Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Katie Couric
If my olde frail memory serves me correctly, I remember Katie
on the outdoor set of the NBC Today Show, some year or so ago,
tell the story that she once had a boss who told her that she
would not succeed in the TV business......It may have been
during her early days while working in Washington, D.C.......
For all those years on the Today Show every day she would
do perhaps one or two major news stories.....The rest was all
"puff pastry" for the stay at home moms.....Features on
clothing, the latest shoe styles etc......
Well Ms Couric is now playing in the "big leagues"......Her CBS
"prime time" TV ratings have dropped to "third", and last week
in the Los Angeles TV market, she was "seventh", following
sitcom reruns......Maybe that olde boss was right.....Pumps
on the outdoor set of the NBC Today Show, some year or so ago,
tell the story that she once had a boss who told her that she
would not succeed in the TV business......It may have been
during her early days while working in Washington, D.C.......
For all those years on the Today Show every day she would
do perhaps one or two major news stories.....The rest was all
"puff pastry" for the stay at home moms.....Features on
clothing, the latest shoe styles etc......
Well Ms Couric is now playing in the "big leagues"......Her CBS
"prime time" TV ratings have dropped to "third", and last week
in the Los Angeles TV market, she was "seventh", following
sitcom reruns......Maybe that olde boss was right.....Pumps
Sunday, October 29, 2006
In My Honest Opinion
All the users of the internet have converted the title of this
blog to IMHO......Well, this time the IMHO is once again
about New Orleans.....
The Mayor of the city has said that it will not fully
recover until 2010.......Another 4 years.......I doubt it.....
The influx and availability of all that Federal Government
money has changed the scripted line of "Show me the money"
to "How do I get the money?"......With all the factions of
local and state government, along with any "politico" or
business entrepreneur with an evil scam, they all are trying
to get their hands on "the money"......With all the "power
plays", manipulation, and quest for power (and "the money"),
I doubt if New Orleans makes it as a "true" city again
until 2025.......
However if all the money is passed along in the families, at
least 2006-7 money will support their offspring during
the 2025-30 years, and helping Social Security...Pumps
blog to IMHO......Well, this time the IMHO is once again
about New Orleans.....
The Mayor of the city has said that it will not fully
recover until 2010.......Another 4 years.......I doubt it.....
The influx and availability of all that Federal Government
money has changed the scripted line of "Show me the money"
to "How do I get the money?"......With all the factions of
local and state government, along with any "politico" or
business entrepreneur with an evil scam, they all are trying
to get their hands on "the money"......With all the "power
plays", manipulation, and quest for power (and "the money"),
I doubt if New Orleans makes it as a "true" city again
until 2025.......
However if all the money is passed along in the families, at
least 2006-7 money will support their offspring during
the 2025-30 years, and helping Social Security...Pumps
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Seat Belts
A local car accident, here in Jabunyaville, has left one
teenager dead and another in trouble for not wearing
a seat belt, amongst other charges......
It seems that adults can't fathom why teens will
not wear seat belts while driving.....Here is an answer
perhaps......
When you first are put in a car you are strapped into
a seat, facing backwards......Then you are allowed to face
forwards, but are still strapped in.....As you get older,
the plastic seat goes, and you are forced to sit in the
back with a belt holding you in......I suspect that
by the age of 13 a teen has had his/her fill of riding in
a car, strapped in......
So along with the privilege to drive at the age of 16-17
comes the privilege of not being strapped in.......
For the first time a teen is "free" sitting in a car.......
Insurance rates and all the Driver's Ed will not change
human nature.......The only time people like to be
"strapped in" is when it may enhance some weird sexual
pleasure, so I've been told.......Pumps
teenager dead and another in trouble for not wearing
a seat belt, amongst other charges......
It seems that adults can't fathom why teens will
not wear seat belts while driving.....Here is an answer
perhaps......
When you first are put in a car you are strapped into
a seat, facing backwards......Then you are allowed to face
forwards, but are still strapped in.....As you get older,
the plastic seat goes, and you are forced to sit in the
back with a belt holding you in......I suspect that
by the age of 13 a teen has had his/her fill of riding in
a car, strapped in......
So along with the privilege to drive at the age of 16-17
comes the privilege of not being strapped in.......
For the first time a teen is "free" sitting in a car.......
Insurance rates and all the Driver's Ed will not change
human nature.......The only time people like to be
"strapped in" is when it may enhance some weird sexual
pleasure, so I've been told.......Pumps
Friday, October 27, 2006
Once Upon A Time #21
If I remember correctly, during the last century, which was
only six years ago, the signature on the back of your credit
card meant something......When was the last time some store
clerk asked to see the back of your card and confirm it with
your signed purchase receipt?.....
In order to speed up the process and time to conduct a
sales transaction, you now just scan the card on some
counter top device and return the card to your wallet......
You even sign your "receipt" electronically, in many times
out of the sight of the store clerk......
It appears that everyday credit card fraud is now just a
part of the "cost of doing business" that the banks
no longer care......The only thing they have forgotten in
their quotation is the fact that the card user never does
really recover for the fraudulent use of his/her card by
some other means.......Pumps
only six years ago, the signature on the back of your credit
card meant something......When was the last time some store
clerk asked to see the back of your card and confirm it with
your signed purchase receipt?.....
In order to speed up the process and time to conduct a
sales transaction, you now just scan the card on some
counter top device and return the card to your wallet......
You even sign your "receipt" electronically, in many times
out of the sight of the store clerk......
It appears that everyday credit card fraud is now just a
part of the "cost of doing business" that the banks
no longer care......The only thing they have forgotten in
their quotation is the fact that the card user never does
really recover for the fraudulent use of his/her card by
some other means.......Pumps
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Pollution
Sometimes I get sick and tired of hearing, from fellow
Americans, that everything is America's fault......The
latest thing I ran into was the pollution in Cairo, Egypt.....
After digging into Google a little, I find out that of the
20 most polluted cities in the world 16 of them are
in China......(A "developing country" which is too busy
making money.).......Other cities besides Cairo were
Karachi, New Delhi, and Lima, Peru........
A side note is that China and India are exempt from
the, so called, Kyoto Treaty......
I think it about time some Americans get their little
"butts" on a plane and tell people in Beijing how to
lead their lives, and clean up their air......I wonder how
far they will get?......Pumps
Americans, that everything is America's fault......The
latest thing I ran into was the pollution in Cairo, Egypt.....
After digging into Google a little, I find out that of the
20 most polluted cities in the world 16 of them are
in China......(A "developing country" which is too busy
making money.).......Other cities besides Cairo were
Karachi, New Delhi, and Lima, Peru........
A side note is that China and India are exempt from
the, so called, Kyoto Treaty......
I think it about time some Americans get their little
"butts" on a plane and tell people in Beijing how to
lead their lives, and clean up their air......I wonder how
far they will get?......Pumps
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Cost Of Talent
It has been reported that NBC-TV wants to save $750 million,
over the next two years, by "downsizing" with firing of some
700 people....This averages out to $530 thousand per person.....
The entertainment and sports industries hire and fire "talent"....
Actors, writers, directors, team managers, coaches and players
are all considered "talent"......With a young baseball pitcher, two
years out of college, making over $1 million, it is easy to see
where someone working in TV, as an assistant producer, could
make $1/2 a million........
The regular corporate world does not pay for "talent" it pays
for "experience"......In the slave trade days of olde, one was
worth more if pretty, a musician or strong.....I guess the same
holds true today.......
And as everything does "cycle" in life, I guess this is the
beginning of the "down cycle" for overpriced "talent"......Pumps
over the next two years, by "downsizing" with firing of some
700 people....This averages out to $530 thousand per person.....
The entertainment and sports industries hire and fire "talent"....
Actors, writers, directors, team managers, coaches and players
are all considered "talent"......With a young baseball pitcher, two
years out of college, making over $1 million, it is easy to see
where someone working in TV, as an assistant producer, could
make $1/2 a million........
The regular corporate world does not pay for "talent" it pays
for "experience"......In the slave trade days of olde, one was
worth more if pretty, a musician or strong.....I guess the same
holds true today.......
And as everything does "cycle" in life, I guess this is the
beginning of the "down cycle" for overpriced "talent"......Pumps
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Oil Companies
Well the price of gasoline has dropped and everybody seems
to be happy.......The next time the price of gasoline goes
up and people start to complain about the American Oil
Companies, please consider the following.....
BP/Amoco is British owned......
Shell Oil is Dutch owned
Citgo is owned by Venezuela
Lukoil is a Russian company
Liberty is Australian
What have we got, Exxon/Mobil?........Pumps
to be happy.......The next time the price of gasoline goes
up and people start to complain about the American Oil
Companies, please consider the following.....
BP/Amoco is British owned......
Shell Oil is Dutch owned
Citgo is owned by Venezuela
Lukoil is a Russian company
Liberty is Australian
What have we got, Exxon/Mobil?........Pumps
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Germophobic
This word does not appear in a 1970 copy of Webster's
Dictionary......What has made some people afraid of germs
in the last 30 years?......
In my opinion the human body has to develop it's own
personal immune system.....This happens during your
"youthful growing up" period.....For some adult to become
a germophobe seems ironic to me......"One" starts to protect
themselves from germs that they are already protected
from.......If "one" has AIDS/HIV then that is a different
story.....(Your immune system has been damaged.).....
And, if you have noticed.....Germophobic people are only
germophobic to the point that THEY want to be......An
example would be someone who will not shake your hand
but talk to you if you have the sniffles......
Germophobic is just a "gimmick" for attention.....Pumps
Dictionary......What has made some people afraid of germs
in the last 30 years?......
In my opinion the human body has to develop it's own
personal immune system.....This happens during your
"youthful growing up" period.....For some adult to become
a germophobe seems ironic to me......"One" starts to protect
themselves from germs that they are already protected
from.......If "one" has AIDS/HIV then that is a different
story.....(Your immune system has been damaged.).....
And, if you have noticed.....Germophobic people are only
germophobic to the point that THEY want to be......An
example would be someone who will not shake your hand
but talk to you if you have the sniffles......
Germophobic is just a "gimmick" for attention.....Pumps
Friday, October 20, 2006
Radiation Monitor
After some 50 years of being dormant, the atomic bomb or
a "dirty" bomb is now once again in focus......Since the
newer generations have been "dumbed down" by the
current education system - what has ever happened to
the Geiger counter?.......(Or officially the Geiger-Muller
counter.)......
I hate to tell you "youngin's" but back in High School, we
were allowed to perform experiments with the so called
Radiation Monitor.......Yep, Chemistry Class of 1953......
These experiments were performed when we did not have
to cower under the desks, as shown now in many TV
clips......
Just think back then the atom, mercury, lead, sulphur,
carbon and zinc where our "friend"......Today the kids,
and adults, are taught to fear them, result, the "fraidy-cat"
generation......Pumps
a "dirty" bomb is now once again in focus......Since the
newer generations have been "dumbed down" by the
current education system - what has ever happened to
the Geiger counter?.......(Or officially the Geiger-Muller
counter.)......
I hate to tell you "youngin's" but back in High School, we
were allowed to perform experiments with the so called
Radiation Monitor.......Yep, Chemistry Class of 1953......
These experiments were performed when we did not have
to cower under the desks, as shown now in many TV
clips......
Just think back then the atom, mercury, lead, sulphur,
carbon and zinc where our "friend"......Today the kids,
and adults, are taught to fear them, result, the "fraidy-cat"
generation......Pumps
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Another Sign Of Winter
Acorns.......Live in a house under an oak tree and it can
keep you awake at night, at this time of year......All night long
these little "bombs" hit the roof, either one at a time or in
multiples......Three or four dropping at a time can make your
house feel that it is under attack by some foreign alien force.....
Some are from low branches and only drop a few feet.....But
these take their good old time rolling down the roof.......If they
drop from a higher height, they just bounce off into the
surrounding yard, but they do make a bigger "klunk" on the
roof......You can't win either way......
I guess Nature is good in a way.....At least these little gems of
food will be on the ground for the winter and spring.......
The sight of a squirrel falling out of a tree trying to eat one of
these things would be worse.......Who needs to see "splat" or
a limping tree rat.....Pumps
keep you awake at night, at this time of year......All night long
these little "bombs" hit the roof, either one at a time or in
multiples......Three or four dropping at a time can make your
house feel that it is under attack by some foreign alien force.....
Some are from low branches and only drop a few feet.....But
these take their good old time rolling down the roof.......If they
drop from a higher height, they just bounce off into the
surrounding yard, but they do make a bigger "klunk" on the
roof......You can't win either way......
I guess Nature is good in a way.....At least these little gems of
food will be on the ground for the winter and spring.......
The sight of a squirrel falling out of a tree trying to eat one of
these things would be worse.......Who needs to see "splat" or
a limping tree rat.....Pumps
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Flu Shot Day
Yes, it is that time of the year......All us olde farts have to go
and get their flu shot in preparation for the forthcoming
winter months......
There is no supply panic this year......In fact my local Walgreens
got smart and went to an "by appointment" system and
that got you in and out in about 15 minutes.....In years past
there was a long line and a 1-1/2 hour wait........
I guess this new procedure resulted in #1 less chaos, #2 less
pilferage (from waiting in 'stocked' isles) and #3 more profit
for the drugstore (they got the sale to Medicare or insurance
company.).........
One thing about a flu shot......It is a sure sign that winter
is coming......Pumps
and get their flu shot in preparation for the forthcoming
winter months......
There is no supply panic this year......In fact my local Walgreens
got smart and went to an "by appointment" system and
that got you in and out in about 15 minutes.....In years past
there was a long line and a 1-1/2 hour wait........
I guess this new procedure resulted in #1 less chaos, #2 less
pilferage (from waiting in 'stocked' isles) and #3 more profit
for the drugstore (they got the sale to Medicare or insurance
company.).........
One thing about a flu shot......It is a sure sign that winter
is coming......Pumps
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Hugs And Kisses
Ask any person in their 60's or older whether they got
through life, as far as they have, with "hugs and kisses"
and they will tell you "no"......"Compassion" is a very
short lived experience and does not solve a problem....
Do you remember that scraped knee when you were a kid?
It was not the "hug and kisses" that cured it....It was
the stinging iodine and tight band-aid that healed it.....
The "hug and kisses", along with a root beer lollipop,
just took your mind off your injury for a while.....When
the lollipop was finished the knee pain was back.....
If anyone thinks that, in this 21 century, "hugs and kisses'
will get you through life, you are mistaken....And there is a
one in ten chance you may be "hugging" a pervert.....Pumps
through life, as far as they have, with "hugs and kisses"
and they will tell you "no"......"Compassion" is a very
short lived experience and does not solve a problem....
Do you remember that scraped knee when you were a kid?
It was not the "hug and kisses" that cured it....It was
the stinging iodine and tight band-aid that healed it.....
The "hug and kisses", along with a root beer lollipop,
just took your mind off your injury for a while.....When
the lollipop was finished the knee pain was back.....
If anyone thinks that, in this 21 century, "hugs and kisses'
will get you through life, you are mistaken....And there is a
one in ten chance you may be "hugging" a pervert.....Pumps
Monday, October 16, 2006
Keep New Orleans In Fed $$$
Here is one of the latest stories out of New Orleans......
Prior to hurricane Katrina a woman, employed as a
fast food worker, and her family were living in an
apartment for $40 a month.....That is right $40.....
They were evacuated to a private home due to the
storm.......After a year they were evicted from the
home and moved into a New Orleans hotel......
Luckily they have now found an apartment to live in.....
Monthly rental $900.......That is alright, they have a
"Federal Section 8 voucher worth $964 a month for
rental assistance".....(Landlord felt sorry for her and
considered her the most qualified of 25 applicants.).....
By the way the apartment across the hall is going
for $400 a month.......Just have to love where your
tax money is going......Pumps
Prior to hurricane Katrina a woman, employed as a
fast food worker, and her family were living in an
apartment for $40 a month.....That is right $40.....
They were evacuated to a private home due to the
storm.......After a year they were evicted from the
home and moved into a New Orleans hotel......
Luckily they have now found an apartment to live in.....
Monthly rental $900.......That is alright, they have a
"Federal Section 8 voucher worth $964 a month for
rental assistance".....(Landlord felt sorry for her and
considered her the most qualified of 25 applicants.).....
By the way the apartment across the hall is going
for $400 a month.......Just have to love where your
tax money is going......Pumps
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Jack And The Beanstalk
It has come to pass that in today's world a believer in "Jack
and the Beanstalk" has his/her rights to form a private cult or group and demand respect and tolerance from others....
The one thing you can not do is "laugh"......
I do suspect that sometime in the near future there will
be an occurrence in the world which will make these
"Beanstalk lovers" cower, cringe and vanish into their
own chapter of history......
I have no idea what will occur but it will.....It always does
and the cycle of the comings and goings of the "Beanstalk
lovers" will continue......Until then we poor mortals will
just have to be tolerant and not try to "laugh"......For some
reason they fear the "laughter" more than the "Giant"....
Pumps
and the Beanstalk" has his/her rights to form a private cult or group and demand respect and tolerance from others....
The one thing you can not do is "laugh"......
I do suspect that sometime in the near future there will
be an occurrence in the world which will make these
"Beanstalk lovers" cower, cringe and vanish into their
own chapter of history......
I have no idea what will occur but it will.....It always does
and the cycle of the comings and goings of the "Beanstalk
lovers" will continue......Until then we poor mortals will
just have to be tolerant and not try to "laugh"......For some
reason they fear the "laughter" more than the "Giant"....
Pumps
Friday, October 13, 2006
It's All Not Relative
The new generation is struggling today just as us olde farts
did years ago.....The only difference is the denomination of
the 'monopoly money' we both played with.......
I remember being the head of household which consisted
of husband, wife, and two children living in a $20,000 house.....
Family income was about $10,000 a year......And of note.....
Everyone was fed, the roof did not leak and human
existence was not a chore.......
Today the only thing that has changed is the house is now
$200,000 and the family income has to be $100,000.....
If it is difficult for the new generation to meet their financial
goals, it is because of the extras......Remember all that 'one'
does need is food and roof......
Available income = two cars, plasma TV, day care, cell phones,
style wardrobe, sports equipment, food and roof......
In today's world "communications" cost more than 'food' and
combined with "extras" will soon cost more than 'roof'....
The days of one telephone, in the house*, and 5 channels of
TV were great.....
* It was a "party line".......Doubt anybody even remembers
them.....Pumps
did years ago.....The only difference is the denomination of
the 'monopoly money' we both played with.......
I remember being the head of household which consisted
of husband, wife, and two children living in a $20,000 house.....
Family income was about $10,000 a year......And of note.....
Everyone was fed, the roof did not leak and human
existence was not a chore.......
Today the only thing that has changed is the house is now
$200,000 and the family income has to be $100,000.....
If it is difficult for the new generation to meet their financial
goals, it is because of the extras......Remember all that 'one'
does need is food and roof......
Available income = two cars, plasma TV, day care, cell phones,
style wardrobe, sports equipment, food and roof......
In today's world "communications" cost more than 'food' and
combined with "extras" will soon cost more than 'roof'....
The days of one telephone, in the house*, and 5 channels of
TV were great.....
* It was a "party line".......Doubt anybody even remembers
them.....Pumps
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Any Questions?
Today was a routine colonoscopy day for me....It was the 7th
procedure, in that body area, in the last 5 years......And,
after 7th procedures of this kind one does know what is
going on......
Any trip to a hospital for the smallest of surgical procedure
requires answering the same 'set' of questions over and over
again.....Legal redundancy......Also the helpful nurses and
nurse's assistants always say the same thing, "Do you have
any questions?".......
Today I said, "Yes, I have."......Then I said, "But you do not
know the answer."........Well, I asked the question and no one
had the answer......Question was, "Why do the instructions
for the colon cleansing and flush, which takes place the day
before, change every year?".......
Over the past 5 years the 'cleansing process' has changed
from an 18 hour ordeal to a 36 hour one, with additional
medications being used......This time around it was 43 hours
from last meal to the next one......
I wonder if they made the 'cleansing solutions' more tasteful
would people be inclined to have a proper bowel cleansing?.....
In any case today's colonoscopy results were perfect....
No problems.......Pumps
procedure, in that body area, in the last 5 years......And,
after 7th procedures of this kind one does know what is
going on......
Any trip to a hospital for the smallest of surgical procedure
requires answering the same 'set' of questions over and over
again.....Legal redundancy......Also the helpful nurses and
nurse's assistants always say the same thing, "Do you have
any questions?".......
Today I said, "Yes, I have."......Then I said, "But you do not
know the answer."........Well, I asked the question and no one
had the answer......Question was, "Why do the instructions
for the colon cleansing and flush, which takes place the day
before, change every year?".......
Over the past 5 years the 'cleansing process' has changed
from an 18 hour ordeal to a 36 hour one, with additional
medications being used......This time around it was 43 hours
from last meal to the next one......
I wonder if they made the 'cleansing solutions' more tasteful
would people be inclined to have a proper bowel cleansing?.....
In any case today's colonoscopy results were perfect....
No problems.......Pumps
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Complainers
Yesterday was the legal observance of Columbus Day......
Columbus Day has become one of few remaining non-
working days for union, governmental and some
financial institution employees......Veterans Day
is another which comes to mind.....
While there are college professors who believe that
Mr. Columbus destroyed the Western Hemisphere,
they do not have to work on his birthday.......While
union workers complain about their wages they get
more holidays off than other workers.....And heaven
forbid they have to work on a holiday, they will get
paid time and one half......Triple time for an Easter
Sunday.......
Most workers in the United States have become
accustomed to their 6-8 holidays.....Some liked swapping
Veteran's Day for the day after Thanksgiving.....
But we still have a few who complain that they can
not have both.......It is difficult to imagine these people
every turning their negative efforts into something
productive......Pumps
Columbus Day has become one of few remaining non-
working days for union, governmental and some
financial institution employees......Veterans Day
is another which comes to mind.....
While there are college professors who believe that
Mr. Columbus destroyed the Western Hemisphere,
they do not have to work on his birthday.......While
union workers complain about their wages they get
more holidays off than other workers.....And heaven
forbid they have to work on a holiday, they will get
paid time and one half......Triple time for an Easter
Sunday.......
Most workers in the United States have become
accustomed to their 6-8 holidays.....Some liked swapping
Veteran's Day for the day after Thanksgiving.....
But we still have a few who complain that they can
not have both.......It is difficult to imagine these people
every turning their negative efforts into something
productive......Pumps
Monday, October 09, 2006
Sharing
Years ago we were taught how to achieve and how to win......
Now our elders tell us to 'share'......"We must all learn to
play nice".......But what are these elders doing in their
own lives?......Especially in Washington DC......
It is down and dirty, in the muck, "power play", politics....
'King of the Hill', baby......"I want my piece of the pie".....
"No seconds for me"........What a poor example to set
for others......But do you think they care?.......NO.....
Politics (aka rulership) was once the game of the rich
and wealthy......Now in the United States you can grow
up poor and BECOME wealthy, as a politician.....
"Politics" is no longer a "public service", it is a great
money making opportunity and a chance to prove the
"American Way".......
Besides is "sharing" a form of communism and
socialism?.....Don't sweat if folks.....In another 1,000
years or so the inhabitants of this planet will be
reading about the decline in the civilizations of
Greece, Egypt, Rome, Western Europe and America,
in one sentence.......Pumps
Now our elders tell us to 'share'......"We must all learn to
play nice".......But what are these elders doing in their
own lives?......Especially in Washington DC......
It is down and dirty, in the muck, "power play", politics....
'King of the Hill', baby......"I want my piece of the pie".....
"No seconds for me"........What a poor example to set
for others......But do you think they care?.......NO.....
Politics (aka rulership) was once the game of the rich
and wealthy......Now in the United States you can grow
up poor and BECOME wealthy, as a politician.....
"Politics" is no longer a "public service", it is a great
money making opportunity and a chance to prove the
"American Way".......
Besides is "sharing" a form of communism and
socialism?.....Don't sweat if folks.....In another 1,000
years or so the inhabitants of this planet will be
reading about the decline in the civilizations of
Greece, Egypt, Rome, Western Europe and America,
in one sentence.......Pumps
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Confusing Food
As a decent cook I have a wide and varied collection of cookbooks.....
One of them is a Chinese book with Indian food recipes.......
Human nature is indeed funny......You can go to Barnes and Noble
and find an English book with Italian, Middle Eastern, Spanish
food recipes and no one raises and eyebrow......But a Chinese
cookbook on Indian food????......
While the recipes are different in Chinese and Indian cooking,
some spices are common to both styles......So a woman in
Hong Kong can easily change her family's dinner to an Indian
dish if she chose to.....The only draw back is that Indian
cooking is somewhat of a more lengthily process......(Stews and
sauces).....Whereas, Chinese cooking is open-flamed pan (wok)
tossed and much quicker.....
How many different "dumpling" foods can you think of???......
Let's say Italian ravioli is #1.......Pumps
One of them is a Chinese book with Indian food recipes.......
Human nature is indeed funny......You can go to Barnes and Noble
and find an English book with Italian, Middle Eastern, Spanish
food recipes and no one raises and eyebrow......But a Chinese
cookbook on Indian food????......
While the recipes are different in Chinese and Indian cooking,
some spices are common to both styles......So a woman in
Hong Kong can easily change her family's dinner to an Indian
dish if she chose to.....The only draw back is that Indian
cooking is somewhat of a more lengthily process......(Stews and
sauces).....Whereas, Chinese cooking is open-flamed pan (wok)
tossed and much quicker.....
How many different "dumpling" foods can you think of???......
Let's say Italian ravioli is #1.......Pumps
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Winterizing
Well it is Fall and it can be felt in the air......Now is the time to
winterize while the days are still warm enough to do those
little pre-winter outdoor chores.....
Time to have your heating unit serviced so that it does
not "crap" out on you on some cold night in the forthcoming
winter......Time to remove the 'screens' and replace them
with 'storms'.......Time to check the anti-freeze in your car.
The only good thing about winterizing is un-winterizing
in the Spring.......Days we all look forward to......Pumps
winterize while the days are still warm enough to do those
little pre-winter outdoor chores.....
Time to have your heating unit serviced so that it does
not "crap" out on you on some cold night in the forthcoming
winter......Time to remove the 'screens' and replace them
with 'storms'.......Time to check the anti-freeze in your car.
The only good thing about winterizing is un-winterizing
in the Spring.......Days we all look forward to......Pumps
Friday, October 06, 2006
Fall On The Sword
These days, a news commentator may say a politician
has "fallen on the sword"......That is not true.....No
politician does it anymore.....All they do is "lay low"
for a year or two and surface at some other lobbying
or "political" advisory job.....
Back in Rome and in Japan....They DID fall on the
sword.....Then they became DEAD.......
Today "falling on the sword" means leave your job,
file your papers, collect your health insurance and
401K and take your wife on a well needed vacation......
(But, you do not get invited to fancy parties for a while.)
Also in the olde political days, if you did not "fall on the
sword" some one most likely shoved one into you.....Pumps
has "fallen on the sword"......That is not true.....No
politician does it anymore.....All they do is "lay low"
for a year or two and surface at some other lobbying
or "political" advisory job.....
Back in Rome and in Japan....They DID fall on the
sword.....Then they became DEAD.......
Today "falling on the sword" means leave your job,
file your papers, collect your health insurance and
401K and take your wife on a well needed vacation......
(But, you do not get invited to fancy parties for a while.)
Also in the olde political days, if you did not "fall on the
sword" some one most likely shoved one into you.....Pumps
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Olde School Days
I went to school in the 40's and early 50's........High School class
of 1953.....The days before Resource Officers and 'lock downs'....
While technology and fashion has changed, the mind of a normal
teenager has not......To control this mind there was
a gentleman in the school with the title of "Dean of Discipline"....
A formatable individual, who had one great and awesome power,
to make you stay after school, or as it was then known "jug".....
Now any normal teenager has "plans" for after school.....With
a few words he could destroy these "plans" and make
your life a living hell......No physical punishment was needed.....
The destruction of your afternoon was enough.......You towed
the line thereafter......
It was nice to see that things have not changed and that "jug"
still works......A private school in New York City is now
having parents, who bring their child late for school, spend
20 minutes in "jug".....Thus making them even more late
for their own jobs.......The system is working, they either
have to explain to their boss why they are "really late"
for work or suffer the humiliation of sitting in a class room,
with no talking, for 20 minutes of "jug".......
It is a pity the "fear" of the Dean of Discipline is against most
school policies of today and that "catching" the bus has
eliminated "jug".......Pumps
of 1953.....The days before Resource Officers and 'lock downs'....
While technology and fashion has changed, the mind of a normal
teenager has not......To control this mind there was
a gentleman in the school with the title of "Dean of Discipline"....
A formatable individual, who had one great and awesome power,
to make you stay after school, or as it was then known "jug".....
Now any normal teenager has "plans" for after school.....With
a few words he could destroy these "plans" and make
your life a living hell......No physical punishment was needed.....
The destruction of your afternoon was enough.......You towed
the line thereafter......
It was nice to see that things have not changed and that "jug"
still works......A private school in New York City is now
having parents, who bring their child late for school, spend
20 minutes in "jug".....Thus making them even more late
for their own jobs.......The system is working, they either
have to explain to their boss why they are "really late"
for work or suffer the humiliation of sitting in a class room,
with no talking, for 20 minutes of "jug".......
It is a pity the "fear" of the Dean of Discipline is against most
school policies of today and that "catching" the bus has
eliminated "jug".......Pumps
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
The Chinese Grocery Store
Here in Jabunyaville I believe we have the largest Chinese
grocery store east of San Francisco or Hong Kong......
It is in an olde Rite-Aid Drug Store building on one of
our "main" streets.........
This store has nine isles of fresh produce, canned goods,
frozen foods along with a fish and meat market......If it
is made in China, Viet Nam, Thailand it is sold in this
store.......Everything from squid balls to noodles.....
On this recent visit for dumplings, canned hot and sour
soup, I noticed a new addition to the staff......While the
major number of people spoke a Chinese dialect there
were a few workers that spoke Spanish......Where else
but in America would you ever see this.......Pumps
grocery store east of San Francisco or Hong Kong......
It is in an olde Rite-Aid Drug Store building on one of
our "main" streets.........
This store has nine isles of fresh produce, canned goods,
frozen foods along with a fish and meat market......If it
is made in China, Viet Nam, Thailand it is sold in this
store.......Everything from squid balls to noodles.....
On this recent visit for dumplings, canned hot and sour
soup, I noticed a new addition to the staff......While the
major number of people spoke a Chinese dialect there
were a few workers that spoke Spanish......Where else
but in America would you ever see this.......Pumps
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Enough Is Enough
There will be 34 more days, of this political CRAP, before we
can vote in the United States on November 7, 2006.....
And, here we are with no idea how our local representatives
stand on health care, Social Security, roads/bridges etc......
All we will hear is who is in rehab, who just got a divorce from
his second wife and who sad a 'bad' word some 30 years ago.....
Where the heck is Sargent Friday when you need him....."Just
the facts, sir".......My local congressman, one Eric Cantor, has
not updated his own web site since the beginning of August.....
This is October......Is he still among the living?......What the
heck is he hiding from?.......Just another political 'lackey' in
hiding?......
All I am looking forward to is being able to vote.....Then I will
get two-three months off before it starts all over again in
preparation for the 2008 presidential race......Pumps
can vote in the United States on November 7, 2006.....
And, here we are with no idea how our local representatives
stand on health care, Social Security, roads/bridges etc......
All we will hear is who is in rehab, who just got a divorce from
his second wife and who sad a 'bad' word some 30 years ago.....
Where the heck is Sargent Friday when you need him....."Just
the facts, sir".......My local congressman, one Eric Cantor, has
not updated his own web site since the beginning of August.....
This is October......Is he still among the living?......What the
heck is he hiding from?.......Just another political 'lackey' in
hiding?......
All I am looking forward to is being able to vote.....Then I will
get two-three months off before it starts all over again in
preparation for the 2008 presidential race......Pumps
Monday, October 02, 2006
Gasoline Prices
Well here in Jabunyaville, gasoline (regular grade - generic
brand) has dropped to $1.99 a gallon......Since the brand
names are not competing with this price, I guess the
gasoline price has bottomed out......The 'Big Boys' like
Esso, BP and Shell are charging $2.04 or $2.08.....
When the 'Big Boys' can make more profit because
they are 'Big' you know for sure that the gas prices
have somewhat stabilized.......There are people which
will pay the few extra pennies for a 'Brand name'.....
They think they are getting 'better' gas.......No so......
Regular grade gasoline is regular grade gasoline....Even
most of the performance additives are the same.....
There are a lot of people who are happy to pay
$1.99 for regular or even $2.09 for plus grade......Since
they are happy, I suspect that they will let this
'happiness' roll over when buying this years Christmas
presents......Pumps
brand) has dropped to $1.99 a gallon......Since the brand
names are not competing with this price, I guess the
gasoline price has bottomed out......The 'Big Boys' like
Esso, BP and Shell are charging $2.04 or $2.08.....
When the 'Big Boys' can make more profit because
they are 'Big' you know for sure that the gas prices
have somewhat stabilized.......There are people which
will pay the few extra pennies for a 'Brand name'.....
They think they are getting 'better' gas.......No so......
Regular grade gasoline is regular grade gasoline....Even
most of the performance additives are the same.....
There are a lot of people who are happy to pay
$1.99 for regular or even $2.09 for plus grade......Since
they are happy, I suspect that they will let this
'happiness' roll over when buying this years Christmas
presents......Pumps
