If I , etc

If I were the rich parent of one of the Occupy kids, I'd be encouraging the wayward youth to check out those fly suits, maybe they are called wing suits, where you go sailing around by the side of mountains and it looks like the most fun ever. It is a little like high speed surfing on the air.

I'd feel obligated to help the kid see what life can be; things I wish I was better at doing for myself. If I had the dough many of their parents have, I'd find ways to meet and introduce young Woolsworth or Buffy to inventors of things like that microwave machine that turns tires into fuel and carbon black. Carbon black is used in tire manufacture so that could go right back into more tires.

At one time I was intimately familiar with the workings of a tire manufacturing facility in NC. For various reasons my equipment proposal was not accepted, but I was young and inexperienced. The education and the experience gained in the process was worthwhile. Most likely I could have landed that account with what I knew later. Plus my design would have been a little different.

I've certainly spent much time in frivolous ways at every stage of my life, but I do think my time spent in that plant was of far more value than it would have been had I camped out to protest instead. And that's the real point.

It is great to let your views be known. I still say that doing so in a way that involves force over others in some way is over the line. I consider stopping traffic, clogging infrastructure and making work for others because of mess or vandalism, etc. a form of force. This is clearly where I part ways with most unions in their tactics.

But the real shame is that it is so easy to get a myopic view of life which limits one's chances of really experiencing the good things being a human being can bring. I consider things like loving a sport, being enamored with surfing or paragliding or any number of activities far more worthwhile than war, many forms of public service, and many other things considered holy by those who love mobs. Those activities are purely human and serve as a celebration of life and our creative nature.

Unless it has been enslaved and trained, you won't find a bear catching waves on a longboard, or sailing around the world, and zipping around like a flying squirrel in a glide suit. And even flying squirrels don't get to do what I've seen those guys do.

I think that helping a child learn to enjoy these things that are part of the joy of being is one of the best gifts anyone could give. I wish I hadn't had to spend my life trying to unlearn the opposite message. Even so, I know better. And I do appreciate what people can do.

Playing my excuse for music may be a sliver of that, and I cling to it because it is. In reality I would rather have been some kind of career athlete or be sailing through the sky like an insane rocket. No reason not to do both. It is just that the physical things are more my true nature than music or much else. Fortunately it often is kind of physical when I play. That is what kept me doing it, not how it sounds. Only how it felt on a good day.

At this time a lot of cool things would not be a good idea to try since I'm old and haven't spent my life working out.

It does make me a little sad to know what some kids are missing, and that it doesn't need to be like that. It is one problem I would not throw money at because that is not the real issue. People are simply being conditioned to believe life, humanity, and what matters are something other than what they are.

Credit Where Credit Is Doo

It could be that I am wrong, but if I thought so, I'd be saying something else entirely, or nothing at all.

If I am not mistaken, the general template for the troop withdrawal from Iraq was hammered out, with the Iraqi top guy, under Bush, at the end of his presidency. The timeline was pretty well set. Many people objected to the timeline approach at the time.

Obama claims he has kept his campaign promise about pulling troops out because of this December 2011 thing. He is unabashedly claiming full credit. The basis of it all has kind of changed over the last few years since Iraq nixed the original plan of having some bases still there. But such is life. The O wanted bases but since they said no, he can play up getting out as not being kicked out on that level. This is one of those times when he could blame Bush for the general troop withdrawal and it would be more truthful. Give the man credit for nerve. He must have been reading P.T. Barnum's memoirs.

Phineas Taylor Barnum (pbuh)

The big O can claim credit for Osama Been Laiden to rest in the deep blue sea. Not for this. I understood his campaign promise was to bring troops home immediately, much faster than this. I believe the timeline followed was pretty much the default already put in place. At least we haven't escalated other involvement over there, tried to influence who was or wasn't in power and have met with nothing but respect and success since Bush hit the road. Right.

If this is drastically different than how things were before Barack, I haven't noticed. Neither one has been overly clear on objectives, rationale, or what constitutes a victory which would allow us to get out.

Both expect soldiers to be social workers and to serve under unsafe rules of engagement. Both allow troops to be misused.

This police action, using the army to build schools approach hasn't worked, ever. Unless you are someone who benefits from the event. I'd love to be the guy who sells million dollar missiles. Imagine that commission. I'd be starting little skirmishes in the dark of night just so someone would fire one off. Then they'd buy more.

I'm interested in knowing what the strategy is in Afghanistan and the rest of the area. I find it unclear, just as I did in the Bush days. Especially when there was talk of making the region free to be sane and happy, and not oppressive. That is a pipe dream. Not all cultures lend themselves to such things.

Speaking of claiming credit, how often do politicians ask if you are better off than you were four years ago? It gets asked in different contexts, often as a negative against whoever was on the public payroll living in the White House at the time. Bunk!!!

I am better off than I was four years ago or three years ago, but it has absolutely nothing to do with government people. Not one thing. In other periods of my life when I was better off at the end than the beginning of some four year span, it had nothing to do with the president or his merry men and women. In this case I am certainly not financially better off, but I am better off.

So, anyway, this is shaping up to be the most embarrassing of campaign seasons. I guess the good thing is that both sides are now showing their elitist assumption that people will believe anything. I still think the republican thing is being forced and that, in reality, Mittens would not be on top had the nooz not continually titled him "front runner" even though he really wasn't. They've all but banned Paul from reasonable coverage and credit from the start, and now the assassinate Cain's character and chances assault is on.

I see Mitt, much like McCain was in 2008, as Obama lite. One day we will tire of allowing kings to run our lives, and tire of being useful pawns and idiots pleading our causes to them in hopes of forcing others to do our will.

Most people feel more comfortable believing a "good leader" is what we need. I tend to think we need to limit the power of such people so that, good or bad, they can't accomplish much harm to basic freedoms and rights.

Connectivity

People up here on Ballistic Mountain don't have some of the easy options available to civilization down by the coast and elsewhere. Being even more out of the loop than most, I have fewer options.

I don't think regular cable is even available up here. People use satellite companies. I guess some get their internet that way. There is also a guy who offers a very expensive system which involves some kind of reception device and other costly equipment. I think his setup interferes with all other airwaves, but it is not supposed to.

Anyway, I've been using a cell system from an independent company, Millenicom, for almost four years. It is tied to the Sprint system but doesn't require a contract. It is also unlimited so that is good. The price has gone up but even if I had a sprint phone and wanted unlimited internet it would cost as much and require a lot more hassle, hooplah and obligation.

The trouble is, my modem is literally falling apart; coming unglued, and not working too well. I called to order a new one and they said my plan is no longer available. They now have a verizon plan that limits to 5 gigs or something. However, I am grandfathered in with this so I can keep going. I have to buy a new modem from them to replace this one and it is a different make. Michele says it will work well.

In the mean time I try to wiggle the other one so it connects and works but any small breeze makes it disconnect. For that reason it will be a great victory if this publishes.

I think this is all another wake up cal that I better get on the stick to organize life and be prepared to make money, and to be ready to make changes which will inevitably occur. The huse is still on the market and eventually the demand will come back up to real value. As it is the only offers are about half what the homeowners have in their property.

When I have no connection I get a little screwy because the computer is my ony source for tv music and it serves as my bill paying mechanism and primary method of communication with friends. My best friends tend to be scattered about the country, not just up the street. Although I do have friends here, too.

I can do this. It seems like I can't, but I know I can deal with the mess and move on. I wonder why I never feel like I am where I should put down roots and feel at home? Forever the orphan waif, I guess.

Occupied Failure

Despite my best efforts at the Occupy Descanso, the ATM inside Perkins store still charges a fee. Filthy bourgeois oppressors.

I demand legislative action. It won't dispense cash if your account is temporarily short, but I know it has the money and could if it wanted. That ATM needs to be taken down!

It still seems like we'd have more success if I weren't the only occupier in this grass roots movement here in the back country.

Darn and Dang It

The more I look at it, the more it looks like I'll not be making a Christmas road trip. I may have to get my major car service done here rather than at the best Subaru service department ever, in Dallas. And then I could fly south and be at the mercy of others for week, and fly back.

That lack of escape option bothers me. I like to be able to hit the road at will. It is easy for my family visits to run their course in just a few days. Flight prices are such that I would be there a week, should I choose to fly.

Due to our security regulations and the airlines bizarre practice of charging you if you bring luggage, I wouldn't have much there with me to pass the time should I need a mental escape. I guess I can bring my computer without issue, so there is that. Clothes-wise I'll have to travel rather light.

I suppose I should make up my mind soon. I don't think the tickets are going to drop in price and it looks like they are fairly booked up. Flights to Miami are already prohibitive. Ft Lauderdale is the only hope which means they have to drive a long way to pick me up and drop me off.

It is tempting to call the whole thing off, but I think I'll forever regret it if I do. This may be a last chance of some kind. It seems that way but I can't say why. Once in awhile my hunches pan out. Usually they are probably off. I don't know because I generally forget the hunch.

Won't You Donate to My Cause?

My remaining family consists of a brother and his offspring, as well as an aunt and her off spring. I have other cousins on my father's side but they refuse to communicate. That was a huge surprise to me, but I get the idea that my father and his wife must have said some things which put me and my brother in a bad light. It is too bad because he would only have done that to cover his own abuses.

Then again, if people are dimwitted enough to go by hearsay and not find out for themselves when it comes to the character of others, I guess they deserve what they get, or don't get.

This Christmas is one in which all of my brother's brood, small though it is, will be together in Florida. They have encouraged me, more than they normally would, to show up. I think it is because this won't be a yearly gathering. Now that his sons are hooked up with good looking, splendid chicks, they will do the holidays with their sweethearts families at least every other year.

It used to be an annual gathering and my mother was there for most of those. I finally began showing up, too, and I rarely had a better time. Maybe I never had a better time. My sister in law's brother (not sure of correct syntax for that possessive, so this will do) is married to a good looking Cuban and they have the best party of all time on Dec 24th, the Buena Noche party, or something close to that name.

I've not been there for the last couple of years. Maybe three.

Somehow I am not sure if there will be more gatherings which have that same flair after this one. So, I think I should go. Besides I don't know what my future will bring, if anything. I feel more mortal than usual lately.

That is where you can help. This trip will cost plenty and if I am to see Texas cousins and my aunt, and make it to Tavernier in the Florida Keys (just south of Key Largo), then your contributions may be necessary. A few hundred from ten of you would be great, or just send me a few thousand or more. The sky's the limit!!

I'll work on ways to make it tax deductible. And you can rest easy knowing that I will plant things all along the way to offset your carbon footprint.

I'll send you a certificate which proves you are fighting climate change and making life better for mutant hermits. That's an offer no one could resist.

Thank you in advance for taking responsibility for my wanderlust and family ties.

Interesting Ideas Never Cease to Occur

Whether you think the sky is falling or that we're all going to hell in a handbasket, people continue to create. Even if Al Gore or your local university guru suggests that there are only so many ways to do something, someone out there will prove them wrong.

That is the error of subsidizing chosen industries, especially in the field of energy production and conservation. You promote a narrow band of technology in doing so, when it is likely that other things which would survive the market suffer as a consequence. Time and money end up being wasted on things that are probably not the best approach. It happens.

An interesting reader who seems to know plenty about me sent me this link http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/innovator_2.html. The linked story tells the tale of a guy who has created a machine that uses microwave technology to extract fuels out of many every day objects, and it yields more energy producing gases and substances than it uses.

Here's a picture of the guy and his pal. He's lighting the torch off of fuel from the recycle device. You can throw tires in there and get all kinds of good things. This idea is an excellent one which doesn't involve screwing up land, taxing manufacturing companies for carbon footprint or any of that. It only makes sense that things like this would be developed. But does it please those who only see solutions in mandate, taxing, and controlling all? Doubtful.



It cheers me up to discover that people have created great new inventions or clever designs. I realize when those things come to my attention that life and being human is not about pain, suffering and jumping into causes formulated by those who will forever create, then combat such problems, but about the thrill of seeing a thought about something that improves life reach fruition, and about enjoying the good things which are in one's personal world. The collective hoopla is primarily a limiting factor when it comes to the good things.

 But I guess the creators are not the bulk of humanity, and the majority will forever be confused by them. Of course some creative people do use the herd to lock out others when they lack the integrity to do otherwise, but that is very often not the case. Many and inventor has been too busy and focussed on his ideas to even comprehend the corruption which gets in the way.

There are some really cool things out there. Thank you Verbi for sending some of them to my attention.

Is This Man Insane?

Or just evil...

"It's very clear that private-sector jobs have been doing just fine; it's the public-sector jobs where we've lost huge numbers, and that's what this legislation is all about," Reid said on the Senate floor.

Harry Reid, you are a whore who knows no shame, and you never cease to reach new depths in proving that you think citizens of this country are idiots. Your checks from the unions such as SEIU are in the mail.

Blazing on a sunny afternoon, in a summertime

It became summer again. I thought we'd slipped straight into winter, then we had some hot days over 85 degrees. No way to figure this climate.

Exciting Times With Magic Wax

Once upon a time I was clueless about the finish on the Englishman's garage doors. Misinformation mixed with rare initiative led to a disaster which I feared might cost me thousands of dollars to make right.

I wrote about it at the time. I fretted and searched for answers, and fretted some more. Then I met Raul who had applied the magic finish in the first place. He kindly let me in on the secret. Making the doors right involved sacred rituals, culminating in the application of Raul's secret Santeria wax formula. It smelled a bit like gasoline, and looked like black shoe polish.

Those were the days; probably 100 hours hand sanding the textured wood, then performing the prescribed rites. The end result was stellar and saved my reputation. He told me to re-apply the stuff every six months or so, and to charge a lot. I still don't charge enough.

It has been more than six months, maybe more than I year--I lost track. I had some of the formula left over from before but it was pretty well solidified. To solid to brush onto anything. You brush this paste on then after awhile, wipe off the excess.

I do not possess a gas can and don't have a lawn mower and homeowner implements so I only keep gas in the car. It was my first choice for something to soften the dark glob of sacred material. Then I recalled that the person who revealed the elements which combine to make this stuff said "or diesel fuel" right after listing gasoline as final ingredient.

Being the clever one, I thought to myself, "mineral spirits is not so different from diesel fuel. That is what I used and it appears to have worked, although the behavior of the coating was a little different. I'm not sure it didn't work better. It dried more slowly so I treated larger areas before wiping it down. The ticket is for the dark stuff to remain in nooks, crannies, and crevices. It gives it a aged, rustic look while leaving a waxy soft feel to the wood.

Eight hours later I was done. These are big doors. Six of them.

Now I am an expert. And that makes me think it is time to find another source of income. It is nice to do something like that a couple of times, but in reality I am not Mr Home repair and maintenance. It is like the teak. OK. I learned, I experimented with ways to deal with a couple of different types of it and I did the maintenance. Now it is repetitive and not much for holding my attention.

But, until I get the alternative decided, and up and running I better keep this stuff going. It does give me the inside line on this administration, and some glimpse of how they live on the other side. People in some ritzy areas are no fun at all. That is clear. But you go to some other ritzy 'hoods and those people have fun. Even the trophy wives and trophy teens are more personable.

In Rancho Pricko their greatest fear is being caught smiling or being courteous if there is no obvious social or business advantage to be had. I guess you get thrown out for that, or they take away your sugar daddy or trophy wife. Or trophy gigalo, just to be PC. Truthfully you see very little of that. Tennis pros are the trophies of the trophies, but that is somewhat on the sly.

It is always interesting to see how people behave in certain settings though. That kind of thing has long been studied in my travels. The puzzling aspect is why that particular circle of people, or that town, has so many very wealthy people who seem so unhappy or angry. Rich people should be happy, even though it is considered evil to be rich if you listen to news.

Rude, polite, happy, or bitter, I whole heartedly approve of wealth. Wealthy people pay far better than poor folk, and they have more bizarre and interesting projects quite often. Do not hate the rich. Their wealth is not the reason for your lack of it. Not a zero sum situation.

Maybe They Make It All Up

Being in the least is best school of public management and politics, I tend to favor most of Ron Paul's agenda. But even if I didn't I would find it transparently manipulative the way Romney and Perry keep getting shoved to the front of this republican debacle.

Hell, Cain is as much or more of a front runner than either of them. Just like always, two choices are being narrowed down for us through clever PR. What gets me is how the major media outlets are tools of whatever or whomever is orchestrating this farce.

It is hard to watch this game. Given my philosophy as hinted at above, it is obvious I am not at all on the same page with Obama. Allegedly this band of republicans is out to get one of their own elected in his place. Is it just me, or does it look like they are doing everything they can to ensure another term for the big O? And in the process pave the way for more Pelosi types.

You'd think the time is right for people who don't believe in the present economic policies, foreign policy, etc. to do well in elections. The trouble is, anyone like that is painted as a kook regardless of documented support.

It is impossible to know the truth of the Occupy events without being there, and I have no desire to go see for myself. But from what I hear it is not a ground swell of support for the present administration. That doesn't mean much. I suspect it is like many such events; people show up and say whatever doesn't rock the boat with their peers.

It is also reported that 15% are unemployed. That means the vast majority of them are not people frustrated because they don't have a job, if that statistic is correct. Not that I care. Still, it is bizarre that Obama, whose policies enriched those being villanized, is the one attempting to capitalize on whatever this movement is. Looks to me like it could have been hijacked by almost anyone.

Anyway, I can't believe the spectacle the supposed opposition to the current administration is making of themselves. At least the ones the news covers, insisting they are front runners. They insisted they were front runners before their numbers actually supported it. They forgot Dr. Paul was even around. He at least conducts himself in a civil manner and shows a bit of class. So does Cain. I think, given fair coverage, that Cain and Paul would be the front runners. And lately friggin Grinchgrinch (I know. I just like to make the name how I choose) is showing more class and savvy than the two appointees of the press and whoever pulls their strings.

Since the laws and structure make third party efforts almost impossible, I have to pay attention to this circus. Besides, I still tend to dig Paul. Especially because he's come out wanting to eliminate a slough of federal agencies. I haven't checked the list yet, but I doubt I'd mind if he got his way.

It just seems so staged, or surreal, or something. It just can't be real. I only caught bits and pieces of the latest debate which unfortunately stopped short of a cage fight between the Mittmeister and Ricko. I guess they figure any attention is better than none so they went for it. It is becoming obvious that the repubs will once again offer something I do not consider acceptable. Just like last time.

I don't think McCain would have been much better than Obama, or different. Not worse, most likely. So, I had to vote third party. People say that is throwing away the vote. I think not. I couldn't vote for the winner, and I prefer to have my vote count among those who want something akin to freedom.

But, putting what I think aside, does anyone believe the GOP is actually trying to set up for a win? I don't. I saw them insist on losing when Clinton bumped Bush 1 out of office. It became clear during the fray that he had no intention of winning.

If I didn't know better, and I don't, I would say forces are at play which would fit the criteria of a conspiracy. And that could give rise to a theory. Only I have no theory.

The other bit of news that is true but sounds too bizarre to be true involves a guy in Nevada whose jewel package weighs over 100 lbs. It only grew like that in the last few years and they don't know why. They ruled out diseases which can cause that. Seriously, to put it in G rated terms, I'm talking the family gems. 100 lbs. It has ruined his life. He has to wrap them up and can hardly get around. No love life for sure, and he can no longer work. They can do an operation but it will cost a million bucks. He's hoping the publicity will get him some kind of donations to get his junk back down manageable. All his junk hasn't blown up like that, just the two eggs. I don't think he can even see the remaining item in the package trio at this stage.

It makes one appreciate what he has without any thought that maybe he got shorted. Maybe someone said, "Why don't you grow a set!" and he took it too much to heart. No one would say that now. I hope he gets it fixed and lives happily ever after. It does confirm the notion that more trouble is generated from that part of the body than from all other sources in the universe combined. Usually the trouble is of a different nature, but trouble all the same.

On the other hand, if having cajones gives you the nerve to do great things, this guy should have no shortage of gall and initiative.