Daily Thoughts - XX

Well, ummm, let me see. The ballgame was great. That is -- the Yankees won. The Boston and Baltimore game went as expected. It was funny seeing that there were more Boston fans than Orioles fans. Sad statement for the home team. Professional football was good because both the Ravens and Redskins had the week off. The only thing better would have been if they both lost.

Next on the horizon is going to see #2 at school in Charleston, WV. Needless to say mom is anxious and can’t wait for the time to pass till we leave Friday afternoon. And yes, he called asking for money and some items be brought to him. Must be something in teenager’s genes that teaches them how to ask for that stuff. He did start the tech part of his schooling this week. So by Saturday when we see him, he will know enough to tell me how to fix computers.

The next projects have started and guess what? They want it done last week! One person had the gall to state that they wished the engineers would fix things faster. Good thing my screwdriver was locked up or I would have fixed something very fast and permanently.

Oh, and choir practice resumed. I guess I best get my raspy twang loosened up so I can sing and pick up a new pair of ear plugs.

***** *****

The Atlanta Braves do it again. #14.

I find it interesting that there is little being said about the budget process on Capitol Hill. Usually they are fighting and jockeying for position. The sad part is even with all posturing they still don’t get it approved in time. Now, with all this silence and a strong hunch they aren’t doing anything, you could surmise that there won’t be a budget before spring. Besides, they are too busy trying to point fingers and get votes.

What has changed since Ivan/Dennis? I hear now that FEMA or the Government must step up and fix the damage of Katrina/Rita. I personally know quite a few people in Florida that would love to have this kind of help. Has the government now taken on the role of insurer to replace and rebuild?

Start the WPA crews and fill the positions with all those New Orleans evacuees. Provide them the materials and let them provide the muscle. That just might create a sense of “this is my home.” But don’t turn the first responders, Military, National Guard, and good Samaritans into a free labor pool. Any one that files for unemployment or welfare should be assigned to a WPA work crew. As I watched the TV one night after the worst of the floods had gone down and saw hundreds sitting about waiting for the next handout, there should have been someone to pass out so brooms and trash bags and start sweeping and picking up the trash up before it is blown into Texas. I love it when you see a car drive by and the empty water bottles and trash flies up into the air. We are humans and know better than to trash a place out. Didn’t the storms create enough trash without us adding to it? Or did the storm blow away common sense and pride?

More kids get killed on Friday night at a school football game. When will the senseless of this finally strike home and average people decide they have had enough violence? We have taught or kids that life has no value than what you give it. If someone does something you don’t like kill them. But then again they see their parents sue everything possible to try and get ahead. We buy and accumulate stuff and then discard it for the next version. Perhaps that 15 year old isn’t the newest version and it is time to get another one. Call me old fashion but individual worth comes from respect, discipline, and morals. Let me see, where do they get that from? School? Church? Home? Other Adults? Without researching too hard, those four sources play a very minor role in teaching our kids individual worth. Look at our TV programming. What do you see? Count the good virtues that you see being taught and then the bad ones. Need more paper for the bad ones?

Well, enough soap box, time to go outside and play.

Catching Up 1

Well, Philadelphia was fun. Did a lot of talking and listening as the many vendors tried to sell me their product. Believe me the eye-candy was great. The dinner I was invited to on Thursday night was an experience. They served Philly Cheese steaks and frozen flavored ice for dessert. The entertainment was Ricky Havens of Woodstock fame. His song “Freedom” was just as good as it was then. I guess I can consider the week a success. I had dinner at a very good "Family Resturant" and they even had T-shirts for sale. Oh, by the way Blue, I have one autographed for you.

The new studio build was completed and everything worked great. Now I just have to get them to quit nit-picking things and just do the job and let us finish cleaning things up. But then again, that is out of character for them. Besides, the people are clamoring for the next studio build-out to get started. Oh well, it never ends.

The first weekend in November will be a trip to Florida as my nephew gets married. He called early last week and asked me to be his best man of which I could not say no. I am looking forward to this.

The next few weeks will also be hectic as every weekend is booked. This weekend we are going to Camden Yards to watch the Baltimore Orioles put another nail in the Boston Red Sox playoff hopes. Next weekend is a jaunt to Charleston West Virginia to spend the day with #2. Then the next weekend is the Maryland Renaissance Faire.

Bowling has started off ok. We are 7-1 in one league and 7-7 in the other. But there is a long way to go and much can happen. Personally, I am carrying a 195 average so I am satisfied.

The final payment for our cruise was paid and now we only have to wait till Dec 27^th. We are ready to have our excursion party where we sit down and pick them out. That gets to be as much fun as the excursions themselves.

As for my birthday, it was quiet .. I worked a 16 hour day. Oh well, there is always next year.

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

I am going to take this time off of making any comments and let laying dogs sleep.

Daily Thoughts - XIX

Well, after the first long day we are ahead of schedule. I love it when a plan comes together. The only regret I have is that I don’t have much time to see the wife. But, I will make up for it next week when things return to normal.

Roleplay: Come on and get real. Leave the past alone and focus on the now. Those people that are needling others by passing comments and innuendos between the channels need to be squashed and stop their attempts to gain stature and position by doing it. People are trying to go on with their lives but are getting dragged down by this petty bickering. People in Sorcery are trying to move on just as some people in Starchat are trying to move on. To the drama kings and queens that can’t accept that .. tough .. stop it or find somewhere else to park your character.

-- These are my comments and are not directed to any one specific person
but if the shoe fits, either wear it or change shoes. --

***** *****

The Pledge: Why are we so quick to throw away our heritage and change what got us where we are at today? It isn’t perfect but it is the best system I have seen. Some people will do anything to get their minute in the spotlight. Why they will even use their kids. This is America. Our system was built by founding fathers that believed in God and saw Him as the basis of our Nation. This looks like now that God has made us the best place on earth to be we want to dump him and take the credit ourselves. But then again, we have become a bunch of “users.” We use things then discard them when we want something newer or improved. The Constitution was built as a living document to grow as the nation did but we are dismembering it to suit the special interests. It is not the land where the majority rules but where the minority forces the majority to concede their rights.

I know many will label me but this is America. In this land we speak English, pray in school, say the pledge, honor the family, anyone can succeed but not at the expense of someone else, when you commit a crime you are punished and the victim receives restitution, and marriage is between a man and a woman. I agree that some things are broken such as equality between the races. But let’s fix the problem and not brow beat each other on what happened in the past. Yes, the corrections system is broken when the guilty dictates how they are to be treated and the victim is further humiliated as the guilty demands equal rights. And the list goes on.

FEMA: Make it a separate entity once again. Let Homeland Security deal with terrorism and FEMA deal with natural disasters. The combining was a bad idea so let’s fix it now.

Katrina: Bush admitted the federal response was inadequate; Brown resigned (got fired). The Governor admitted she made mistakes. Ok, Mayor, your turn to quite mouthing off, playing the race card and admit you and your staff failed miserably.

With the charges against that couple for negligent homicide we see the tip of the iceberg. Humans become animals when conditions become deplorable and society breaks down. We see that when the Mayor fails to plan and execute a disaster response, when a Governor can’t relinquish some power or control in order to help those they swore to protect, when police desert their beat, when National Guardsmen loot, and Caretakers abandon the helpless. In the aftermath we need to look at human nature and how we can avoid the conditions that made a city turn into jungle.

It is great to see the Congress open its investigation before the disaster is cleared up. They think “people will work harder at recovery knowing they are being watched.” Well, I think they will “work less because they don’t want to be called on the carpet for their actions and they especially don’t want to be second guessed and then have to defend their actions.” If Congress is trying to find something to do then they should “work on the budget and get it out on time.” They do this every year, slow leak the budget process and mess up the government for months as they panic approve a patchwork budget. Congress should be legislating and governing the land. Leave the policing of our actions to the legal system. The lawyers would love that.

A Convicted Child Abuser tries to take a child from school: When will we wake up and realize that these predators never really change their ways? How many children must die before the so called adults fix this problem?

Oil Companies: Regulation is the word of the day. Federal regulation of the industry until the oil companies can show they are willing to be part of the solution. Now they want to educate us as to why the prices are this high. They feel the average consumer doesn’t understand. I understand that it is broke when you post billion dollar profits as the so called gas shortage rages and prices skyrocket.

Daily Thoughts - XVIII

Well, life surely marches on. With deadlines looming on several projects my time becomes a costly commodity. So for now I just look to Monday morning when the first deadline passes. I will worry about the next one starting Tuesday.

Still can’t figure out #1 son. Try and talk to him and help him and all you get is gruff and lip. Ok, bud, do it your way and your mother and I will wait for you to grow up.

Have had a few calls from #2 in West Virginia. He is having a great time from the way he sounds. Loves the food and has new friends. Yes, the school is not so fun but a lot more tolerable than last time. Mom is starting to plan a weekend trip to go see him. Guess I better scratch another weekend off the calendar.

Next week, I will be in Philadelphia for a couple of days (Wednesday – Friday). Is there such a thing as a Philly cheese steak overdose?

Time to start planning the excursions for our cruise. It is getting ever so much closer. Something like 3 months and 2 weeks away.

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

I wish we could get media coverage of Katrina like we had on 9/11. I am tired of the many shows dedicated to “whom can we crucify with blame.” Focus on the good that is being done. Let the Congress do their Katrina Commission and give them something to do other than pass good laws and budgets. The media is getting worse in their constant push for ratings and the most sensational stories. Make me feel good about the many people trying to help down there.

There are many questions I would like to have answered but won’t and to think the media could ask them if they were so inclined. But, they must protect the democratic leaders down there that botched it. The Republicans have made their changes, when will the Democrats?

On the baseball front, it looks like the tradition continues. The Orioles in last place and the Nationals quickly headed there. Will those play-play announcers recant their stupid rah-rah when the teams were closer to the lead? Yes, the two teams actually were in first place around mid-season. I love it when the describe a Braves win as a 4-2 squeaker and when the Nationals win 4-2, it is a “slam as they double them up.”

And those Redskins. They edge lowly Chicago who played without a competent quarterback and already they talk playoffs. I love it when two nothing teams butt heads. Yes, the Redskins are in the lower echelon of teams, too much division as the prima donnas jockey for their paycheck. We all saw what happened last year and there isn’t that much of a change in personnel that would give us any hope. Except for those that reset their hope-o-meter every year and start fresh in September.

Kudos and winks to Roberts who continues to frustrate the Democrats; Katrina victims who fight back and rebuild despite the media’s attempt to blame first and fix second; Paulison who will step into the firing line and get FEMA going again and the Braves who like the energizer bunny just keep winning.

Daily Thoughts - XVII

Well, I am sitting here taking a break from the studio build outs and will try and jot a few thoughts down.

My parents showed up for a few days. Their home escaped any damage this time. The wind and rain were there but the worse damaged was further to the west. My niece who lives in England was with them and the two of us were able to spend a few hours together. She came to the newsroom to see what her uncle did. The worst part of it was her wanting to conduct an interview with me and recording it in our studio and on CD. So after 11+ minutes of questions we were finished.

Son #2 called and sounded really upbeat with everything in Charleston WV. He starts back to school next week and this week got his uniforms. As he said, “I have a bunch of new friends.” Needless to say, it is a bit easier to live with Mom.

My nieces who were involved with MS-13 lost a bit of their freedom this week. One was arrested for parole violations and criminal charges. The other was locked up in the Girls Group Home. From what I have seen of the Child Welfare System in this state still sucks like it did when my son had his dealings with it. They say they are professionals but from my observations and personal experience they are sadly fooling themselves and the public that is paying their over-inflated salaries.

Role-play – Hmmm, let me see, “no comment.”

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

Judge John Roberts – A great nomination for Chief Justice.

To those affected by Katrina, my prayers and thoughts go with you. I watch the TV pictures and see places I have been too or at least what use to be there. I know exactly where they speak of as I have spent a portion of my life in this area from Pensacola to Louisiana.

As for the blame game, let’s stop it and worry about the recovery more. We all know what the agenda is for the Democrats involved in the finger pointing.

Good old Jesse Jackson, Mr. Go Off Half-Cocked. He blames President Bush for the racist response to the disaster. One of his examples is the two newspaper pictures and their caption of the people in the picture. Hmmm, Mr. Jackson, I believe President Bush didn’t take the pictures and concoct the captions. Why don’t you open your eyes and see that the newspaper editor did this. Last I knew the Federal Government hadn’t taken over the local papers. Oh, that is right; you haven’t realized yet that the media has an agenda too.

I expected as much from the talk show hosts down there trying to pad their ratings. As if there weren’t enough emotions running high, Geraldo Rivera had to run around whipping people up into frenzy and portray himself as a self proclaimed savior. Instead of grandstanding, get out and hunt for survivors. Help rescue people or better yet, start picking up some of those piles of trash and clean the place up. Make yourself useful and don’t waste good air time on your antics.

The Atlanta Braves roll while the Washington Nationals fold. I hope they have learned that the Post Season rings weren’t offered for the first half of the season. Looks like the Curly W is turning into a Bold L.

Gas prices. I love these knuckle heads who brag about driving their 8 mile per gallon custom vans. If the gas price doesn’t deter them then charge them a road use tax like you do for commercial trucks. If every one paid a road use tax of a $10.00 a year per pound over 4000 pounds, they would stop buying them gas hogs very quickly. I also hope someone investigates the Oil Industry on their price gouging following the hurricane. I vote that we set a federal gasoline price limit of $1.99 a gallon and when the oil companies stop making their >40% profits ($7.86 Billion) then we can let the oil companies set the price. If the numbers hold true at $1.99 they will still make a few hundred million as profit.

Daily Thoughts - XVI

After spending so much time cleaning up after Ivan and Dennis, the memories are vivid when I see the Katrina pictures. I wish them the best in a speedy recovery. But I also know that the Ivan damage almost a year later is still being dealt with. The Dennis repairs have just really begun.

Another summer comes to a close. Where did it go? This fast pace life really makes me long for the slower life of retirement. I guess I have 2 years to go. Why? The #2 son is in Charleston WV with the Job Corp and he won’t return except for holidays until September 2007. Funny that he biggest fear was that we would move while he was gone. So to ease his fears, we agreed to not do anything about retirement until he completed his program.

Let me see. September holds the start of the Bowling leagues, several parties, a day at the ballpark watching the Orioles and Red Sox play. Somewhere I need to find a chance to return to Florida to finish up a couple of landscaping projects started during the Hurricane Dennis cleanup.

Since Hurricane Katrina there hasn’t been much news to rile me up. Seems some people put aside their attitudes and Issues to help others.

How quickly our morality breaks down when facing tough times like those in New Orleans. Perhaps this is a pointing finger at our lack of cultural morality in favor of personal morality. We have raised a whole generation with the idea they are #1 and anything to disrupt that is wrong. Church and the Bible mean nothing except an escape from reality. Sex and alcohol are bad only if you get caught or drop the bottle.

I heard a commentary today asking the question “why can’t women find a good man anymore?” In some ways that is an easy answer. First, they get what they want too easily. In some cases the woman pursues the man till he gives in. So why deal with responsibility and loyalty when sex is so easy to get. If she doesn’t like it, move on or get it on-line. Secondly, his worth in the family is being stripped away. Take away his self worth and it becomes too easy to walk out. I have personally listened to my sons lady friends say they can raise a child without a male in their life. Actually, they believe it will be less complicated and less stressful. It might be but look what is happening. Each sex was put here on earth with a purpose and part in a family unit. The way we are going Family units will become obsolete. As I watch the dynamics of mixed groups of young adults the lack of respect for each other becomes very evident. Just the language used to greet each other is degrading.

I was asked the other night by a friend what it takes to find a good man, one who would respect me. I wanted to speak the truth and say don’t be so easy, give respect and honor and ask for respect and honor, but I backpedaled and said “they are hard to find.”

Well, I should get off the soap box and make the commute home. Gee, my wallet feels lighter already and my car only needs 10 gallons. Hmmm, $5.00 a gallon, when does the economy break under this pressure?