The last two days at work have been...frustrating.
Not bad, not good. Not getting ahead, but not falling behind. Just a lot of walking trying to figure out an adjustment to make on some piece of equipment that would at least let me feel like I accomplished something beside maintaining our meager status quo.
I was talking to my relief tonight about the work we use to do 20-25 years ago in the oil field (I still have all my fingers)and while this job can be a bitch, we wouldn't want to go back to "the good old days", but it got me thinking about "those days" on my drive home and it made me remember this song by Madonna.
I'm not a Madonna fan, but I like some of her songs and don't think about her politics when listening. The exteriors of this video were shot on property that belonged to the company I worked for. As a favor to the employees, the owner would insist that a company rep (me) had to be on site during filming paid by the filming company. Long hours of boredom watching them shoot the same scene over and over (the kiss at 3:24...I watched them film it about 5 times, then went to dinner...good food...sat around and BS'ed with the cops on "crowd control", went back....and they were still filming the same kiss), followed by intense chaos of the crew moving everything for the next shot. I talked to Madonna, she just showed up next to me before I realized who she was (she's a dink, I'm 6'2" and she didn't even come up to my shoulder). The closing scene of her and the kid dancing up the street, if you look at the trees on the right side of the street, you can see some movement. There were probably about 50 people from the neighborhood behind those trees.
Our big starring moment comes at 3:45, that's our oil well.
If you ever rep for a company during a film shoot, bring a lawn chair and a book. I've worked a few and it's boring as hell.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Cavuto v O'Reilly On Gas Prices
HT: Hot Air
I like Cavuto. He seems to be very up with business and how it affect politics and can explain it well.
O'Reilly, I can take him or leave him. He was my original draw to Fox News, but I tired of him over the years. Now I'll leave it running if he's on, but I don't schedule my day around him.
One area that O'Reilly pushes my buttons is when he goes off on oil. Here's a video with Neil and Bill going at it:
I love how Cavuto quietly explains how Bill is picking numbers that fit his position and ignoring those he doesn't like. Bill starts raising his voice to prove his point saying he likes "these numbers", even though they relate to different periods. Neil quietly tells Bill to "stop yelling at me".
Bill's big point was that oil prices have dropped 33% and we haven't seen a 33% drop in the price of gas. One thing that was pointed out and Bill didn't want to hear was that even though the price of oil had increased threefold, the price of gas had not even doubled.
I buy gas also. I have the same heart attack as everyone else when I fill up. Hell I've got a 30 gallon tank on my truck and if I don't catch it before 1/4 tank, at $4.00/gal.,the damn pump cuts me off before full ($100). I've also worked in gas stations, the cents they make on each gallon has to be able to pay for the next load coming in. The price drops slower that it goes up because you have to guess what that next load is going to cost.
I haven't seen a 33% decrease in the price, but it had gone down 28% as of last week when I bought gas, but the price of oil shot up $2 today after dropping $10 over the previous two days. You tell me what the dealer is going to pay for the some thousand gallons of gas he's ordered so you can make snide comments to the poor SOB working the cash register.
I like Cavuto. He seems to be very up with business and how it affect politics and can explain it well.
O'Reilly, I can take him or leave him. He was my original draw to Fox News, but I tired of him over the years. Now I'll leave it running if he's on, but I don't schedule my day around him.
One area that O'Reilly pushes my buttons is when he goes off on oil. Here's a video with Neil and Bill going at it:
I love how Cavuto quietly explains how Bill is picking numbers that fit his position and ignoring those he doesn't like. Bill starts raising his voice to prove his point saying he likes "these numbers", even though they relate to different periods. Neil quietly tells Bill to "stop yelling at me".
Bill's big point was that oil prices have dropped 33% and we haven't seen a 33% drop in the price of gas. One thing that was pointed out and Bill didn't want to hear was that even though the price of oil had increased threefold, the price of gas had not even doubled.
I buy gas also. I have the same heart attack as everyone else when I fill up. Hell I've got a 30 gallon tank on my truck and if I don't catch it before 1/4 tank, at $4.00/gal.,the damn pump cuts me off before full ($100). I've also worked in gas stations, the cents they make on each gallon has to be able to pay for the next load coming in. The price drops slower that it goes up because you have to guess what that next load is going to cost.
I haven't seen a 33% decrease in the price, but it had gone down 28% as of last week when I bought gas, but the price of oil shot up $2 today after dropping $10 over the previous two days. You tell me what the dealer is going to pay for the some thousand gallons of gas he's ordered so you can make snide comments to the poor SOB working the cash register.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Why I'm So Damn Sick of the Elections
The primaries ran what? About 3 years? If it was a strategy to make the populace just bore and sick of the whole thing, it seems to have worked with me.
I decided how I was going to vote at the end of the conventions, and now I just wish we could cast our vote and get the thing over with.
For the last couple of days I have been listening to the Dhimicrats gloat over how bad the economy is and how we can't afford 4 more years of the policies that got us into this shit.
They just forget to mention the facts behind the collapse of Bear Sterns and the collapse and bailout of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG.
What was the Bush policy on Fannie and Freddie? (From the NY Times Sept. 11, 2003)
Whoa!!! We can't have that! Imagine the nerve of trying to rein in a runaway train 5 years before it hits the wall. Surely the Dhimicrats foresaw the problem also.
Either they really didn't see it coming, or they were just using their usual playbook and giving "free" money to people to win the next election. Whichever it was, can we afford four years of a continuation of this type of planning and policy?
It goes back way further, back to our old buddy Clinton. (from IBD)
The Demorats set it up in the '90's and when Bush tried to correct it, they told Bush he was racist, denying affordable housing to the poor and minorities. Now that their homes are foreclosed and their credit is fubar, I bet they'd really thank their protectors on the left side of the aisle, not to mention how trilled I am to pay part of the mortgage they never should have had in the first place.
When they raise my taxes to pay this fiasco off, there is a good chance I may not be able to meet my obligations, so the situation won't be getting better. It'll most likely get worse being we're already committed to the bailouts.
On top of this, WTF is the gov't doing pledging to cover housing for a month for the people of Texas that were displaced by the hurricane? Since I was born, I've heard the rest of the U.S. bitch at me about if I live in an earthquake zone and get hit, I deserve the grief. We get a quake that does damage about every 10 years. You asshats that live in hurricane and tornado country get nailed how many time EVERY year? And then go right back into the same place and rebuild, but don't worry, we'll bail you out again next year.
World...Hell...Hand basket. I think it's already been assembled.
I decided how I was going to vote at the end of the conventions, and now I just wish we could cast our vote and get the thing over with.
For the last couple of days I have been listening to the Dhimicrats gloat over how bad the economy is and how we can't afford 4 more years of the policies that got us into this shit.
They just forget to mention the facts behind the collapse of Bear Sterns and the collapse and bailout of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG.
What was the Bush policy on Fannie and Freddie? (From the NY Times Sept. 11, 2003)
The Bush administration today recommended the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago.
Under the plan, disclosed at a Congressional hearing today, a new agency would be created within the Treasury Department to assume supervision of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that are the two largest players in the mortgage lending industry.
The new agency would have the authority, which now rests with Congress, to set one of the two capital-reserve requirements for the companies. It would exercise authority over any new lines of business. And it would determine whether the two are adequately managing the risks of their ballooning portfolios.
The plan is an acknowledgment by the administration that oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — which together have issued more than $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt — is broken. A report by outside investigators in July concluded that Freddie Mac manipulated its accounting to mislead investors, and critics have said Fannie Mae does not adequately hedge against rising interest rates.
Whoa!!! We can't have that! Imagine the nerve of trying to rein in a runaway train 5 years before it hits the wall. Surely the Dhimicrats foresaw the problem also.
Among the groups denouncing the proposal today were the National Association of Home Builders and Congressional Democrats who fear that tighter regulation of the companies could sharply reduce their commitment to financing low-income and affordable housing.
”These two entities — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — are not facing any kind of financial crisis,” said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ”The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.”
Representative Melvin L. Watt, Democrat of North Carolina, agreed.
”I don’t see much other than a shell game going on here, moving something from one agency to another and in the process weakening the bargaining power of poorer families and their ability to get affordable housing,” Mr. Watt said.
Either they really didn't see it coming, or they were just using their usual playbook and giving "free" money to people to win the next election. Whichever it was, can we afford four years of a continuation of this type of planning and policy?
It goes back way further, back to our old buddy Clinton. (from IBD)
But it was the Clinton administration, obsessed with multiculturalism, that dictated where mortgage lenders could lend, and originally helped create the market for the high-risk subprime loans now infecting like a retrovirus the balance sheets of many of Wall Street’s most revered institutions.
Tough new regulations forced lenders into high-risk areas where they had no choice but to lower lending standards to make the loans that sound business practices had previously guarded against making. It was either that or face stiff government penalties.
The untold story in this whole national crisis is that President Clinton put on steroids the Community Redevelopment Act, a well-intended Carter-era law designed to encourage minority homeownership. And in so doing, he helped create the market for the risky subprime loans that he and Democrats now decry as not only greedy but “predatory.”
Yes, the market was fueled by greed and overleveraging in the secondary market for subprimes, vis-a-vis mortgaged-backed securities traded on Wall Street. But the seed was planted in the ’90s by Clinton and his social engineers. They were the political catalyst behind this slow-motion financial train wreck.
And it was the Clinton administration that mismanaged the quasi-governmental agencies that over the decades have come to manage the real estate market in America.
The Demorats set it up in the '90's and when Bush tried to correct it, they told Bush he was racist, denying affordable housing to the poor and minorities. Now that their homes are foreclosed and their credit is fubar, I bet they'd really thank their protectors on the left side of the aisle, not to mention how trilled I am to pay part of the mortgage they never should have had in the first place.
When they raise my taxes to pay this fiasco off, there is a good chance I may not be able to meet my obligations, so the situation won't be getting better. It'll most likely get worse being we're already committed to the bailouts.
On top of this, WTF is the gov't doing pledging to cover housing for a month for the people of Texas that were displaced by the hurricane? Since I was born, I've heard the rest of the U.S. bitch at me about if I live in an earthquake zone and get hit, I deserve the grief. We get a quake that does damage about every 10 years. You asshats that live in hurricane and tornado country get nailed how many time EVERY year? And then go right back into the same place and rebuild, but don't worry, we'll bail you out again next year.
World...Hell...Hand basket. I think it's already been assembled.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Rip Van Winkle Impersonation
After the fine welcome back the site gave me, things just got better.
I didn't disappear over the last couple of days, I was asleep.
We had to take a 3 day HAZWOPER class to be certified as first responders to any oil spill. Normally I don't mind taking a class, but this time it sucked. I'm working graveyard so my schedule Sunday though Thursday was this:
9PM to 5AM: Work
5AM to 8AM: Sleep in my truck on site.
8AM to 4PM: Class
4PM to 9PM: Drive home, grab something to eat, sleep, get up and get stuff together for work, go back to work.
I got about 4 1/2 to 5 hours sleep broken up, which didn't seem to do any good. I use to be able to do things like this, but no longer. When I got home Thursday morning, I was so tired I couldn't go to sleep, so I goofed around until about noon, then laid down and left the world for 24 hours straight.
The problem with sleeping that long is that you want to keep on sleeping. Saturday was a total waste as I couldn't work up enough energy to do anything. So today, it's catch up day. Laundry, grocery shopping, house cleaning, bill paying.
I don't return to work until Tuesday afternoon, so life may return to what I consider normal by then.
I didn't disappear over the last couple of days, I was asleep.
We had to take a 3 day HAZWOPER class to be certified as first responders to any oil spill. Normally I don't mind taking a class, but this time it sucked. I'm working graveyard so my schedule Sunday though Thursday was this:
9PM to 5AM: Work
5AM to 8AM: Sleep in my truck on site.
8AM to 4PM: Class
4PM to 9PM: Drive home, grab something to eat, sleep, get up and get stuff together for work, go back to work.
I got about 4 1/2 to 5 hours sleep broken up, which didn't seem to do any good. I use to be able to do things like this, but no longer. When I got home Thursday morning, I was so tired I couldn't go to sleep, so I goofed around until about noon, then laid down and left the world for 24 hours straight.
The problem with sleeping that long is that you want to keep on sleeping. Saturday was a total waste as I couldn't work up enough energy to do anything. So today, it's catch up day. Laundry, grocery shopping, house cleaning, bill paying.
I don't return to work until Tuesday afternoon, so life may return to what I consider normal by then.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
9/11/2008
My God! It's been seven years since we were attacked on our home turf.
I'm torn about my feeling as we cross this anniversary.
The good:
We are safer than we were in 2001.
We did major damage to the assholes that hit us.
Iraq looks like it on the verge of becoming a stable country and we can start to draw down our troop strength.
They put out two 37 ft. beams that will be used as a memorial to the people that were murdered on 9/11 that the public can sign in tribute.
The Bad:
A lot of our Safety is cosmetic like Airport Security which is mainly for show. Grandma gets strip searched because of her underwire bra, while Accchhhmed cruises through because if you stop more than every 18th person of "indiscriminate nationality" you're racial profiling.
The assholes for allah that we didn't whack, cockroached across the border of Pakistan and set up bases there. (Though I read yesterday that we are hitting them with Predators and now sending SpecOps across the border to engage them and fuck the do nothing Pakistani gov't.)
It took six years for our gov't to commit to the fact that if you're going to fight a war, you go in with overwhelming force and kill the enemy.
It took seven years for us to get our act together and just start on the project that will "show that the U.S. will overcome this and build something bigger and better".
I'm tired. It's been a looong week at work (details to follow). I haven't had anything that would approximate enough sleep for four days now and my head feels like it's stuffed with cotton.
I'll close out with two videos that bring tears to my eyes every time I see them, both are listed as Permanent Posts on the right sidebar.
First Darryl Worley, "Have You Forgotten?"
And finally this:
Never Forgive, Never Forget.
May all our soldiers return home victorious and whole, and may God Bless America.
I'm torn about my feeling as we cross this anniversary.
The good:
We are safer than we were in 2001.
We did major damage to the assholes that hit us.
Iraq looks like it on the verge of becoming a stable country and we can start to draw down our troop strength.
They put out two 37 ft. beams that will be used as a memorial to the people that were murdered on 9/11 that the public can sign in tribute.
The Bad:
A lot of our Safety is cosmetic like Airport Security which is mainly for show. Grandma gets strip searched because of her underwire bra, while Accchhhmed cruises through because if you stop more than every 18th person of "indiscriminate nationality" you're racial profiling.
The assholes for allah that we didn't whack, cockroached across the border of Pakistan and set up bases there. (Though I read yesterday that we are hitting them with Predators and now sending SpecOps across the border to engage them and fuck the do nothing Pakistani gov't.)
It took six years for our gov't to commit to the fact that if you're going to fight a war, you go in with overwhelming force and kill the enemy.
It took seven years for us to get our act together and just start on the project that will "show that the U.S. will overcome this and build something bigger and better".
I'm tired. It's been a looong week at work (details to follow). I haven't had anything that would approximate enough sleep for four days now and my head feels like it's stuffed with cotton.
I'll close out with two videos that bring tears to my eyes every time I see them, both are listed as Permanent Posts on the right sidebar.
First Darryl Worley, "Have You Forgotten?"
And finally this:
Never Forgive, Never Forget.
May all our soldiers return home victorious and whole, and may God Bless America.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Why Did I Come Back?!!?
I had a marvelous vacation! More things to do than we had time for, but 6 days with my two closest friends and their overly understanding wives. Typically we guys acted like we were back in college again and I'm not sure about them, but I'm still sore and tired three days later.
An added bonus to the trip was I got to see my godson who was, by luck, out for the holiday from New Orleans. He was safe in Phoenix while hurricane Gustav hit Louisiana. Of course he was suppose to fly back on Monday, but with the airport closed and the city still shut down, he couldn't get home until Thursday night (broke his Mom's heart having him home three extra days).
I hadn't realized how long it had been since I had driven to Phoenix until I got outside of San Bernardino and the speed limit jumped to 70 MPH. Last time I drove, we were still stuck with the 55 limit. Arizona had to do us one better and when I crossed the state line, their limit was 75 MPH. With the truck on cruise control and staying around the speed limit, I was there in 6 hours, including one stop for breakfast and one stop for gas.
My hosts had just had a pool installed that is 4 1/2 feet deep...designed for pool volleyball, and did we play a lot of volleyball. I can hardly lift my arms over my shoulders. The night my godson had all his old friends over and they forced me to drink to much and insist I get involved with their game didn't help this 50 something old man. Fun, and the patience of a cagey dink shot just over the net can throw off the power game of twenty year old's.
The drive home was boring,but I did stop by a Indian casino and donate some funds to the tribe. Doubled my money in the first hour, then gave back my winnings plus the initial bet in the second.
Went back to work last night (graveyard), and was told everything was running smoothly and it should be a quiet shift. Two hours in and I get an alarm. A valve blew on something I had walked by 35 minutes before and water and silty mud was ankle deep in one of our containment basins.
I diagnosed the problem, figured out how to fix (bypass) it...but...for lack of a 15/16" box end wrench and/or a 1/2" drive ratchet (found a socket), I couldn't break the bolts to isolate the leak. I kept the site running for another 2 hours until my tanks were full and I had to shut the entire site down.
It was a fine "Welcome Back!", but it is what I've come to expect in my life.
An added bonus to the trip was I got to see my godson who was, by luck, out for the holiday from New Orleans. He was safe in Phoenix while hurricane Gustav hit Louisiana. Of course he was suppose to fly back on Monday, but with the airport closed and the city still shut down, he couldn't get home until Thursday night (broke his Mom's heart having him home three extra days).
I hadn't realized how long it had been since I had driven to Phoenix until I got outside of San Bernardino and the speed limit jumped to 70 MPH. Last time I drove, we were still stuck with the 55 limit. Arizona had to do us one better and when I crossed the state line, their limit was 75 MPH. With the truck on cruise control and staying around the speed limit, I was there in 6 hours, including one stop for breakfast and one stop for gas.
My hosts had just had a pool installed that is 4 1/2 feet deep...designed for pool volleyball, and did we play a lot of volleyball. I can hardly lift my arms over my shoulders. The night my godson had all his old friends over and they forced me to drink to much and insist I get involved with their game didn't help this 50 something old man. Fun, and the patience of a cagey dink shot just over the net can throw off the power game of twenty year old's.
The drive home was boring,but I did stop by a Indian casino and donate some funds to the tribe. Doubled my money in the first hour, then gave back my winnings plus the initial bet in the second.
Went back to work last night (graveyard), and was told everything was running smoothly and it should be a quiet shift. Two hours in and I get an alarm. A valve blew on something I had walked by 35 minutes before and water and silty mud was ankle deep in one of our containment basins.
I diagnosed the problem, figured out how to fix (bypass) it...but...for lack of a 15/16" box end wrench and/or a 1/2" drive ratchet (found a socket), I couldn't break the bolts to isolate the leak. I kept the site running for another 2 hours until my tanks were full and I had to shut the entire site down.
It was a fine "Welcome Back!", but it is what I've come to expect in my life.
Monday, August 25, 2008
If I'm Gone
I made it! Got through my last day at work and am ready to relax for the next ten days. Tomorrow I've got some errands to take care of, just little things like finally clearing up my truck registration, get food for the kid to eat while I'm gone, laundry. Wednesday is pack up and go over the truck once to reduce any possible troubles while on the road. Looking at the weather in Phoenix, I better get new wiper blades as thunder showers are predicted. I've never seen it just rain in Phoenix, it's either dry and hotter than hell, or deluge.
I'm really looking forward to the drive (Hah!), I've made it about 30 times, but I was much younger then. I once made the drive from my parents driveway in San Pedro to the parking lot of my Frat in Tempe in 5 hours and 55 minutes, and this was back in the days that I-10 came to a stop in Buckeye and you had to take back roads for the last. Out off 360 odd miles total, the last 45 were "interesting".
No going for records this time, I just want to get there. I'm hoping to leave L.A. around 4-5 AM, beating any traffic. I'll stop in Blythe for something to eat, then the final run, so I'll land there around noon.
Steve assures me that they have the internet in Arizona, but whether I'll get around to posting is dicey. My intention is to live blog the weekend, but I've hung with these guys a long time, so a 3 AM blog of "wEnt to teh place today to get something that jOe needed and we got lost and had to go badk home to member what we left for anyways", isn't something I want to look back on. Nor would you like to read it, I'm sure.
Once in Phoenix, my truck doesn't move. I've been out of that town too long so I won't recognize anything. I'll make an exception if I can meet with friends from the net, but that will be early enough that I can find my way.
I can't say it enough, after two years of life just sucking (work and home), to have 10 days for just ME has me het up something awful.
I'm really looking forward to the drive (Hah!), I've made it about 30 times, but I was much younger then. I once made the drive from my parents driveway in San Pedro to the parking lot of my Frat in Tempe in 5 hours and 55 minutes, and this was back in the days that I-10 came to a stop in Buckeye and you had to take back roads for the last. Out off 360 odd miles total, the last 45 were "interesting".
No going for records this time, I just want to get there. I'm hoping to leave L.A. around 4-5 AM, beating any traffic. I'll stop in Blythe for something to eat, then the final run, so I'll land there around noon.
Steve assures me that they have the internet in Arizona, but whether I'll get around to posting is dicey. My intention is to live blog the weekend, but I've hung with these guys a long time, so a 3 AM blog of "wEnt to teh place today to get something that jOe needed and we got lost and had to go badk home to member what we left for anyways", isn't something I want to look back on. Nor would you like to read it, I'm sure.
Once in Phoenix, my truck doesn't move. I've been out of that town too long so I won't recognize anything. I'll make an exception if I can meet with friends from the net, but that will be early enough that I can find my way.
I can't say it enough, after two years of life just sucking (work and home), to have 10 days for just ME has me het up something awful.
Countdown
One more day at work, then ten days off. Vacation...a real vacation. My last two vacations had to deal with my Dad's passing, necessary, but not overly relaxing.
This one's for me. Thursday, I drive to Phoenix and meet up with two of my best friends, both from college (ASU). I was enrolled, they actually graduated. We belonged to ΘΔΧ, at the time I was there we were about a step to a step and a half above "Animal House". Our chapter got kicked off campus and folded about three years after I left, but damn, those were some fun times.
Steve, the guy who still lives in Phoenix, actually Glendale, but it's all one big metropolis now-a-days, has made plans to my liking for a vacation. He just had a pool put in so we're going to sit in the pool, drink beer and watch football on the TV he's going to move outside. Except for the big plan of going to Laughlin for one day and leaving a bunch of money in their Video Poker machines, it's just float, eat, drink and BS for 4 days.
Pam, Steve's wife, is a paragon. She has put up with our get togethers for all these years, and still says she loves us. She has always denied it, but I think she hated our guuutttsss!!!! back in college before they were married. We were constantly trying to drag Steven into doing stupid stuff with us. She was right, but we felt she was keeping Steve from having fun.
Pam you were right, and most likely the reason he's still alive today.
The other guy is flying out from Alabama with his wife. Joe has been a rock in my life for the last 20+ years. He's a psychotherapist and boy have there been times I've needed one. He's always been there for me, as long as I remember the time difference (he did chew my ass out once for calling at 11PM..1AM his time on a weekday, and I haven't forgotten since). He knows me better than most and goes beyond "Councilor Troi" crap of "How do YOU feel about that?" and gives his opinion. I never follow his advise, but a year later, I can see he was on the right track.
Joe's wife, Jaana, is coming with him. This is a rare treat for me. I've seen her just twice since they got married, long ago. She's Finnish and between my decrepit hearing and her accent...we have some interesting conversations. She's a beautiful person, both physically and mentally. I've called many times when Joe wasn't home and held long conversations with her. She has always accepted me as a friend of Joe's, therefore I'm a friend of hers.
I am soooo looking forward to next weekend!!!
Dana, if you've dropped by, Steve has to work Saturday, so I'm free for lunch. We can meet somewhere. You don't know me and I'm sure you don't want some freak from L.A. knowing where you live. I'll try to get in touch in the next few days. Also any Rotties in the area, I'd love to meet ya. Drop an E-mail, it's on the sidebar.
This one's for me. Thursday, I drive to Phoenix and meet up with two of my best friends, both from college (ASU). I was enrolled, they actually graduated. We belonged to ΘΔΧ, at the time I was there we were about a step to a step and a half above "Animal House". Our chapter got kicked off campus and folded about three years after I left, but damn, those were some fun times.
Steve, the guy who still lives in Phoenix, actually Glendale, but it's all one big metropolis now-a-days, has made plans to my liking for a vacation. He just had a pool put in so we're going to sit in the pool, drink beer and watch football on the TV he's going to move outside. Except for the big plan of going to Laughlin for one day and leaving a bunch of money in their Video Poker machines, it's just float, eat, drink and BS for 4 days.
Pam, Steve's wife, is a paragon. She has put up with our get togethers for all these years, and still says she loves us. She has always denied it, but I think she hated our guuutttsss!!!! back in college before they were married. We were constantly trying to drag Steven into doing stupid stuff with us. She was right, but we felt she was keeping Steve from having fun.
Pam you were right, and most likely the reason he's still alive today.
The other guy is flying out from Alabama with his wife. Joe has been a rock in my life for the last 20+ years. He's a psychotherapist and boy have there been times I've needed one. He's always been there for me, as long as I remember the time difference (he did chew my ass out once for calling at 11PM..1AM his time on a weekday, and I haven't forgotten since). He knows me better than most and goes beyond "Councilor Troi" crap of "How do YOU feel about that?" and gives his opinion. I never follow his advise, but a year later, I can see he was on the right track.
Joe's wife, Jaana, is coming with him. This is a rare treat for me. I've seen her just twice since they got married, long ago. She's Finnish and between my decrepit hearing and her accent...we have some interesting conversations. She's a beautiful person, both physically and mentally. I've called many times when Joe wasn't home and held long conversations with her. She has always accepted me as a friend of Joe's, therefore I'm a friend of hers.
I am soooo looking forward to next weekend!!!
Dana, if you've dropped by, Steve has to work Saturday, so I'm free for lunch. We can meet somewhere. You don't know me and I'm sure you don't want some freak from L.A. knowing where you live. I'll try to get in touch in the next few days. Also any Rotties in the area, I'd love to meet ya. Drop an E-mail, it's on the sidebar.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hither, Thither and Yon
I had a relatively slow day at work today and got my project done early, so I was able to watch the second half of my RAIDERS get their ass kicked, 24-0, by the (OH, this hurts!!) Arizona Cardinals. So I ended up cruising Fox News and ran across some interesting stuff.
Before I get to those stories, I'd like to have you drop by my friends BlackisWhite's site and read his excellent fisking of a Slate article explaning that if the Obamamessiah isn't elected it just prove to the world that we're all racists.
Why the Self-Appointed Cognoscenti Aren't
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Ok, my turn.
I suppose I have to mention the "big" story of the day.
Mr. HopeyChangey selected his running mate, who upon getting the news reversed his opinion of his, up till then, wise and trustworthy friend.
Out of the Gate, Biden Strikes Hard at McCain
In the above article the number of house's ker-fluffle is brought up.
Obama, McCain trade barbs over housing issues
Actually, McCain personally doesn't own even one house, let alone 8. His money is separate from his very rich wife's, and she owns all the houses. Some have relatives living them and some are investments and some are places they spend part of the year. It was a gotcha moment, If he gave the number he and Cindy use, he's hiding information (or got Alzheimer). If he had given the correct number, he's accused of being rich and exploiting the little people. I'm still trying to figure out why it is so evil for honest people to be rich.
I think McCain's situation is better than Obama's, where his deal for his MANSION is worked out by a guy that is so crocked that his ass is in jail now.
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Nannystatism
Cavuto gives a clue about what to expect as our populace demands that the government bail them out of any stupid mistake or decision.
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Well damn, who'd of thunk?
Illegal Immigrants Returning to Mexico in Record Numbers
Better they deal with their unemployed than us. Funny thing about being here illegally, for all the safety nets provided, when there is a downturn in the economy, unemployment insurance isn't one of them, although I'm sure Congress will get right on that over site.
Jeez! No jobs and they go home voluntarily? Guess we'll have to cut back on the order for all those buses we ordered to deport them.
I am so sorry that Senor Ruiz is disturbed by this trend, and G-d am I tired of this "families torn apart" meme. If I break the law just bad enough to be deported...to jail...my family would be torn apart also. Does that mean I get off?
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I can't decide whether this surprises me or not?
A New Focus on Faith at the Democratic Convention
Do I believe them? No.
Not likely. When damn near every policy they put forward restricts or flies in the face of religion, it's hard to take them seriously.
They may have been going after, but the peons ain't buying.
First off, what happened to that separation of Church and State thing? Invocations at a political event? G-d, they don't want anyone to forget they are all on that faith thing, opening AND closing.
We may be religious, but we ain't stoopid. There are readin's in the Good Book about those who will try to use The Word agin ya.
Ah!! There's the rub. They can invite us in all they want, but just talking the talk doesn't make them one of us, and when I know you're going to propose legislation that is against everything I believe in, your pretty words don't convince me.
Concern about faith by the Dhimi's is a lie. I think they honestly beleive that we are like their other followers and will listen to what they say today without looking at what they did yesterday or plan to do tomorrow.
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Lastly...
Just for amusement, a bikini clad waitress nails a perv who thinks that just because she has "provocative" clothing on, she wants it.
Coffee Confrontation
I just hope the SOB is married and has to explain to his wife why his nuts got scalded.
Before I get to those stories, I'd like to have you drop by my friends BlackisWhite's site and read his excellent fisking of a Slate article explaning that if the Obamamessiah isn't elected it just prove to the world that we're all racists.
Why the Self-Appointed Cognoscenti Aren't
-------------------------------
Ok, my turn.
I suppose I have to mention the "big" story of the day.
Mr. HopeyChangey selected his running mate, who upon getting the news reversed his opinion of his, up till then, wise and trustworthy friend.
Out of the Gate, Biden Strikes Hard at McCain
In the above article the number of house's ker-fluffle is brought up.
Obama, McCain trade barbs over housing issues
Actually, McCain personally doesn't own even one house, let alone 8. His money is separate from his very rich wife's, and she owns all the houses. Some have relatives living them and some are investments and some are places they spend part of the year. It was a gotcha moment, If he gave the number he and Cindy use, he's hiding information (or got Alzheimer). If he had given the correct number, he's accused of being rich and exploiting the little people. I'm still trying to figure out why it is so evil for honest people to be rich.
I think McCain's situation is better than Obama's, where his deal for his MANSION is worked out by a guy that is so crocked that his ass is in jail now.
----------------------------------------------
Nannystatism
Cavuto gives a clue about what to expect as our populace demands that the government bail them out of any stupid mistake or decision.
-------------------------------------------------
Well damn, who'd of thunk?
Illegal Immigrants Returning to Mexico in Record Numbers
DALLAS — Illegal immigrants are returning home to Mexico in numbers not seen for decades — and the Mexican government may have to deal with a crush on its social services and lower wages once the immigrants arrive.
The Mexican Consulate's office in Dallas is seeing increasing numbers of Mexican nationals requesting paperwork to go home for good, especially parents who want to know what documentation they'll need to enroll their children in Mexican schools.
Better they deal with their unemployed than us. Funny thing about being here illegally, for all the safety nets provided, when there is a downturn in the economy, unemployment insurance isn't one of them, although I'm sure Congress will get right on that over site.
The illegal immigrant population in the U.S. has dropped 11 percent since August of last year, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. Its research shows 1.3 million illegal immigrants have returned to their home countries.
Jeez! No jobs and they go home voluntarily? Guess we'll have to cut back on the order for all those buses we ordered to deport them.
Advocates for immigrants are disturbed by the trend. Albert Ruiz, an organizer for the League of United Latin American Citizens, agrees that more undocumented immigrants are going home — but says families are being torn apart in the process.
If a father is deported, Ruiz says, his family members in America are forced either to fend for themselves or follow him to a country where they've never even lived.
"So the mother is saying we should return home with the breadwinner of the family to Mexico, and the children are saying, I don't want to leave, I'm a U.S. citizen, I don't know that country," said Ruiz.
I am so sorry that Senor Ruiz is disturbed by this trend, and G-d am I tired of this "families torn apart" meme. If I break the law just bad enough to be deported...to jail...my family would be torn apart also. Does that mean I get off?
-------------------------------------------------
I can't decide whether this surprises me or not?
A New Focus on Faith at the Democratic Convention
Do I believe them? No.
The Pew Forum polls after the 2000 and 2004 elections showed that the Democrats were perceived as unfriendly to faith. And for the last two presidential elections, the Democrats have suffered defeat at the hands of the GOP. The GOP has been a magnet for the faith vote. But if Democrats have their way, that may be changing.
Not likely. When damn near every policy they put forward restricts or flies in the face of religion, it's hard to take them seriously.
For the first time the Democratic National Convention has a “Faith Caucus.” In fact, “faith” will have a higher profile at the Democratic National Convention than it has ever had before. The reason? The Democratic Party has been aggressively going after the “God vote” since at least 2004.[emphasis: mine]
They may have been going after, but the peons ain't buying.
And reaching out they are. On Sunday an “Interfaith Gathering”, as mentioned before, will officially launch the Democratic National Convention. All the major religions will be represented: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. Daughtry says (on the DNC’s Web site) that the Interfaith Gathering is the best way to “kick off a week-long celebration to showcase our Party’s nominee, our strength, our diversity and our shared values. “
In addition to the Interfaith Gathering on Sunday, there’ll be two Faith Caucus meetings, one titled “How an Obama Administration Will Engage People of Faith,” the other “Getting Out the Faith Vote”. Plus, one member of the clergy from a different faith will open and close (give the invocation and benediction) each of the DNC’s evening programs.
First off, what happened to that separation of Church and State thing? Invocations at a political event? G-d, they don't want anyone to forget they are all on that faith thing, opening AND closing.
Now all of this is very Kum Ba Yah, but according to pundits and pollsters, the Democrats’ increased faith effort has not helped Sen. Obama cut into the evangelical vote. In fact, according to a new survey by the Pew Forum, Obama’s appeal to evangelicals is about the same as fellow Democrat John Kerry’s was four years ago – around 25 percent. Talk about a tepid response to a hot pursuit!
We may be religious, but we ain't stoopid. There are readin's in the Good Book about those who will try to use The Word agin ya.
The Pew Forum’s Michael Cromarty says the reason could be that even though Obama is much more comfortable speaking the language of faith than Senator Kerry, his and the Democrats’ platform, aren’t connecting with evangelicals. Evangelicals, he says “are interested in policy not just language.”
Ah!! There's the rub. They can invite us in all they want, but just talking the talk doesn't make them one of us, and when I know you're going to propose legislation that is against everything I believe in, your pretty words don't convince me.
But I guess regardless of whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, faith is a matter of function, not form. Every day all of us are walking, talking billboards for what we believe. And our voting choices reflect those beliefs — they also reflect what we believe about how we should live and the way in which we should treat our fellow human beings. But the problem with politics is that even though government can create policies to ease or increase our burdens, ultimately policies can’t save our souls. But sometimes parties and politicians campaign as if they can. And that certainly makes any election…. very interesting.
Concern about faith by the Dhimi's is a lie. I think they honestly beleive that we are like their other followers and will listen to what they say today without looking at what they did yesterday or plan to do tomorrow.
-------------------------------------------------
Lastly...
Just for amusement, a bikini clad waitress nails a perv who thinks that just because she has "provocative" clothing on, she wants it.
Coffee Confrontation
I just hope the SOB is married and has to explain to his wife why his nuts got scalded.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
15 Year Old Mexican Indian Virgins
A year ago, a friend and fellow blogger GuyK, suggested that if one were desperate for hits, use a title like "14 Year Old Mexican Indian Virgins". My girls are now another year older.
The reason I bring this up is that I have sitemeter to just get an idea of how many people come by. I sometimes check to see from where they came by and I think I've been hit at least once by about every country in the world. They may just click through, but in that weird internet way, I was connected to someone on the other side of the world.
I have the free sitemeter service, so it only keeps track of the last 100 connections, but 37% of my last 100 were looking for 14 Year Old Mexican Indian Virgins.
In the coming years I'll try to remember to bump the age up a year so we can find out when Mexican Indian Virgins loose their appeal.
The reason I bring this up is that I have sitemeter to just get an idea of how many people come by. I sometimes check to see from where they came by and I think I've been hit at least once by about every country in the world. They may just click through, but in that weird internet way, I was connected to someone on the other side of the world.
I have the free sitemeter service, so it only keeps track of the last 100 connections, but 37% of my last 100 were looking for 14 Year Old Mexican Indian Virgins.
In the coming years I'll try to remember to bump the age up a year so we can find out when Mexican Indian Virgins loose their appeal.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Numb II
To all my friends who have stopped by and checked on me, "THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!"
Of course I have to get a Smog Check on my truck, she'll pass, but just another hoop that life is going to make me clear before a semblance of sanity returns.
Oh, yeah...I managed to lose my ATM/debit card. Life is....interesting.
I'm still in a pissy mood, but there is always a sliver of optimism somewhere on the fringe. It's just my nature.
If I live through this week (ending Tuesday, Aug. 25th), I'm taking a weeks vacation and driving to Phoenix to see two of my closest friends and their wives. With the weekend days, I'm away from work for 10 days. YEEEHAW!!! And when I go back, I'm on graveyard, so nobody bothers me, then my 5 day "long change" off. This would normally mean I wouldn't see anyone for three weeks, but I'll wait and post about the interesting twist, dropped on me today, of when I have to be at work for another post (hint: lotsa easy OT).
You knew it was coming. So I won't disappoint.
Of course I have to get a Smog Check on my truck, she'll pass, but just another hoop that life is going to make me clear before a semblance of sanity returns.
Oh, yeah...I managed to lose my ATM/debit card. Life is....interesting.
I'm still in a pissy mood, but there is always a sliver of optimism somewhere on the fringe. It's just my nature.
If I live through this week (ending Tuesday, Aug. 25th), I'm taking a weeks vacation and driving to Phoenix to see two of my closest friends and their wives. With the weekend days, I'm away from work for 10 days. YEEEHAW!!! And when I go back, I'm on graveyard, so nobody bothers me, then my 5 day "long change" off. This would normally mean I wouldn't see anyone for three weeks, but I'll wait and post about the interesting twist, dropped on me today, of when I have to be at work for another post (hint: lotsa easy OT).
You knew it was coming. So I won't disappoint.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Numb
Ever get to one of those points in your life where everything you need to do is a burden? That's where I've been the last few weeks.
My home life isn't in the best shape. Wife's out of state and I'm not sure she's coming back, or if I care. Kid's reacting to this by being a sloucher. Chores not done, never home...not being defiant, but pushing back and I'm the only one he's got to push against.
Work is crap. All the guys I work with are fighting with each other. They keep trying to drag me onto their side of why so-and-so is an ass, well I have to work the ass also, and I haven't had a major problem with them, so leave me out of it.
Escrow can't close on the company until November, so things are just going to stay the same at least until then.
Politics...I hate that McCain is the GOP nominee and I fear Obama. Nuff said.
Last week I noticed my registration on my truck expired in June and I hadn't gotten a renewal notice. Found out my wife didn't pay my insurance back in March and the state of California canceled my tags. Damn good thing I'm a good driver, no insurance and an illegal truck for 4 months.
On top of this, my license expired in April. That piece of paper, that didn't get passed on to me, would have been just a sign and return for an another extension, now required a trip to the DMV. I couldn't register my truck until I got insurance, and I couldn't get insurance until I got my license reinstated. First two steps completed as of today. Tomorrow we get the registration straight.
Numb is how I've been.
My home life isn't in the best shape. Wife's out of state and I'm not sure she's coming back, or if I care. Kid's reacting to this by being a sloucher. Chores not done, never home...not being defiant, but pushing back and I'm the only one he's got to push against.
Work is crap. All the guys I work with are fighting with each other. They keep trying to drag me onto their side of why so-and-so is an ass, well I have to work the ass also, and I haven't had a major problem with them, so leave me out of it.
Escrow can't close on the company until November, so things are just going to stay the same at least until then.
Politics...I hate that McCain is the GOP nominee and I fear Obama. Nuff said.
Last week I noticed my registration on my truck expired in June and I hadn't gotten a renewal notice. Found out my wife didn't pay my insurance back in March and the state of California canceled my tags. Damn good thing I'm a good driver, no insurance and an illegal truck for 4 months.
On top of this, my license expired in April. That piece of paper, that didn't get passed on to me, would have been just a sign and return for an another extension, now required a trip to the DMV. I couldn't register my truck until I got insurance, and I couldn't get insurance until I got my license reinstated. First two steps completed as of today. Tomorrow we get the registration straight.
Numb is how I've been.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
News...Good Or Bad?
I just got the true story on some scuttlebutt that has been bouncing around the last few days. I'm working graveyard this week, so I didn't have contact with anyone who knows.
This morning I was relieved by the Foreman and got the facts (as much as he knows).
My company is in escrow and being sold.
THE BAD:
I've only met the guys that are buying the company once, briefly, about a year ago, so I have no idea if we'll get along or have the same goals.
I make an appropriate salary, but ...new peons are cheaper, or the owners can just say "This is what we'll pay you."
They plan on me doing the work more fitting for a 20 year old.
THE GOOD:
They've got a reasonable budget to start correcting the ongoing problems with the facility and expanding production.
I have over 25 years experience in the oil field, I'm worth the money.
The budget (initially) sounds like they plan on using contractors to do the heavy work.
These are just my initial thoughts. I'm not going to go into panic mode just yet. It will take at least 3 months to get all the details worked out(permits, royalty contracts, etc.).
The only thing I know about the "possible" new owners from when I met them a year ago, is that they are that they are Iranian, they drive Benzes and one of the brothers has hair longer than I do.
One other piece of good news is that they have oil sites in Texas (and some other state that I immediately forgot because I just went "No way I'm going there"). So I may be able to transfer to Texas with a job in a couple of years. YeeeeeHaaaaw!!!
Or I get "let go", have to sell my house (with a 400% profit), and move to Texas. The Emperor just bought big new house, he must have a room to let.
This morning I was relieved by the Foreman and got the facts (as much as he knows).
My company is in escrow and being sold.
THE BAD:
I've only met the guys that are buying the company once, briefly, about a year ago, so I have no idea if we'll get along or have the same goals.
I make an appropriate salary, but ...new peons are cheaper, or the owners can just say "This is what we'll pay you."
They plan on me doing the work more fitting for a 20 year old.
THE GOOD:
They've got a reasonable budget to start correcting the ongoing problems with the facility and expanding production.
I have over 25 years experience in the oil field, I'm worth the money.
The budget (initially) sounds like they plan on using contractors to do the heavy work.
These are just my initial thoughts. I'm not going to go into panic mode just yet. It will take at least 3 months to get all the details worked out(permits, royalty contracts, etc.).
The only thing I know about the "possible" new owners from when I met them a year ago, is that they are that they are Iranian, they drive Benzes and one of the brothers has hair longer than I do.
One other piece of good news is that they have oil sites in Texas (and some other state that I immediately forgot because I just went "No way I'm going there"). So I may be able to transfer to Texas with a job in a couple of years. YeeeeeHaaaaw!!!
Or I get "let go", have to sell my house (with a 400% profit), and move to Texas. The Emperor just bought big new house, he must have a room to let.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Bachalorhood
He He, eat your heart out guys, My wife just flew off for a three month visit with her sister in Montana. Yeeeehah!!!
Course in about 2 weeks I suppose I'm going to have to figure out how to wash my underwear and socks. Food....food is going to be fun. I don't cook, and my boy learned from me. The wife left us a weeks worth of prepared meals, but after that, well, maybe you guys should buy stock in Burger King, Jack-in-the-Box, etc.
For some reason my liberal hippy/capitalist in-laws decided to move to Montana and open a restaurant/bar. The rebuilding phase of the project is done and my wife went up for the set-up and get he project going.
My life is now an experiment of going from Work (go make money), Home (try to get some sleep so I can go back to work...and fix some things around the house), to Work, Home and Crap I've got to do at home and get the boy to contribute. I haven't had to function on my own for 25 years, and I get to drag my son into it at the same time.
I've got to go to the Supermarket in a few days and I HATE shopping. I've done it before, and I know the rules, but I hate being around people who also know the rules but are to damn dumb to figure apply them. If you're going to use a check to pay, fill out the other lines on the check, the hard stuff, like date, Payee, memo (if you use it), signature. Don't wait till the total shows up and then start looking for your checkbook, then drag out your coupons so you have to write a new check.
If that's my biggest bitch, I suppose we'll survive, but I've gotten old and I don't like changes in my lifestyle.
Course in about 2 weeks I suppose I'm going to have to figure out how to wash my underwear and socks. Food....food is going to be fun. I don't cook, and my boy learned from me. The wife left us a weeks worth of prepared meals, but after that, well, maybe you guys should buy stock in Burger King, Jack-in-the-Box, etc.
For some reason my liberal hippy/capitalist in-laws decided to move to Montana and open a restaurant/bar. The rebuilding phase of the project is done and my wife went up for the set-up and get he project going.
My life is now an experiment of going from Work (go make money), Home (try to get some sleep so I can go back to work...and fix some things around the house), to Work, Home and Crap I've got to do at home and get the boy to contribute. I haven't had to function on my own for 25 years, and I get to drag my son into it at the same time.
I've got to go to the Supermarket in a few days and I HATE shopping. I've done it before, and I know the rules, but I hate being around people who also know the rules but are to damn dumb to figure apply them. If you're going to use a check to pay, fill out the other lines on the check, the hard stuff, like date, Payee, memo (if you use it), signature. Don't wait till the total shows up and then start looking for your checkbook, then drag out your coupons so you have to write a new check.
If that's my biggest bitch, I suppose we'll survive, but I've gotten old and I don't like changes in my lifestyle.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
T.V. Heaven
I watch way more television than I should. part of it is I grew up with TV and parts I just am use to the noise running in the background. I sleep with the set on.
I've slept with either the TV or radio running since I was about 10.
I'm in heaven today, remember the excitement back when "24" was going into it's second season? That's how I feel now.
"Burn Notice" finally goes into it's second season. I fell in love with this series by accident. New show, nothing else on, what the hell, give a look.
It had a new plot, well there are no new plots, but a unique slant on an old plot, interesting back story(ies) running through it, and it was funny.
I rate it up there with Magnum P.I., JAG, NCIS, I'll bet the producers of Burn Notice sat in a room a long time watching these programs and figuring what it was that made them work. They did.
I could give a rat's ass whether the "spy" crap is accurate or not. The articles say "The show's propmaster actually builds the gadgets Michael builds on the show in order to see if it could actually be done, then teaches Jeffrey Donovan how to do it in significantly less time than he did it.", but like I said, I don't really care. Give me an entertaining story and some fancy two-step, I'm sold.
I'll also mention that a small reason I watch might, just might have something to do with Gabrielle Anwar.
A brunette with an Irish temper and a gun? Say no more.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Cool Pics Of My Old Oil Field
I intended to post some political commentary on some articles I read this morning, but when I got home, it was 100 degrees and the A/C is crapped out. I'm hot already, no need to get myself hotter.
I did some net searches just typing in things and seeing what popped up and I ran across some pics of my old oil field just west of downtown Los Angeles. These are of the jack-line sites.
This site was converted to individual pump jacks just before I started working there. It worked 6 wells. The building stood for about 5 more years and we'd store minor stuff that we didn't care if it got stolen, but basically it was a place for rats and cats to increase their population.
A close-up of one of the pumping jacks.
This next site was operational for about 4 years after I started there. I wish there was a pic of the inside of the power house. Big gears, 6 ft, long flat belt drive system...(insert Tim Allen grunt here).
Next is a plan of the site showing how three wells were run off one power plant. The concentric wheel that drove it always had one well at the top of it's stroke, one at the bottom and one half way. A position and balancing act.
Efficient? Yes, very! The only problem was if you had a problem with one well and had to work on it, the other two were off as you lost your counter balance. Three units down instead of one. We switched to individual pumping units in the mid '80's.
This well is at the corner of Rockwood and Glendale.
You want to know how close to the civic center we were, just MapQuest it...I did it for you here (lazy bastards), just back out one click (-), "A" is the site and the spot that says Los Angeles is city hall.
This is the power house. Wow, looking at it now, we should have slapped a coat of pain on it, but back then to me, it just looked like oil field.
I want to point out that the Queen Anne style house on this site was occupied by an owner. This was the fall back property for the Manleys. They started here and, if times got that bad, would return there. When the Manley member of the family that lived there, for 48 years, died, we rented it to one of our employees for the incredible sum of $180/month. (Kept his wages low...Oh yeah, he was Hispanic.)
In reality, the guy we rented to was the guy right below me in seniority, and made a damn good salary. Wife and three kids, it was a subsidy from a corporation. He got inexpensive rent...we were assured of someone in the area to respond to any oil field problems. A good trade.
This is how the site ended up. I saw it everyday, and didn't notice how crappy it looked, but it was in the middle of a crappy looking neighborhood. We had to put in the chainlink to keep people off the property, the area was getting a little scary and because nobody wanted to see oil wells, we put slats in the fence which gave them an easel to paint on which made the city bitch at us about covering up the graffiti, hence a crappy looking fence.
If this field were still producing, and I had anything to do with it, I would have proved that oil production and people could continue to coexist.
I did some net searches just typing in things and seeing what popped up and I ran across some pics of my old oil field just west of downtown Los Angeles. These are of the jack-line sites.
This site was converted to individual pump jacks just before I started working there. It worked 6 wells. The building stood for about 5 more years and we'd store minor stuff that we didn't care if it got stolen, but basically it was a place for rats and cats to increase their population.
A close-up of one of the pumping jacks.
This next site was operational for about 4 years after I started there. I wish there was a pic of the inside of the power house. Big gears, 6 ft, long flat belt drive system...(insert Tim Allen grunt here).
Next is a plan of the site showing how three wells were run off one power plant. The concentric wheel that drove it always had one well at the top of it's stroke, one at the bottom and one half way. A position and balancing act.
Efficient? Yes, very! The only problem was if you had a problem with one well and had to work on it, the other two were off as you lost your counter balance. Three units down instead of one. We switched to individual pumping units in the mid '80's.
This well is at the corner of Rockwood and Glendale.
You want to know how close to the civic center we were, just MapQuest it...I did it for you here (lazy bastards), just back out one click (-), "A" is the site and the spot that says Los Angeles is city hall.
This is the power house. Wow, looking at it now, we should have slapped a coat of pain on it, but back then to me, it just looked like oil field.
I want to point out that the Queen Anne style house on this site was occupied by an owner. This was the fall back property for the Manleys. They started here and, if times got that bad, would return there. When the Manley member of the family that lived there, for 48 years, died, we rented it to one of our employees for the incredible sum of $180/month. (Kept his wages low...Oh yeah, he was Hispanic.)
In reality, the guy we rented to was the guy right below me in seniority, and made a damn good salary. Wife and three kids, it was a subsidy from a corporation. He got inexpensive rent...we were assured of someone in the area to respond to any oil field problems. A good trade.
This is how the site ended up. I saw it everyday, and didn't notice how crappy it looked, but it was in the middle of a crappy looking neighborhood. We had to put in the chainlink to keep people off the property, the area was getting a little scary and because nobody wanted to see oil wells, we put slats in the fence which gave them an easel to paint on which made the city bitch at us about covering up the graffiti, hence a crappy looking fence.
If this field were still producing, and I had anything to do with it, I would have proved that oil production and people could continue to coexist.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Live Blogging The 4th
I'm going to sit in my front yard and describe the fireworks show taking place about four block away from my house.
All times PM PDT
8:45: It's dark already and all they've done is launch a few concussion bombs about 45 minutes ago.
9:03 : It's finally got going
9:05: OOhh!!
9:10: Aaahhh!
9:15: Long boring pause, must be the ground display stuff that I can't see, I'll run inside and get a couple more beers.
9:25: OOhh!!
9:30: Aaahhh!
9:35: Long boring pause, must be the ground display stuff that I can't see, I'll run inside and get a couple more beers.
9:40: Still paused...maybe I'll walk up there...NO, remember, six beers already and get up for work at 3:30 AM.
I lied. I wrote the above just to fill time until the show started.
It got going at 9:20 and was over by 9:40, I guess times are tight. It was a good show, 95% involved aerial stuff that we could see, just a big lack of those really cool flash/concussion ones.
Hope your 4th was a happy one and your hangover doesn't need the whole weekend to get over.
All times PM PDT
8:45: It's dark already and all they've done is launch a few concussion bombs about 45 minutes ago.
9:03 : It's finally got going
9:05: OOhh!!
9:10: Aaahhh!
9:15: Long boring pause, must be the ground display stuff that I can't see, I'll run inside and get a couple more beers.
9:25: OOhh!!
9:30: Aaahhh!
9:35: Long boring pause, must be the ground display stuff that I can't see, I'll run inside and get a couple more beers.
9:40: Still paused...maybe I'll walk up there...NO, remember, six beers already and get up for work at 3:30 AM.
I lied. I wrote the above just to fill time until the show started.
It got going at 9:20 and was over by 9:40, I guess times are tight. It was a good show, 95% involved aerial stuff that we could see, just a big lack of those really cool flash/concussion ones.
Hope your 4th was a happy one and your hangover doesn't need the whole weekend to get over.
Happy 4th - 232 Years And Still Going
I can't put into words how blessed I feel to have born in this country. I hope I appreciate the blind luck of where I was born with all the freedoms handed to me to the same degree as my friends at the Rott and other blogs that emigrated to this country.
Talk about being born with a silver spoon in your mouth.
It astounds me that these people who've grown up in Britain, Denmark, Russia, Australia, and many, many other countries keep saying "Look, I lived there and did everything I could to get the the U.S.A." They know about the history and laws of my (our) land than I do. It can get downright embarrassing.
I also have to mention the many that are still in far away lands that say that when of if the opportunity arises, they would leave their homeland and come here in a heartbeat.
I have to get up at 3:30 AM to go to work tomorrow, but I'm going to take a lawn chair, "some" beer and sit in my front yard tonight so I can watch the aerial show put on at the High School about 4 blocks above my house. I may fall asleep when they do some of the fancy ground displays, so I'll have my cell phone with me and the alarm set to go off in time to go to work.
A couple of things I ran across today, some may not be attributed because I was at work and bouncing on and off the net, but if I found it at your site...thanks.
Found this at Hot Air. Imagine, the fight in Iraq is going so badly that they managed to get 1,215 troops re-enlist in Baghdad on Independence Day
God bless them all.
This from Penn and Teller:
An excellent point, but when I see someone burn my flag, I know it's just a cloth symbol, but I really want go jihadi on their ass because it is an insult to me. They are saying they reject and renounce everything I believe in. They don't want to change it, they want to destroy it and build something else.
You always here that freedom isn't free LC 0311 crunchie I.M.H. (or just crunch if you're on his good side) posted about what our founders put on the line by signing the Declaration of Independence and what happened to them.
Independence Day, the Cost of Freedom
What these men put on the line and suffered for their commitment to freedom and fairness is more than I could ever imagine.
Finally....Something to remind us of why we still have to fight to maintain our freedoms, our sovereignty, our (maybe) too comfortable way of life.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
George Carlin
I know I'm late on posting about Carlin's passing, but I had multiple feelings about it.
He was a comic that covered a lot of untouched ground.
My first impressions of him where during "That Was The Week That Was" sometime in the '60's as the "Hippy Dippy Weather Man". Next was the "Seven Words" routine.
He started out as observing society and pointing out where we imposed silly rules about how we talked or dealt with life, but as he (and I) got older, I started to see a viciousness in his routines and I didn't like it.
Of course someone else said it better:
Remembering George Carlin
by L. Brent Bozell III
June 26, 2008
I've become a curmudgeon, but I love my country and like most of the people in it. It just seemed that Carlin took it that step further and started to dislike the country and the people living in it.
He was a comic that covered a lot of untouched ground.
My first impressions of him where during "That Was The Week That Was" sometime in the '60's as the "Hippy Dippy Weather Man". Next was the "Seven Words" routine.
He started out as observing society and pointing out where we imposed silly rules about how we talked or dealt with life, but as he (and I) got older, I started to see a viciousness in his routines and I didn't like it.
Of course someone else said it better:
Remembering George Carlin
by L. Brent Bozell III
June 26, 2008
I've become a curmudgeon, but I love my country and like most of the people in it. It just seemed that Carlin took it that step further and started to dislike the country and the people living in it.
Do You Sell Used Cooking Oil?
Since the price of gasoline crossed $4.00, I have been getting an increasing number of phone calls that are just annoying the hell out of me!
Phone Rings...Most likely this occurs when I'm at the farthest point in the yard, so I walk quickly (no more running for me, that ended about 3 years ago when I tripped over my own feet and went down. Took me two weeks to work all the pains out) hoping whoever is calling will let it ring more than 6 times.
[Note: I am polite throughout the conversation, just getting a little exasperated as it progresses]
ME: [answering phone] "Name of Company" Oil.
CALLER: Who's is this?
ME: "Name of Company" Oil, may I help you?
CALLER: Do you sell used cooking oil?
ME: No. This is a crude oil facility.
CALLER: You don't sell used cooking oil?
ME: No, sorry.
CALLER: Do you sell new cooking oil?
ME: NO, as I said this is a CRUDE OIL facility.
CALLER: So, you don't selling any cooking oil?
ME: No.
CALLER: Do you know someone that sells used cooking oil?
ME: No, sorry.
CALLER: You don't know anyone?
ME: NO! I told you this is a CRUDE OIL FACILITY. What makes you think I'd know where to buy cooking oil, used or new, outside of a supermarket? [then being helpful] Maybe you can try "restaurant supply" or "recycling services" in the Yellow Pages.
CALLER: Do they sell used cooking oil?
ME: I haven't a clue, perhaps you should call them and ask.
CALLER: So, you don't sell used cooking oil?
ME: [AAARRGGHHH!!!] No! I hope you find what you're looking for, good luck.
CALLER: [click]
I admit, to a certain degree, I milk it. Most of the callers seem to be in their late 60's+, but they made me drop what I was doing and scurry across the yard, so I'm willing to sit for two minutes and go through the routine...again.
For most of these guys I'd be willing to bet that if they converted their vehicle over to running on used cooking oil, the cost of conversion added to the price of used cooking oil these days (nobody gives it away anymore), they wouldn't outlive the the investment costs.
Phone Rings...Most likely this occurs when I'm at the farthest point in the yard, so I walk quickly (no more running for me, that ended about 3 years ago when I tripped over my own feet and went down. Took me two weeks to work all the pains out) hoping whoever is calling will let it ring more than 6 times.
[Note: I am polite throughout the conversation, just getting a little exasperated as it progresses]
ME: [answering phone] "Name of Company" Oil.
CALLER: Who's is this?
ME: "Name of Company" Oil, may I help you?
CALLER: Do you sell used cooking oil?
ME: No. This is a crude oil facility.
CALLER: You don't sell used cooking oil?
ME: No, sorry.
CALLER: Do you sell new cooking oil?
ME: NO, as I said this is a CRUDE OIL facility.
CALLER: So, you don't selling any cooking oil?
ME: No.
CALLER: Do you know someone that sells used cooking oil?
ME: No, sorry.
CALLER: You don't know anyone?
ME: NO! I told you this is a CRUDE OIL FACILITY. What makes you think I'd know where to buy cooking oil, used or new, outside of a supermarket? [then being helpful] Maybe you can try "restaurant supply" or "recycling services" in the Yellow Pages.
CALLER: Do they sell used cooking oil?
ME: I haven't a clue, perhaps you should call them and ask.
CALLER: So, you don't sell used cooking oil?
ME: [AAARRGGHHH!!!] No! I hope you find what you're looking for, good luck.
CALLER: [click]
I admit, to a certain degree, I milk it. Most of the callers seem to be in their late 60's+, but they made me drop what I was doing and scurry across the yard, so I'm willing to sit for two minutes and go through the routine...again.
For most of these guys I'd be willing to bet that if they converted their vehicle over to running on used cooking oil, the cost of conversion added to the price of used cooking oil these days (nobody gives it away anymore), they wouldn't outlive the the investment costs.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Where Did Hell Did I Go?
Twelve days since my last post. I knew five had gone by, but the other week is just a blur.
The first five were my long change and I had made plans with my boy to get a jump on cleaning out the storage shed that my garage had become. In 1996, when the new guys bought my old company and I was made manager, I ended up working 14 to 18 hours per day, seven days a week, During this time, when my wife wanted to move something out of the house, it got stuck just inside the garage door. As the front got blocked, the stuff got pushed back until there was just a path around the table saw and over to my completely cluttered work bench or past the table saw to the back down the right side.
Typically, the time I decided to do this project the temperature went from mid 80's the day before to 105 to 112. I figured getting going around 7 AM would be good to beat the heat, but have you ever tried to get a 19 YO at that time of day? We'd be going by about 8ish and by noon to 1, I'd call it quits.
He did work diligently and we made a major hole in the stuff. It was a lot of sorting and the pile of crap to keep or toss was growing faster than I could make decisions. I'm a pack rat. but know from experience that the thing that has been sitting around for 4 years taking up space with no idea of what the hell you're ever going to do with it so it gets tossed, is the exact thing you will need in two weeks to complete a project.
Returning to my regular job, the temps dropped back into the mid 80's. I had one regular day, followed by a non-relief day where I had a twelve hour shift. On this day, the Division of Oil and Gas (DOG), after a year, decided to change some of the requirements for operation of a couple of our injector wells (the two best of course), the foreman was busy with a guy trying to get our pipeline plan up to date, so I had to figure out which wells we could keep running and still get rid of the water using the formulas of which wells produce the most oil and least water, balanced by which wells that produce enough gas to keep the that system flowing so our LTS (Low Temperature System) didn't freeze up. Then just to make life interesting, the Gas Company got pissed at us about something and turned of the readout that tells us the readings on inerts in the gas.
In order to sell gas, we have a ranges set to keep their automated valves open. The are parameters for BTU's and inerts (must be monitored closely), and CO2 and H2S (not usually a problem).
Without the reading on inerts (Gas CO) and wells getting turned off (DOG), it's been this was a fun week where intuition and juju played a big part in keeping things going.
It's been a fun week.
When I go back on Thursday, the foreman is on vacation so I get to look forward to two weeks of 12 hour shifts, being one of the guys from our site has to go over to our 23rd St. site to do line integrity testing.
Some good news, Thursday (float) and Friday are HOLIDAYS....double time shifts with 4 hours OT each day. The two things that suck are 1) I'm working days, so no shift differential and 2) by the time taxes get figured in, I'd probably take home more with just two straight eights.
For anyone who comes by on a semi-regular basis, thanks for not giving up. I really lost track of the time.
The first five were my long change and I had made plans with my boy to get a jump on cleaning out the storage shed that my garage had become. In 1996, when the new guys bought my old company and I was made manager, I ended up working 14 to 18 hours per day, seven days a week, During this time, when my wife wanted to move something out of the house, it got stuck just inside the garage door. As the front got blocked, the stuff got pushed back until there was just a path around the table saw and over to my completely cluttered work bench or past the table saw to the back down the right side.
Typically, the time I decided to do this project the temperature went from mid 80's the day before to 105 to 112. I figured getting going around 7 AM would be good to beat the heat, but have you ever tried to get a 19 YO at that time of day? We'd be going by about 8ish and by noon to 1, I'd call it quits.
He did work diligently and we made a major hole in the stuff. It was a lot of sorting and the pile of crap to keep or toss was growing faster than I could make decisions. I'm a pack rat. but know from experience that the thing that has been sitting around for 4 years taking up space with no idea of what the hell you're ever going to do with it so it gets tossed, is the exact thing you will need in two weeks to complete a project.
Returning to my regular job, the temps dropped back into the mid 80's. I had one regular day, followed by a non-relief day where I had a twelve hour shift. On this day, the Division of Oil and Gas (DOG), after a year, decided to change some of the requirements for operation of a couple of our injector wells (the two best of course), the foreman was busy with a guy trying to get our pipeline plan up to date, so I had to figure out which wells we could keep running and still get rid of the water using the formulas of which wells produce the most oil and least water, balanced by which wells that produce enough gas to keep the that system flowing so our LTS (Low Temperature System) didn't freeze up. Then just to make life interesting, the Gas Company got pissed at us about something and turned of the readout that tells us the readings on inerts in the gas.
In order to sell gas, we have a ranges set to keep their automated valves open. The are parameters for BTU's and inerts (must be monitored closely), and CO2 and H2S (not usually a problem).
Without the reading on inerts (Gas CO) and wells getting turned off (DOG), it's been this was a fun week where intuition and juju played a big part in keeping things going.
It's been a fun week.
When I go back on Thursday, the foreman is on vacation so I get to look forward to two weeks of 12 hour shifts, being one of the guys from our site has to go over to our 23rd St. site to do line integrity testing.
Some good news, Thursday (float) and Friday are HOLIDAYS....double time shifts with 4 hours OT each day. The two things that suck are 1) I'm working days, so no shift differential and 2) by the time taxes get figured in, I'd probably take home more with just two straight eights.
For anyone who comes by on a semi-regular basis, thanks for not giving up. I really lost track of the time.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Making Friends
A benefit of blogging is the new people you get in touch with while playing around. Over the last week or so I ran into two people with sites cool enough that I think you should drop by a visit.
For unapologetic pure no holds barred patriotic Americanism try TexasFreds.
The other blog is just a nice guy who blogs like I do. Day to day stuff with some politics thrown in Cary at The O Word
Now let's see if I can remember how to add people on my blogroll.
For unapologetic pure no holds barred patriotic Americanism try TexasFreds.
The other blog is just a nice guy who blogs like I do. Day to day stuff with some politics thrown in Cary at The O Word
Now let's see if I can remember how to add people on my blogroll.
You'll Put Your Eye Out!!!
The tension involved in this story must have been phenomenal!
Woman Sues Victoria's Secret, Claims Injury From Defective Thong
Now it's been covered by many sites, so you can go there and see what they said:
Lawsuits Over Thong Malfunctions...
from Blackiswhite.
Well hell, the other locations were OT and just part of a thread looking for a venue, and I can't locate them now.
Onward!
Maybe a case of "I take a size 2, the hell if I'm 220 lbs., it look good on me".
I know L.A. Parking Enforcement. They swear there is no quota involved with the job.....BUT, the officers worked pretty close to the same hours that I did and I drove by their yard on my way home. By 1:00 PM, there would be two Parking Enforcement Officers parked a half block down the side street of our site with the officers snoring away, and this is just over half way through their shift.
I occasionally got to follow these asshats to their yard on my way home. I can only assume that they wrote their 25 citations and figured they were done for the day. Hell if they start writing 35 a day, someone might expect them to write 35 everyday (don't make waves and make others look bad...and there is no quota).
My assumption would be this was a lazy ass city employee who just took an opportunity to sue someone so she could claim disability, get a huge reward and deprive everyone else of the joys of Victoria's Secrets.
Woman Sues Victoria's Secret, Claims Injury From Defective Thong
Now it's been covered by many sites, so you can go there and see what they said:
Lawsuits Over Thong Malfunctions...
from Blackiswhite.
Well hell, the other locations were OT and just part of a thread looking for a venue, and I can't locate them now.
Onward!
Patterson's lawyer told The Smoking Gun that a "design problem" caused a decorative metallic piece on the underwear to fly up and hit Patterson in the eye while she was putting the underwear on.
Maybe a case of "I take a size 2, the hell if I'm 220 lbs., it look good on me".
I know L.A. Parking Enforcement. They swear there is no quota involved with the job.....BUT, the officers worked pretty close to the same hours that I did and I drove by their yard on my way home. By 1:00 PM, there would be two Parking Enforcement Officers parked a half block down the side street of our site with the officers snoring away, and this is just over half way through their shift.
I occasionally got to follow these asshats to their yard on my way home. I can only assume that they wrote their 25 citations and figured they were done for the day. Hell if they start writing 35 a day, someone might expect them to write 35 everyday (don't make waves and make others look bad...and there is no quota).
My assumption would be this was a lazy ass city employee who just took an opportunity to sue someone so she could claim disability, get a huge reward and deprive everyone else of the joys of Victoria's Secrets.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
It's Sunday, So I'm Just Going To Kick Back
I read what little news there was last night, and nothing I saw is sticking with me at the moment, so I think I'll just post some music.
I'm going to pick something that's relatively recent just to show I can change a bit in spite of getting old. My boy is 19, so I get to hear new stuff as it comes out. A lot of the time it's as it comes out of my house when I get home from work at around 500 decibels. Hell, I use to do it to when I was his age, so if he turns it down when I whack in the back of the head it's OK.
I really like the whole album that these are from, so it was hard to pick which ones I wanted to showcase. I picked two that you don't often hear on the radio.
The first is "Smile Like You Mean It".
And for number two: "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine".
Tomorrow is a busy day at work. I've got graveyard then I stay over to help clean out a sump and trough with a vacuum truck, so it'll be a double shift. Nights have been quiet lately so it shouldn't be too bad, but I doubt I'll get to post when I get home.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Joe For President!!
A big HT to LC FORGER - Imperial Blacksmith over at the Rott for this.
Some citizen sat down and thought about what's going on in the world and came up with an actual plan to help save this country, something the people running for President can't seem to come up with.
It's 9 minutes long, but worth it and you won't even notice because you'll be going yeah, of course that's what I had in the back of my mind.
Is it to late to get this guy on the ballot for November?
Some citizen sat down and thought about what's going on in the world and came up with an actual plan to help save this country, something the people running for President can't seem to come up with.
It's 9 minutes long, but worth it and you won't even notice because you'll be going yeah, of course that's what I had in the back of my mind.
Is it to late to get this guy on the ballot for November?
Unmitigated Gall
Here's another example of why the U.N. should be disbanded, the building torn down and the earth it stood on salted.
Britain should get rid of the monarchy, says UN
[all emphasis: mine]
Let's see here, the "Human Rights Council" that seats some of the biggest human right abusers (China, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cuba and pick any of the 13 African countries)are dictating to England that they should give up what's worked for them since 1707, and really much longer than that.
And you noticed who was the "enlightened" country that proposed ridding Britain of her monarchy? Sri Lanka, who even in Wikipedia is noted as:
People in glass houses...
$1.35 (US dollars) a year per adult to support the Queen and her brood.
No, it's just so much easier to point at countries were the people are free to live their lives without fear of being hauled away in the night by "special police" rather than have anyone take notice of what's going on in their own country. Besides, if Britain got to vote on a referendum we all know they would chose a system even more socialist that the one they have. You know "Workers Unite" and all that rot.
They mean the mooselimbs that riot at every perceived slight, threaten to behead anyone who won't bow down to islam, blow up train stations and airports. And sexual discrimination...this from Syria...no sexual discrimination there, if anyone brought up that they were discriminated against sexually, why they'd cane that bitch...or hang the queer.
Can't have that now, can we?
Britain should get rid of the monarchy, says UN
[all emphasis: mine]
A United Nations report says Britain should abolish its monarchy.
13 Jun 08: The UN has said that the UK must consider asking the public whether they would like to keep the Royal Family.
The UN Human Rights Council said the UK must "consider holding a referendum on the desirability or otherwise of a written constitution, preferably republican".
The council has 29 members including Saudi Arabia, Cuba and Sri Lanka.
It was the Sri Lankan envoy who raised concerns over the British monarchy.
Let's see here, the "Human Rights Council" that seats some of the biggest human right abusers (China, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cuba and pick any of the 13 African countries)are dictating to England that they should give up what's worked for them since 1707, and really much longer than that.
And you noticed who was the "enlightened" country that proposed ridding Britain of her monarchy? Sri Lanka, who even in Wikipedia is noted as:
was considered one of the "world's most politically unstable countries" by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in 2004. The Economist labels Sri Lanka a "flawed democracy" in its 2006 rankings.
People in glass houses...
The resulting report said Britain should have a referendum on the monarchy and the need for a written constitution with a bill of rights.
The monarchy costs each adult in Britain around 62p a year but even groups representing taxpayers said there was no case for getting rid of it.
$1.35 (US dollars) a year per adult to support the Queen and her brood.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "With so many human rights abuses around the world the UN should be busy reporting on issues of starvation, execution and the denial of the vote to huge numbers of people around the world.
"Saudi Arabia and Cuba should pay a little more attention to their own human rights record."
No, it's just so much easier to point at countries were the people are free to live their lives without fear of being hauled away in the night by "special police" rather than have anyone take notice of what's going on in their own country. Besides, if Britain got to vote on a referendum we all know they would chose a system even more socialist that the one they have. You know "Workers Unite" and all that rot.
The UN report was also critical of the UK's treatment of immigrants from Sudan.
Syrian representatives accused the UK of discriminating against Muslims and Iran complained about the UK's record on tackling sexual discrimination.
They mean the mooselimbs that riot at every perceived slight, threaten to behead anyone who won't bow down to islam, blow up train stations and airports. And sexual discrimination...this from Syria...no sexual discrimination there, if anyone brought up that they were discriminated against sexually, why they'd cane that bitch...or hang the queer.
A royal source said: "People here certainly haven't detected any appetite for a referendum. The Queen is a focus for national unity, identity and pride."
Can't have that now, can we?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Terrorists Are U.S. Citizens Now
Supreme Court opens up Gitmo lawsuit floodgates; Scalia: “The Nation will live to regret what the Court has done today. I dissent.”
Unbelievable.
We now give constitutional rights to illegal combatants.
I'd been thinking about this since the ruling came down and trying to think of how this would pan out in the future. My thoughts went to the "unofficial" ROE are going to change. If the bastard we just rounded up from a location that we were receiving fire from most likely is one of the terrorists that was shooting at my squad and even though he is an illegal combatant, he now has U.S. constitutional rights if I arrest him and take him into custody, now gets to go through a U.S. federal court to make sure his "rights" weren't violated. What's next, reading Miranda rights to every terrorist we pick up?
As I was driving home this morning I came to the conclusion that there will be a lot less terrorists taken prisoner. The Geneva Conventions state that a combatant with no uniform can be summarily shot. No breaking of the rules here. All "civilized" nations have signed this agreement and have vowed to abide by the rules.
Right after my thoughts, on the radio, a Viet Nam vet was calling into Bill Bennett's show and brought up that back in that war, with no consistent ROE and no uniform for the enemy, the attitude was "better safe that sorry". If you thought they were the enemy better shoot them now rather than let them go and have to fight them again tomorrow.
War sucks! It always comes down to killing more of the guys on the other side than they kill on yours. The Geneva Conventions were drawn up to reduce the civilian deaths by establishing who was fighting for who by stating that uniforms must be worn. If you chose to ignore the rules, then any civilian deaths that occur due to your actions fall back on you.
Unbelievable.
We now give constitutional rights to illegal combatants.
I'd been thinking about this since the ruling came down and trying to think of how this would pan out in the future. My thoughts went to the "unofficial" ROE are going to change. If the bastard we just rounded up from a location that we were receiving fire from most likely is one of the terrorists that was shooting at my squad and even though he is an illegal combatant, he now has U.S. constitutional rights if I arrest him and take him into custody, now gets to go through a U.S. federal court to make sure his "rights" weren't violated. What's next, reading Miranda rights to every terrorist we pick up?
As I was driving home this morning I came to the conclusion that there will be a lot less terrorists taken prisoner. The Geneva Conventions state that a combatant with no uniform can be summarily shot. No breaking of the rules here. All "civilized" nations have signed this agreement and have vowed to abide by the rules.
Right after my thoughts, on the radio, a Viet Nam vet was calling into Bill Bennett's show and brought up that back in that war, with no consistent ROE and no uniform for the enemy, the attitude was "better safe that sorry". If you thought they were the enemy better shoot them now rather than let them go and have to fight them again tomorrow.
War sucks! It always comes down to killing more of the guys on the other side than they kill on yours. The Geneva Conventions were drawn up to reduce the civilian deaths by establishing who was fighting for who by stating that uniforms must be worn. If you chose to ignore the rules, then any civilian deaths that occur due to your actions fall back on you.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Gun Rights
Bouncing around and ran into this: Packing in public: Gun owners tired of hiding their weapons embrace 'open carry' from of all places...The L.A. Times
A response.
24. If you are trying to promote America as a friendly country with friendly people. A nice place to visit. Then having a civilian population that thinks it's living in "Westworld" is hardly the right image to project. To those of us in the rest of the world it just confirms our worst fears that America is a dangerous place full of intimidating overbearing gun nuts who appear to have no concern about how they look to the rest of the world.
Submitted by: Frank
12:44 PM PDT, June 10, 2008
What about promoting an America where it's citizens are mature enough that they can be trusted with firearms, will not use their gun to settle petty disputes, and will come to your aid if someone threatens your unarmed person.
Of course you just have to ignore the facts to come up with that conclusion.
Friday!!!
Well, it's my Friday.
Off for a day and 3/4 then 7 on graveyard shift (then 5 1/2 off).
Haven't posted in a bit because they've been making me work (the bastards), so by the time I get done reading all my other sites when I get home, there isn't the time or the energy to post all the things I have marked.
Today I just want to hit a few of the things I meant to do the last few days.
GuyK demanded that I go over here and read this: "McCain's Better Half" at Tall Cool Drink of Water
Conservatives see a problem and figure out how they're fix it. Libs whine about the gov't not throwing money at the the problem.
___________________
A bunch of stuff from Hot Air:
McCain: Obama’s running for Carter’s second term
Just "Oh God, Noooo...!!!!" I lived through Jimmy Peanut's "change" which sounds an awful lot like Barack's "change". Now I know why so many of his supporters are young, they didn't have to go through gas lines and incredible inflation and "malaise". They probably think we're old farts and are exaggerating the ordeal through senility.
I know I'll come back to this subject in more detail, but wanted to get this story in: So when will Congress act on gas prices?
We expect the rest of the world to rape their ecosystem, but ours is somehow sacrosanct and shouldn't be impacted, nay...even touched. The ultimate in elitist thinking, but the world shouldn't hate us for that.
We were told, oh about 7 years ago that if we produced ANWAR, it wouldn't do any good for 7 years. Some of that oil trickling in about now probably would have been a good thing.
Congress isn't going to do anything about the price of oil now or after the elections. Gov't (Fed, state, local) get 24% of every dollar spent on gas, with no investment, while the oil company get 8.5% with trillions in investment. You tell me who's getting "Windfall Profits"?
On the Dhimitude of the free world: Anglicans: British gov’t pays more attention to Islam than to us; British gov’t: Of course we do
Because the ragheads are going to riot and burn if their fweelings are hurt, we better make sure they are front of the line for gov't attention. Won't matter if giving in to them dilutes or removes the rights of a majority of the population, can't have cars burning on the evening news like in Fwance.
Listen to a MP Ms Blears:
It is “common sense” for Christianity to be sidelined at the expense of Islam, a Government minister claimed on Sunday…
She said it was right that more money and effort was spent on Islam than Christianity because of the threat from extremism and home-grown terrorism.
It gets better.
She added: “We live in a secular democracy. That’s a precious thing. We don’t live in a theocracy, but we’ve always accepted that hundreds of thousands of people are motivated by faith. We live in a secular democracy but we want to recognise the role of faith.”
Secular democracy? England? Even I know about Henry VIII, but I'll let the Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, Bishop for Urban Life and Faith of The Church of England rebut.
“She said we live in a secular democracy. That comes as news to me – we have an established Church, but the Government can’t deal with Christianity.”
great britain, shave your heads, lock your women away and get ready to pray at the appointed hours, or pay your dhimi tax, you are done.
_____________
That's all the Hot Air stuff. I saved the best for last. Got this through Sig94 who sent me to Transsylvania Phoenix to read this post: The British called, they want their guns back
I'll post the You Tube here just to peak your interest.
So maybe I shouldn't write the Brit's off to fast. I just hope we can look at what a crock and failure this was and not make the same mistake.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Credit Where Credits Is Due?
I use to be a big basketball fan. Then it became thug ball and I left.
I've watched a few games over the last few years, but just couldn't generate any team spirit or enthusiasm with most of the players shooting 38% from the free throw line.
Having gotten by the Shaq/Kobe years, the Laker's are back in the play offs, so I watched a few of the games and have kinda enjoyed B-ball again.
(As usual the above isn't the reason for my post.)
At half time, they did a "up close and personal" story of Leon Powe of the Celtics.
The man has a lot to speak for his character. He was the oldest of seven children growing up in the hellhole of Oakland, Ca. He talked about his mother giving up food so that her children could have something to eat and that he gave up food so that his mother and siblings could eat. He got good grades and according to his teachers, chased them down to find out how to do better. He had a natural ability to play basketball, but worked as hard as that as he did at academics.
His Mom died at (I think they said 42, just as he graduated HS)and his dad left when he was two. The house they lived in burned down when he was seven and they were homeless.
His Mom got arrested for shoplifting, which I can understand her motivation, not condoning it, but...if I'd needed to feed my kids. All the kids ended up in foster care.
Powe worked to keep the family together. This is a man.
The thing that was not mentioned in the story is where is his dad? There was one kid, and I guess probably another on the way, so did he just decided to cut out?
Now Mom had one, maybe two, kids by daddy one, where the hell did the other five come from? I know a few people from many ethnic groups, but I can't think of another that has SEVEN fucking children with no father around.
I'll say Powe is 100 times the man his father was...but what is it in our society that overlooks the lack of a father in the life of children and celebrates the fact that in this one case there was a gifted child that was able to pull his family out of that death spiral of welfare?
If dad had still been there, Powe would have had his innate talent and would have gone to great things anyway. I'm just sorry he had to fight his way up to the elite of American sports.
Only in America!
I've watched a few games over the last few years, but just couldn't generate any team spirit or enthusiasm with most of the players shooting 38% from the free throw line.
Having gotten by the Shaq/Kobe years, the Laker's are back in the play offs, so I watched a few of the games and have kinda enjoyed B-ball again.
(As usual the above isn't the reason for my post.)
At half time, they did a "up close and personal" story of Leon Powe of the Celtics.
The man has a lot to speak for his character. He was the oldest of seven children growing up in the hellhole of Oakland, Ca. He talked about his mother giving up food so that her children could have something to eat and that he gave up food so that his mother and siblings could eat. He got good grades and according to his teachers, chased them down to find out how to do better. He had a natural ability to play basketball, but worked as hard as that as he did at academics.
His Mom died at (I think they said 42, just as he graduated HS)and his dad left when he was two. The house they lived in burned down when he was seven and they were homeless.
His Mom got arrested for shoplifting, which I can understand her motivation, not condoning it, but...if I'd needed to feed my kids. All the kids ended up in foster care.
Powe worked to keep the family together. This is a man.
The thing that was not mentioned in the story is where is his dad? There was one kid, and I guess probably another on the way, so did he just decided to cut out?
Now Mom had one, maybe two, kids by daddy one, where the hell did the other five come from? I know a few people from many ethnic groups, but I can't think of another that has SEVEN fucking children with no father around.
I'll say Powe is 100 times the man his father was...but what is it in our society that overlooks the lack of a father in the life of children and celebrates the fact that in this one case there was a gifted child that was able to pull his family out of that death spiral of welfare?
If dad had still been there, Powe would have had his innate talent and would have gone to great things anyway. I'm just sorry he had to fight his way up to the elite of American sports.
Only in America!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Buffalo Farts
Haven't been around for the last few days. I had my "weekend" which was half relaxing and half busy. The ultimate insult, was that over they last two days at work, those bastards actually wanted me to do some physical labor. Worse than that I had to design, get the tools together, the supplies necessary and put the whole mess together.
Two of the best days I've had in a long time, and there is a project for tomorrow.
I got hurt today. I slipped in some oil and while catching myself I wrenched my left elbow pretty good. Didn't know it for an hour or so after work, but bad enough that I tried some "ICY Hot" that smelled nice, but did nothing. A half hour with a heating pad, and I fell good enough to type.
I don't take meds!!! I haven't taken an aspirin, or anything else in over three years, but this time it hurt. I still haven't taken any pharmaceuticals. The heat and slowly working it out (I think it was a strained tendon) but I've got about 98% movement back without pain.
We'll see tomorrow whe I wake up.
What the hell does this have to do with buffalo farts, nothing I just dropped by the Rott and found this post: A ClueClubbing™ Of Astronomical Proportions
I haven't even had a chance to read the comments, but just reading the blockquote made me want to post:
I would like to point out that before the introduction of cattle, millions upon millions of buffalo dominated the Great Plains of America. They were so thick you could not see where the herd started and where it ended. I can only assume that the anti-meat, manmade global warming crowd must believe that buffalo farts have more socially redeeming value than the same flatulence emitted by cattle. Yes, this is absurd, but the deeper one looks into this global warming juggernaut, the weirder this movement becomes and the more denial is evident. (Emphasis mine—B.)
This made my arm feel better also.
Monday, June 02, 2008
What Have I Been Saying?
There hasn't been an offshore-oil-well blowout since 1969. The onslaught of Gulf hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 ripped apart drilling rigs and pipelines, but not one drop of oil made landfall.
So why do we block energy companies from exploring many of our offshore waters for oil, including Florida's Gulf Coast?
Going green means having green to spend
Read it!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Uncaring America
I've heard this so many times from inside and outside the U.S. that I was starting to wonder if it were true.
Then I read: "Americans lead world in generosity" by Star Parker.
[all emphasis: mine]
Americans are hearing so much these days about how bad we are that we're starting to believe it. "We are such a rich nation and care little for the poor, we should give more."
In a recent Gallup poll, 68 percent said they are "dissatisfied with the position of the United States in the world today," and 55 percent said they think that the rest of the world views us unfavorably.
See I wasn't the only one.
However, as I page through a publication called the Index of Global Philanthropy, which is produced annually by the Center for Global Prosperity at the Hudson Institute in Washington, it becomes obvious that these American feelings of self-deprecation are misguided.
This is the just-released third annual edition of this index. It produces a unique snapshot portraying the full extent of American generosity to developing countries, by amount and by source.
Usually when the question of aid to the developing world arises, we think of government funds. But this index shows that, whereas it may be the rule in the rest of the industrialized world that most aid is government aid, in our country this isn't the case. Most of the contributions that Americans make abroad are private and voluntary. And they are large.
And how large?
In 2006, the latest year for which data are available, the index reports that Americans contributed privately and voluntarily $34.8 billion to individuals and organizations in developing countries.
Philanthropy is distinct from government aid in that it originates with private citizens and is voluntary, but also the recipients are private individuals and organizations, as opposed to governments. Private to private versus government to government.
The $34.8 billion in philanthropy from private Americans exceeded the $23.5 billion in official U.S. government aid abroad by $11.3 billion, or 48 percent.
Damn near 50% more that the U.S. gov't gives, and remember, we taxpayers gave that $23.5 billion also.
This private philanthropy is flowing from foundations, corporations, private and voluntary organizations, universities and colleges, and religious organizations.
Of particular interest in this year's index is the $8.8 billion reported from religious organizations. According to Carol Adelman, who directs this work, the data were produced by commissioning "the first national survey of congregational giving to the developing world" ever done.
The average contribution of congregations was $10,700.
Only $10,700? when you add it all together that is 25% of the total being given, voluntarily by these congregations.
To put this in some kind of perspective, the $8.8 billion in giving from American religious institutions to developing countries was $1.5 billion more than the total giving from all private sources in 30 of the world's major industrialized democratic countries combined.
You got that? You add up the total from next 30 democratic nations and we've still given $1.5 BILLION more!
When consolidating all assistance funds flowing from the United States to developing countries, the total is $129.8 billion. This is the total of government aid, philanthropy and remittances – funds sent directly by private individuals to other private parties in developing countries, often family members. A far second in total giving behind the United States is the United Kingdom at $20.7 billion.
The next most generous country in line, Great Britain, gives 16% of what we do.
There are a couple of important messages here.
First, of course, is the incredible compassion and generosity of Americans. American largesse does not need to be pried or forced by the government. It flows organically from free, civic minded and often religiously motivated citizens. And it comes from citizens of every income strata. The religious giving data show that whereas the average congregation gives $10,700, the median number is $2,500, indicating that there are many smaller, less wealthy congregations engaged.
The other headline is the central importance of the private sector in both generating prosperity, but also in sharing it.
We know how good we have it here, and we want to help those in need or who have been hit by disaster and we are willing to sacrifice some of our blessings to the rest of the world..."the median number is $2,500, indicating that there are many smaller, less wealthy congregations engaged." Help when you can, as much as you can.
Bookshelves now strain with studies showing the failures of government-to-government aid.
Always seems to end up buying munitions to further suppress the people it was suppose to help, or they just build another palace.
It is individuals who create wealth. Compassion and personal responsibility reside in the breasts of those same individuals. Neither can be said of government bureaucracies.
Amen!
Barack Obama spoke at the commencement ceremony at Wesleyan University the other day. He talked about national service and, recalling John F. Kennedy, committed to doubling the size of the Peace Corps if elected president.
From what I see and what the data show, Americans don't need government to make them care, contribute and volunteer. If anything, they need less government so they'll retain and keep control of more of what they produce and subsequently share with those in need.
Like I said at the beginning, I was starting to believe the BS that maybe we don't give enough. They can take that a shove it sideways.
Other countries may have their own motivations for what causes them to view Americans the way they do, but the data are clear. Americans are unmatched in creating prosperity and sharing it.
It's time to pay closer attention to what Americans do rather than what others say.
I don't know about you, but my family also give to charities that operate strictly within the U.S., so the numbers there are not figured into the grand total.
Gotta Pee?
If you're modest and live in Colorado, you better go before you leave the house.
Guv strikes state's gender-specific restrooms
With today's signature on SB200, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, has eliminated gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms statewide, giving woman and girls reason to fear being confronted by predators, cross-dressers "or even a homosexual or heterosexual male," according to a critic.
The state's new "transgender nondiscrimination" bill makes it illegal to deny a person access to public accommodations, including restrooms and locker rooms, based on gender identity or the "perception" of gender identity.
If you were afraid to let your kids go into a public restroom before, imagine what it's going to be like now.
"Henceforth, every woman and little girl will have to fear that a predator, bisexual, cross-dresser or even a homosexual or heterosexual male might walk in and relieve himself in their presence," Dobson said. "The legislation lists every conceivable type of organization to which this law applies, including restaurants, bathhouses, massage parlors, mortuaries, theaters and 'public facilities of any kind.' Those who would attempt to protect females from this intrusion are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year behind bars.
I've been to events, concerts, ballgames, where the line going into the ladies facility is about 5 miles long and had women sneak in the guys bathroom and it never bothers anyone, but the idea of some of the guys I know going into the ladies room while my wife or daughter (if I had a daughter) is in there, I guess I'd be looking at a $5,000 fine.
"And by the way, because of the way this bill is written, it is not subject to the initiative process. There is no recourse,” Dobson said.(James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, the Christian publishing and broadcast ministry in Colorado Springs.)
The hell with whatever the people feel is proper, the gov't knows best.
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