GYPSY SAYS:TONY TAYLOR FLIPPED ON VICK
And if she could read,she would go here.Suck on it Vick...I'd say you're pretty much fucked...Bwahahahahahahaa!
Monday, July 30, 2007
ROCK STAR(?)
Two margs at breakfast,four screwdrivers at the gig and a bit of the green and a full moon brings you this,my Keith Richards impersonation:
(click images to view in all their ummm,glory)
For reference:
Angelic,aren't we?
And then my dear friends and family gathered around me for some scrapbook memories,I woke up before they broke out the magic markers and provided this painfully accurate impersonation of Shane MacGowan from the Pogues...
For reference:
HA!
This is prior to the green...something I think I should probably avoid next month...Ya think?:)
Two margs at breakfast,four screwdrivers at the gig and a bit of the green and a full moon brings you this,my Keith Richards impersonation:
(click images to view in all their ummm,glory)
For reference:
Angelic,aren't we?
And then my dear friends and family gathered around me for some scrapbook memories,I woke up before they broke out the magic markers and provided this painfully accurate impersonation of Shane MacGowan from the Pogues...
For reference:
HA!
This is prior to the green...something I think I should probably avoid next month...Ya think?:)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
THE VICE PRESIDENT RUNS ON BATTERIES
Check this out .Wow...maybe he'll get one made in China.Batteries are sketchy things...I know this from putting them in effects,cameras and mp3 players.He could get a sketchy one.
Hey...one can hope for an act of god,right?
Karma's a bitch.
We got our gig tomorrow and it couldn't fall on a better day...full moon,so I should be in rare form.I was talking to my journeyman about the party today and he was all so you haven't played together in over a year,are you gonna practice or just wing it?And I was all like we're gonna just wing it...the first song or 2 might be kinda rough but we'll find a groove...after all,we've been together for 13 years.
It was like he couldn't comprehend the collective that is a band...team work...it'll be ok,and just to make it spicy we'll introduce new songs,some planned (Big and Fat and Mexican)some off the tops of our heads.
I've been on the phone and email drumming up attendees...I like a crowd,but I don't seriously care about numbers,it could be just the band and I'd be happy.
Check this out .Wow...maybe he'll get one made in China.Batteries are sketchy things...I know this from putting them in effects,cameras and mp3 players.He could get a sketchy one.
Hey...one can hope for an act of god,right?
Karma's a bitch.
We got our gig tomorrow and it couldn't fall on a better day...full moon,so I should be in rare form.I was talking to my journeyman about the party today and he was all so you haven't played together in over a year,are you gonna practice or just wing it?And I was all like we're gonna just wing it...the first song or 2 might be kinda rough but we'll find a groove...after all,we've been together for 13 years.
It was like he couldn't comprehend the collective that is a band...team work...it'll be ok,and just to make it spicy we'll introduce new songs,some planned (Big and Fat and Mexican)some off the tops of our heads.
I've been on the phone and email drumming up attendees...I like a crowd,but I don't seriously care about numbers,it could be just the band and I'd be happy.
There is no joy in Mudville
As I exited the office at the end of my shift today, tears started rolling down my face. It's not like I was sobbing and I didn't even feel particularly sad, angry or otherwise more frustrated than usual. It wasn't because it was a bad day at the office. It was just another day, not much different than any other day. I suppose there was even a bright spot to it since the new schedule was announced and it looks like I won't be working nights. So maybe it was the fact that I have to work eight days straight to get in sync with the new schedule. Or maybe it's because my workload increased and the amount of time I have to get it all done has decreased. It could be because my pay isn't going to improve any time soon. But most likely it's because there are only so many times you can watch someone slap a "new and improved" label on the same old pile of shit before the sight of it causes your eyes to bleed.
As I exited the office at the end of my shift today, tears started rolling down my face. It's not like I was sobbing and I didn't even feel particularly sad, angry or otherwise more frustrated than usual. It wasn't because it was a bad day at the office. It was just another day, not much different than any other day. I suppose there was even a bright spot to it since the new schedule was announced and it looks like I won't be working nights. So maybe it was the fact that I have to work eight days straight to get in sync with the new schedule. Or maybe it's because my workload increased and the amount of time I have to get it all done has decreased. It could be because my pay isn't going to improve any time soon. But most likely it's because there are only so many times you can watch someone slap a "new and improved" label on the same old pile of shit before the sight of it causes your eyes to bleed.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
TOWER OF EVIL
I woke up this morning and sat on the edge of the bed rubbing my temples and wondering what today would bring.
Would it be another punch list day of me and my journeyman going from floor to floor correcting other electricians mistakes?Would we begin roughing in the D units with blueprints that are wrong,only to create another punch list to be dealt with later on down the line?
10 electricians will approach the same job in ten different ways,all of them will work,but not all of us know the ten different ways,so something can look like a fuck ball operation but when you undo it,you realize the genius in what they did and have to put it back the way it was.
I was staring at a panel today and the strapping looked like a fucking monkey did it.One of the pipe fitters was next to me and saw the expression on my face...he commented:"Just stop looking at it man,you're just gonna get more pissed off".
I disassembled this atrocity and made it right.
On a brighter note,we are running feeder pipe now,which requires more critical thinking and is much more rewarding in terms of craft.
I'm looking forward to work tomorrow for a change.
I woke up this morning and sat on the edge of the bed rubbing my temples and wondering what today would bring.
Would it be another punch list day of me and my journeyman going from floor to floor correcting other electricians mistakes?Would we begin roughing in the D units with blueprints that are wrong,only to create another punch list to be dealt with later on down the line?
10 electricians will approach the same job in ten different ways,all of them will work,but not all of us know the ten different ways,so something can look like a fuck ball operation but when you undo it,you realize the genius in what they did and have to put it back the way it was.
I was staring at a panel today and the strapping looked like a fucking monkey did it.One of the pipe fitters was next to me and saw the expression on my face...he commented:"Just stop looking at it man,you're just gonna get more pissed off".
I disassembled this atrocity and made it right.
On a brighter note,we are running feeder pipe now,which requires more critical thinking and is much more rewarding in terms of craft.
I'm looking forward to work tomorrow for a change.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
NICKED FROM TEXAS OASIS...
What breed are you?
AND NOW...THE HUMP DAY ROUND UP THAT I (THINK) I USUALLY DO ON THURSDAY...
Here's something a bit different from CNN about the Vick case.
Russell Simmons needs to get over himself..."A reflection of what's happening in the community"...nigga,please.That's horse shit and you know it.Before you and your hippity-hoppity poetry posers were even a blip on the map,people have been fighting dogs,but because it's so "off the chain" (to snag some parlance) (C)rap artists have jumped on it to make more money appealing to the kind of punks that are into it,of all colors.So this lame attempt at playing the race card is dead in the water.Vick is a thug and a spoiled punk,regardless of the amount of melanin he has in his skin.Most of the "people" involved in dog fighting in this part of Texas are Mexican,by the way.
This article is wrong in so many ways it's pathetic.But I do agree that it's the small penis afflicted owners that turn an otherwise questionable breed into killers.
I have known 5 pits personally over the years,3 of them I killed and 2 were the coolest dogs you'd ever want to meet (and even they had tempers).
That's right...questionable.
Gypsy's busy tonight and couldn't be here.
Work continues to be a challenge,because of the conditions and the overall bad vibe it's very hard to get out of bed and go in the morning.But I do for a variety of reasons.I'm learning new stuff,I'm improving my trouble shooting skills and I like my crew.Once I'm there it's all good,it's just that initial launch from bed to the shower that hurts.
The Wolves are having a jam this Saturday at Club Spit East (play as late and as loud as you want!). It's been a long time coming and we are all inviting people to attend.It will be entertaining no matter what happens cause a Wolve's jam is as much about the food and the party as it is about the music.
I'm out.
My Liberal Identity:
You are a Social Justice Crusader, also known as a rights activist. You believe in equality, fairness, and preventing neo-Confederate conservative troglodytes from rolling back fifty years of civil rights gains.
Take the quiz at www.FightConservatives.com
What breed are you?
AND NOW...THE HUMP DAY ROUND UP THAT I (THINK) I USUALLY DO ON THURSDAY...
Here's something a bit different from CNN about the Vick case.
Russell Simmons needs to get over himself..."A reflection of what's happening in the community"...nigga,please.That's horse shit and you know it.Before you and your hippity-hoppity poetry posers were even a blip on the map,people have been fighting dogs,but because it's so "off the chain" (to snag some parlance) (C)rap artists have jumped on it to make more money appealing to the kind of punks that are into it,of all colors.So this lame attempt at playing the race card is dead in the water.Vick is a thug and a spoiled punk,regardless of the amount of melanin he has in his skin.Most of the "people" involved in dog fighting in this part of Texas are Mexican,by the way.
This article is wrong in so many ways it's pathetic.But I do agree that it's the small penis afflicted owners that turn an otherwise questionable breed into killers.
I have known 5 pits personally over the years,3 of them I killed and 2 were the coolest dogs you'd ever want to meet (and even they had tempers).
That's right...questionable.
Gypsy's busy tonight and couldn't be here.
Work continues to be a challenge,because of the conditions and the overall bad vibe it's very hard to get out of bed and go in the morning.But I do for a variety of reasons.I'm learning new stuff,I'm improving my trouble shooting skills and I like my crew.Once I'm there it's all good,it's just that initial launch from bed to the shower that hurts.
The Wolves are having a jam this Saturday at Club Spit East (play as late and as loud as you want!). It's been a long time coming and we are all inviting people to attend.It will be entertaining no matter what happens cause a Wolve's jam is as much about the food and the party as it is about the music.
I'm out.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
More changes
I knew my schedule was going to change eventually, but I really did expect it to last more than just a week. I was wrong. Someone is leaving and that position is not going to be replaced. This means there will be a switch to an even worse schedule - one that involves working 4pm to midnight some of the time. Eeech. It's all up in the air at the moment and I have no idea what I'm going to end up with, but it will be one of three scenarios:
1) Someone other than myself is forced to move to nights - that someone will then turn in their notice causing even more scheduling nightmares.
2) We rotate the night shifts. I work nights for a week or a month at a time or a couple of nights a week.
3) I get assigned to the night shift which means I am the one turning in the resignation.
I wish "none of the above" was an option, but it's not because this isn't a mean and nasty decision by management, but something that has to be done. And while I fully understand the reasons behind it, that doesn't mean I have to like it. So when I say "Put me on nights and I'll quit," it's not a threat - I certainly don't expect my employer to go "We don't want to lose you so let us ignore the sound business reasons for moving a manger to the night shift." It's not a threat, just a statement of fact. Put me on nights and I will quit. Put any of the other "day-shift" managers on nights and they will quit. Make us rotate it and we might stick around for a while. Maybe. One thing for certain though, I'm very glad I'm not the VP in charge of making this decision.
I knew my schedule was going to change eventually, but I really did expect it to last more than just a week. I was wrong. Someone is leaving and that position is not going to be replaced. This means there will be a switch to an even worse schedule - one that involves working 4pm to midnight some of the time. Eeech. It's all up in the air at the moment and I have no idea what I'm going to end up with, but it will be one of three scenarios:
1) Someone other than myself is forced to move to nights - that someone will then turn in their notice causing even more scheduling nightmares.
2) We rotate the night shifts. I work nights for a week or a month at a time or a couple of nights a week.
3) I get assigned to the night shift which means I am the one turning in the resignation.
I wish "none of the above" was an option, but it's not because this isn't a mean and nasty decision by management, but something that has to be done. And while I fully understand the reasons behind it, that doesn't mean I have to like it. So when I say "Put me on nights and I'll quit," it's not a threat - I certainly don't expect my employer to go "We don't want to lose you so let us ignore the sound business reasons for moving a manger to the night shift." It's not a threat, just a statement of fact. Put me on nights and I will quit. Put any of the other "day-shift" managers on nights and they will quit. Make us rotate it and we might stick around for a while. Maybe. One thing for certain though, I'm very glad I'm not the VP in charge of making this decision.
CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
These two sheetrockers have been following me and my tool buddy around for over a week now.It seems that wherever we are roughing in devices they are coming behind us putting up one side of sheetrock.The press is on for all of us,we are expected to have 21 units completed by August 30.
Communication is essential,if they rock a wall we haven't finished roughing in,they have to take it down so we can finish.This slows them down,it slows us down.
Plus,you have the language barrier.
Fortunately,one of these guys has a very limited command of english and,in conjunction with my very limited command of spanish it's working out ok.
Good enough to the point of small talk about the heat and drinking beer and tequila.
The semi english speaking guy and me compared notes on which beers we liked,after that,he pointed to his tool buddy (who no speakee the englaise)and said he liked tequila.We nodded in agreement and then he said something (pops and squeaks people) removed his hard hat and fanned his hand at his head.I interpreted this to mean it made him sweat and responded in kind.The other guy said:"No,he say the next morning...uhhh...how you say..."?
And I said:"He means hangover"?
To which he responded by removing his hard hat and fanning at his head making pained expressions.
I imitated the pulsing of the head with my hands and said "Si!Hangover"!!!
We all laughed and went about our respective duty.
With all my bitching and moaning about these guys,these two are actually pretty cool.
Maybe it's still a melting pot after all...
These two sheetrockers have been following me and my tool buddy around for over a week now.It seems that wherever we are roughing in devices they are coming behind us putting up one side of sheetrock.The press is on for all of us,we are expected to have 21 units completed by August 30.
Communication is essential,if they rock a wall we haven't finished roughing in,they have to take it down so we can finish.This slows them down,it slows us down.
Plus,you have the language barrier.
Fortunately,one of these guys has a very limited command of english and,in conjunction with my very limited command of spanish it's working out ok.
Good enough to the point of small talk about the heat and drinking beer and tequila.
The semi english speaking guy and me compared notes on which beers we liked,after that,he pointed to his tool buddy (who no speakee the englaise)and said he liked tequila.We nodded in agreement and then he said something (pops and squeaks people) removed his hard hat and fanned his hand at his head.I interpreted this to mean it made him sweat and responded in kind.The other guy said:"No,he say the next morning...uhhh...how you say..."?
And I said:"He means hangover"?
To which he responded by removing his hard hat and fanning at his head making pained expressions.
I imitated the pulsing of the head with my hands and said "Si!Hangover"!!!
We all laughed and went about our respective duty.
With all my bitching and moaning about these guys,these two are actually pretty cool.
Maybe it's still a melting pot after all...
Monday, July 23, 2007
GYPSY SAYS:NFL COMMISSIONER TELLS MICHAEL VICK TO FUCK OFF...IN A NICE,YET FIRM WAY.
You can read the article HERE
We,as animal lovers can give ourselves a hearty pat on the back for this development.Had there not been such an outcry from us,I guarantee you they would have let this bastard slide.
Made my day it did.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Schedules and other crazy thoughts
Didn't I post a while back that my July schedule looked a bit saner and I might be able to post more? As I expected, that didn't last long. My new schedule is rather, um... interesting. My days off are now Tuesday and Wednesday, though I have to go into the office for two hours on Tuesday afternoons which kind of screws that up as being a day off. It sounds like the worst possible schedule, but trust me, some of the alternatives that were thrown out were far worse plus I've found some advantages to this current one. I can, if I so desire, wear jeans, t-shirts and sandals three days a week (no dress code on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.) The admins are scarce on Mondays (in meetings) and of course, very scarce on Saturdays and Sundays which means I might be able to dodge some of those "projects" that they like to hand out. You see, the fallout from Mondays always turns into projects handed out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and I'll be absent (for the most part) on those days. I suppose they could always assign it to me via email, but out of sight usually means out of mind. Probably the biggest benefit from this schedule is that if I'm working weekends then I am absolutely, most definitely NOT available to work late in the evenings anymore per instructions from the boss because that would take away what little family time I do have. In addition, I never have to worry about being called in on the weekends because I'm ALREADY working - MWAHAHAH. Yes, it sounds like a horrible schedule, but I suspect I'm going to like it.
Didn't I post a while back that my July schedule looked a bit saner and I might be able to post more? As I expected, that didn't last long. My new schedule is rather, um... interesting. My days off are now Tuesday and Wednesday, though I have to go into the office for two hours on Tuesday afternoons which kind of screws that up as being a day off. It sounds like the worst possible schedule, but trust me, some of the alternatives that were thrown out were far worse plus I've found some advantages to this current one. I can, if I so desire, wear jeans, t-shirts and sandals three days a week (no dress code on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.) The admins are scarce on Mondays (in meetings) and of course, very scarce on Saturdays and Sundays which means I might be able to dodge some of those "projects" that they like to hand out. You see, the fallout from Mondays always turns into projects handed out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and I'll be absent (for the most part) on those days. I suppose they could always assign it to me via email, but out of sight usually means out of mind. Probably the biggest benefit from this schedule is that if I'm working weekends then I am absolutely, most definitely NOT available to work late in the evenings anymore per instructions from the boss because that would take away what little family time I do have. In addition, I never have to worry about being called in on the weekends because I'm ALREADY working - MWAHAHAH. Yes, it sounds like a horrible schedule, but I suspect I'm going to like it.
WHAT COULD I DO WITH A LIGHTER ON A AIRPLANE (OR:HEY MAN...GOTTA LIGHT?)
The department of "homeland security" recently decided to allow lighters on planes,easing restrictions in a mega-retard way,thinking that lighters represent a small threat to passengers.Well,I'm no terrorist,but even I can think of several ways I could cause pandemonium with a lighter.I'm sure Al Queda has a hard on right now.
I could light the upholstery on fire (fire retardant doesn't mean fireproof) and asphyxiate you with toxic fumes.You fucking infidels.
I could turn a fire extinguisher into an IED that would blow the side out of a plane. sucking out you fucking infidels.
I could turn it up to high and burn the eyeballs out of the pilot and copilot causing the plane to crash,killing you fucking infidels.
I could light my farts...which wouldn't kill anyone directly,but while you fucking infidels are laughing at my folly I could cut your throats with the box cutter they recently deregulated,take over the plane and crash it into the alamo while you all wonder where the smell of curry came from,especially since your in flight meal was chicken cordon bleu.
I could burn through essential electrical systems involving navigation,landing and communications.
I could go on and on,but suffice to say,this is a BAD decision,and some flight,somewhere, will undoubtedly pay for it.
We are our own worse enemy.
Jeez...
The department of "homeland security" recently decided to allow lighters on planes,easing restrictions in a mega-retard way,thinking that lighters represent a small threat to passengers.Well,I'm no terrorist,but even I can think of several ways I could cause pandemonium with a lighter.I'm sure Al Queda has a hard on right now.
I could light the upholstery on fire (fire retardant doesn't mean fireproof) and asphyxiate you with toxic fumes.You fucking infidels.
I could turn a fire extinguisher into an IED that would blow the side out of a plane. sucking out you fucking infidels.
I could turn it up to high and burn the eyeballs out of the pilot and copilot causing the plane to crash,killing you fucking infidels.
I could light my farts...which wouldn't kill anyone directly,but while you fucking infidels are laughing at my folly I could cut your throats with the box cutter they recently deregulated,take over the plane and crash it into the alamo while you all wonder where the smell of curry came from,especially since your in flight meal was chicken cordon bleu.
I could burn through essential electrical systems involving navigation,landing and communications.
I could go on and on,but suffice to say,this is a BAD decision,and some flight,somewhere, will undoubtedly pay for it.
We are our own worse enemy.
Jeez...
WE ARE BOTH STANDING ON OUR TWO FEET
Cavitt towered over us all in school, was always the case...but it did not prevent me from trying to kick his ass when we were kids when he insulted my girl at the time,way back in 1971.
Tonight went something like this:
Him:"do you remember me"?
Me:"give me a minute....".
Him:"You knocked me around in high school"
Me:"Oh..Cavitt...how the hell are you"!
We then recounted our "fight" from '71, and while he did not remember the circumstance...He dissed my girlfriend at the time...he apologised for being "an asshole in high school".
When I reminded him of the facts he congratulated me on my "imagination" and I was fast to remind him that it was memory.
He asked if I still wanted to kick his ass and we both laughed and shook hands and had a beer.
I'm gonna give him a bid on upgrading the electrical service at his house.
Tonight was much better than last night on so many levels...this being a small example.I got nothing against this dude,and he against me.We met,we remembered,we smiled...and that rules.
More pics to follow.
Cavitt towered over us all in school, was always the case...but it did not prevent me from trying to kick his ass when we were kids when he insulted my girl at the time,way back in 1971.
Tonight went something like this:
Him:"do you remember me"?
Me:"give me a minute....".
Him:"You knocked me around in high school"
Me:"Oh..Cavitt...how the hell are you"!
We then recounted our "fight" from '71, and while he did not remember the circumstance...He dissed my girlfriend at the time...he apologised for being "an asshole in high school".
When I reminded him of the facts he congratulated me on my "imagination" and I was fast to remind him that it was memory.
He asked if I still wanted to kick his ass and we both laughed and shook hands and had a beer.
I'm gonna give him a bid on upgrading the electrical service at his house.
Tonight was much better than last night on so many levels...this being a small example.I got nothing against this dude,and he against me.We met,we remembered,we smiled...and that rules.
More pics to follow.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
OK...SO THAT WASN'T REALLY MY REUNION...
But it's some funny shit,huh?Tonight,we met at the garden and to my surprise almost everyone who was present last night at the official deal showed up,plus some others that were recently tracked down.
While the County line BBQ was cool,this gig fucking ruled.
The highlight of the evening was the woman I love with all my heart and soul who saved my life and many others showed up and gave us an audience!That's right,the should be sainted Toody Byrd graced us with her presence.
She was fawned over by all,as she should be.It was awesome.You could feel the love in the room.The beer flowed and the reminiscing spewed as we all remembered the days of our youth.
I saw some folks that I was very close to that I didn't see last night,some as brothers in arms,some as mortal enemies,but it was all good and I was sorry for it to end.There will be email connections that carry on for a while,shooting pictures back and forth,but after that we will drift back into our lives and before we know it,it will be the 40th reunion,that's just how time rolls.It was awesome to see these folks and I'm glad I went...
My camera turfed on me again (time to buy a new one)so I was limited to my camera phone,not the best quality but better than no camera,right?
Here ya go....
The rest are just too blurry,couldn't edit them well enough to post.
But it's some funny shit,huh?Tonight,we met at the garden and to my surprise almost everyone who was present last night at the official deal showed up,plus some others that were recently tracked down.
While the County line BBQ was cool,this gig fucking ruled.
The highlight of the evening was the woman I love with all my heart and soul who saved my life and many others showed up and gave us an audience!That's right,the should be sainted Toody Byrd graced us with her presence.
She was fawned over by all,as she should be.It was awesome.You could feel the love in the room.The beer flowed and the reminiscing spewed as we all remembered the days of our youth.
I saw some folks that I was very close to that I didn't see last night,some as brothers in arms,some as mortal enemies,but it was all good and I was sorry for it to end.There will be email connections that carry on for a while,shooting pictures back and forth,but after that we will drift back into our lives and before we know it,it will be the 40th reunion,that's just how time rolls.It was awesome to see these folks and I'm glad I went...
My camera turfed on me again (time to buy a new one)so I was limited to my camera phone,not the best quality but better than no camera,right?
Here ya go....
The rest are just too blurry,couldn't edit them well enough to post.
Something different
Rob's out doing the high school reunion thing again so I'm hanging at the house by myself tonight. But I'm not listening to Heavy Metal, drinking beer and playing WoW as usual. Instead I'm listening to Techno, drinking wine and playing Freecell. Hey, everyone needs a change of pace once and a while.
And I must say that I'm rather pleased with my $4 bottle of wine. It's a Shiraz made by Barefoot Wines and while it's a far cry from the best Shiraz I've ever had, it's not bad for four bucks. Music is courtesy of Pandora which thankfully hasn't shut it's doors in the US... not yet, anyway.
A while back I wrote my congressmen and congresswomen about the changes in licensing fees for internet radio. I got a canned response from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's office that didn't address my concerns. I've received no response from Senator John Cornyn which doesn't surprise me since I had to send it snail mail (I couldn't find an email address for him.) Representative Lloyd Doggett's office, on the other hand, sent me a nicely worded reply and based on the response it appeared that they actually READ my email. Now I'm not much of a political activist, but I do vote and try to keep up with issues that concern me. I was much more active in politics when I was a child and distinctly remember having an hours long debate with a fellow daycare captive about whether Nixon or Humphrey was the best choice for president. I'm sure anyone listening in would have found a debate by a couple of six-year olds very amusing, but it's interesting to think that I (and my childhood friend) had a much greater awareness of political issues at the age of six than I have now at the age of 45. That interest and awareness had waned by the time I was a teenager, probably because I was no longer reading voraciously everything I could get my hands on. School, work, hobbies and other aspects of teenage life had cut my non-school related reading time from over 20 hours a week to maybe two or three. As an adult, I've raised that some, but unlike the vast amount of non-fiction books that I used to read as a child, it's mostly just bits and pieces off the internet. Ah, but what a wonderful selection of bits and pieces that has been. And I can say without a doubt that I do know a little about a lot as opposed to a lot about a little... which is probably not a bad thing in this day and age of rapid change.
Rob's out doing the high school reunion thing again so I'm hanging at the house by myself tonight. But I'm not listening to Heavy Metal, drinking beer and playing WoW as usual. Instead I'm listening to Techno, drinking wine and playing Freecell. Hey, everyone needs a change of pace once and a while.
And I must say that I'm rather pleased with my $4 bottle of wine. It's a Shiraz made by Barefoot Wines and while it's a far cry from the best Shiraz I've ever had, it's not bad for four bucks. Music is courtesy of Pandora which thankfully hasn't shut it's doors in the US... not yet, anyway.
A while back I wrote my congressmen and congresswomen about the changes in licensing fees for internet radio. I got a canned response from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's office that didn't address my concerns. I've received no response from Senator John Cornyn which doesn't surprise me since I had to send it snail mail (I couldn't find an email address for him.) Representative Lloyd Doggett's office, on the other hand, sent me a nicely worded reply and based on the response it appeared that they actually READ my email. Now I'm not much of a political activist, but I do vote and try to keep up with issues that concern me. I was much more active in politics when I was a child and distinctly remember having an hours long debate with a fellow daycare captive about whether Nixon or Humphrey was the best choice for president. I'm sure anyone listening in would have found a debate by a couple of six-year olds very amusing, but it's interesting to think that I (and my childhood friend) had a much greater awareness of political issues at the age of six than I have now at the age of 45. That interest and awareness had waned by the time I was a teenager, probably because I was no longer reading voraciously everything I could get my hands on. School, work, hobbies and other aspects of teenage life had cut my non-school related reading time from over 20 hours a week to maybe two or three. As an adult, I've raised that some, but unlike the vast amount of non-fiction books that I used to read as a child, it's mostly just bits and pieces off the internet. Ah, but what a wonderful selection of bits and pieces that has been. And I can say without a doubt that I do know a little about a lot as opposed to a lot about a little... which is probably not a bad thing in this day and age of rapid change.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
IT'S ALMOST TELLIN' TIME
24 hours from now I will be in the company of people I knew a very long time ago.Not counting the handful I have stayed in semi contact with,I am at this stage optimistically apprehensive about how it will go.
I have no concerns about my physical appearance or my station in life.
Our high school was (like most of them,I imagine) a caste system model.You had your rich kids...jocks,nerds,socialites and cheerleaders.You had your working and middle class kids,who broke down into sub castes of rednecks (see also goatropers),stoners and "those people who live in village west".
The overwhelming majority of people in attendance tomorrow fall into the former category with a smattering of the others.And it's also important to note that there was the occasional cross pollination of castes...some rich stoners etc.
All of this has me asking myself questions:
"Self,will 30 years have tempered such station game playing and we will all be adults approaching middle age on equal ground"?
"Self,are there any grudges that could possibly be held for 30 years"?
"Self,if so,will there be a fight"?
"Self,if so,and I'm involved,will I win"? (Of course I'll win...but I can't imagine anything like that actually happening)
"Self,will it be a memorable experience that I'll cherish,or an unmitigated bad trip down memory lane"?
I'll let you know...
24 hours from now I will be in the company of people I knew a very long time ago.Not counting the handful I have stayed in semi contact with,I am at this stage optimistically apprehensive about how it will go.
I have no concerns about my physical appearance or my station in life.
Our high school was (like most of them,I imagine) a caste system model.You had your rich kids...jocks,nerds,socialites and cheerleaders.You had your working and middle class kids,who broke down into sub castes of rednecks (see also goatropers),stoners and "those people who live in village west".
The overwhelming majority of people in attendance tomorrow fall into the former category with a smattering of the others.And it's also important to note that there was the occasional cross pollination of castes...some rich stoners etc.
All of this has me asking myself questions:
"Self,will 30 years have tempered such station game playing and we will all be adults approaching middle age on equal ground"?
"Self,are there any grudges that could possibly be held for 30 years"?
"Self,if so,will there be a fight"?
"Self,if so,and I'm involved,will I win"? (Of course I'll win...but I can't imagine anything like that actually happening)
"Self,will it be a memorable experience that I'll cherish,or an unmitigated bad trip down memory lane"?
I'll let you know...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
GYPSY SAYS:THAT ASSHOLE MICHAEL VICK INDICTED
Th'Rev says: WOOOOOHOOOOO!You can read the article here.
I'm glad they finally busted a "celebrity" engaging in this kind of atrocity,now it'll finally get the attention it needs...and PETA,please butt the fuck out and don't submarine this prosecution with your over the top horse shit.Thank you in advance.A low profile is often a good one.
JUST LIKE A YO-YO
Elevator hell...left elevator in the north tower takes you directly to the penthouse floor (where we aren't doing any work),the doors open and close a few times and you are returned to floor 2 or 3,depending on who called it back.It makes creaky noises...14 floors is a long way to fall I keep thinking.
It took 25 minutes to get to the 9th floor.
The temporary power kept getting overloaded with power tools,that,in conjunction with the incredible heat,kept causing breakers to trip,which led to my first meaningful chats with my wetback brethren...
W.B:"No...Power..."(pulls trigger on drill to illustrate)..."You...Turn...Power...On"?"You...Feex"???
Me:"The breakers are overloaded because of all the tools and the heat".(Making meaningless gestures with hands to illustrate tripping breakers)."Somebody has to reset them".
W.B:Blank stare.
It was awesome!I felt like I was in the sequel to "Quest for fire".
I'm for sure gonna bring up BW's excellent comment about lost time/production regarding the elevators.
Wow.
Elevator hell...left elevator in the north tower takes you directly to the penthouse floor (where we aren't doing any work),the doors open and close a few times and you are returned to floor 2 or 3,depending on who called it back.It makes creaky noises...14 floors is a long way to fall I keep thinking.
It took 25 minutes to get to the 9th floor.
The temporary power kept getting overloaded with power tools,that,in conjunction with the incredible heat,kept causing breakers to trip,which led to my first meaningful chats with my wetback brethren...
W.B:"No...Power..."(pulls trigger on drill to illustrate)..."You...Turn...Power...On"?"You...Feex"???
Me:"The breakers are overloaded because of all the tools and the heat".(Making meaningless gestures with hands to illustrate tripping breakers)."Somebody has to reset them".
W.B:Blank stare.
It was awesome!I felt like I was in the sequel to "Quest for fire".
I'm for sure gonna bring up BW's excellent comment about lost time/production regarding the elevators.
Wow.
Monday, July 16, 2007
HEAT RISES
7th floor...warm,8th...braise...9th...bake...10th on up...broil,a bit closer to the flame with each higher floor.
There are at least a hundred people working on this project from all trades.Last friday we were informed that starting today we could no longer use the south elevators because,there are people already buying and moving into the condos.Who in their right mind would move into a building that's still under construction and will be until next summer (if they're lucky)?Probably the same people who would pay 200K plus to step out on the balcony and breath in deep the smell of frat boy/homeless urine wafting up from the downtown alleys below.(You know,the "entertainment" district).
So 100 construction workers are sharing 2 elevators spanning 13 floors,does this impact productivity?You bet.Does it make for a miserable day?Ab-so-fucking-lutely.
I'm glad to have a job,and I'm learning new things there,but damn it,the heat is killing us.I thought I was gonna throw up a couple of times today.
On a lighter note,my 30th high school reunion is this Friday...97 confirmed attendees.
I am torn as to what to wear...on one hand,I'm inclined to wear black slacks,a bowling shirt adorned with flames/dice and my flame wingtip shoes.On the other,I inclined to wear jeans,a local 520 union T shirt and my work boots...and my white trash belt (ha!)You have to know about my high school to understand the irony in that belt.
It will be an interesting evening considering I haven't seen 94 of the 97 attendees in 30 years.
Woot!
7th floor...warm,8th...braise...9th...bake...10th on up...broil,a bit closer to the flame with each higher floor.
There are at least a hundred people working on this project from all trades.Last friday we were informed that starting today we could no longer use the south elevators because,there are people already buying and moving into the condos.Who in their right mind would move into a building that's still under construction and will be until next summer (if they're lucky)?Probably the same people who would pay 200K plus to step out on the balcony and breath in deep the smell of frat boy/homeless urine wafting up from the downtown alleys below.(You know,the "entertainment" district).
So 100 construction workers are sharing 2 elevators spanning 13 floors,does this impact productivity?You bet.Does it make for a miserable day?Ab-so-fucking-lutely.
I'm glad to have a job,and I'm learning new things there,but damn it,the heat is killing us.I thought I was gonna throw up a couple of times today.
On a lighter note,my 30th high school reunion is this Friday...97 confirmed attendees.
I am torn as to what to wear...on one hand,I'm inclined to wear black slacks,a bowling shirt adorned with flames/dice and my flame wingtip shoes.On the other,I inclined to wear jeans,a local 520 union T shirt and my work boots...and my white trash belt (ha!)You have to know about my high school to understand the irony in that belt.
It will be an interesting evening considering I haven't seen 94 of the 97 attendees in 30 years.
Woot!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
SO...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR PUNK BOY?
From CNN.com:
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki shrugged off U.S. doubts of his government's military and political progress Saturday, saying Iraqi forces are capable and American troops can leave "anytime they want."
So lets get the fuck out of there PDQ Georgie...
One of his top aides, meanwhile, accused the United States of embarrassing the Iraqi government by violating human rights and treating his country like an "experiment in a U.S. lab."
Check this article about US atrocities in Iraq to understand exactly what this top aide is talking about.
Al-Maliki said his government needs "time and effort" to enact the political reforms that Washington seeks -- "particularly since the political process is facing security, economic and services pressures, as well as regional and international interference."
But he said that if necessary, Iraqi police and soldiers could fill the void left by the departure of coalition forces.
"We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at anytime they want," he said.
In other words...don't let the screen door hit you in the ass on the way out you fucking criminal.The democratically elected leader of Iraq is telling us to hit the road...that's a pretty clear message,right?
Think we're leaving?Well think again.
There's too much money to be made on the backs of our boys in the name of OIL.
Just watch and see.
This is BULLSHIT.
From CNN.com:
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki shrugged off U.S. doubts of his government's military and political progress Saturday, saying Iraqi forces are capable and American troops can leave "anytime they want."
So lets get the fuck out of there PDQ Georgie...
One of his top aides, meanwhile, accused the United States of embarrassing the Iraqi government by violating human rights and treating his country like an "experiment in a U.S. lab."
Check this article about US atrocities in Iraq to understand exactly what this top aide is talking about.
Al-Maliki said his government needs "time and effort" to enact the political reforms that Washington seeks -- "particularly since the political process is facing security, economic and services pressures, as well as regional and international interference."
But he said that if necessary, Iraqi police and soldiers could fill the void left by the departure of coalition forces.
"We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at anytime they want," he said.
In other words...don't let the screen door hit you in the ass on the way out you fucking criminal.The democratically elected leader of Iraq is telling us to hit the road...that's a pretty clear message,right?
Think we're leaving?Well think again.
There's too much money to be made on the backs of our boys in the name of OIL.
Just watch and see.
This is BULLSHIT.
MAIN ENTRY: VER-MIN
Pronunciation: 'v&r-m&n
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural vermin
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French vermin, vermine, from verm worm, from Latin vermis
1 a : small common harmful or objectionable animals (as lice or fleas) that are difficult to control b : birds and mammals that prey on game c : animals that at a particular time and place compete (as for food) with humans or domestic animals
2 : an offensive person
I'm a racist.Not in that sheet wearing KKK mindless sort of way,oh no.I'm an equal opportunity racist,nay,a verminist ,if you are an offensive person,I don't like you regardless of the color of your skin.I'm basically blind to color,but conduct is another story.
And currently my derision has been focused on the exploding population of wetbacks in this country,and in this city in particular.
Main Entry: wet·back
Pronunciation: 'wet-"bak
Function: noun
Etymology: from the practice of wading or swimming the Rio Grande where it forms the U.S.-Mexico border
usually offensive : a Mexican who enters the United States illegally
I've been around hispanics all my life,in school,in the work place,some of my oldest and closet friends have been hispanic.They've been here all their lives as well and most don't speak spanish.They are second and third generation american citizens whose grandparents and parents came here and absorbed american culture,learned the language and melded into the melting pot that used to be the united states.
A long time ago,people from all over the world came to this country for opportunity and left their country of origin on the dock at ellis island and embraced the idea of america,all for one and one for all and became citizens of a diverse nation.
But these wetbacks are here for one thing and one thing only...money.
They come here because they can earn more money than they would ever need back in their third world depressed economies.And that's where the money goes...back to the families left behind in Mexico or Honduras or El Salvador.They have no investment in the melting pot,they just want to make the money to live right in their country of origin.They won't learn the language,they don't have to because there are so many of them here now it's not a needed skill,plus the fact that we accommodate them by bilingual programs in every aspect of life here.School,work,et al.
Almost all social service jobs with the city/county/state require that you be bilingual.Any applicant who isn't is shit out of luck.There's something wrong with that.Why should I have to learn another language to gain employment in my own country?
If I decided to move to Mexico,would they accommodate me by speaking english?Fuck no,I would have to learn the language and I would,I would assimilate into the culture as required.That's how it should be.
Pronunciation: 'v&r-m&n
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural vermin
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French vermin, vermine, from verm worm, from Latin vermis
1 a : small common harmful or objectionable animals (as lice or fleas) that are difficult to control b : birds and mammals that prey on game c : animals that at a particular time and place compete (as for food) with humans or domestic animals
2 : an offensive person
I'm a racist.Not in that sheet wearing KKK mindless sort of way,oh no.I'm an equal opportunity racist,nay,a verminist ,if you are an offensive person,I don't like you regardless of the color of your skin.I'm basically blind to color,but conduct is another story.
And currently my derision has been focused on the exploding population of wetbacks in this country,and in this city in particular.
Main Entry: wet·back
Pronunciation: 'wet-"bak
Function: noun
Etymology: from the practice of wading or swimming the Rio Grande where it forms the U.S.-Mexico border
usually offensive : a Mexican who enters the United States illegally
I've been around hispanics all my life,in school,in the work place,some of my oldest and closet friends have been hispanic.They've been here all their lives as well and most don't speak spanish.They are second and third generation american citizens whose grandparents and parents came here and absorbed american culture,learned the language and melded into the melting pot that used to be the united states.
A long time ago,people from all over the world came to this country for opportunity and left their country of origin on the dock at ellis island and embraced the idea of america,all for one and one for all and became citizens of a diverse nation.
But these wetbacks are here for one thing and one thing only...money.
They come here because they can earn more money than they would ever need back in their third world depressed economies.And that's where the money goes...back to the families left behind in Mexico or Honduras or El Salvador.They have no investment in the melting pot,they just want to make the money to live right in their country of origin.They won't learn the language,they don't have to because there are so many of them here now it's not a needed skill,plus the fact that we accommodate them by bilingual programs in every aspect of life here.School,work,et al.
Almost all social service jobs with the city/county/state require that you be bilingual.Any applicant who isn't is shit out of luck.There's something wrong with that.Why should I have to learn another language to gain employment in my own country?
If I decided to move to Mexico,would they accommodate me by speaking english?Fuck no,I would have to learn the language and I would,I would assimilate into the culture as required.That's how it should be.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
MAIN ENTRY: DIC·TA·TOR·SHIP
Pronunciation: dik-'tA-t&r-"ship, 'dik-"
Function: noun
1 : the office of dictator
2 : autocratic rule, control, or leadership
3 a : a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique b : a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated c : a despotic state.
Yessir...that would be us.And with the exception of Cuba,we all know what history tells us about the future of dictatorships.They all ended up being overthrown by citizenry and / or the opposition.That's just the way it goes for dictators apparently.
While we,the citizens of the United States,having mostly turned a blind eye to our slide into dictatorship over the last seven years,have done nothing about it.
And now that they have a foot hold...no...a strangle hold on democracy,our civil rights and liberties and we do nothing more (on a national level) than use it as fodder for comedy shows and routines,political cartoons and shallow commentary that we (with few exceptions) consume with no more cognizance than if we were watching an episode of the Simpsons.Most of us chortle at the antics of Jon Stewart and his ilk,oblivious to the underlying message that something is seriously wrong here.
So far,in terms of impact,they are leaving the majority of us alone...from everyday citizens to activist bloggers.By and large,the everyday citizens figure,"hey,Bush ain't fucking with me so fuck it" and go about their daily lives as if the country hasn't changed.The activists continue to point out the obvious only to be ignored by most of the population.And the administration has reached a point of arrogance that allows them to thumb their noses at everyone,including congress.It's a mentality of the sheep don't notice how full of it we are or they don't care,and the activists will still be around when we decide to clean house.And the congress is at best the red headed stepchild,abused and ignored,seen and not heard or taken seriously.
Let me be blunt,they are a joke to this administration...they could give a fuck about congress and the rule of law and make no bones about their contempt.
We,as citizens,are either selfish,self righteous,or blind.
In the past,dictators have typically met ugly ends at the end of ugly insurrections led by people who went down a similar road like we are on now.Government was torn down to a blank slate and they started over.
Is that what's going to happen here in America?
Bushco keeps saying "We got to fight them there,so we don't have to fight them here".
I know this is so much bullshit propaganda,but the fact remains that there are undoubtedly sleeper cells already here and a new government report says that Al Qaeda is stepping up it's efforts to infiltrate us.
I'm not suggesting or predicting that a war on our soil is what it's going to take to get these assholes out of power,but what would you do if that came to pass?
Do we really need to wait until our leaders are shot dead and hung upside down from meat hooks in front of the white house with our country in flames?
I'm all for revolution,in fact since the Reagan administration and before.
But I prefer a nice orderly impeachment proceeding followed by long prison sentences and a return to the rule of law.
Yeah,I know...nice dream Rev.
Pronunciation: dik-'tA-t&r-"ship, 'dik-"
Function: noun
1 : the office of dictator
2 : autocratic rule, control, or leadership
3 a : a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique b : a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated c : a despotic state.
Yessir...that would be us.And with the exception of Cuba,we all know what history tells us about the future of dictatorships.They all ended up being overthrown by citizenry and / or the opposition.That's just the way it goes for dictators apparently.
While we,the citizens of the United States,having mostly turned a blind eye to our slide into dictatorship over the last seven years,have done nothing about it.
And now that they have a foot hold...no...a strangle hold on democracy,our civil rights and liberties and we do nothing more (on a national level) than use it as fodder for comedy shows and routines,political cartoons and shallow commentary that we (with few exceptions) consume with no more cognizance than if we were watching an episode of the Simpsons.Most of us chortle at the antics of Jon Stewart and his ilk,oblivious to the underlying message that something is seriously wrong here.
So far,in terms of impact,they are leaving the majority of us alone...from everyday citizens to activist bloggers.By and large,the everyday citizens figure,"hey,Bush ain't fucking with me so fuck it" and go about their daily lives as if the country hasn't changed.The activists continue to point out the obvious only to be ignored by most of the population.And the administration has reached a point of arrogance that allows them to thumb their noses at everyone,including congress.It's a mentality of the sheep don't notice how full of it we are or they don't care,and the activists will still be around when we decide to clean house.And the congress is at best the red headed stepchild,abused and ignored,seen and not heard or taken seriously.
Let me be blunt,they are a joke to this administration...they could give a fuck about congress and the rule of law and make no bones about their contempt.
We,as citizens,are either selfish,self righteous,or blind.
In the past,dictators have typically met ugly ends at the end of ugly insurrections led by people who went down a similar road like we are on now.Government was torn down to a blank slate and they started over.
Is that what's going to happen here in America?
Bushco keeps saying "We got to fight them there,so we don't have to fight them here".
I know this is so much bullshit propaganda,but the fact remains that there are undoubtedly sleeper cells already here and a new government report says that Al Qaeda is stepping up it's efforts to infiltrate us.
I'm not suggesting or predicting that a war on our soil is what it's going to take to get these assholes out of power,but what would you do if that came to pass?
Do we really need to wait until our leaders are shot dead and hung upside down from meat hooks in front of the white house with our country in flames?
I'm all for revolution,in fact since the Reagan administration and before.
But I prefer a nice orderly impeachment proceeding followed by long prison sentences and a return to the rule of law.
Yeah,I know...nice dream Rev.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I UNDERSTAND JUST ENOUGH TO RAISE MY ANXIETY LEVEL
Spanish,I mean.The overwhelming numbers of "non english speaking laborers" on this job is overwhelming me.It's a stressful enough environment as it is,add into the mix obvious comments about the white guys that you partially understand and the hard hats they wear decorated with proclamations to mexican and honduran gangs and it makes for a very long 8 or 10 or 12 hours.
They are decidedly not polite,in fact,it seems they go out of their way to block our egress as we attempt to navigate between projects.I may end up shiving one of these fucks with my sheet rock saw before it's over.The 11th floor reeks of urine...they can't even ride down to the toilet...cups and bottles lurk in corners filled with what can only be human waste.
There are bundles of rancid discarded food,partially wrapped in foil in other corners.It's like working at a high rise landfill,on the 11th floor anyway.
On the other hand...I may just be being a pussy.I like working with my crew and my tool buddy,and our foreman is cool,but god damn...I forget what country I'm in sometimes...oh...never mind,scratch that.
This isn't a country anymore,it's a swirling black hole of confusion from top to bottom.
Spanish,I mean.The overwhelming numbers of "non english speaking laborers" on this job is overwhelming me.It's a stressful enough environment as it is,add into the mix obvious comments about the white guys that you partially understand and the hard hats they wear decorated with proclamations to mexican and honduran gangs and it makes for a very long 8 or 10 or 12 hours.
They are decidedly not polite,in fact,it seems they go out of their way to block our egress as we attempt to navigate between projects.I may end up shiving one of these fucks with my sheet rock saw before it's over.The 11th floor reeks of urine...they can't even ride down to the toilet...cups and bottles lurk in corners filled with what can only be human waste.
There are bundles of rancid discarded food,partially wrapped in foil in other corners.It's like working at a high rise landfill,on the 11th floor anyway.
On the other hand...I may just be being a pussy.I like working with my crew and my tool buddy,and our foreman is cool,but god damn...I forget what country I'm in sometimes...oh...never mind,scratch that.
This isn't a country anymore,it's a swirling black hole of confusion from top to bottom.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Booze and Breakfast
Today's booze and breakfast occurred at home since we couldn't be arsed to get dressed and go out. Breakfast was provided by Aunt Jemima's factory produced omelet and potato microwavable dinner. Rob stuck his omelet between a croissant with a slice of cheese and some ketchup which was a good idea - wish I had thought of that (sans ketchup). Rob had screwdrivers mixed to perfection by himself and since I wasn't driving, I had Shiner Bock beer (beer really does go with everything if you love beer the way I do.) After breakfast, Rob had a nice long nap and I did a few work related things. Which proves that Rob is smart and I am crazy. However, the buzz factor is a bit too high at this point to keep working and I just realized that is probably the best excuse I have ever found for drinking.
In other news this week...
Monday: Apparently spells were cast, prayers were prayed and good vibes were sent because the brakes on my car were healed - HEALED, I tell ya. Through no effort on my part, the awful grinding went away. Praise be to {insert your choice of deity/force}.
Tuesday: Surprise schedule swap at work - I suddenly have Wednesday off which I can spend with Rob who also has the day off (unpaid), but we have no money to do much of anything to celebrate since payday for us both is on Thursday. Not a big deal though since time together is priceless.
Wednesday: Fourth of July. Can we scrape up the cash for hotdogs, beer and vodka to celebrate? No, we can't, but wait - what's this? My paycheck was deposited early - yee-haw! We promptly buy hotdogs, beer, vodka and even some gin for the neighbor who was also broke.
Thursday: A day much like any other day. Apparently good luck runs in threes just like bad luck.
Friday: Luck has definitely gone on vacation. The workday sucked due to a sudden, temporary policy change which increased my workload by a kazillion percent.
Saturday: Rinse and repeat of Friday, but with the addition of getting soap in the eyes due to the crabbiness of employees in the workplace. I almost sent one employee home for being a jerk. If he had my been MY employee, he would have been fired on the spot, but since I didn't know him and everyone has a bad day once in a while, I decided to hold my tongue. Will the sun ever come out again? Please, no more rain.
P.S. Sunday, 9:00PM CST - more rain - ugh!
Today's booze and breakfast occurred at home since we couldn't be arsed to get dressed and go out. Breakfast was provided by Aunt Jemima's factory produced omelet and potato microwavable dinner. Rob stuck his omelet between a croissant with a slice of cheese and some ketchup which was a good idea - wish I had thought of that (sans ketchup). Rob had screwdrivers mixed to perfection by himself and since I wasn't driving, I had Shiner Bock beer (beer really does go with everything if you love beer the way I do.) After breakfast, Rob had a nice long nap and I did a few work related things. Which proves that Rob is smart and I am crazy. However, the buzz factor is a bit too high at this point to keep working and I just realized that is probably the best excuse I have ever found for drinking.
In other news this week...
Monday: Apparently spells were cast, prayers were prayed and good vibes were sent because the brakes on my car were healed - HEALED, I tell ya. Through no effort on my part, the awful grinding went away. Praise be to {insert your choice of deity/force}.
Tuesday: Surprise schedule swap at work - I suddenly have Wednesday off which I can spend with Rob who also has the day off (unpaid), but we have no money to do much of anything to celebrate since payday for us both is on Thursday. Not a big deal though since time together is priceless.
Wednesday: Fourth of July. Can we scrape up the cash for hotdogs, beer and vodka to celebrate? No, we can't, but wait - what's this? My paycheck was deposited early - yee-haw! We promptly buy hotdogs, beer, vodka and even some gin for the neighbor who was also broke.
Thursday: A day much like any other day. Apparently good luck runs in threes just like bad luck.
Friday: Luck has definitely gone on vacation. The workday sucked due to a sudden, temporary policy change which increased my workload by a kazillion percent.
Saturday: Rinse and repeat of Friday, but with the addition of getting soap in the eyes due to the crabbiness of employees in the workplace. I almost sent one employee home for being a jerk. If he had my been MY employee, he would have been fired on the spot, but since I didn't know him and everyone has a bad day once in a while, I decided to hold my tongue. Will the sun ever come out again? Please, no more rain.
P.S. Sunday, 9:00PM CST - more rain - ugh!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
OVERTIME BLUES...BE CAREFUL,YOU MIGHT HURT YOURSELF
We worked today at overtime rates...a good thing,it'll more than compensate for the lost day on the 4th.We did what is called a shut down,where the temporary power is turned off at a project to pull in and terminate the wire for the permanent power.
It goes like this typically...temporary power is cut off and/or removed,so you are working by flashlight/headlamp.First,a fish tape is pushed through the run of conduit from point a to point b,then a rope is attached to the fish tape which is pulled out and replaced by the rope.While this is happening the wires are rolled out along the floor,they are color coded with tape to designate phase,neutral and ground on both ends and then it is attached to the rope by making a crossed over loopy configuration of wire through a loop at the end of the rope and covered with duct tape.It is then lubricated with wire soap and the real fun begins.
A team feeds the wire from one end while another one pulls the rope from the other.
It's a coordinated effort.Emphasis on effort.Our 2 pulls today had 4 wires each,I believe were # 6 (3) and #8 (1),about the circumference of a stick of chalk and a #2 pencil,respectively.It's copper and it's heavy.Each pull was in excess of 140 feet.
The more bends/offsets/kicks you have in your pipe the harder it is to pull.
We had shitloads,it was hard.And the larger the wire the more unforgiving it is going around and through those bends etc.
And things tend to happen,and by things I mean accidents.
I was cutting the tape off of a 160 foot roll of #6 with my trusty Kershaw folding knife,blade up,when the tape suddenly gave and I stabbed myself in my right calf.I was pulling the knife hard so when the tape gave there was a more than fair amount of force being exerted.I buried at least a half inch of that blade into my leg.
It hurt...a lot.It bled...a lot.
It also put an end to my participation in the set up for this pull long enough for me to raid the first aid kit for sterile pads,gauze,tape and antiseptic wipes,go outside into the light and fix it.
By the time I got outside,I had a blood soak through my pants leg the size of Nebraska and the top of my sock was full of blood.
Nebraska...
Ouch...
I cleaned it,applied compression until the bleeding stopped and then bandaged myself up and went back to work.It's a nasty looking wound,but fuck it...we had wire to pull.
6 hours turned into 10,but we got it done.
We worked today at overtime rates...a good thing,it'll more than compensate for the lost day on the 4th.We did what is called a shut down,where the temporary power is turned off at a project to pull in and terminate the wire for the permanent power.
It goes like this typically...temporary power is cut off and/or removed,so you are working by flashlight/headlamp.First,a fish tape is pushed through the run of conduit from point a to point b,then a rope is attached to the fish tape which is pulled out and replaced by the rope.While this is happening the wires are rolled out along the floor,they are color coded with tape to designate phase,neutral and ground on both ends and then it is attached to the rope by making a crossed over loopy configuration of wire through a loop at the end of the rope and covered with duct tape.It is then lubricated with wire soap and the real fun begins.
A team feeds the wire from one end while another one pulls the rope from the other.
It's a coordinated effort.Emphasis on effort.Our 2 pulls today had 4 wires each,I believe were # 6 (3) and #8 (1),about the circumference of a stick of chalk and a #2 pencil,respectively.It's copper and it's heavy.Each pull was in excess of 140 feet.
The more bends/offsets/kicks you have in your pipe the harder it is to pull.
We had shitloads,it was hard.And the larger the wire the more unforgiving it is going around and through those bends etc.
And things tend to happen,and by things I mean accidents.
I was cutting the tape off of a 160 foot roll of #6 with my trusty Kershaw folding knife,blade up,when the tape suddenly gave and I stabbed myself in my right calf.I was pulling the knife hard so when the tape gave there was a more than fair amount of force being exerted.I buried at least a half inch of that blade into my leg.
It hurt...a lot.It bled...a lot.
It also put an end to my participation in the set up for this pull long enough for me to raid the first aid kit for sterile pads,gauze,tape and antiseptic wipes,go outside into the light and fix it.
By the time I got outside,I had a blood soak through my pants leg the size of Nebraska and the top of my sock was full of blood.
Nebraska...
Ouch...
I cleaned it,applied compression until the bleeding stopped and then bandaged myself up and went back to work.It's a nasty looking wound,but fuck it...we had wire to pull.
6 hours turned into 10,but we got it done.
Friday, July 06, 2007
LUCKY CAB DRIVER
Since I am just a good soul,I went to the grocery in the pouring rain to fetch dinner,beer for Annabelle,and food for the dogs...and smokes.When I crossed south first on cumberland I was behind a yellow cab that braked at every cross street,like he was lost.When we finally got on congress he signaled into the turn lane by the auto parts store...a full 2 blocks from the HEB turn in I was headed for.And the motherfucker cut me off,almost causing a wreck.And causing me to go from zero to 60 in no time.After I parked in the HEB parking lot,I recognized the cab in front of the store,so in the pouring rain I approached him and when he rolled down his window the following exchange occurred:
Me:"Dude!what is your fucking problem"?!!!!
Cabbie:(with heavy middle eastern accent)"What do you mean"?
Me:"You fucking cut me off on the turn lane bitch...you need to learn how to fucking drive dude"...
Cabbie:"No I did not"...
Me:"Yes you did motherfucker...you need to learn how to motherfucking drive"!!!
At which point he rolled up his window and flipped me off.
As his window was going up and he said fuck you to me,I said "No fuck YOU you raghead bitch,get out of that car and I will KICK your ass you fucking piece of shit"!
He did not get out.
Lucky for him.
People leaving the HEB were walking by,checking this out,smiling.
At least I could entertain,and fuck that cabbie...
I hope it quits raining soon.
Since I am just a good soul,I went to the grocery in the pouring rain to fetch dinner,beer for Annabelle,and food for the dogs...and smokes.When I crossed south first on cumberland I was behind a yellow cab that braked at every cross street,like he was lost.When we finally got on congress he signaled into the turn lane by the auto parts store...a full 2 blocks from the HEB turn in I was headed for.And the motherfucker cut me off,almost causing a wreck.And causing me to go from zero to 60 in no time.After I parked in the HEB parking lot,I recognized the cab in front of the store,so in the pouring rain I approached him and when he rolled down his window the following exchange occurred:
Me:"Dude!what is your fucking problem"?!!!!
Cabbie:(with heavy middle eastern accent)"What do you mean"?
Me:"You fucking cut me off on the turn lane bitch...you need to learn how to fucking drive dude"...
Cabbie:"No I did not"...
Me:"Yes you did motherfucker...you need to learn how to motherfucking drive"!!!
At which point he rolled up his window and flipped me off.
As his window was going up and he said fuck you to me,I said "No fuck YOU you raghead bitch,get out of that car and I will KICK your ass you fucking piece of shit"!
He did not get out.
Lucky for him.
People leaving the HEB were walking by,checking this out,smiling.
At least I could entertain,and fuck that cabbie...
I hope it quits raining soon.
Rain, rain and more rain
I've lost count of the continuous days of rain, but it's well over 20 by now. This is extremely rare for this part of the world, but I've lived long enough in the area to have seen it happen before, long before global warming was a known issue. I'm pretty sure the return of the ice age was the hot topic the last time this happened, but regardless of the fact that it's due to an impending Ice Age or El Nino or La Nina or Global Warming, this much rain consistently makes for a very crabby population around these parts since we are NOT used to it. Tempers are flaring up at work and even Rob and I have been a bit snippy about things. We need the sun to come out and stay for a long time so we can complain about the heat like normal.
There have been a lot of changes at work - too many to discuss and time will tell if it's for the better or worse. My schedule looks a bit better for the rest of July and if it actually stays as is, then you may see a more frequent poster. But I'm not going to hold my breath since every time I've thought my schedule was "fixed" it has been unfixed in just a week or so. However, I do have the rare Sunday off this week so if I can get motivated to leave the house then you may see another Booze and Breakfast review.
I've lost count of the continuous days of rain, but it's well over 20 by now. This is extremely rare for this part of the world, but I've lived long enough in the area to have seen it happen before, long before global warming was a known issue. I'm pretty sure the return of the ice age was the hot topic the last time this happened, but regardless of the fact that it's due to an impending Ice Age or El Nino or La Nina or Global Warming, this much rain consistently makes for a very crabby population around these parts since we are NOT used to it. Tempers are flaring up at work and even Rob and I have been a bit snippy about things. We need the sun to come out and stay for a long time so we can complain about the heat like normal.
There have been a lot of changes at work - too many to discuss and time will tell if it's for the better or worse. My schedule looks a bit better for the rest of July and if it actually stays as is, then you may see a more frequent poster. But I'm not going to hold my breath since every time I've thought my schedule was "fixed" it has been unfixed in just a week or so. However, I do have the rare Sunday off this week so if I can get motivated to leave the house then you may see another Booze and Breakfast review.
DOG FIGHTING IS OFF THE CHAIN BRO!(NOT)
Unfortunately,there are a number of people who think that this is great fun,I apologize in advance for the following image,as it is very disturbing,but it must be seen to bring an end to this horrible "sport".
Gypsy says:"MICHAEL VICK IS AN ASSHOLE"
How could he possibly not know about this?
Excerpts from news reports:
SURRY, Va. (AP) -- A property owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was used as the "main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved" in an alleged dogfighting operation, according to court documents.
It's his property...come on.
On Friday, federal agents searched the property for a second time, using a backhoe to dig in an area about 10 feet wide by 20 feet wide. They finished their work at about 4:30 p.m. and declined to answer reporters' questions as they left.
What do you think they were looking for?
According to the documents, dog fights have been sponsored by "Bad Newz Kennels" at the property since at least 2002. For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states.
Members of the venture also knowingly transported, delivered and received dogs for animal fighting, the documents state.
Fifty-four pit bulls were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a "rape stand," used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.
Oh no...they ain't no dog fights goin' on here...no way
The documents said the fights usually occurred late at night or in the early morning and would last several hours. The winning dog would win from "100's up to 1,000's of dollars," and participants and spectators also bet on the dogfights.
Before fights, the participating dogs of the same sex would be weighed and bathed, according to the filings. Opposing dogs would be washed to remove any poison or narcotic placed on the dog's coat that could affect the other dog's performance. Sometimes participants would not feed a dog before the fight to "make it more hungry for the other dog," the documents said.
At least they were thorough...jeez.
Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method, according to the documents. The property has an aboveground swimming pool, and investigators were seen looking into the pool Friday.
It's a veritable choice of death buffet!
During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were killed by members of "Bad Newz Kennels" following sessions to test whether the dogs would be good fighters, the documents said.
I guess they "failed".
On Vick's Web site, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, Va., "a.k.a. BadNews."
Friday, federal agents used shovels and heavy equipment to search the Vick property, where an informant told authorities as many as 30 dogs could be buried.
A backhoe-front loader was brought in and used to excavate a cleared area on the property. The material found to be of interest was transferred into numerous large, ice-filled coolers and loaded into a rental truck, which left the property.
I'm thinking bodies...dog bodies.
Vick has said he rarely visited the property. No charges have been filed.
He's lying....
During an April 25 raid at the property, about half the dogs were tethered to car axles with heavy chains that allowed them to get close to each other, but not to have contact, an arrangement typical for fighting dogs, according to an affidavit.
"...No, we was just restraining them..."
On June 7, the day that warrant expired, federal officials executed their own with the help of state police investigators.
Poindexter publicly questioned the federal government's interest in a dogfighting case. He suggested Vick's celebrity was the draw and raised race as a possible motivation. Poindexter and Vick are black, as is Sheriff Harold Brown.
RACE CARD!!!!! Come on now, this is just pure bullshit.
Vick initially said he had no idea the property might have been used in a criminal enterprise and blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. He also put the house up for sale and reportedly sold it quickly, although there is no record that the sale has closed. Vick has since declined to talk about the investigation.
Because he's guilty as fucking sin,that's why.I don't even like pits,and this shit makes me sick...you know they use non pit breeds for their fighters to "practice on" as well.
They get them from shelters,from pet ads and they even steal them out of back yards.
Imagine your beloved pet used as fodder for something like this...fucking thug.
I say nail his ass to the wall.
Unfortunately,there are a number of people who think that this is great fun,I apologize in advance for the following image,as it is very disturbing,but it must be seen to bring an end to this horrible "sport".
Gypsy says:"MICHAEL VICK IS AN ASSHOLE"
How could he possibly not know about this?
Excerpts from news reports:
SURRY, Va. (AP) -- A property owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was used as the "main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved" in an alleged dogfighting operation, according to court documents.
It's his property...come on.
On Friday, federal agents searched the property for a second time, using a backhoe to dig in an area about 10 feet wide by 20 feet wide. They finished their work at about 4:30 p.m. and declined to answer reporters' questions as they left.
What do you think they were looking for?
According to the documents, dog fights have been sponsored by "Bad Newz Kennels" at the property since at least 2002. For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states.
Members of the venture also knowingly transported, delivered and received dogs for animal fighting, the documents state.
Fifty-four pit bulls were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a "rape stand," used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.
Oh no...they ain't no dog fights goin' on here...no way
The documents said the fights usually occurred late at night or in the early morning and would last several hours. The winning dog would win from "100's up to 1,000's of dollars," and participants and spectators also bet on the dogfights.
Before fights, the participating dogs of the same sex would be weighed and bathed, according to the filings. Opposing dogs would be washed to remove any poison or narcotic placed on the dog's coat that could affect the other dog's performance. Sometimes participants would not feed a dog before the fight to "make it more hungry for the other dog," the documents said.
At least they were thorough...jeez.
Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method, according to the documents. The property has an aboveground swimming pool, and investigators were seen looking into the pool Friday.
It's a veritable choice of death buffet!
During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were killed by members of "Bad Newz Kennels" following sessions to test whether the dogs would be good fighters, the documents said.
I guess they "failed".
On Vick's Web site, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, Va., "a.k.a. BadNews."
Friday, federal agents used shovels and heavy equipment to search the Vick property, where an informant told authorities as many as 30 dogs could be buried.
A backhoe-front loader was brought in and used to excavate a cleared area on the property. The material found to be of interest was transferred into numerous large, ice-filled coolers and loaded into a rental truck, which left the property.
I'm thinking bodies...dog bodies.
Vick has said he rarely visited the property. No charges have been filed.
He's lying....
During an April 25 raid at the property, about half the dogs were tethered to car axles with heavy chains that allowed them to get close to each other, but not to have contact, an arrangement typical for fighting dogs, according to an affidavit.
"...No, we was just restraining them..."
On June 7, the day that warrant expired, federal officials executed their own with the help of state police investigators.
Poindexter publicly questioned the federal government's interest in a dogfighting case. He suggested Vick's celebrity was the draw and raised race as a possible motivation. Poindexter and Vick are black, as is Sheriff Harold Brown.
RACE CARD!!!!! Come on now, this is just pure bullshit.
Vick initially said he had no idea the property might have been used in a criminal enterprise and blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. He also put the house up for sale and reportedly sold it quickly, although there is no record that the sale has closed. Vick has since declined to talk about the investigation.
Because he's guilty as fucking sin,that's why.I don't even like pits,and this shit makes me sick...you know they use non pit breeds for their fighters to "practice on" as well.
They get them from shelters,from pet ads and they even steal them out of back yards.
Imagine your beloved pet used as fodder for something like this...fucking thug.
I say nail his ass to the wall.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
IT WAS THE 4TH OF JULY
And what a memorable one it was,although it didn't start out that way.Plans to BBQ were ditched because of the rain,then resurrected when the skies cleared.We did the traditional hot dogs and I bought some cross cut ribs and a nice cucumber salad.And beer and wine and vodka and gin in mass quantities (but not consumed by the same person).We ended up on the roof of our house...initially to view the fireworks (which we could not see...)but ended up hanging out because the birds eye view of neighborhood goings on...(illegal)fireworks!Police!were just to much fun.
I have always liked this X song,and while I've never made any connection to it and the spirit of American Independence,I think it's maudlin tone is a perfect (yet totally out of context) metaphor for this year's fourth.
Maybe next year it'll be more upbeat.
And what a memorable one it was,although it didn't start out that way.Plans to BBQ were ditched because of the rain,then resurrected when the skies cleared.We did the traditional hot dogs and I bought some cross cut ribs and a nice cucumber salad.And beer and wine and vodka and gin in mass quantities (but not consumed by the same person).We ended up on the roof of our house...initially to view the fireworks (which we could not see...)but ended up hanging out because the birds eye view of neighborhood goings on...(illegal)fireworks!Police!were just to much fun.
I have always liked this X song,and while I've never made any connection to it and the spirit of American Independence,I think it's maudlin tone is a perfect (yet totally out of context) metaphor for this year's fourth.
Maybe next year it'll be more upbeat.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
MURDER POLICE
I've been watching the A&E marathon of the first 48 today,and these people amaze me.On both sides of the crime,but especially the murder police.They are a mirror image of the perps.Just as nasty and double dealing,but on the side of the law.
I've always wanted to be a murder police...long before the TV shows,way back when I was a newbie in the psychic wars I knew I had the ability to break bad people down.But I never did anything about it,and on my very short list of regrets this is one.
I could have been a murder police.
I've been watching the A&E marathon of the first 48 today,and these people amaze me.On both sides of the crime,but especially the murder police.They are a mirror image of the perps.Just as nasty and double dealing,but on the side of the law.
I've always wanted to be a murder police...long before the TV shows,way back when I was a newbie in the psychic wars I knew I had the ability to break bad people down.But I never did anything about it,and on my very short list of regrets this is one.
I could have been a murder police.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
THIS IS...
Insane.I remember the comedian Richard Lewis,many years ago describing his families vacations.Basically,the family would look down at the floor,and conga line style walk around the dining room table endlessly.Going nowhere and doing nothing.
This is Washington in a nutshell as far as I'm concerned.I watched Tony Snow's press briefing over at Crook's and Liar's about the Libby commutation today,and I was amazed that one of those reporters didn't say,in disgust:"You are so completely full of SHIT"!Then throw down their pad and pencil and walk out muttering profanities.
I am appalled(but not surprised)that there has been virtually no main stream coverage of the democratic response to this slap in the face to us as citizens and to the rule of law.Believe me,I looked for it.And I found it at "fringe" blogs like C&L.
John Roberts over at CNN interviewed Joe Wilson about it,and while Wilson was his usual straight shooting self calling a spade a spade,Robert's was pussy footing around with the talking points.There is nothing at the CNN site in the headlines about it beyond the usual pandering to Bushco.
And the opposition is basically doing the same thing...going in circles as paper tigers,all talk and no walk.
They cancel each other out and nothing happens of import.
I'm reminded of the story "Little Black Sambo"...where Sambo is menaced by a group of tigers.He walks around in a circle,with the tigers following behind,over and over again until the tigers are reduced to butter and then Sambo and his family have a nice breakfast of pancakes with tiger butter.
It's a nice thought,but it will never happen.
Insane.I remember the comedian Richard Lewis,many years ago describing his families vacations.Basically,the family would look down at the floor,and conga line style walk around the dining room table endlessly.Going nowhere and doing nothing.
This is Washington in a nutshell as far as I'm concerned.I watched Tony Snow's press briefing over at Crook's and Liar's about the Libby commutation today,and I was amazed that one of those reporters didn't say,in disgust:"You are so completely full of SHIT"!Then throw down their pad and pencil and walk out muttering profanities.
I am appalled(but not surprised)that there has been virtually no main stream coverage of the democratic response to this slap in the face to us as citizens and to the rule of law.Believe me,I looked for it.And I found it at "fringe" blogs like C&L.
John Roberts over at CNN interviewed Joe Wilson about it,and while Wilson was his usual straight shooting self calling a spade a spade,Robert's was pussy footing around with the talking points.There is nothing at the CNN site in the headlines about it beyond the usual pandering to Bushco.
And the opposition is basically doing the same thing...going in circles as paper tigers,all talk and no walk.
They cancel each other out and nothing happens of import.
I'm reminded of the story "Little Black Sambo"...where Sambo is menaced by a group of tigers.He walks around in a circle,with the tigers following behind,over and over again until the tigers are reduced to butter and then Sambo and his family have a nice breakfast of pancakes with tiger butter.
It's a nice thought,but it will never happen.
Monday, July 02, 2007
IF YOU DIDN'T SEE THIS ONE COMING,YOU MUST BE IN A COMA
Bush commuted Libby's sentence this afternoon,saying it was "excessive".I'm not surprised and I'm not particularly outraged,so this isn't a rant.It's a statement of facts that weave a web to a foregone conclusion.
1.Libby was involved in the outing of a CIA operative,while his charges were perjury and obstruction of justice,it's an act of treason,and as such he should have been executed.As well as his co-conspirators.
2.As gub'ner of Texas,Bush was responsible for signing off on an astronomical number of executions,many of which had big question marks regarding guilt to begin with,and some that clearly deserved clemency and a life sentence as opposed to the old L-I.He even joked about Karla Faye Tucker...mocked her even...when he denied her appeal and signed her death warrant.He's a sociopath,drunk on power and a narcissist,bent on meeting his own ends.And let Libby slide for A:payback for him falling on the sword and B:covering for Cheney.He's clearly covering his own ass.And he is NO ONE to judge what is or is not "excessive".Look at the record for gods sake.
3.This is the most corrupt,perverse and criminal administration in history,and they hammer another nail in the coffin of America everyday to prove it.
Once again,I am ashamed to be an American.My only hope is that when this is all over in 08,we'll get someone in office with the insight and wheretofore to undo this mess.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
I know I mentioned the elevators at my current job site,but let me recap...half the time they don't work,when they do,you might get stuck between floors when they decide to stop working mid ride.Some times they even free fall.And they are always filled with sweaty smelly wetbacks,since sweaty smelly wetbacks are the food of profit for contractors here.It is especially bad at quitting time.They are cram packed with SSWB's and their wheelbarrows and stilts and shovels.Anyhoo...the other day at quitting time,I was trying to get down from floor 10 to floor 1,the elevator opened and it looked like a phone booth cramming competition of wetbacks, my tool buddy crowded on and admonished me for not following him on and I said "I'm not dying in an elevator full of fucking wetbacks" as the door closed.And I'm not.They(wetbacks)have no concept of weight limits and even have to ask if it is going up or down,despite the handy ARROWS that tell you.I felt bad for about a 1/2 a second and quickly realized that I was an american,in america,and if anyone should feel bad or beholding,it was them.
If I was a member of congress,I would sponsor an immigration bill called "get the fuck out of our country you stinky wetbacks,and don't come back".They are rude,entitled and clueless for the most part.And our complacency about them is to blame.
Bush commuted Libby's sentence this afternoon,saying it was "excessive".I'm not surprised and I'm not particularly outraged,so this isn't a rant.It's a statement of facts that weave a web to a foregone conclusion.
1.Libby was involved in the outing of a CIA operative,while his charges were perjury and obstruction of justice,it's an act of treason,and as such he should have been executed.As well as his co-conspirators.
2.As gub'ner of Texas,Bush was responsible for signing off on an astronomical number of executions,many of which had big question marks regarding guilt to begin with,and some that clearly deserved clemency and a life sentence as opposed to the old L-I.He even joked about Karla Faye Tucker...mocked her even...when he denied her appeal and signed her death warrant.He's a sociopath,drunk on power and a narcissist,bent on meeting his own ends.And let Libby slide for A:payback for him falling on the sword and B:covering for Cheney.He's clearly covering his own ass.And he is NO ONE to judge what is or is not "excessive".Look at the record for gods sake.
3.This is the most corrupt,perverse and criminal administration in history,and they hammer another nail in the coffin of America everyday to prove it.
Once again,I am ashamed to be an American.My only hope is that when this is all over in 08,we'll get someone in office with the insight and wheretofore to undo this mess.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
I know I mentioned the elevators at my current job site,but let me recap...half the time they don't work,when they do,you might get stuck between floors when they decide to stop working mid ride.Some times they even free fall.And they are always filled with sweaty smelly wetbacks,since sweaty smelly wetbacks are the food of profit for contractors here.It is especially bad at quitting time.They are cram packed with SSWB's and their wheelbarrows and stilts and shovels.Anyhoo...the other day at quitting time,I was trying to get down from floor 10 to floor 1,the elevator opened and it looked like a phone booth cramming competition of wetbacks, my tool buddy crowded on and admonished me for not following him on and I said "I'm not dying in an elevator full of fucking wetbacks" as the door closed.And I'm not.They(wetbacks)have no concept of weight limits and even have to ask if it is going up or down,despite the handy ARROWS that tell you.I felt bad for about a 1/2 a second and quickly realized that I was an american,in america,and if anyone should feel bad or beholding,it was them.
If I was a member of congress,I would sponsor an immigration bill called "get the fuck out of our country you stinky wetbacks,and don't come back".They are rude,entitled and clueless for the most part.And our complacency about them is to blame.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
PEARL
As mentioned in a previous post,The Monterey Pop Festival happened 40 years ago.Janis Joplin blew the roof off the place.I loves me some Janis,so today I got the remastered cd of Pearl.
A landmark achievement for the blues and a road full of memories for me.Pearl was one of my dads favorite records,I've still got his vinyl copy somewhere,and he burned more than one copy on 8 track and cassette so he could listen to it in the car.
Testimony that I had the coolest dad ever...he also loved The Doors "LA Woman",Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" and even The Ramones first album.
In listening to Pearl I realized how much influence Janice had on my own music.That voice...the delivery,even some of the guitar licks,but mostly the voice...raw,unrestrained.Powerful and emotive,feral almost.
I've been playing old tapes in my head of riding home with my dad,Me and Bobby Mcgee blaring on the stereo with my dad singing along and rocking his head back and forth.
They made an amazing couple.
As mentioned in a previous post,The Monterey Pop Festival happened 40 years ago.Janis Joplin blew the roof off the place.I loves me some Janis,so today I got the remastered cd of Pearl.
A landmark achievement for the blues and a road full of memories for me.Pearl was one of my dads favorite records,I've still got his vinyl copy somewhere,and he burned more than one copy on 8 track and cassette so he could listen to it in the car.
Testimony that I had the coolest dad ever...he also loved The Doors "LA Woman",Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" and even The Ramones first album.
In listening to Pearl I realized how much influence Janice had on my own music.That voice...the delivery,even some of the guitar licks,but mostly the voice...raw,unrestrained.Powerful and emotive,feral almost.
I've been playing old tapes in my head of riding home with my dad,Me and Bobby Mcgee blaring on the stereo with my dad singing along and rocking his head back and forth.
They made an amazing couple.
EXPLAINING LOQUACIOUS
I was a chatterbox at the BBQ at the kids house tonight,I had conversation to fucking spare.I wasn't drunk or stoned,in fact I turned down the opportunity to get high.I had 4 beers (seriously,I know this is the pat answer for every DUI pull over ever,but it's true).Yet I was still a chatty cathy.
Why???
On the way home I saw the moon in the sky and BLAM!It hit me.It's a full moon tonight and I always get this kind of speedy "lunacy" when the fucker is full.
I was prompted to place the lunar schedule dealy on our task bar so that I might track my craziness effortlessly.
It was a great night...food,family and fun.Grandson Sean was fascinated with the banjo.A good time was had by all.
At some point I will get tired and go to bed.
Fucking moon...
I was a chatterbox at the BBQ at the kids house tonight,I had conversation to fucking spare.I wasn't drunk or stoned,in fact I turned down the opportunity to get high.I had 4 beers (seriously,I know this is the pat answer for every DUI pull over ever,but it's true).Yet I was still a chatty cathy.
Why???
On the way home I saw the moon in the sky and BLAM!It hit me.It's a full moon tonight and I always get this kind of speedy "lunacy" when the fucker is full.
I was prompted to place the lunar schedule dealy on our task bar so that I might track my craziness effortlessly.
It was a great night...food,family and fun.Grandson Sean was fascinated with the banjo.A good time was had by all.
At some point I will get tired and go to bed.
Fucking moon...
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