Saturday, September 30, 2006
Have You Noticed?
Every Friday night your local TV sport's personage interviews
the coaches of the local high school football teams......The
winning coach gives his comments and a losing coach gives
his comments.......
Every Saturday night your local TV or maybe national sport's
personage interviews the coaches of the state's college
football teams....The winning coach gives his comments and a
losing coach gives his comments.....
Every Sunday night a national sport' s personage interviews
the coaches of the National Football League teams.....The
winning coach give his comments and a losing coach gives his
comments.......
Have you ever noticed that the comments of the coaches
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are just as redundant as
this blog.....It is the same "stuff" over and over and over
again......Pumps
the coaches of the local high school football teams......The
winning coach gives his comments and a losing coach gives
his comments.......
Every Saturday night your local TV or maybe national sport's
personage interviews the coaches of the state's college
football teams....The winning coach gives his comments and a
losing coach gives his comments.....
Every Sunday night a national sport' s personage interviews
the coaches of the National Football League teams.....The
winning coach give his comments and a losing coach gives his
comments.......
Have you ever noticed that the comments of the coaches
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are just as redundant as
this blog.....It is the same "stuff" over and over and over
again......Pumps
Friday, September 29, 2006
Weekly Newspaper Circulars
Every week, either in the newspaper or by mail, you receive
the weekly sale circular for the supermarkets and drug stores
in your area.....
This gripe is with the drug store chains because it has come
to a "head" this week......Available on this past Sunday was an
item I wished to purchase.....So you go to the store on Monday
to purchase it......Only to be informed that, "It did not come
in on the "truck" last week......"The next truck is due in on
Wednesday.".......So you go to the store again on Thursday
only to be informed that the item was NOT on the truck.....
And, "The other stores did not get the item either.".........
(This means do not drive around to other stores, with the
same name, looking for it.)......
The real problem is that a Marketing Department printed
the sales circular in advance of the merchandise being
delivered to the warehouses......And, the supplier, of the
item, was late on his delivery or did not meet his supply
quota.......
The reason WalMart is so successful is that they did not
allow this to happen......The "back-charges" for a late
delivery, from a supplier, were brutal.......(Been there-
done that)........This also resulted in additional profit on
the sale of the item......
If you ever wondered why some items are more expensive
in one store than another it is because some one has to
pay for "corporate mistakes".......Pumps
the weekly sale circular for the supermarkets and drug stores
in your area.....
This gripe is with the drug store chains because it has come
to a "head" this week......Available on this past Sunday was an
item I wished to purchase.....So you go to the store on Monday
to purchase it......Only to be informed that, "It did not come
in on the "truck" last week......"The next truck is due in on
Wednesday.".......So you go to the store again on Thursday
only to be informed that the item was NOT on the truck.....
And, "The other stores did not get the item either.".........
(This means do not drive around to other stores, with the
same name, looking for it.)......
The real problem is that a Marketing Department printed
the sales circular in advance of the merchandise being
delivered to the warehouses......And, the supplier, of the
item, was late on his delivery or did not meet his supply
quota.......
The reason WalMart is so successful is that they did not
allow this to happen......The "back-charges" for a late
delivery, from a supplier, were brutal.......(Been there-
done that)........This also resulted in additional profit on
the sale of the item......
If you ever wondered why some items are more expensive
in one store than another it is because some one has to
pay for "corporate mistakes".......Pumps
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Global Warming - Solved
The entire world of weather science is involved with the
global warming problem......Al Gore has made his movie
and Bill Clinton has set up his research programs.......
(With other people's money).......
For every scientist who says the earth is getting warmer
and humans are causing it (while getting paid for doing so),
there are other scientists who say the cause of the warming
in NOT related to humans (while getting paid for doing so).....
It has now been reported that the earth is warmer than it
was 12,000 years ago.......And I have concluded that that
it HAS been caused definately by humans......The raise in
the earth's temperature is due to BODY HEAT (98.7F)......
Let's face it, how many humans were around 12,000 years
ago to generate any heat at all.......Pumps
global warming problem......Al Gore has made his movie
and Bill Clinton has set up his research programs.......
(With other people's money).......
For every scientist who says the earth is getting warmer
and humans are causing it (while getting paid for doing so),
there are other scientists who say the cause of the warming
in NOT related to humans (while getting paid for doing so).....
It has now been reported that the earth is warmer than it
was 12,000 years ago.......And I have concluded that that
it HAS been caused definately by humans......The raise in
the earth's temperature is due to BODY HEAT (98.7F)......
Let's face it, how many humans were around 12,000 years
ago to generate any heat at all.......Pumps
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Is Something Out Of "Whack"
Every month every household gets it's "every month" bills.....
There is the telephone bill and then the credit card bill(s)......
Along with the utility (electric, gas, oil) bill and then the
cable (TV entertainment) bill......
It has come to pass that if you "max out" on your cable
service the payment to the cable company is more than
for your bodily warmth.....
Why have we become more accustomed to watching TV
in Hi-Def, on LCD or Plasma, while wrapped in a blanket
than just staying warm in our normal clothing and
watching channels 2-13 for free......
They (Cable Companies) got us......We are now paying
for all the "bells and whistles" that they offer while still
only watching 13 channels or less......
How come it was cheaper to watch TV when you had
less choices?.......Now it is all "out there" for your taking
and the utility bill is past due......Where did it go all
out of "whack"?........Pumps
There is the telephone bill and then the credit card bill(s)......
Along with the utility (electric, gas, oil) bill and then the
cable (TV entertainment) bill......
It has come to pass that if you "max out" on your cable
service the payment to the cable company is more than
for your bodily warmth.....
Why have we become more accustomed to watching TV
in Hi-Def, on LCD or Plasma, while wrapped in a blanket
than just staying warm in our normal clothing and
watching channels 2-13 for free......
They (Cable Companies) got us......We are now paying
for all the "bells and whistles" that they offer while still
only watching 13 channels or less......
How come it was cheaper to watch TV when you had
less choices?.......Now it is all "out there" for your taking
and the utility bill is past due......Where did it go all
out of "whack"?........Pumps
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Now Let's "Spin" History
The "spin" game is quite common in today's world.....Going on
the premise that people have short memory spans, other
people tend to change the actual events hoping that effect
the outcome of other's thinking........Most of the "spin"
is relative to events in the past 20-30 years.....But HISTORY....
When people start to "spin" recorded history, in its many
forms, it soon becomes a joke.......
As a result of the recent Mexican migration, activists are
saying that California and parts of the Southwestern United
States are still theirs, by "right"......What they do not mention
is "read history to prove it".......
They do not mention the fact that the Russians had a fort
in Northern California......They do not mention that the
area of California was a vast wasteland and not really
habitated......They do not mention that when Mexico
was free from Spain, they were afraid of France and
England and really saw no value in Alta California with
its two forts and a few religious missions......
Two forts does not "ownership" make......If this were
correct than Kansas City should be owned by Spain....
They had some people in the area once......Pumps
the premise that people have short memory spans, other
people tend to change the actual events hoping that effect
the outcome of other's thinking........Most of the "spin"
is relative to events in the past 20-30 years.....But HISTORY....
When people start to "spin" recorded history, in its many
forms, it soon becomes a joke.......
As a result of the recent Mexican migration, activists are
saying that California and parts of the Southwestern United
States are still theirs, by "right"......What they do not mention
is "read history to prove it".......
They do not mention the fact that the Russians had a fort
in Northern California......They do not mention that the
area of California was a vast wasteland and not really
habitated......They do not mention that when Mexico
was free from Spain, they were afraid of France and
England and really saw no value in Alta California with
its two forts and a few religious missions......
Two forts does not "ownership" make......If this were
correct than Kansas City should be owned by Spain....
They had some people in the area once......Pumps
Monday, September 25, 2006
Kiss Cooking #3
This blog post should be dedicated to the late, great James
Beard, a gourmet cook if there ever was one.......
My first cookbook was a used paperback entitled "The
James Beard Cookbook" which I purchased from a
Salvation Army thrift shop for 25 cents.......
In one recipe, Mr. Beard, listed the use of 2 tablespoons
of tomato puree........OR, ketchup........
Now here is the world renowned chef saying you can use
2 tablespoons of ketchup in a recipe......And, by God, I
did and have done so ever since...Who the heck always
has 2 tablespoons of tomato puree in the refrigerator.....
No one.....But ketchup we always have.......
It was so nice of Mr. Beard to admit that for 2 tablespoons
of some thick red tomato stuff he did not mind the small
amount of vinegar or high fructose corn syrup in it....
It is a great "substitution" in the world of cooking....Pumps
Beard, a gourmet cook if there ever was one.......
My first cookbook was a used paperback entitled "The
James Beard Cookbook" which I purchased from a
Salvation Army thrift shop for 25 cents.......
In one recipe, Mr. Beard, listed the use of 2 tablespoons
of tomato puree........OR, ketchup........
Now here is the world renowned chef saying you can use
2 tablespoons of ketchup in a recipe......And, by God, I
did and have done so ever since...Who the heck always
has 2 tablespoons of tomato puree in the refrigerator.....
No one.....But ketchup we always have.......
It was so nice of Mr. Beard to admit that for 2 tablespoons
of some thick red tomato stuff he did not mind the small
amount of vinegar or high fructose corn syrup in it....
It is a great "substitution" in the world of cooking....Pumps
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Generic Drugs
Walmart's decision, last week, to sell generic prescription
drugs, a 30 day supply, for $4 just made good news copy
and may shake up the prices charged by the large drug
chain stores.......
Have you ever walked into a Walmart store and just
walked out after spending just $4......I doubt it.......
And this pricing IS NOT a "loss leader" item for their
stores either.......Some corporate retirement plans are
supplying generic drugs for less than $4, for a 30 day
supply.......These plans are postage free mail services....
Target has announced that it will match the Walmart
$4 price......They to will also take advantage of "other
shopping" while you are in the store picking up your
prescription......
The "ball" is now in Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid's
"court".......Let's see if they follow Walmart's lead......
Also bear in mind that if you walk into a drug store
you usually ONLY buy drugs.....OK, maybe a lipstick
or greeting card......Pumps
drugs, a 30 day supply, for $4 just made good news copy
and may shake up the prices charged by the large drug
chain stores.......
Have you ever walked into a Walmart store and just
walked out after spending just $4......I doubt it.......
And this pricing IS NOT a "loss leader" item for their
stores either.......Some corporate retirement plans are
supplying generic drugs for less than $4, for a 30 day
supply.......These plans are postage free mail services....
Target has announced that it will match the Walmart
$4 price......They to will also take advantage of "other
shopping" while you are in the store picking up your
prescription......
The "ball" is now in Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid's
"court".......Let's see if they follow Walmart's lead......
Also bear in mind that if you walk into a drug store
you usually ONLY buy drugs.....OK, maybe a lipstick
or greeting card......Pumps
Saturday, September 23, 2006
A Good Geek
I am totally convinced that if you own and "run" a computer
you have to find a 'Good Geek'.......They are worth every
little penny you pay them......
It is quite possible that you will run your automobile with
a little "kink" in it for a while.....But, not your computer.....
"Kinks" lead to spyware, malware, hackers and God knows
what.......It is a crazy "internet" world out there.....
So, find a 'Good Geek'.......Young or old, it does not matter.....
Treat him kindly, only bother him when "all else has failed".....
In the long run you, and your computer, will have a happy
bond, which will last a long time.......Kiss a Geek......Pumps
you have to find a 'Good Geek'.......They are worth every
little penny you pay them......
It is quite possible that you will run your automobile with
a little "kink" in it for a while.....But, not your computer.....
"Kinks" lead to spyware, malware, hackers and God knows
what.......It is a crazy "internet" world out there.....
So, find a 'Good Geek'.......Young or old, it does not matter.....
Treat him kindly, only bother him when "all else has failed".....
In the long run you, and your computer, will have a happy
bond, which will last a long time.......Kiss a Geek......Pumps
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Absent News
During the last few days we have had the presidents of
Iran and Venezuela come to the United States in order
to deliver speeches at the United Nations in New York
City......
Both speeches had a definite anti-American tone and
the TV and print media will cover the story with their
own "spin".....Be it good or bad is not the problem.....
What we do not hear from the media is where these
anti-American types ATE......What fancy New York
restaurants did they eat their meals in.......There was
one formal UN lunch but that was it......Did they have
breakfast at Dunkin Donuts and dinner at "Twenty
One"?........How were their top notch hotel suites?......
Or was it fancy room service, all the way?......
I suspect that good American grub went down one
side of their mouth's while their complaints came out
of the other side.......At least Castro years ago stayed
in a cheap Harlem hotel and beheaded his own
chickens for supper.......Pumps
Iran and Venezuela come to the United States in order
to deliver speeches at the United Nations in New York
City......
Both speeches had a definite anti-American tone and
the TV and print media will cover the story with their
own "spin".....Be it good or bad is not the problem.....
What we do not hear from the media is where these
anti-American types ATE......What fancy New York
restaurants did they eat their meals in.......There was
one formal UN lunch but that was it......Did they have
breakfast at Dunkin Donuts and dinner at "Twenty
One"?........How were their top notch hotel suites?......
Or was it fancy room service, all the way?......
I suspect that good American grub went down one
side of their mouth's while their complaints came out
of the other side.......At least Castro years ago stayed
in a cheap Harlem hotel and beheaded his own
chickens for supper.......Pumps
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
34 Brands Of Spinach
The e-coli problem with spinach is not welcomed news.....There
are, as of this writing, over 130 people ill from eating it.....But,
it is the "back story" that gets me......
There is one company, Natural Selection Foods, growing all
this spinach and selling it to 34 different companies in 34
different bags.......Some are even sold as organic.....
Why are different bags of spinach priced differently?.....If a bag
weighs the same and the price from the grower is the same
which of these 34 brands are "ripping" off the consumer by
charging more for the same spinach, grown on the same piece
of land and under the same sun?......Pumps
are, as of this writing, over 130 people ill from eating it.....But,
it is the "back story" that gets me......
There is one company, Natural Selection Foods, growing all
this spinach and selling it to 34 different companies in 34
different bags.......Some are even sold as organic.....
Why are different bags of spinach priced differently?.....If a bag
weighs the same and the price from the grower is the same
which of these 34 brands are "ripping" off the consumer by
charging more for the same spinach, grown on the same piece
of land and under the same sun?......Pumps
Monday, September 18, 2006
Torture in Guantanamo
Based on a Pentagon report and a story that appeared in an
Australian newspaper, here is some look into the life of a
Guantanamo detainee.....
The must get 8 hours of sleep a day......As recreation they have
table tennis, board games, basketball, volleyball, and football.
More money is spent on their food than the food of the US troops
used to guard them.....They like reading the Harry Potter
novels......(Must be the magic.)......
Oh yes, let us not forget all that free medical, dental and
psychiatric(?) care along with bringing able to watch Arabic
TV shows as they gain an average of twenty pounds......
Did our guys in the movies Stalag 17 or Great Escape get this
kind of treatment?........Pumps
Australian newspaper, here is some look into the life of a
Guantanamo detainee.....
The must get 8 hours of sleep a day......As recreation they have
table tennis, board games, basketball, volleyball, and football.
More money is spent on their food than the food of the US troops
used to guard them.....They like reading the Harry Potter
novels......(Must be the magic.)......
Oh yes, let us not forget all that free medical, dental and
psychiatric(?) care along with bringing able to watch Arabic
TV shows as they gain an average of twenty pounds......
Did our guys in the movies Stalag 17 or Great Escape get this
kind of treatment?........Pumps
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Mexican Politics - A Thought
Back on July 2, 2006, the Liberal candidate for Mexican
President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador lost by less than
0.6 percent of the popular vote to Conservative candidate
Felipe Calderon.....A fact......Since then Obrador has held
protests, rallies and has promised to form a "separate
government" to compete with Calderon's.....
If this should come to pass, I suspect that there will be
major political strife in the country of Mexico......When this
happens Mexico will be full of political refugees.....
Will the next mass exodus from Mexico be POLITICAL?
Then will all the ILLEGIALS also classify themselves as
POLITICAL saying that can not return to to home country
even if they wanted to?........Just a question......Pumps
President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador lost by less than
0.6 percent of the popular vote to Conservative candidate
Felipe Calderon.....A fact......Since then Obrador has held
protests, rallies and has promised to form a "separate
government" to compete with Calderon's.....
If this should come to pass, I suspect that there will be
major political strife in the country of Mexico......When this
happens Mexico will be full of political refugees.....
Will the next mass exodus from Mexico be POLITICAL?
Then will all the ILLEGIALS also classify themselves as
POLITICAL saying that can not return to to home country
even if they wanted to?........Just a question......Pumps
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Cell Phones, Deux
I have to "hit" this subject again......My basic thought is that
the use of a cell telephone does not increase the knowledge
of "man".....In fact it decreases it......With the use of a cell
telephone, "one" does not have to "think".....
Yes a cell phone is a great tool for the purpose of tracking
one's wayward children or reporting a vehicle accident on
a crowded highway, but it ends there........Constant
communication with others does not increase one's own
"skills of life".....
The only way to know if your wife truly likes the quality
of a red or green pepper is to bring it home and let her
see and feel it......Trying to call her up from the local
supermarket and explain in, explicit detail, the color and
softness does not work......
As a life's learning experience, you will know what quality
of pepper she will "live" with when you go shopping
for a second time......Pumps
the use of a cell telephone does not increase the knowledge
of "man".....In fact it decreases it......With the use of a cell
telephone, "one" does not have to "think".....
Yes a cell phone is a great tool for the purpose of tracking
one's wayward children or reporting a vehicle accident on
a crowded highway, but it ends there........Constant
communication with others does not increase one's own
"skills of life".....
The only way to know if your wife truly likes the quality
of a red or green pepper is to bring it home and let her
see and feel it......Trying to call her up from the local
supermarket and explain in, explicit detail, the color and
softness does not work......
As a life's learning experience, you will know what quality
of pepper she will "live" with when you go shopping
for a second time......Pumps
Friday, September 15, 2006
Diesel Fuel
Continuing on the topic of dropping gasoline prices, I remembered
about diesel fuel.......Diesel is in the family of kerosene, number one
fuel oil and jet fuel......It all depends on the refining process.....
Years ago diesel was cheap.....Yes there was an engine that could
use it, but no body owned the engine.......Back in the 70's, with the
first skyrocketing of gasoline prices, a lot of people went to diesel
powered cars......Ha, diesel was cheaper........
Not so anymore......Every over-the-road trucker is running on
diesel fuel.......There may be a few pickup trucks that still "burn"
the stuff.......And the owners of these trucks are proud that they
own "A Diesel".......
Well as usual......Gasoline today, in Jabunyaville, is $2.23 per
gallon......Diesel is $2.79.......When it comes down to it, you
really can not "beat" the system.......
I also remember the fuel oil - natural gas wars, which involved
household heating.......Pumps
about diesel fuel.......Diesel is in the family of kerosene, number one
fuel oil and jet fuel......It all depends on the refining process.....
Years ago diesel was cheap.....Yes there was an engine that could
use it, but no body owned the engine.......Back in the 70's, with the
first skyrocketing of gasoline prices, a lot of people went to diesel
powered cars......Ha, diesel was cheaper........
Not so anymore......Every over-the-road trucker is running on
diesel fuel.......There may be a few pickup trucks that still "burn"
the stuff.......And the owners of these trucks are proud that they
own "A Diesel".......
Well as usual......Gasoline today, in Jabunyaville, is $2.23 per
gallon......Diesel is $2.79.......When it comes down to it, you
really can not "beat" the system.......
I also remember the fuel oil - natural gas wars, which involved
household heating.......Pumps
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Gasoline Prices
Well, here in Jabunyaville, gasoline has dropped down to $2.25
per gallon, regular grade.......
I do not know the inside workings of the petroleum industry
and therefore am a normal consumer of the product......
Over my 70 years, or so, I have seen gasoline prices go up
and down, like a yo-yo.....I made it through the crisis in the
70's without a scratch.....I have filled my tank at prices from
$0.18 to $3.19 per gallon.......
From my point of view, the price has dropped this time, because
a lot of guys got tired of gambling and looking into a crystal ball....
I think they "hedged" every bet they could think of and nothing
happened on the "oil poker board"......Since they are now playing
the game "closer to the vest", down has come the price.....
But let's face it.....The one that got "taken" at the table was
us......Pumps
per gallon, regular grade.......
I do not know the inside workings of the petroleum industry
and therefore am a normal consumer of the product......
Over my 70 years, or so, I have seen gasoline prices go up
and down, like a yo-yo.....I made it through the crisis in the
70's without a scratch.....I have filled my tank at prices from
$0.18 to $3.19 per gallon.......
From my point of view, the price has dropped this time, because
a lot of guys got tired of gambling and looking into a crystal ball....
I think they "hedged" every bet they could think of and nothing
happened on the "oil poker board"......Since they are now playing
the game "closer to the vest", down has come the price.....
But let's face it.....The one that got "taken" at the table was
us......Pumps
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Twelve Items Or Less
Twice this week I have had the privilege of being
behind a person in a supermarket, who could neither
read nor count, on a "quick check-out" line.......
Supermarket shoppers have become aware that the
store employees, especially check-out personal, will
"say nothing" about the number of items on a
conveyor belt......They want no corporate-customer
confrontations of any kind......
So the only negative result from getting on a "quick
check-out" line with 15 to 20 items are from the
other people waiting in line........This is when you hear,
"I'm sorry, I did not see the sign" or "I did not think
I had this many items."
In any case you are stuck and have to wait........These
customers without reading skills also have trouble
with their coupons and check writing, for some reason
also.......One more nail in the "politeness" coffin.....
Pumps
behind a person in a supermarket, who could neither
read nor count, on a "quick check-out" line.......
Supermarket shoppers have become aware that the
store employees, especially check-out personal, will
"say nothing" about the number of items on a
conveyor belt......They want no corporate-customer
confrontations of any kind......
So the only negative result from getting on a "quick
check-out" line with 15 to 20 items are from the
other people waiting in line........This is when you hear,
"I'm sorry, I did not see the sign" or "I did not think
I had this many items."
In any case you are stuck and have to wait........These
customers without reading skills also have trouble
with their coupons and check writing, for some reason
also.......One more nail in the "politeness" coffin.....
Pumps
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A Guy Named van der Straten
Some time ago I brought up the subject of the Olde
Colonial Ruling class on the island of Aruba......
The first Police Chief of Police in charge of the Natalee
Holloway case was Jan van der Straten......If I
remember correctly he "retired" from his government
position some 6 months after the "case" started.......
He then dropped off the "radar screen" and was out
of the news and public eye........He was replace by
Gerold Dompig who has since passed the "case" to
a third person, which has now passed it over to the
Dutch Police in Holland.......
Well Mr. van der Straten has now surfaced......He is the
Police Chief of an island named Bonaire......
Bonaire is a small island in the olde Dutch West Indies.....
If Aruba is on the left, Curacao is in the middle and
Bonaire is on the right.....All within a "hop, skip and
jump" of one another.......
Yes, an olde colonial ruling class........Pumps
Colonial Ruling class on the island of Aruba......
The first Police Chief of Police in charge of the Natalee
Holloway case was Jan van der Straten......If I
remember correctly he "retired" from his government
position some 6 months after the "case" started.......
He then dropped off the "radar screen" and was out
of the news and public eye........He was replace by
Gerold Dompig who has since passed the "case" to
a third person, which has now passed it over to the
Dutch Police in Holland.......
Well Mr. van der Straten has now surfaced......He is the
Police Chief of an island named Bonaire......
Bonaire is a small island in the olde Dutch West Indies.....
If Aruba is on the left, Curacao is in the middle and
Bonaire is on the right.....All within a "hop, skip and
jump" of one another.......
Yes, an olde colonial ruling class........Pumps
A Guy Named van der Straten
Some time ago I brought up the subject of the Olde
Colonial Ruling class on the island of Aruba......
The first Police Chief of Police in charge of the Natalee
Holloway case was Jan van der Straten......If I
remember correctly he "retired" from his government
position some 6 months after the "case" started.......
He then dropped off the "radar screen" and was out
of the news and public eye........He was replace by
Gerold Dompig who has since passed the "case" to
a third person, which has now passed it over to the
Dutch Police in Holland.......
Well Mr. van der Straten has now surfaced......He is the
Police Chief of an island named Bonaire......
Bonaire is a small island in the olde Dutch West Indies.....
If Aruba is on the left, Curacao is in the middle and
Bonaire is on the right.....All within a "hop, skip and
jump" of one another.......
Yes, an olde colonial ruling class........Pumps
Colonial Ruling class on the island of Aruba......
The first Police Chief of Police in charge of the Natalee
Holloway case was Jan van der Straten......If I
remember correctly he "retired" from his government
position some 6 months after the "case" started.......
He then dropped off the "radar screen" and was out
of the news and public eye........He was replace by
Gerold Dompig who has since passed the "case" to
a third person, which has now passed it over to the
Dutch Police in Holland.......
Well Mr. van der Straten has now surfaced......He is the
Police Chief of an island named Bonaire......
Bonaire is a small island in the olde Dutch West Indies.....
If Aruba is on the left, Curacao is in the middle and
Bonaire is on the right.....All within a "hop, skip and
jump" of one another.......
Yes, an olde colonial ruling class........Pumps
Sunday, September 10, 2006
My Sunday Newspaper
On most Sundays there is a column dedicated to how "your"
local elected officials voted during the past week while
in Washington DC......
Well here is a good one for you on the subject of Osama
Bin Laden.....
"Voting 96-0, senators approved an amendment to
REACTIVATE a CIA unit set up after Sept. 11 to hunt
down Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders.
The team was DISBANDED last year. A yes vote was to
add $200 million to (bill #) HR5631 to REACTIVATE the
unit."
Now you can understand headlines that read "Osama Hunt
Grows Cold"......And Senators who complain that he has not
been caught, do not admit that they DISBANDED the unit
for a year........Humm.......Pumps
local elected officials voted during the past week while
in Washington DC......
Well here is a good one for you on the subject of Osama
Bin Laden.....
"Voting 96-0, senators approved an amendment to
REACTIVATE a CIA unit set up after Sept. 11 to hunt
down Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders.
The team was DISBANDED last year. A yes vote was to
add $200 million to (bill #) HR5631 to REACTIVATE the
unit."
Now you can understand headlines that read "Osama Hunt
Grows Cold"......And Senators who complain that he has not
been caught, do not admit that they DISBANDED the unit
for a year........Humm.......Pumps
Saturday, September 09, 2006
The SS Dutchess
The SS Duchess was an olde inter coastal steam ship built
in the 1920's for the purpose of transporting a large group
of people on "river voyage outings"......In the 80' it still
had a working, steam engine, power plant and was owned
by a "consortium" in hopes of still making a little money......
It "plied" the waters of New York City harbor and its
Hudson and East Rivers......
This olde "tub" was a charter vehicle......A broker would hire
the boat, sell 2,000 tickets and off passengers and crew went
for a "day trip"......On board food and drink was provided
to "bestow happiness".......
If, for any reason, anything went wrong.....(A loss of A/C
electrical power - for band instruments) or perhaps (over-
selling of 2,500 tickets - which conficted with Coast Guard
regulations), the worst in humanity was visible........
All of a sudden it was not a problem with 20 people, it was
a problem with 2,000......In number there was strength
and therefore a bigger problem.......
The problem today with US immigration policy, is like
the SS Duchess......It is the numbers of people involved,
not the social situation.......20 immigrants in a town
may not be a problem, 2,000 can be.......
PS: The SS Duchess in now at a permanent dock and part
of the NY City correction facility.....It is a jail......Pumps
in the 1920's for the purpose of transporting a large group
of people on "river voyage outings"......In the 80' it still
had a working, steam engine, power plant and was owned
by a "consortium" in hopes of still making a little money......
It "plied" the waters of New York City harbor and its
Hudson and East Rivers......
This olde "tub" was a charter vehicle......A broker would hire
the boat, sell 2,000 tickets and off passengers and crew went
for a "day trip"......On board food and drink was provided
to "bestow happiness".......
If, for any reason, anything went wrong.....(A loss of A/C
electrical power - for band instruments) or perhaps (over-
selling of 2,500 tickets - which conficted with Coast Guard
regulations), the worst in humanity was visible........
All of a sudden it was not a problem with 20 people, it was
a problem with 2,000......In number there was strength
and therefore a bigger problem.......
The problem today with US immigration policy, is like
the SS Duchess......It is the numbers of people involved,
not the social situation.......20 immigrants in a town
may not be a problem, 2,000 can be.......
PS: The SS Duchess in now at a permanent dock and part
of the NY City correction facility.....It is a jail......Pumps
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Boomers Did It #2
Forgive me but this generation DOES bug me......It appears
that all changes to modern society happened some 30 years
ago......During the 70's......When the boomers were hitting
their "stride".....
Along with the 70's and the freedom to "BE", was the
aftermath of the late 60's social reconstruction.....With
the RIGHTS came the "freeness".......Everybody was
told they could do what they wanted, when they wanted,
because they had "rights" and were therefore "free" to
express them......
The music was great, the sex was great, the "in your face-ness"
was great......However the birds have come home to roost.....
It is now payback time for the "boomers" in excessive
legislation, political correctness and court judgements......
Here is a generation that, now realizes, that at the age of
60 nothing is free anymore......Now they have to grasp
the fact that nothing was really free in the first place......
The people will survive, as others have before them......
It is a "dictate of history".......Pumps
that all changes to modern society happened some 30 years
ago......During the 70's......When the boomers were hitting
their "stride".....
Along with the 70's and the freedom to "BE", was the
aftermath of the late 60's social reconstruction.....With
the RIGHTS came the "freeness".......Everybody was
told they could do what they wanted, when they wanted,
because they had "rights" and were therefore "free" to
express them......
The music was great, the sex was great, the "in your face-ness"
was great......However the birds have come home to roost.....
It is now payback time for the "boomers" in excessive
legislation, political correctness and court judgements......
Here is a generation that, now realizes, that at the age of
60 nothing is free anymore......Now they have to grasp
the fact that nothing was really free in the first place......
The people will survive, as others have before them......
It is a "dictate of history".......Pumps
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Infrastructure
I have come to the conclusion that the majority of the people
in the America do not know the true meaning of the word
"infrastructure".......
It seems that every time a road collapses, a water or sewer
pipe breaks or a utility pole cracks in half, people think that
the repair can be immediate......Like applying a "Band-Aid"
over a small cut........
The formation of "infrastructure" takes years and years to
establish......New Orleans' "infrastructure" is over 200 years
old.....Here in Jabunyaville a sewer pipe 80 under the ground
broke and a local neighborhood was flooded out because of the
lack of proper drainage........
If it takes 200 years to build, and only one day to be destroyed,
it will not take 200 years to repair, but it will take more than
a day to repair......Why do people not understand this?......
Guess they never learned the true meaning of the word in
school.......Pumps
in the America do not know the true meaning of the word
"infrastructure".......
It seems that every time a road collapses, a water or sewer
pipe breaks or a utility pole cracks in half, people think that
the repair can be immediate......Like applying a "Band-Aid"
over a small cut........
The formation of "infrastructure" takes years and years to
establish......New Orleans' "infrastructure" is over 200 years
old.....Here in Jabunyaville a sewer pipe 80 under the ground
broke and a local neighborhood was flooded out because of the
lack of proper drainage........
If it takes 200 years to build, and only one day to be destroyed,
it will not take 200 years to repair, but it will take more than
a day to repair......Why do people not understand this?......
Guess they never learned the true meaning of the word in
school.......Pumps
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
The Boomers Did It
Today I bought some cheese......Although it says cheese on the
outer wrapping on the package, it is not the same cheese that
I remember that came out of a wooden box when you ordered
it sliced at the local dairy store......
Today I also remembered that every week or so some
organization is complaining about the quality of the food that
we currently consume.......And, their desire for more regulation
and manufacturing supervision......
Today I noticed that sour cream is no longer sour.....That
American cheese has more soy in it than cow's milk.....And that
we are eating "faux" food.......
Today I came to the conclusion that the "boomer" generation
changed all the specifications on food and now they are "reaping
what they have sown".......I remember real cheese.....They are
the ones that made "faux" cheese.....And now they can not
stand eating THEIR food......Pumps
outer wrapping on the package, it is not the same cheese that
I remember that came out of a wooden box when you ordered
it sliced at the local dairy store......
Today I also remembered that every week or so some
organization is complaining about the quality of the food that
we currently consume.......And, their desire for more regulation
and manufacturing supervision......
Today I noticed that sour cream is no longer sour.....That
American cheese has more soy in it than cow's milk.....And that
we are eating "faux" food.......
Today I came to the conclusion that the "boomer" generation
changed all the specifications on food and now they are "reaping
what they have sown".......I remember real cheese.....They are
the ones that made "faux" cheese.....And now they can not
stand eating THEIR food......Pumps
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Here We Go Again
Ernesto has just blown itself out in the Atlantic Ocean and
now the TV-Radio news will keep telling us about Florence.....
At this writing, the storm is sitting way out in the Southern
Atlantic, far away from everything......But that does not
stop the media from reporting it as if it was just around the
corner.....The New Orleans paper has warned it readers
already......
While early tracking reports have Florence staying in the
Atlantic and not touching any land area, this will not stop
the media from telling every one to replace all that can
food that was eaten in anticipation of Ernesto......
Side note: Florence is the sixth named storm this hurricane
season.....Average named storms per year - 11.......I guess
that climatologists, and their recent "down sizing" of global
warming, will take the credit for an inactive storm
season.......Pumps
now the TV-Radio news will keep telling us about Florence.....
At this writing, the storm is sitting way out in the Southern
Atlantic, far away from everything......But that does not
stop the media from reporting it as if it was just around the
corner.....The New Orleans paper has warned it readers
already......
While early tracking reports have Florence staying in the
Atlantic and not touching any land area, this will not stop
the media from telling every one to replace all that can
food that was eaten in anticipation of Ernesto......
Side note: Florence is the sixth named storm this hurricane
season.....Average named storms per year - 11.......I guess
that climatologists, and their recent "down sizing" of global
warming, will take the credit for an inactive storm
season.......Pumps
Monday, September 04, 2006
Olde Galileo
About two Christmas' ago, I bought a Galileo thermometer
for my book shelf, over the computer.....You know one of
those things full of a fluid and five floating balls.....It is a
nice novelty......
Well today I looked up and my "red ball" was dropping.....
This meant that the temperature in my computer room
was 80F......Then I checked, my newly purchased 2006
electronic weather station......Indoor computer room
temperature was 79.5F.......
Let's hear it for Galileo.......With all the modern technology
his little tube of fluid and colored floating balls was only
0.5F "off" and it was designed some 375, or so, years
ago.......Pumps
for my book shelf, over the computer.....You know one of
those things full of a fluid and five floating balls.....It is a
nice novelty......
Well today I looked up and my "red ball" was dropping.....
This meant that the temperature in my computer room
was 80F......Then I checked, my newly purchased 2006
electronic weather station......Indoor computer room
temperature was 79.5F.......
Let's hear it for Galileo.......With all the modern technology
his little tube of fluid and colored floating balls was only
0.5F "off" and it was designed some 375, or so, years
ago.......Pumps
Friday, September 01, 2006
Does The Right Hand Know What - - - ?
Yesterday on the Today Show, during its first hour (7AM to
8AM), they had a news story regarding the improving
economy and its ramifications on middle income Americans.....
It seems, the way they "put it", the booming economy was
not providing increased wages and showed a family of four,
with two wage earners, and their daily struggle.......
During the second hour of the program, (8AM to 9AM) they
broadcast a story about the money spent on 10 year old
children who get "spa treatments".......Costing some $75
to $40 for facials, body messages and other pampering......
In all fairness they was a pro and con discussion by some
"talking heads" after the news segment......
Question is, if the various producers of the Today Show know
what the financial condition in America is how can they report
it accuately?.....On "One Hand" we have a struggling family
and on "The Other Hand" little 10 year olds are getting
expensive "spa treatments"......
Are these little 10 year old girls the 1% of America's rich
we keep hearing about?......Pumps
8AM), they had a news story regarding the improving
economy and its ramifications on middle income Americans.....
It seems, the way they "put it", the booming economy was
not providing increased wages and showed a family of four,
with two wage earners, and their daily struggle.......
During the second hour of the program, (8AM to 9AM) they
broadcast a story about the money spent on 10 year old
children who get "spa treatments".......Costing some $75
to $40 for facials, body messages and other pampering......
In all fairness they was a pro and con discussion by some
"talking heads" after the news segment......
Question is, if the various producers of the Today Show know
what the financial condition in America is how can they report
it accuately?.....On "One Hand" we have a struggling family
and on "The Other Hand" little 10 year olds are getting
expensive "spa treatments"......
Are these little 10 year old girls the 1% of America's rich
we keep hearing about?......Pumps
