Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The Credit Card Companies
Boy do these people have you......Just think if their bill is
not paid due to "loss by the Post Office".....It is YOUR
FAULT......If they "did not mail out the bill"......It is YOUR
FAULT......From THEIR point of view, everything is
YOUR FAULT......Because YOU can not prove anything,
one way or another......And, they are NON-BELIEVERS......
If you have any kind of blemish such as a late payment
or two in the past or history of complaint YOU are on the
defensive from "Press #1".....
The only way to have the "upper hand" is to have a history
of prompt payment and NO BALANCE......Then you can
use the words, "Cancel my account".....Remember they do
not want to lose their better customers.....While they do not
make "big" money on your account, you do effect their
cash flow by providing operational capitol with your prompt
payment.....Your "on-time" check will pay the weekly salary
for the woman you are "bitching" at.......Pumps
not paid due to "loss by the Post Office".....It is YOUR
FAULT......If they "did not mail out the bill"......It is YOUR
FAULT......From THEIR point of view, everything is
YOUR FAULT......Because YOU can not prove anything,
one way or another......And, they are NON-BELIEVERS......
If you have any kind of blemish such as a late payment
or two in the past or history of complaint YOU are on the
defensive from "Press #1".....
The only way to have the "upper hand" is to have a history
of prompt payment and NO BALANCE......Then you can
use the words, "Cancel my account".....Remember they do
not want to lose their better customers.....While they do not
make "big" money on your account, you do effect their
cash flow by providing operational capitol with your prompt
payment.....Your "on-time" check will pay the weekly salary
for the woman you are "bitching" at.......Pumps
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Melodies
Where have all the song melodies gone?......Going way back to the
Twenties, Thirties, Forties, Fifties, Sixties, Seventies and
even into the Eighties, musical notes were constructed and
composed to form a melody.......No longer......
It seemed to have started in the Nineties and here in the "Zeros"
all the music and popular songs sound the same.....Even the
artist voices are the same.....One big UNI-SOUND.......This is
not even taking into account the hip-hop or rap music which
sounds like the same set of musical notes with only the words
or, so called, lyrics changing......
This sameness is a "drag"......No wonder there is such a demand
for radio stations to play the "older tunes"......Where is the
creativity in sameness?.....It sounds like the "guys in the back
room" like a noise and then order ten more......Pumps
Twenties, Thirties, Forties, Fifties, Sixties, Seventies and
even into the Eighties, musical notes were constructed and
composed to form a melody.......No longer......
It seemed to have started in the Nineties and here in the "Zeros"
all the music and popular songs sound the same.....Even the
artist voices are the same.....One big UNI-SOUND.......This is
not even taking into account the hip-hop or rap music which
sounds like the same set of musical notes with only the words
or, so called, lyrics changing......
This sameness is a "drag"......No wonder there is such a demand
for radio stations to play the "older tunes"......Where is the
creativity in sameness?.....It sounds like the "guys in the back
room" like a noise and then order ten more......Pumps
Monday, November 28, 2005
Automobiles
Years ago an automobile had to be driven.....It took an effort.....
No power steering, no power breaks, no automatic
transmission.....You had to use two hands and two feet to
operate the contraption....
Engineers have taken the struggle out of operating a 2 ton
vehicle to the point that now the contraption is controlling
you.....An engine is an engine, a transmission is a transmission...
Steering wheel and seats are still there.....But......Now we have
onboard computers, interrogated circuits, relays, transistors
and diodes.....There are even electrical wires that go to a
carburetor, these days.....And that is where the gasoline is....
Bottom line.....Faulty break sensor does not activate door
locks, denoting open doors, resulting in dome light from
going out (while doing 60mph with all doors closed).....So,
park car, shut off engine, remove key and dome light still
on (while car IS NOT doing 60mph with all doors closed).....
Don't you just love what these engineers design.....Pumps
No power steering, no power breaks, no automatic
transmission.....You had to use two hands and two feet to
operate the contraption....
Engineers have taken the struggle out of operating a 2 ton
vehicle to the point that now the contraption is controlling
you.....An engine is an engine, a transmission is a transmission...
Steering wheel and seats are still there.....But......Now we have
onboard computers, interrogated circuits, relays, transistors
and diodes.....There are even electrical wires that go to a
carburetor, these days.....And that is where the gasoline is....
Bottom line.....Faulty break sensor does not activate door
locks, denoting open doors, resulting in dome light from
going out (while doing 60mph with all doors closed).....So,
park car, shut off engine, remove key and dome light still
on (while car IS NOT doing 60mph with all doors closed).....
Don't you just love what these engineers design.....Pumps
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Amortization
This is a word which is used in business all the time....But never
in the home......Simply, how long will it take to "pay something
down".....An example......
One of the latest kitchen items on the market is the "one cup"
at a time coffee maker.....No mess, no bother, just insert a pre-
packaged coffee "pod" in the machine and you get one cup of
coffee, only......Well these machines are costing from $50 to
$150 each.....The "pod" of coffee costs .25 cents each......So
in order to "pay down" the cost of the machine and use a "pod",
two cups of coffee a day for an entire year will cost you .33 cents
a cup, if you buy a $60 machine......38 cents with a $100 one.....
Little drip coffee making units were on the market for
about $2.00 which allowed you to make one cup of coffee......
Making a "normal" cup of coffee from a "tin" of ground coffee
cost about .04 cents a cup.....
Ah! The price of convenience....Even if you get the coffee maker
as a gift, it still cost you more than .20 cents more per cup....
Pumps
in the home......Simply, how long will it take to "pay something
down".....An example......
One of the latest kitchen items on the market is the "one cup"
at a time coffee maker.....No mess, no bother, just insert a pre-
packaged coffee "pod" in the machine and you get one cup of
coffee, only......Well these machines are costing from $50 to
$150 each.....The "pod" of coffee costs .25 cents each......So
in order to "pay down" the cost of the machine and use a "pod",
two cups of coffee a day for an entire year will cost you .33 cents
a cup, if you buy a $60 machine......38 cents with a $100 one.....
Little drip coffee making units were on the market for
about $2.00 which allowed you to make one cup of coffee......
Making a "normal" cup of coffee from a "tin" of ground coffee
cost about .04 cents a cup.....
Ah! The price of convenience....Even if you get the coffee maker
as a gift, it still cost you more than .20 cents more per cup....
Pumps
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Home Along
The movie by the same title, some years ago, concerned a
youth who found a way to manage a problem he found
himself confronted with.....I wonder how many of today's
youth are qualified to do the same.....
The sale of "simple" games have declined, according to
retailers, in favor of electronic communication.....The youth
of today finds it necessary to be connected and "at once"....
The days of instant gratification are here and the days of
self taught logic are over.....
In days gone by, communication was done on a physical
nature.....You traveled to see a friend.....The "traveling"
became a learning experience.....No longer.....If you feel
lonely just call or text message someone.....
Just think one day you will not have your electronic
communicator and you will truly be lost and "home
alone"......Pumps
youth who found a way to manage a problem he found
himself confronted with.....I wonder how many of today's
youth are qualified to do the same.....
The sale of "simple" games have declined, according to
retailers, in favor of electronic communication.....The youth
of today finds it necessary to be connected and "at once"....
The days of instant gratification are here and the days of
self taught logic are over.....
In days gone by, communication was done on a physical
nature.....You traveled to see a friend.....The "traveling"
became a learning experience.....No longer.....If you feel
lonely just call or text message someone.....
Just think one day you will not have your electronic
communicator and you will truly be lost and "home
alone"......Pumps
Friday, November 25, 2005
Those Who Enjoy Christmas Most
Unbeknownst to most of us there is one "group" of people that
enjoys the coming of Christmas Day more than the children
and some adult types.....This "group" of people
is known as "retail sales clerks".....Or for those who want
to be politically correct the "sales associates".....
Can you imagine that for the next 28 days they will be
treated like a "third class"citizen.....If they are a "cashier",
they will constantly be questioned regarding accurate
pricing, applicable discounts and bagging of merchandise....
The poor "stock clerks" will be asked if, "Are you sure
you do not have anymore....Can you please check back in
the stockroom".....
The only store personnel that gets a "break" during this
season is the "customer service or refund clerk".....But
their enjoyment will end Monday the 26th......Pumps
enjoys the coming of Christmas Day more than the children
and some adult types.....This "group" of people
is known as "retail sales clerks".....Or for those who want
to be politically correct the "sales associates".....
Can you imagine that for the next 28 days they will be
treated like a "third class"citizen.....If they are a "cashier",
they will constantly be questioned regarding accurate
pricing, applicable discounts and bagging of merchandise....
The poor "stock clerks" will be asked if, "Are you sure
you do not have anymore....Can you please check back in
the stockroom".....
The only store personnel that gets a "break" during this
season is the "customer service or refund clerk".....But
their enjoyment will end Monday the 26th......Pumps
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving
It is a day to forgo perplexities and concentrate on "thanks"...
With all the ususal problems in the world and all the political
"bull", the United States, all in all, has had a good year to be
thankful for......Not to say that a few out of two hundred million
people may disagree.....But......
Another good thing about Thanksgiving is that after all the
secularists and political correct groups get rid of our holidays,
Thanksgiving will be left intact.....If we make no mention
of a Holy Turkey, watch how you say "Grace" and hope PETA
gets pressed into its own cube of tofu....Pumps
With all the ususal problems in the world and all the political
"bull", the United States, all in all, has had a good year to be
thankful for......Not to say that a few out of two hundred million
people may disagree.....But......
Another good thing about Thanksgiving is that after all the
secularists and political correct groups get rid of our holidays,
Thanksgiving will be left intact.....If we make no mention
of a Holy Turkey, watch how you say "Grace" and hope PETA
gets pressed into its own cube of tofu....Pumps
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Milosevic
Do you remember this guy?....Slobodan Milosevic put on trial
by a world court in The Hague, Holland in 2002.....Well hate
to say it, but he is still on trial....I ain't over yet.....This 63
year olde man is special.....He has high blood pressure......
Every 63 year olde man has high blood pressure....It has
something to do with growing old.....Yet because of this
illness he has been able to forestall his trial......
There are three judges hearing his "case".....I can not remember
2004 much less 2002.....I wonder how much they can
remember in order to produce a proper verdict?....Pumps
by a world court in The Hague, Holland in 2002.....Well hate
to say it, but he is still on trial....I ain't over yet.....This 63
year olde man is special.....He has high blood pressure......
Every 63 year olde man has high blood pressure....It has
something to do with growing old.....Yet because of this
illness he has been able to forestall his trial......
There are three judges hearing his "case".....I can not remember
2004 much less 2002.....I wonder how much they can
remember in order to produce a proper verdict?....Pumps
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Bag Tax, Again?
Yes someone has come up with the "paper or plastic" tax
idea again?......First it was the plastic bag, to save the trees,
now the plastic bags pollute and are not bio-degradable so
let us tax them at 2 cents a piece.....
Years ago, a little olde lady, carried a rolled up mesh bag
in her pocket or purse....When unfolded this bag could hold
15 or more pounds.....And if you did not have your own bag
the shop keeper gave you a paper one.....When you went
back to his shop your brought his bag with you so it could
be used again.....
Everyone complains today and most of the problems have
been created by the complainers.....The next time you go
shopping bring 3-4 cloth tote bags....You will be saving
8 cents towards your kid's allowance....As Ben use to say,
"A penny saved, is a penny earned.".....Pumps
idea again?......First it was the plastic bag, to save the trees,
now the plastic bags pollute and are not bio-degradable so
let us tax them at 2 cents a piece.....
Years ago, a little olde lady, carried a rolled up mesh bag
in her pocket or purse....When unfolded this bag could hold
15 or more pounds.....And if you did not have your own bag
the shop keeper gave you a paper one.....When you went
back to his shop your brought his bag with you so it could
be used again.....
Everyone complains today and most of the problems have
been created by the complainers.....The next time you go
shopping bring 3-4 cloth tote bags....You will be saving
8 cents towards your kid's allowance....As Ben use to say,
"A penny saved, is a penny earned.".....Pumps
Monday, November 21, 2005
Deep Fried Turkey
This food item has become the "new age" way to prepare
Thanksgiving Day dinner....It is said that this method of
cooking is necessary to make the "bird" taste better.....
In order to prepare a turkey in this manner, you must
first go out and buy a turkey deep fryer - cost $29.99 to
$49.99 for an economical appliance.....Next you need the
deep fry oil - cost $27.99 at your local supermarket....
Then you have the turkey itself - cost $17.00 to $23.00
for a 20 pound bird.....
Have you noticed that the turkey is the most inexpensive
item?....Have you decided what to do with the used deep
fry oil?....Have you bought a fire extinguisher to prevent
your deck or house from catching on fire?.....Have you
considered that it costs $75.00 to cook by this method?...
Were not the Pilgrims frugal?.......Pumps
Thanksgiving Day dinner....It is said that this method of
cooking is necessary to make the "bird" taste better.....
In order to prepare a turkey in this manner, you must
first go out and buy a turkey deep fryer - cost $29.99 to
$49.99 for an economical appliance.....Next you need the
deep fry oil - cost $27.99 at your local supermarket....
Then you have the turkey itself - cost $17.00 to $23.00
for a 20 pound bird.....
Have you noticed that the turkey is the most inexpensive
item?....Have you decided what to do with the used deep
fry oil?....Have you bought a fire extinguisher to prevent
your deck or house from catching on fire?.....Have you
considered that it costs $75.00 to cook by this method?...
Were not the Pilgrims frugal?.......Pumps
Sunday, November 20, 2005
More Tales From Jabunyaville
Many, many years ago a man passed through my life who was
"The Greatest Living Authority On Nothing".....Since then
I have met many more, but he holds the title as the "Greatest"...
Many people, who are introverts, will retain small pieces of
knowledge in order to aid their egos....When this individual
considers himself intelligent the pieces of knowledge become
grandiose....No subject then becomes unknown to him, and
of course, he is the master of the subject....These people are
not productive in a worldly way....Their only product is there
own continued quest for knowledge.....
Why are you less of a man because one says, "I do not know"?
Everyone is a true expert on something but not on everything...
That is why it takes many craftsmen to build a house.....The
poor "Greatest" knows how to build it but can't....Pity....Pumps
"The Greatest Living Authority On Nothing".....Since then
I have met many more, but he holds the title as the "Greatest"...
Many people, who are introverts, will retain small pieces of
knowledge in order to aid their egos....When this individual
considers himself intelligent the pieces of knowledge become
grandiose....No subject then becomes unknown to him, and
of course, he is the master of the subject....These people are
not productive in a worldly way....Their only product is there
own continued quest for knowledge.....
Why are you less of a man because one says, "I do not know"?
Everyone is a true expert on something but not on everything...
That is why it takes many craftsmen to build a house.....The
poor "Greatest" knows how to build it but can't....Pity....Pumps
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Newspapers?
For one reason or another, everyone complains about the press
coverage....Here may be a good example of why...
Headline: Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people this year will cost
$1.10 more than last year....
This headline if followed by the usual gasoline and fuel oil
cost problems which have occurred or will occur....But give me
a break, a story about $1.10....
I guess this article is intended to let the people know that if they
want to save money, please do not put Redi-Whip on the pumpkin
pie in 2005.....Pumps
coverage....Here may be a good example of why...
Headline: Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people this year will cost
$1.10 more than last year....
This headline if followed by the usual gasoline and fuel oil
cost problems which have occurred or will occur....But give me
a break, a story about $1.10....
I guess this article is intended to let the people know that if they
want to save money, please do not put Redi-Whip on the pumpkin
pie in 2005.....Pumps
Friday, November 18, 2005
Tales from Jabunyaville
About five days ago I "blogged" on replacement parts.....
Well the "Parts God" hit me with a lightening bolt and
a clogged kitchen sink line became the main prioity in
the Pump's household......
Did you know that 1-1/2 inch pvc piping manufactured
in 1980 does not match 1-1/2 inch pvc piping made in
2005....Is not an 1-1/2 always an 1-1/2?.......NO
Tooling, molding and manufacturing designs have changed
in 25 years.....I pity the poor "Do It Yourselver" (known
as a DYI in the home industry) who tries to match two
parts knowing that the olde parts fit slightly differently
than the new.....First wife question, "Are you sure you
bought the right parts?"......
What is "standard", what is "adaptable"?.....When all else
fails call in the "professional"......Wife retorts, "See I told
you so!"........Pumps
Well the "Parts God" hit me with a lightening bolt and
a clogged kitchen sink line became the main prioity in
the Pump's household......
Did you know that 1-1/2 inch pvc piping manufactured
in 1980 does not match 1-1/2 inch pvc piping made in
2005....Is not an 1-1/2 always an 1-1/2?.......NO
Tooling, molding and manufacturing designs have changed
in 25 years.....I pity the poor "Do It Yourselver" (known
as a DYI in the home industry) who tries to match two
parts knowing that the olde parts fit slightly differently
than the new.....First wife question, "Are you sure you
bought the right parts?"......
What is "standard", what is "adaptable"?.....When all else
fails call in the "professional"......Wife retorts, "See I told
you so!"........Pumps
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
Very few people have hear of this FEDERAL corporation.....It
is something like Social Security.....If an employee had a
pension plan with a company and the company went bankrupt
then the Federal Government stepped in an covered the
pension payment.......Good in theory if there are no
bankruptcies.....
Well all you young working people, be prepared to start forking
up some more tax money to cover "dad's" pension.....The PBGC
is 22.8 BILLION in the hole.....If you can not contribute to the
marine gas for "dad's" boat fear not, the Government will take
it from you and give it to him anyway......Pumps
is something like Social Security.....If an employee had a
pension plan with a company and the company went bankrupt
then the Federal Government stepped in an covered the
pension payment.......Good in theory if there are no
bankruptcies.....
Well all you young working people, be prepared to start forking
up some more tax money to cover "dad's" pension.....The PBGC
is 22.8 BILLION in the hole.....If you can not contribute to the
marine gas for "dad's" boat fear not, the Government will take
it from you and give it to him anyway......Pumps
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
The Drive Thru
Will the Drive Thru be a thing of the past?.....For years the toll
takers on American highways have been complaining about
breathing in the pollution from the "running" cars waiting to
pay their toll.....
Now it seems that one of two companies want to get rid of their
drive thru windows for the same reason and to also save gas.....
Patrons are upset....Imagine they will have to park their car
and walk into a building to get food.....What a chore.....The
"sin of sins".....Who needs the exercise anyway....
And, certain groups are trying to blame the fast food industry
for the "fatness of America"......Maybe these same groups should
"promote" walking and the "outlawing" of drive thru windows....
Pumps
takers on American highways have been complaining about
breathing in the pollution from the "running" cars waiting to
pay their toll.....
Now it seems that one of two companies want to get rid of their
drive thru windows for the same reason and to also save gas.....
Patrons are upset....Imagine they will have to park their car
and walk into a building to get food.....What a chore.....The
"sin of sins".....Who needs the exercise anyway....
And, certain groups are trying to blame the fast food industry
for the "fatness of America"......Maybe these same groups should
"promote" walking and the "outlawing" of drive thru windows....
Pumps
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Labor Unions
Who would have ever thought that the greatest enemy of
a labor union would be the health care system.....
For years the remaining labor unions have been fighting
for an honest wage.....And they got it......They fought for
paid holidays and family time....And they got it.....They
fought for medical care....And they got it.....Now the
"corporate" well has run dry....Unions are no longer try
to fight for wages or holidays, and they are fighting a losing
battle for 100% free health care.....
It appears that with the concessions unions are making in
order to hold on to their "employee base", and its attached
revenue, today's union member will be in the same
"boat" as us non-union people....
And everyone is worrying about the "housing bubble"
bursting....The "union bubble' is preceding it.....Pumps
a labor union would be the health care system.....
For years the remaining labor unions have been fighting
for an honest wage.....And they got it......They fought for
paid holidays and family time....And they got it.....They
fought for medical care....And they got it.....Now the
"corporate" well has run dry....Unions are no longer try
to fight for wages or holidays, and they are fighting a losing
battle for 100% free health care.....
It appears that with the concessions unions are making in
order to hold on to their "employee base", and its attached
revenue, today's union member will be in the same
"boat" as us non-union people....
And everyone is worrying about the "housing bubble"
bursting....The "union bubble' is preceding it.....Pumps
Monday, November 14, 2005
Replacement Parts
Nothing is built to last anymore and therefore it is tough to
find replacement parts for a "throw-away" item.....
Years ago manufacturers would produce a durable product
and maintain a stock of replacements for those parts
which were subject to normal wear....A product would be
discontinued and replacement parts were held in stock for
10 years or more.....No longer.....A huge stock of parts
inventory results in large overhead and reduced corporate
profits......
China will modify a product as soon as the tooling is amortized....
Generic replacement parts are sold in Home Depot and Lowes...
Can't find the right part?....Then by a brand new product.....
The only alternative is to find the guy who goes to the town
dump everyday and make a living by saving olde scrapped
parts......Things are not simple anymore......Pumps
find replacement parts for a "throw-away" item.....
Years ago manufacturers would produce a durable product
and maintain a stock of replacements for those parts
which were subject to normal wear....A product would be
discontinued and replacement parts were held in stock for
10 years or more.....No longer.....A huge stock of parts
inventory results in large overhead and reduced corporate
profits......
China will modify a product as soon as the tooling is amortized....
Generic replacement parts are sold in Home Depot and Lowes...
Can't find the right part?....Then by a brand new product.....
The only alternative is to find the guy who goes to the town
dump everyday and make a living by saving olde scrapped
parts......Things are not simple anymore......Pumps
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Air Fresheners
In "them" olde days, there was a air freshener by the name of
Air Wick....To show you how good this freshener was, the
product name has been revived because of its customer
acceptance.....
The original product was a far cry from today's......The air
freshener fluid came in a rectangular green bottle....You
opened the bottle and exposed a big, fat wick to the air
by pulling the wick and its little metal hanger up out of the
bottle.....The product had no real scent to it....It did not "stink"
up the house, it just got rid of the offensive odor.....
You can not buy it anymore....Now you have to settle for some
product which uses a perfumed oil which costs about $4.00 for
a half an ounce and you hope it lasts a month....
All right the olde Air Wick bottle was not pretty....If people saw
it, they knew your were odor-proofing the house....So what....
They also had a bottle at home....
People do not know what "fresh air" smells like anymore....
Their homes smell like the perfume counter at Macy's....If not
from scented oil, then from scented candles.......Pumps
Air Wick....To show you how good this freshener was, the
product name has been revived because of its customer
acceptance.....
The original product was a far cry from today's......The air
freshener fluid came in a rectangular green bottle....You
opened the bottle and exposed a big, fat wick to the air
by pulling the wick and its little metal hanger up out of the
bottle.....The product had no real scent to it....It did not "stink"
up the house, it just got rid of the offensive odor.....
You can not buy it anymore....Now you have to settle for some
product which uses a perfumed oil which costs about $4.00 for
a half an ounce and you hope it lasts a month....
All right the olde Air Wick bottle was not pretty....If people saw
it, they knew your were odor-proofing the house....So what....
They also had a bottle at home....
People do not know what "fresh air" smells like anymore....
Their homes smell like the perfume counter at Macy's....If not
from scented oil, then from scented candles.......Pumps
Saturday, November 12, 2005
There Should Be A Law
Every weekend, in every town in America there is a yard or
garage sale....While some people advertise their "event" in
a local paper, most advertising is done with colored 8"x12"
paper stapled, tied, or taped to a pole at the local street corner....
Sign pole, electric pole, wooden, steel, plastic....It does not
matter....The advertisement of this "great" event is affixed
to it.....
Very few people never see them being "put up" but everyone
notices that they are never taken down.....Days after the
"event" the paper signs are blowing in the wind held on to
the pole by the last remaining means of securement......
There should be a law that the material of these signs
be biodegradable.....Then when it rains or blows off it will
enrich the earth on which it falls......Just a thought....Pumps
garage sale....While some people advertise their "event" in
a local paper, most advertising is done with colored 8"x12"
paper stapled, tied, or taped to a pole at the local street corner....
Sign pole, electric pole, wooden, steel, plastic....It does not
matter....The advertisement of this "great" event is affixed
to it.....
Very few people never see them being "put up" but everyone
notices that they are never taken down.....Days after the
"event" the paper signs are blowing in the wind held on to
the pole by the last remaining means of securement......
There should be a law that the material of these signs
be biodegradable.....Then when it rains or blows off it will
enrich the earth on which it falls......Just a thought....Pumps
Friday, November 11, 2005
Dumbing Down
It is truly amazing how marketing of products in the United
States has dumbed down the population.....
Years ago there was milk, light cream and heavy cream....
Your parents told you the use for each of these dairy products...
You drank milk, put light cream in your coffee and whipped
the heavy cream for a Jello or cake topping.....
Have you tried to find heavy cream lately....I guess it was
to difficult for a shopper to figure out what it was use for, so
now it is called Whipping Cream....Forget the light cream, that
is now Half & Half.....(Half milk and half cream...Who knows
if it is light or heavy cream anymore?)......
I wonder how many people think Snow Peas are grown in
the snow?....Pumps
States has dumbed down the population.....
Years ago there was milk, light cream and heavy cream....
Your parents told you the use for each of these dairy products...
You drank milk, put light cream in your coffee and whipped
the heavy cream for a Jello or cake topping.....
Have you tried to find heavy cream lately....I guess it was
to difficult for a shopper to figure out what it was use for, so
now it is called Whipping Cream....Forget the light cream, that
is now Half & Half.....(Half milk and half cream...Who knows
if it is light or heavy cream anymore?)......
I wonder how many people think Snow Peas are grown in
the snow?....Pumps
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Once Upon A Time #13
There was a rubber ball called a "Spauldeen"....Actually it was a
tennis ball without "fuzz".....
In order to make friends and to have other children play with
you, you had to have a NEW "Spauldeen".....Olde ones did not
bounce as high.....The newer the ball the more children wanted
to play with it.......
The ten cents "Spauldeen" has faded into history but the "Cell
Phone" has taken its place......If you want to have friends and
play with other children you must have the newest version of
the "it takes pictures, plays music and calls anyone for 'free"
cell phone.....
Oh the poor parents....Years ago it cost a dime to keep the
children content and happy.....Now it costs 300 times as much.....
(Good thing this equation does not relate to gasoline?)....Pumps
tennis ball without "fuzz".....
In order to make friends and to have other children play with
you, you had to have a NEW "Spauldeen".....Olde ones did not
bounce as high.....The newer the ball the more children wanted
to play with it.......
The ten cents "Spauldeen" has faded into history but the "Cell
Phone" has taken its place......If you want to have friends and
play with other children you must have the newest version of
the "it takes pictures, plays music and calls anyone for 'free"
cell phone.....
Oh the poor parents....Years ago it cost a dime to keep the
children content and happy.....Now it costs 300 times as much.....
(Good thing this equation does not relate to gasoline?)....Pumps
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The Brain
I am in the full belief that the brain of today is the same
as it was 4000 years ago.....A human organ designed to
govern the body's survival mechanism....Get the legs running
when necessary or the arms in a defensive mode.....
The brain has come along way and has developed so that
it can retain and store more information.....But it has not
reach a point where it knows everything.....To solve this
problem "it" has created the word theory.....
Great minds now discuss Global Worming.....Both sides have
theories.....ID vs Darwin....Both sides have theories.....
You can not prove the unknown because if you do, "unknown"
no longer exists.....But "the brain" lets people try.....
The nose smells the smoke.....The brain tells the legs to run....
But now the human brain had developed to a point where
it wants to see how thick the smoke gets first......Pumps
as it was 4000 years ago.....A human organ designed to
govern the body's survival mechanism....Get the legs running
when necessary or the arms in a defensive mode.....
The brain has come along way and has developed so that
it can retain and store more information.....But it has not
reach a point where it knows everything.....To solve this
problem "it" has created the word theory.....
Great minds now discuss Global Worming.....Both sides have
theories.....ID vs Darwin....Both sides have theories.....
You can not prove the unknown because if you do, "unknown"
no longer exists.....But "the brain" lets people try.....
The nose smells the smoke.....The brain tells the legs to run....
But now the human brain had developed to a point where
it wants to see how thick the smoke gets first......Pumps
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
The Ritual Begins
Today is Election Day and all people who could have done so,
should have.....
Before the votes are even counted for this years voting, all
the members of the United States House of Representatives
and 1/3 of the Senators are planning their political campaigns
for 2006....Let's us face it, they only have 365 days until
the next Election Day......
At least we will get about 60 days of relief from all of that
nonsensical political rhetoric......The lawmakers have a
Thanksgiving dinner to attend and some Christmas shopping
to do......After that, hold on to your hat......The whole
"ritual" starts all over again.....Pumps
should have.....
Before the votes are even counted for this years voting, all
the members of the United States House of Representatives
and 1/3 of the Senators are planning their political campaigns
for 2006....Let's us face it, they only have 365 days until
the next Election Day......
At least we will get about 60 days of relief from all of that
nonsensical political rhetoric......The lawmakers have a
Thanksgiving dinner to attend and some Christmas shopping
to do......After that, hold on to your hat......The whole
"ritual" starts all over again.....Pumps
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Leaf Wars
It is that time of the year, in the United States, that the trees
are shedding their leaves in the preparation of Winter.....
It is also that time of the year when leaves fall on the
property of others.....Or, others try to "blow" their leaves
on your property......
"Let the wars begin".......
It takes a lot of time and effort to pick up, bag and dispose
of the trees' residue....It is much easier to "move" the
leaves rather than to pick them up.....Between many a
household this is an annual battle...."Who is the rightful
owner of the leaf?....And, who is to dispose of it?.....
At least, the neighbors are "Spring" friends.....Pumps
are shedding their leaves in the preparation of Winter.....
It is also that time of the year when leaves fall on the
property of others.....Or, others try to "blow" their leaves
on your property......
"Let the wars begin".......
It takes a lot of time and effort to pick up, bag and dispose
of the trees' residue....It is much easier to "move" the
leaves rather than to pick them up.....Between many a
household this is an annual battle...."Who is the rightful
owner of the leaf?....And, who is to dispose of it?.....
At least, the neighbors are "Spring" friends.....Pumps
Sunday, November 06, 2005
The Great "No-Call" List
The politicians, in their infinite wisdom and to gain votes,
created the telephone "no-call" list in order to reduce
the annoying phone calls from telemarketers.....In crafting
the legislation, they allowed companies which whom you
do business and THEM to call you.....Yes, a politician can
have HIS/HER people annoy you......
I suspect that THEY consider themselves to be the only
smart people on earth.....That is why you are called and
reminded about voting issues and the fact that Election
Day exists.....After months of TV ads, newspaper ads
and articles, YOU are still too dumb to think for yourself.....
YOU are a child and YOU have to be reminded when to
get up and vote, along with what lever to pull, hole to punch
or computer screen to touch.....And what is worse, is that
THEY really do not give one "hoot" about YOU anyway....
YOU are just one of the ignorant masses....Pumps
created the telephone "no-call" list in order to reduce
the annoying phone calls from telemarketers.....In crafting
the legislation, they allowed companies which whom you
do business and THEM to call you.....Yes, a politician can
have HIS/HER people annoy you......
I suspect that THEY consider themselves to be the only
smart people on earth.....That is why you are called and
reminded about voting issues and the fact that Election
Day exists.....After months of TV ads, newspaper ads
and articles, YOU are still too dumb to think for yourself.....
YOU are a child and YOU have to be reminded when to
get up and vote, along with what lever to pull, hole to punch
or computer screen to touch.....And what is worse, is that
THEY really do not give one "hoot" about YOU anyway....
YOU are just one of the ignorant masses....Pumps
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Once Upon A Time #12
Garbage trucks were not quiet......There was a day before the
nice and quiet, hydraulic, load mechanism truck came along.....
Prior to hydraulics the garbage was loaded into a truck by
means of a conveyer....The conveyer would take small
"clumps" of garbage up a ramp and drop it into the top of
the truck.....Much like the first moments of a roller coaster
ride......This conveyer was run by a motor driving a large
over-sized bicycle chain.......And the noise it made.....The
"clank-clank-clank" could be heard 1/4 mile away.....
Oh yes, and the garbage cans were made of metal.....Galvanized
steel, no plastic then.....No hydraulic can loading devices
either.....The garbage man earned every bit of his pay.....Pumps
nice and quiet, hydraulic, load mechanism truck came along.....
Prior to hydraulics the garbage was loaded into a truck by
means of a conveyer....The conveyer would take small
"clumps" of garbage up a ramp and drop it into the top of
the truck.....Much like the first moments of a roller coaster
ride......This conveyer was run by a motor driving a large
over-sized bicycle chain.......And the noise it made.....The
"clank-clank-clank" could be heard 1/4 mile away.....
Oh yes, and the garbage cans were made of metal.....Galvanized
steel, no plastic then.....No hydraulic can loading devices
either.....The garbage man earned every bit of his pay.....Pumps
Friday, November 04, 2005
Mr. Honesty
Did you ever try to return money to an Insurance Company?
First ask the customer service rep if they can handle it?
Number two, ask if a supervisor is needed?......
The bottom line comes down to the fact that you have one
way to handle the transaction and they have another....Now
it is no longer about the money, it is about the process.....
Team up Medicare with the Insurance bureaucracies and
all hell can break loose.....If your are persistent you can get
party A to talk to party B and then call Party C.....
Oh yes, 50% of my friends say I am right, the other 50%
say, I am an idiot......So is life.......Pumps
First ask the customer service rep if they can handle it?
Number two, ask if a supervisor is needed?......
The bottom line comes down to the fact that you have one
way to handle the transaction and they have another....Now
it is no longer about the money, it is about the process.....
Team up Medicare with the Insurance bureaucracies and
all hell can break loose.....If your are persistent you can get
party A to talk to party B and then call Party C.....
Oh yes, 50% of my friends say I am right, the other 50%
say, I am an idiot......So is life.......Pumps
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Gun Control
This political season will soon be over....But in every season
the Second Amendment and gun control, pro or con, is a topic
of discussion......
With all the discussion, there have been a few facts never
mentioned.....Three other English speaking countries have
enacted tough and regulatory gun control measures......
England, Canada and Australia......
Most of the laws drafted by these countries, to restrict the
use of firearms, have been in existence for over a period
of 10 years.....Editorial comment in the newspapers of these
three countries are now denoting the failure of the enacted
legislation.....Pumps
the Second Amendment and gun control, pro or con, is a topic
of discussion......
With all the discussion, there have been a few facts never
mentioned.....Three other English speaking countries have
enacted tough and regulatory gun control measures......
England, Canada and Australia......
Most of the laws drafted by these countries, to restrict the
use of firearms, have been in existence for over a period
of 10 years.....Editorial comment in the newspapers of these
three countries are now denoting the failure of the enacted
legislation.....Pumps
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
TV Cooking Segments & Shows
TV has been flooded with the cooking "bug"......Morning news
shows have cooking segments and we have a TV cable
channel devoted to cooking 24/7 along with Martha Stewart's
re-runs or new programming.....
My question is where to you buy the ingredients which are
used by these shows.....The "Chefs" use cuts of meat which
are unattainable to the "common man"....Butcher Shops are
now DOA and the supermarket does not "pre-package" any
of the special cut used by the chefs.....On the Today Show
a chef used a "Spanish Smoked Paprika"....Try to find it in your
local market......
While there are some shows which prepare food for the
"common man".....There are too many which make us feel very
"uncommon"......Pumps
shows have cooking segments and we have a TV cable
channel devoted to cooking 24/7 along with Martha Stewart's
re-runs or new programming.....
My question is where to you buy the ingredients which are
used by these shows.....The "Chefs" use cuts of meat which
are unattainable to the "common man"....Butcher Shops are
now DOA and the supermarket does not "pre-package" any
of the special cut used by the chefs.....On the Today Show
a chef used a "Spanish Smoked Paprika"....Try to find it in your
local market......
While there are some shows which prepare food for the
"common man".....There are too many which make us feel very
"uncommon"......Pumps
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Telemarketers Revisited
It is nice to have some "fun" with the telemarketers although
I doubt if they like my brand of humor......One could buy
a "caller ID" or other screening device but there is not "fun"
in that.....
After some analytical study, calls can be classified into four
basic groups.......#1 Mortgage Refinance, #2 Credit Consolidation,
#3 Satellite TV and finally #4 Home Improvement......
If you have signed up for the "no-call" list have you noticed that
the people you do business with, and CAN call you, DO NOT?.....
They do not want to TICK you off and lose your business.....
The real "fun" is telling someone, outsourced in Bombay or
Calcutta and having difficulty speaking English, where to
"shove it"......Pumps
I doubt if they like my brand of humor......One could buy
a "caller ID" or other screening device but there is not "fun"
in that.....
After some analytical study, calls can be classified into four
basic groups.......#1 Mortgage Refinance, #2 Credit Consolidation,
#3 Satellite TV and finally #4 Home Improvement......
If you have signed up for the "no-call" list have you noticed that
the people you do business with, and CAN call you, DO NOT?.....
They do not want to TICK you off and lose your business.....
The real "fun" is telling someone, outsourced in Bombay or
Calcutta and having difficulty speaking English, where to
"shove it"......Pumps
