Geocaching

I went with my brother, yesterday and did a little geocaching. For those unfamiliar with geocaching, it is an entertaining game designed for gps users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. Participants then use the given location coordinates to find the caches. A cache may provide the finder with some kind of prize for the successful searcher. Usually, some kind of trinket of little value. The hunter is then expected to leave a trinket of his own, for the next participant to find.



On this particular trek we were stashing a new cache, not seeking one out. This one will be entitled 'Blackhoof Hike'. Look for it at Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site.

Add A Caption 25

Who has a caption for this photo?

Omphaloskepsis 4

Did you ever notice that if you accidentally pull up a valuable plant, realize it, and try to replant it; it still dies. Whereas, the weed you pull up could be replanted. Or even worse, regrow from three little bits of root you left in the ground when trying to remove it?

submitted by Sunni Kay

Micro-Minature Sculptures

Willard Wigan is an artist from Birmingham and is known for his micro-miniature sculptures. Micro-miniatures are extremely tiny sculptures made from things like a single hair or even just dust. Yup, you read right - dust. Willard uses a tiny surgical blade to carve sculptures out of rice and sugar, and paints using an eyelash as a brush. The artist must actually work between heartbeats to avoid hand tremors. You probably won't see this art hanging on any wall though because, it is usually visible only through a microscope.

This amazing artist has learning difficulties and cannot read or write. He said that as a child he used his art to express himself. As a child he used to make houses for ants because he felt they needed somewhere to live. What a way to get started in art.

'The Thinker' on a pinhead

'The Statue of Liberty' in the eye of a needle





Cassius Clay vs. Sonny Liston

AndersonNation told me about these miniatures

Music Trivia 14

I usually like to do 'Music Trivia' on Mondays but, work prevents that this week. So I'm posting this a day early so it will not be missed. Remember, I will not be posting tomorrow.


What song from 1974 begins with the following lines -

I been down around Houston,Texas
Where the sun shines most of the time
I been drivin' about six hours
Tryin' to reach that Arkansas line
But Texarkana's an hour ahead
And I got to keep my wheels rolling

Also, who performed this song?

and Sunni Kay pulls another one off.

She replied -

Marshall Tucker Band - 24 Hours At a Time

The Ashley Abrahamson Tournament

I was able to spent a little time at Braun Park yesterday, enjoying The Ashley Abrahamson Tournament which features many of the top teams from around the area and even some from the Twin Cities. The tournament is named in honor of Ashley Abrahamson who died in a car crash along with Tom and Marcia Braun, after whom the park is named. Young Ashley (13) was an avid softball player from the area. At each tournament The Ashley Award, is given to a player on each team who best exemplifies the traits and what Ashley stood for.

There will be eight U-12 teams and 10 U-14 teams playing this year. I believe it was the largest tournament Braun Park has ever hosted. There will be pool play on Saturday with three games for each team. On Sunday, games will start at 8 a.m. with third place and consolation championships at 4 p.m. and the championship at 5:30. Sadly, work prevents me from attending Sundays games.

If you would like to purchase any photos go to Printroom and look under Galleries

Honey, Is My Ass Too Small?

Looks like not enough ass here to do the job.

You Don't Need Drugs

Take a moment and try this little experiment below. Try to defy it. I can't! Don't ask me how this works. I have no clue.

While sitting at your desk,
lift your right foot off the floor
and make clockwise circles.

Now, while doing this,
draw the number "6" in the air
with your right hand.

Your foot will change direction
and there's nothing you can do about it.

So, how did it work for you? Must be problematic for those who always like to be in control, especially of their own bodies.

Add A Caption 24

Who's got a caption for these hard working engineers?

Omphaloskepis 3

I discovered that when weeding the yard or garden, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. If it is difficult to remove it is a weed.

Don't Mess With This Bunny

found somewhere on the web

Are You a Working American?

A Somali arrives in Minneapolis as a new immigrant to the United States . He stops the first person he sees walking down the street and says, "Thank you Mr. American for letting me in this country, giving me housing, food stamps, free medical care, and free education!"

The passerby says, "You are mistaken, I am Mexican."

The man goes on and encounters another passerby. "Thank you for having such a beautiful country here in America !"

The person says, "I not American, I Vietnamese."

The new arrival walks further, and the next person he sees he stops, shakes his hand and says, "Thank you for the wonderful America !"

That person puts up his hand and says, "I am from Middle East , I am not American!"

He finally sees a nice lady and asks, "Are you an American?"

She says, "No, I am from Africa !"

Puzzled, he asks her, "Where are all the Americans?"

The African lady checks her watch and says..."Probably at work

text received from a friend via email
illustration received by daughter via email

Creative or Compulsive?

found somewhere on the web

Music Trivia 13

What song begins with the following lines and what artist performs it?

Once I thought I saw you in a crowded hazy bar,
Dancing on the light from star to star.
Far across the moonbeam I know that's who you are,
I saw your brown eyes turning once to fire.


Once again

Sunni Kay answers correctly with . . .

Like A Hurricane by Neil Young

Good Job Sunni

The 4400 Season Premeire - Season 4

I excitedly watched the season premiere of The 4400. This is the fourth season of this great story and if you haven't seen this show it is a must. Put it on your to-do list now!

I have been anticipating the return (no pun intended) of The 4400 since last season's finale. Last season, as you would expect, was a cliff-hanger that left many questions unanswered. Well, you don't see many answers here -yet. And you shouldn't. What we received with this episode (The Wrath of Graham), as with all episodes, are even more unanswered questions. Like what will Kyle's power be? Or what is the future of Shawn? Actually, there are numerous questions to be answered this season and hopefully many seasons to come.

All these plot twists and character developments are quite exciting to me. It is nearly infinite with plot possibilities and our star characters have so much to reveal, let alone the limitless variations we will be seeing with new characters yet to be introduced. Also, the creative introduction of new powers is absolutely boundless. As intriguing as all this stuff is, this is not what keeps me dedicated to this program. What then has made such a fan of me? It is the unique scenario instilled in the storyline of not knowing the good guys from the bad guys!

Has a show been created before where you don't know who to root for? Maybe, but it's never been done this well. Are 'the 4400' good or evil? Do we rally behind them or behind the government? Is Jordan Collier a messiah or a devil? Or neither? Is promicin good or bad? Will it help or hinder mankind? Is humankind going to be destroyed, saved, or what? And what is the impetus behind 'the 4400' to begin with? I can't wait to get more confused as the season goes along.

Have you taken your PROMICIN yet?

Gotta Love Windows

Hotdog Anyone?

Simple Flowchart For Computer Woes

click on chart to enlarge

Her is a simple flowchart, I found on the web, for those who may be in trouble for messing up their computer at work or elsewhere. It may help you out of a jam. It is my sincerest hope that somebody finds relief for their computer woes using this ingenious chart. Work through it slowly and carefully following each step, one by one. Remember, you don't want to be the one who brought the computer down!

Add A Caption 23

Who has a caption for this photo?


Well again

Anderson Nation racks one up with...

This is what Ford owners train their dogs to do.

Omphaloskepsis 2

I was told that statistically,
I was 80% more likely to be killed in a car crash
within 2 miles from my home. So I moved.

from Anderson Nation

Concentrate!

Just Googling

Music Trivia 12

What 1973 song includes the lines -

He took me to a little shack
And put a whip across my back

and who recorded it?


We'll give this one to Sunni because Sunni Kay said...

Uriah Heep by Gypsy.

Close enough Sunni, as I'm sure you meant Gypsy by Uriah Heep. You had it reversed.

Trick Shots at the Pool Table

Add A Caption 22

Who has a caption for this photo?

This week's caption winner is -

Sunni Kay who said...

After learning what it meant to be the one catching the bouquet at a wedding, all those present decided to yell "One, Two Three, Not It!"

Omphaloskepsis 1

I used to eat a lot of natural foods
until I learned that most people die of natural causes!

Driftwood Horses

Apollo

Now, here is some interesting art and quite unique, also. Yes, the horses you see in the photos are all made from driftwood. They are created by an English gal named Heather Jansch. She seems to be mostly recognized for her horses but, she does other animals, as well. She doesn't restrict herself to driftwood for she creates lovely pieces in bronze, also. Amazingly, I believe most of her work is life sized.

Nightmare I
I like this name!

I have heard of only one other artist, Deborah Butterfield, who produces driftwood horses. It is absolutely astonishing that anyone should create such art. These two women seem to have this medium conquered.

Rich Deny Public Access To Public Lands

There are some rich snobs that are never satisfied. They want it all! They want everything.

Here's a quote from today's Associated Press -

"Before getting to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, it helps to know a few things about the law _ and the locals. While California's Coastal Act of 1976 ensures beach access, the rich and famous who want to keep the state's dramatic coast exclusive have been posting bogus "no parking" and "private beach" signs here and elsewhere.

They've done it so effectively in Malibu for so long that unfortunate beachgoers occasionally get ticketed."

In my hometown, my niece was once threatened with a hefty fine for leaving a garage sale sign up too long on a public intersection. I can go along with this regulation but, now let's contrast these two situations. We have a relatively minor offense with a substantial fine (to her budget) and almost guaranteed enforcement. In California the well-to-do are placing signs which clearly effect our rights! Illegal signs fabricating ownership of public lands and there are no fines imposed because there is no enforcement. Reminder - these are public lands they are posting.

Now, imagine you have waited all year for a little vacation from work. You have scrimped, saved, and stretched your budget because you are not one of the elite living on exclusive coastline property. You pack your luggage and family into whatever transportation you intend to use and head down America's great highway. You travel up to 4,000 miles with smiles and visions of the great sunsets and beauties you are finally going to experience. You have an idea what it might look like because you've salivated at all the beautiful photos, for the past couple of years, in the travel magazines. Now it's your turn to see it in person. To feel the salt air against your face and the sand between your toes. You've seen the pictures and saw some sites on TV but, until you feel it and taste it you have not experienced it. Ah, hours if not days later, you finally arrive.

CLOSED - PRIVATE BEACH

Sorry kids. Maybe mommy and daddy will take you to the, ah, . . . the mall. I know, I know!

Bad enough the financially elite should own most of the prime real estate in our country but, their greed pushes them to control even the property they don't own. What a travesty. Now, I'm a conservative and strongly believe in reaping the benefits of your labor but not at someone else's expense. Take what you've earned but, dammit don't take what's mine.

Music Trivia 11

It was first released in 1973 but, didn't become a huge hit until the live version in 1976. What 'hangover' song, of over 14 minutes, includes the lyrics, "Must have been a dream I don’t believe where I’ve been"?


Very good -

Anderson Nation said...

Peter Frampton - Do You Feel Like I Do???

although, it is actually "Do You Feel Like We DO?", we'll call it close enough.

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029

Does the future seem scary to you?

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California. Meanwhile white minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally. Scientists stumped.

Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Africa.

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed, they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2036.

Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Florida voters still having trouble with voting machines.

received in an email

Political Correctness Produces Fear

Michael Griffin, NASA's top guy is not afraid of global warming. You can see that plainly in the AP article below. What else can we see in this article. I can see fear. If you are not always 'politically correct' and if you dare oppose the liberal lunatic agenda you better beware. Griffin made some brave but abrasive statements about global warming and the fear mongers promoting the same. He was called "totally clueless" and was placed into their little basket of dangerous offenders. Shamefully, the White House blushes and slowly backs away from Griffin and his comments.

NASA Chief Not Worried About Climate
Thursday, May 31st, 2007 at 10:40am WASHINGTON

The head of NASA drew criticism from scientists when he said he was not sure global warming was a problem and added that it would be "arrogant" to assume the world's climate should not change in the future.

"I have no doubt that global _ that a trend of global warming exists," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said in a taped interview that aired Thursday on National Public Radio. "I am not sure that it is fair to say that is a problem we must wrestle with."

"I guess I would ask which human beings, where and when, are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right here today, right now, is the best climate for all other human beings. I think that's a rather arrogant position for people to take," Griffin said.

Jerry Mahlman, a former top scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who is now at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, said Griffin's remarks showed he was either "totally clueless" or "a deep anti-global warming ideologue."

James Hansen, a top NASA climate scientist, said Griffin's comments showed "arrogance and ignorance," because millions of people will likely be harmed by global warming in the future.

White House science adviser Jack Marburger said he was not disturbed by Griffin's remarks, but distanced them from President Bush, who on Thursday announced an international global warming proposal.

"It's pretty obvious that the NASA administrator was speaking about his own personal views and by no means representing or attempting to represent the administration's views or broader policy," Marburger told The Associated Press. "He's got a very wry sense of humor and is very outspoken."

NASA spokesman David Mould said the radio interviewer was trying to push Griffin into saying something about global warming. NASA's position is that it provides scientific data on the issue, but policy makers are the ones who decide, he said.

Come on people, if we stand for nothing - we will fall for anything. Political Correctness is ruining our society. Global warming is natural and has always been around. It always will be. Let's stand up like Griffin and not slouch, as some who live in fear do.

Thought You'd Never Ask: Why I'll never vote for Hillary (part 2)

Zabrina did it again! Another great post. If she keeps this up I'm adding her to my favorites list.

I feel so inadequate. I wanted to do a post on Hillary and she's outdone me again. I'll still take my shot later but, I could never do it as good as she. You must check out this great post -

Thought You'd Never Ask: Why I'll never vote for Hillary (part 2)

Add A Caption 21

Who has a caption for this photo?

This was a tough call but,
we'll give it to

Anderson Nation who said...

You need to get a bit more flexible. Relax, here, have a beer!

Safe Driving?

Here is a test question which was sent to me by a highway patrolman. Try to answer it as best you can. Take your time and do your best.

You are driving in a car at a constant speed. On your left side is a 'drop off' (The ground is 18-20 inches below the level you are traveling on), and on your right side is a fire engine traveling at the same speed as you. In front of you is a galloping horse which is the same size as your car and you cannot over take it. Behind you is another galloping horse. Both horses are traveling at the same speed as you. What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?

Next week I will post the answer in comments if no one gets it correct.
Highway Patrolmen are not eligible to participate.

Reality TV For Everyone

I can honestly state that I don't watch reality TV. I know there are many closet reality watches which enjoy these programs in secret but, I don't see the allure of them. I've seen 'The Amazing Race' a few times and it was somewhat entertaining but, that's about it. I've never seen 'Big Brother'. Not one time. Not even one minute. I believe this is the show that started it all. I simply have no interest in this type of . . . entertainment. Entertainment?

Well, I guess many do watch reality TV or they wouldn't keep producing them. And produce them they do. Since the creation of this crap there has been a massive invasion of more and more reality for our idiot boxes. They have reality shows for just about everything and everyone. What, you haven't had enough yet? You need a show which appeals directly to you? There is a new one coming your way. Maybe this program will keep you glued to your television.


I've got a great and creative idea for a new show. How about a show on kidney transplants? No, not a documentary of the surgery but, something more riveting. Stay with me now. Picture this - a terminally ill woman will select one of three patients to receive her kidneys! That should work for ya.

She will make her choice based on the contestants' history, profile and conversation with their family and friends.

Viewers will also be able to send in their advice by text message during the 80-minute show. Yup, 80 minutes. We all know a 60 minute program just wouldn't be enough!

Ah, damn! Someone beat me to it! Wouldn't you know. I guess I'm not they only creative guy around. It turns out that Dutch television is way ahead of me. Wait, wait! There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding this program over there. Perhaps, I still could sell this idea to Hollywood. Surely, we here in America can see the need for this stuff. Hell, we don't have enough good entertainment on our televisions yet. We need more reality and this could help fill the void. I know I'm onto something here.

Memorial Day Observation

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 and was first observed on 30 May 1868. It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May. In 1915 a woman named Moina Michael conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. This tradition soon spread to other countries. in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. Sadly, many Americans todays have forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Here is what everyone shoud be doing -

• visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

• visiting memorials.

• flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

• flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well

• by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

• by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Here is Cpl. Levi T. Angell. A hometown hero that gave his all for our freedoms. Pray for him and his family.

Lance Cpl. Levi T Angell, 20, of Saint Louis, Minn., died April 8 due to injuries received from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Service Support Group 11, 1^st Force Service Support Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Local History

Here is a photo of the construction of a paper mill
(the Northwest Paper Company)
in my hometown from 1898

My Dub Shirts Arrived

My Sgt. Dub shirts arrived Thursday! I was off to work when they came in and didn't have time to post this until now. Wow, was that service fast. We ordered them last Monday making it only a four day wait, from start to finish. And that's with normal shipping through the U.S. Postal Service. I was kind of bumming because I felt I ordered them too late. I wanted badly to sport them on Memorial Day, you see. Looks like I'll be showing them off on the holiday after all.

For those that don't know, these shirts were ordered from Sgt. Dub. I've written about him before, albeit briefly, and even have a favorite link to his site on my sidebar. He is a great man with a great blog. If you haven't checked his site out it's a must do. His blog has daily postings about his tour in Afghanistan. His second tour that is! It is a well written and very personable blog. You can tell, in short order, that you would like this man had you the fortune enough to meet him on the street.

This purchase was simply one tiny way of showing my support and admiration for his patriotic sacrifices. The saying on the shirt struck me as very clever. And how true. I can't praise the good Sgt. and his family enough. I can't give enough praise to all who sacrifice for our country.

Also, if anyone is wondering why two shirts were ordered the reasoning is quit simple. When my wife saw what I wanted to order she, too, had to have one. Now we are both ready for the big holiday.

Lastly, I mentioned everyone should check out his blog but, failed to mention you should hurry. He is now a short-timer with under a month to go! I do think I read, somewhere on his site, that he was going to continue blogging when he got stateside, though I can't be sure. I truly hope so.

Stay safe Sarge. You're almost there.

Daddy's Empty Chair

A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.

"I guess you were expecting me", he said.

'No, who are you?" said the father.

The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up."

"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

"I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head." I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always'. Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."

"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.

Did he die in peace?" he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that."

received in an email

Add A Caption 20

Is this guy being arrested, mugged, or what? You decide.
Try adding a caption for this photo.

Elusive

We put one of these feed bags with thistle in our backyard for the last three years and it was never used. This spring my wife said we should not waste our money putting out one this year. For the last couple of days it has been used by up to three birds at a time. My wife has yet to see this so this afternoon I tried to document the event with a photo. Well, there were three birds on it when I stepped onto the deck with my camera. Two of them flew away instantly. The remaining bird looked at me but wouldn't stay that way for a photo. He is not headless but it's back end was all I could manage to get. When I have more time I will try for a real photo.

Music Trivia 10

What 1996 tune starts as follows ? -

I met my girl on a mountain side
Looking for warmth and a place to hide

and who performs it?



Wow, I didn't think I'd get an answer this quick but,

Sunni Kay correctly said...

Mountain Cry by Blues Traveler

Niece Marries

My niece got married last Saturday. The groom is a wonderful guy. His family is awesome. She is a lucky gal and he is a lucky man. I will be posting pics of their reception shortly.

Some in Minnesota Back Higher Gas Tax

Well, communist-leaning Minnesota is at it again. Minnesota lawmakers are trying to invoke a new gas tax. What timing. The price of gasoline is soaring higher than ever before and they want to add to the problem. I thought our elected leaders were placed in their positions to solve problems. Some states which don't lean so much to the left are actually supplying relief to their drivers. Texas and Connecticut, for example, are proposing tax holidays for their summer months. Minnesota has proven again, however, that it just loves taxing it's residents.

Governor Pawlenty has vetoed the evil plan but, an override is still possible. With the current gas tax being at 22 cents/gallon, this legislation would bring it to 27 cents or higher. Thanks guys.

Refreshing the Rider

My brother and I worked on my riding lawnmower today. The wife said get the lawn cut or else but. the rider wasn't cooperating. She is a Sabre brand (made by John Deere) with a 15.5 HP motor and a 38 inch cut. It had a flat tire and a dead battery. So off to work we went. I dropped the tire off to be repaired and was told it couldn't be repaired. I either needed to have a tube put in or purchase a new tire. I selected the new tire.

I picked up the battery and left my wheel and old tire to be replaced. When I got home I installed the new battery. Here is where the fun began. She still wouldn't start! After getting her to turn over a couple of times she soon flooded. And she flooded good. Suddenly I had more gas than oil where the oil was supposed to be.


So I drained the oil (or should I say gas) and put some new oil in. While the oil was draining I figured I should check the spark plug. I carefully tried to pull the spark plug wire but, it was very stubborn and I had little room for my hand. Eventually I gave the wire a big yank and off it came. It came off without it's proper end that is.



Now, I had to repair the wire and put the terminal back on it's end. About this time my brother arrived with his electrical tester. After putting the plug with the fixed wire back in the tractor still would not start. At this point I put my camera away because my hands were getting too greasy. I should have left my brother to do all the work and then I could have kept on taking pictures. At any rate, we did many electrical tests on the beast including all the safety switches. There was a seat switch to test. A brake switch to test. The lever for engaging the blades even had a switch which we tested. Somewhere in all this testing we took a break and decided to come back to it with a fresh outlook.

My brother went home for a while and after some coffee I went back to the garage. At some point I figured out that I could pull the lever which engaged the blades about a quarter inch further down if I used some effort. Ah, this allowed the mower to start every time. It seemed as though it would not engage the safety switch unless some extra exertion was applied. Problem solved? Nope! It would now start every time but, as soon as the brake was released or the blades were engaged it would die. This didn't do me a lot of good. I called my brother with the new discovery and asked him to return with his tester.

My brother arrived and we tested everything we tested before and a few extra things were tested. We scratched our collective heads for some time and tried various fixes to no avail. In the mean time, we reinstalled the tire (which I had my wife pick up) and we greased some fittings.

We went back to concentrating on the lever which engages the blades and he eventually discovered it was a mechanical problem and not electrical in nature. He followed the blade lever down and watched it in action under the chassis. There was a long threaded rod under there with a spring on one end. This rod is what engages the switch when the blade lever is in the lower position. It took a few stubborn turns on this rod to give it the right reach. We started the bad boy now with much anticipation. She fired. I released the brake and she still ran. Now the real test. I engaged the blades. The blades immediately started turning and amazingly the motor kept going. Finally! My brother did note that soon, very soon the rod would need more work. It was pretty much at it's end of adjustment and the bracket that supports one end is almost worn through. I decide to save this for another day because if I didn't get the hay mowed soon my wife was going to hang me. Better to mow now, while I can, and tear it apart for further repairs afterwards.



For now she's back together. I still need to give her a good cleaning. I will try to mow the yard tomorrow and then I will clean her up good. Later (not too much later) I will have to work on the rod that's in such poor shape. Hey, maybe I can get my brother to do it so I am free to take photos for the blog.

Hola, Americanos

My wife recently purchased this mayonnaise from the local grocery store. We live in a small town in northern Minnesota. What is wrong with this picture? Notice how the primary language on these labels is in a foreign language. It was bad enough to see multiple languages on everything around us. Now it's gotten worse - English has been demoted to a secondary position. Where will it stop? Life in America is very, peculiar these days. Adios.

Federal Government Slacking

Everyone hears me spout about less government and less regulations. I preach this all the time. What about the laws that are already on the books, though? I say if the law is in place - enforce it. Now if you don't like the law, change it or eliminate it, but if the law is on the books then we must go by them. Otherwise, why have a legal system at all? Everyone should, also, know my stand on illegal immigrants, by now.

Now here is an article describing a town's problems concerning it's passing of an ordinance regarding the prohibition of renting to illegals. Good for them, but civil liberties advocates want to ban the ban. Again, illegals are illegal (I know that's a tough concept). If a town wants to prevent them from moving into their community they are only doing what the federal government is failing to do, ie enforcing the laws that are on the books. If the federal government were doing it's job this would not even be a local issue.

Groups: Block Texas Town's Immigrant Ban
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 11:23am DALLAS

Latino activists and civil liberties advocates asked a federal judge Tuesday to block a voter-approved ordinance that prohibits landlords from renting apartments to most illegal immigrants in the Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union, which have already sued the city, requested the temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court.

The ordinance, scheduled to take effect next Tuesday, requires apartment managers to verify that renters are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants before leasing to them, with some exceptions. Violators face fines of up to $500.

"It is unfortunate that the residents of Farmers Branch have chosen to implement a law which is not only bad policy, but is likely also unconstitutional," said Lisa Graybill, legal director for the ACLU of Texas. "Now the issue will have to be resolved in federal court."

City council members first approved the ban in November without discussion, then revised it in January to include exemptions for minors, seniors and some mixed-status families. On Saturday, residents voted to approve the ban with 68 percent of voters in favor, according to unofficial results.

Councilman Tim O'Hare, the ordinance's lead proponent, contends the city's economy and quality of life will improve if illegal immigrants are kept out. O'Hare declined to comment Tuesday.

Since 1970, Farmers Branch has changed from a small, predominantly white bedroom community with a declining population to a city of almost 28,000 people, about 37 percent of them Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Farmers Branch already faces four lawsuits brought by civil rights groups, residents, property owners and businesses, who say the ordinance discriminates and puts landlords in the precarious position of acting as federal immigration officers. Their attorneys argue the ordinance attempts to regulate immigration, a duty that is exclusively the federal government's.

Nationwide, more than 90 local governments have proposed, passed or rejected laws prohibiting landlords from leasing to illegal immigrants, penalizing businesses that employ them or training police to enforce immigration laws.

Someone tell me how this ordinance is unconstitutional. I have no problem with protecting the rights of our citizens regardless of their race, religious affiliation, sex, age, and so on. I do not feel illegals are afforded the same rights. If you what the rights that American's hold so dear then become an American. Until then - shut up.