This Woman?

Ok, to cut down on the wisecracks, Janet Napolitano is Obama's U. S. Secretary of Homeland Security. How she got that job, only God knows (no pun intended to The Annointed One). The Crazy One made a recent comment [article link] on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that "...suspected or known terrorists have entered the U. S. across the Canadian border, including the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack." Of course, this is a myth that was very quickly shot down in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The very idea that one of our very closest allies, Canada, was somehow responsible for the 9/11 attacks is not only absurd, it is down right insane. This is almost in line with the wackos who believe 9/11 was an inside government job. I won't go into her rhetoric about [article link] "right-wing extremist groups such as returning U.S. war veterans." That report is self explanatory in it's sheer stupidity.

The Crazy One said this in response to cracking down on possible terrorists entering through our southern border with Mexico. It is not Canada that has caused us to build a multi-billion dollar fence, that is only half built, to stop illegal immigration to this nation. No, instead, we engage in trade agreements that help both countries. We don't have to worry about Canadians coming here and swamping our social services, causing such states as California to nearly collapse. It is apparent the Obama Administration will not do anything to offend our Mexican overlords. They will even offend an old and trusted friend before they do anything to offend a future voting block; the Hispanic vote.

I'm not sure how Janet Napolitano got her job at Homeland Security. I would like to say it was due to her "great job" of protecting the Arizona border with Mexico. But, somehow, I don't think that is the reason. She was selected because she will fall in line with the Obama loony left-wing agenda.

Puppy vs Kitten

This video is about 4 minutes long. That's about a minute longer that I usually like to place in a post. But, this is 4 minutes of fun. This "puppy" is at least twice as big as the kitten. But, believe me, this kitten holds more than its own against the puppy. They are actually good friends according to the owners. And it appears that way here as they play fight. I really liked it. Enjoy!

The Lawnmower That Wouldn't Start

Yesterday, I had to mow my lawn. I had been putting it off for over a month. Grass was almost up to my waist. So, I had no choice but to get the lawnmower out. Now, this lawnmower had not been started for almost two years. The past two years I had someone mow my lawn for me. But, they started going up on their prices so much until I decided I was going to do it myself.

So, I pulled out the old lawnmower, took the gas cap off and noticed I still had gas in the tank. I knew I was going to have problems after that startling discovery. So, I drained all the gas and oil in the mower, put new gas and oil in the mower. Cleaned off the air filter and spark plug. Thinking this would take care of any potential problems, I pulled back on the cord. Nothing. I tried and tried for almost an hour trying to get that mower started. It was clear it wasn't getting gas. So, I took out all the hoses, cleared them of any junk leading to the carburetor. Put the hoses back in and, once again, the mower refused to start up. I was flabbergasted. I had done everything I knew to do. The mower still refused to start.

Not knowing where to turn, I called an old friend who I knew had experience with small engine repair. I told him that it had been stored up with gas in the tank for almost two years. After being properly admonished about that, he told me he knew how I could start up the lawnmower. He told me even if I have filled up the gas tank, I needed to drain it again of all gas. I was very reluctant to do that. Anyway, after draining the gas tank, he said to get a paper towel, place it over the gas tank opening and BLOW into the gas tank at least five times as hard as you can. I thought he had lost his mind. He told me he would accept my apology after the lawnmower starts up (provided I do everything he said).

Thinking my friend had lost what few marbles he had left in his head, I sat down and thought about what he said. The more I thought about it, the crazier it sounded. It was so crazy, I decided it just might work. So, I emptied the precious gas out of my gas tank, took a paper towel and placed it over the gas tank and blew into the gas tank as hard as I could five times. My friend told me if you are not seeing stars by the third time you have blown into the mower's gas tank, you aren't blowing hard enough. I felt like a complete idiot. I just knew it wasn't going to work. So, after seeing stars on my third attempt and two more half-hearted attempts, I put fresh gas into the gas tank. I pulled back on the starting cord and it started up on the first pull! I never ever would have believed it if I had not seen it for myself. I guess you learn something new every day.

Yes, I called my friend and apologized. And I had to listen to "I told you so" and his gloating for about 30 minutes. But, it was well worth it. Like I said, I never would have believed it if someone else had told me this trick about a lawnmower that wouldn't start. I almost didn't listen to my friend. But, it worked and that's all that matters. Not to mention the money I saved by not buying a new lawnmower.

The Homeless Man in the Park

Monday through Friday, I take my one year old beagle, Ralph, for an early morning walk. If I forget, he will remind me. He will go get his leash and bring it to me. He is that smart. And, to be totally honest, I look forward to our early morning walks too. On Saturday mornings, however, we go for a walk at a nearby park. Lots of activity going on during Saturdays such as youth baseball, soccer, volleyball and people just walking for their heath. There is a paved walkway about a mile around. So, after two or three trips around this thing, people are usually had their exercise for the day.

But, since there is usually so much activity on Saturday, Ralph and I get up especially early (about 6:30AM) and go for our walk. Ralph insists on two trips around the park. I don't mind it because it does me good also. I tried jogging for a while last year. But, it just took too much out of me. So, I do my treadmill routine and go walking with Ralph.

Ralph is not your usual beagle. Most beagles are generally friendly toward people. Ralph is not that way. He has even snapped at people in my neighborhood who have tried to pet him. So, for that reason alone, I urge people not to try and pet Ralph. I've scolded him about it. But, Ralph is just Ralph. He's not likely to change. We had just made our second trip around the park when I decided to sit on one of the park benches to rest. Ralph needed to rest too since his tongue was hanging out and he was panting pretty good. I let him have some water. As Ralph was lapping up his water, I noticed a homeless man pushing his cart across the park with what few possessions he had in the world, I suppose. I've always had great empathy for the homeless. But, for the grace of God, there go I is my feeling about that. The homeless gentleman noticed Ralph and I on the bench and started making his way over to us. I suspected he wanted some change for breakfast or whatever he needed for Saturday morning.

So, as he was coming our way, I got out my wallet and I was going to give him a couple of dollars. He came over, said hi and asked me if I could do him a favor. I immediately thought about the money and started to hand it to him. He shook his head and told me to keep my money. It wasn't money he wanted. Now, I'm starting to get a little alarmed. He said, "I just wanted to know if I could pet your beagle." I started to tell him that would not be a good idea when he suddenly squatted down and started petting Ralph. Unbelievably to me, Ralph started wagging his tail and licked the man's hand. It was a double shock to me. He stated he had a beagle like Ralph one time when he was a small boy in California. And seeing Ralph brought back memories. He thanked me and went on his way out of the park.

So, what is the point of this blog entry today? Maybe there isn't one. But, if there is a point, I would say it was me being ashamed of myself for making a quick assumption about the man. But, more importantly, maybe for just a moment, this man wanted to feel some normalcy in his life again. If that was the case, then I'm glad Ralph and I were there for him.

Susan Roesgen: "CNN Reporter"

What has happened to CNN? They have never been known for their objectivity, politically speaking. But, in the last 2 or 3 years, they have gone off the deep end in their "reporting." Case in point, Susan Roesgen's performance at the Chicago Tea Party. She was there ostensibly to do her job; report the news. Instead, Susan Roesgen became PART of the news.

I have never in my life seen a news reporter try to interview someone in a crowd and then castigate his position (on taxes). She told this gentleman with the 2 year old child he could get a $400 tax credit because of that child. She then told him the home of Abraham Lincoln (Illinois) is eligible for a $50 billion dollar stimulus check. Hello Susan? Why do you think these people are protesting in the first place? They are smart enough to KNOW their taxes will go up due to the billions and now trillions of dollars the government has stolen from our grandchildren's future. So, Susan goes on a rant about the crowd being anti-government (which is grounds for indictment these days thanks to Big Sis), anti-CNN and supported by "the rightwing Fox network." Susan didn't mention anything about the leftwing network, CNN, supporting trillions of dollars in debt being laid at the feet of future generations, including the 2 year old child of the gentleman she blasted on live network coverage at CNN.

You just have to see it to believe it. I'm watched five times and am still stunned. But, in the words of James Earl Jones, "THIS IS CNN." Indeed it is.

Those Dangerous Rightwingers!!!

As you may know, the Department of Homeland Security released a very controversial intelligence assessment [article link] of veterans returning from war, those opposed to abortion, immigration, gun owners, increased taxes...ok, I was kidding about the last one. At least, it wasn't in the report. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said yesterday that she stands by the report. WOW! Civil liberties be damned! What is the ACLU position on this? The Obama administration is going after talk radio with the Fairness Doctrine. They now make no bones they want to stifle any dissent from the "rightwing conspiracy" group that Comrade Hillary spoke of over a decade ago. It would be hilarious if they weren't serious. But, they are serious. Returning war veterans are dangerous rightwingers. No mention about a profile (I thought liberals frowned on profiling) of the veterans who are a risk. (yes, I heard there was a similar report on "dangerous leftwingers...BS")

I have not heard much from Obama about this. I have to assume he stands by his Homeland Secretary. Give Obama credit; he isn't wasting any time going after Americans he deems a threat. You are either with the program...or you are an enemy. I suppose I'm an enemy also since I belong to an anti-illegal immigration group (NumbersUSA). How long before the brown shirts come knocking on my door? This is preposterous, especially the veterans who risked their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. What a slap in the face!

I think I will leave on this note...this is for those who think this is nothing more than hyperbole by a "rightwinger" enjoying this report. I present to you now, a few words from Pastor Martin Niemöller...

"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;

And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;

And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;

And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."

Tax Day - 2009

Those of you who have already sent in your income tax forms, are breathing easy today. Those of you who have procrastinated until today to do so, Uncle Sam is ready to come and take your SUV, your boat and your house if you don't send him the money due him. Of course there are a fortunate few who get a refund. Here is what I don't understand about people getting excited about a refund; IT IS YOUR MONEY. Uncle Sam isn't sending you money out of the kindness of his heart. No, he is sending money he "borrowed" from you at an amazing interest rate; 0% financing rate. Tell you what, pay your taxes late and see what kind of interest rate he socks to you. Then you will do like many people do and just spend that money during the year. I always did and then paid it at the end. If Uncle Sam would pay back that refund with interest, I'd gladly let him hold it back from me. I won't hold my breath on that one.

Anyway, in "celebration" of this day, I present this video to you. Those of the Obama cult (sorry Katy and Zach) faith, you may not want to watch this. Enjoy!

Bemidji State University - Katy and Zachary

The blogging community sometimes forgets just how widely well known we are. For example, myself and another blogger, Kathy of The Junk Drawer, are the subjects of analysis of some type of class project in a sociology (strictly a guess on my part) class at Bemidji State University in MN. They describe each blog from a "head to toe" approach. I'm not real sure of just what they are attempting to do by describing the layout of each blog, subject matter (such as page rank icons, traffic rank icons, etc.). I'm sure they have their reasons.

They both do a good job of describing the blog, the content, and myself. In fact, in response to a video I made about Christian the Lion [blog link] Zachary makes the astute observation "Dude needs a hug." I have to confess, after going back and reading what I had to say in that blog entry, Zach's comment went right over my head. Well, to that I say, thanks Zach. You aren't the gender I would allow to do that. But, it is a nice thought on your part, "dude."

I'm flattered that someone would consider this blog as part of any class project in college. I have no idea how or why they chose this blog or Kathy's blog. In fact, neither one of us were ever asked for permission to have our blogs used in this manner. If asked, I would have said yes. I just happen to think "asking" would have been the considerate thing to do. But, this "dude" is still flattered by the attention. Anyway, if you wish, you can read more of their analysis of this blog by clicking HERE No, I did not ask them for permission to have their work broadcast on this blog. I would have if they had provided a link to email them. My email link is not hard to find. They would surely know that. And, Zach and Katy, if you read this (as I suspect you will), feel free to comment on this post. I would appreciate your comments.

U.S. Navy 3 Somali Pirates 0

After tense days of failed negotiations, the U.S. Navy freed [article link] Capt. Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama. As I type this, details are fuzzy. It is not known if Capt. Phillips jumped into the water on his second attempt on his own or if somehow he was given a tip by U.S. Navy Seals to do so. In any event, 3 of the 4 pirates holding Capt. Phillips hostage were killed and a 4th was wounded. U.S. Government officials stated they were fearful of the raft floating to shore. If that were to happen, the Maersk Alabama Captain would have been held for both propaganda and a hostage payout this country would have been unwilling to pay.

Now, the U.S. must take advantage of this stunning military success and attack the source of piracy; Somalia. This is a country that is both lawless and without a functioning government. "Black Hawk Down" still haunts the psyche of Americans when it comes to this country. But, as has been stated before about pirates, "You don't go after the wasps, you attack the wasp nest." Obama must lay down the law to the UN in stating clearly our merchant mariners will be given training and weapons to defend themselves on the high seas. I hope Obama will ignore whatever law the UN has enacted that does not give merchant mariners the right to carry weapons aboard. This is a tragedy just waiting to happen. I would like to think this incident would give the Somali pirates reason to pause and consider. But, the rewards are too great and the targets are too easy. The Somali piracy on the open seas will continue until they pay a heavy price.

In Loving Memory...

Tomorrow, April 11th, is the 11th anniversary of my mother's death. She passed away in a hospice facility on April 11, 1998. If I remember correctly, it was the day before Easter. Just as tomorrow will be. She was diagnosed with uterine cancer on February 17th and died about seven weeks later.

Mama was a shy person. She was very humble and kind. There is a lot I want to say about her. But, I'm saving it for a possible book I plan to write on her someday. She was the greatest hero I've ever known. She took all kinds of abuse from an alcoholic husband, had four kids, scrimped and saved to get us things that other kids took for granted. Mama was always there for us in the darkest of days...and I do mean the very darkest of days. Mama was brave. But, her bravery was due to the fact she had four children she intended to see get something she never had; and education. Mama knew the only way we could get our way out of the depths of the despair she experienced was through an education. I thank God for her. I hate to even think what would have become of me if she had not been around.

She took the news of her impending death in stride. She never flinched when the doctors told her she had only a 10% chance of living another six months. Mama was a devout Christian. Death had no hold on her. The only thing she worried about, you guessed it, her children who were full grown by this time. Mama was never quite the same after my little sister died in 1989. It was miraculous she lasted another nine years. I think she was holding on for us. She was the very personification of "a good mother." I will always miss her.

Utterly Disgusting

I'm sure most, if not all, that read this blog entry knows anything at all about our alleged President BOWING to Saudi King Abdullah during the G-20 summit! You know why? Because the mainstream media has either hidden it from you or put back in the obituary section of the newspaper. On the surface, I'm sure some or a majority of the Obama cult members will say this is no big deal (look at the video at the linked site). I'm sure they will say it is time for the USA to come down to earth and try to meet other countries on THEIR level. Well, it is a big deal to most Americans. Sure, as Camille Paglia (certainly no friend of conservatives or centrists) [article link] states, "...jaw-dropping spectacle of a president of the United States bowing to the king of Saudi Arabia." I know the Obama apologists will say it was a simple miscommunication of protocol by a young President. Whatever happened to the talk of "hitting the ground running?" Our president's idea of doing this is spending trillions and trillions of taxpayer dollars and throwing them at our economic problems. His answer and his Democratic cohorts idea of running this country is spending money and to hell with the consequences. It means stiffing the PM of our strongest ally, England, with DVDs that can't even be played in ENGLAND. I'm sure the Queen of England loved her gifts; an iPod for the Queen of England.

When President Obama was elected, I wanted to give him the benefit of a doubt despite my being diametrically opposed to practically everything he believed in as a politician. I can see he not only is turning away from middle America, he is turning even further left to appease the wacko leftists such as Daily Kos. Bowing down to a head of state was just another reminder that President Obama is a "not ready for prime time player" on the world stage. I didn't think anything could be worse than the U.S. Navy lowering it's flag in salute to another nation under the Clinton Administration. But, Obama (and yes, I am leaving out the title "President" on purpose) has dragged America down to an even lower level in the eyes of our enemies. Don't think for one minute al qaeda, Venezuela, North Korea, Russia, et al, have not taken note of our having a "weak" president. If history has shown us anything, it teaches us we will be attacked when we are perceived as being weak. The President of the United States of America doesn't bow down to any damn body! He is not representing himself at these summits. He is representing the people who make this country great; the American People. Obama seems to have not figured that out yet.

Jerry the Daschund

I used to own two little black and tan mini-Daschunds. Their names were "Heckle and Jeckle." Ironically, they were both born on September 11, 2001. They were a lot of fun and were always a source of amusement. Unfortunately, I had to give them away after my divorce. I simply had nowhere for them to live when I moved back to my hometown. I dearly miss them.

This video makes me think of them quite a bit. Daschunds are quite creative in finding ways to amuse themselves. I think you will agree after watching "Jerry the Daschund." Enjoy!

Another Epidural Shot

For the fourth time since November, I am having an epidural shot today. After going through my second back surgery in July of 2008, my back problems have come back. Actually, I have been suffering since around Thanksgiving of last year. I'm extremely upset about the lack of success with my back surgery. I thought I could get some peace for at least a year or more after surgery. The back surgery has proven to provide me with very little relief. I had an MRI in January. The results were negative. My doctor cannot locate any possible source of the pain, other than scar tissue that "might" be pressing against the sciatica nerve.

I admit my doctor told me before my surgery, of last year, there was about a 70-75% chance the surgery would be a success. He even explained to me that the medical field is not the exact science that so many patients intensely want to believe. I had heard this all before. But, I still held out hope this surgery would do the trick. I have no intention of going through another surgery. This is especially true since the doctor cannot locate the source of pain on an MRI film. Exploratory surgery is simply out of the question. The good news is that I don't have a ruptured or herniated disc. The bad news is that the pain in the lower-left side of my back has returned and is down my leg, all the way to my foot.

I'm not sure what the answer is going to be with my medical condition. I'm just extremely upset as I type this. The epidural shots, if they work at all, provide relief for only about two days. I think it's possible I will get a second opinion also. Right now, I have to get ready to go to the hospital. Wish me luck. Prayers would be appreciated also.

David's Musings: 1st Anniversary!

One year ago today, I started this little blog. Honestly, I didn't have a clue as to how or what I was going to do with this thing. I had only heard of "blogging" from a friend. The first time I heard the term, I thought it was some form of exercise that involved jogging! My first post...I have gone back and read it at least twice. Each time I am amazed how clueless I seemed in that very first post. But, it's all a learning process. One year ago I thought SEO was something that served on a board of directors or something. Backlinks? I thought that had something to do with golf practice. You can stop laughing now.

I have made almost 300 posts in this one year of blogging. I was posting sometimes three times a day when I first started out. The first three months, I posted every single day! I know there are people who, even after blogging for years, still post every day. I just can't do that. In fact, I try to limit myself to Monday-Friday. This is a rare weekend post for me. Today is a rare exception due to this blogs anniversary.

I've met a lot of different and interesting people. Shared lots of information with them and a few, I have made into friends (or as close to being friends as you can with this medium). One of the things I discovered, after I started this blog, is how much I enjoy "writing." In fact, I started another blog, "Diary: Alone on Earth" as a result of the satisfaction I derived from this blog. As I said, I've met lots of nice people here. Of course, with the good, you also have the bad. There have been some I have dealt with who were absolute jerks. I remember my grandfather telling me once, "Son, there are people who have jobs in this life. Some are lawyers, some are doctors and some are jerks. The latter job is the one that some people do with great satisfaction and joy." Grandpa, you were right as usual.

In celebration of this day, I am going to post a link to my personal favorite post of this past year. It only got one comment. But, it is really personal to me and I did get about a dozen email from people who don't like to post comments for one reason or another. You can read that post by clicking HERE.

I look forward to the next year with great anticipation and interest. Thanks to all who have participated here in the past year. Thanks to all who will participate in the future.

Pistachio Salmonella Scare

I love pistachios. I always have. In fact, I usually eat a couple of $.99 bags a week. I have always preferred the pistachios with the red dye. But, you can't find those any longer, or I can't find them. I love pistachio ice cream, cake...whatever. I just love pistachios.

It was with a bit of shock when I read Wednesday [article link] that there was a nationwide recall of 2 million pounds of pistachios! I was shocked. Kraft Food Inc., found some pistachios tainted in a processing plant in central California. They then contacted the FDA with their findings. I hate to imagine what would have happened if those pistachios had not been tested. People all over the nation would be getting sick.

As I said, I was shocked by the news of salmonella tainted pistachios. It was even more of a shock to me since I was eating a bag of pistachios as I was reading the story. As much as I love pistachios, I wanted no part of salmonella. I threw the bag away. Now, I'm waiting to see if I have any symptoms. But, thus far, I haven't been sick and there are no reported illnesses from the tainted pistachios. I might just give that treat up for a while.

G20 Summit Protesters

I've never been quite able to figure these G20 "protesters" out. It seems they protest at every G20 Summit, regardless of country. Now they are protesting in London [article link] They protest, supposedly, everything from Capitalism, homelessness, "climate change aka global warming, anti-war, anti-nuclear power...every leftist whack job you can think of is there to protest. So, here is my question; do these people have jobs? If they do, how are they able to talk their employers into letting them prance off to London to protest their hearts out? Most likely, they do not have jobs. I'm sure a large portion of these "protesters" are jobless. So, the question begs, how are they able to afford the plane tickets, the hotel rooms, food to eat while they are "protesting?"

I'm of the opinion there are those wealthy leftists, such as George Soros, who bankroll these people. Which, in my opinion, makes these people "professional protesters." If they are professionals, one has to consider if they are really there supporting their beliefs or those of their benefactor(s). And just how ardent is their support to their core issue? The large majority are anti-Capitalists. That is a bit odd when you consider that George Soros has made off like bandit in the "former" Capitalist society in the USA.

Personally, I think these protesters are there at the behest of people such as George Soros, possibly even Al Gore and others. They are probably clueless in whatever issue they allege to be protesting. Get them in a debate and have them debate the merits or sins of Capitalism, as to whether "climate change aka global warming" is man-made. I'd really like to see just one journalist investigate these people and see where they come from, what background they have, and delve into how these people are able to make it to every G20 Summit. Just one journalist with a spine. Is that asking too much? I think not. I think the answers would be surprising. And enlightening as to their real motivation.

Shakespeare - St. Crispin's Day Speech

There are speeches that make you just want to jump up and shout. This speech from Shakespeare's "Henry V" is one such speech. I have loved this speech from the first time I read it as a schoolboy in the 8th grade. We were going to do this play for our project in my English-Literature class. I desperately wanted to be the one to give the speech. Twas not to be, unfortunately. This was before the Battle of Agincourt,
25 October 1415. The outcome of the battle was very much in doubt for the greatly outnumbered English forces. It is one of the greatest speeches in the world. Here now is William Shakespeare Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3. A masterpiece.