Sunday, July 31, 2005
Bookcovers
Years ago when you went to a private high school you were
required to buy your text books for the forthcoming
semester....I suspect that it is the same with college these
days.....
In order to reclaim some of your investment you bought
or made a cheap bookcover thereby protecting it and
increasing its resale value......
Most of the "office supply" box stores are now selling
fabric, expandable bookcovers which come in different
colors, designs and patters......
What ever happened to making the bookcover out of
the cleanest brown "kraft" bag you got at the supermarket?
Or some scrap of fabric or vinyl in the bottom of the hall
closet....Come to think of it some large wallpaper book
samples will work...(See yesterday's blog.).....Pumps
required to buy your text books for the forthcoming
semester....I suspect that it is the same with college these
days.....
In order to reclaim some of your investment you bought
or made a cheap bookcover thereby protecting it and
increasing its resale value......
Most of the "office supply" box stores are now selling
fabric, expandable bookcovers which come in different
colors, designs and patters......
What ever happened to making the bookcover out of
the cleanest brown "kraft" bag you got at the supermarket?
Or some scrap of fabric or vinyl in the bottom of the hall
closet....Come to think of it some large wallpaper book
samples will work...(See yesterday's blog.).....Pumps
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Wallpaper Books
The manufacturers of wallpaper spend thousands of dollars
in assembling their designs in a book that can be viewed at
your local paint store or design center.....They will even let
you take them home....
But like any food product, wallpaper books expire.....There
is a date in the back of the book which denotes the date on
which the wallpaper patters will no longer be manufactured.....
It appears that expired wallpaper books are now in great
demand by the "craft" people, like one's making scrapbooks....
The simple page of pattern can supply many ideas,
images and designs for a scrapbook.....These once discarded
expired books are now of great value and interest to the
"crafters"....
For those interested, inquire at your local paint store or
design center about the discards.....Because once a month
a number of them will become expired and wind up in the
dumpster....Pumps
in assembling their designs in a book that can be viewed at
your local paint store or design center.....They will even let
you take them home....
But like any food product, wallpaper books expire.....There
is a date in the back of the book which denotes the date on
which the wallpaper patters will no longer be manufactured.....
It appears that expired wallpaper books are now in great
demand by the "craft" people, like one's making scrapbooks....
The simple page of pattern can supply many ideas,
images and designs for a scrapbook.....These once discarded
expired books are now of great value and interest to the
"crafters"....
For those interested, inquire at your local paint store or
design center about the discards.....Because once a month
a number of them will become expired and wind up in the
dumpster....Pumps
Friday, July 29, 2005
Xylophone
"A percussion instrument consisting of a series of wooden
bars graduated in length so as to sound the notes of the
scale when struck with small wooden hammers.".......
Probably the most famous player of this instrument was the
late Lionel Hampton....He jazzed his one up and called it a
"vibraphone"......Since his "passing" you do not hear the
instrument played anymore, until.......
Has anyone noticed that the xylophone is being used in the
background music of almost 6-10 TV commercials, in some
form or another......The most famous of which is for a drug
to stop bladder incontinence....
I wonder if the younger generation knows what musical
instrument is making the sound (or noise)?......Pumps
bars graduated in length so as to sound the notes of the
scale when struck with small wooden hammers.".......
Probably the most famous player of this instrument was the
late Lionel Hampton....He jazzed his one up and called it a
"vibraphone"......Since his "passing" you do not hear the
instrument played anymore, until.......
Has anyone noticed that the xylophone is being used in the
background music of almost 6-10 TV commercials, in some
form or another......The most famous of which is for a drug
to stop bladder incontinence....
I wonder if the younger generation knows what musical
instrument is making the sound (or noise)?......Pumps
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Malady De Jour
As one grows older, one wakes up with a new ache or pain
that was not there the day before....Today's malady will
be knee pain.....
Yes, yesterday the knee was fine....This morning it is not....
Perhaps a muscle strain during night time sleep?...Perhaps
the gout?...Perhaps arthritis?....Perhaps neuritis?....Perhaps
neuralgia?....Perhaps calcium deposits?.....
If you go to a family doctor, he will send you to a specialist....
The next thing you know it is a MRI at the hospital of your
non-choosing and forms to fill out.....So!
Rub the area with some BenGay or IcyHot, take an Advil or
Aspirin, go to bed....Because, tomorrow you will have another
pain de jour in a different part of your body.....But remember:
"If the pain lasts more than three day, consult your doctor"....
And, carry an extra pen to fill out any necessary forms...
Also do not your insurance cards...Pumps
that was not there the day before....Today's malady will
be knee pain.....
Yes, yesterday the knee was fine....This morning it is not....
Perhaps a muscle strain during night time sleep?...Perhaps
the gout?...Perhaps arthritis?....Perhaps neuritis?....Perhaps
neuralgia?....Perhaps calcium deposits?.....
If you go to a family doctor, he will send you to a specialist....
The next thing you know it is a MRI at the hospital of your
non-choosing and forms to fill out.....So!
Rub the area with some BenGay or IcyHot, take an Advil or
Aspirin, go to bed....Because, tomorrow you will have another
pain de jour in a different part of your body.....But remember:
"If the pain lasts more than three day, consult your doctor"....
And, carry an extra pen to fill out any necessary forms...
Also do not your insurance cards...Pumps
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
People Must Produce
People get paid for their "production", whether it be physical
(hole digging), mental (author), emotional (actor).....If you
do not produce you do not get paid....It's simple.....
Today we have scientific people who must produce....Their
product is theory.....For their thoughts they are paid....
Global Warming is one of these theories....And, people
are attempting to form a proven science on only 150 years
of printed record keeping....Oh yes, there are other records
like the growth "rings" of trees and olde ship captain's logs.....
It was hot in my town yesterday and it will be hot in my town
today.....Yesterday, the last time it was that hot was in 1930...
Today, the last time it was this hot was in 1940....
So much for ozone, CO2, a/c, gas lawn mowers and SUVs.....
Don't remember having much of them back then....Pumps
(hole digging), mental (author), emotional (actor).....If you
do not produce you do not get paid....It's simple.....
Today we have scientific people who must produce....Their
product is theory.....For their thoughts they are paid....
Global Warming is one of these theories....And, people
are attempting to form a proven science on only 150 years
of printed record keeping....Oh yes, there are other records
like the growth "rings" of trees and olde ship captain's logs.....
It was hot in my town yesterday and it will be hot in my town
today.....Yesterday, the last time it was that hot was in 1930...
Today, the last time it was this hot was in 1940....
So much for ozone, CO2, a/c, gas lawn mowers and SUVs.....
Don't remember having much of them back then....Pumps
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Weather
We have not changed the weather....Weather has changed us....
Years ago the weather report was confined to the last 1 minute
of a 15 minute TV or radio news report....In this new world
of 24/7 news and information, weather has taken over a
sizable portion of the broadcast hour......
Years ago the, intelligent, human being knew it was raining
or going to rain and dressed accordingly taking along an umbrella...
If it was a cold day, they added additional clothing....If it was
warmer they wore less of it.....
Now during your news hour, you are told how hot or cold it is
along with how hot or cold you should feel......If you do not feel
the way the weather report says you should, some one will
advise you for five or ten minutes on how to properly react
to the outdoor conditions...Have we become so dumb...Pumps
Years ago the weather report was confined to the last 1 minute
of a 15 minute TV or radio news report....In this new world
of 24/7 news and information, weather has taken over a
sizable portion of the broadcast hour......
Years ago the, intelligent, human being knew it was raining
or going to rain and dressed accordingly taking along an umbrella...
If it was a cold day, they added additional clothing....If it was
warmer they wore less of it.....
Now during your news hour, you are told how hot or cold it is
along with how hot or cold you should feel......If you do not feel
the way the weather report says you should, some one will
advise you for five or ten minutes on how to properly react
to the outdoor conditions...Have we become so dumb...Pumps
Monday, July 25, 2005
The Tin Can
Has anyone noticed that the "tin" can has changed in its
design....There are now products that come in a "tin" can
that cannot be opened from the bottom....
There are some items which must be "extruded" from
the can by opening up the bottom in order to push the
contents out....Bean and Bacon Soup, Refried Beans,
Tomato Paste, some dog foods, for a few example.....
These new "tin" cans are being formed so that the
bottom will not accept a can opener....Now you have to
scoop out the contents and you know that all of it really
never comes out....
What happens if you "destroy" the top of the can in your
attempt to open it....Your "back-up" bottom is also now
gone....Do food companies really care about a "cook"?...
Pumps
design....There are now products that come in a "tin" can
that cannot be opened from the bottom....
There are some items which must be "extruded" from
the can by opening up the bottom in order to push the
contents out....Bean and Bacon Soup, Refried Beans,
Tomato Paste, some dog foods, for a few example.....
These new "tin" cans are being formed so that the
bottom will not accept a can opener....Now you have to
scoop out the contents and you know that all of it really
never comes out....
What happens if you "destroy" the top of the can in your
attempt to open it....Your "back-up" bottom is also now
gone....Do food companies really care about a "cook"?...
Pumps
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Daylight Savings Time
Once again the people in Washington DC are playing around with
the "effective" dates of Daylight Savings Time.....I thought we
just went through this a few years ago......
Now they are talking about the new, "effective date", changes
helping the country with regard to energy usage and your
electric bill along with raw materials needed to supply same....
Since we are in a "war mode" with our presence in Iraq, why do
we not just go back to WAR TIME.....It worked in the first and
second world wars, why not this one....Besides we will never
have to change the clocks...The only down side is that no one will
check their smoke detector batteries anymore....Pumps
the "effective" dates of Daylight Savings Time.....I thought we
just went through this a few years ago......
Now they are talking about the new, "effective date", changes
helping the country with regard to energy usage and your
electric bill along with raw materials needed to supply same....
Since we are in a "war mode" with our presence in Iraq, why do
we not just go back to WAR TIME.....It worked in the first and
second world wars, why not this one....Besides we will never
have to change the clocks...The only down side is that no one will
check their smoke detector batteries anymore....Pumps
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Computer Spelling
If you read "group" or "message board" posting on any
internet site you will notice that if one spells a word wrong
they are immediately "pounced" upon as an idiot who
can not form a honest opinion because he can not spell
either.....
Here is a great one from the National Weather Service.....
INDICIES ......It appeared in a heat related weather
warning.....
Suspecting the word should be INDEXES, I looked it up....
The plural of INDEX can be spelt INDEXES (which would
appear obivious) or INDICES (which is not so obivious)....
In any case it is hot here and indicies is not a word.....Pumps
internet site you will notice that if one spells a word wrong
they are immediately "pounced" upon as an idiot who
can not form a honest opinion because he can not spell
either.....
Here is a great one from the National Weather Service.....
INDICIES ......It appeared in a heat related weather
warning.....
Suspecting the word should be INDEXES, I looked it up....
The plural of INDEX can be spelt INDEXES (which would
appear obivious) or INDICES (which is not so obivious)....
In any case it is hot here and indicies is not a word.....Pumps
Friday, July 22, 2005
Bakery Style Breads
While the bakeries have followed the butcher shops into
oblivion, perhaps the loaves of their delicious breads
have not.....
Have you noticed lately that your supermarket is selling
"olde world style" breads in a paper bag....Loaves of
French, Boule, Rye and Pumpernickel....
If you are willing to pay $2.50 to $3.50 a loaf you have
the opportunity to once again taste the breads that us
"olde farts" grew up on.....Bear in mind though that in
some cases you will have to cut the bread yourself...Pumps
oblivion, perhaps the loaves of their delicious breads
have not.....
Have you noticed lately that your supermarket is selling
"olde world style" breads in a paper bag....Loaves of
French, Boule, Rye and Pumpernickel....
If you are willing to pay $2.50 to $3.50 a loaf you have
the opportunity to once again taste the breads that us
"olde farts" grew up on.....Bear in mind though that in
some cases you will have to cut the bread yourself...Pumps
Thursday, July 21, 2005
What Happened To Big Liverwurst?
For years one would go to the local butcher shop and buy
a pound of liverwurst, which was sliced to your preferred
thickness...
You would take the liverwurst home, remove the outer
casing from a slice and place it between two pieces of
bread, with a dab of mustard.....
Since the butcher shops have become extinct so has the
4 inch diameter slice of liverwurst....All you can find
these days is a one pound prepackaged "hunk" which
is only 2-1/4 in diameter...
It appears that modern day packaging and marketing
has turned this grand olde staple into a tubular liver
pate designed for use on crackers....A pity....Pumps
a pound of liverwurst, which was sliced to your preferred
thickness...
You would take the liverwurst home, remove the outer
casing from a slice and place it between two pieces of
bread, with a dab of mustard.....
Since the butcher shops have become extinct so has the
4 inch diameter slice of liverwurst....All you can find
these days is a one pound prepackaged "hunk" which
is only 2-1/4 in diameter...
It appears that modern day packaging and marketing
has turned this grand olde staple into a tubular liver
pate designed for use on crackers....A pity....Pumps
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Driver's Licenses
It appears that most state governors are now complaining
about new federal regulations required for the proper
issuance of a driver's license....The Feds want the process
tightened up and proper documentation shown at the
time of application....
Unfortunately this is a problem which the governors brought
upon them selves.....For years states issued as many licenses
as they could because it was a source of state revenue.
The more licenses issued resulted in higher revenue, which went
into the State's general fund, and therefore reduced other
tax payments of it's citizens....Now after the governors stop
crying they will have to play politics in order to recover the
financial shortfall...An increased fee = an increased tax....Pumps
about new federal regulations required for the proper
issuance of a driver's license....The Feds want the process
tightened up and proper documentation shown at the
time of application....
Unfortunately this is a problem which the governors brought
upon them selves.....For years states issued as many licenses
as they could because it was a source of state revenue.
The more licenses issued resulted in higher revenue, which went
into the State's general fund, and therefore reduced other
tax payments of it's citizens....Now after the governors stop
crying they will have to play politics in order to recover the
financial shortfall...An increased fee = an increased tax....Pumps
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Playing One's Cards Right
These days, it appears, that people are worried about their
retirement income....
There once was a gentlemen, which I knew, that spent
20 years of his early life working for the New York City
Fire Department and retired....Then he went to work
in his mid 40's for the United States Postal Service as
a mail carrier....He again retired after 20 years of USPS
service at the age of 65 and filed for his Social Security....
I have lost track of this individual, over the years, but
I suspect that he has not experienced any difficulties
with his three sources of retirement income....Pumps
retirement income....
There once was a gentlemen, which I knew, that spent
20 years of his early life working for the New York City
Fire Department and retired....Then he went to work
in his mid 40's for the United States Postal Service as
a mail carrier....He again retired after 20 years of USPS
service at the age of 65 and filed for his Social Security....
I have lost track of this individual, over the years, but
I suspect that he has not experienced any difficulties
with his three sources of retirement income....Pumps
Monday, July 18, 2005
Once Upon A Time #6
Years ago everybody had one thing in common....You were
poor, unless you last name was Rockefeller....If your
parents saved up a few pennies (and nickels) they might
just take their offspring to the local amusement park, via
the train or bus....
The rest of the time the amusement park, or at least a
small part of it, came to you....
The streets in the major cities and towns were full of
vendors....They sold ice cream, cases of soda, used clothes,
sharpened knives/scissors and vegetables...Among the
forgotten was the small Ferris Wheel, which was cranked
and turned by hand and the Rock-a-Bye, a double sided
swing also operated by hand....Both of which were mounted
on the back of an olde truck body....
While a ride on a Rock-a-Bye and a Good Humor ice cream
"pop" was pleasant on a hot summer's day, a trip to
the "big amusement park"was always better....Pumps
poor, unless you last name was Rockefeller....If your
parents saved up a few pennies (and nickels) they might
just take their offspring to the local amusement park, via
the train or bus....
The rest of the time the amusement park, or at least a
small part of it, came to you....
The streets in the major cities and towns were full of
vendors....They sold ice cream, cases of soda, used clothes,
sharpened knives/scissors and vegetables...Among the
forgotten was the small Ferris Wheel, which was cranked
and turned by hand and the Rock-a-Bye, a double sided
swing also operated by hand....Both of which were mounted
on the back of an olde truck body....
While a ride on a Rock-a-Bye and a Good Humor ice cream
"pop" was pleasant on a hot summer's day, a trip to
the "big amusement park"was always better....Pumps
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Beef Prices #3
If one thinks that the price of beef will drop in the near future
do not hold one's breath......Gasoline is up in cost and so will
stay beef....With everyone talking about activist judges, one
can find "one" involved with beef....No constitutional "stuff"
just plain olde beef.....
The Canadian boarder is now open for the exportation of beef..
While processing plants in the US have closed, due to the lack
of Canadian cattle, the US meat processors have been expanding
their slaughtering facilities across the boarder.....Soon one way
or another Canadian beef will be in the US market....Alive or
prepackaged and frozen....
But do not expect to see a reduction in the price of ground beef....
The processors have risen the price and it will stay there, no
matter how much Canadian beef crosses the boarder, in one form
or another......
Note your cost for beef (steaks, chops, ground) this year and
compare it to next year.....The "big guys" found a way to make
money on beef and they will keep it that way......Pumps
do not hold one's breath......Gasoline is up in cost and so will
stay beef....With everyone talking about activist judges, one
can find "one" involved with beef....No constitutional "stuff"
just plain olde beef.....
The Canadian boarder is now open for the exportation of beef..
While processing plants in the US have closed, due to the lack
of Canadian cattle, the US meat processors have been expanding
their slaughtering facilities across the boarder.....Soon one way
or another Canadian beef will be in the US market....Alive or
prepackaged and frozen....
But do not expect to see a reduction in the price of ground beef....
The processors have risen the price and it will stay there, no
matter how much Canadian beef crosses the boarder, in one form
or another......
Note your cost for beef (steaks, chops, ground) this year and
compare it to next year.....The "big guys" found a way to make
money on beef and they will keep it that way......Pumps
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Beer Foam
In New York City, each glass of beer must have at least one
inch of foam on the top.....That is to prove that the glass is
NOT dirty.....(An unclean glass will not allow the foam to
be formed.....
South of the Mason-Dixon line, each glass of beer must have
NO foam....One pays for 12 oz of beer and one wants to drink
12 oz of beer.....(Not 10 oz of beer and 2 oz of foam)....
Some company has now invented a faster beer tap which will
provide more glasses of beer, per keg, at higher pouring rate.....
One question....How can one get more ounces of beer out of
a 1/2 keg than the keg holds?......Does this new invention just
produce more foam, which we know that some people will
not pay for?....
For the record....The larger "1/2" keg holds 15 gallons of beer....
(128oz x 15 =1920oz or 160 12oz (no foam) servings....Also at
current beer keg prices, and allowing for shrinkage/loss in
tapping a keg....Today's "cost" for a glass of draft beer is 50 cents....
Once a youthful bartender....Pumps
inch of foam on the top.....That is to prove that the glass is
NOT dirty.....(An unclean glass will not allow the foam to
be formed.....
South of the Mason-Dixon line, each glass of beer must have
NO foam....One pays for 12 oz of beer and one wants to drink
12 oz of beer.....(Not 10 oz of beer and 2 oz of foam)....
Some company has now invented a faster beer tap which will
provide more glasses of beer, per keg, at higher pouring rate.....
One question....How can one get more ounces of beer out of
a 1/2 keg than the keg holds?......Does this new invention just
produce more foam, which we know that some people will
not pay for?....
For the record....The larger "1/2" keg holds 15 gallons of beer....
(128oz x 15 =1920oz or 160 12oz (no foam) servings....Also at
current beer keg prices, and allowing for shrinkage/loss in
tapping a keg....Today's "cost" for a glass of draft beer is 50 cents....
Once a youthful bartender....Pumps
Friday, July 15, 2005
Oil And Water Do Mix
Years ago and throughout recorded history, people fought
for "water rights"....Water, its source and usage, formed
many aspects of the modern world and the way we live
today.....This above ground resource is still a subject of
daily life and its value to living on "Earth"....
As of late it appears that an underground resource will
control the lives of earth's inhabitants, that being oil.....
The earth's oil reserves have made many rich and many
devout....The control of this substance will effect economies,
and societies.....Just the way water has done.....
Any resource, produced by the "earth", is a tool or
weapon in the "life of man".......Pumps
for "water rights"....Water, its source and usage, formed
many aspects of the modern world and the way we live
today.....This above ground resource is still a subject of
daily life and its value to living on "Earth"....
As of late it appears that an underground resource will
control the lives of earth's inhabitants, that being oil.....
The earth's oil reserves have made many rich and many
devout....The control of this substance will effect economies,
and societies.....Just the way water has done.....
Any resource, produced by the "earth", is a tool or
weapon in the "life of man".......Pumps
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Busting "Chops"
I do not believe it but it is true.....Some reporter for her local
newspaper has listed for any children reading the article
10 different ways to bust the chops of their parents while they
are riding in the back of the car, on a vacation trip.....
This reporter starts with, "Pssst Kids" and then goes on
to teach the offspring how to be the biggest "pain" in the
back seat of the vehicle.......
I guess she learned in her college years that there was a
constitutional First Amendment....But, did she learn that
every parent does not have a degree in child psychology,
in order to handle the harassing situation?.....Remember
if you remove the child from the car and in any way
threaten or strike the child you are guilty of child abuse and
in jail....I bet you this "cub" reporter is "without child"and
still a little "pissed" at her parents (and the olde days.)....
Pumps
newspaper has listed for any children reading the article
10 different ways to bust the chops of their parents while they
are riding in the back of the car, on a vacation trip.....
This reporter starts with, "Pssst Kids" and then goes on
to teach the offspring how to be the biggest "pain" in the
back seat of the vehicle.......
I guess she learned in her college years that there was a
constitutional First Amendment....But, did she learn that
every parent does not have a degree in child psychology,
in order to handle the harassing situation?.....Remember
if you remove the child from the car and in any way
threaten or strike the child you are guilty of child abuse and
in jail....I bet you this "cub" reporter is "without child"and
still a little "pissed" at her parents (and the olde days.)....
Pumps
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Teflon
Might as well stay on the subject of DuPont....
There was a whole generation of people that grew up hearing,
"Better Living Through Chemistry", on radio and early
TV advertising.....Now there are people and organizations
which are saying that, "this is a lie and that chemistry hurts
people".....Let us just remember that it is ONLY certain
chemistry that hurts people....Now it is becoming Teflon....
Somehow a chemical compound, used in Teflon, is getting
into the human body....No one knows why or how, but
some people are beginning to say that if you scratch the
bottom of your frypan with a metal object...YOU WILL DIE...
Remember use plastic utensils on Teflon coated surfaces...
Forget about the fact that plastic is made out of chemicals....
(Chemicals used in plastic will be next month's problem.)
Pumps
There was a whole generation of people that grew up hearing,
"Better Living Through Chemistry", on radio and early
TV advertising.....Now there are people and organizations
which are saying that, "this is a lie and that chemistry hurts
people".....Let us just remember that it is ONLY certain
chemistry that hurts people....Now it is becoming Teflon....
Somehow a chemical compound, used in Teflon, is getting
into the human body....No one knows why or how, but
some people are beginning to say that if you scratch the
bottom of your frypan with a metal object...YOU WILL DIE...
Remember use plastic utensils on Teflon coated surfaces...
Forget about the fact that plastic is made out of chemicals....
(Chemicals used in plastic will be next month's problem.)
Pumps
Lead
The whole painting industry is once again concerned with
DuPont's decision to solve it's legal problems with the State
of Rhode Island.....In many localities in Rhode Island the lead
levels in kindergarten childeren are above normal.....
Now let me understand....Lead paint was not manufactured
since 1978, per Federal Law......And, kids born in the year of
2000 have a lead problem.....
Since this lead problem is basically an "inner city" problem,
has any one looked at the lead water pipes that still remain,
underneath the streets, of some of these older American
cities?.......I bet you that kids tend to drink more water than
eat through window casings.....Pumps
DuPont's decision to solve it's legal problems with the State
of Rhode Island.....In many localities in Rhode Island the lead
levels in kindergarten childeren are above normal.....
Now let me understand....Lead paint was not manufactured
since 1978, per Federal Law......And, kids born in the year of
2000 have a lead problem.....
Since this lead problem is basically an "inner city" problem,
has any one looked at the lead water pipes that still remain,
underneath the streets, of some of these older American
cities?.......I bet you that kids tend to drink more water than
eat through window casings.....Pumps
Monday, July 11, 2005
Where Are The Men?
Thanks to a nice technician, I have gotten my ISP and modem
connection running again....(Let us hope.)....This is his story....
When an electronic connection malfunctions the technician
first want to ascertain "what have you touched or played with".
In my case there is a 4 year old cable splitter on a floor joist
in the CRAWL space underneath the house......"Ah", he says
"the problem lies there....Show me the way.".....
Next the problem MAY not be there, because there are BUGS
down there......Our brave technician then proceeded to check
a connection on the outside of the house...... His day was saved...
The BUGS did not eat him up alive in the CRAWL space....Our
modem problem was a bad ground fault on the exterior of the
building......He was really lucky because two months earlier
it is snake mating season in my CRAWL space....Pumps
connection running again....(Let us hope.)....This is his story....
When an electronic connection malfunctions the technician
first want to ascertain "what have you touched or played with".
In my case there is a 4 year old cable splitter on a floor joist
in the CRAWL space underneath the house......"Ah", he says
"the problem lies there....Show me the way.".....
Next the problem MAY not be there, because there are BUGS
down there......Our brave technician then proceeded to check
a connection on the outside of the house...... His day was saved...
The BUGS did not eat him up alive in the CRAWL space....Our
modem problem was a bad ground fault on the exterior of the
building......He was really lucky because two months earlier
it is snake mating season in my CRAWL space....Pumps
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Sorry
No blog posting today....ISP and modem problems...Pumps
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Banks
Some twenty to thirty years ago the banks made money by
investing other people's money....In the 1980's that tact
failed.....
Banks then began to realize that the money that they wanted
to grow and expand with was not in their investments but in
their depositors.....The results are now high transaction fees
and low dividends....
A five thousand dollar deposit now has a dividend of $1.08 a
month or $12.98 a year....Maintain an amount less than your
minimum account balance, or forbid, you bounce a check and it
costs you....Your local bank is nothing more that a large
ATM machine with fixed hours with a few people at the top
making big bucks.....Pumps
investing other people's money....In the 1980's that tact
failed.....
Banks then began to realize that the money that they wanted
to grow and expand with was not in their investments but in
their depositors.....The results are now high transaction fees
and low dividends....
A five thousand dollar deposit now has a dividend of $1.08 a
month or $12.98 a year....Maintain an amount less than your
minimum account balance, or forbid, you bounce a check and it
costs you....Your local bank is nothing more that a large
ATM machine with fixed hours with a few people at the top
making big bucks.....Pumps
Friday, July 08, 2005
Just A Thought
Dear Readers: I picked this up from a Canadian newspaper
today.....
"According to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service,
at least 50 terrorist groups now operate in Canada, including
al-Quida, raising money, acquiring weapons, infiltrating
immigrant communities and setting up travel networks"...
(To avoid any legal problems, above mentioned, is per
Sun Media Corp and Quebcore Co.)...
Are there 50 terrorist groups in Mexico?.....Pumps
today.....
"According to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service,
at least 50 terrorist groups now operate in Canada, including
al-Quida, raising money, acquiring weapons, infiltrating
immigrant communities and setting up travel networks"...
(To avoid any legal problems, above mentioned, is per
Sun Media Corp and Quebcore Co.)...
Are there 50 terrorist groups in Mexico?.....Pumps
Thursday, July 07, 2005
A Water Sprinkler
The "Baby Boomers" across the street have their water
sprinkler supplying much needed water to their browning
lawn....
It is nice to see that the neighbors are spending the money
to keep their grass green.....But they soon will tire due to
age and financial resources.....
In a few years they will realize that water usage has a bill
attached to it....They will also realize that prescription
drugs and food also has a bill attached to it.....Needless
to say their lawn will go brown.....Or they will move to a
town house which is surrounded by 100 sq ft of sod....
Pumps
sprinkler supplying much needed water to their browning
lawn....
It is nice to see that the neighbors are spending the money
to keep their grass green.....But they soon will tire due to
age and financial resources.....
In a few years they will realize that water usage has a bill
attached to it....They will also realize that prescription
drugs and food also has a bill attached to it.....Needless
to say their lawn will go brown.....Or they will move to a
town house which is surrounded by 100 sq ft of sod....
Pumps
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
African Aid
The newspapers today are full of the plight currently in
Africa....
A check into the recent twentieth century history of the
great continent will detail the "Rise and Decline" of
various colonial interests by the following, France,
England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Belgium...
Just remember movies like Casablanca, Breaker Morant,
Lawrence of Arabia, The African Queen and Zulu....
Why are the failures of other colonial ambitions now the
responsibility of the United States?....Pumps
Africa....
A check into the recent twentieth century history of the
great continent will detail the "Rise and Decline" of
various colonial interests by the following, France,
England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Belgium...
Just remember movies like Casablanca, Breaker Morant,
Lawrence of Arabia, The African Queen and Zulu....
Why are the failures of other colonial ambitions now the
responsibility of the United States?....Pumps
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Kidnap Insurance
With recent events in Aruba I was somewhat startled
to find out that there are companies which can offer a
traveler or someone working outside of his/her own
country with worldwide auto, property, health,
kidnap, ransom, evacuation and business
insurance....
It would appear that overseas travel for anyone does
have it's extra precautions and costs these days.....
Seems like a nice time to visit the Grand Canyon...Pumps
to find out that there are companies which can offer a
traveler or someone working outside of his/her own
country with worldwide auto, property, health,
kidnap, ransom, evacuation and business
insurance....
It would appear that overseas travel for anyone does
have it's extra precautions and costs these days.....
Seems like a nice time to visit the Grand Canyon...Pumps
Monday, July 04, 2005
Problem of "Over-Think"
Years ago, one reacted to a situation via emotion, instinct or
logic....The case is not the same today....Anytime your react
to a situation you are questioned and asked to explain why
you did what you did....
This is a great advantage to the person asking the question,
because if you have any difficultly with the answer they
will "feel" more intelligent....You're now the dummy.....
People have forgotten one of the basic facts of science, that
every human has an instinct for survival....And will
follow this instinct until death.....
While there are those which have forgotten this fact, of
human instinct, and choose to avoid its existence and question
it with required "over-think" type answers, still ceases to
amaze me.....But the schmucks try......Pumps
logic....The case is not the same today....Anytime your react
to a situation you are questioned and asked to explain why
you did what you did....
This is a great advantage to the person asking the question,
because if you have any difficultly with the answer they
will "feel" more intelligent....You're now the dummy.....
People have forgotten one of the basic facts of science, that
every human has an instinct for survival....And will
follow this instinct until death.....
While there are those which have forgotten this fact, of
human instinct, and choose to avoid its existence and question
it with required "over-think" type answers, still ceases to
amaze me.....But the schmucks try......Pumps
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Right vs. Left
My morning newspaper had a headline with referred to
Justice O'Connor as "Wielding Clout From The Center"....
Is not this the sign of a good judge....
No one is completely to the right and no one is completely
to the left....Life's existence in ALWAYS in the middle,
because on either extreme one does not compromise....
Case in point is a Socialist, which becomes a financial
Conservative after his/her bankruptcy proceedings...
Question, is the Socialist now still a true Socialist?.....
A good judge should ALWAYS be in the "center"...Just as
Solomon....The problem is that there is more "money"
in play these days, regarding judgeships, than "honesty"...
Pumps
Justice O'Connor as "Wielding Clout From The Center"....
Is not this the sign of a good judge....
No one is completely to the right and no one is completely
to the left....Life's existence in ALWAYS in the middle,
because on either extreme one does not compromise....
Case in point is a Socialist, which becomes a financial
Conservative after his/her bankruptcy proceedings...
Question, is the Socialist now still a true Socialist?.....
A good judge should ALWAYS be in the "center"...Just as
Solomon....The problem is that there is more "money"
in play these days, regarding judgeships, than "honesty"...
Pumps
Saturday, July 02, 2005
The Big Box Stores
In these days there are two or three "Big Box" corporations
which are controlling their market, whether it is soft drinks,
home improvement or "bulk" buying of food....
But with the vast array of inventory, thank God, they do
not have "everything".....And their lack of "everything"
enables other entrepreneurs to survive because they sell
and service the "little niche" items which people need....
The "Big Box" may be good for a selection of every screw
"thought" to exist....But try to find a 1/4-20 x 1/2 inch
thumb screw.....All I know is that someone has one...
Need it for my "flag pole"....Pumps
which are controlling their market, whether it is soft drinks,
home improvement or "bulk" buying of food....
But with the vast array of inventory, thank God, they do
not have "everything".....And their lack of "everything"
enables other entrepreneurs to survive because they sell
and service the "little niche" items which people need....
The "Big Box" may be good for a selection of every screw
"thought" to exist....But try to find a 1/4-20 x 1/2 inch
thumb screw.....All I know is that someone has one...
Need it for my "flag pole"....Pumps
Friday, July 01, 2005
Tom Cruise
A strange subject, I agree, but enough already....With a new love
affair, a new movie and PR campaign and even throw in some
of his personal Scientology.....Everyone and the press is a "flutter"....
Everyone is in "overthink" mode, "his fame, his future?"....
In this case. "Do not show me the money."....Show me a man
who is afraid of getting olde....
Poor Thomas is in his mid forties.....His last few movies
have not been major box office.....He is a declining "star"
setting in Hollywood and he is fearful......
So hook up with a "babe" in her twenties, make believe you
are remaking Risky Business (dance on every chair you can
find) and try to be 21 again.....His fame, personal beliefs,
and money can not prevent his aging.....In a few years he
will be playing a judge on Law & Order.....Pumps
affair, a new movie and PR campaign and even throw in some
of his personal Scientology.....Everyone and the press is a "flutter"....
Everyone is in "overthink" mode, "his fame, his future?"....
In this case. "Do not show me the money."....Show me a man
who is afraid of getting olde....
Poor Thomas is in his mid forties.....His last few movies
have not been major box office.....He is a declining "star"
setting in Hollywood and he is fearful......
So hook up with a "babe" in her twenties, make believe you
are remaking Risky Business (dance on every chair you can
find) and try to be 21 again.....His fame, personal beliefs,
and money can not prevent his aging.....In a few years he
will be playing a judge on Law & Order.....Pumps
