Daily Thoughts - VI

Today has been fun. My son and a friend volunteered to help move a friend Saturday and Sunday. Well, the friend’s car broke, so I spent the best part of the morning driving them some 160 miles to where they needed to be. And that means 160 miles back. Well, now my tummy hurts and it is getting close to Pepto time.

Well, the computers are shipped and bags almost packed, as I get ready to head out Monday to Florida. Let me see, the sonny-do list is Fix two computers plus one laptop, fix the electricity in Dad’s workshop and good ole mom just had a load of dirt delivered Friday. That is a subtle hint I will be shoveling dirt in my free time.

Our church just had Vacation Bible School and I help my wife a little bit in the nursery class. I know now why I don’t want any young kids. Count them, there were 7-10 of them for 3 hours and I pray it will be a year before I experience that again. It will take me that long to recuperate. Man, does red clay dirt, ice cream, water balloons, and bubbles make a mess.

*****

I am sorry to hear that three children died needlessly in an awful accident. But I do have a few questions. Nobody heard them when they searched the interior of the car? Why was the broken car setting in the yard with the trunk open? If I had a refrigerator I would secure the door just for that reason. If it had been open wouldn’t it trigger something if it were then found closed? Why did the family wait 3 plus hours to call the police and then claim the police weren’t thorough enough to realize they were in the trunk? Yes the Police should investigate the whole response thing. But also, investigate the family too. Could someone wanted to get rid of the kids, trick them into hiding in the trunk as part of the game, give them 3 hours to succumb and them find them 2 days later. Perfect Crime? I am sorry but I do get a bit paranoid after the mountain of evidence that parents or close family commit most of the child murders / abductions. I won’t give the list but I believe you could count on two hands the recent cases.

*****

I love it today as Carter’s National Security Advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski, commented of how bad Bush has conducted the Iraqi war. He and Carter did the most to tear down the Military when Carter was in office. Ziggy would rather hide than face facts, or has he grown up?

To our troops my prayers and unwavering support, I occasionally wish I could un-retire and go help them, but alas, I am a dinosaur from another era and accept my role as a prayer supporter.

PS: to all my close friends and associates, I got a new cell phone with my old number, but sadly, they discontinued my account with the old phone and then restarted it thus losing all my stored phone numbers. So if I don’t call you, it isn’t that I am mad or don’t want too but that I don’t have a number to call you. Call me.

Daily Thoughts - V

For most countries of the world getting a new dictator would mean losing all you own. Only in America, can it be legislatively or judicially taken away. Who needs a dictator, all we need is a congressman, senator or judge to take what we prize and work our life for. Under this law, what is next?

• All Churchs, especially those who are tax-exempt, are removed since a shopping center or condo will generate more tax revenue and getting money is paramount to local governments.
• Any Radio or TV station that doesn't tread the "acceptable way"? A good grocery store would serve us better.
• What of any non-profit organization that didn't toe the line? Put a mall there and get some benefit from their space.
• What of any business that posed a problem for a larger competitor? Microsoft forces out AOL to but up a bigger Microsoft Headquarters and offer more tax revenue than AOL does. Wal-Mart vs mom-pop store. Major Oil vs local gas station.
  
• What of all our parks? Put a business there. It will generate more tax income. The kids can go home to play. Ooops, that is right, their home was removed last week.
  

While we could focus on the American Citizen and their home, the implications of this law goes far beyond that. What does the legislature or Judicial have to worry about. They take our home to generate more money because they made a law that took our weapons away and ensured we couldn't defend it. Next they will decide who is the real "American Citizen" and pass a law to implement it.

Part of their argument was that the current law forced them to use "blighted areas" and thus hurt the poor. So, as I see it, destroy the dream of the working class to erect all these tax-generating endeavours and leave the "blighted areas" alone so that they can remain an eyesore to the inner-city.

Well, we continue to see protect the poor, screw the workers all so that the rich can maintain a life style. You try and take the rich man's home, the army of lawyers will stop that. But the poor worker can only muster a public defender whose salary depends on the tax money that is generated by taking the workers home. So who wins?

When are the laws of this land going to be decided by the "American Citizen" and not some "Appointed" Judge? If the American people vote and the majority decides for a law, then who gives that "appointed" judge the right to throw it out? They may review it and bring it to the people's attention that it isn't fair and equitable but ultimately, the people decide through free and open elections how they are to be governed. Then the "appointed" judge applies that law and helps the police who enforce the law. This is what I think is called "The Will of the People".

Excuse me, I got wrapped up and forgot. It really is "The will of the Judge" and the "whim of a Congressman or Senator". Like I said earlier, Who needs a Dictator, all we need is a Congressman, Senator or Judge to take what we prize and work our life for because what we want doesn't matter, especially to them.

*********************************************

I disagree with what happened in Mississippi. I know some will argue with me but I can still say it is wrong.

How did a jury split 6-6, over night and after only 2-3 hours the next morning become unanimous? They were split just like the first trial. Who changed their minds to make it so obvious?

The judge said age or whether the defendent was living or dead .. the law must be served. Ok, why wasn't there others charged and sentenced even if they were dead already? This man was one member of a group ... do we now charge and sentence one man for the sins of others. I vaguely recall that happened 2000 years ago. This smacks of judically sponsored reverse racism to make a group of people feel better. The same group who harbored revenge and hate for the perpetrator for 41 years all the while they sat piously in their church pew pretending to be a christian full of love and forgiveness.

Why not go after the U.S Congress now. They publically apologized for allowing all the lynchings by not taking action when they should. They have said by their own words they were an accomplice to the racism of that time. Under the law, if you aid or abet someone in the act of a crime, you are guilty too. So sentence the Congress to prison for being an accomplice to the racism of the 60's and 70's. You have sentenced that old man because he was an accomplice or aided in the murders. Smells like crap .. it must be crap.

***************************************************

Looks like a little Father and Son action in Aruba. Could it be a little "Danish Roll"?

Daily Thoughts - IV

Hmmmm ....


Estne volumen in toga, an solum tibi libet me
videre?


Which Weird Latin Phrase Are You?
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Daily Thoughts - III

Am I having fun? .... Ha ha ha ha!

I guess since the nights are now getting shorter, I had better start making more efficient use of the time I am there.

My name using Egyptian Hieroglyphs!

Try your name

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Daily Thoughts - II

I love how times change the way our leaders react. When 9-11 happened the president said we would hunt them down no matter where they would hide. Furthermore any country harboring or aiding the terrorist would be subject to retaliation. Well, guess what, someone (CIA) says we know where Bin laden is but because of their national sovereignty we won’t get him. Well, what happened to those bold statements from 2001? Sounds like someone has a bigger mouth than their balls.

Father’s day was nice. It was a quiet day filled with food, TV and bowling. The father/ Son banquet was also great since both of my boys went. And we managed to do some damage to the BBQ, Cole slaw, and potato salad. The games were so-so but it only lasted a short time. The golf was great because Tiger lost and a mere mortal beat him.

I am saddened that another scout has been lost in the same area as another one was. Isn’t someone at the local BSA headquarters watching? Obviously, that area has some inherent problems that make it easy to become lost. When the troop fills out the permit for the trip, why isn’t it scrutinized a little more as to precautions that are being taken based on the areas history?

I see we are still prosecuting criminal cases some 40+ years after the fact. I was always brought up that there was a statue of limitations. From the looks of it, you can be hounded even after you are dead. Perhaps, people are still looking for a free handout; sue someone to make your retirement life better. Who needs a 401K; one lawsuit and you are set for life. There you go Bush, revamp Social Security to allow one major lawsuit as your retirement plan. Everyone gets rich and the Government is taken off the hook. Kind of like the Terry Schiavo’s family. Dig up the mud and reopen the investigation from some 15 years ago. Let’s ruin everyone’s life now. They want closure, no way; they had it when they buried their daughter. What they want now is vengeance, the chance to cause pain and hurt to anyone involved. I can see it now, sitting in church trying to act so pious and innocent, all the while plotting and scheming what their next vindictive action is. What is sad are the State Officials that are abetting them, all for political gain at the polls.

Next week, I shall be heading for Florida for a few days to fix my parents computers. So I shall be out of pocket and trust all the children to play fair and don’t fight.

Guess, I best run and get my self ready for the Summer Solstice. All them earthy people going crazy and keeping me up all night. Litha? Hmmmm.

Things are changing in Dark Towers. After much thought, several changes will occur. As usual I expect some to belly ache and complain. But simply put in PG terms, “mind your own business and leave us alone.”

Daily Thoughts - 1

Well, the temperature goes up and the schools get out. I can’t even remember getting out of school because it was “too hot.” All we did was limit our exposure outside and remained inside in the shade. But then again most school kids are out of shape and overweight according to the experts so that would explain why we should pamper them even more than they are on a daily basis.

Well, whether I like it or not Michael Jackson is free to ply his lifestyle. He is innocent of the molestation charges even though he admitted he liked sleeping with young boys and now his lawyer says MJ will no longer allow young boys into his bed. Gee, it seems they are saying something is not right. Oh well, perhaps the Catholic Priests need to get the lawyer’s cell number to help them get out of their predicament.

I love where the jury said their first task was to deal with the celebrity status and deal with MJ as a common person. Hogwash. I have a close friend who faced the same allegations and it was his word versus the child’s word with no other witnesses. My friend could only afford a public defender. The judge stated that the court had an overriding responsibility to protect the innocence of the child so more leverage was attributed to the child’s words. As a result, my friend went to prison. If this same standard was applied to MJ he would not returned to Neverland last night. In California, stars are never guilty. Right, Michael, OJ and Robert? On a side note about my friend, 4 years later the child admitted he lied because he didn’t get his way (he wanted to drive the new car instead of his old car to which my friend said no) and wanted to hurt my friend. The Public Defender said no to doing anything to clear my friend’s record. So where does he get the money to clear his name since he isn’t a celebrity?

At first I thought I was done taking time off this summer but now I find out I am a must use situation with my leave and sick time. So, reluctantly, smiling all the time, I will take another week off the end of this month and probably another week in late august. Then I can start working on my comp time which is still over 150 hours. I will later this month go to my parents house in Florida and upgrade their computers and eat some fresh seafood.

With Father's day fast approaching, I may get to have both sons go to the dinner sponsored by my church. That hasn't happened in a long time for many reasons. I hope the building doesn't collapse or something like that.

It was nice last night to have my RP partner join in the fun. It has been a while and each time is special and time filled with memories. A simple reminder is that our characters are still developing and sometime things are simpler than they look, it is the smoke and mirrors that obscure the truth.

Quick Thought

Rather than muddying up the Blog site with pieces of my stories, I have moved these stories to my regular website and the address.

http://knight.blackhawke.net/Camelot/Stories/Wandering/index.html

Please feel free to read them.

More thoughts - A little slower in Happening

Things I forgot when I posted the last Blog. It is nice to be home finally and to get to sort through some 4000 emails, answer all the phone messages, settle a half dozen petty squabbles, and figure out how much longer I can delay cutting the jungle in the front yard. Gee! I love vacations. Perhaps I should spend more time trying to decide the question – Mary Ann or Ginger?

One thing nice this past week was listening to all the memories and stories of my wife’s family history. It did bring a lot of my own personal memories of my own family up. This past week I came to realize how quickly a hyperactive 5 year old could get under the skin. I am now thankful all mine grew up when I was younger.

I would make a comment on the current events in the news, but I have sat down yet to watch any. Well, I did see the California white van thing for a moment. My take, if he wants to point two guns to his head an threaten to blow it off, and if no one else will get hurt if he does, then let the IDIOT blow his brains out, he will be the one to miss the rest of his life and any of the good things it brings.

For My Role-Playing Friends:

The Duke cornered his wife in the dining room following their evening meal. “M’Lady, please reconsider and tell them of your lineage.” He implored her. The Lady lost her cool, for months now they had pressured her. “If I hear that request one more time, I will take my daughter and leave for a place that won’t bug us. If you had any God-given sense you would recognize her birthmark and know why I must be silent!” Slowly her anger subsided. The Duke sat there silent as his mind raced to recall what birthmark she spoke of. Though he was dying to have his memory refreshed, he bit his tongue lest she leave as she threatened.

Two men sat talking in a secluded booth at the nearby local pub. “In three days we will know if the child is really who we think she is. This I promise. If she is, then she will die before the new moon rises.” The second man looked from beneath his cloak hood. “ok, but if you fail before the new moon sets on the first night, you will be spread across this land for the wolves to eat.”

Where has Spring Sprung?

Sorry for the silence the last few weeks. Many things have been going on and I just didn’t feel like writing if I couldn’t give it the time I felt it deserved.

May 20-23 was spent at State Bowling Tournament with my son. We both didn’t do as well as we wanted too but we had no reason to hang our head. I really enjoyed the time with my son wishing we could somehow do it more. Only now I realize the wasted times in the first 18 years of his life and what could have been. I shall not make the same mistake twice.

This week an old friend announced she is moving back home after many years away from it. It is almost like losing a child. After helping her rebuild her life as an abused spouse, I sometimes wish I could have done more but help can only be given as it is wanted and needed. I wish her the best and all happiness as she goes into the next phase of her life.

May 23-25 was spent in the mountains at a very secluded cabin. Perched beside the river our deck touched the river bank. A large Jacuzzi sat on that deck allowing us to soak while watching the river flow by. Add the fresh caught grilled rainbow trout and you get very near heaven. All in all it was a very quiet and nice few days.

June 1 – 6 was spent in Indiana for my nieces wedding and my In-laws 50^th anniversary. She is the oldest of the grand-daughters and chose their anniversary as her wedding date. The interesting thing is that everyone is pouring through all of the boxes of old pictures that my mother-in-law has. We shared a lot of laughs and snickers as we looked at pictures of people from 25-30 years ago. Pictures of kids now grown but forever captured as a toddler. Gee, was I ever that thin or have that much hair?

This past year has been rather frustrating when it comes to bowling. My average slipped and I began to wonder if age was finally catching up. Making a few changes didn’t help either this year as I watched my average slip some 15 pins. So I made some equipment changes and style changes to try and regain the old form. But Memorial weekend it all clicked and I saw the old form return and I was able to devastate the pins with nearly a 235 average for the whole weekend (9 games). Now I am excited for the regular season and tournament season to return.

The oldest son got rear ended the other week. I was surprised when he declined to file a complaint against the young lady. All he wanted was his car fixed. As he said, “she suffered enough having to fix both cars. Especially since her car had just came out of the shop earlier that week.”

Work Scene: Just hired a new assistant. For now it is nice having three of us but a hard choice will have to be made when the second person completes workman’s comp. As usual they gave me help but added two new projects for this summer. Oh, well. The only way to get out of this circle is to retire. Not yet but soon, sooner than they think.

To my Brothers in Arms in all services, I salute you and I say a silent prayer for all of them that gave their life that I might be free.

In the News:

Jackson: Let’s get it over with. He is guilty but will walk free because of who he is. The really sad part is that he will flee to Europe to live where the laws are not so clear and there is a ready pool of orphaned children from the conflicts in Eastern Europe. Orphans mean no parents to blow the whistle on his perverse life style.

I see where there is a new push for more media – source confidentiality following the Deep Throat revelations. Have we already forgotten the repercussions of the Washington Post fiasco or Dan Rather source problems? What we need is more integrity and accountability from media and their sources. Instead of “I am sorry” there should be some punishment for their actions. If I as Joe Q. Public did this I would be prosecuted or at a minimum sued.

Let’s quit making Deep Throat a hero. I am tired of the coverage for some one who in reality was a disgruntled employee who threw a tantrum because he didn’t get the job he wanted. The anonymity given him allowed him to retire and live off the government he so despised. Talk about being two-faced. Could we allow anonymous sources, but their identity is sealed by a Grand Jury for 10 years?

On the way home, I was standing in that proverbial never moving line at the security check-in at the airport. The TSA person walks bay and says “Sir, shoes and belt need to come off before going through the metal detector.” So I complied. The four kids in front of me started to remove theirs as any well-mannered kid would. The TSA person stops and replies, “Oh, you kids don’t need to remove your shoes, only adults!” Excuse me, but how many bombers have small children? This same tactic messed us up in Vietnam because of our belief children can’t be combatants. The terrorist profile would show the kids would be a higher probability than an old man. Come on, TSA, get the job done right.

For My Role-Play friends:

The Duke sat there as the Barrister implored him to force his wife to reveal her complete lineage. He knew why it must be done but he didn’t like it. He knows the Duchess is extremely protective of her early years and the true identity of her father. Finally he gave in to the Barrister’s pressing. “I will get the information.” As his eyes swept the room as if he was searching for a way to do it.

Not far away, the Duchess sat there brushing her daughter’s hair. The girl rested with her head on her mother’s lap. “Mother, who was my grandfather? It seems everyone is asking about him. Why won’t you tell us?” “Well, my princess, he as a great man and because of that many people was jealous and would like to hurt his family. I couldn’t bear to think of you being hurt.” With a wry smile breaking across her face, “besides, if grandfather heard that you were hurt, he would ride here and take revenge like they have never seen.” That caused the young girl to lurch up, “Really? He would come and rescue me?” The Duchess smiled. “Just as fast as his horse could run, you are the one person he cherishes above life itself.” And with that the princess leaped up and ran off with thoughts of a white knight saving her.