Mickey D And The Forgotten OJ

Apparently, Raibin Raof Osman [article link] is a man who doesn't like to be cheated out of his morning OJ. On Memorial Day, Mr. Osman ordered breakfast at a McDonald's in Oregon. The servers at the drive-thru forgot his orange juice. To make matters worse, the servers began laughing at the poor command his brother had of the English language. Osman thought that was very rude. That was simply the last straw for Osman. So, what did he do? Why what anyone would do in such a situation; he dialed 9-1-1 and complained!

Unfortunately for Mr. Osman, that is a misdemeanor and he was arrested as a result for improper use of the 911 emergency service. He wasn't as innocent as he pretended. He refused to listen to sheriff's deputies when they told him 911 is not used for reporting rude behavior. He and his comrades also blocked the drive-thru lane. So, he is going to get some quality time in the county lockup to understand you don't call 911 when someone makes you angry. And it certainly wasn't a "freedom of speech" issue as Osman complained. He could wind up getting a $2500 fine or six months in jail...or both.

If One More Person...

...asks me if I want to sell my truck, I think I am going to scream. The truck has not now or has it ever been up for sale. I get this question 2 or 3 times a month. Sometimes more than that. Just Tuesday morning, for example, I was pumping gas in my much desired '95 Nissan Truck when a guy comes over to me and asked that question. I asked him if there was any particular reason that he would think my truck was for sale. He said, "No, nothing in particular. But, I have been wanting that Nissan truck for years."

Now, I have asked around and did some research on my '95 Nissan Truck. It seems this truck has a history of being virtually trouble free. That has been my experience also. In fact, this Nissan has the same alternator, clutch, etc., since the day I bought it brand new back in September of 1995. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. I'm sure some will pipe in and say their Nissan truck was nothing but trouble. That may be so. But, you would never convince the numerous people who continually inquire about my truck. If anything, this makes me want to hold on to the truck even more. In fact, I am thinking of getting a bumper sticker made that says, "THIS TRUCK NOT FOR SALE." I'm going to see how many people ask me after I do that.

[ATTENTION RSS SUBSCRIBERS: Starting with this post, I will be issuing FULL feeds rather than the partials I have allowed before.]

Obama at Warp Factor 8!!!

Really, watch this video. It will open some eyes of those who oppose and support the President. Then tell me spending is NOT out of control.

EDIT: Well, that video was more trouble than it was worth. So, I might not put any more videos on this site. Seems blogger has problems with it.

Memorial Day Ritual

Yesterday I did my usual routine for Memorial Day. I visited the veteran's cemetery, visited the grave sites of my grandfather, uncles...all of whom were involved in wars from WWI to the Korean War. I also visited the cemetery where some friends of mine, from the Vietnam War, have eternal rest. It's just something I feel I have to do. In fact, it's the least I can do. I really wasn't up to doing it since I have been having problems with my blood pressure being up. But, I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I didn't pay tribute to these men.

Then last night I finished watching "Band of Brothers." I started watching this series on HBO on Demand Saturday. It's one of the best series ever on cable TV in my opinion. Plus, I did a lot of reflection on this day. We have a lot wrong in this country. There are things happening now with which I totally disagree. But, it is still the greatest country on earth. The freedom we take for granted was paid for in full by the men and women who gave their all so this country can remain the greatest country on earth. To those men and women, I humbly say "thank you." Sure, this post is a day late to make note of Memorial Day. But, in my opinion, every day should be Memorial Day for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless America.

Sleep Apnea

Back in the summer of 2002, I had to take a sleep study test to determine if I had sleep apnea. I was hooked up with all these wires, cables and was supposed to sleep for 8 hours with all that junk on me. I managed to sleep about 4 hours, I think. I found out after the test I did indeed have sleep apnea. I forgot how many times an hour I stopped breathing. But, I found out I was in the "moderate to severe" range. I was fitted with a CPAP and mask. At the time, that CPAP and mask cost $4800.00. I was very happy that my insurance paid 90% of it.

It took me almost a year before I was able to utilize that CPAP. I could not get used to wearing a mask with about 9PSI of air going up my nostrils every night. It was a very expensive door stop for that year. But, the terrible, terrible headaches associated with sleep apnea were getting the best of me. My ex-wife, to her everlasting credit, talked me into using that mask and CPAP for an hour a night. Then up to two hours and eventually I feel to sleep with it. It was some of the best sleep I have ever had. Prior to being diagnosed with sleep apnea, I tossed and turned all night with virtually no sleep. I was fatigued and always tired. Now, I simply can't sleep without that CPAP.

Now, it appears I have to use the CPAP even if I sit in my Lazy-Boy chair for a quick nap. I have been starting to get those sleep apnea headaches (rear and base of your head) in that easy chair. My blood pressure has gone sky high as a result. I'm posting this for two reasons. One, if you are constantly tired and irritable, always waking up at night, you might want to check with your primary care doctor and schedule a sleep apnea test. And, finally, if you have sleep apnea and want to sleep in the easy chair, put on your mask and turn on the CPAP. My BP was at near stroke levels yesterday as I was at the emergency room at the hospital. I could not understand why I was getting those sleep apnea headaches. But, it was due to falling to sleep in my easy chair. I'll just have to accept I can't sleep anywhere without that CPAP.

The Nursing Home

It was with great sadness I learned late Thursday my only surviving uncle (I'll refer to him as "Uncle Bob") was assigned to a state nursing home. He had stayed at his own home with Life Alert for several years until that was no longer an option. Then his children could no longer keep him at their house any longer. He had fallen several months ago and hurt himself. He accidentally set a toaster on fire in April. And, as with many his age (84), he has to wear adult diapers. Uncle Bob told me around Christmas he would rather die at home than go to a nursing home to die. He referred to the nursing home as a "death house." I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to say because he is right. A nursing home is where children leave their elderly parents because they either no longer can or, in some cases, even want to care for them.

I'm going to go out to the nursing home to visit Uncle Bob today, once I have confirmation he has been settled into a room. My understanding is that he will have to share the room with someone. I know that isn't going to work out. It doesn't seem fitting that a man who survived the invasion of Normandy, in WWII, has to go out this way. I think the same can be said of anyone, not just those who served so gallantly in defense of this nation. I know I will be there someday. Like Uncle Bob, I would rather die at home with my faithful companion, my beagle, Ralph, at my side. But, I know I won't have that choice. Apparently, neither does Uncle Bob.

Gas Prices on the Rise...Again

In my area, on the gulf coast, gas prices have risen from $1.83 of about two weeks ago, to $2.24 today. That is one helluva rise. And, I see nothing in the Middle East to warrant this kind of a rise in fuel prices. If they say this is due to "summer coming up," then the price increase is contrived. That is it, plain and simple. If a Middle East Sheik burps, that usually means about ten-cent a gallon increase. If a tropical storm even makes a slight northward jump toward the Gulf of Mexico, gas will go up about $.25/gallon. There is simply no excuse for this now. Tuesday's news [article link] that oil prices had hit a six month high of over $60/barrel is incredulous. For what reason? The article says because of a "recovering economy." Really? On what planet??? There certainly is no economic recovery on the Planet Earth. Is this all to prepare us for $5/gallon gas again this summer?

I'm not paying it. I'll start riding my bicycle again just as I did last year. Sure, there are cases you absolutely have to use your car. But, for short trips, I'll either walk or ride that bicycle. To hell with five bucks a gallon gas.

About 12 More Days

It will be June 1st in less than two weeks. Why is that significant? For most of America it is an insignificant date. But, for those living on the coastline in the southeast part of this country, it means one thing; hurricane season is upon us once again. I say every year this is my last year living on the gulf coast. But, I'm still here. We don't really get nervous until late July or early August. That is when the gulf is getting very warm. A small tropical storm can reach Cat 4 status in a hurry in warm gulf waters in August. The video below is when Hurricane Katrina was passing over Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The two idiots in this video display what you should NOT ever do in a hurricane. A piece of wood the size of a 12 inch ruler would embed itself quite easily in either of those two men. Sometimes I wonder if we truly are the intelligent species on earth.

A Situation Which Bears Watching

The battle between Pakistan and the Taliban [article link] is a crisis that is not getting much play in the news media. But, if the Taliban are able to overthrow the Pakistani government, everyone in the west will become mortified of what could happen. Just a few weeks ago, the Taliban and the Pakistani government reached a "peace agreement" which was widely criticized by nations around the world. You can never reach peace accords with fanatical zealots. No sooner was the ink dry on this so-called peace agreement, the Taliban immediately struck into Pakistan within 60 miles of the Capital city of Islamabad. The Pakistanis quickly learned the Taliban cannot be trusted.

According to the Time Magazine article linked above, the Pakistan Army is making headway in their fight to clear the Taliban in the Swat Valley region of their country. In fact, the Pakistan Army is doing so well, the Taliban insurgents have shaved their beards and melted into the civilian population. They are not only liars, but cowards as well. Most of the Pakistan citizens are supporting the fight against the Taliban and all they represent in the way of flogging women, beheading people and burning down schools. The Taliban does not only have to be stopped, they have to be killed...all of them.

The grave danger to the west and the world at large is the Taliban toppling a country with nuclear weaponry capability. That is the main objective of the Taliban. I have to believe President Obama has a plan in place to counter that possibility. In fact, if the Pakistani government were to collapse, I think you would see an invasion by virtually every western nation on the planet. The Taliban and their ally, Al-Qaeda, want nothing more than a nuclear bomb to force their brand of religious fanaticism on the world. This is why I say this is a situation which bears watching. A nuclear Taliban and Al-Qaeda would have devastating consequences for the entire world.

A Typical Sunday

Sunday's are usually a day of peace, quiet time and reflection in my life. I look forward to them as much, if not more, than I do Saturdays. I usually mow the lawn at my home (and the subsequent rain that always brings) or washing my car or truck (ditto the rain). If not those two chores, something around the house always needs something done to it. My beagle, Ralph, likes this opportunity with me mowing the lawn so he can bark incessantly at the lawnmower. To him, that lawnmower is a menace that must be stopped at all cost! And barking at it for an hour is the only way for him to accomplish that mission. So, after some rest, I will usually eat something, give Ralph something to eat. Then, I will either wash the truck or my Honda Civic. Yesterday it was the truck's turn to get the water hose. For some odd reason, Ralph will not bark if I wash the truck. But, let me turn the hose loose on that Honda and he goes berserk! I'm not sure why Ralph doesn't bark when I wash the truck. Maybe it's because I take him riding in that truck quite a bit. I will not let him in the Honda. So, I guess he figures the Honda is fair game.

After those morning and early afternoon chores, I go visit friends or family. Sometimes I bring Ralph if he has been behaving himself that week. As it turned out, Ralph has been a good boy lately...or as good a boy as Ralph can be. After our visits, we head home in the little red truck, with Ralph hanging his head out the window barking at everything and everyone. And by the time we got home...of course, the rain came. Mowing the lawn and washing a vehicle will make the rain clouds appear almost every time. A perfect ending to a typical Sunday at my house or I should say...my and Ralph's house.

Twitter is Everywhere!

Astronaut Mike Massimino [article link] has sent the very first Twitter message from space. Astronaut Massimino is aboard the space shuttle Atlantis to do service work on the old but incredibly useful Hubble Telescope. He sent the first "tweet" to his "followers." Massimino has been updating his followers in their day to day life as an astronaut. Unfortunately, when he goes on space walks, he will not be able to send any "tweets" for two reasons; there is no device certified for space walks and he will be far too busy with the Hubble.

I made a post last week [post link] about how Twitter is just over taking MySpace, Face Book and other social networks. I have been a memeber for a number of months. But, it has only been in the past two or three weeks that I have really gotten involved with it. I am addicted to it now. It is so easy to communicate with people with this network even with the 140 character limit. That doesn't sound like much. But, you'll be amazed how much you can say in just that 140 characters. That 140 character limit was the main reason I wasn't interested in Twitter...at first. Twitter has got to be the most popular site on the internet right now. But, you can tell they are experiencing growing pains. Several times last week it was almost impossible to access Twitter. Now, they are having daily down times for maintenance. I'm not sure how they stay afloat without advertising (and that has to come eventually). But, overall, this is one of the most productive networking sites I've been to on the internet. I'm sure Astronaut Mike Massimino would agree.

Waffle House: Grits, Toast, Sausage and...A Gun

In Clarendon County, SC, a waitress went a little overboard [article link] in dealing with a customer's complaint. Crystal Samuel came to the Waffle House and wanted the All Star Breakfast. Crystal did not get the All Star breakfast that she had ordered. She became angry about that. However, the waitress, Yakeisha Ward, told Samuel and her companions they would have to leave the restaurant since they were all eating out of "to go boxes," which apparently was not allowed. By this time, Samuel who was already incensed that she didn't get her All Star Breakfast, threw a waffle at the waitress, Yakeisha Ward. The altercation continued outside when the waitress decided she had all she was going to take. Ward went to her car, got her gun and knocked Samuel upside the head with the gun. During the struggle, the gun went off and shrapnel from the bullet struck the customer, Crystal Samuel, in the arm. Waitress Yakeisha Ward was arrested. When asked about the Waffle House incident, cutomer Crystal Samuel replied "Bad customer service." Well, I guess so.

I wish I could say this surprised me. But, having ate at the Waffle House a number of times, I can't say that it surprises me. I have so many stories about Waffle House until I think I should write a book. Probably one of the shortest and funniest stories was when I got off work early (working 10PM-6AM shift) and went to the Waffle House for breakfast. This was about 3AM. I knew this was a bad time to be in the Waffle House. But, for the most part, the people there seemed "normal." Just as that thought went through my mind, the door opened and in came a drunk. The man had thrown up all over himself, and had the strong smell of alcohol. He stumbled and fell down twice before finally making it to one of the stools. He then pulled out a flask and took a swig. I was thinking he was going to be thrown out. The waitress walks over to him and with a smile says, "And what can I get for you this morning, honey?" Everyone in there broke down laughing. I guess that was status quo for that particular Waffle House.

Three Lab Puppies

I just love Labs. They are the most friendly dogs you could ever come across. Lab puppies are a special treat. My ex-wife and I found two yellow lab puppies abandoned by the mother near a road about five years ago. They were going to get run over if we had not stopped to rescue them. We already had two mini dachshunds and they were all we could handle. So, we kept the Labs until we could find someone who would give them a good home and take care of them. One thing about Labs...they don't stay small for very long. The two we had were small for about a week, I think. They were a lot of fun, as I'm sure the three Labs in the video are also. Enjoy!

President Obama Laughing at Limbaugh's Death?

At a White House Correspondents' Dinner last week, one of the speakers was comedienne Wanda Sykes. She was making some gentle jokes about how the press corp never was able to catch the President smoking. But, somehow, they were always able to catch him at the beach. What caught everyone's attention were the jabs at universally hated by the left, Rush Limbaugh. Wanda Sykes said, "...you might want to look into this, sir, because I think Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker." She then continued with "Rush Limbaugh, I hope the country fails, I hope his kidneys fail, how about that?

I know those on the left are going to say it was all a joke. Funny how the left accuses right-wingers such as Rush Limbaugh of hate. Yet, the vitriol from the left is far worse if you think wishing death upon someone because of his or her political views is just cause. But, even more surprising was the reaction of the President of the United States. Obama laughed and smiled when Wanda Sykes made the "joke." What could he have done? He could have spoken up and said (when it was his turn at the dais), "It is well known I completely disagree with Rush Limbaugh on practically everything politically speaking. His wish that I have a failed presidency says more about the man than I ever could. However, I must part company when someone says they wish death upon the man. I do not condone that remark by Wanda and I hope she didn't really mean it. In fact, I'm sure she didn't." That is what a man of President Obama's stature should have said. But, he didn't say a word. There was only a feeble announcement from the White House Press Secretary that any joke about a 20th hijacker was inappropriate. Nothing said about a wish for Rush Limbaugh's kidneys to fail.

I wish I could say I'm surprised. But, I'm not. And this is the president that wants to bridge the gap and bring people together?

Reflections on Mother's Day

Yesterday was another reminder of how much my mother meant to me. She passed away in 1998. Yet, it still hurts and I suppose it always will. It hurt to see all the number of people taking their mothers to dinner. I felt like telling every one of them to treasure these moments. I wish someone would have told me that while my mother was still alive. I took Mother's Day for granted while Mama was alive because I never even thought about her dying one day. But, that day did come and go. I also realize that those I saw taking their mothers to dinner will one day not have her around on Mother's Day. Like I did, they probably are not thinking about that while their mother is alive. I don't blame them. It's easy to take someone for granted that has always been there for you. I know you shouldn't. But, it's just human nature to do so, I believe.

Yesterday, I took flowers out to my mother's gravesite, as well to my little sister's gravesite. She was killed in an accident at home in 1989. She had been married for just six months and was only 25 years old. She never had a chance to become a mother. I know Mama would have wanted us to lay flowers at her gravesite also. And we did. As I laid the flowers down by both sites (they are buried side by side), I noticed all the many, many other people who were paying respects to their mothers yesterday. It was sad seeing that. I don't agree that "misery loves company." I don't like seeing other people suffer. But, I knew, at least, I was not alone on that day. Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant once said on a BellSouth commercial, "Have you called your Mama today? I sure wish I could call mine." So do I, coach, so do I.

Free "Oprah" KFC Chicken

I guess I've been living in a cave for the past few days. I had heard nothing about this free KFC meal [article link] until yesterday when I went to KFC to buy some of their new grilled chicken. I was asked by the driveup server if I had the coupons. Puzzled, I told her I don't have any coupons. Confused now, I asked the driveup server what she was talking about. She was amazed I didn't know anything about it. She told me how Oprah, the mega billionaire celebrity, had downloadable KFC coupons from her web site for 24 hours, starting Tuesday. I told her I didn't feel like going back home to download coupons for a free meal, courtesy of a multi-billionaire like Oprah. So, I told her to just give me the grilled chicken and let me pay for it. She acted like I had just rained on her parade.

I was surprised how busy KFC was at that time of the morning (11AM). When I go to eat lunch, I like to go no later than 11AM to beat the crowds. But, KFC was packed and people waiting in line for the doors to open. That startled me, but I still had no idea what was going on with KFC. It's amazing what people will do when someone says "free." I'm sure Oprah's intentions were good since grilled chicken is low in fat and calories. But, I think it was more of a publicity stunt than anything else. If that was the case, she succeeded overwhelmingly.

Homeowners Insurance Premiums

Living here on the gulf coast aka Hurricane Ally, one has to expect high homeowners insurance due to the number of hurricanes since 2004 starting with Hurricane Ivan and the following year disasters of Katrina and company. Some people sold their homes because they could not afford the high cost of Homeowners insurance. In some cases, State Farm, Allstate and other insurers have stopped writing policies to people who live within a certain range of the gulf waters.

When I bought my home, in June of 2005, my annual insurance premium was slightly over $800.00. I got my latest declarations page a couple of weeks ago to find out my annual premium had gone up to the staggering amount of $2500. I just couldn't take anymore. I wasn't optimistic of finding anything lower in these difficult times. But, I checked around anyway. Long story short, I found a nationally respected insurance company that offered me the same level of insurance at just slightly less than half of that $2500 annual premium of my (then) homeowners insurer. I jumped on that offer with both feet.

So, then I tried to call the national toll free line to cancel my homeowners policy. I got the "all our customer representatives are busy at present. Your call is very important to us. Please hold on to the line and someone will assist you shortly." After 15 minutes of holding, I quit. So, I did the one thing I dreaded; I called my insurance agent to give her the bad news. I remembered her reaction two years ago when I canceled my car and truck insurance with her company. She took it personally. I expected her to do the same thing time. And, of course, she did not disappoint me. She said I should have let her know that I needed to get my premium down and she would work with me. I asked her just how much could she bring my annual premium down from the $2500 annual premium. She said, "Oh, I'm sure I could get it down perhaps $200, maybe $250. I told her I had gotten insurance that was almost $1200 less than the $2500 her insurance company was charging me. Then she went on about how her company offers so much more for the money, blah, blah. I then asked her one simple question; "If you had a chance to save $1200 on your homeowners insurance, wouldn't you take it?" She told me she had to go and hung up.

Well, regardless, I found out that even in these difficult economic times, you can find deals to save yourself money. You just have to be patient and keep trying. Every dollar you can save counts. I daresay even insurance agents will jump at the chance to save a couple of dollars. Or, in my cast, about $1200.

Kentucky Derby Replay

Mine That Bird, in one of the monumental upsets in horse racing and, perhaps, sports history, won the Kentucky Derby Saturday. Mine That Bird was a 50-1 shot to win. Mine That Bird started out in dead last and made its way up past the leaders and won by almost 7 lengths! Unbelieveable! I don't really watch horse racing until the Triple Crown starts up. But, even I was shocked by what I saw Saturday. "I Want Revenge" was the Kentucky Derby favorite. Unfortunately, that horse was scratched from the race due to an inflammation to the left front ankle. I Want Revenge was a 3-1 favorite to win the race. However, I don't think even a super horse like I Want Revenge could have overtaken Mine That Bird. What a great race! Is this the year of the underdog? First Susan Boyle and now Mine That Bird? Could be! Enjoy the video.

Newspapers: No Bailout Money

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs stated yesterday [article link] that there would be no bailout to many of the ailing major newspapers. Gibbs stated it would a "bit of a tricky area to get into." Funny...I don't recall any worries about getting so heavily involved in the Big Three automakers bailout. Like the newspapers, the Big Three are suffering from new technology that makes American made cars virtually worthless these days. Anyway, the Boston Globe, for example, is not expected to last the month of May. That bastion of liberalism, the New York Times, had to get a "bailout" from a multi-billionaire. They are still making cuts to their news staff.

With the advent of the internet taking over such a big facet of our everyday lives, it is little wonder the newspaper business is going the way of the dinosaur. Here you can get your news instantly or within a couple of minutes. Newspapers had to deal with radio and TV for many years insofar as instant news. But, once the internet took off in the mid-ninties, that was the death knell for the newspaper industry. Who wants to read about news that is already a day old? In fact, I can get news, weather and sports (the big staple of newspapers) right from my cell phone. Having said all this, I still get my daily newspaper. Mostly for nostalgic reasons, I suppose. I believe the small town newspapers, such as the one here in Mobile, AL, aren't going to go away any time soon due to a mostly urban area it covers, I believe. The New York Times, USA Today and other national newspapers just aren't going to survive with their present overhead. And maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe the NYT will stick to what they were supposed to do; report the news and not make the news.

I imagine someday something else will make the internet and maybe even cell phones useless. I doubt I will live to see that day. But, it's all about the ever changing face of today's technology. You have to adapt or you go out of business. Newspapers are in their last throes of being a viable business. Who is next? I suspect the U.S. Postal Service is next on the chopping block...some day.

Twitter: A New Toy

I'm not sure how many people are aware of the new social network called Twitter. If you have not heard of Twitter, you must not keep up with the news. Twitter seems to be all the rage these days. I signed up about three months ago...and then just ignored it. But, for the last month, I have actively engaged in this new toy on the internet. I guess you could say I'm becoming addicted to it. Click my username "korsondo" if you wish to add me as a follower. If you do, I will follow right back. The only thing I find lacking is that you can't link but one site or blog you own. Other than that, I think it's great.

Twitter boils down to just basically one question; what are you doing? A lot of people answer that question in the 140 characters you are allowed in one message. But, a lot of people engage in networking, whether it be business, social or whatever. I have been discussing both blogs that I have right now. I have seen my visitor list grow as a result in both blogs. The RSS feed, especially on this blog, has grown substantially. Last week I went from 57 readers to 73 readers over night. It has backed off some since last week. But, I was stunned by that. I have also met a lot of people who share my love for writing there. That is what attracts me most to Twitter.

I enjoy it. I have met lots of people, including some from right here in my hometown. If you are not a member, you might want to give it a try. I'm definitely hooked on it.

Couple of Thoughts for Friday

Do you get the feeling the news media is completely over blowing this Swine flu thing? On every news channel there are dire outlooks on what COULD happen. Thus far, in the USA, we have had one fatality, as tragic as that is. A two year old child from Mexico was brought to get help in Houston. But, it was too late. We were even told that there have been 150 deaths in Mexico, only to discover they can only trace 9 deaths to the Swine flu thus far. I've seen this before with the Honk Kong flu back in '68. People were upset. But, we weren't going nuts about it. I think a lot of the hysteria is being whipped up due to a combination of two things; inexperienced, hyperbolic government officials and 24 hour news channels. There is a time to get upset and nervous. It's time to be cautious. VP Joe Biden advised people [article link] not to ride subways and planes. Then Joe "Foot in Mouth" Biden had to retract this statement a couple of hours later. What was Obama thinking when he tagged this guy for his VP?

In some ways Fiat buying out [article link] the Chrysler Corporation is a bit ironic for me. I lived in Naples, Italy (while serving in the U.S. Navy) for three years. I bought a well used Fiat 500. It had an engine slightly bigger than a push lawnmower. It seated three people quite uncomfortably. And had a top speed of about 60MPH...downhill. I used to laugh at Fiat when I was young. I thought how inferior their car was to the behemoths out of Detroit. But, now, the joke is on me. I never envisioned Fiat taking over a well established car company like Chrysler. The mere idea back in 1972 would have had me laughing. But, it seems the Big Three Automakers never learned from the numerous complaints about American made cars. The Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, Chrysler (Dodge) Neon were all nightmares for consumers. Now, the nightmare that Chrysler never envisioned is taking place with an Italian automaker. I may buy a Fiat 500 (if they still make them and sell them here). If for no other reason than for nostalgia. And to remind myself he who laughs last, laughs best.