Saturday, September 6, 2008
looka heer
I just stumbled across Sharp Knife; a blog spot I intend to keep coming back to, regularly.
Additional cognitively dissonant cogitation
Well, the Gannett news outlet here in Sioux Falls has an interesting poll up this morning.
"Should the federal government raise the gas tax in order to make up for the shortfall in highway funding?"
As of 8:44 am CDT the Number of votes: 131
Yes = 26%
No = 74%
I would be interested to find out who the 26% are. Not individually, personally, but generically.
I am sick and tired, yeah, even tireder of seeing taxes initiated and raised.
It appears there is some of our community that are in the same boat.
Sadly, this most recent bout with the "economic stimulus checks" should imprint on our minds and psyches, that once a tax is put into place it will never be reduced, nor cancelled.
Too bad our skool system does not teach economics, or comparative ideologies. Too many old people understand the Marxist-Leninist imperative to tax the people for the good of the people.
Socialism, communism, and most "isms" deny any rights to individuals to own property.
Everything, spelled E. V. E. R. Y. T. H. I. N. G., belongs to the gummint; the ruling class. There is a sharp distinction between the elite, and the working classes, or masses.
Evil is always sly and underhanded. As the saying goes, the greatest thing the Devil ever did was to get people to believe he does not exist.
Are taxes evil? Well, the more we pay in taxes to beef up gummint the less we have to take care of ourselves.
How sucky, that we work almost half a year, just to pay off our taxes!
What is it gonna take for people to realize that we are nurturing an insatiable monster?
Our Founding Fathers understood the evil involved and that is why they wrote our founding documents the way they did.
No king, no queen, no ruling class, no career poli-tic-ians.
Sheeesh!
I agree with Rush Limbaugh who claims that ignorance is our most expensive commodity! How true and prescient.
Well, I guess it all boils down to a case of mind over matter...if you don't mind, it ain't gonna matter.
"Should the federal government raise the gas tax in order to make up for the shortfall in highway funding?"
As of 8:44 am CDT the Number of votes: 131
Yes = 26%
No = 74%
I would be interested to find out who the 26% are. Not individually, personally, but generically.
I am sick and tired, yeah, even tireder of seeing taxes initiated and raised.
It appears there is some of our community that are in the same boat.
Sadly, this most recent bout with the "economic stimulus checks" should imprint on our minds and psyches, that once a tax is put into place it will never be reduced, nor cancelled.
Too bad our skool system does not teach economics, or comparative ideologies. Too many old people understand the Marxist-Leninist imperative to tax the people for the good of the people.
Socialism, communism, and most "isms" deny any rights to individuals to own property.
Everything, spelled E. V. E. R. Y. T. H. I. N. G., belongs to the gummint; the ruling class. There is a sharp distinction between the elite, and the working classes, or masses.
Evil is always sly and underhanded. As the saying goes, the greatest thing the Devil ever did was to get people to believe he does not exist.
Are taxes evil? Well, the more we pay in taxes to beef up gummint the less we have to take care of ourselves.
How sucky, that we work almost half a year, just to pay off our taxes!
What is it gonna take for people to realize that we are nurturing an insatiable monster?
Our Founding Fathers understood the evil involved and that is why they wrote our founding documents the way they did.
No king, no queen, no ruling class, no career poli-tic-ians.
Sheeesh!
I agree with Rush Limbaugh who claims that ignorance is our most expensive commodity! How true and prescient.
Well, I guess it all boils down to a case of mind over matter...if you don't mind, it ain't gonna matter.
Saturday AM thimking
School has begun for the little chillrun...and I am once again driving a bus to get the little ones to and from their appointed places.
There are some pretty good insights into human behavior that can be seen from behind the wheel of the yellow behemoth.
You can sure tell the chillrun who come from a loving family, they demonstrate respect for each other, and obedience for the laws and rules.
It is especially telling when you have a bus load of chillrun who come out of a culture that doesn't teach discipline and obedience to authority.
Ah, that is enuff for that thought.
As I was getting ready for this day, this morning, the thought occurred to me, that a bus with fifty chillrun, ages 5 through 12, prolly weighing an average of 50 or 60 pounds would give the bus a weight of around 2500 to 3000 pounds.
Hmmm, that is about a ton and a half. Then when you factor in the weight of the bus itself, you are looking at prolly three or more tons of brute steel and rubber rolling down the road.
Forget all your facts about stopping distances for your Prius...this bus is gonna take two to three times as much distance to stop.
Oh, speaking of stopping...when you see those yellow lights on the top of the bus start flashing? Get ready to stop, cuz when the red lights come on, the LAW says you must stop a minimum of 200 feet away. I have yet to see anyone stop and allow that safety cushion.
Should you, decide it ain't that important to stop, cuz the kids haven't even gotten off the bus yet. Let me tell you a story.
Last school year, I observed a vehicle not even slowing down as it approached my bus, even tho the red lights had been flashing and the stop arm was extended.
I wrote down the vehicle description and the license plate number, which I reported. The person driving was issued a summons to court for the violation.
In the summons was an option to pay $150.00 for the violation, or to appear in court and present your case. A caveat was included in the letter that stated should a person choose to appear in court, and be found guilty, the fine would be at the judge's discretion.
This lady, chose to appear in court, upon learning the facts of the violation, she admitted that she had not been paying attention and may have seen the bus.
The judge levied a fine of $250.00 and placed a lien on her car, until such time as the fine was paid.
It seems to my military mind, that people would be interested in promoting the safety of the chillrun while using a school bus.
But reality, tells me, that we live in a post-modern society, that no longer places any concern for the chillrun, in fact, chillrun start out as biological masses, and may be disposed of at any time.
My dear friend, Mamacita , has often shared about her concern for the chillrun based on raising her own, and having been a middle school teacher. I wonder if she has ever cogitated on the safety of chillrun on the buses?
Well, I guess that is a pretty lengthy rant; perhaps I should stop here and do something else.
Wanna have a head-shaking experience?
Drive a school bus.
There are some pretty good insights into human behavior that can be seen from behind the wheel of the yellow behemoth.
You can sure tell the chillrun who come from a loving family, they demonstrate respect for each other, and obedience for the laws and rules.
It is especially telling when you have a bus load of chillrun who come out of a culture that doesn't teach discipline and obedience to authority.
Ah, that is enuff for that thought.
As I was getting ready for this day, this morning, the thought occurred to me, that a bus with fifty chillrun, ages 5 through 12, prolly weighing an average of 50 or 60 pounds would give the bus a weight of around 2500 to 3000 pounds.
Hmmm, that is about a ton and a half. Then when you factor in the weight of the bus itself, you are looking at prolly three or more tons of brute steel and rubber rolling down the road.
Forget all your facts about stopping distances for your Prius...this bus is gonna take two to three times as much distance to stop.
Oh, speaking of stopping...when you see those yellow lights on the top of the bus start flashing? Get ready to stop, cuz when the red lights come on, the LAW says you must stop a minimum of 200 feet away. I have yet to see anyone stop and allow that safety cushion.
Should you, decide it ain't that important to stop, cuz the kids haven't even gotten off the bus yet. Let me tell you a story.
Last school year, I observed a vehicle not even slowing down as it approached my bus, even tho the red lights had been flashing and the stop arm was extended.
I wrote down the vehicle description and the license plate number, which I reported. The person driving was issued a summons to court for the violation.
In the summons was an option to pay $150.00 for the violation, or to appear in court and present your case. A caveat was included in the letter that stated should a person choose to appear in court, and be found guilty, the fine would be at the judge's discretion.
This lady, chose to appear in court, upon learning the facts of the violation, she admitted that she had not been paying attention and may have seen the bus.
The judge levied a fine of $250.00 and placed a lien on her car, until such time as the fine was paid.
It seems to my military mind, that people would be interested in promoting the safety of the chillrun while using a school bus.
But reality, tells me, that we live in a post-modern society, that no longer places any concern for the chillrun, in fact, chillrun start out as biological masses, and may be disposed of at any time.
My dear friend, Mamacita , has often shared about her concern for the chillrun based on raising her own, and having been a middle school teacher. I wonder if she has ever cogitated on the safety of chillrun on the buses?
Well, I guess that is a pretty lengthy rant; perhaps I should stop here and do something else.
Wanna have a head-shaking experience?
Drive a school bus.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Morning wakeup
"Ironically, Job's only consolation comes from himself. Like many a great preacher, he finds himself in that excruciatingly lonely position in which his own sermons are the only ones that really speak to him.
"Perhaps this is the very school in which great preachers are made. When a sermon has real power, and when it comes with fire and with tears, is it not because the preacher is first of all preaching to his own soul?
"The reason he preaches to his own soul is that he can find no one else who will preach to him the message he himself so desperately needs to hear.
"A story is told of Charles Spurgeon, who was subject to black bouts of depression. One time he felt so crushed in spirit that he simply could not carry on with his commitments in his home church.
"Hurriedly he arranged for another pastor to fill in for him and then left town for the weekend.
"That Sunday he attended a tiny country church, where the sermon that was preached had such a dramatic effect upon him that immediately his depression lifted and he felt totally refreshed and eager to return to his ministry.
"At the door he introduced himself to the young, inknown preacher, thanking and praising him mightily.
"The poor man seemed dreadfully embarrassed, however, and finally he had to confess that the sermon he had just preached was in fact one of Spurgeon's own."
Excerpted from The Gospel According to Job, Mike Mason, Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL, 1994, pg 229.
Four years of teaching in the Navy, and five years of preaching in a local church have impressed this idea upon my heart and mind.
It is a little advertised fact that the teacher learns more than the student ever will, and this is true for the preacher also.
A twenty minute sermon, will never, ever speak to what a preacher has learned, and discerned, in preparing the message.
I have often wondered how it was that my sermons were not being understood, as I understood them; and it seems the sermons were the Holy Spirit, actually speaking to me the eternal truths, that I needed to hear, and that anyone who followed the Christly admonition, "Those who have ears, let them hear" would have heard, and understood.
A second axiom, that really doesn't necessarily follow is: "Hindsight is generally 20/20".
"Perhaps this is the very school in which great preachers are made. When a sermon has real power, and when it comes with fire and with tears, is it not because the preacher is first of all preaching to his own soul?
"The reason he preaches to his own soul is that he can find no one else who will preach to him the message he himself so desperately needs to hear.
"A story is told of Charles Spurgeon, who was subject to black bouts of depression. One time he felt so crushed in spirit that he simply could not carry on with his commitments in his home church.
"Hurriedly he arranged for another pastor to fill in for him and then left town for the weekend.
"That Sunday he attended a tiny country church, where the sermon that was preached had such a dramatic effect upon him that immediately his depression lifted and he felt totally refreshed and eager to return to his ministry.
"At the door he introduced himself to the young, inknown preacher, thanking and praising him mightily.
"The poor man seemed dreadfully embarrassed, however, and finally he had to confess that the sermon he had just preached was in fact one of Spurgeon's own."
Excerpted from The Gospel According to Job, Mike Mason, Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL, 1994, pg 229.
Four years of teaching in the Navy, and five years of preaching in a local church have impressed this idea upon my heart and mind.
It is a little advertised fact that the teacher learns more than the student ever will, and this is true for the preacher also.
A twenty minute sermon, will never, ever speak to what a preacher has learned, and discerned, in preparing the message.
I have often wondered how it was that my sermons were not being understood, as I understood them; and it seems the sermons were the Holy Spirit, actually speaking to me the eternal truths, that I needed to hear, and that anyone who followed the Christly admonition, "Those who have ears, let them hear" would have heard, and understood.
A second axiom, that really doesn't necessarily follow is: "Hindsight is generally 20/20".
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A pause for the cause; an oldie but a goody
It has been some time, since I first received the following information; I don't remember if there was any reference to who the author was or not. It is not original with me!
But I do sincerely enjoy reading it.
Last week I went to a seminar called "Stress and Disease" by Dr. Nickolas Hall, an expert in psychobiology. He gave an example of a coping skill for job stress which I would like to share with you.
When you have had one of those "TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT!" days, try this.
On your way home, after work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will purchase a rectal thermometer made by *Q-Tip. Be very sure that you get this brand.
When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change to very comfortable clothing, such as a sweat suit and lie down on your bed.
Open the package containing the thermometer and remove the thermometer.
Carefully place it on the bedside table so it will not become chipped or broken.
Take the written material that accompanies the thermometer, and as you read it, you will find in small print the statement that "every rectal thermometer made by Q-Tip is PERSONALLY tested.
Now, close your eyes, and say out loud five times: "I am so glad that I do not work in quality control at the Q-Tip Company."
But I do sincerely enjoy reading it.
Last week I went to a seminar called "Stress and Disease" by Dr. Nickolas Hall, an expert in psychobiology. He gave an example of a coping skill for job stress which I would like to share with you.
When you have had one of those "TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT!" days, try this.
On your way home, after work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will purchase a rectal thermometer made by *Q-Tip. Be very sure that you get this brand.
When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change to very comfortable clothing, such as a sweat suit and lie down on your bed.
Open the package containing the thermometer and remove the thermometer.
Carefully place it on the bedside table so it will not become chipped or broken.
Take the written material that accompanies the thermometer, and as you read it, you will find in small print the statement that "every rectal thermometer made by Q-Tip is PERSONALLY tested.
Now, close your eyes, and say out loud five times: "I am so glad that I do not work in quality control at the Q-Tip Company."
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Ten Commandments of How to Get Along With People
1. Keep skid chains on your tongue. Say less than you think. Cultivate a soothing voice. How you say it often means more than what you say.
2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.
3. Never lose an opportunity to say a kind word to, or about, somebody. Praise work well done, regardless of who did it.
4. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their homes and their families. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel you regard him as important.
5. Be cheerful. Keep the corners or your mouth turned up. Hide your worries and disappointments under a smile.
6. Keep an open mind on all debatable questions. Discuss, but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to disagree and remain friendly.
7. Let your virtues speak for themselves and refuse to discuss the shortcomings of others. Discourage gossip by changing the subject.
8. Have respect for the feelings of others. Wit and humor at the expense of friend is never worth it.
9. Pay no attention to destructive remarks and personal attacks on you. Live so that no one will believe them. Remember, a common cause of backbiting is dissatisfaction with oneself.
10. Don't be concerned about your "just due". Do a good turn for the sake of being helpful.
2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.
3. Never lose an opportunity to say a kind word to, or about, somebody. Praise work well done, regardless of who did it.
4. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their homes and their families. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel you regard him as important.
5. Be cheerful. Keep the corners or your mouth turned up. Hide your worries and disappointments under a smile.
6. Keep an open mind on all debatable questions. Discuss, but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to disagree and remain friendly.
7. Let your virtues speak for themselves and refuse to discuss the shortcomings of others. Discourage gossip by changing the subject.
8. Have respect for the feelings of others. Wit and humor at the expense of friend is never worth it.
9. Pay no attention to destructive remarks and personal attacks on you. Live so that no one will believe them. Remember, a common cause of backbiting is dissatisfaction with oneself.
10. Don't be concerned about your "just due". Do a good turn for the sake of being helpful.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Cute stories from the past
When I was a student at the Marine Corps/Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor School back in the 70s we were introduced to a couple of cute stories.
One was entitled A Fairytale.
And the other one was: The Velveteen Rabbit.
They are both good, clean stories that I have appreciated over the years; go take a look and see if it doesn't make some sense, and if you don't enjoy them.
And as I reminisce over these stories, I am reminded, that there is a lot that takes place in order to make us really real. A lot more than a magic fairy...
One was entitled A Fairytale.
And the other one was: The Velveteen Rabbit.
They are both good, clean stories that I have appreciated over the years; go take a look and see if it doesn't make some sense, and if you don't enjoy them.
And as I reminisce over these stories, I am reminded, that there is a lot that takes place in order to make us really real. A lot more than a magic fairy...
Preachin to the choir
When are we gonna wake up in this country and recognize that we have allowed ourselves to be led down a slippery slope?
Citizens of this great country, lying in wait to attack, and possibly maim, or kill fellow citizens, simply because they don't like their belief?
How sad to realize we have become divided; and that there are people who definitely wish ill of others in this country.
It would appear Kruschev was pretty prescient when he stated that Russia would bury the US.
We are almost there!
Looking back on Russian history, we see that one example of life was that everyone watched and told authorities what every one else was doing.
I have read many articles of people visiting the USSR, and being amazed that as they walked around, they found no smiles on the poeple; and the people appeared to lack any hope.
Ah, hope, the cherished word we are hearing bandied around by a presidential hopeful.
How much hope can I anticipate, in having a government that wants me to stop driving my car, wants to increase the taxes I have to pay, thereby reducing any income I may have?
How much hope, can I anticipate, when I know that the supporters of one poli-tic-al party are willing to hurt, maim, or kill supporters of the opposing party?
We learned from hurricane Katrina, how vulnerable people can be when their weapons are confiscated, and they are without any means of sel protection, except for "The Man". And yet, we have a presidential candidate who wants to confiscate all firearms, and make us vulnerable.
There is something to say about "law abiding" people, obeying the law; while outlaws, and crminals, laugh at the law, and the law abiding citizens.
To my military mind, nothing stops a criminal better than a dose of .357 magnum. You want to throw urine, or feces at me, as I walk by? Consider your options, and then act accordingly.
Well, that is prolly enuff ranting for the time being. I love the US of A, and all she stands for, I am truly sickened to see what we are becoming and where we are heading.
Come, LORD Jesus, come quickly.
Citizens of this great country, lying in wait to attack, and possibly maim, or kill fellow citizens, simply because they don't like their belief?
How sad to realize we have become divided; and that there are people who definitely wish ill of others in this country.
It would appear Kruschev was pretty prescient when he stated that Russia would bury the US.
We are almost there!
Looking back on Russian history, we see that one example of life was that everyone watched and told authorities what every one else was doing.
I have read many articles of people visiting the USSR, and being amazed that as they walked around, they found no smiles on the poeple; and the people appeared to lack any hope.
Ah, hope, the cherished word we are hearing bandied around by a presidential hopeful.
How much hope can I anticipate, in having a government that wants me to stop driving my car, wants to increase the taxes I have to pay, thereby reducing any income I may have?
How much hope, can I anticipate, when I know that the supporters of one poli-tic-al party are willing to hurt, maim, or kill supporters of the opposing party?
We learned from hurricane Katrina, how vulnerable people can be when their weapons are confiscated, and they are without any means of sel protection, except for "The Man". And yet, we have a presidential candidate who wants to confiscate all firearms, and make us vulnerable.
There is something to say about "law abiding" people, obeying the law; while outlaws, and crminals, laugh at the law, and the law abiding citizens.
To my military mind, nothing stops a criminal better than a dose of .357 magnum. You want to throw urine, or feces at me, as I walk by? Consider your options, and then act accordingly.
Well, that is prolly enuff ranting for the time being. I love the US of A, and all she stands for, I am truly sickened to see what we are becoming and where we are heading.
Come, LORD Jesus, come quickly.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Poli-tics = many blood suckers
So, the dems don't have anything of substance to offer in this presidential election cycle, and they feel in order to get any bump in the nation, they have to slime the repubs.
In my heart of hearts I say: "Flog the bloody basturds!"
I cringe to think about how much the Fathers of this great nation are turning over in their graves as they see how the political landscape has deteriorated.
No longer are people interested in running for office to keep this country great, and the shining city on the hill.
Unfortunately, we have become a nation that really doesn't give a rip whether or not we are a safe haven.
The old adage, "Familiarity breeds contempt" is alive and well in this post modern twenty-first century.
In spite of all the leftards and political weenies have done to denigrate this great country and what she stands for; she is still the ONE country people will sacrifice their life and the lives of their loved ones to get here.
The people of this great country, work and scrimp and save to make the best life for themselves and their families; while power hungry idgets do everything they can to destroy everything this country has ever been or stood for.
There is coming a day of reckoning whether or not we choose to believe it.
There is coming a day, when everything that has been done in secret will be seen, and everything said in secret will be shouted from the roof tops!
I am looking forward to that day. Oh what a day that will be.
In my heart of hearts I say: "Flog the bloody basturds!"
I cringe to think about how much the Fathers of this great nation are turning over in their graves as they see how the political landscape has deteriorated.
No longer are people interested in running for office to keep this country great, and the shining city on the hill.
Unfortunately, we have become a nation that really doesn't give a rip whether or not we are a safe haven.
The old adage, "Familiarity breeds contempt" is alive and well in this post modern twenty-first century.
In spite of all the leftards and political weenies have done to denigrate this great country and what she stands for; she is still the ONE country people will sacrifice their life and the lives of their loved ones to get here.
The people of this great country, work and scrimp and save to make the best life for themselves and their families; while power hungry idgets do everything they can to destroy everything this country has ever been or stood for.
There is coming a day of reckoning whether or not we choose to believe it.
There is coming a day, when everything that has been done in secret will be seen, and everything said in secret will be shouted from the roof tops!
I am looking forward to that day. Oh what a day that will be.
Expressly expressed
Just received an email inviting me to view photos from the recent reunion I attended...
When you click on "view your friend's photos" it takes you to an enrollment page.
Yeah, you cannot view the photos unless you enroll in the program.
When you look at the "terms and conditions" for enrollment, you find this:
When you become a Member, you must provide Snapfish with true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself when such information is requested by the Service (whether by questionnaires, surveys, registration forms, or other informational requests).
A condition of Membership is your "Active Participation" in the Service. Active Participation is defined as sending in film or purchasing photo merchandise, including reprints and enlargements, through the Service at least once every 365 days.
So, you cannot just view the photos, you must enroll and agree to the terms and conditions.
Well, photos of anything are not that important to me... I have my own digital camera, I can take my own photos and do with them whatever I want to. If you wish to share your photos with me, do so, don't expect me to rush right out and purchase the photos, cuz, prolly ain't gonna happen.
I ain't gonna say no more about this...
When you click on "view your friend's photos" it takes you to an enrollment page.
Yeah, you cannot view the photos unless you enroll in the program.
When you look at the "terms and conditions" for enrollment, you find this:
When you become a Member, you must provide Snapfish with true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself when such information is requested by the Service (whether by questionnaires, surveys, registration forms, or other informational requests).
A condition of Membership is your "Active Participation" in the Service. Active Participation is defined as sending in film or purchasing photo merchandise, including reprints and enlargements, through the Service at least once every 365 days.
So, you cannot just view the photos, you must enroll and agree to the terms and conditions.
Well, photos of anything are not that important to me... I have my own digital camera, I can take my own photos and do with them whatever I want to. If you wish to share your photos with me, do so, don't expect me to rush right out and purchase the photos, cuz, prolly ain't gonna happen.
I ain't gonna say no more about this...
Follow up
Chatted with Mamacita yesterday re: the post on why people act like they are so glad to see you, when you can't dredge up any memory of them.
She said, she really did not have anything to say about it, since she had only been to one reunion, and was not real impressed.
I had hoped, that as having been a teacher of children, and now a professor of adults, she would address the disconnect I was experiencing.
Well, now that I think about it, I guess I will just be happy to know that it is all mind over matter:
If I don't mind, it ain't gonna matter!
She said, she really did not have anything to say about it, since she had only been to one reunion, and was not real impressed.
I had hoped, that as having been a teacher of children, and now a professor of adults, she would address the disconnect I was experiencing.
Well, now that I think about it, I guess I will just be happy to know that it is all mind over matter:
If I don't mind, it ain't gonna matter!
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