Wednesday's Quotes

Yeah, I know, what happened to Nature Wednesday? Well, it boils down to two things, really. One, it was getting a bit stale. I was tired of doing it. I used to do a Tuesdays Musings also. I got tired of that. Secondly, a certain individual (whom I have mentioned before) is starting to make this blog less fun. So, without going any further into that, I decided to abandon Nature Wednesday. I know a lot of you folks enjoyed it. But, it really is time to move on. In fact, I'm not sure how much longer I will do this blog. It is over two years old now. I stated back in April I wasn't sure this blog would be here for its third anniversary. But, for right now, I will continue to post to this blog. If you see a certain story you like, I encourage you to copy and paste (nope, no worries of copyright infringement from me, I promise) and save it to your hard drive. So, this initial week of Wednesday's Quotes, we will start out with one of my personal favorite American writers; Mark Twain.



"A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation."

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary.

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

Buy land, they're not making it anymore

'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.

Don't tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.

Rat Snake!!!

I have to confess something here; I don't know the difference between a rat snake or a king snake or a cobra. Ok, maybe a bit of an exaggeration there. But, my actions with snakes is kill first and ask questions later. That didn't happen this time.

Last Wednesday, I was coming back from eating lunch at a local establishment with my sister. We got out of the car, I went through my gate first. I stepped up to the first step leading to my back deck. I have no idea why I stepped all the way up to the first step first. But, as I made my step, I looked down and saw what appeared to be a thick rope. Confused as I was standing on my deck, I suddenly realized it was not a rope at all. It was, at least, a four-foot snake. I did not know what kind it was at that moment. I immediately told my sister to STOP! She stopped dead in her tracks. "What's wrong???" I said 'SNAKE!!!" I think she went into shock, because she was standing there like a zombie. I got an old board laying up on the deck and tried to hit the snake. But, it was too late. He had already gone under the deck. I wasn't about to try and bring him out.

Now, nobody will come over to my home because of this incident. I have described it to some "snake people." They all said it was a "rat snake" and they are very useful since they eat rodents. That may well be the case. However, I am not going to ask the snake if he or she is venomous or non-venomous. If it doesn't immediately "run away," I will make sure it doesn't come back on my property again. In any case, I think this snake is gone. At least, I hope so.

A Few Musings

I am still a little puzzled with the individual (Rolf Hicker) who stated I was involved in "copyright infringement" on last week's Nature Wednesday. What I don't understand (and asked this question last Wednesday after I deleted [link] the pics) is why have your pics in Google stock for everyone to use if you are fearful of copyright infringement? That still doesn't make sense to me. His pic did not state anything about "this is copyrighted." If I see that, I try to make it a point to either ask or I don't use them. He also stated to me, "...either use my images the proper way...or don't use them at all!" Ok, Rolf, no problem. However, since they were in Google stock, I didn't know they belonged to you. You don't identify your work. Now, all you have to do is contact Google to have your "work" there removed. Somehow, I doubt you will do that.

The oil slick, here on the gulf coast, is getting worse. Pensacola Beach, about 90 minutes from where I live, has closed down. Most likely it will be closed for the summer. Orange Beach, AL is getting hit with some mighty oily waves now. Just a matter of time before it too is closed down. I suspect Gulf Shores will follow shortly. This is entire thing wreaks of idiocy. How could this happen?

As if we don't have enough trouble on the gulf coast, hurricane season is starting to show its ugly face. TS Alex is not expected to head toward the oil spill area...yet. But, as with all hurricanes, this can change at any time.

Finally, at this time of year we start getting reports of rabid squirrels, foxes (didn't even know we had them down here), raccoons and, of course, dogs. Thus far only one report of a rabid dog. That happened last Thursday at an empty playground, thankfully. The dog was reported by a homeowner. Animal control experts came to put the dog out of its misery. I hate to hear that. But, there was no other course of action.

One Reason for California Financial Woes

There are a myriad of reasons why the state of California has such terrible financial woes these days. Some of the woes can be blamed on an alleged Republican governor who never met a taxpayer dollar he didn't like to spend. Another reason is out of control illegal immigration. Illegal aliens are a major part of why CA is near bankrupt due to them taking advantage of social services. But, one reason that is just as glaring is the fact that those on welfare [article link] can use their welfare cards at casinos. That is correct. Welfare recipients can use their EBT cards to withdraw cash at casino ATMs.

According to the article, state officials are working to stop this practice. But, how long has it been going on? How could they possibly overlook this? Apparently, there is no oversight on welfare recipients in California. That is sad. But, it is also endemic of the entire welfare system in the USA.

Thursday's Wacky Duo

In Mesa, Arizona, a restaurant owner decided to get his customers in tune with the World Cup. He decided to offer a dish [article link] that is a South African delicacy. Cameron Selogie, the restaurant owner did not expect the backlash. He received 150 emails threatening him and one bomb threat. What was the "delicacy" that got everyone upset? It was the "Lion Meat Burger." That is right. Mr. Selogie received 10 pounds of USDA regulated lion meat from a farm in Illinois. He refused to name the farm for good reason.

A modern day Goldilocks invaded [article link] a home, ate some food (or porridge), drank some alcoholic beverages and found a bed just right. So, she went to sleep. However, the homeowner came home sleeping in his bed and called the police. 39-year old Vanessa Joy Long pleaded guilty in a New Zealand court for her escapes. She could face home detention. She should have lots of time reading up on other childrens stories such as "The Three Bears."

Nature Wednesday - Deletion

Nature Wednesday was deleted because someone named Rolf Hicker said they were HIS pics. He further stated in email that this was a copyright infringement by placing them here. What amazes me is why would this individual place them in the Google stock where anyone can use them? Why would you do that if you were fearful of copyright infringement? That doesn't make sense to me. I just wanted to share some of the beauty of France, a place I once visited. It's not like I was making money off of them in the first place. Does anyone see any Google Adsense ads here? Regardless, that is why the Nature Wednesday was shut down to keep peace with an individual concerned that someone would make a little money off of his "work." Never had that problem before from anyone. Anyway, I felt I owed my visitors an explanation. Thanks.

Town Hall Meetings 2010

As many will remember, last summer marked a series of Democratic town hall meetings with angry constituents voicing their displeasure with their senator or house representative. Among those were "former" Senator Arlen Specter. There were even some incidents of violence where SEIU union thugs attacked people voicing their anger. But, threats of violence did not deter people. Most of the anger was about the Health Care Reform package that people did not like. The people were ignored and got the HCR anyway.

This year, Democrats [article link] are taking a different route. While many Democrats are not dodging town hall meetings, they are scripted or being carried out by telephone interaction among a number of people. For the most part, these are Democrats who support the respective senator or house representative. So, I would not expect a repeat of the type of town hall meetings we witnessed last year. Democrats are still reeling from those scenes on Youtube and on TV. Voters will remember who is listening to them this time at the ballot box in November.

Who Speaks for the White House?

I found it remarkable that the state of Arizona found out via Ecuador that the Obama Administration has decided to sue [article link] the citizens of that state over their illegal immigration law. Hillary Clinton, who is supposed to be the Secretary of State, let it be known the DOJ had made this decision. I was not aware she also spoke for the DOJ. Perhaps Attorney General Eric Holder can enlighten us on this point. Regardless, the question has to be asked, why did Hillary take it upon herself to make an announcement about a domestic policy dispute, in the United States, in a foreign country? It seems no one in the media is asking this basic question. I have an idea why she did this.

As I have stated on this blog previously, Hillary Clinton has not given up her quest for the presidency. She is as power mad as her alleged husband is for women. Sure she has stated she has no interest in the White House now. But, I simply do not believe her at all. My belief all along is that if President Obama continues to sink in the approval ratings poll, Hillary is going to look for an "out" to resign her position as Secretary of State. It could be over some minor dispute in foreign policy. My belief is that Hillary will resign and run against Obama in the primary season. I have believed that all along. She would never have made such an announcement a year ago. Obama is a weakened president. Hillary would never had made such an affront to the White House early in the heyday of the Obama lovefest. I look for her to become even more bold in the months and years ahead.

Boycott and Vandalism of BP

In South Florida and other parts of the country, a boycott [article link] of BP is taking place. Gulf coast residents, furious over the oil spill and its toll on the gulf economy, are taking their frustrations out on BP by refusing to buy gas and other products having to do with BP. In some cases, vandalism has been perpetrated upon BP gas stations. Anger will swell even more as the oil plumes beneath the surface of the gulf, steadily come ashore on the gulf coast. Dead Pelicans, herons, dolphins and sea turtles are washing up ashore.

Personally, while I understand the anger and frustration, boycotting BP gas stations ultimately hurts the BP gas station owners even more. Many Americans are employed by BP. Many Americans have stock (possibly the majority) in BP. BP most likely is going to be rescued by whatever insurance companies cover them. Their logo will always be attached to the worst ecological disaster in U.S. history. But, boycotting BP is not going to hurt BP as much as it will Americans. The vandalism is inexcusable. What BP did or didn't do, is equally inexcusable. Holding BP accountable is going to be much more effective. I'm not sure BP will ever recover from this. Perhaps they shouldn't recover from this disaster.

A Couple of Wacky News Stories

A Montana man was convicted [article link] of his 10th DUI by a jury Tuesday. He was already on parole when he was pulled over on suspicion of DUI. There is no idea just what the sentencing guidelines will be for someone who has been convicted of his 10th DUI. In my opinion, he should have had that license taken away after the 2nd DUI. I was under the impression that states were cracking down on driving under the influence. I'm sure there are a few that get through the cracks. But, it is those few who wreak the most damage. I suppose the good news is this idiot did not kill someone while driving drunk. Hopefully, he'll be sentenced for a long, long time in prison.

A woman in Michigan shot herself [article link] in an attempt to get medical help for her injured shoulder. Kathy Myers said she was unemployed and with no medical insurance. She stated she needed to see a specialist about her shoulder. So, in an attempt to get that kind of help, courtesy of the county, she shot her ailing shoulder with a handgun. She was taken to the hospital and released several hours later. Police have not decided whether or not to charge her with unlawfully firing a handgun inside the city limits. It is amazing there are people this stupid on the face of the earth. She could have easily killed herself or someone else.

Nature Wednesday

This week, for Nature Wednesday, Animals of the Serengeti. Enjoy!

Revenue Sharing Sites - The Review

Three months ago, I announced I had started joining revenue sharing sites that share Adsense revenue with you over the amount of content and bookmarks you leave on their respective sites. The first two I joined were Xomba and Hubpages. Both are major players in the revenue sharing site business. A month later, I joined Snipsly, Page360 and RedGage. The latter, RedGage, is not a revenue sharing site. They give you money based on the amount of views of your content.

I must say, at least for now, all are disappointments. I am particularly unimpressed with Xomba and RedGage (again, they pay based on views of content). Xomba started off with great promise. But, over the past 4-6 weeks, the amount of traffic, along with revenue, has fallen drastically. The best month I had was last month. I had 20 clicks on adsense ads. That is pathetic. RedGage, at this point in time, seems like...well, something isn't right at that site. They do not respond to emails, among other things. I suggest you stay away from them until I announce something further. I plan on keeping my content with RedGage until I get to the pay out level ($25.00). That may take two years at this point. After I get paid, I will delete everything there. I'm going to stick with Xomba a bit longer. But, traffic has to increase for me to stay past this month.

Snipsley and Page360 really aren't worth mentioning. Really not much to say about them, other than they aren't worth the trouble. I am contemplating deleting all my content from both and ending it with them. HubPages, although a really fun site, is not all they claim to be. I've read where some people claim to be making "hundreds of dollars" a month. So, at least, someone is making money if those claims are to be believed. I intend to stick around there for a while longer.

As for my weekly column with MashedNetworks; it appears we either have a communications problem or they simply don't want me. I'm not sure which it is. That place has great promise. But, it appears it is not going to be in the cards for me. Finally, I don't wish to discourage you from trying the revenue sites here (although I suggest you stay away from RedGage until further notice). Maybe you can do better. I just am not going to waste my time writing on these sites any longer. Of course, that is always subject to change!!! ;-)

BP Oil Spill Comes to the Alabama Coastline

As of last weekend, the oil from the BP oil explosion is showing up on the beautiful beaches along the Alabama coastline. Dauphin Island, a beach resort that was popular in the 60s and 70s, now a haven for fishermen, is getting globs of oil showing up on the sandy white beaches there. In Orange Beach, a popular beach resort among the younger generation, is also seeing oil turning the beaches to a shade of brown. Gulf Shores, by far the most popular beach destination in Alabama, is also witnessing this brown scum showing up along its beaches. I went to Dauphin Island last Saturday to see how bad things actually were. It was pretty bad in the area I visited. I did not notice any cleanup crews. I don't understand why there weren't any there. This place has a special place in my heart because this is where I went as a young boy many years ago. Dauphin Island has always had the kind of independent spirit among its inhabitants just as the people in Key West are known to have.

I'm not sure how bad things are as I type this post up. Gulf Shores stands to lose much more due to tourists going elsewhere. Gulf Shores attracts people from all over the nation during the summer. Merchants up and down the beach are going to suffer. The people suffering most are the commercial fisherman. Specifically, shrimpers and oystermen. Mobile Bay waters are closed until further notice. Many of these people have not received anything from BP. In fact, BP has not even tried to hire these unemployed commercial fishermen to work in cleanup crews. There are many people to blame on this disaster. But, right now, the focus should be on stopping the flow of oil from the well, and cleaning up the beaches. Wetland cleanup has already commenced in most of the gulf coast. But, turtles, dolphins and pelicans are showing up dead all along the gulf coast. The bad news; this disaster is just now really getting started.

Why the Taliban Must Be Defeated

I know many people have different views on the Afghanistan war. Some say the U.S. should unilaterally withdraw all troops now. Some say a "measured" withdrawal over time. Still some say we should stay until the Taliban is defeated. Regardless of what group you find yourself, you must agree that the Taliban is the lowest of the low. The Taliban (I hate to even capitalize the name) treat women on the same level with dogs. Their psychotic interpretation of Islam is but another reason they are despised by many.

Yesterday the Taliban accused a 7-year old boy [article link] of being a spy. That's right. A spy. I doubt the child even knew what a spy is supposed to be. But, the Taliban didn't stop there. They then executed this child by hanging him. This supposedly happened Tuesday. The boy may have informed police of planted explosives. In the eyes of the homicidal Taliban, this was enough to accuse him of being a spy. There are many reasons why the Taliban and the equally sinister, al-qaeda, must be defeated. This story is but one reason all terrorists must be destroyed. Furthermore, where is the outrage of this atrocity from "moderate" Muslims?

The Walking Man - Repost

This is a post from June of 2008. It was well liked both in comments and in email. It is a true story. I hope you enjoy.

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There has been this man, about late 60s to early 70s, who has walked in my area of town virtually all day long. I mean, ALL DAY LONG. He apparently has never had a car, and frequently was seen carrying a couple of bags of groceries back to his Section 8 apartment. His name is Robert, but everyone refers to him simply as “The Walking Man.” Now, you are probably thinking with gas prices being what they are, a lot of people are walking these days. The Walking Man was walking when walking wasn’t cool. I’ve seen him, with his cane, shirtless and with a baseball cap to keep the sun out of his eyes, in mid-July, walking down a long stretch of road far from his apartment. I’m talking 95+ degrees and 70-80% humidity. Same thing in the winter, just in reverse temps. I have seen him walk in the rain and in lightning storms. He would never take a ride to my knowledge. Robert is probably in as good a shape as any man even half his age.

I’ve only spoke to him a few times and it was always a brief conversation. One time I spoke to him for about five minutes (which was Robert being a motor mouth for that length of time) when I was pumping gas in my car about six months ago. It was just the normal small talk at first. But, as regulars here will attest, I’m not one who will shy away from asking the tough questions. I finally just blurted right out, why do you walk everywhere? The Walking Man struck a thoughtful pose for a couple of seconds and said, “Because I can..” He said it with a smile. I asked him if there was any place I could drive him. He politely declined my offer. He has always declined offers of driving him anywhere. He said walking is what keeps him healthy, wealthy and wise (he actually said that). He’s been doing this for at least 10 years that I can remember. I’ve actually seen him walking as far away as 15 miles from his apartment. Like I said, he has to be in good shape.

Two weeks ago, as I was making my way out to my car at a local drugstore parking lot, I saw “The Walking Man” getting out of a car…on the driver side! I didn’t even know he could drive. Dumbfounded, I just stood there and watched him getting out of the car as if he had been doing it regularly for the past ten years. Yeah, I had to go talk to him. I asked, “So, I take it you have given up walking now?” The Walking Man, said no way!!! I still do my walks, just not so far as before. I had to ask the ultimate question, “So, after all these years of walking everywhere, why did you suddenly buy a car now (on the assumption he had bought it)?” Robert, The Walking Man, looked at me with a gleam in his eyes and said, “Because I can…now.” And then Robert, The Walking Man, just up and walks off with a grin on his face. I was completely puzzled.

Robert was driving a 2008 Toyota Avalon and paid cash for it. I found out later “The Walking Man” had won $187,000 at a Casino in Biloxi, MS. He must have taken one of the party buses over there. I’m happy for the guy. He deserves it. But, if he drives around town as much as he used to walk, he’ll need the rest of the money just to pay for his gas.

Posted by David Thursday, June 26 at 7:05 AM

Nature Wednesday

This week, for Nature Wednesday, some seals from Antarctica!

Helen Thomas - Addendum

I was greatly critical of the news media in yesterday's blog post. Yesterday, as everyone must know, Helen Thomas retired after covering U.S. Presidents from Eisenhower to Obama. Her comments [article link] were reprehensible for someone tenured as long as she has been in journalism (or what passes for journalism today). Her initial apology made matters worse as many considered it a half-hearted attempt at damage control. It didn't work. Former Bush press spokesman Ari Fleischer immediately condemned her remarks and demanded she be banned from the White House press corp. In the end, that didn't need to happen.

I notice a lot of people (especially those on the left) are complaining about "freedom of speech." Again, the hypocrisy of the leftists amazes me. Where was their whining when Trent Lott was castigated for his remarks [article link] concerning Strom Thurman? Both were outrageous comments. Both got what they deserved.

Continuing Media Bias

Last week [article link], noted anti-Semite, alleged journalist, back from the dead, Helen Thomas displayed her true colors to the entire world. Helen Thomas stated, "...get the hell out of Palestine. They should go back to Poland, Germany." Sure, there were condemnations toward her. I noticed not one bit of condemnation from the most anti-Israeli administration in many years. The Obama Administration stated nothing about her comments. In fact, the press corp. closed ranks round this obvious anti-semite, Jew hater. What amazes me is few, if any, Jewish organizations have condemned her comments. Where is the condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League?

Richard Blumenthal, running for Senator from the state of Connecticut, admitted he lied for years about his service in Vietnam. He conveniently waited to admit this the day before election day about three weeks ago. Intially, there was some talk about this blatant lie. But, it quickly died down. Again, the news media let it quietly die.

Compare all the above to former Senator Majority Leader Trent Lott saying "...avoided "all these problems" if then-segregationist Strom Thurmond had been elected president in 1948." An outrageous thing to say, true enough. But, is it any worse than Helen Thomas stating her anti-Israeli diatribe? As far as I know, Helen Thomas will continue to be front and center in the White House press room. It doesn't surprise me the news media is so biased. This has gone on for years and years. What surprises me is the news media is now so blatant with their bias. They don't even care any longer that their bias is clearly shown these days. Is there any wonder why newspapers and magazines are on their death throes today?

BP Receives "Titanic" Offer of Help

James Cameron, director of such films as Titanic and Avatar, was turned down [article link] when he offered to help stop the BP Oil "Spill." The offer was along the lines of robot submarines and underwater filming. Upon being turned down, James Cameron replied, "...those morons don't know what they're doing." No word on whom he directed the derogatory "morons" label. Mr. Cameron has not discussed his offer with the White House.

I'm kind of torn on this news report. On the one hand, I'm thinking what the hell does a movie director know about stopping an underwater oil gusher? I mean, this isn't a movie set where you can yell, "Cut!" and start back over. It's entirely possible James Cameron is a publicity hog. That being the case, he only partially succeeded. However, on the other hand, what can it hurt? BP has shown a complete inability to stop this kind of disaster with the explosion of the oil rig a couple of months ago. You would think BP would be open to any suggestions and offers of help. I tend to believe they are letting their pride stand in the way of stopping this ongoing disaster. At least seek ideas from others in the industry. They will eventually come to this line of thinking. But, not before the wetlands along the gulf coast are toast. In this regard, James Cameron's offer doesn't seem so high and mighty. Mr. Cameron probably couldn't do any worse than the "experts" are doing right now.

New York City Almost Broke

New York City delayed paying its bills [article link] Tuesday as a means to staying solvent. Budget Director Robert Megna said it could possibly get worse in August and later on in the year. New York was unable to meet its financial obligations for the third time since last December. City workers and pensioners will be delayed in receiving their checks this week. The budget director may borrow the money from other funds in order to make payments. No word as to whether the city will have to lay off people or not.

I read this article and I remember one thing that NYC Mayor Bloomberg said recently. In regard to the heated illegal immigration debate, Mayor Bloomberg stated "We love immigrants in our city." Those same illegals have to be funded for education, medical and jobs of which they pay no taxes to the city or state. It's a good life if you can get it, huh mayor?

Nature Wednesday

This week, on Nature Wednesday, we have geese. Canadian geese and flying geese off into the sunset.

The Elderly on Holidays

Like many people yesterday, I spent my Memorial Day with family and friends. We had the usual; BBQ, grilled steaks, pork chops, sausage and so on. I had already done my usual routine of visiting veterans cemeteries, VA hospitals over the weekend. So, yesterday was a day of relaxation. I have a new neighbor (let's call him "Mr. Wiggins") who moved in three homes down from where I live on this corner lot. Mr. Wiggins is an elderly gentleman, late 70s or early 80s. I suspect it is the latter of the two. But, he sticks pretty much to himself since he moved here about February of this year.

People next to him have invited him for supper, to attend holiday functions (St. Patrick's Day is the only one I can think of since Feb.). But, he has always declined offeres to socialize. I have never invited him over to my home. I noticed him sitting in his front yard all alone. I have no idea if he has children or not. He doesn't volunteer much information about himself. So, no one around here knows much about him. We are all standing around drinking beer, eating and carrying on yesterday in my backyard. I simply couldn't stand it any longer. I told everyone I would be right back. I walked over to his yard, apologized for not coming and introducing myself before now. He seemed polite, but a bit guarded toward me. I then asked him if he would like to join us for Memorial Day cookout. Mr. Wiggins stated he didn't want to intrude on our festivities. I told him he wouldn't be intruding at all since he was invited. He sat there for a moment, looked up at me and said, yes, I think I would enjoy the company. Stunned, I walked with him back to our cookout in the backyard.

Long story short here, Mr. Wiggins was a very enjoyable guest. We were entranced with all he had been through in his life (he is 85 and a WWII vet). Finding out he was a WWII veteran made it even more appropriate that he joined in with us yesterday. Is there a point to be made here? Well, if there is one, it's this; if you know any elderly who spend a lot of time alone, you are probably wrong if you think they don't want to be bothered. The vast majority want company. Mr. Wiggins just had to wait for the right person to invite him. As it turns out, I was that person. And, to top things off, I have a new friend now in Mr. Wiggins.