More Politically Correct Nonsense

It's coming people! Below is an AP article from August of 2005. Remember, large sized people, they are coming after you next. Jump on your bikes and get out of the fray now or call your lawyers and join the struggle for your rights. The battle is just begining and many of you are right in the middle. Good luck and don't let anyone insult you.

You just can't make this stuff up ...

From AP:

As doctors warn more patients that they should lose weight, the advice has backfired on one doctor with a woman filing a complaint with the state saying he was hurtful, not helpful.

Dr. Terry Bennett says he tells obese patients their weight is bad for their health and their love lives, but the lecture drove one patient to complain to the state.

"I told a fat woman she was obese," Bennett says. "I tried to get her attention. I told her, 'You need to get on a program, join a group of like-minded people and peel off the weight that is going to kill you.' "

He says he wrote a letter of apology to the woman when he found out she was offended.

Her complaint, filed about a year ago, was initially investigated by a panel of the New Hampshire Board of Medicine, which recommended that Bennett be sent a confidential letter of concern. The board rejected the suggestion in December and asked the attorney general's office to investigate.

Bennett rejected that office's proposal that he attend a medical education course and acknowledge that he made a mistake.

Bruce Friedman, chairman of the board of medicine, said he could not discuss specific complaints. Assistant Attorney General Catherine Bernhard, who conducted the investigation, also would not comment, citing state law that complaints are confidential until the board takes disciplinary action.

The board's Web site says disciplinary sanctions may range from a reprimand to the revocation of all rights to practice in the state.

My Predictions Proving Accurate Again

Minnesota's House and Senate have now both passed the new state-wide smoking ban. The oppressive bill simply waits for Governor Pawlenty's signature and he is expected to give it approval. Much has been said over the years on smoking bans, both pro and con, but I want to point out some lesser know ideas in this debate.

Let me begin by stating my predictions are already coming to light. For a long time now I have been telling people to watch out for their rights. Many of the non-smokers I know have taken an I-don't-care attitude whenever smoker's rights have become threatened. I always remind them to have a little more interest and not ignore the issue simply because it appears not to effect them directly. I always said that these Liberal Lunatics are power hungry. That these oppressive people will not stop at smoking legislation. That these busy-body communists must always have an agenda. I have stated and continue to preach the fact that these control freaks will never stop at the demise of smoking. They will continue on with new liberty restricting, fanatical programs. The smoking ban may not affect you but, what happens when they are busting your door down? Today their focus is on smoking. Tomorrow they will turn to something you care about.


How about you hunters and gun-toters. Will your rights be more seriously challenged? Do you love to fish? Hey, animals have rights, too! What about you gardeners and plant lovers. Will you be restricted from putting certain plants in your own yard in the future. Do you like short skirts? They are offensive to some. I think high-heels shoes are dangerous. Let's ban them. Tattoos and piercings offend me. They got to go. Do you feel you know how to raise your own children properly. Ha. Let's let the schools, government, or your friendly neighborhood corrections alliance group handle these mundane chores. I feel brightly colored cars sometimes blind me when I'm driving. Let's outlaw them. Here's one, be warned - I hate pets. All animals belong in the wild. You animal lovers look out. Why should I have to put up with shit in my yard, or neighborhood, for that matter? Why do I have to listen to that annoying barking? What about all them attacks I read about, in the papers. I fear for my safety whenever a dog, make that beast, is around. Let's not even get into the cat (yuk) discussion. The point is this list could, and will, go on and on. It won't be long until something you care about is in jeopardy! Be ready for your day!

Ah, back to my accurate prognostication. As I've said, I predicted further erosions of rights when the loonies feel their current dockets have been sufficiently met. Well, in todays Duluth News Tribune, DFL Rep. Tom Huntley bodly states, " . . . he is ready to move on to another health issue — obesity." Ha, the ink is not even dry yet. In fact, the governor hasn't even signed the bill yet, though we know he will. They must always have their soapbox and/or agenda and as one right is sufficiently eliminated it's time to move on and work toward abolishing another right! And let's waste no time in doing so. Are they in your backyard yet?

OK, fatties ( is that OK to say?) they are coming for you. At one time I would never have thought to assist the communist liberal lunatics but, I am now currently tempted. So put down your triple-dipped, sugar laced, fat-inducing, mile-high, mega-sized, bon-bon flavored, mid-morning, fat-fried, super-deluxe ice cream treat for just a moment, if you can. Pull your mega-sized, treat stained gut out of the way, wipe the frosting from your triple-chin and read on. You big people disgust me! Why should I have to look at your fat asses when I'm trying to dine in my pleasant smoke-free environment. If my visual rights are not enough for you let's take another tact. What are you doing to our health care system? I learned this strategy from the anti-smokers and I feel your lard asses are a drain on our countries financial well-being. How about that? Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon) - oops, there's that cancer word again!

Why should I have to pay higher medical premiums simply because some excessive people can't control themselves? According to a study of national costs attributed to both overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and obesity (BMI greater than 30), medical expenses accounted for 9.1 percent of total U.S. medical expenditures in 1998 and may have reached as high as $78.5 billion ($92.6 billion in 2002 dollars) (Finkelstein, Fiebelkorn, and Wang, 2003). Granted this is on older study and I'm quite certain current estimates would be much higher. You getting the picture yet? Have I made my point?

You gays who feel you need equal rights - look out! I think you are a major cause of aides. Now that can't be good for our health care system, either. What a financial drain. Why am I paying financially for your right to be a freak? And your hate crime crap! You are trying to get more rights than everyone not equal rights. Oh no, here comes a law suit, another financial drain on our country. We better eliminate the courts!

Remember, I have my rights, too! Whatever your passion it will one day be in my, or somebody's, sights! And never, never forget - I'm gunning for your cats and dogs! By the way, what does your dog weigh? Just wondering.

If you like photography and you like humor, as I do, you must check out What The Duck. This guy has an amazing site where he showcases his comic phenomena. It has become an outrageous hit and he has even began to merchandise items based on his cartoon creation. The artist's name is Aaron Johnson and he is quit a talent. One neat section of his site ecourages others to send in their What The Duck tributes. It's a classy setup and everyone with the knack should give it a try.

Worlds Largest Non-Military Lens

The Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* was designed by Carl Zeiss to be the world's largest nonmilitary camera lens. The 1,700mm lens weighs more than 550 pounds, is larger than a refrigerator, and gives a medium-format camera a telephoto factor of almost 29X. Don't expect to actually see it in the wild anytime soon, though; the Apo Sonnar T* is a special project from Carl Zeiss and costs as much as a small house.

Never before has the world of photography seen such a lens. The ZEISS Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 was developed by Carl Zeiss for a customer with very high demands and a special interest in long distance wildlife photography. To achieve the highest possible image quality, the customer decided on the Hasselblad 203FE 6x6cm medium format camera and ZEISS lenses as the best combination for his special needs.

At a focal length of 1700mm and a speed of f/4, this project even challenged the manufacture of the optical glass. The delicate, special glass types required for this unique design had never been cast before in such huge dimensions. Some of the resulting lens blanks weighed more than 25 kg (55 lbs.) and were valued more than a luxury sedan! Turning these blanks into the finished lens elements added even more to their value.

The design of the ZEISS Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 required new lens assembly techniques and quality assurance methods never before applied in photo lens production – even by Carl Zeiss’ normally high standards. The finished lens weighs a staggering 256 kg (564 lbs.), placing unique demands on the focusing mechanisms. To address this issue, Carl Zeiss developed a totally new way of operating a telephoto lens, including servo controlled aiming and focusing systems like those used in large telescopes and similar instruments for astronomical scientists.

Drawing from its expertise in developing and producing satellite and space optics, as well as ultra-high resolution microlithography lenses for semiconductor fabrication, Carl Zeiss was happy to accept this challenge.

The resulting Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 lens consists of 15 optical elements in 13 groups. It is the largest telephoto lens ever produced for civilian photographic purposes and a testament to the precision design and manufacturing capabilities at Carl Zeiss.

Photo: Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700: the largest tele lens for non-military applications across the globe.

One must wonder what the military is using?

For those who are interested, you will probably need to fabricate some kind of adapter to mount this animal to your cell phone. Good luck.

Tamron 18-250mm Lens

The Tamron 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Di II Macro is currently the lens with the largest zoom rate to date. It has a zoom ratio of 13.9 and it's effective equivilent for an APS-C camera (for which it is specifically designed) would be 27-375mm. It has a suggested street price of $499.

It is compact and light weighing only 15.2 ozs. It has a filter size of 62mm. It is available in the Canon AF, Nikon AF-D, Pentax AF, Samsung AF, Sony/Maxxum AF-D mounts.

Shed Project Is Coming Along

This photo was taken Tuesday and was meant to show I was nearly completed with the siding of the shed.


I, actually, finished the siding job about an hour later. I still have to paint around the overhead door and place the final trim there. Then the siding will be truly complete. After that is done, I plan on painting the foundation blocks white and I still have to hang the ladder racks on the north side. The exterior will then be complete with the exception of lights and outlets which I will install once I run the electrical.

It should be noted that I had a lot of help on this project and I am simply placing the finishing touches on it.

Terrorism Is Being Stopped

Looks like we foiled some terrorists once again.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Six nationals of the former Yugoslavia were arrested early Tuesday on charges they plotted to attack the Fort Dix Army base and "kill as many soldiers as possible," federal authorities said.

The six were scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Camden later Tuesday to face charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. servicemen, said Michael Drewniak, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey. Five of them lived in Cherry Hill, he said.

A law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity because documents in the case remain sealed, said the men were arrested as part of a joint federal and local investigation.

The officials said the attack was stopped in the planning stages.

By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press Writer

Politic Correctness

In light of todays penchant for political correctness, I'ld like to do my part in everyone's education.

1 She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" - She is a "BREASTED AMERICAN."

2. She is not "EASY" - She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."

3. She is not a "DUMB BLONDE" - She is a "LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY."

4. She has not "BEEN AROUND" - She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."

5 She does not "NAG" you - She becomes "VERBALLY REPETITIVE."

6. She is not a "TWO-BIT HOOKER" - She is a "LOW COST PROVIDER."

7. He does not have a "BEER GUT" - He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY."

8. He is not a "BAD DANCER" - He is "OVERLY CAUCASIAN."

9. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" - He "INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."

10. He is not "BALDING" - He is in "FOLLICLE REGRESSION."

11. He does not act like a "TOTAL ASS" - He develops a case of RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION."

12. It's not his "CRACK" you see hanging out of his pants - It's "REAR CLEAVAGE."

More Government is Not the Answer

The push is on, again, since the Virginia Tech incident. Every new shooting is cause for the debate to resurface. Both sides have made their points, as they always have. For those that feel that stricter gun control is the answer just remember, Virginia Tech did have a gun control policy in effect at the time of the shooting.

“The university’s employees, students, and volunteers,
or any visitor or other third party
attending a sporting, entertainment, or educational event,
or visiting an academic or
administrative office building or residence hall,
are further prohibited from carrying,
maintaining, or storing a firearm or weapon
on any university facility, even if the owner
has a valid permit, when it is not required
by the individual’s job, or in accordance with
the relevant University Student Life Policies.”
source:- http://www.bov.vt.edu/minutes/05-06-13minutes/05-06-13A ttachmentG.pdf

Now I suggest that, the policy did nothing for the students at the university. Why do people feel that legislating law is a panacea for all their woes? This is a dangerous position to hold. What disturbs me more, in these cases, is that people always want the government to hold their hands and coddle them. More laws are not always the answer and more government is definitely not the answer. The government can not always be there for you. Of course, I've even heard people blaming Bush for the events at Virginia Tech. Wake up people! There are hundred of thousands of laws on the books and we still have crimes. We still have murders. We have shooting sprees in spite of the fact it is illegal. Imagine that. I can't even count how many speeders I saw on the Interstate yesterday. Hey, I thought speeding was illegal!

Before anyone gets angry and infers that I don't believe in laws and I'm advocating for anarchy, I'm not. I do believe in laws and I do believe in government. I'm simply suggesting that the government is not your babysitter and the government is not a catch-all solution for all of your problems. We live in an imperfect world and it will always be so. Sorry. Sure subjects should be debated, that is obviously necessary. At times, laws should occasionally and very carefully be crafted but, we have far too many rules and regulations now. Let's look for the underlying causes for problems instead. Or should we ban SUVs next time one of them (sic) goes on a killing spree. Oops, I hope I didn't stir up this debate again. And we've all heard it before but, it makes the most sense of all the catch phrases concerned with gun control - Guns don't kill people, people do.

Many of you will still say this is one of those times we need legislation. After all, there are lives at stake here and if we only ban guns we'll be alright. It doesn't work that way. I've seen the comparison, many times, to countries that legislate gun rights away from it's citizenry. It just doesn't work! I've read a lot on the web on how crazy Americans are for allowing guns. They state they don't have shootings in their countries. This is just plain wrong. If you check out Two Angry Brits: The gun ban isn't working, you will see yet another example of how banning guns has failed. Don't tell me that eliminating guns from law abiding citizens will stop homicides. People will always find the ways and means to kill other people. Cain and Abel didn't have handguns, as far as I know, yet the taking of another life was started right then and there. Laws or no laws, I don't see man abusing man ending any time soon, do you?

Harry Reid You Got To Go

Harry Reid has got to go. We don't need any anti-Americans in office. The great blogger Sunni Kay says it all, way better than I could, on her site. Please check it out -

Rantings, Ramblings, and Other Miscellaneous Stuff: Harry Reid

Illegals - Don't Rally!

A collaboration of writers have penned a story for AP yesterday entitled, "Immigration Rallies Planned Nationwide". When I first started reading the article I was ok with it. I feel all citizens have the right to protest. Then I was reminded of last years demonstrations when reading, " . . . some illegal immigrants wore T-shirts saying "I'm illegal. So what?" This is what really bothers me. In my opinion these illegals have no right to protest. If legal immigrants want to demonstrate, or otherwise use the system, to fight on behalf of others, I am ok with this. Citizens have this right, illegals do not.
To be fair, the article states that, "many immigrants are now afraid to speak out in public." This is reportedly because of the raids on illegals in recent months. This is fine with me. Stay home illegals. Not that you're at a legal home! If you like America so well, let the American system work for you, don't debase her more than you have.

Global Warming On Mars

Mars Melt Hints at Solar, Not Human, Cause for Warming, Scientist Says

Climate change hits Mars

Mars is being hit by rapid climate change and it is happening so fast that the red planet could lose its southern ice cap, writes Jonathan Leake.

Scientists from Nasa say that Mars has warmed by about 0.5C since the 1970s. This is similar to the warming experienced on Earth over approximately the same period.

Since there is no known life on Mars it suggests rapid changes in planetary climates could be natural phenomena.

The mechanism at work on Mars appears, however, to be different from that on Earth. One of the researchers, Lori Fenton, believes variations in radiation and temperature across the surface of the Red Planet are generating strong winds.

In a paper published in the journal Nature, she suggests that such winds can stir up giant dust storms, trapping heat and raising the planet’s temperature.

Fenton’s team unearthed heat maps of the Martian surface from Nasa’s Viking mission in the 1970s and compared them with maps gathered more than two decades later by Mars Global

Surveyor. They found there had been widespread changes, with some areas becoming darker.

When a surface darkens it absorbs more heat, eventually radiating that heat back to warm the thin Martian atmosphere: lighter surfaces have the opposite effect. The temperature differences between the two are thought to be stirring up more winds, and dust, creating a cycle that is warming the planet.

from The Sunday Times 29 April 2007

And Tibor R. Machan writes in The Orange Grove, "Well, I don't know about you, but it is my very strong impression that Mars is not teeming with gasoline-powered traffic just now. Exactly what the folks up there are using for fuel I do not know but I have heard on good authority that none of what they use is causing the warming of the planet. Indeed, I have heard rumors that there is no one up there using any fuel combustion for anything, not a soul. The warming seems to be happening quite without the influence of Martians, let alone Earthlings."

"Bloomberg News reports, "At a time when people are concerned about warming of the Earth, the Mars report shows one way that planets can grow hotter."

John Johnson Jr. of Times writes,"It turns out you don't need belching smokestacks and city-choking traffic to heat up a planet. Changes in surface reflectivity may also do the trick, according to research published Thursday in the journal Nature.

The research team, composed of scientists from NASA's Ames Research Center in Northern California and the U.S. Geological Survey, compared images of Mars taken by the Viking missions in the 1970s to pictures taken a quarter century later by Mars Global Surveyor."

I say who does man think he is? Is man so vain that he thinks he controls the Universe? God controls it all. Man's ego has gotten vastly out of control. Human vanity is what pushes the advancement of "Global Warming Fear Induction" and it's laudable. We are not even specks in this universe yet so many think we have such control. Baffling!

Tool Definitions

I would like to consider myself a handyman and a woodworker but, sadly I am not. Some of my family (or perhaps all) accuse me of being a tool 'collector' not a tool 'user' and perhaps they are right. At any rate, a frined sent me an email on tool definitions and it very, much hit home with me. So, what does that say?

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room , splattering it against that freshly stained heirloom piece you were drying.

WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned guitar calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, "Yeou sh**...."

ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their holes until you die of old age.

SKIL SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.

PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters. The most often the tool used by all women.

BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touchup jobs into major refinishing jobs.

HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

WELDING GLOVES: Heavy duty leather gloves used to prolong the conduction of intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for lighting various flammable objects in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub you want the bearing race out of.

WHITWORTH SOCKETS: Once used for working on older British cars and motorcycles, they are now used mainly for impersonating that 9/16 or ?? socket you've been searching for the last 45 minutes.

TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.

EIGHT-FOOT LONG YELLOW PINE 2X4: Used for levering an automobile upward off of a trapped hydraulic jack handle.

TWEEZERS: A tool for removing wood splinters and wire wheel wires.

E-Z OUT BOLT AND STUD EXTRACTOR: A tool ten times harder than any known drill bit that snaps neatly off in bolt holes thereby ending any possible future use.

RADIAL ARM SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to scare neophytes into choosing another line of work.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

CRAFTSMAN 1/2 x 24-INCH SCREWDRIVER: A very large pry bar that inexplicably has an accurately machined screwdriver tip on the end opposite the handle.

AVIATION METAL SNIPS: See hacksaw.

TROUBLE LIGHT: The home mechanic's own tanning booth. Sometimes called a drop light, it is a good source of vitamin D, "the sunshine vitamin," which is not otherwise found under cars at night. Health benefits aside, its main purpose is to consume 40-watt light bulbs at about the same rate that 105mm howitzer shells might be used during, say, the first few hours of the Battle of the Bulge. More often dark than light, its name is somewhat misleading.

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids and for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads. Women excel at using this tool.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws.

AIR COMPRESSOR: A machine that takes energy produced in a coal-burning power plant 200 miles away and transforms it into compressed air that travels by hose to a Chicago Pneumatic impact wrench that grips rusty bolts which were last over tightened 30 years ago by someone at Ford, and instantly rounds off their heads. Also used to quickly snap off lug nuts.

PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short.

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit. Women primarily use it to make gaping holes in walls when hanging pictures.

MECHANIC'S KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts.
Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in use.

DAMMIT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling "DAMMIT" at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.

emailed to me by a friend

Carlin's Solution To Gasoline Shortage

George Carlin's Solution to Save Gasoline:


Bush wants us to cut the amount of gas we use. The best way to stop using so much gas is to deport 11 million illegal immigrants! That would be 11 million less people using our gas. The price of gas would come down. Bring our troops home from Iraq to guard the border. When they catch an illegal immigrant crossing the border, hand him a canteen, rifle and some ammo and ship him to Iraq . Tell him if he wants to come to America then he must serve a tour in the military. Give him a soldier's pay while he's there and tax him on it. After his tour, he will be allowed to become a citizen since he defended this country. He will also be registered to be taxed and be a legal patriot. This option will probably deter illegal immigration and provide a solution for the troops in Iraq and the aliens trying to make a better life for themselves. If they refuse to serve, ship them to Iraq anyway, without the canteen, rifle or ammo. Problem solved.

emailed to me by a friend

Sad, Sad Day

It was a very, sad day for me yesterday. We lost a very, special and trusted member of the family. She was a beauty. She never let us down. She never turned on us. She was always there when we needed her. I always cared very, much for her and life without her will truly be excruciatingly difficult. Life can be so crazy and understanding it's complexity can be mind boggling. Her demise was slow and difficult to watch! Things one day appear normal and then suddenly something changes.


Alas, she started giving me problems recently. For a while now she hasn't been acting as she should. She wasn't acting like her old self (or perhaps she was) and behaved very, erratically. She was becoming bizarre, actually. I almost felt like she intentionally turned on me and the rest of the family. Yes, family and friends have, also, enjoyed her over the years. Eventually, after a period of much abnormal behavior she finally died on me. Perhaps it's true that good things never last! At any rate, the end was inevitable and after she exhaled her final breath we had to bury her. The cycle of life, I guess.




I had to bury her (at the landfill) with a great tear in my eye. Yup, it was my trusty DeWalt garage fridge. Now, about a replacement . . .

Another Famous Idiot

Sheryl Crow is coming up with some ingenious ways to curb the impending global warming crisis. Sheryl is currently on a 2 week "global warming college tour", which to me is designed for scaring the shit out of young people. Which fits right in with one of her major global warming cures. Ingeniously, she proposes we all use one square of toilet paper per visit! Wow, Sheryl, problem solved!


Here is a direct insert from her waste of a web space-

"I have spent the better part of this tour trying to come up with easy ways for us all to become a part of the solution to global warming. Although my ideas are in the earliest stages of development, they are, in my mind, worth investigating. One of my favorites is in the area of conserving trees which we heavily rely on for oxygen. I propose a limitation be put on how many sqares {sic} of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting. Now, I don't want to rob any law-abiding American of his or her God-given rights, but I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where 2 to 3 could be required. "

I hope no one has too many of those special "pesky" occasions. Good plan Sheryl. Scare the shit out of the college students and then give them one little square to clean up your smelly, induced mess! Thanks for your caring.

Her brother ( whose judgement she trusts completely) took it one step further by saying: "how bout just washing the one square out." Now there's an idea. I hope he's only five or has some mental disorder for an excuse. Not to be outdone by brother-dearest Sheryl has designed a clothing line with detachable "dining" sleeves, to save on paper napkins! All the 'Hollywood' idiots should be wearing these at their next red carpet affair! Keep an eye out.

Believe it or not she's a little worried you might steal some of her great ideas! She boldly states in her blog, "This next idea I have been saving but I will share it with you if you promise not to steal it". Let's be fair here and develop our own idiotic ideas, people.

Remember, also, that she may be using a diesel bus for this particular tour but, her normal tour equipment consists of 3 tractor trailers, 4 buses and 6 cars! Hypocrite? You decide.

Mimobots

"mimobots are silicon-based inhabitants from the planet blõôh in galaxy 4210 and are as old as time itself. Each one experienced a ‘flash event’ (different depending on the individual ‘bot) that wiped its memory and left it confused and ill. Fortunately, the ‘maddest genius’ of blõôh, Knowledgeus, devised a way to restore the poor ill mimobots’ memories: by sending clones of the stricken ‘bots to Earth, where the kindly humans would share their data with the clones. This data, while being protected for the humans—this is a symbiotic relationship, after all—would also be sent back to RALF computer on blõôh and used to restore the memories of the original mimobot and nurse it back to health."


Mimobots are a line of Universal Serial Bus (USB) Flash Drives. With their cute toy like structures, animal designs, and bright colors, Mimobots bring life to the everyday USB stick. They are all hi-speed USB2.0, Mac and Windows compatible, and range from 256 MB to 4 GB. These little guys are also preloaded with extra goodies such as games, music, and animated content. These tiny technology toys cost from $44.95 to $169.95.


These babies were first created in 2005. Having just discovered these gadgets tonight, I realize how behind the times I must be. These USB flash drives not only hold data, but are designed by talented illustrators from around the globe. They have really taken off in the right crowds and have very, much become collectibles. They are produced in limited numbers with new ones constantly being introduced. The latest creations are a Star Wars Series and they even have a series which comes blank. I guess the consumer supplies his own talent and artwork.

Mimobots bring the old Fez candy/toy creations (I think they were called Fez) to my mind and I guess these, too, are sought out by collectors. The Fez candies never had a storyline, though, nor did they serve such a noble purpose. I believe these drives will have a market and following for many years to come. Although, I have never personally seen a Mimobot there must be a hoard of geeks floating around somewhere sporting these flashy flashes.

Good Advice Here

If you see this guy, maybe you should get a head start!

Add A Caption 19

This pic needs a caption. Who has one?

Pocket Surprise

Have you ever been surprised when putting on your jacket or pants, that perhaps you haven't worn in a while, by finding money in the pocket? Maybe a twenty or maybe a couple of ones. It happens to me once in a while and it's always a welcome event. It's a good way to start your day and I wish it would happen more often. A Florida boy seems to have gotten a similar surprise, today.

Boy, 7, Finds Crack Cocaine in Pocket
Thursday, April 19th, 2007 at 2:46am TAMPA, Fla.

A first-grader searching his jacket pocket for money found a bag of crack cocaine worth $8,900, authorities said Wednesday.

The 7-year-old boy found the bag Tuesday at Forest Hills Elementary School. It contained 89 grams of crack, said Tampa police spokeswoman Lisa Parashis.

The boy had been reaching in his jacket when he felt the bag, "got scared and told his teacher," Parashis said.

Authorities were interviewing the boy and his relatives.

Thankfully I've never had to go through an interview prosscess when I find my 'surprise'!

Here is an email I received lately. This email made me think hard about everyday life See what you get out of it.

I met this man.. who at 26 have accomplished more than most 40-year olds have. He can be simply described in two words. Workaholic Geek. And that's a big compliment.

He came from a simple family, studied in the province and earned his degree and his first work there. Let's just say he had a big break at an early age, and grabbed all opportunities to learn and earn. He worked in different countries, enhancing his craft. Presently, he handles several independent projects and is employed under 3 different companies. At one of his jobs, he arrives hours before his shift and leaves at even more hours after.

Not personally knowing him tho, he's often seen untalkative but he can easily be seen smiling at anyone, firm but soft spoken, and when it comes to his duties, he's really dedicated and highly analytical.

He may have all the success anyone couldn't even imagine of attaining.. but I'm afraid he has left something important behind . . .

Life

Bagvertising

Here are some truly clever shopping bags.

I guess we can find advertising anywhere we look today.



These handles form necklaces.


This one's for "reaching out to children with autism".



Plan on doing some heavy shopping?



Be careful when shopping with this one!



Remember -
these bags must be worn properly.



This one's for a nail biting deterrent product.



Another for nail biters.



One for jumping rope


True, these aren't designer bags
but, I thought I'd show some bags
which must be made to embarrass you!


Or to -
REALLY embarrass you!



Back to designer bags here's
my personal favorite -
What happens when you lift these handles?



And after fighting the shopping crowds -
there's even one for a pain reliever product!

My son-in-law and I started installing the new laminate floor in the northeast room of my basement. I finished the little bit that was left on Sunday. This was the easiest home improvement material I ever worked with. If anyone has any doubts about their ability to install this stuff, do not worry. Anyone can do this.

Things left do do in this room -

1. trim out the windows
2. install ceiling in closets
3. install closet rods & shelving
4. install closet doors
5. install baseboard
6. paint all trim
7. extend heat ducts
8. install window handles
9. and finally hang entrance door w/lock set.
   

Kevin's Wedding Dance

Yesterday we went to my cousin's wedding. It was a great time in spite of his voluntary suicide! I was puzzled by one thing though. Who convinced the man in this photo that he was only there to hold up the ceiling?

Add A Caption 18

Anyone have a good caption for this pic?


a repeat winner -
Anderson Nation said...

What's this?!? I hear no snap, I hear no crackle, and there darn sure ain't no pop!

My NEW Wider Lens

I received my new lens this afternoon. This lens will give me the much needed lower focal lengths, I have been looking for. I have had nothing at the shorter length since I replaced my non-digital equipment. This was especially important because my camera today has an ASP-C sensor. Sure, it might not be the 'best' lens but, it will get me in the lower end today and perhaps I can find something faster in the future. In the future I will even go wider and I can worry about speed and other factors then. In the mean time this fills a gap and I will put it to good use.

Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 18-70mm lens : As the new standard for digital SLR cameras, DT lenses are ideally suited to digital SLR cameras such as the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D and Dynax 5D that are equipped with APS-C sized (23.5x15.7mm) CCD’s. The Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 18-70mm lens will be available in September 2005. The Konica Minolta Dynax 5D uses an optical system ideally suited to a APS-C sized (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CCD, in addition to spherical lenses to reduce spherical aberrations, AD (anomalous dispersion) glass, and a special lens coating that reduces flare that can occur in digital SLR cameras. Effective Anti-Shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed 2 - 3 stops slower with Dynax digital SLR camera.
Konica Minolta - ADI flash metering
Using information obtained from the lens’ built-in distance encoder, Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) flash metering calculates the optimum exposure settings and flash brightness needed to obtain a beautiful image when using either the internal flash or external flash units such as the Konica Minolta Program Flash 5600HS(D) or 3600HS(D), and 2500(D). A round aperture makes it possible to enhance a defocused image with smooth grada- tions and depict a scene naturally, for example, sunshine filtering through foliage or grass glistening with morning dew.

Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 18-70mm specifications
- Focal length: 18-70mm
- Angle of view: 76° (18mm) - 23° (70mm)
- Aperture: Maximum: f/3.5(18mm) - 5.6 (70mm) Minimum: f/22(18mm)-36(70mm)
- Blades: 7-blade circular
- Optics: Construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
- Includes one AD (anomalous dispersion) glass elements and one Aspheric element.
- Focusing: AF motor: Camera body (coupler)
- Method: Front focusing
- Minimum focus distance: 0.38m
- Maximum magnification: 1/4
- Filter diameter: 55mm
- Lens hood: Petal-type hood with bayonet mount
- Dimensions: 66 (dia.) x 77 (length) mm
- Weight: 240g
- Lens mount: Minolta A mount
- Standard accessories: Front cap, Rear cap, Lens hood
- Optional accessory: Soft case.

Global Warming Settling In

Yesterday my lawn was finally devoid of all snow and moisture. Today I wake up to this! I must live in Minnesota. Is global warming rearing it's ugly head?

Music Trivia 9

From what song does the following verse come from and from what album?

It's amazing how fast our lives go by,
like the flash of the lightning or the blink of an eye.
We all fall in love, and we fall into life,
we look for the truth on the edge of a knife.
Heavens turn around the river still flows,
spirit keeps going, nobody knows.

Insanity

Enough Said

Rush on Treatment of Soldiers

He's got it right here!!!

Just a little something I would pass on to you all in regards to the where the ones in harms way fall.

Those of you who know me , know how I feel bout this issue......"some gave all, those come 1^st"

Love him or loathe him, he nailed this one right on the head.......... By Rush Limbaugh:

I think the vast differences in compensation between victims of the September 11 casualty and those who die serving our country in Uniform are profound. No one is really talking about it either, because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11. Well, I can't let the numbers pass by because it says something really disturbing about the entitlement mentality of this country. If you lost a family member in the September 11 attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million.
If yo u are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable.

Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get $833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt.

Keep in mind that some of the people who are getting an average of $1.185 million up to $4.7 milli on are complaining that it's not enough Their deaths were tragic, but for most, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Soldiers put themselves in harms way FOR ALL OF US, and they and their families know the dangers.

We also learned over the weekend that some of the victims from the Oklahoma City bombing have started an organization asking for the same deal that the September 11 families are getting. In addition to that, some of the families of those bombed in the embassies are now asking for compensation a s well.

You see where this is going, don't you? Folks, this is part and parcel of over 50 years of entitlement politics in this country. It's just really sad. Every time a pay raise comes up for the military, they usually receive next to nothing of a raise. Now the green machine is in com bat in the Middle East while their families have to survive on food stamps and live in low-rent housing Make sense?

However, our own US Congress voted themselves a raise. Many of you don't know that they only have to be in Congress one time to receive a pension that is more than $15,000 per month. And most are now equal to being millionaires plus. They do not receive Soc ial Security on retirement because they didn't have to pay into the system. If some of the military people stay in for 20 years and get out as an E-7, they may receive a pension of $1,000 per month, and the very people who placed them in harm's way receives a pension of $15,000 per month.

I would like to see our elected officials pick up a weapon and join ranks before they start cutting out benefits and lowering pay for our sons and daughters who are now fighting.

from an email circulating throughout the web

Last Ice Fishing of the Season

Well, several of us went back to Fish Lake, yesterday, to try our hand one more time this season. This trip there were five (5) of us. The weather was warm and we didn't need our shelter or heater.


We didn't get skunked, either. Yet another great day on the lake. We hope to get out on the ice more often next season.

Record Setting Photo

Andreas Gursky's diptych sold for more than $3.3 million dollars at a London auction topping Edward Steichen's previous record of $2.9 million dollars. Yes, I said million! The piece entitled "99 cent II, Diptych," is shown in all it's glory here. Now, I know you can't get a real feel for this amazing piece of art from this tiny view on the left but, am sure you can still appreciate it's value.


How much would you pay to have this unique piece adorning your living room or den wall? If I am guessing right - many of you are sorry for having missed your opportunity. Alas, who knows what the future may bring? Someday any one of you may have the chance to invest millions in another piece of art just as worthy as this photo.

Slik SBH Ball Heads

While searching the internet for a suitable quick release system for my camera supports, I was reminded how happy and impressed I was with my tripod ball head. So, I decided to do a little review of the head to assist those who may be looking for a stout, reliable, easy to use ball head.

I use the Slik SBH Ball Heads and am extremely happy with their build and performance. These heads are part of Slik's professional series. They come in three (3) sizes. The SBH-280, SBH-320, and the SBH-550 the largest of which will carry a load of up to 22 pounds. I currently use the 550 on my main tripod and I have a 320 on order for a window pod I got last Christmas. I can't wait until it gets here. Now if I could only decide on a suitable Quick Release for these amazing heads. If anyone has experience with a reliable quick release system, please, let me know. Whatever the QR system used (if any), I am convinced these heads are the best value for your dollar.

Besides being extremely well built and reliable what I really love is their design. They all operate flawlessly with a SINGLE oversized knob. When the head is released, not only does the ball portion of the head move freely, the main body encasing the head can turn on its base for quick and easy movement as well. This design makes it the most easy to use ball head ever! I highly recomend one of these great heads.

I'm still leaning towards a Mac. I'm simply waiting on their new OS to come out. I am extremely tired of Microsoft problems! I believe Leopard (the new OS) is due sometime in June. Unless something drastic changes my mind between now and then I will convert to Macintosh.

Good Times

After last month's ice fishing contest we just had to get out again. This time we went to Fish Lake and managed to catch a couple of real nice croppies.

Of coarse I had to take these babies home and taste test 'em. Yup, they passed the test!

Al Gore’s Personal Energy Use

Al Gore’s Personal Energy Use Is His Own “Inconvenient Truth”
by Drew Johnson, Tennessee Center for Policy Research
posted February 26, 2007

Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy.

Gore’s mansion, located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).

In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home.

The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, Gore devoured nearly 221,000 kWh — more than 20 times the national average.

Last August alone, Gore burned through 22,619 kWh — guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of his energy consumption, Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.

Since the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006.

Gore’s extravagant energy use does not stop at his electric bill. Natural gas bills for Gore’s mansion and guest house averaged $1,080 per month last year.

“As the spokesman of choice for the global warming movement, Al Gore has to be willing to walk to walk, not just talk the talk, when it comes to home energy use,” said Tennessee Center for Policy Research President Drew Johnson.

In total, Gore paid nearly $30,000 in combined electricity and natural gas bills for his Nashville estate in 2006.

(The Tennessee Center for Policy Research is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through free market policy solutions.)

Music Trivia 8

What alternate song starts as follows and who performs it?

I said "I love you"
She began to cry
She said she needed a friend
I said "I'll try"
Soon we'd say nothing
Somehow I never wondered why

This was the first song, on the second disc, of this band's first live album. It was released in July of 1996.

DMWN correctly said...

I may not be “Bad To The Bone” yet I feel “Alone” these “Blues” are making a “Traveler” out of me. I will see you “Live at the Falls” .

In other words - Alone by Blues Traveler.

Braking News

I think more and more about going to a Mac. I reformatted my Windows XP recently after having lots of problems. It didn't take long, at all, before problems and annoyances paid me a new visit. When one spends more time as a computer tech than as a computer user something is wrong. Imagine this scenario with ones automobile (more time playing mechanic than driving). It just doesn't seem right. I have all the protections in place, too. I have a robust firewall, spam blockers, virus protection, spyware protection, etc. to the point of excessive redundancy.

Now some say theses problems are over. The NEW windows is here! Is Windows Vista the answer for security problems? Probably not. Just check out - Braking News and see what you think. I would like to hear opinions on this.

Music Triva 7

What great 1977 song starts out as -

You gotta be crazy, you gotta have a real need
You gotta sleep on your toes, and when youre on the street
You gotta be able to pick out the easy meat with your eyes closed
And then moving in silently, down wind and out of sight
You gotta strike when the moment is right without thinking.

USG Fishing Contest

Today was the USG Ice Fishing Contest. It was held at Park Lake. A great time held by all. It must, also, be noted that the food was great. I personally had a blast and can't wait until my next ice fishing outing. Warren, my fishing partner (pictured above) took second place. Not bad placement considering he and I could only spend half a day on the ice.

Wish of a Young Cancer Patient

Sgt. Dub, a great man with a great blog, had another wonderful post today. He has posted about a young boy diagnosed with Leukemia. It seems T.J, as the boy is called, wants to break the Guinness World Record for having the largest collection of hats. Everyone should please send whatever hat(s) they can. It is such a simple thing to do for a young cancer patient. Please go to the sgt's great post for all the details and let's swamp this brave lad with headgear.

Me And Anna Nicole Smith

I am officially putting my hat into the ring. In spite of all the false claims everyone has heard in the media - I am the father of Annie's child. I must confess, I had a clandestine affair with dear Annie which lasted about 11 months. While temporarily residing in my double-wide trailer with me, Annie told me she was tired of all the damn money-hungry scavengers who were constantly invading her otherwise pristine life. The chaos was more than she could bear and she wanted me to make her the 'princess' of my little trailer park. I tried to grant her request, too, but my wife would have nothing to do with it.

If anyone should have any doubts as to MY paternity of precious, little Dannielynn Hope, I simply say . . . fly me to the Bahamas. After a short three week, or so, stay over there I am sure this will all be cleared up. There will be no further doubts in anyones mind if they see me side-by-side with my little angel. While I am there I would like to meet Annie's beautiful mother. I've had a secret crush on her for some time. I even believe she would be good marrying material and we should meet to see if there are any sparks. If not I would sure like to meet her awesome sister Donna. It's like we were made for each other. I love you Donna.

So, Larry, Fredrick, and Howard - step aside. We all know what the real truth is. You greedy bastards have too much money already, anyway. Beside, money is not what's important here. I simply want to be united with my family. I demand it. Someone please send me some tickets (and a little spending cash) so I can get this debacle straightened out, once and for all.

Donna dearest and mom, hope to see you soon!

Add A Caption 17

Who has a caption for this angel?

My Next Truck Purchase

Here's my next truck.
The International CXT

Look up in awe at the 9-foot high cab. The largest production pickup truck in the world sports an 8-foot dualie pickup bed. The height of the bed is 58 inches off the ground. How tall are you? I've read that with it's air-ride cab and individual bucket seats in a spacious interior, driving one becomes a remarkably smooth experience. It has a payload capacity of 5.5 tons and a towing capacity of 20 tons. With 310 horses pulling it and 950 ft. lbs. of torque, it should get by. Weighing in at 14,500 lbs. and with 258 inches of overall length it's the perfect grocery hauler.

It is a 4-door crew cab with air suspension. With it's bucket seats it hauls five large people with plenty of leg and head room and in style and comfort. Try that in your Honda. It, also, has 4-channel ABS air brakes and a 70 gallon polished aluminum diesel tank. It all rolls elegantly on polished aluminum wheels sporting 11R22.5 Michelins (on the rear duals).

The interior, also, features leather multi-position individual front seats, back-up assist, drop-down DVD player, deluxe center console, leather rear bench seat, carpeting, burled walnut wood trim, and a combination radio/DC player/navigation system.

The exterior, also, features bright-finish heated mirrors, exterior sunshade, keyless entry, base coat/clear coat paint, fog lights, air horn, polished front and rear bumpers, tilting steering wheel and vertical bright-finish tailpipe.

AND for unloading those groceries - with a simple touch of a button, the pickup bed tilts to smoothly drop those eggs gently in your driveway. What more could a simple man want?

Music Trivia 6

What famous song contained these lines? -

Every day I work so hard, bringin' home my hard earned pay
Try to love you baby, but you push me away.
Don't know where you're goin', only know just where you've been,
Sweet little baby, I want you again.

Best War Photos

Here is a link to the best photos I have personally seen of our current conflict overseas. Until We Meet Again!!! is a must see sight. All the photos are done as a slide show format and are very telling.

God bless all our brave men and women over there.

Add A Caption 16

Who has a caption for this photo?