Nature Wednesday

For Nature Wednesday, something I feel is appropriate with springtime here; tornadoes. One is a pic of twin water spouts, a tornado with lightning and a tornado with a very foolish young woman standing by.

Xomba

While Xomba may not be new to most, it is new to me. It is another way for people to make money with Adsense. I have not been real keen with Adsense since I feel it is just another way for Google to make money (like they need it). But, the best thing about Xomba is a way to interact with people and to share articles that you like to write about. I have been using some old posts from this blog. I have also posted a couple of stories I wrote on Xomba. Basically, you can post articles that you write (no plagiarism...that will get you banned) and/or interesting bookmarks. It's up to you. I do not believe there is a limit to how many article and bookmarks you can post a day. I could be wrong on that.

As for the money; well, that takes a while according to all I have read. You can use Adsense and Amazon Affiliate program as well. You need to post consistently, i.e. every day if possible. I am going to try it for three months to see if it's worth continuing. I enjoy both writing and money. So, it's a good match for me. If you wish to check this out, click (my referral link) HERE.

NY Yankees Payroll

According to this article, the New York Yankees have the highest paid players in a team sport in the world. The average salary for the Yankees is about $7 million dollars a year. Just think about that for a moment. Forget the guys that have to play every day. What about the guys sitting in the bullpen or chewing tobacco on the bench? Those guys are making about $7 mill sitting on their butt! Where do I sign up???

Seriously, I understand the Yankees, being one of the richest teams in sports, are able to do this. I guess it all comes back to my remembering when $1 million/yearly was astronomical. That was a salary reserved for only the best players. Free Agency opened this whole salary escalation thing up with Curt Flood filing suit and winning. Then the whole can of worms was opened up. I don't think Curt Flood ever made the big bucks after he won his lawsuit. He seems to be the forgotten man among Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, et al. Eventually, salaries will reach a tipping point where the product on the field doesn't justify the money. We aren't there yet. BTW, I am a lifelong NY Yankees fan. So, this isn't a bash the Yankees post.

RIP Gucci

In 1994, a group of thugs grabbed a 3-month old mixed breed stray dog (about 3 months old at the time) hung him by the neck, tortured and set the dog afire. Outrage swept the entire Mobile (AL) County area. People from around the world called inquiring about his health. At first, Veterinarians didn't give "Gucci" (as he was later named) much of a chance for survival. But, Gucci surprised them all by living almost to his 16th birday. He would have been 16 Saturday if he had lived. Gucci was put to sleep Wednesday [article link].

Apparently, his health had declined in the last couple of years. The decision was made by the owner that he be put to sleep to end his suffering. Gucci suffered enough for ten dogs in his lifetime. Gucci's torture led to the Alabama Legislature passing the Pet Protection Act, known as the Gucci Law, in the dog's honor. I don't remember what happened to the punks that tortured this dog. But, whatever it was, it wasn't enough.

Gender Bias

I've never been the type that has gotten into political correctness. I'll still call a dog "Man's best friend" instead of a "person's best friend." I will still say "salesman" instead of "salesperson." I just don't care what people think about what I say or do. Always been that way, always will be that way. I have always been skeptical about whenever people start screaming "bias." I have found in my life that when someone says that, it is usually true about half the time. If there is clear bias against someone, then that gets my "dander up." I don't like it and don't give a damn who knows it.

This past Saturday, I took my little 4 year old niece to the park. There were all kinds of things going on, Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and all kinds of contests for kids 5 and under. One contest was to see how far the 5 and under class could hit a whiffle ball set on a "T" (think of T-Ball and you get the picture). So, I asked my niece if she would like to compete. She said she had never swung a bat before. They had an area where you could let the kids practice hitting before the contest. So, we went there and I taught her as best I could. The bats were hard plastic and kids were hitting the ball off the T. After about 15 minutes, she got enough agility to where I felt she would be able to be decent at swinging the bat. So, I went to register her and to pay the $5.00 fee to enter. Before I paid, I asked what were the prizes. This big, heavyset guy said First Prize for the boys was 4 foot tall teddy bear. 2nd and 3rd place prizes got certificates at their choice of three different fast food restaurants. I thought the fast food prizes were a problem. But, decided to ignore it.

I then asked what the girls got. "First place prize is 5 mini-frisbees, 2nd and 3rd place prize the same fast food restaurants." I couldn't understand why the boys got such a nice prize and the girls didn't. I told the guy it wasn't fair that the girls got such a piss-poor first place prize and the boys got such a nice one. Well, some pretty harsh words were exchanged then. I won't go into all that. But, pretty soon, I found myself surrounded by women who also gave this oaf a piece of their mind about the disparity in prizes. Next thing you know, some park organizers got their collective heads together and were trying to head off a mini-riot that I somehow had created. I was just taking up for my niece and all the other little girls there.

Next thing I knew, they decided that the first place prize winner among the girls would win a 4 foot bear also. I got some stares that would have melted steel from the park organizers. I am not a real confrontational type of person. But, I will raise hell when I think I see an injustice taking place. It wasn't fair to the girls, and in an indirect way, it wasn't fair to the boys. I'm sure those boys had some sisters who were also indignant about the whole thing. As it turns out, my little niece failed to place in the top three. But, it was a good experience for her. It was a different kind of experience for me, the reluctant troublemaker.

Nature Wednesday

Some more nature scenes for this week. Enjoy!

And Now the Legal Battles Begin

Democrats finally received their Holy Grail on Sunday when they passed healthcare reform aka socialized medicine. It doesn't matter that the only reason this healthcare reform bill passed was due to bribes and threats. No, the only thing that mattered was passing this monstrosity on this country. It is clear that the majority of Americans do not want a European style healthcare system. The three headed dragon known as Obama-Pelosi-Reid decided they know what is best for you and I. We don't have enough sense to think for ourselves. So, in their little socialized world, they decided they know what is best.

Now, the battle begins in court [article link]. "Attorneys general in three states — Virginia, Florida and South Carolina — have indicated they will file legal challenges to the measure, on the grounds that it violates the Constitution by requiring individuals to purchase insurance" according to the linked article. The main sticking point is the individual mandate. Can the federal government mandate that its citizens buy insurance? This is almost like the old poll taxes on African-Americans so they couldn't vote. The 24th Amendment Ended the Poll Tax January 23, 1964. So, is this individual mandate constitutional? We are going to find out.

HealthCare Reform: Bribes, Threats and Payoffs

When the Fox News correspondent interviewed President Obama, he presented a question to the President from one of the thousands of emails Fox News received. The question was simply, "If this Healthcare Reform Package is so good for us, why do you have to bribe people to support it?" As expected, Obama dodged and weaved in order to not directly answer that question. Indeed, if this package is so good for Americans, why couldn't it be passed simply on it's "merits" alone? It couldn't because of the huge amount of taxes people are about to see take place in the very near future. I would have asked him why he threatened Democrats with not campaigning for them (actually, given his poll numbers, not many Democrats want him near their campaign) if they vote NO on healthcare reform. With Obama, you are either with us, or you are the "enemy."

As I type this, Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan has caved in to President Obama over the abortion issue. So far, the rumor being floated is that Stupak was "promised" an executive order by the President that no federal funds would be used to support abortion. I think it's pretty clear that Rep. Stupak got a bit more than that. I expect to see brand new four lane highways in the future for Michigan's 1st congressional district. To those that have whined and cried for the federal government to take care of them (because you obviously can't do it yourself), I hope you are happy now. Just remember the old adage, "Be careful of what you wish for..."

Obama: Hawaii Earthquake???

In what will go down as his first real interview [article link] as President, Obama squirmed and twisted every which way under heavy questioning from Fox News Bret Baier. The President said he was not concerned about the procedural maneuvers going on in Congress (or the Constitutionality one would assume). The procedure in question is the Slaughter rule which will be that the Healthcare Reform bill will be assumed to have been voted upon and passed. He reminded me quite a bit of former Congressman Eric Massa when he was on the Glen Beck show a couple of weeks back. Both gave very generalized answers to pointed questions. I expected as much from the moronic former congressman. But, not from the President of the United States. It is safe to say Obama doesn't do well without a teleprompter in front of him.

Probably the biggest blunder during this interview is when President Obama stated that the so-called Louisiana Purchase will help with the earthquake in Hawaii. Huh? I remember a possible tsunami a few weeks back. But, not a damn earthquake. Maybe he meant Haiti. But, as Glen Beck noted, "Haiti isn't one of the 57 states." Imagine if a Republican had made a blunder like that. The NY Times and the rest of the MSM would be having a field day with it. Maybe Obama is trying to catch up with the numerous gaffes of his VP, Joe Biden. He's made so many, it is unfair to name just one. But, on St. Patrick's Day he blessed the mother of Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen. "God rest her soul," Biden said. Fortunately, Mr. Cowen's mother is still alive. Dumb and Dumber?

Root Canals and Paper Clips

Ever had a root canal? They are about as much fun as having...well, a root canal. The last one I had was the worst I've ever had. I won't nauseate you with the gore. Needless to say, I will never go to that orthodontist again. I've had three over the past 10 years. So, I consider myself somewhat an expert on them. Imagine if you discovered that instead of the dentist inserting stainless steel posts, he inserted paper clips instead. You'd be upset, I would imagine.

That was the case of a "former" dentist in Fall Rivers, MA [article link] who billed Medicaid for the more expensive parts. A Grand Jury indicted the dentist for assault and battery(?), submitting false claims to Medicaid and illegally subscribing drugs. My first question was how did someone discover the dentist was using paper clips (that had to hurt)? It most likely was someone who went to another dentist who discovered the impropriety. So, I have to think...just how long did this foolish dentist think he could get away with this before another dentist discovered his chicanery? I thought you had to have reasonable intelligence to become a dentist. Maybe I was wrong. Or, at least in this case, I was wrong.

Nature Wednesday

I'm still on a baby animals kick. So, for your viewing pleasure, for Nature Wednesday, a baby hippo, baby pandas and a combination of baby animals. Enjoy!

Repost of Subway Incident

I thought I would repost one of my more popular posts from last year. True story.

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Since I'm back on my strict diet (as part of my New Year Resolutions), I eat at Subway quite a bit. Another reason I eat there is because they have improved their menu. I eat there about two or three times a week now. It's a change for me and, like I say, they have improved their menu. I went there yesterday morning for the second time this week. They always have a container next to the cash register that has a sign which says “Tips Appreciated.” Sometimes I leave a tip if the service is fast.

I got a foot long sub combo with a chips and a couple of chocolate chip cookies (ok, sometimes I have to make an allowance on my diet) and a 32 ounce drink. It came to $11.22. I gave the Subway server a $20 bill expecting $8.78 in change. Well, I got the $8.00, but she kept the $.78. Now, I've seen this before. But, not at Subway. I told the server she still owed me $.78. She said, “That is my tip.” I told her that it is up to me to 1) decide if I want to leave a tip and 2) how much that tip will be. Now, it wasn't the money at all. It was her arrogance and the principle involved. I know she doesn't make much money. But, that was all beside the point. I told her I wanted the rest of my money. She pulled open the cash drawer and threw the change up on the counter with most of it landing on the floor. I told her that if she didn't pick up the change and hand it to me, I would be reporting her to Subway. She said, “It's your money, like you said. You want it, you pick it up.” I picked up the money and went out the door. Of course, after I got home, I called Subway Public Affairs. I told the Public Relations person about what happened. She said it is customary to leave tips. But, that the server was out of line and would be reprimanded (reprimanded???). I said if it is “customary” to leave tips, why isn't it just added to the cost of the meal itself? She said then it would not be a tip. A tip is voluntary, she said. I told her it is not voluntary when your own employees are taking the money without asking the customer. That is not a “customary” practice of any business I have ever associated with in my life. She didn't have much to add to that. She just said the employee would be dealt with about this “incident.”

I won't let this keep me from going back to Subway, of course. Subway has some fine people working for them, especially this couple from India that own a Subway a bit further from my home. I will be going there from now on to get my Subway sandwich. It just seems that if there is a jerk to be found anywhere in the world, he or she will somehow walk into my life these days. I just didn't expect to walk into that jerk in a Subway Sandwich store.

New Computer

As I have said before, I do a little light maintenance on computers to make a little extra money in my area. Nothing major, stuff like getting rid of viruses, malware, replacing hard drives, graphics cards, getting internet connected (broadband), wireless internet connections, etc. That plus my writing keeps me busy. I have an old Dell XPS 200 that I bought 5 years ago. I was enthused when I first bought it. But, I soon found out it had a design fault. To put it simply, if the processor comes under any kind of load (like a virus scan), it sounds like a jet engine is taking off in your house. Or at least on the sound level of a vacuum cleaner. I inquired with Dell about this many, many times. I changed out the system fan and an updated processor. The result was the same. I decided I wasn't going to invest any more money in that thing. I also decided I was tired of the noise factor. Sure, I could have built my own computer. I looked into that. I found out I couldn't build it as cheaply as the new computer I bought two weeks ago.

The new computer is the HP E-130F. It came with 8 Gigs of memory, 1 terabyte HD, 512 Megs graphics card, Scribelight CD-W and an HD Tuner built-in. In short, it does everything I need. I am very pleased with this computer. But, there is one thing I should have checked on before I bought it. I bought the computer with the built-in tuner because I wanted to be able to record programs off my cable provider, Comcast. Unfortunately, that is not possible right now except for a few local channels. They say in the very near future we will get something called a Digital Transport Adapter (DTA) that not only will allow you to view and record programs that your HD-DVR does now, but it will carry 3000 HD channels and about 17000 movies in the ON-DEMAND lineup. I think that is unreal! Don't bother going to your cable or satellite provider and ask for a DTA. Chances are they won't know what the hell you are talking about. The local Comcast cable customer service representative didn't have a clue what we were talking about. It's a relatively new technology being beta tested right now, according to the customer rep at Comcast's toll free number.

Anyway, I highly recommend you consider this new (was released last December) HP E-130F computer if you are in the market for a new computer. I really like this thing, old geek that I am. Now, if that whole DTA thing will get into my area...

A Couple of Thoughts Before the Weekend

Is there anyone else that hasn't finished their taxes? I am a great procrastinator in any case. That is especially true on paying Uncle Sam his pound of flesh. I've got all my paperwork before me, made an account at H&R Block and I am ready to go. But, I just haven't been able to bring myself to sit down and do it. I'll say, "I'll do it tomorrow for sure." And tomorrow comes and I come up with a "legitimate" excuse not to do them. April 15th is sneaking up on us all. So, I best do the hard business of forcing myself to do these blasted taxes. Uncle Sam wants his money.

Weather is really improving on the gulf coast. We experienced one of the worst winters (for us) this January and February. Usually, even in the coldest of winters, temperatures would reach into the 50s during the day time. But, not this year. It was not uncommon for our day time temperatures to remain in the 30s or 40s for most of the day. I simply don't know how people live with temperatures in 20s for their "high" of the day. And snow...we actually got snow this year for the first time in many years. That is apparently all behind us now. We have clear skies, and in the 70s now. Spring is right around the corner.

Glenn Beck: Meltdown Tuesday

Like many people, I was interested in hearing what former NY Congressman Eric Massa had to say on the Glenn Beck Show this past Tuesday. I won't rehash all the reasons leading up to his resignation and accusations. You can find out about that by clicking HERE. It wasn't so much that I believed all his accusations of White House intimidation to vote for Healthcare Reform. I saw nothing new in that, especially from a White House that uses bribes to get people to vote their way. I wanted to see if the far right of the Republican Party had their long sought after "silver bullet" to kill off the Healthcare Vampire.

What I saw on the GB Show was a deeply disturbed man (Massa, I mean. ;->). He is a married man who lived in a townhouse with several staff members who are bachelors. Now, you may ask, what is a married man doing living with bachelors. He said it was because he couldn't afford a house for him and his family in D.C. I don't know what Congressional pay is today. But, I suspect if others can afford it, he should have been able to also. What I saw was a man trying to explain away sexual overtures to male staff members (with his wife on the scene at the GB Show), a man who stated he was simply engaged in horseplay with these male members at a NY Eve party. And it all got taken out of context. He said he was forced out of office by the White House on a radio show Sunday. Then, on Tuesday, denied he was forced out and said he forced himself out. Throughout the entire program he spoke in generalities and never got into any specifics at all. So, one has to think...why did he decide to resign now? He's known about his cancer for a while. Why leave now if the White House did not force him out (as he now says he forced himself out)? On the Larry King show, King asked him point blank if he was gay. He stated he would not answer that question because it was insulting to gays. Whatever. I thought that spoke volumes.

I think the Glenn Beck Show may have jumped the shark Tuesday. Beck had been warned not to bring Massa on his show by many conservatives such as Bill Kristol and Michelle Malkin. Beck, in his zeal to get that "silver bullet," may have done enormous damage to his credibility with conservatives. He looks more today like a media tool, the very thing he rails against on his show all the time.

Nature Wednesday

Last week, for Nature Wednesday, we had puppies. This week it is only fair we dedicate today to kittens! Enjoy!

Gas Prices Easing Back Up

There was a report yesterday [article link] that oil prices had risen to $82.00 a barrel. In the report, they state that the world economy is improving. Thus, the reason for the continued rise of oil prices and gas at the pump. What also was surprising was investors celebrating "only 36,000 jobs were lost" in February. I can't help but wonder if those 36,000 Americans who lost their jobs felt like celebrating. Anyway, the jobless rate remained at 9.7%, some 15 million unemployed Americans. This doesn't take into account the people working part-time or those that have given up searching for employment.

I noticed just yesterday that gas had risen 7 cents over the past week in my area. With school letting out in about two months, gas prices will continue to rise. But, just how much? I don't anticipate we'll see $4.50/gallon gas this year. I sincerely hope not. I don't think this "recovering economy" could withstand that kind of shock. I don't agree with President Obama on much. But, his desire to find alternative energy sources is an area we need to continue to explore. I just don't agree we need to increase taxes on energy consumption by 200% or more.

A Sign of Things to Come?

A report last Saturday [article link] of a UK man, 22 years of age, died of dehydration after calling police, desperately pleading for help. After police arrived, the medical personnel assured the law enforcement authorities everything was under control. The man died the very next day. The man had been largely ignored by medical attendants at the hospital. Police are now investigating for possible manslaughter charges.

Now, no doubt, the healthcare reform zealots will say the same thing happens here in the USA at any general hospital in any city. Granted, those things happen. But, we are being told that socialized medicine [and that's exactly what it is] will provide better care, cheaper (it's subsidized by the American taxpayer) and help lower hospital cost. Just two weeks ago I was personally attacked by one of those left-wing zealots of socialized medicine because "European Healthcare is widely loved." I wonder if Kane Gorny, the 22 year old mentioned above, would agree that European healthcare is superior to healthcare in the USA? Well, he can't do that since he's dead due to European socialized medicine.

I leave you with this thought in regard to Obamacare/socialized medicine; "You always get what you pay for." So, to those that support Obamacare, when your parents, or children or siblings die due to inferior medical care, look in the mirror for blame.

Nancy Pelosi

The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, is living proof you can be mentally challenged and be a successful politician in D.C. Just recently, she stated that she had things in common with the Tea Party, the fledgling grassroots movement credited with Scott Brown's victory in MA. This is the same insane woman who called the Tea Party movement "AstroTurf" and "Nazis." She never ceases to amaze me. The only one who can equal her is soon to be former Nevada Senator, Harry Reid. Reid stated at the healthcare summit that there had been no talk of the reconciliation process. None. Now, less than a week later, President Obama has indicated he is now prepared to go to the nuclear option to cement his footprint in U.S. history. All three are pathological liars.


Yesterday, Pelosi stated that she is confident she can now ease the concerns [article link] of the anti-abortion Democrats in regard to the Healthcare Reform bill. Just this past Sunday she stated she "had the votes" for passage. Which is it? And, why hasn't she eased the concerns of the anti-abortion U.S. Representatives before they were prepared to go to the "nuclear option?" My opinion is she isn't going to be able to win over the dozen or so Democrats on this issue. Abortion can't be an issue in reconciliation since it is designed for budgetary matters. But, that was before we had Obamacare on the menu. Now, all bets are off.

So, what kind of bribes will the three-headed Gorgon (Obama, Reid, Pelosi) offer these people to get their votes? Pelosi, backed by Obama, will throw the kitchen sink at these House Representatives, courtesy of the U.S. Taxpayers.

Chicago Handgun Case

Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments [article link] from both sides in the McDonald vs Chicago case on the plaintiffs bid to have the handgun ban lifted from the Windy City. Mr. McDonald, a 76 year old retiree living on the southside of Chicago, wants to be able to have a handgun for self-defense. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled the ban in Washington D.C. as unconstitutional. This case will have broader implications than the Washington D.C. case since that case was limited to federal jurisdictions.

I will be totally honest. I was not aware there were any handgun bans anywhere in the U.S. until the D.C. ban was overturned a couple of years ago. No matter how much progressives hate it, the 2nd Amendment isn't going away. People have a right to defend themselves, such as Mr. McDonald. He lives in a tough neighborhood, a place that Chicago police have second thoughts about going into. Sure, a 76 year old man wouldn't have much of a chance against some young punks with a 9mm or Glock. But, he would at least have that chance. Without a gun to protect himself, he has no chance. I personally don't own a gun, other than a 50 year old relic of a shotgun that was passed on to me from my late grandfather. I would more likely use it as a club than try to shoot it. But, just because I don't own a gun, I don't feel like telling someone else they can't either.

I have a feeling this Chicago case will be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. I know everything points to it being overturned. But, I believe this will be another attack on the 2nd Amendment by the whacko leftists of Chicago.

Nature Wednesday

Well, how about something a little different for Nature Wednesday? Puppies!

Speechless

A Washington man electrocuted himself [article link], after running into a power pole with his car. What was unfortunate, he survived the accident, only to be electrocuted after urinating on a live wire downed during the accident. One of those rare times when I have virtually nothing to add.

Blog Etiquette

I've been blogging since April of 2008. In that time I have met a lot of interesting people. I've been to many fine blogs and discussed things that they had posted on their respective blogs. But, the thing I always remember; it is their blog, not mine. I respect their blog and their right to say what they please. It is similar to coming into someone's home. You don't put your feet up on their coffee table and criticize their decor. The same goes for visiting another blog. It's called etiquette. Most people treat people in cyberspace respectively, the same way they would want in the real world. That's usually a sign of someone who is mature and sure of him or herself.

Last Friday there was one cyberspace bully who came in to this blog, huffing and blowing, wanting to let me know what a real intellectual he was on healthcare reform. Now, I don't mind someone disagreeing with me here. I would have given up blogging a long time ago if everyone agreed on everything. But, there is a difference in disagreeing and making an ass out of yourself. I know there are many divergent views regarding the healthcare reform issue. I have my opinion and I express it here. What I do not expect is to be personally attacked on my own blog. The way I look at that, would that person act that way toward me in the real world? They no doubt would say, "Yes, I would!" Somehow, I doubt that. I have discovered over the years that the biggest "internet cowboys" are only brave behind that computer monitor. I sense that is the case with the bully who came in here Friday. I regret that I lowered myself down to his level. But, sometimes you got to fight fire with fire. I deleted his replies and deleted mine also.

I guess my point is to treat everyone as you would expect to be treated. You may think they are completely wrong and out of the loop on an issue. But, when you personally attack someone, you completely lose all credibility you ever had on the issue. If you can't make your point without resorting to ad hominem attacks, then that shows just how weak your case is in the first place. I wish I had remembered that sage piece of advice last Friday.