Just Cannot Help It: IQ and Hearts fit in with Obesity CRISIS!!!

Earlier I skimmed some stories about Michelle Obama and her discussion of the dangers of childhood obesity. It has become her cause, like Jackie O redecorating the white house, Lady Bird beautifying America, etc. (what was Hillary's? Laura Bush--was her gig, ironically, literacy?) {it's a risky business when you stray from simple government into the realm of knowing what's best for the dumb ass masses]
You can't fault that. They always have to have some trademark. Hers is children's health and I guess she zeroed in on the fat ones. That's been a big thing of government people for awhile.

Maybe it is a prelude to cutting school lunch in half to save money.

Anyway, while pondering people who often use the sound, "sh" in place of S, like Michelle, Geo. W. Bush, and I think one of those old time actresses, maybe Judy Garland, I stumbled upon this gem:
LONDON (Reuters) - Intelligence comes second only to smoking as a predictor of heart disease, scientists said on Wednesday, suggesting public health campaigns may need to be designed for people with lower IQs if they are to work.


If you ask me, most public service ads and government programs aimed at personal behavior have long targeted the brain dead. How would anyone else not find them so annoying that they just tune the idiotic, condescending, big brother noise out?
Of course they did not consider the fact that even some high IQ people love the excuse to look at and judge the behavior of others. The less it is their business the more they like it. It is a bonus if they get the excuse to actually influence the personal life of others.

That must be why they don't see that their advertisements for the public good already target the intelligence level they are after. Due to the flaw in intelligence that doesn't guarantee the willingness to let others be free of unnecessary control, it catches their blind side. They, being smart enough but not willing to resist running the lives of others.

So, if you have fat kids, dress them in dark colors and do not let them wear horizontal stripes. Otherwise they may get flagged by the state as health risks, and for their own good be placed under some sort of protective care. You could be cited as a Bad Parent by concerned professionals in their school. It will go on their Permanent Record and one day when you get a divorce (maybe you'll have to get married first--doesn't matter) it will be a matter of conflict in the custody battle. You, the parent who carted those tubby kids from place to place will now be blamed because the kids would have starved and never gone anywhere had you not taken responsibility.

But they are fat, and that means You Did It.

If you are accused of something you did not do, you'll be found guilty because Johnny Sutton will use your kids' permanent records against you, and your defense attorney will be caught off guard. They will pay the cafeteria lady to tell lies about you.

Keep your fat kids disguised as not too fat.



I suggest taking up smoking and dumbing down. It could mercifully shorten your life. And God knows, you aren't the only one who has considered the fast track option to the exit.

Getting Altitude

The other day, or week, I hit Mt Laguna to clear the cobwebs and noticed I could see snow. One day watching surfers and the next up in the snow. Lot of variety in a relatively short drive. Like going from South Miami to Ft Lauderdale, time wise, but far more diversity of environment.

Post Game Analysis

No one can say this game was the result of bad calls or one team beating themselves on penalties r foolish turnovers. The interception was a case of being outfoxed.

How can anyone be upset when you see the winning quarterback there with his baby boy being thrilled? I can't. Good for them even though I somewhat pulled for the Colts.

No money on the game. Nothing ventured, nothing lost. Halftime wasn't great. The game was exceptional.

OK. Now it is time to figure out my own game plan. There is work looming that I know I can do, but it is not really that easy, and I am beginning to think I am straying from whatever my strong points are. It seems like everything I see is somehow inspirational. What inspires one may be nothing to another. It is when I see people that fight through various types of adversity just because they see it as the only way. Dropping out isn't an option. To me, it usually is. That's no good.

Hey, that's not game related.

Bottom line: there can't be any sour grapes or complaining about this outcome. I hope the revelers survive Mardi Gras this year because it is going to be something else. It starts in a little over a week, I think, however I'd say it begins early this year.

Few people get to experience what Drew Brees is feeling tonight. At the top of his game, in front of millions, and able to share it with an infant son who hasn't a clue what's happening. He will carry the joy somewhere inside and that is pretty rare.

running superbowl commentary, real time

It's a lonely man who watches the super bowl alone while writing commentary to imaginary friends. Lone has become a habit and it is not an easy habit to give up. Oddly enough.

When I am around people much I figure I'm somehow disappointing them or letting them down or irking them in some way. At first I don't think that but in time I do. Mostly I know it is time to figure out a more long term plan. It comes slow, but compared to two years ago, good progress has been made. Not so much forward motion in the last year. Things are too pleasant and beautiful here so I forget to be ambitious and gutsy.

Pre-super bowl hooplah is entertaining and interesting to me, normally. Then all of a sudden we have a CBS special on right now with Katie Couric lobbing softball questions to Obama in the White House. What a way to politic to a huge captive audience. Now we get the President's opinion of the game and the players. I guess that's OK, but there comes a time when I really just want to see the game festivities without political spin. That was not a very classy move by CBS and the White House.

I expect any minute for them to butt in again with a Republican rebuttal. If it comes to that I will blow up the TV. I think I will just quit paying attention. What bothers me most is government control and intrusion into every facet of life. It only plays to the totalitarianists to let that annoyance occupy my mind. I will do what I wish millions would do---ignore and don't seek their favor or their stolen money.

OK some band with a percussionist and a drummer played, outside the stadium. Nice stage. Not sure who that band was. I think they are well known, just not to me. Old guys and a nice Latin beat but not so Latin tune. It works. Maybe we'll get the Queen's view of the game and the world next. CBS no doubt want3ed to boost Katie's numbers, kiss up to the president, and pull off a mutual PR coup. I found it transparently opportunistic and pushy. Others may have loved it. OK. Good for them.

I predicted the score as soon as we knew who'd made it to the big show. Colts 33 Saints 20. That could be way off. I figure now that it is an even bet who'll win. But, I made my call and I'll stick with it.

Now a guy in prison is being interviewed. Plaxico Burress. I don't know much about him, but he apparently made the game winning catch in a past super bowl. Then he did some odd thing like accidentally shot himself in a night club or some such thing. It sucks and he won't do it again, probably. They say he'd been a bit problematic before that. Unlicensed handgun, bla bla bla. I don't know the details but I don't think keeping him locked up too long is doing anyone any good. Some people disagree but lock ups rerach the point of diminishing returns very quickly in many cases. The system is just not quite right. Now, true nut case aberrant cases can't be let loose, but that is not everyone. OK. This is super bowl.

So, we've had bands, politics, and heart wrenching stories of going from glory to prison. His daughter was born after he was put away. Maybe Obama should spend as much time on a few cases of people locked up as he did with Katie, and pardon a few. That would be a weekly event if I were president. As if I'd last 3 seconds. I'd love to see one that used that power where they should.

OK. Now a golf equipment company had a sort of ad in which a guy hit to diverent drives, one with a ball marked Colts and one Saints. The Saints ball went the furthest, so he says they'll win.

An advertisement for who knows what with Manning cheering people pumping gas, making sandwiches, selling insurance. He's a funnier guy than most QBs.

It still rings of home when I see South Florida. It really was a place of much heartbreak and pain when I think of my family growing up, and the resultant confusion, but it is still my place of origin and the best place to get Cuban coffee. The water is warm, the bugs are big, and the driving is aggressively hostile and crazy. It is too populated for the level of heat and capacity of the roads. Get down to Key Largo and things are a little bit more alluring to me. A clear day this time of year is perfect for football. Slightly cool, sunny and bright.

I'm guessing the coin toss will be tails.

Quick local news blurb: a new law may mean a fine for the way you drive past a cop---on news blaa bla bla later.

Maybe a new fine for how you look at a cop. Nothing surprises me. That is the worst thing about the left coast---they love detailed stupid laws. OK there I go again.

Now teams are on the field jumping up and down, getting psyched. Just the usual ads on now; olive garden, Couples now on Blueray dvd with bonus delted scenes, wallmart clown steps on unicorn--the stuff that makes aliens seek out other planets to exploit.

NFL hyping the NFL. More fluff, CBS hypes CBS.
I'll publish then edit to continue this saga BRB (that's hip netspeak)

OK. Now Katie is profiling Drew Brees. The call him "the Patron Saint of New Orleans". Huricane scenes and discussion of how bad it all was.
Katie asks Drew's wife if she's up for a threesome. Drew ignores her and keeps talking about the city.
Katie makes another pass, Drew discusses the emotional attachment to the city and its resurrection.
She wanders New Orleans with Drew to see all the people giving him thanks and kudos.
Katie glows off contact high.

She goes to a school with him and asks about what they grow. A kid says, "mulberries", and Katie resonds, "Oh, I love rosemary". Dimwit.

More about Drew and his charity work and things that do make him well loved in the underwater party capital of the world.

Finally Katie's efforts at having the fame and appeal of the president and Drew Brees rub off on her have ended. For now. Actually she should have just stuck to stories like the one with Brees. It is when she pretended to be a regular reporter that she blew it because her objectivity was shown to be non-existent and that makes her lose appeal. Giving the due to feel good stories works better.

All the emotional tear jerking stuff in the Brees story and his involvement with the town make N.O. the sentimental favorite of many. I can't decide. I like Indy, and I like the new Saints. Never cared for them back in the old days, pre-Katrina.

Back to players jumping up and down shouting unintelligible chants to fire up the team.

A musical thing while showing football scenes. Black eyed Peas? Maybe not, part rap part music, have no idea what the guy is saying. Now the chick sings. They sound like they know what they are doing. OK. Jay Z and Rhiana or however that is spelled. I don't keep up that much with these things. If I were up on celebrity gossip I'd most likely know the scoop.

More yakking. Phil Simms and someone. Simms strikes me as zero personality. No real humor is evident there.

OK. Bets on who scores first. I think it depends on who gets the ball first. If N.O. gets it first and they score. they may win. If Colts get it first, They'll score. So, without knowing the toss yet, I say Indy puts first points up. Let's wait and see, shall we?

I am definitely nuts. Whether to embrace it or hang my head in shame, I don't know. Hell with it. Screw everyone, I'll embrace it.

Now we meet the NFC and AFC champs. just an aside, I believe a player was fined for cheap shots on Favre (Fah VRAY) in the afrc championship game. I thought they made some uncalled for hits. That causes me to be less sympathetic to that team, although they play fairly clean sometimes.

Now Queen Ltifa sings a rendition of Americ the Beautiful, obvious prob with in ear monitor, she pulls it off and does OK. Not a great rendition, no Ray Charles. B-. Carrie Underwood sings national anthem--PA probs, or else it is my TV. Intermittent cut outs, that finally stop. She gets through it. B. I admit it is very hard to sing anything under those conditions, but I have seen some heart stopping performances of it. Wish I remembered the names. As an objective critic, giving on the spot commentary, I have to say the pregame music was not very good. I gave them B grades for effort and because I am sure they are nice people, plus Queen is a remarkable force in her own right.

They use a differnt coin and it comes up heads. I was wrong N.O. called it. This could be crucial. I'm not sure how they determine who is considered home team, and who the visitor. Visitor calls, so NO is visitor. I don't know all the ins and outs, even of sports I played in the distant past. For example, I just recently familiarized myself with the full skinny on the Infield Fly Rule. I always just let others worry with it. Besides, when I played baseball I hit home runs and line drives to center.

OK. NO grinds it out. 3rd and 2, nope. They'll punt. Very crucial.

I cannot believe that Colt didn't call for a fair catch. The guy tackled him where he stood. Colts are 1st with a 1st down. They ran.

Heat's on but Manning is getting it to the somewhat open guy. Dumb off side against Colts, but they are primed for a field goal if they don't squeak out another 1st. He blew it. 42 year old kicker scores 3 for Indy. I was right. They scored first.

Great Snickers commercial with Betty White and Abe Vigoda(?). Playing footbal. She gets tackled hard.

Almost a Saint turnover. Guy fumbled on Kickoff return but a Saint got it. Here we go. I suspect Brees and company will make some headway this time. Very possibly a long play TD. Let's see if I'm psychic.
Almost. He finally hits Bush and gets a 1st. Bush is their real hope. When he gets loose it is all over. Holy smoke, wide open guy misses a ball that went through his hands and hit him in the face. 3 and out. I'm not psychic.

Saints punting team is demonic. Million yard punt downed by Saints, colts get it on the 4.
I'll only cover the commercials that really grab me. I like the dorito kid telling his mother's suitor to "keep your hands off my doritos and keep your hands off my mamma."

Manning taking some hits. Running game working well for them. Still moving it up the field. Looking much better than NO so far, but not really fault of NO defense. Just Indy's offense is that good. Joseph Addai running like crazy for big gains. The are getting close. In field goal range again. Touchdown, and a cheap hit way in the end zone by saint. It won't be called, but it was a cheap shot.

I think it is only 2nd penalty so far. NO for holding on kick return. That hurts. Right now they are down 10 nothing, but there is a long way to go. They'll figure out what's going wrong soon.

Good Monster ad with the fiddling beaver. Good Cars.com ad with the genius kid's saga into adulthood and buying a car.

Now we see a classic Brees completion for a 1st. Penalty Colts, out of bounds hit. not as cheap as that endzone hit.
Saints moving it now. This may prove to be interesting. NO may have spotted what was holding them up. Brees demonstrating why he is where he is, completes a pass while being beat up by two guys. OOps. Sackaroonie.

OK. Saints kick for 3. 10-3 Colts.

Great Bud commercial with town building human bridge after discovering bridge is out and beer truck on other side of the gulch.

A colt dropped a perfect pass and the guy was wide open. One for colts and one for saints in that regard. Things getting a little tougher now and only a touchdown separates the score. I expect it to open up a bit. You wait. I may yet be psychic. N.O. will somewhere crucial score on a big play, like maybe a 400 yard pass.

OK. 2nd period with maybe 7 min until half. I'll post and BRB to continue.

Saints are sailing. All of a sudden receivers are wide open A few good 1st downs. They're going to tie it up in a second. Down to the 3 or 4. Piece of cake. When the saints are hot, it is a work of art.
Well, 4th and 1. Maybe not a piece of cake. 3rd and 1 was a bust. Whoa. they went for it and Colts dropped them short.

Geez. Colts 3 and out. Saints make last sec field goal. 10 to 6 at half. Indy by 4. Low scoring which seems a little against expectation. That could change. The spread so far is about what the betting line was saying. I heard anything from 4 to 6 on the spread,.

Halftime with the Who. I guess it is good to see you can keep rocking into old age. Why should you ever have to stop doing what you love if you can still do it?
another BRB break. live coverage will continue.

Holy smoke. Saints do an onside kick and get it. Play of the game, without a doubt. Caught the Colts sleeping.

Illustrations I made to give artist's rendering of game soon to be included.
Half time review of who--vocals bit the big wahoo--sucked. Instrumentals--first class. B maybe B-.

Onside kick cal was brilliant. Brees is chewing them up. They are set for at least a field goal and should be a TD. Colts are playing as if they are behind and frustrated. TD Saints. I told you, when they get hot it is amazing.

VW commercial sucks. The one where everyone is punching and spilling and being obnoxious. Only good part is Stevie Wonder.

I will say, saints do get away with a lot of cheap shot defense. Can't see everything That is my main beef with them, they are a bit dirty beyond just playing hard.

OK. TD indy. Addai runs it in from short yardage out. 17-13 now. Colts. This could go back and forth. I just don't care for the cheap shot attitude so I am now officially cheering the Colts, but not with a lot of emotional investment.

etrade ad is pretty good. The baby trader has girl trouble now.

4:50 left 3rd quarter, Saints are rolling pretty well. Another long FG for 3 more. 17-16 Colts. New Orleans is too explosive and gutsy to be comfortable unless you have a 30 point lead at this point. I'd be very nervous if I were the Colts. And it looks like they are. Moreso than the Saints, I'd say. Dangerous psychology at work here, and it benefits the Saints.

OK almost 4th quarter. Colts moving it but now without getting beat up.



The artist's rendering of the play has now been uploaded into the post.
4th and 2 and going for it. Manning completes quick one for 7 or 8.



A friggin nail biter for either side.
BRB
Colts drive still alive. sort of. This is tough. They have to try a field goal. Wide left. Maybe God wants the saints to win. Often God is at odds with me. Not a very nice unit at times.
B R B
(again, that is hip netschmooze)

Saints playing like they know they will win. Brees is not letting it bother him if someone is hanging on to his head, he gets it completed anyway. In striking distance with 7 min to go. Saints about to score. TD. Big surprise. going for 2 ?? Nope. Missed it. New O. is up 22-17. What happened? lost a piece of the post.

They review and decide Saints did make the 2 point conversion. 24-17. No question about it, God is being mean to Indy today.

4+ minutes. This is do or die for Indy. They are moving it but they have to make a TD to tie and can't let N.O. score after that. Pressure is heavily on Colts. Payton may be choking a bit. He's avoided being intercepted but came close and has thrown stuff his guys can't catch.

Audi ad sucks.

It's over. Intercepted for a Saint's TD. Saw it coming. I had it backwards. Now it is Saints 31, Colts 17. All Indy has to do is make 2 TDs in three minutes. simple.

Done deal. Colts almost in but pass hit the guy in the hands and he couldn't catch it. I think he was shell shocked from the hits he'd taken and saw those guys on him again so he braced for the hit and forgot the catch. Even then Indy would have had to recover an on side kick and make another, just to tie.

Saints out played them. Good game. I was for Indy by the end of it, but there you go. All my predictions were wrong.

Some Things Add Up, Some Don't

Once again, Southern California is under assault from the environment. The sky is spitting rain on us. Almost as fierce as an average South Florida June afternoon. Horrors.

On my way home from the bizarro job in Paradise, I noticed that drivers were behaving as if they all took a hit of meth mixed with mushrooms. It was only misting a little at that point. So much of the driving made zero sense; People on highways cutting in between cars, with maybe a half car length to spare between the car in front and the one behind, into the next lane which wasn't going any faster. Then they'd cut back over and maybe move another lane over. It had nothing to do with making an exit or even making better time. Mass psychosis.

Now I realize that they were just practicing for when the roads got their first soaking which makes them quite slick here. It was as if it had snowed. Multi car bang ups, most of which could have avoided damage had they not been tailgating and outdriving the ability of the vehicle to maintain traction. I saw one chick interviewed on the news. She acted like she was in no way culpable because there just wasn't enough room between her and the car she hit for her to avoid the crash.

I don't get that.

I've heard bits and pieces of the Economy news. Unemployment is slightly down, but thousands more jobs have been lost? I believe this is a statistical batch of double talk. Most likely some factor that goes into the calculations was changed which redefined what is is. All that actually matters is whether one has work. They can call the economy anything. If you are losing money during an aleged boom phase, in your world the economy sucks.

Of course the reverse is true also. If I have regular income then the economy must be OK. Especially considering I don't beat the bushes much looking for work.

My friend, confidant and alter ego, Sparky

Constantly being told the same idea or opinion can influence your view of life and how you approach it. If They keep saying "there are no jobs out there", then people begin to think there is no way to earn a dollar. Someone makes jobs. I mean real jobs, stuff people need or want. I discount a large number of government jobs as neither needed nor wanted; much like the old mafia protection racket. You pay because they have the guns and make trouble if you don't.

Anyway, people make jobs. People create companies. It is not as if jobs are something dropped from the sky by the gods. You'd think so to hear the rhetoric because we are conditioned to believe that way. Who are you to create your own job? Think you are too good to be out unsuccessfully pitching companies about your worth? Or too good to hope for help from the new deity,. government?

I don't get it. What does "create jobs" mean when it is coming from a spokes-being for the government. just create them? I thought demand created jobs. Meeting demand, at any rate. More than not, government actually hinders the creation of jobs. It costs a fortune to run an above board business, and way more than the wage to hire an employee. You'd be surprised how few people realize that it costs roughly 40% more than what a person is being paid. That figure may be higher by now.

Now they are suggesting various breaks to businesses who hire those people who've been unemployed for more than 60 days. So, if you want to switch jobs, lie and say you have been out of work for months. Tell them "there are no jobs out there so no one would hire me".

I believe this is the problem when you give others so much power over so many facets of life---they screw it up worse than a newlywed taking marriage advice from the divorced alcoholic at the local sports bar. How about cutting taxes across the board, while we restructure the system so it is not an oppressive agency running outside of any real laws?

No, I don't get it. But I don't get how you spend your way out of debt. Or how you encourage commerce by increasing (the pc term is not increasing but returning to previous levels before taxes were cut years ago) taxes. Even if the RICH get a tax break it helps the not so rich. Those people buy stuff, hire people and break things that need fixing and replacing like you would not believe. That stimulates the economy and pays my rent.

Proportionately The Rich pay more taxes. I mean way more. If you check the portion the top 5% pay, it is staggering.

I want to go on record encouraging all who are able to fly, buy or lease private jets. It takes a damned village to build a jet, and that equals jobs. It takes even more to accommodate such jets, their passengers, maintenance, etc. The big PR campaign about private jets, categorizing them as somehow evil and an expense to John Q Public. If it is not a case of government officials using them needlessly, then this is just not the case.

I get the difference but lots of people don't. I'm not robbed at gunpoint to pay for some executive to fly around in a company jet. But when Nancy Pelosi flies her family around on one, it is paid by taxpayers whether they like it or not. Same for many of those people and their entourages. It is rare that there is legitimate reason for Congress Persons(?) and Senators to fly to China, Copenhagen, Fiji, etc. Yet many of the most insignificant travel and party on "fact finding missions. Happens all the time, and both parties have leeches who abuse power this way.

So, that whole routine, and the public's apparent acceptance of it--I don't get. Actually, I don't get how people can live with themselves knowing they are abusing such trust.

I think I get some of the theories around big bang and that. I don't get those who are so sure that one idea is absolutely it and explains all. Many who think they are evolutionists don't totally get that theory like they think. It appears to be partly valid but does not always hold like one would think. There are also jumps that don't explain the underlying why regarding life.
Anyway, either we exist or not and if anyone knows why, like I do, they aren't telling, just like I'm not telling. If you know the why, you can't tell. It's the Code.

Now, that is something I get. The Code. It is one of those things which needs no explanation.

Fascination with Coyotes; part 59

They've become vocal again. My nighttime pals, the coyotes, have been partying down the hill, again. It puzzles me that I've developed a bit of a fascination and affection for such a varmint. I'm supportive of ranchers and farmers nailing them on sight, and I understand why they would. Contrary to the views of some, people who live on farms, ranches, and out in the big country are not indiscriminate about what they shoot, for the most part.

At first I thought I'd heard that you can never tame a coyote, then I heard that some people have had hybrid dogs which were part coyote. Now I found out there is such a thing as raising one as a pet. It may not be the best idea in the world, but there are always circumstances.

This chick is raising one in Wyoming. Its parents got capped for killing livestock somewhere out on the range. I think she lives in a one room cabin. Somehow I got the idea she may have a boyfriend. The girl is a knockout. She also went cross country on a Vespa. That is what led her to WY instead of NYC. She was intending to move from San Francisco to New York, where I believe she originated, but after doing the trip on a Vespa she realized the stuff in the middle is amazing.

Anyhow, it is interesting, and I get the idea the canine is plenty skittish when it comes to other humans and some other creatures. There are some dog pals it likes to play with--probably pets of the suspected boyfriend (who I am sure is a despicable lad).

My guess is that the coyote will eventually kill the cat and demonstrate that it yearns to run with its kinfolk, killing livestock and keeping the neighbors awake. It has lasted a couple of years, so who knows.

Under similar circumstances I'd have raised the pup, too. It was fresh off the boat when she got it. Maybe coyotes are the future. Imagine having an entire pack covering your back. They run free but when you want them to do your bidding they are on it.

What's True, and What's What? In Short: WTF???

Perhaps I'm one of those conspiracy theorists. Except, I have no definite theories in that realm. Experience tells me that battles fought on the public stage may very well not be as they seem, but that is just fact, not theory. Knowing the truth of one or two such issues which pitted one interest against another with Congress playing watchdog, referee, bad cop, good cop, etc., the general technique is clear. What is tedious to track or prove is when that scam is being used.

One key give away is when anyone in power, who has ridden to power on a well funded campaign, pretends to abhor "special interests". Every lobby group from unions and oil companies to churches and animal rights groups is a special interest and represents a piece of the election money pie. That is irrelevant.

What I don't get, one thing I don't get, is why would you more deserve to have your college loans paid for you if you take a government or tax paid job? That is bullshit. Sorry, my linguistic skills are lacking. There should be a more succinct, less profane way to put that. Did you know of all union members more work for government than private companies? That may give a clue as to where union management's bread is buttered.

I wonder what the real truth is regarding the last four wars or so. That thing in the Balkans I did not get at all. I thought Gulf 1 was pretty much set up in advance, but I have no idea why. Only myself and an ex Marine friend were pissed and opposed as we saw that one developing. Only us out of the circle of people I knew at the time--to clarify.

As far as Gulf 2, first I was opposed, then waffled slightly for, then I don't know. Actually I was and am against it, as I have been opposed to involvement in that part of the world since the 60's. We arm them then fight them and the reasons given just don't wash. I am not quite convinced.

Regarding the terrorist angle of that, why were known nitwit extremists not rounded up before they could do harm when we knew who they were and where they were? I'm talking ones who were right here in the USA, inexplicably.

Dammit. The rest of this post was lost and it was the good part.

Maybe I can summarize:

Things are not as represented, and rarely the thinly veiled supposed underlying structure, either.
It is idiotic to play favorites, especially by rewarding students who want to be bureaucrats. If they want to reward, do it on merit, like top .5% of the class,

Does it make sense to blackmail banks into making shaky loans, then cover the loss with tax money, then charge the banks extra fees? That is the biggest scam going and it is so confused no one will ever trace how that money is laundered. Give us someone to blame and hate while ignoring the fact that the root of most pain and evil is government sanctioned, spawned and enforced.

If I wouldn't die for it, I wouldn't expect someone else to die for it. The last four or five wars are bullshit. I'm not positive but pretty sure. I hope someday to know the real truth behind how these things are conceived and by whom and for what purpose. There was no doubt that we'd eventually be in the mid east long term, given our stupid involvement there the last fifty years. It is a set up. Someone wanted it this way.

Whatever the crisis; be it drugs, terror, the worst economy ever, global warming/cooling/climate change, you name it---the end result of the solutions and policies to fix it always result in further control over the individual's conduct of his/her life. It always is an excuse to restrict and infringe on individual rights. Rights once considered self evident and inalienable, at least over here. I think in europe rights have always been considered a privilege bestowed on citizens by the state, provided the citizen proves worthy. That is now the case here as well. It p[isses me off.

I believe republican and democratic parties both assault the sanctity and freedom of the individual. They attack on different fronts and have different special interests to which they show outward allegiance. In reality they are funded by pretty much the same entities. It doesn't matter because neither is willing to hold to the concept of freedom as spelled out in letter and spirit in the constitution (prior to 16th amendment) and declaration of independence. It was a new concept that you could actually put it together like this and form a country. Elements of it were conceived throughout history but not put together like this and actually used as the basis to from a country.

people want benevolent dictators. They never are benevolent. If they were they'd believe in the idea that the nature of man is to be free and innocent until proven guilty, not view him as an applicant who may be permitted rights if he is deemed worthy by the state.

Don't wory, even my own family doesn't agree with me. My very closest relative thinks I'm a moron. Obviously I don't. But if you do, you are in good company, and a misguided idiot, lovable though you may be.

Finally, Out of the Recurring Fog

That is the only way I've ever known how to describe it. Maybe I knew some other way but, if so, I forgot. Periods of a foggy perception of the world and the life around me. Those are the days when I function at very low IQ. Lower than it ought to be. Seems like it, anyway.

They did tests several years ago and assured me it wasn't in the category of "everyone feels like that sometimes", and it wasn't my imagination. That was a huge relief because the alternative would be that I'm just nuts. Since then I tried various prescription drugs and home remedies. I quit the RX several years ago because of side effects I did not like and because I felt like a piece of me was missing.

Anyway, in the end you just compensate or adjust. Now that is something most people have to do in one way or another. I've at least learned not to make rash decisions when I'm fogged out. Usually there is a tendency to get all down and out during those periods. Sometimes my work is not too good when that happens, but how would I know?

The more I have to do the less the chance of falling into the fogola. There is never a guarantee. This stretch lasted over a week, maybe longer.

Probably the fumes from the stripper I was using on saltillo tile helped pull me into a good mood again. I can now think. And you said I should stop sniffing glue. Ha! Just goes to show how often conventional wisdom is wrong.

That would be a perfect note to flow into a rant regarding the state of the union but I won't. Instead I keep thinking about all that water in the ocean a few miles from here, and the fact that most of the water comes from way the hell up north, and most of the time there are warnings about water usage and how low the supply is. Got to be ways that don't break the bank. Of course if the cheap, possible ways of producing power became legal, that would help the situation, too. Most everything you do with water takes power.

In any case, problems like that can be solved. It just takes someone figuring out how, then having the wherewithal to implement it. Those things aren't done by bureaucratic fiat. It is just something that isn't done cheaply at this time. I'm sure there is way it could be.

Here on Ballistic Mountain we use well water. I grew up on well water in Miami. Much of unincorporated Dade county had wells. Some of the newer places didn't. I doubt Kendall had that luck. There is a certain freedom to it. There are always different ways to do things, and always ways that aren't yet discovered or tried. That last bit is what is so often missing when people discuss these matters, especially in the public forum. A few options are laid out and that's that. Usually they all have drawbacks either functionally or philosophically.

Please send me an ipad when you get around to it. I think it is a go.

Football Analysis and Coins

The best way to enjoy football even if you have a home team is to have several second favorite teams as well. Otherwise, if your team beats themselves in the playoffs you can still enjoy the rest of the season. If you hate all the other teams then you stay bummed out because your guys blew it on the way to the Big Show.

Part of the deal when I moved to San Diego county was to become a Chargers fan. If not you get run out of town and it would get ugly. Fortunately, I found the Chargers an easy team to like, although I was skeptical of the coaching at first.

Now I support the coach, most of the players, and take it personally when the few rotten apples mouth off at the wrong time, commit really dumb fouls, on and off field, and when the refs make bad calls against my team. Maybe next year things will be better. They certainly made a good run and had it within their grasp. In my opinion a few key players just didn't hold the focus and want it enough when it counted. The others, who don't go to strip clubs until 2 or so in the morning the Friday before the game (technically the day before since it was actually 2AM saturday morning they were out clubbing), couldn't carry it by themselves.

Anyway, what do young millionaires need with cheesy strip clubs? If you are paying to see live naked women, and you can buy the best, why pay for what you can't touch? These guys have women throwing themselves at them, why pay at all? Not to mention that it is dumb to go drinking during playoff week. It really irks the locals who like to support them, buy tickets, team jerseys and generally help pay their salaries. Maybe they should give players some classes in community relations, common sense, and a general "where the rabbit ate the cabbage" rundown.

Be that as it may, today was a day that included four of my second favorite teams, so I wasn't heavily invested in any of them. My Charger friends still hold the Manning grudge since Eli snubbed San Diego when they drafted him back when. I am a Payton Manning fan, I like his advertisements and on field audibles antics. They barely tolerate this so I can't push it too far. The grudge carries to the whole family, even Archie.

At the same time, I had become fond of the Jets, when not playing us, because of Sanchez and their general style of play. They could be a force to to be reckoned with next year. Why did they lose to the Colts? My theory is that what happened is that the Colts scored more points before the alloted time was up.

As for the Saints vs Vikings, that came down to a coin toss. Normally, if you are using a quarter, call heads. It has a slight advantage for some reason. However, I think they use a special NFL monopoly coin in pro ball, so if you go into overtime and get to make the call, always call tails. As soon as the guy from the Vikings said "heads" I knew it was curtains. In sudden death overtime with those two teams whoever got the ball first was bound to get at least a field goal. And they did.

The fact that Minnesota fumbled regularly did not help matters. They could have avoided the loss. I will concede however that there was a defensive player alertly prying the ball out, which helped the fumble happen in about every case. I was sentimentally pulling for Favre (pronounced "Fah VRAY") to make it to the super bowl and win.

As much as Brett got beat up in the game I hope he goes into coaching or something like that. He can still do all the things of a quarterback except survive the hits like the younger guys. He's already won the big deal and he did an amazing job this year. He can be proud of that. I'd be worried that another season would be less successful and probably take a few decades off his life.

On the up side, New Orleans has never made it this far, to my knowledge, and they have a great attitude. Plus when Brees is hot few in the sport have ever been better. This brings me to a slight dilemma. Who do I bless with my wishes for the win? I like Indy, but it would be cool for N.O. to win. I predict that Colts will take it 33 to 20. I think I may pull for the Saints, though.

See how easy it is when you are OK with so many teams when yours punks out? It is not very stressful although I would be happier to see the Chargers headed to Miami to whip up on the Saints.

If either of the coaches calls me for advice, all I can tell them is to pick tails if they get to call the coin toss, and to score more points than the other guy. I'd also suggest minimal posturing and dancing every time a good play is made in the early going. It gets old and obnoxious, and often you look stupid if the other guys win.

****weather was back to near perfect today, a little chilly, maybe in the 50's and 60's. You can cut the relief with a knife. We thought the sky was falling. All that wet and frozen stuff spoiling the view. Scary. I could easily become a real life mad as a hatter SoCal citizen. Maybe I already have..

Benefits and Puzzles

All I get is antenna TV, and only CBS and ABC. That sucks because NBC is doing the winter Olympics. So, I came in from the sleet, and helping the neighbors fill in the 18 inch ruts in the road out front. A little bit of shovel work.

Someone got stuck to the gills as she spun her tires until she bottomed out the van. A recuer came with a tractor and pulled her out but the road was a mess from her and from the heavy rain making creeks and crevices where none had been for many years.

It surprised me to see a fundraiser for Haitian relief on all TV stations I could pull in, except for the talk show in spanish. That reminds me, Hugo Chavez is claiming the USA caused the quake with some hypothetical or fictitious weapons test. Creep. Who in the world is doing the most to help? The US f***ing A, Hugo. Like most socialist dictators, his game is not a generous one.

Unfortunately I don't know most singers and musicians on sight. This benefit doesn't mention the names of the performers. Most of the actors who give a spiel do not introduce themselves. The most well done money drive I've seen in awhile. The low point is Anderson Cooper, who introduces himself each time the camera cuts to him. He is such a ...I don't know. Words fail me with that piece of work. beats Chris Matthews.

So far the most incredible tune was a rendition of Hallelujah (?sp) by, I think, Justin Timberlake, and some guy, maybe John Mayer or someone. Not sure. I think it was Timberlake. Whoever it was purely jams out. What a singer. If you saw it and know who was playing, let me know.

It does bug me that this is the only choice on my limited TV, but not as much as wondering whether they have figured out how to use all the men and material already there. I wonder if the people asking for money actually give a substantial amount themselves. Usually when you do a benefit, it is as if your big effort playing for free is some wonderful gift. A lot of times they pay your expenses, feed you, etc. Either way, they must have raised a huge amount of money.

What other country gives so much to people in other lands? And that is just the voluntary part I'm talking about. Something is upside down in the rhetoric that's been floating about for a number of years.

I'm impressed with how few celebrities had to say their name as prelude to their message regarding the relief effort. No one better ever claim we are racist bastards again. This aid to Haiti is probably the quickest, largest relief effort in the history of the world. The effectiveness won't be known for years. With luck the place will get a new start with less of the two class stupid dictator form of government, etc. To put it back how it was would probably not be a good idea.

The sleet came down so fast and hard here, it was almost like being peppered with bird shot for riding motorcycles through that guy's yard. OH. You weren't there. It was back in the old days in south Miami. Actually unincorporated Dade County.

In a matter of a minute the ground was covered so it looked like snow.

Finally, I was able to do something helpful here on Ballistic Mtn. My landlord and his son were out there with shovels, and the road was not passable beyond our drive, up the hill. Another guy came down with a tractor with a scoop attachment. He'd go get dirt from the side of the road, or down the road, then dump it by us and we filled the ruts. About 40 or 50 feet of road was in real bad shape. Good thing they had an extra shovel or two.

There was a kid named Erik hanging around. The tractor guy's son I think. He decided I was the go to guy, so we became pals. There was a small shovel by the one I went to the house to get, and he wanted to help. so that worked out. What a cool kid.

It is pitch dark up here but we had a portable light out there, and the tractor had lights. Even so the kid fell in a ditch by the road that was deeper than he is tall. I guess he's about 8 or 9. I had to pull him out. He found it as funny as I did. If all kids were as cool as Erik, the world would be a better place. I get attached to kids fairly easily. Same with stupid animals. That's why I don't take on pets if I may move away or something like that. It is easier to get hurt through affection than one might think.