Peter Pan, Cosby, Crocodiles, and Racism ... Ten Things of Thankful Returns

See ALL TTofT Post Here!!!!!

Okay, so I've been away for a couple of weeks.

I know, you never missed me.

Work obligations, physical malady, and mental conflict were the reasons, just in case you were wondering.

Yeah, I'm going for the multiple reasons here.  No need to be selfish.

End of month work obligations are always a pressure nightmare.  Last month, there seemed to be no answers, regardless of how much effort was made.  

I've developed bone spurs in my shoulder.  These created an inflammation of muscles between the shoulder and neck, which would have made a masochistic individual filled with glee.

The mental conflict?  This one's going to get you.

After all my writings to end racism and put the blame for the Ferguson incident where it belonged, I was called a word that really bothered me.  A person that proclaims himself to be a liberal called me a "racist".  

See, I wasn't aware that today's society looks at the word "thugs" as strictly being black.

(Talk about racism!  Claiming a word to be only for one race is so indicative 

of that in itself!  Some people, who need to check out world history,

have been listening to too much rap music for their educational needs.

It's time to look at life with an open mind instead of a closed one!)  

I grew up with stories of the thugs of the thirties (Bonnie & Clyde, Machine Gun Kelly, Pretty Boy Floyd, etc.).  The movies of the fifties, as well as television programming, called anyone that didn't respect the rights of others and used violence to get what they wanted a "thug".  Most of the time, they were members of a major gang that worked for a notorious leader.

Thugs ("thugees") in action.

I surmise (whether right or wrong), that "thug" is a derivative of "Thugee".  The "Thugees" were a group that traveled throughout India for six centuries.  They would gain the trust of other travelers and then use their own special technique of strangling them while they slept.  Finally, when that deed was done, they would rob them and move on.

One might see the correlation if they would open their eyes, instead of wearing blinders and looking for someone to label.

The old expression "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" had to be recalled many times in the last week.  Memories of arguing with my father about the rights all men deserved, marching for civil rights in Klan filled Indianapolis in the early 70's, and all the relationships and "best friends" I've acquired over the years, and to this day, that just happened to be black, Hispanic, and other, didn't give credence to the proclamation of racism made.  The accusation just didn't stand up.

So, I had to sit back and analyze the situation after eliminating the anger emotions brought.

• Are there people in the world that are so blind with hatred that they're simply looking for someone to label?  
• Are they so consumed by their emotions that they refuse to see facts and only look for excuses?  
• Have they completely foregone the concept of common sense and look to put themselves on a pedestal to sate their self righteous ego of being right?

Unfortunately, I came up with "Yes" as an answer.

FBI Report / Press Release
(May 12, 2014)

The FBI released a report on May 12th of this year.  It stated that in 2013, only 27 police officers were felonious killed in the line of duty.

Only 27.

Seven were killed in ambushes, five answering disturbance calls, and five in tactical situations.  Three more were killed investigating suspicious circumstances, three during routine traffic stops, and three more responding to robberies in progress.  And the leftover officer was killed as a result of investigative activity.

How many people that perform your career choice were killed doing their jobs last year?

We are seeing protests of police killing citizens.  Shootings, strangulation's, and other violent forms of enforcement are becoming more and more the norm.  The violence demonstrated against society is becoming the norm of those that enforce the laws against such said violence.

Only 27.

Oh, and last year's "officers dead" report was positive in that it showed a drop from the 44 killed in 2012.  Perhaps the violence and lack of tolerance the police are exhibiting is having a result.  Sad, but true.

Maybe running from the police and fighting with the police isn't a good idea.  

Thugs: (clockwise) Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger,
Machine Gun Kelly, & Pretty Boy Floyd.

Now, I don't personally care for the police.  I will admit to calling them "pigs" many times in my youth.  Long hair immediately brought their attention to you in the early 70's.  We were profiled as drug users, activists, and trouble makers.  Looking back, that description was fairly accurate even though we didn't care for it at the time.

Late in my military time, I became a member of the ship's Master At Arms force and wore a badge.  I considered it a good way to play the game and get to do things others (with reputations) couldn't get away with.  It worked!  Still, there was a time or two I was put into situations that forced me to perform in a manner my obligations required, instead of how I truly believed inside.  The badge just wasn't for me!

In the 80's, I had another shock.  It took a long time for me to get over the fact that a friend had joined the police force in a small Alabama town.  To see him in his uniform, gun dangling at his side, seemed somewhat hypocritical as he was one of the most devout Christians I'd ever known.  Butch looked at it as a way to help people in need ... not to bully.  Still, I saw the strain of the pressures an officer goes  through have a negative affect on his attitude and mannerisms.

Are there police officers that go too far?  Of course there are.  These should be prosecuted as they've forgotten the laws they are sworn to enforce.  There are also those that simply freak out when a situation gets out of hand.  They should seek other employment.

Have the police ever got it right?
This cartoon from 1898 doesn't seem like it.

There are good cops and bad cops.  Generally, they're are late to the scene of crimes, accept some crimes as "Oh, they happen this time of the year" and come on strong because they feel that's the only way people will listen to them.  Some even use the badge to get back at others as they themselves were picked on by bullies in school. That's why one should be smart enough not to do anything rash when dealing with them.  That's common sense.

Sad thing is, we live in a society where people are beginning to think illegal activity is acceptable, and law enforcement isn't.  We have people going back in time looking at many of the Old West lawmakers as being criminals, instead of law enforcers.  Hard times require hard individuals.  They got the job done regardless.  Standards have to be recognized as this is not a perfect world, but one filled with violence and disrespect for the law and those whose job it is to enforce it..

"Thugs" are as I described above.  They can be any color ... it doesn't matter.  If you can't live by the rules society lays down, then you are going to die sooner or later, either by someone on the street that is meaner and smarter than you, or by a police officer attempting to enforce the laws society dictates.  

Yeah, we're coming to the days of Judge Dredd, as police officers are beginning to realize that even though it may be honorable to die in the line of duty, it's still dying.  That is something they're planning on avoiding at any cost.  Be wary.

Only 27.

Now the question that's being asked so frequently, "Did he deserve to die?"  My answer is , "Possibly not, but I don't know.  I wasn't there to witness it.  Were you?"  


Unless one is present at the actual event, one cannot say if the suspect warranted fatal reprimand. (And, it's amazing how many false witnesses show up to an event that has drawn publicity attempting to throw the weight to their side of the issue.) 

It's Survival Of The Fittest In The Streets.
We are not animals, but acting from emotions, 
instead of fact, makes us no better than them.
When did the ability to reason leave society?

I, personally, don't feel as though anyone deserves to die without first being tried in a court of law.  However, events take place that require immediate decision making.  To the thugs and to the police, the streets are under the "survival of the fittest" law.  It's simply a matter of who walks away afterwards.

So, when I say I hold no sorrow for a thug of any color that dies while breaking the law, I'm not being cruel or racist, I'm simply saying that you brought your death upon yourself.  If your parents didn't teach you how to be an honest, working member of society and you feel theft, intimidation, and violence are the answer, then violence may indeed be your fate.  Not in the way you intended, but in the way society has mandated.

Ending the evil starts at home with proper teaching or right and wrong concepts.

That is not a liberal or conservative opinion that is narrowed by the blinders some wear.  It is not a racist opinion to be labeled as some feel the need to tag.  It is simply a fact of life.  It has been for centuries, and will be for centuries yet to come as long as we have those that break the law and those that enforce the law.  The only differences now are that since so few know and respect the difference between right and wrong, the masses will protest, and you're sure to have every act broadcasted as the television news agencies love sensationalizing any story that will draw ratings.  Yes, we are living in a dismal time where society continues to blame others instead of looking at themselves for the answers!

If Charles Manson and group were tried today, there would be protests 

because Manson came from a drug using, single parent home.  

We're becoming a society of excuse makers and blame shifters.

Remember, justice would never be questioned if someone didn't break the law.  And, if you live in a high crime area, be aware the police are more apt to be paranoid, as they are doing everything they can to lower their chance of becoming one of those labeled "killed in the line of duty".  Wouldn't you?

Racist?  Me?

Take Off Your Blinders And See All Around!

No, I hate to disappoint my accuser, but that label just doesn't fit.  I'm just one that doesn't wear blinders and looks at all people as members of only one race, the human race.  One that sees the world for what it is instead of what one's fantasies envision it to be.  A person that sees through the name calling and label tagging that is done by the ignorant, or fantasy envisioned.  Not perfect, but not blind to reality.  Able to look at all sides of an argument without preconceived judgments and allow facts to shine and emotions to stay where they belong.  

Grow up, children.  As long as division is the goal and labels are tossed around, working together as one force can never occur.  Communication, compromise, and understanding will work wonders if you will give it a try.  

Isn't that why we, 
as members of the HUMAN RACE, 
have a brain?

Now that my "rant" (I prefer to think of them as "clearing the air of El Toro defecation".) is done, let's take a look at the things I am thankful of this week.

(*I know, I get more and more long winded.  I'm just testing your stamina.  

Careful, I'll warn you in advance, there may be a test at the end of class!)

This week, I'm thankful for:

1)  O-Bam-Bam-A-Care.  Look out children, there's a 5% increase in premiums coming next year!  Nothing like "affordable" health care becoming even less affordable, is there?  What the hell, his term is on the downhill.  So what if you can't afford a doctor.  He doesn't need your vote next time anyway!

Bill Cosby.  (Since it seems to be
the thing to show pictures of
the accused in a younger,
more innocent setting, here's one
of Bill from 1969.  Now, is that
the jacket of a rapist, or
is that the jacket of a rapist?)

2)  Bill Cosby.  Remember the first Cosby show in the late 60's or the cartoons of the Cosby Kids?  How about episodes of I Spy?  If you're not that old do you remember the Cosby Show of the 80's?  Now, are you ready for the Cosby Porn series?

Bill is now being accused of bringing women home, giving them a mickey, and then raping them.  Seems he did it to about a million or so women, or so they claim.

I'm so tired of today's vigilante justice mentality of "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" that I could regurgitate Jello.  Suddenly, all these women are proclaiming they were drugged and raped.  Did he?  Who knows?  (I wasn't there, were you?)   If so, let the courts bring him to justice.  (I bet you won't see Cosby being shot if the police arrest him.  Any takers?)

3)  Charles Barkley.  I wonder if Charles has been reading my blog.  He said, almost word for word, what I've been saying since the Ferguson rioting started.  I've never liked his basketball analysis, but perhaps he's not as dumb as previously thought.  Then again, he did go to Auburn University.  (I had to say that as my wife is a die hard Alabama fan.)

4)  Crocodile Kills Ball Retriever.  In Johannesburg, South Africa, a man was killed while retrieving golf balls.  Wading in waist high water, a crocodile grabbed him and decided to take him bye bye.  (Another example of not thinking by being in croc infested waters t begin with! Aren't human beings wonderful!)  The body was later found with only teeth marks on it and no mutilation.  (Guess he tasted as bad as he putted.)

Sailors are known for this stuff.  Aboard a ship,
there is no girlfriend to visit at the end of the day.
Doesn't the Navy realize you get what
you advertise you want.  It's that simple!

5)  Unfit Sailor Behavior.  Three female officers aboard a U.S. Navy submarine found themselves on film.  Problem was, the films displayed them as they were taking showers.  The Navy is filing the incident under "violations of privacy" policies, while the women want it to be filed under the more serious "sexual" policies.  (Makes one wonder what they were actually doing in the shower, doesn't it.)  

Let's be real. At one time in history, it was said the Navy cooks added saltpeter to keep sailors from getting erections while at sea.  Put a group of men on a sub for six months and you're going to have something like this happen, if not worse.  It was bad enough being at sea and not having a female around. But, to increase temptation by putting women aboard a ship filled with horny sailors that haven't seen their girlfriends or wives for months is going beyond the human ability to tolerate and restrain!  Being in the battlefield is one thing, but being confined inside a sub for six months is another.  (Come on, Navy, stop the torture!  If the Department of Defense and Pentagon wasn't led by those that required Viagra to get it up, they'd have seen this coming long in advance!)

6)  Kia Rio, Jeep Compass & Nissan Versa.  Americans bought these cars by the thousands hoping to save money on gas and have a dependable ride.  They've now listed these three at the top of the "Least Liked" cars sold.  Make up your mind, America!  You get what you pay for, and with those selections, you don't get much.  Then again, Americans tend to live in a fantasy world in many areas.  (Cars purchased is just another area of stupidity they'd rather blame on the manufacturers than their own common sense, or lack thereof.  Duhhhhhh!)

Hell yes I was a party girl!  Where's the
party?  Why, up on the roof, of course!
And, "Yes", they are real!

7)  Jenna Bush Hager admits to playing around.  The daughter of George W. Bush admits to playing around (kissing) with her boyfriend atop the White House roof while her father was in office.  (Guess she figured since dad was screwing around at trying to be a President, she could screw around, too!)  With all the security cameras around, I'm sure the Secret Service got an eyeful.  (I'm betting her videos will come out about the same time as Cosby releases his X-Rated series.)

8)  Peter Pan LIve.  Hate viewers filled the Internet Thursday evening after viewing this show.  Many admit to being bored, hating the off key singing, and poor acting as their reasons to speak.  Others wondered why it wasn't on earlier for the kids to watch.  

Folks, this was "PETER PAN", not "CATS!"  You have a girl playing the main role of Peter (That just seems wrong.  You don't mention a girl and peter in the same sentence unless you're reviewing a porn film.), a man with a heavy Queens accent playing Captain Hook (Like all pirates were from New York City!  Pittsburgh is pissed!), and stoned stage crew members operating the wires.  What the hell did you expect for free?  By the way, there's a little thing on your remote that will change the channel, or haven't you learned that, yet?  (You should've watched the basketball game on ESPN.  TCU played their hearts out!)

9)  Jake Owen.  Country star Jake Owen cut off his long locks the other day.  (God, this is news?  That and $4.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.  Hurry, the prices may be going up!)

What do you mean we don't get a check?
You promised!

10)  Nazis On Social Security. 
 Yes, our government has been paying Nazis Social Security benefits.  It seems as though they offered them to bribe the Nazis to leave the country, and have been paying them for years.  They have finally voted in Congress to take away these benefits.

So, let me get this straight.  War criminals were paid Social Security benefits by our government to leave the country.  Why the hell didn't we just prosecute them?  Is it that it costs more to keep a person in jail than they'd receive in SS benefits?  Or, are we just a weak ass country that is afraid to open old wounds and bring them to justice?  

I know, let's use them as live dummies at the police academies throughout the United States.  That way, improper techniques used in detaining suspects can be fully explained by live (or dead) examples!  (There are things in our world that just don't make any sense.  Remember, these are the people representing you in government office!  Kind of makes you all warm inside, doesn't it?)

.     .     .     .    .   .   .   .

Well, if you stuck with me all the way through this one, I congratulate you.  I recognize it was way too long for many, but your patience will pay off.  How?  Well, you've done so well I decided that you didn't need to take a test, as I warned about above!

See, aren't you the lucky one?

Ciao!

Ferguson, Missouri ... A riot a day keeps intelligence away!

There was rioting in Ferguson, Missouri last night.  

Of course, many of those rioting were not from Ferguson, but they decided not to wait on the Black Friday specials and get their Christmas presents for free.

What timing!  

Some thought that it was a fire sale.  Trouble was, they grabbed all the merchandise out of the stores first and then started the fires.

Someone should teach them the difference.

Protesting has been a way of the world for centuries.  I hope it never comes to an end.  It is a way for voices to be heard, opinions given the opportunity to be formed, and forces governments to enact changes.

However, the advance threats of, "You either indict this police officer or we're gonna riot" are not protests.  They're demands.  Demands that were based upon so many falsehoods and fantasies that Walter Mitty would have a difficult time understanding them.

Still, there are some who desire violence.  Usually, they are those that have something to gain by the rioting.  Theft of merchandise, public notoriety, and even wealth gained from rebuilding could all be reasons to incite the crowds.  It cannot be vengeance, for they rioted in the neighborhood the shooting took place, instead of the area of the wealthy.  It has to be financial gain.

But, also, it has to be a total disrespect of one's brother.  If you're mad at City Hall, you simply don't attack the homes and businesses of those that stand with you.  That's foolish, disrespectful, and just simply downright ignorant!

And, yet, the rioting will continue.  No, last night's will not be the last.  Those that have no other obligations will find the time to stir things up and continue probably tonight, tomorrow night, and well into the future.  

Extremists love these activities.  White extremists feel as though they are indicative of the blacks inability to rationally think and blend into society as violence is common to all of their race.  Black extremists use them as the "Race Card" and continue to play the "White Society Is Evil To All Blacks" game, accuse every white police officer in the world of abuse, and think anyone that looks at both sides of the issue is a racist.

Both White and Black Extremists are ignorant, racist, and so emotional in their beliefs that they cannot listen or understand the other side.  We should put them all in a cage and let them fight it out to the death.  Then, whichever group survives that battle, gun them all down mercilessly.

Maybe then, the rest of us can live our lives in peace and harmony.

See, most people don't steal from convenience stores or attack police officers.  Personally, I don't care for the police as they get to the scene of the crime way too late and become defensive when questioned.  There are officers who were bullied in school and now use their badge to bully others.  

The Gestapo?  The KGB?  The TSA?  Anyone in authority is going to be pushed time and time again.  You have to leave "who you are" at home and become "what will control the masses" when the badge goes on.  If it were fun, all of us would want to do it.  

But, we don't.  We underpay them, avoid them, and tell them to do their jobs.  We call them names, hold them in contempt, and expand upon stories when discussing them.  We do our best to make them the bad guys for picking up our kids who are breaking the law and take them to jail for discipline.  Discipline they never got at home.

And, whose fault is that?

Ferguson, you have two options.  The first would be to continue upon your path and ruin your sons and daughters.  You are providing the role models for your children.  True, you may have come home last night with a new LED Television, but remember, your home may be the next one broken into and personal goods stolen.  And, it may be either your neighbor's kids or your own doing it if they follow your queue.  

Option Two would be to surprise everyone and stop the violence.  Work for harmony in a peaceful manner, making efforts to blend society instead of segregating it.  Work for a world where color doesn't matter.  After all, colors are only different shades of mankind.  

Key word: Mankind.

All of society needs to stop looking for excuses and blaming others for their woes.  The military has provided many a means to escape the ghettos of the world and mind.  Continuing education assists one in seeing that blame is only an excuse for failure, and not a reason for success.

Take the night off, Ferguson.  Tonight and every night spend at home with your family, teaching right from wrong, common sense techniques, and the basics of loving your brothers.  It may be the start of something new.  Something that can make your city a better place to live.  A place to be safe, raise kids, and prosper.

Take tonight and every night off, Ferguson.

Take the night off!

Cat O' Nine Tails, Wendy's Chili and Pink Floyd ... The Dark Side Of The Mind

SEE ALL THE GREAT TEN THINGS
 OF THANKFUL POST RIGHT HERE!!!!

Today is the day I'm supposed to post my Ten Things Of Thankful for the week.

I haven't written a thing.

Some wonder if I ever do.

To those people I say, "Do you?"

This has been an extremely slow news week, as far as stupid people are concerned.  Oh, Putin's putting on a show by bringing his battleships to an international World Summit conference in Australia, but that's a minor thing for him.  Almost not worth mentioning.  

The U.S. Congress is experiencing growing pains after the past elections.  They've even had to call in a professional to measure all new members for their white hats and black hats that they'll be switching out from time to time as society's Hunger Games continue in the country's diminishing middle class households.  "Yee-Haw!!!"

And a Winter snowstorm has already hit the Central United States.  It was going to happen sooner or later, so big deal.  Just something else for the press to sensationalize about.

So, the question is, "What the Hell do I write about today???"

Damned if I know!

So, let's just ramble and see if something happens to take place.  If it does, fantastic.  If it doesn't, well, I can always just not join in this week.  But, then I would have to face the fury and wrath of Lizzi and her band of murdering page riders, and I might never see the light of day again.

Of course, I could leap away from them to another page.  "Ha!"  

Lizzi's Cat O' Nine Tails

But, being as tenacious as Lizzi is, I'm sure she'd find me, flay me with her cat 'o nine tails, soak my wounds in the saltiest brine she could locate, and tie me in the hot desert sun to be munched on by vultures seeking sustenance.  I'd watch them pluck away at my flesh until one would happen to discover the wondrous taste of my eyeballs.  And, with those being gone, I could no longer watch the feast, nor see Lizzi laughing with eternal delight in the background, wine glass in hand, and feet being massaged by all of her tribe, one at a time ... of course.

After all of that, she'd recall my spirit and with a binding spell, paste me to a keyboard with instructions to "... come up with something worth reading."

"Worth reading?" I'd reply. "Since when did I ever write something worth reading?"

Lizzi would then realize the truth of the words spoken, slowly turn around to her tribe and with her shoulders hung in defeat, take herself and all her followers to another page to destroy someone else in a similar non creative state.  I'd be left, pasted to a keyboard, alone in the vast emptiness of my page, wondering if I should start typing, or simply allow myself to pass on, becoming just another page that needed updating without anyone ever hitting the Enter button.

So, anyway, let's see if I can find anything worth being thankful for this week.

1)  Sports on TV.  Yes, I'm indeed thankful for sports on TV.  Now, I'm not a great sports fan that can recite stats and talk about all the different team players of the decades.  But, years ago I found that if I wanted to be left alone for the evening, all I'd have to do would be to turn on a college basketball or football game, and my wife would go into another room to watch her shows.  Having been an only child for the first 13 years of my life, this time alone meant the world to me.  

However, over the years, her interests have grown and now she'll sit right there and watch the games with me ... much to my dismay.  However, there are benefits to her being in the same room, especially when she gets up to get something to drink. Often, I con her into getting me something while she's up by saying something loving like, "Hey, bitch, while you're up bring me a Diet Coke."  It's amazing what a person will do simply to keep from arguing when the score is close and time short in the game!

2)   Nestle's Hot Cocoa Mix.  If you have any age on you, I'm sure you remember, 

"N-E-S-T-L-E-S, 

Nestles makes the very best.  

CHOOCOOLAATE!!"

This sugar free concoction is one of the few benefits that my workplace has to offer.  Savory sweet with 0 Calories from fat make this delicious powder from the envelope something to yearn for when over brewed coffee is the norm.  I often wish I could find a way to keep all of the powder mixed in the hot water, but alas, some of it finds its way to the bottom of the cup and creates a bog of muck so thick that the Hulk would get mired down if he attempted to trod through it.  I have to admit, the muck is good for catching pesky flies, though.

3)  Liberals.  Oh, those liberals.  I'm offended, we're offended, everyone is offended, don't say this, don't say that, politicians can be our saviors, we know what's right for your state, you have no idea what's right for our state, People are good, guns and cigarettes are bad.  Minority rules, says the Constitution, as we've never lived in a democracy ... only a republic, change the name of the Washington Redskins, Obama is God, lawyers are always right, God Bless Our America!   (You gotta love 'em!)



4)  Conservatives.  Oh, those conservatives.  I'm offended, we're offended, everyone is offended, don't say this, don't say that, politicians can be our saviors, we know what's right for our state, you have no idea what's right for your state, People are bad, guns and cigarettes are good.  Majority rules says the Constitution as we've never lived in a Communistic state but a democracy, never change the name of the Washington Redskins, all Republicans are God, lawyers are always wrong unless they're Republican lawyers, and God Bless Our America!   
(You gotta love 'em!)

5)  Common Sense.  Look at all the selfish liberal and conservative dumb asses fighting over crap that doesn't matter.  If everyone would mind their own business and learn how to tolerate others, we might just find a way to get along.  Compromise is the key as no one deserves to have anything their way and their way only.  We live in a country that provides more freedom than any other, but won't stay that way for long if we continue the course we're on.  The more that is restricted will soon restrict freedom from standing.

Big government is only there because we allow it, not because it's needed.  See through the smokescreens they lay and observe what is really going on in Washington, D.C. between the special interest groups filling the pockets of politicians, and the $10,000 a plate dinners.  Oh, the games the politicians play!  

If we started accepting personal accountability for the actions of ourselves and those in our care, we might just find that kids can't be raised by television and video games.  They need instruction, guidance, and quality time to properly mature.  We'd understand that only God is God and no one else comes close, if you believe in God in the first place.  And, "No", lawyers can't destroy religion.  They can only do their best to hide it when no one stands up and provides resistance.  

Get rid of the "I" in your life and start recognizing the power of the "We".  Otherwise, "I" will soon be no more when the governments and big business start herding us as cattle.  Remember, the goal is to first divide and then conquer.  Labeling yourself a liberal or conservative is only the first stage of your demise and their strength.  

But, of course, you'd have to have common sense to understand these thoughts.  

Wouldn't that be nice?

Like, you couldn't guess this was a
long sleeve t-shirt, could you?

6)  Long Sleeve T-Shirts.  A fantastic invention that should be a staple in every person's wardrobe.  Nothing like an extra layer of clothing to hold in the body heat when you're sitting in a cold middle class living room, eating your cold can of Pork & Beans, because mandated medical insurance rates and shrinking middle class wages cause you to be unable to pay your electric bill.  They'll also become standard apparel when your area becomes one of many District 13's, so named after the chapter of bankruptcy you're forced to file.  (Nothing like optimism for the weekend, is there?)

And, in case you couldn't
figure it out, this is a picture
of Wendy's chili!  

7)  Wendy's Chili.  I know that it's made out of greasy leftover hamburgers from the day before, and that it's added to existing chili all day instead of being made fresh.  Still, buck for buck, a small Wendy's Chili for $1.79 is one hell of a bargain in today's world, especially if you've got an allergy to white enriched flour. Devour two of these and you can enjoy that much desired evening alone later as no one will be able to stay in the same room with you without a clothespin on their nose!  Plus, if you wait a few hours, you can recognize another benefit it provides as you'll be saving big money on laxatives!  They should call it the 

"Wendy's Three In One Chili ... 

For the Menage a Trois In You!"

8)   Pink Floyd's "The Endless River".  For months I've awaited this CD.  It was stated that it was simply done from reworking outtakes from a previous CD, and adding vocals to only two of the 18 songs.  Still, my addiction to Pink Floyd and the acid strewn memories of things that happened in my life in the late 60's and early 70's while their "Dark Side Of The Moon" album was playing told me that excitement would be worthy of such a masterpiece. 

 "Ehhhh, it's okay."  Nice instrumentals, but overall, not something I'd get myself all hot and bothered about.  Seems like Pink Floyd is like all the other artists that have been around too long in that they've all been around too long.  Think I'll go and listen to "Dark Side Of The Moon" again.  

Anyone got an extra hit of acid?

9)  Gotham.  In case you haven't seen it, Gotham is a television show on Fox that precedes Batman's days as Batman in Gotham City.  No, Penguin isn't Danny DeVito in a fat man body suit, but rather a slender young man with aspirations of becoming the crime overlord.  Will Smith's wife has the same idea, while a young Inspector Gordan still believes that right is right and wrong is wrong, naive to say the least.  It definitely takes strong liberties with the Batman legend, but it's better than watching Dancing With The Stars week after week.  Besides, Barbara Gordan is HOT!!!

10.  The End.  Finally, I'm thankful that this post is coming to an end!  Damn, this one was a struggle without the week in news helping me out.  Hopefully, zombies will take over Philly, vampires will invade Baton Rouge, and common sense will overcome the vacancy of the minds in Washington, D.C., giving me a much easier post to write next week.  

So, until then,

CIAO!

Veterans Day 2014 ... No Thanks To Free Handouts

Veterans Day ... 

a day of honor for those who offered their lives for their country.

Just prove to us you did and we'll give you a handout.

Would you like for me to recite the articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or just pull out a bayonet and demonstrate kill tactics on your employees?

Tomorrow is Veterans Day.  Big deal!

I don't say that to show any disrespect to any veteran.  God knows we did our time, served our country, and put our lives on the line ... so that we could be looked down upon when we returned to civilian life.  This is especially true of those that served during the Vietnam Conflict.

I say it because it's only an excuse for banks and federal offices to close.  Everyone else will go on about their day as if it was just a standard day.  In fact, the majority of veterans will be working at their jobs while many of their bosses, who never served, will be celebrating the day with bankers at the local country club.

Out of curiosity, I just perused an article that listed the names of various businesses that were going to be providing incentives for veterans to enter their place of business today.  Free entrees, free meals, a free donut and coffee, and a few other offerings were listed.

And, right along side the listings were the words, Proof of service or active I.D. required.

It is understandable that businesses don't want to be taken to the cleaners while attempting to demonstrate kindness and respect.  However, unless most veterans can dig out their old DD214 discharge papers, that proof is nonexistent.

When I left the military, I was given a pink I.D. card that was only good for the remainder of my active duty six year obligation.  That is long gone.  Besides the DD214, there is no proof I can provide to get a freebie.

It is sad is that businesses have to put this stipulation upon their offers.

The scum that would claim military service just to get a freebie they didn't earn are present in today's society in droves.  Instead of honoring those who did the time, they dishonor us by proclaiming themselves to be part of the brotherhood that served.  These dregs of society should be taken to Africa for four years and be forced to assist in the fight to end the Ebola virus.  At least then they'd know what it was like to serve in a battle zone.  Hopefully, most of them would never come back.

As I approach the age of becoming a "senior citizen", I hear more and more people saying, "You earned the freebies.  Take advantage of what is being offered."

Somewhat tempting at times, but this is not me.  I am not one to jump at freebies, regardless of the intent.  The military proved to me that you have to work to achieve.  Nothing is free as someone has had to pay the price along the way.  Sometimes, they had to pay it with their life!

Our country would do well to adopt this philosophy.  The freebies our government provides those that have never paid any price whatsoever are ridiculous.  So ridiculous, that we are now seeing the results of these actions in our "you owe us" society.

Folks, you aren't owed one damn thing unless you earned it.  Having a baby at fourteen, sitting on your ass trying to figure out ways to work the system, and falsely proclaiming you're disabled does not give you one damn right ... except to learn from your mistakes and get your ass busy doing something that will better your life!

Instead of a nation of the intelligent, we've become a nation of no common sense.  Political correctness came about because few were teaching their children right from wrong, how to be responsible and accept personal accountability, or even the standards of being polite and proper manners.  And, in the last 20 years, our government has decided to screw up the educational system and deny the intelligent a reason to excel as they're held back so others can continue to fail.  Of course, that's generally what government does, fail.

The fear of our forefathers was that government would get too big.  George Orwell, in his novel "1984" and Ray Bradbury in "Fahrenheit 451" both attempted to provide a warning to the dangers of government control.  Instead of listening, we've ignored.  Welcome to the land of "A Clockwork Orange".  I only hope personal choice wins out in the real world as it did in Anthony Burgess's novel.

Call me old, senile, eccentric, etc.   I really don't care as I've witnessed a country out of control.  A country, not proud and brave, but one in which fear rules the populace, tolerance has departed, the minority rules whenever offended, and belief that a politician is working for the people is like belief in the Easter Bunny ... a complete waste of time.

To all the businesses that are providing freebies to veterans ...

  "No Thanks" 

from this veteran.  

See, I earn my keep, work to support my family, and did my time in the military to protect the rights we supposedly once had.  Four years of my life weren't given away to get a free entree after proving I'd earned it.  No, I had more important things in mind.  Things that most, unless they've served, will never understand.  Things that still make me tear up when I hear the original version of the Star Spangled Banner being played.  Things that make me sad when I see the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. and its list of names, several of them past friends, who are no longer with us as they fought and gave their lives for a country that no longer exists.

There is pride in those who served.  Pride that doesn't need a handout.  Pride that says, "Public, treat us as you will, we've survived worse."  

It's not a macho thing.  Men and women that serve understand that only happens in the movies.  It's an understanding that we have, a shared experience, a sacrifice.

Veterans Day 2014.  

A day like any other for most veterans.  

Thank God we were able to ensure it 

would be that way for everyone.

Space Virgins, Anacondas, Murder Incorporated, and Ariana Grande ... And No Damn Extended Version Hobbits!

See All The Great Ten Things Of
Thankful Posts Here

I came very close to posting last week, but, obviously, didn't.  

However, if you came here and read the previous week's post (thinking it was current) I can only hope you enjoyed it.

I had decided to write a post last week, since it was Halloween, from the twisted viewpoint of a stalker.  In my past, I'd written a poem about one, but a full fledged post of Ten Things of Thankful from that view would have given me the space necessary to really get into the guts of the matter.

There were two things that stopped me from completing that post.

1. Was it really the right thing to do considering the tone of most of the posts in the hop?
2. By attempting to add humor and sarcasm into the embodiment of the post, I started to question how "sick" I really wanted to sound ... or be!

I know, you don't think I've any self imposed limits from some of the things I present.  (Okay, I'll admit, I cross the line whenever possible for shock factor.)  Still, even I have limits to certain perversions.  (I've never had a relationship with sheep in my life ... regardless of what you believe.)

I found by analyzing I could come up with a Reason #3 for not writing that type of post.  The hypocrisy was right in front of me, and it took days for me to see it.

As you may know, I have a running battle with television "mind doctors" validating the violent acts of individuals.  By finding excuses as to "Why" the act was committed, it is my opinion that they are allowing a person in similar life circumstances to feel as though any act of violence is excusable.  

Example:  A person is bullied in school, rejected by the opposite sex, and picked on by certain teachers.  He see's on television a "mind doctor" stating that the reason the school shooter did what he did was because he was bullied in school, rejected by the opposite sex, and picked on by certain teachers!  Now, the person has a central point from which to base his validation in committing a similar act!  

If I had written a story from a stalker's point of view, I might have provided a central point to a person "on the edge" and ready to explode.  I know, the odds are minimal.  But, as most who write have to ask themselves, "Do I want to be responsible for someone dying simply because I decided to go over the line in topic descriptiveness?  That would put me in the same category as playing a Judas Priest record backwards, wouldn't it?"  

To do that would be hypocritical on my part, which would blow my credibility any time I started ranting.  Say I wrote, "... he grabbed her from behind with his left arm while stuffing a rag in her mouth with his right.  A quick punch to the child's stomach knocked the air and fight out of her, changing her screams to whimpers.  Wouldn't her parents be surprised when they finally got off their heated seat asses in their $50 thousand dollar Lexus and discovered her missing?  I really am thankful that some parents are so watchful!"

What if it happened?

(By the way, if that description happens to fit any crime over the weekend, 

I have an alibi.)

No, I'd never be able to live with myself.  That would mean I'd have to divorce myself, pay alimony that I can't really afford to consider, and only have the cats for two weekends a month.  I'd have to do my own ironing, cooking, and cleaning of the home toilet.  Worst of all, I wouldn't have anyone to ignore with my decades trained selective hearing.  I would be a waste of a man.

Or, I could sell the story to True Detective magazine and make a mint!

Maybe I should reconsider.  

This week I'm thankful for:

"Hey, anyone seen my toothpaste?

1)  Fanged Deer.   For the first time in over 60 years, the Chinese Musk Deer has been seen in Northeastern Afghanistan.  The males really do have fangs that they use in determining who will get the female.

"I'm sorry, this is so hard to believe.  First, Halloween was just last week, so tales like this one could be just that ... a tall tale.  "Sure, let's see just how damn stupid Americans are by putting out a story about a Count Deercula and his herd of furry bloodsuckers.  

Secondly, if there are so few of this deer that they haven't been seen in 60 years, there ain't a whole lot of deer screwing going on.  Seriously, unless the deer miraculously developed a birth control pill in their secret laboratory in the wilderness city, either the male deer are all gay, or the female deer just ain't putting out!  Next thing you know, someone will be breeding rabbits with these things just to get a good population going.  Of course, the deer might all kill themselves trying to jump into holes in the ground, but the damn things were supposed to be extinct anyway ... Right????"

2)  Virgin's Crash.  I can only imagine one or two of you with dirty minds expecting this to be a bit on sex.  Sorry!  No, the commercial company that's trying to commercialize space travel, Virgin Galactic, had their first spacecraft crash last week.  Turns out a "feathering" system that slows down the craft was computer activated too early.  All the "feathers" burned up, and created a boom-boom scenario for the entire vessel.

Let's look at it this way.  Remember your first time?  You got all hot and bothered before you knew it.  Sweating, panting, flailing, screaming ... and then, before anyone was ready, POOF!!!   All gone!   Premature ejaculation!  So, in your infinite wisdom, couldn't the same thing happen to a rocket ship?   I rest my case.  

Got a cigarette handy?

"We'll smile in your face,
all the time we wanna steal your gun,
The Gun Nabbers"

3)  TSA.  In October, TSA found and confiscated 181 firearms in carry on luggage during pre-flight screening at U.S. airports.  Out of those confiscated, 157 were loaded and over fifty had rounds chambered.  In addition, TSA collected a 13 inch cane sword as well.  

People, let's try this one more time.  You Cannot Carry Weapons Onto An Airliner In the United States!  You can carry chewing gum, one plastic cigarette lighter, comb, and other small articles on board, but a .357 Magnum is simply not allowed.  Duhhhhh!

Didn't you people ever see "Goldfinger" or "Airport"?  If you shoot a gun in a plane, the bullets have ample opportunity to pierce the cabin walls and create a suction that will send you outside the plane faster than your grandma could cut a hickory switch and blister your bottom!  All of your 40 inch waist will be sucked down to the 18 inch window size and you'll be spewed out in a liquid stream that pedestrians walking below will swear hundreds pigeons with advanced diarrhea just flew overhead.  

So, if you want to keep your guns safe, fly to your destination without delay, and enjoy the trip as much as you can, make sure you store your guns with the shoe bombs in your check-in luggage.  The TSA will love you for it!

"Betcha can't see me ...
Betcha can't see me!"

4)  Transparent Automobiles.  Japanese researchers are toying with the idea of transparent cars to increase the visibility of drivers.  Those who scratch their crotch and re-align bras in their cars were aghast to hear this.  It suddenly became a matter of privacy to them.  However, since finding out that the transparency would be created by cameras and projectors that sent outside images to screens within the car, giving it the effect of being transparent, the resistance has lessened.  Said one individual, "It's just like picking your nose or masturbating in the car as you drive down the highway.  No one can see you doing it!"  

5)  AC/DC Hire For Murder.  Phil Rudd, who used to be the drummer for the classic rock band AC/DC, was arrested in his home country of New Zealand the other day for attempting to hire an individual to murder two other individuals.  However, he has been released on bond pending his court date.  Details on the planned targets identities are sketchy at this time.  It has been said that members of five boy bands are under police protection at this time, as well as the entire judging cast of Dancing With The Stars and Richard Simmons!

6)  Rubik's Cube.  The Rubik's Cube was just granted the honor of having been entered into the National Toy Hall of Fame.  Having been available in the United States, the Rubik's Cube is the one toy that has annoyed me since inception.  In fact, I can't tell you how many times I've gotten all the sides the right color ... except for one damn cube!  One damn cube!!  I hatted and still hate this damn toy!  One damn color square ... One more damn square!  Makes me want to go out and hire someone to kill the damn inventor of this nightmare!!!   Any suggestions, Phil?

7)  United States Postal System.  Buckling under pressure from independent competitors and the general public, the USPS has announced they will be making mail deliveries on Sundays between now and Christmas in larger cities and high traffic areas.  This will either give you some extra days to receive your holiday packages, or the USPS extra days to lose them.  Still, receiving them in January instead of March will definitely be an improvement!

8)  Ariana Grande.  Thousands of Country Music fans are shaking their heads in disbelief as this Pop Queen somehow maneuvered herself into performing one of her pop songs, "Bang Bang", with Little Big Town backing her up at the CMA's Wednesday evening.  The Country Music Association should be shamed for inviting her, as well as Meghan Trainor and her song "All About That Bass" (performed with a Miranda Lambert backing vocal).  Perhaps next year, the CMA's will invite Kanye West, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry as performers, as Country Music finds itself taking the back seat to Pop again.  "YEE-HAWW, yo, yo, yo, baby, baby, baby, peace out!"

"This Is Country Music?

By jove, old chap, you've got to be kidding!"

9)  Snake Bait.  A researcher has volunteered to have himself soaked with pig's blood in a protective suit and then swallowed by a Green Anaconda for the reality show "Eaten Alive."  The suit will have a tether to pull him out, just in case things don't go as planned.

Okay, first of all, regardless of the fake pictures you've seen on the web, there's no way a green anaconda's mouth will go over the shoulders of a grown man.  In addition, is everyone forgetting that the snake is a constrictor and squeezes its prey with such strength that the blood flow is stopped and a stroke takes place, long before it even thinks about eating its prey.  Anyone that has ever owned a constrictor will tell you they even squeeze dead animals (rats and such) just to make sure they're really dead!

Now, the only way around the constriction part would be to secure the head and the tail, stretch them out until the snake is straight, oil up the suit with WD-40, Stand up the platform with its head to the North, open up the snake's mouth wide, and dive headfirst from a twenty feet platform into the snake's mouth, ripping him apart from top to bottom during the fall.

Or, we could just forget about the whole damn thing and get this guy a date!

10) Hobbit Movie Extended Versions.  This week the second of the Hobbit series, The Desolation Of Smaug (Extended Version) hit the stores.  Best Buy overcharged for this one with an advertised sale price of $29.99, while Target offered the metal box version (w/ Blu-Ray & Digital HD copies) for $22.99.  Being a fan of this series, I drove to Target to purchase this supposed "can't do without" version, even though I already owned the original release.  I'll be damned if I can tell the difference between the two.  There's supposed to be 15 minutes of additional footage, but where it's at is a question to me.  So, my New Year's resolution (made early) is to stop buying these rip-off extended versions if I already own the original!  I thank Target for at least making it a little more affordable, as Best Buy proved this time that they are indeed not the best buy.  On a side note, can anyone answer the question, "Why is it taking so damn long and so many movies to cover one book, when the follow-up series "Lord of the Rings" only used one movie per book?"

"P-A-R-T-Y!!!!!
And Then We'll Go Get
Phil's Girlfriend!"

**AC/DC Follow-Up.  Police have decided that they don't have enough evidence to prosecute Phil Rudd, so they've dropped the hitman procuring charges.  However, they think they have enough to prosecute him for threatening to kill and have charged him for that.  Before this is all over, we'll probably find out that Phil had a spat with his girlfriend and told her to go jump off a cliff or something.  All this publicity surrounding AC/DC just happens to come as they're getting ready to release a new album next month.  I understand they've also been invited to play at next year's CMA's, at the take-off of the next Virgin Galactic space craft, and during the man eating anaconda event.  

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

And that's going to do it for another week of Ten Things of Thankful.

Now ... I think I'll go out stalking for a while.

Got your windows open?

Ciao!