Daily Thoughts - X

The last week has been fun in that work is taking all my time. Some of the fun has been dealing with people and their new wireless networks. I must have missed the boat for if I plan to use some piece of equipment or software I will learn the basics and how to do the basic tasks required. These people have no clue. Then they argue with me occasionally pointing out I don’t know what I am doing. Of course, these blonde versions of Isaac Newton get a higher labor rate.

On the work side, it has been build – build – build. Upgrading a lot of computers.

With the entire clamor over the Gitmo Bay prisoners and the Iraqi prisoners, I have come to the conclusion that we should take no more prisoners and that they should become a casualty of war. Why, because all the arm-chair quarterbacks, politicians and civil libertarians destroy our attempt to gather intelligence and detain combatants to keep them from killing others. We must treat them better than Americans lest we violate their rights. Oh well, we are already doing that with prisoners and people charged with capital crimes and child abuse crimes. They are innocent first and the victim is unimportant to the point they have no rights.

I need to do more research but this week some one politically connected stated something about nuking Mecca when they show up by the millions as a way to get rid of the maximum number of terrorists in one blow. Gee, I heard that a long time ago. Are our leaders finally waking up and taking terrorists serious? They declared war on us and in war you seek to eliminate the enemy quickly and with minimal loss. Kind of reminds me of day-light bombing in Germany and Hiroshima.

Keep it up Britain. You are pursuing the bombers like they should be. Teach us a lesson on the right way to do it. Hopefully next time we get hit someone over here will follow your lead.

I love listening to the Nationals baseball games. They are whining now that since they walked the winning run to lose the game it is a “cheap” win. Or last night, the opposing batter blooped a single to score the winning run so they now speak of bad officiating as a cause. Get off it Nationals, you lost plain and simple. In the first half of the season you won a few just like that but then it was ok, now when other teams are pressing for the postseason you cry and slump to your losing “Expos” way.

Hmmm, New Jersey wants to fine you if you smoke and drive! Well, I agree. My only accident was caused by a young lady with this excuse. “Officer, I was driving and dropped my hair brush and it rolled up under the car seat and I searched for it. After I found it and looked up I was too close to stop and hit him in the rear.” Along with that law add these items to it. If you talk on the cell phone, put makeup on, brush/comb your hair, read a book/newspaper/magazine, eat any type of food, watch a DVD or drive where you are more laying down than sitting up then you should be ticketed, charged points and fined. Driving is a responsibility not a way to get many things done because you got up late and need to get on the road. Germany does do this part right. Also the States could generate more revenue if they start charging for a license like the Germans do. $1500 a pop, with the price that high people might take driving more seriously if it cost them that much every time they lost their license. Drive without a license then? You could but if you’re caught – mandatory 2 years in jail and the next license is $2500. With the world’s population growing so fast we best be looking at these types of ideas before it is too late. It is kind of frustrating to see slow cars, erratically moving cars, or cars that stop/go unexpectedly and when you get close – they have a cell phone glued to their ear. Just today as I commuted in on I-66 in bumper to bumper traffic, one person was doing 35 and just yakking up a storm, so much that their hands were waving all over the place.

When will insanity not be allowed as a defense for committing capital crimes? Am I totally off base in believing all criminals are insane and not capable of standing trial? It seems that defense is well used to avoid punishment. It seems if you want to commit a crime, ahead of time do something that a Doctor will write down as a psychosis and you can get away with murder at a later time. I love it when someone commits a murder, goes first to the doctor and gets committed and then the lawyer tells the police where to find the corpse. Well if Saddam is smart, he will claim he has ADD, some mental disorder or something like that and he will never be tried for any crimes. He walks and lives a grand life and we get more frustrated. Maybe if Iraq had more rivers he could have used the Teddy Kennedy method for removing his adversaries and not have to worry about going to jail and Saddam then might even get re-elected to the new Iraqi government. Opps, how short sighted, only in America does that happen.

Daily Thoughts - IX

It is hot and muggy here! Come on winter, cool us off. They say we will have cooler weather this weekend. I hope so since the yard work hasn’t been done during this current hot spell.

Today I am just out of it. Nothing seems to get me motivated even though I know I have a lot to do. The picture that comes to mind is a low riding sports car with 4 flat tires.

On the Florida scene: Unbelievable, the insurance and FEMA reps came on 07/16 to inspect the damage and on 07/20 my dad received two settlement checks. Following Ivan it was several weeks. Maybe the constant stream of hurricanes has helped them get efficient or they want to clean their slate before the next one comes.

Well wishes to the Brits during the assaults on there homeland. Perhaps you will show America how to deal with someone that has declared war on you. We surely don’t take it serious.

Well, Angelos and the Orioles keep to their old self following the Yankees and Red Sox with their nose up their hineys. Worse thing is Angelos has monopolized the TV segment, of course with MLB’s quiet acquiescence, around here and prevents the Nationals from being seen in their own hometown. You see, Angelos must keep the Nationals off TV because they are in 1^st place and the Orioles are in their natural position, noses in the Yankees butt. I hope that legal group succeeds and forces Angelos and the TV conglomerate to allow Nationals games here so we can see the “Real Baseball Team in this Area.”

Thumbs up to Judge Roberts for the Supreme Court.

Here Goes

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Reflections

Well, after two days I have finally caught up on my email backlog. Next week looks to be a bear of a week. All the new computers I ordered will be here. So, the workload will get nasty as all my projects move forward.

This has been an interesting time for role-play and my mind reels with thoughts and comments. Don’t worry, I won’t expound my thoughts here for I know many people read this that could care less about Blackhawke and Camelot and Dark Towers. I do know those that really care will ask me privately and then I can explain my take on these twists and turns. I find this whole affair interesting because the only communication comes second-hand by email. I remember a time my phone would ring off the hook when there was a problem and we talked. It was amazing how quickly the problem was solved and everything else became clearer. The use of Email allows us to hide and dodge the real problems. It allows you to feint with “I misread your words” when you are caught stretching for the truth or to get the wrong impression if the sender can’t put their thoughts into words. It also has been interesting to see how quickly friendships melt and people take sides without the benefit of any direct communication. Are we only willing to create relationships only in email (words)? Is it just a safe way to pretend we have a bond of friendship? This reminds me of the Citizens Band (CB) craze. People would do so much more on the radio than they ever would in real life. In retrospect, I thought I had more friends and now I am learning the truth. I wish I was wrong because friends are what make life bearable and a joy. Right now it is lonely.

Do you need to worry for me? No, I will just move on and find others who are also seeking to find those relationships that last. The best one is my role-play partner. She is a dream and one tough cookie. She has put up with me for quite a while and not run away. I am willing to admit I am not the easiest to get along with. I border on being a hardhead. But, I do listen, choose the best path given the options and then do what it takes to make it succeed. I don’t try to be the life of the party and hurt no ones feelings. In a group environment where people are exposing their ideas and thoughts, you can’t always have your way. You can't always carry a chip on the shoulder without someone knocking it off. But I know I am speaking to the wall for the email client of the other person is turned off. So I sit and wonder if someone will call and truly communicate like humans beings should.

Solve your problems the old fashion way – talk.

Pictures

here is the link I promised for the pictures. Please be patient for they will take some time to download.

http://knight.blackhawke.net/dennis/index.html

Enjoy!

Day of Returning

Well, I have finally returned to Virginia after 6 days of work in Florida. Yes, suntan and all. After spending a few days in that heat and humidity without electricity makes you appreciate the A/C when it does come back on.

Hopefully, tomorrow I will have some pictures up of what we faced when we first got there last Monday. The place actually looks nice now but much still has to be done. The trailer has to be repaired and then reset back on its foundation. At least this time FEMA and the Insurance showed up quickly and the settlement won’t take so long. So needless to say probably one more trip down will be needed in a month or so when the repairs are finished.

I can’t thank my friend Carl enough for coming down and helping. His help was beyond anything called for. After the two weeks I spent cleaning up after Ivan I wasn’t looking forward to this cleanup. But, my friend made it a lot more bearable and the workdays a bit shorter. Besides, I am impressed at how much he knows about most any handyman project. He always had an answer and the skills to do the job.

Final Comments on Camelot:

I am saddened by the closing of #Camelot on Starchat Network to point of being heartsore. That channel received many hours of my time over the years as we tried to make it into something great. Perhaps the deepest cut came from those whom I considered a friend in thinking that I wanted to kill the channel. How do you intentionally kill something that was part of your dreams and thoughts? They focused on how could I kill it or take it over, or take its members away. My options consisted of how can I return and with what character and still be believable given the storyline of the past year. So while my role-playing partner and I discussed our options and had made an initial plan to persue, it appears the distrust and hatred of my friends was greater than anything we could do or say on that fateful day.

So the loss of friends always hurts. I know you believe a true friend could never do this. In some ways you are correct, but I believed them to be straightforward in their words and friendship. Since last fall, I have taken a large share of the channels failure upon myself. Now that I sit looking at its closed gates, there should be others admitting their failure too. Camelot failed because the all the people failed. They say Camelot is a dream and a belief, that is true but like life itself it can go in a wrong direction and eventually get lost. The true believers in Camelot will stop their wandering and ask for help to find that path once again. I stopped my wandering a month ago and asked for directions but the woods were cold and empty and my friends closed their ears.

Thanks to my role-play partner for she has been there like a rock, when I was asking for directions, she gave me a boost up the tree in order to see and shout farther. For helping me, she has lost a lot too, for those same friends turn quickly against her to stand in our way. I apologize to her for what has happened mainly because we are linked by our characters and when one hurts or stumbles, so does the other.

I shall now head my own way and try and find the road again. The nice thing is she will be there and silence will allow us to sort it all out. I sadly close the book of stories for without my friends the words ring shallow and without life.

Daily Thoughts - VIIIa

Well, I shall try and finish what I started the other day. But first, Hurricane Dennis was definitely there in Pensacola, almost in the same tracks as Ivan, but I am happy to know so far the first words out were that all is well at the parent’s house. More to come.

Well, more has come! The parent’s house didn’t fair so well so I am heading south tomorrow morning to do what I can. Gee, the new roof was only a month old and the missing porch was less than 2 weeks. All the work I did a couple of weeks ago is gone. Guess Mom Nature decided I needed more exercise and sore muscles. Gosh, I love them nature types.

If you wish to see some pictures of the area (Pensacola), here is the url.

http://photos.pensacolanewsjournal.com/index.shtml

I sometimes wonder where we are going. US Highway 50 used to be called Lee Highway after the Civil War general, Robert E. Lee. Well, some people took offense and forced a name change to Fairfax Parkway. Excuse me, but a great number of streets, business’s, schools, and buildings in this area are named after Civil war generals, battles and such. This whole area was the scene of several major Civil War battles. Are we to just forget the whole Civil War? Yes, I don’t like what happened with slavery and the plight of Black Americans. But it happened, so let’s move on and get over it. Obviously, to some this is their way of continuing the war. There are numerous things I don’t like about life but I don’t grouse about the name.

Will we get serious about terrorism any time soon? Right now in my mind we won’t until the worse happens and tens of thousands die. We have a group of people in the name of their religion declared “Jihad” against all Americans. Now I realize “civilized” leaders of Islam have claimed this isn’t entirely true and that they don’t support them. But at the same time they don’t stop them. They use their holy places to hide and protect the jihadist from our troops and police. They hide them and fail to identify them to the local authorities for subsequent arrest. If I in the name of the Catholic Church declared war on Muslims, do you think the Church would aid me much less hide me? I hold no illusions that I would be alone in my efforts. Let’s cut to the chase. Let’s consider this a war and deal with it as such. If we don’t want to hurt those Muslims who call for peace, then they should join us and help eliminate those members of their religion that do want to fight. In any war there are two sides. It seems lately, we have created a new class of beings. That is the class of “Fence Sitters,” people who through their own silence or tacit support allow something to continue that they publicly decry. I know some will call me a hawk but isn’t time we quit letting these terrorists push us and make us wonder when and where the next attack will occur? Also, if the mainstream Islam wants to not stand against them, then they should be ready to fight with them.

Daily Thoughts - VIII

Well, let me see where I can begin.

To the people of England – hang in there, those criminals will never beat us. I sometimes get mad because the Government won’t get serious in dealing with these terrorists. They, the government, speak out and blow off steam to get attention and get elected but when the bombs blow up; they just spout platitudes and go on their merry way.

I love it when a HIV/Aids free clinic can’t raise the funds needed to stay in business gets money given to them by the local governments. Why are you giving my tax dollars away like that? If people don’t care enough to donate why saddle the rest of us with the bill. What free stuff do I get as a result? I have to pay for all my medical care. Believe me; I struggle to make ends meet to pay those bills. I have yet to see any handouts come my way.

Supreme Court – Let’s get some none lawyer types in there to get a real perspective on life. Since when have lawyers been anointed to decide all life issues for Americans? There are many people out there that have a good grasp on life and can make some reasoned and logic choices. If they get stuck on a legal point, well duh, use one of the law clerks to help clarify it. Besides, not all cases require a pure legal disposition. Homosexuality, definition of marriage, Ethics and the role of God in our lives, basic rights of all people are value judgments based on common sense, morality and a sense of fairness. Why can’t a philosopher be Supreme Court Justice?

When will we wake up and deal with child predators. From what I am seeing any attempts to “rehabilitate them” is failing miserably. The sickening part is “our children are the ones at risk.” I guess until some adults feel the same fear and danger nothing will happen. Almost seems like we would rather shut it out than deal with an unpleasant subject. You say the predator has basic rights .. I say they lost them when they committed those heinous crimes and were convicted of the crime.

More to Come ......

Daily Thoughts - VII

Well, I am back safe and sound from the sandy world of Florida. The computers replacement and setup went well except for the fact UPS lost one of them in shipping. So, now I get to plan another trip in July so I can finish the job.

The load of dirt turned out to be two loads. Gee, mom sure knows the value of getting all you can out of free labor. Get out the Ben-gay and ace bandage and have at it. We got the dirt for the most part spread out. Other “sonny-do” projects completed were tear down the old ramp to the porch, make the sputtering riding mower run once ok again with tires that had air in them, move the outside AC unit to a better platform, clean-up branches and assorted stuff that had accumulated on the property. So I guess all in all it was a successful venture. The return trip was long as we drove through the Smokey Mountains. But the drive was worth it as we ate dinner at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

I only watched a total of 5 minutes of news these past few days so I can not think of any comments. Gee, maybe life would be so much better if we all avoided the news channels.

While at the Grocery, I did see where an Angel was killed by Lightening according to one of those well written news papaers. I was crushed by the thought of one dying. Curious thought, if angels are heavenly bodies, how can they die? Isn’t that like saying God was playing with a thunderstorm in the backyard and a bolt of lightening struck him, killing him? Oh well, another childhood fantasy just died.

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?
brought to you by Quizilla

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.

Unbelievable

This weekend was a quiet one. Both the Youth-Adult league and Sunday Night Adult league had their payoffs and awards. 1st of 10 and 7th of 16, not a bad result. The only problem with weekends is that it isn't long enough. I need at least 2 more days. But the dinner at El Agave was great as usual. I never leave there hungry .. usually I am stuffed.

Media – This is getting really sad to what levels the media has stooped too. They are in such a rush to beat the other New Services to get out a sensational story that they go half-baked with the story. I am referring to the story dealing with the Koran. CBS and Rather did it with the Bush story and the list goes on and on. Now, they say “they are sorry for not getting the facts right.” EXCUSE ME, 15 people died because of your sloppy and inaccurate reporting as you rushed to be first. What is needed is that the officials who approved this story be charged with a crime. If I incite a riot or some group to commit a crime then I am just as guilty. Perhaps negligent Homicide is a good place to start. Where is your integrity News Services to provide timely and factual news? Truth in reporting should be paramount to making a lousy dollar at the expense of innocent people. I am very disappointed and a bit pissed at your callousness and greed.

I also love how the media within an hour of last night's final episode of Survivor was stirring up crap that "did the jury select the wrong winner?" Come on, it was 6-1 for Tom and besides, the jury was required to pick the winner, they did, so there is no reason to question them. Go find a better topic to report ... like lying about something or not researching a story completely.

Recruiters - Shame on you that you resorted to these low handed tactics. What happened to your pride? I do understand that the Services put extrordinary pressure on you to meet a quota but honor and integrity demand you resist that and not lower yourself. Recruiters have always been the butt of some jokes as to their underhanded tactics .. what was a joke has become reality thanks to you.

Thoughts during a moment of weakness

The Work Scene: All is going ok. I now have the authority to find and hire a new assistant engineer. So perhaps things will return to some level of normality. Though, they did add two new studio build outs and one upgrade project. Oh well, I guess I like the work since I am still here.

Next weekend (21-25) is the State Bowling Tournament followed by a quiet retreat to a mountain cabin for a long and quiet weekend with the wife.

Delta – What makes anyone’s retirement safe now that the company can drop it for financial reasons. What is sad is that the Military retirement system has been doing this for years. Our benefits have been taken away or lessened because the budget got cut. It was bad enough when a company folded and your pension disappeared but now they can just take it, pay the big bonus’s to its executives and plod on losing money. What is going on with the pensions makes me consider the merits of the private social security accounts. Let me control my future and make the changes but don’t lock me out with no say as someone else takes the money to pay for their mismanagement while paying their ungodly bonus.

Rehabilitation: Lately the rash of ex-cons killing people after their release cries for prison reform. Why can’t we just accept the fact some people can not be rehabilitated. Leading this group are the child abusers. Get the bleeding heart liberal lawyers out of the process. Perhaps we need a law change. For example: Any lawyer directly involved in the early release or termination of a court-ordered prison sentence is just as liable as the convict is if they (the convict) commit a crime after their early release. If the Convict serves their full court ordered sentence then the lawyer is relieved of that responsibility. I bet some lawyers would take a second look at what they are doing unless they believe their fee for services exceeded the pain of being in prisoner.

Nomination for the Darwin award: The two pilots in yesterday’s incident in Washington, D.C.

For my Role Playing friends:

The Duke sat there looking at his wife. She was busily sewing something but he couldn’t make hide nor hair of what it was. Finally the silence broke as he asked her a question. “M’Lady, please reconsider the request to lay out your lineage. I could order you but I would rather not go that far.” The Duchess looked up. “Which tower should I go and stay in for the answer remains no! I promised my father and I intend to keep that promise no matter what.” The Duke sighed for now he had a dilemma. Scratching his head he grasped for a straw. “Is there any way, maybe give them enough to work with but withholding the critical items?” Her eyes said plenty. A few moments later she gathered up her sewing items and stormed from the room.