Beer snob

Dog days, it’s that time again in Ravenna when anybody who’s anyone in town gathers at the park for an evening out. There’s food, fun, beer, and music at Ravenna’s Dog Day’s.

I must not be anyone or just anti-social because I’ve lived here for 14 years and the other night was the first time I went. The kids always go, its two blocks away and they love playing the games the church always sets up.

The kids had been down there for a while, I thought I would amble down and have a look’ see. Well it was everything I imagined it to be, the kids were engrossed in the games, the band was playing and people were having a great time. I made my way towards what I believed to be the beer stand, it was a token set up so I found a near by booth and bought a $2.50 token which I soon turn into a $2.50 Bud light.

Yes I’m a beer snob, I only bought this beer out civic duty, and it goes to the Lions Club. I can’t remember the last time I had such a tasteless beer. I normally choose to drink draft beer if at all possible, Guinness, Heineken something with taste. I sat at a picnic table watching the kids nursing my can of pilsner, it was soon gone and I had had my fill of dog days. I headed home, packing some of the loot the kids had won.

Turf pest

This is my first ever "hand kill" of my lawn nemesis Scalopus aquaticus AKA "the mole"
I had noted the grass around the pool was getting long and trim. Not wanting to use the weed whacker near the sides of the pool I opted for the traditional hand shears. Bending down to begin the job, I saw movement in the grass and the unmistakable fur of this varmint. With little hesitation I skewered the pest. My aim was true, right thru the center between the shoulders. As I lifted the creature, still run thru on the shears it showed little life and quickly succumbed to its injuries.

This is my 2^nd kill for the year. Walking across the front lawn this morning I saw evidence that there’s been a replacement for my earlier kill. Fortunately these pests are very territorial; one in itself can wreak havoc on your turf.

Interesting flowers

I've yet to try to identify these small flowers, in this picture, if you look closely you should be able to see the bee collecting nectar. Click on picture to enlarge.
Update: After a bit of research it turns out that this a very interesting plant. Monotropa Unflora, the ghost plant, also known as Indian pipe.

Happy 231st Birthday America

As I was hiking this morning I came across the remnants of this birthday celebration. The scale of this mess is not captured by this single photo Not that I was surprised by this total disregard for the environment, just bent me the wrong way.

A few weeks ago Ross and I spent a few days in Grand Marais, staying with my folks at woodland park. Above is a shot from the roll away(log slide) at Grand Sable Dunes, 300 feet above Lake Superior.

While waiting on the dock in Munising to take the Pictured Rocks boat tour, this plane landed, do you call it that in the water? picked up a passenger and took off. The weather that day was prefect, practically no wind out on the lake.

I was taken on this same cruise when I was Ross's age, I think I enjoyed the sights more now than 30 years ago.

My only regret is the lack of a quality camera, these photo hardly do this scenery justice.

This outcrop is Indian Head, yes it sorta looks like a Indians head, use your imagination.


This is spray falls, the captain said this was a bonus to see they normally don't cruise this far but, due to the great weather the boat made good time. I would recommend this cruise to anyone with a few hours to spend in Munising.

Camouflage

Looking for mushrooms today at my folks I almost stepped on this little guy



I know mom was nearby, we saw her cross the drive from that spot when we pulled in.

Go fly a kite!

Sarah got a new kite at Menards today, about 10 minutes into flying it the wind seemed to die and we struggled to keep it airborne. Unfortunately tomorrow’s forecast calls for little wind.

Homework

I’ve been avoiding it all week, but it’s almost Friday and still I have a major work load and my entire day tomorrow is booked with design reviews. So I’ve been working since I came home at six-thirty, my VPN connection is thru Oslo, Norway so speed is just not happening; however with two computers running here I’m getting quite a bit done.

A test I didn't study for

I received an odd phone call this morning, the gal in HR asked me to come to her office.
I had been selected of a drug screen. No worries here, I’m clean, I don’t do drugs…..anymore. Just glad I could go and didn’t have to wait around. When I worked at AutoDie years ago they had the same random testing. They would send you to the clinic right across the street for your test, when I worked afternoons there was a guy who sat there for almost six hours before he went, nothing they could do about it.

Whats going on

Not much going on my way this week so far. I’ve been staying late at work, finishing up designs I have reviews for on Friday . By the time I get home at 6:30 or 7:00 have some dinner, well lets just say I'm done for the evening. I’ve left my laptop at work the last couple of night just so I don’t spend all night working, even thought I found my self researching H8 fits for a 28^mm hole this evening, which by the way is +.033^mm its hard to stop.

House cleaning, literally

On the northern exposure of my attached garage was a nasty film mildew, dirt and who knows what. I don’t have this problem on any of the other northern walls, could have been caused by the close proximity of a recently removed spruce tree. The pressure washer made short work of this unsightly mess.

I have no morels.

Hiked a few miles this morning in search of morels, only to return empty handed. This has been one of my most disappointing seasons so far. Years ago I never found them this early, but the last few years I have, my hope is that its just not happened yet.

Day off, sorta

After falling asleep around six this morning my wife brings me my cell at 7:30 saying its been ringing, messages from vender's. Make a couple calls and back to see the sandman. 11:00 rolls around and I'm up again and out of bed. I have a new laptop with a VPN (virtual private network) card which allows me to work from home, too slow for serious design work but lets me access my work email and files. So I spent a couple hours taking care of business. Ross had his school work done, so we drove over to Gross park. Nice walking trails cover the park land, we spent an hour or so hiking around. When we finished up there we drove to a vender that I do work with to look at a couple of jobs. All and all, a nice afternoon, now I have to go finish a few jobs outside, my work is never done!

Off to bed

I've been up now for a little over 24 hours now, got a call at 9:30 last night about trouble with a tool at the shop. Left there at 3:45, just trying to kill a few minutes before the Mrs. gets up and I'm off to bed.

Wild Turkey

Rolled out of the sack at 0700, the Mrs. was already up, grabbed a cup of coffee and headed east for my folks house. Stopping at my folks mailbox to pickup the Sunday paper, I could see there where a few birds in the drive, a ½ mile dirt lane. I reached over and grabbed my binoculars and quietly open the door and stepped out for a closer look.

Three big tom’s with their tails all spread, vying for the attention of one hen. I watched for a minute and then started down the drive on foot following the edge of the woods looking for morals, went for about a hundred yards and stepped back out to the roads edge and the turkeys were gone. Someday I will add these wary birds to my hunting quarry.

Outdoors

Yesterday my son and I went north looking for the elusive moral. We scouted for new spots in state land near white cloud, no luck. We did however stumble across this handsome fellow sunning himself in a clearing.

By the time I had taken the second picture, he or she was mad and was vibrating its tail like a rattler, and as you can see turned to face me down.

What's going on

I’ve tired of writing about politics and current events as is apparent by my lack of posting. Posting from here on out will be about whatever is going on in my head, not to say there won’t be any politics and current events, I’ve just tired of that steady diet.

Ok then; Friday a project I’ve been working on came to fruition. This to date is the biggest project of my career and involves moving business from a company within our conglomerate to an independent local company. This move will save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, perhaps a million on tooling costs. And will generate more sales due to completive tooling costs. This move rolls much more responsibility onto my shoulders and increases my work load, but it was the right move to make for the good of our company. I’ve become quite an unpopular fellow overseas due to this and there are factions that hope to see failure in this project; I will however, proceed with confidence and make this a success not only for my company but for myself.

Get a clue

I laughed when I read this headline. Not because its funny when gang bangers got shot, but the answer is so obvious, I can't believe they would post this as a headline. I know where is neighborhood is at, the corner of crackville and gangland and the fact that two in one family have been shot means; drug deal gone bad, somebody disrespected or fight over turf. These are the problems that Jason Whitlock is talking about in my previous post.

Capitalism, pure and simple

Yesterday I finally got off the couch and did something; I’ve had a chest cold this last week and have done nothing but rest. Driving to one of my favorite hiking area’s I was listening to a local talker on Wood radio. Yes, he was all wound up over the Imus firing and like many was looking at this in the wrong light. First off he claimed we’ve empowered Sharpton and Jackson. Wrong, it was the big media MSNBC and SeeBS who fired Imus and empowered the race baiters. This entire issue is over money, and if Imus can bring ratings, money to another broadcaster he’ll be back on the air.

I've posted more over here as C_it1/2full. This guy has it right and takes the race baiters to the mat.

Leadership or lack there of

Over at the GOP house page is another fine example of the government that the people of southeast Michigan deserve, after all, they voted these people into power. Read about this guy

From the article:
Cushingberry’s attorney, Gerald Evelyn, said his client is innocent. He’s a lifelong public servant who gave the responsibility for campaign statements to a contractor, Evelyn said.
This statement really sums it up quite well, he's a victim who's been doing it all for us. Term limits anyone?

Back to the old grind

Spring break is over, kids are back in school, and Easter weekend was nice, even though the weather was crap. I managed to load about 500 rounds of .40 cal, finished the tongue and groove paneling in the downstairs bathroom, and had a nice dinner at my folks. Already looking forward to the summer holidays.

After reading this over at Lucianne I went over here. I was please to see this type of behavior isn’t going on in my state. Not yet anyhow

Recall Grandholm

Time to put your money where your mouth is; there will be a rally in Lansing this month, Wednesday the 18^th I plan on being there. I will be leaving the Grand Rapids area around 7:00 AM anyone like minded and needing a ride please feel free to contact my though the comments.

It’s all about the children

Now she's using one of the dems original plays, threaten children's safety. Pure political theater, jenny’s moves are as predicable as the tax increases that she has tried to foist on us following her reelection. For those who don’t understand what’s taking place, think about how large state government is; now think of all the places that funding could be cut before CPS. If you still don’t get it, it’s because you’re on her side.

Not surprised

Just what this state needs more taxes, never ceases to amaze me how the government can't ever get by with less, I've been doing it for the last five years, a lot less.

To my reader

Yes, you shop. I haven't given up on this blog just been busy and haven't been in a writing mood lately. I'll be back.

Yes, it's a scam!

After visiting Shop's blog and not being able to link up, I found it elsewhere. Long, but if you really have any doubts this should clear it up for you.

Do gooders foiled.....

This is so classic, especially the last paragraph.

I think the cat may just about be "out of the bag" on global warming.

Finally or still too soon?

The honorable former senator from Tennessee, Fred Thompson has shown interest in becoming a candidate for President in 2008. Fred is the real deal, and has a voting record to prove it, go here and read it. I can honestly say I don’t agree with all his votes; however, I would pick him hands down over anybody who is currently running. I saw him on the dreaded Fox News this AM and he was great.

Considering what will take place this weekend I thought this is a informative article.

WWDD?

It was reported today that demorats in the state house stifled the “State Spending Reform Act” that would make state department report over budget situations. This is why you never heard about his massive budget issue before the last election, convenient eh?

Yes, I’ve raised concern over this issue before and will likely bring it up again. What does please me is that her tax increases are going over like a “lead balloon” at least on this side of the state. The media has been cordial, but asking the right questions. This AM, Gary Allen with WOOD radio asked Rick Albin, WOOD TV8 political reporter “ do you think these town hall meetings are a waste of time” there was a five second hesitation before Albin gave a half hearted response of its her responsibility.

The bottom line is, the cuts she’s claimed just don’t affect a majority of this states residents, and until people can see a direct result from said cuts, she’s faces a hard if not impossible sell for her tax increases.

What I'm left to consider is “What Would Dick Do?” Because, I know she has a tax and spend mentality and has stated numerous times that’s how she plans to fix this problem.

Chat withJenny

Lee Van Ameyde: You're going around the state, trying to get public input I presume on what people are thinking and what they think of your ideas for the budget crisis. I don't want to be unfair to you but I just got in my e-mail a study on your 2 cent service tax proposal from the Mackinaw Center which is described as a conservative think tank admittedly. Their analysis of the whole thing is that if this 2 cents [tax] were to go into affect 19,000 jobs would be in jeopardy in 16 months.


Governor Granholm: No I don't agree with it, I haven't seen this study. They are, they come from a certain perspective which is that the less you can have any government the better off you are

To me that sums up what I've always thought of her. How is it that you can disagree with what you haven’t read? Is it just through sheer arrogance or ignorance? Maybe her highness should take a few minutes and read it, better yet, take note of it. This state doesn’t need educated workers, that’s not why businesses are leaving or coming, that’s just code speak for pouring money into coffers of the NEA. Michigan needs tax structures that promote business startup and growth, not more taxes.

Flip flopping

The demorats, with their finger to wind have changed positions again, as one poster at Lucianne put it, “These guys have got more positions than the Kama Sutra...”

There’s nothing new about floating a “trial balloon” both sides of the aisle do it; however the issue is do you support our men an women in the armed forces or not. There is no “I support the troops, just not their mission” that has to be one of the most asinine, double speak phrase put out there yet. The rats will continually work at de-funding the troops under the guise of looking out for their best interests, nothing full well if their polls said they could pull it off, they’d vote to cut off funds tomorrow consequences be damned.

How a person with a modicum of common sense and reasoning could support this group and trust it to govern our country is bewildering, have we became a nation of fools?

Slow week

Light posting to no posting this week, not much has peaked my interest lately. I’m sick of griping about our lame excuse for a governor, besides I’ve been so busy at work this week, getting home late, I just not in the mood for it. I thought about how the DNR has reconsidered its proposed license fee increases. Those folks must be out of their minds! 30 bucks for a fishing license, 60 bucks for a combo deer tag. I digress, with any luck I’ll find a thing or two this weekend to rant about.

NASCAR

I guess NASCAR needs a warm place to run this time of year and I’m sure it’s revenue generator, but the races at California Speedway are real yawners. Today’s anti-climatic finish was brought to you by Roush Racing, who da guessed. Nearly spoiling #17 Matt Kenseth’s coast to a win was #29 Kevin Harvick, winner of last weeks Daytona 500. I sat back down to watch the last 15 laps, Harvick was a second behind Kenseth and with 10 laps to go was closing fast. What makes racing exciting for me was not to happen today, #00 David Reutimann was hit from behind, sliding up into the safer barrier wall at 150 MPH took what he described as the hardest hit he’s ever taking. This event stopped the race while workers cleared the track; evidently, not good enough as the race started Harvick was forced to pit with a flat left front tire, Kenseth was able to get a good restart and easily took the checkered flag. Harvick was able to come back out finishing 17th. Well that’s racing folks.

For a more in depth coverage of today's race go to NASCAR

Murtha drops the ball

Murtha stumbles and fumbles


Why are people so reluctant to see Murtha, for what Murtha is, a tool, among other adjectives I will label him. A tool in the hands of a craftsman can give grand results, in this case the tool in question is acting on its own and its masters are far from craftsmen.
Nancy has sent Murtha on a fool’s errand, to appease the anti-war lefties, while trying to appear to be in support of the troops. Anyone who’s been paying attention knows this old fool is been waving the white flag for at least a year now. Before the last election the demorats were essentially powerless do affect the war, now they control the house and do have the authority to call a vote and de-fund the war. Knowing they little support for such a cowardly act, they chose to have non-binding resolutions to which the only affect is to strengthen our enemies resolve.

Summon that doddering old, anti-war, Vietnam vet to craft a back door, end run to make sure troops can’t be deployed bill. This may have gotten some traction had that blithering idiot not opened his mouth and telegraphed his true intentions. Now it appears that his tactics have divided the traitors in his party from the, lets just call them the more patriotic demorats, and united the Republicans

Bush's fault !

I’ll give credit, where credit seems to be due. President Bush said he would pay down the deficit, and to his credit it appears to be happening; despite, over half the government and their lackey’s in the media working against him. Throw in the cost of fighting terrorism on a global scale and I’d say the economy is booming, except for my state that I’ll blame on granholm.


What is uncertain is how and what the demorats will do to undermine this economy. Demorats thrive during economic downswings, their so good at playing the “class warfare” card and illustrating how the evil capitalist’s are subjugating the masses. Ironic, considering the kids and me just finishing watching “Animal Farm”

This reads like bazaro world

Read This

No Kidding, I couldn't hardly believe my eyes. Whats next, pigs take flight?

Responsible?

Here we are in the middle of winter and I see we have more climbers in trouble on mount Hood. After the deaths of three climbers little over two months ago and all the media hype that went with it I really start to wonder about the foresight of these individuals. Not even having a clue as to the cost of a search and rescue operation. I wonder if these folk’s who get stuck should be made to pay for their recovery? Should they have to set up some type of escrow or bond to be permitted to climb?

And it begins

And that’s racing, after Jr crashed out, had to root for someone else.

Not really a Mark Martin fan, but have a huge amount of respect for the guy and was pulling for him to win; however, I have always liked Harvick so his win pleases me.

What would you expect

Must really depressing to have a majority in the senate and continuously fail to push your Anti-troop resolutions on a majority of American’s who oppose them. But a definition of insanity is to do the same act and expect a different result. Komb-over Karl one of those crazy domorats and one of my senators and another folically challenged wacko and serial plagiarizer, Joe biden, vow to take another swipe at our troops. When I read the words spoken by these spineless traitors I get a surreal feeling about what’s being said. I know that these types feel this way towards our troops; I just can’t believe they are now so brazen and emboldened to say it in public.

Race day !

The super bowl of racing kicks off this afternoon what should be an interesting season. With the season not even started and a handful of teams in a point’s deficit due to illegalities in their cars, NASCAR has set the standard for the way rules violations will be handled.

In years passed, some would argue that bending the rules was just part of the race as was the banging and bumping, and it was. The king, Richard Petty was arguably one of the best in the business at both driving and cheating. Those days gone, money, safety and the legitimizing of what some would call a “redneck thing” is in play. NASCAR is the fastest growing spectator sport in the country and with merchandising in the multi-millions, NASCAR is out to show the world that it is a legitimate sanctioning body and rules are made to be followed.

How much more will you take?

Let’s hope this craven act of treason is giving ample the time in the media and that all who supported it are held accountable. This is pure politics and nothing more; those who would chose to support this type of resolution give no support to our troops in this time of war. My most profound memory of the Vietnam War was the day that my teacher announced the war was over; I have only the opinions and memories of my elders and what is written as history that I can discern as fact to base my opinions on. And from that, I see the demorats using their old play book over again. Over at sweetness and light is the list of traitors. If one these cowards may claim to represent you, the right thing to do is put pen to paper and express your thoughts. I, in no way feel that the countries issues with spineless, maneuvering, and corrupt politicians can be solved at the ballot box. Not unless major changes in our political system were to take place, ice water in Hades is more likely. Does this country need a civil war? Will it take another attack with enormous losses of life?

I sense this country is in a steady decline. Not just along political lines, but socially too. I’m just amazed at what I see; the media foisting obama, a man with little or no business, executive, or political experience as to be a candidate for president. Our president stands idly by as this country is invaded by illegal aliens. A Muslim terrorist attacks citizens in a mall, and we as a nation stand by. A major attack is not far off , I’ve always said one more time and it will be open season, I’m just not sure about that any more.

Rope, Tree, Traitor, some assemble required

John Murtha, this guy just won’t stop. I’m so mad at the tactics that the demorats are using to damage the war effort. I listened to a clip of him on Hanity’s show this afternoon; I just can’t believe the words out of this guy’s mouth. I’m at a loss for words or at least words to be used here. Now those cowards want to use regulations and red tape to bog down our soldiers in an effort to surrender to those who pledge to kill us. I will update this post as more info becomes available; don’t bother looking for it on alphabet networks they won’t touch it I’m sure. UPDATE: here a link to the story if you have not yet read it

To whom it may concern

I've been busy! As a matter of fact I just finish doing a brake job on the boy's car and was fishing up north all weekend and Monday. Hope to get back to regular posting ASAP.

Common Sense

Penn and Teller; can’t say I agree with all their views and I do think Penn could make his points without the use of sentence enhancers. These guys expose the politics behind today’s environmentalist wacko’s The recycling clip is good too.

What one only has to remember.

The Clinton era. The 90’s, a time of prosperity and of plenty, yes it was all that and more. I just finish reading a piece by Jack Cashill. As I read along it became clear what six years had done to my memory and I fear others memories may have lapsed as mine had. The many travesties that occurred while the Clinton's were president , while their allies in the press sat idly by all came flooding back. I pondered the question to myself; would they have gotten away with it today, would the Blogosphere nailed them, we’ll never know.


I would urge all who may see this to read the article, refresh your memories and understand why those two should never be allowed back.

Think you got it bad?

Living here in conservative West Michigan I sometimes feel, well less than properly represented in the senate. I mean, Karl and Debbie hardly share my views and I’m sure you know how I feel about the fine job Jenny’s doing


Which brings me to my point, Minnesota must be a goofy place to live, politically speaking. They elect a professional wrester as there governor. In the midst of a war against muslim death cultists, yes I just said that, they elect a muslim as a representative in DC. I’m sure Minnesota is a great place, outdoorsman’s Valhalla from what I’ve read. But it must be tough for a conservative in those parts, I feel for those guys, and when I think its bad here in Michigan, I feel lucky when I see this.




This guy wants to represent Minnesotans as one of their senators, and considering the track record out there he may just stand a chance.

Algore is a greenhouse gasbag

Yes, most of us already knew that, and yes there is still some sanity in the academic world, this guy takes Algore to task long article, but a good read. Common sense, in language even guys like me can understand. IMO Global warming is a grant money scheme. Those who buy into it because actors, politicians, and people with financial agendas say its so, well are just ignorant. Oh and one more thing, those folks who are barking the loudest, well it’s their lifestyles that are creating more Co2 that you and me, that’s what I call an Inconvenient Truth.

Snow bound

Yes, this is parked right over us.

Ran the snowblower first thing this morning, there's already 3 inch's in the drive. My plans where to get in some well deserved ice fishing, but with the national weather service posting a blizzard warning. I've decided to forgo the 45 mile drive to my folks for the warmth and safety of home, I must be getting old or smarter, I've never let a little snow get in the way of fishing. Looks like I'll spend the day domestic, got the wood stove fired up, drying the kids snow clothes from their first foray outside this morning. For now there holed up in here with the neighbor kids, it's likely there's a sledding expedition in the near future, and fishing tomorrow.

Oh, by the way

Never was this addressed throughout her last campaign, now she acts like, look what we just realized. The state is in big money issues, a “fiscal crisis” she’s calling it in a leak to the press to soften the blow for her State of the State address.
After years of automotive job losses and corresponding state budget cuts ... the Emergency Financial Advisory Panel says it's time to revamp the state's tax system for the 21st century. Granholm says, “I think the panel said that we are in crisis and that we need to look at a blend of solutions." According to the panel, those solutions include cutting government spending, reorganizing state government, and raising taxes.
Well at least Devos was going to relinquish his salary, is she doing as much?
Granholm said, “I know you're thinking, oh, she's saying all this to set up some kind of a tax increase.
Your right, that’s exactly what I’m thinking and I’ll eat my hat if it don’t go down that way.

Granholm says, “Clearly, what we need to be obsessed about is building the next Michigan. What is the Michigan that we want to become? And how do we get from A to Z? I'll be proposing a way to do that next week."
What the…. She told us before the election she had a plan, a five year plan. So was she just kidding around about that plan, is she pulling my leg, again? Ok I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed; I know this is all about raising taxes after an election. She’s a democrat, that’s what they do, I can’t say Devos wouldn’t do the same, but he didn’t run a campaign while privy to budgetary information saying things are fine. I just wonder if that five year plan is still on the table, and if we have to bring her back for another term to make it work?

Its only been a week!

Now that the weekend news cycle has pasted, and the old media is back reporting on death and misery in Iraq, just our guys, not to much is said about the IA and US putting the hurts to 300 terrorists.
Hitlerey was the big story this past weekend, and only after a week it looks like she’s in way over here head, statements like these only reinforce it.
"We expect him to extricate our country from this before he leaves office."
Which I interpret as “there’s no way I can handle the war on terror” she would do anything to avoid confronting this issue, just as the fornicator in chief did. I don’t think she can lay low enough for the next year and a half to avoid talking and that’s when she gets in trouble. Just imagine if she’s asked a question, and better yet not from the script.

Winter

All in all, not much motivation here today, yesterday Ross and I made it out fishing caught nothing but small perch. Ice conditions weren’t the best either, 3 to 4 inches, lots of cracking noises. I’ve got a fire started in the woodstove, out in the garage to give me a stimulus to do something besides setting in front of this monitor all day.

Now this is what I'm talking about !

Yes, you can make a difference. Do it now, get on the list and tell a friend

H/T C&S

Such a waste

This is senseless to the 10th power. Most of these weapons are likely of little value, but I'm sure there has to be a few collectibles in there.

Whats really intriguing me is the construction of these pyre's

I LOL again

Hmmm?

Rodger always has the best stuff !

I LOL

Two for One deal

H/T Lucianne

Who could'da guessed?

Yes, I know this is out of the news cycle.
I’m only going to write about this once, I planned on not even doing that. The prestitutes are all a flutter with her grand ambition, the suspense leading up to the announcement kept them all giddy with anticipation. Now she’s thrown her hat in the ring, with a video that looks to have been shot 6 months ago. I’ve said it from the get go, I go on record today, she’s not electable. If I turn out to be wrong on November 4th 2008, I’ll stand corrected.

Don't try this at home!

Losing Strategy

H/T Cox&Forkum

Not sure were you stand?

Take the test !

H/T Hombre1

I'm know as C_it1/2full over there. it's a local forum, I hang out in the lobby most of the time.

TGIF

This week has been a long one, I’ve been busy at work and busy at home. Last night I was up until today reformatting and installing software on two computers, the good thing is that I’ve got my old Sony back from the kids. I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with a name for my business; every time I come up with one someone else already has it.

I hope this weekend lasts as long as this week did!

Sorry to the few who come here on a regular basis for my lack of posting. I have been involved in a personal business venture and its been taking up my time. I hope to be posting at a daily pace by this weekend.
Thanks

I was looking around over at the old 360 blog and came across this story, I’m pretty sure nobody that comes here has read it, and yes there are people who read this blog, go figure. I had a chuckle when I read it again, of course I was there when it happened and it was even funnier then. Just picture my boss, Kevin as a good ol’ boy from Arkansas.

Scandinavian is a great place to visit, I really miss taking a sauna, love me some loyly!

Adventures in Stockholm !

Driving in an unfamiliar city can be difficult, my first time driving in downtown Stockholm was just a bit more than that. Signage when present is so small it can’t be read at a distance of more than fifteen feet and to make matter worst it posted on the side of the build so as you approach street you have no idea of the street name until you are driving past. So after about two hours of navigating and back tracking though Stockholm we find the street (ally) we’re looking for. After a few hours of discussion our host asks us to my follow him to the hotel he’s made reservation for us, I ask we’re were staying, because my boss and I had no idea going in to this were we would be staying.

Ralf, our host says, “its in the old city”, it was at that that time that little voice said “ this doesn’t sound good” well it wasn’t long before the little voice became a resounding yell.

As we turn off a main street into a cobble stone plaza, past the castle and wind our way through buildings that have been there since 1300, 1400 we find ourselves at the Lady Hamilton Hotel, a building dating back to 1470. Having been lodged at some of Scandinavia’s finest hotels these room where, well quite disappointing. Small, smelled of cigarette smoke and the beds looked as if they where almost as old as the hotel. We meet back in the lobby to discuss our parking arrangement, I could see on Kevin’s face he was almost as impressed with his room as I was with mine. It was then we were told that the parking service did not open until 07:00 and our car wouldn’t be available. Our flight was leaving at 06:30 from Arlanda, nearly an hour’s drive from Stockholm. The girl at the desk suggested we park our car at a lot just a five minute walk away, by this the little voice was speaking loudly, but we decided to forge ahead. Following the direction given we soon realized she must have meant 5 K instead of 5 minutes. Now the voice was yelling “leave this place and stay near the airport” Kevin must have heard it too because he said the same thing.

We returned to the hotel grabbed our bags, checked out and headed north to Arlanda. We were fortunate to find a couple of rooms at the Arlanda hotel, a small place outside of the airport. They did provide us with a very nice dinner and beers. As a bonus the hotel had a nice sauna that I had a chance to enjoy after dinner. It had been a long day; tomorrow, flying home would prove to be longer.

Saturday September 23, 2006 -

The people you meet on the net

Yesterday shoprat posted a link to a person’s blog, a person with a small mind a narrow view. This person went on about how he would kill in the name of his cult and terrorizing people with his assault rifle, you get the picture. First I thought to give it to this guy with both barrels, with full use of sentence enhancers. But instead I left a short but to the point message. My days of looking for a fight are gone; however, bring it to me and pose a threat I will respond with overwhelming force. This person is in reality, just some troll with a PC. Most likely has never shot an assault rifle, let alone has one, unlike myself with two at arms reach and train with them. People like this troll have know idea how many of us (guys armed to the teeth) are out there and if the excrement hits the fan, we could form a militia that would number in the tens of thousands. I’m not a theologian, and will not participate in any debate to what has transpired in past history. This I do know, if Islam does not make the same shift in its beliefs and tolerance that Christianity has, it will be destined to an unending battle that it can never win.

This gives jumping out of a perfectly good plane a whole new meaning




What some folks will do for fun :)

HT/C&S

I wonder

Living here in west Michigan there has been no shortage of accolades and fond remembrances of the late President Jerry Ford, how he was a man of the people and for the people. All of which, I couldn't agree with more.

My question is why was that moron elected over him?

Adventure

Taking advantage of this unseasonable weather I set out on an expedition just after lunch. My aim was to scout the mosquito creek bottom and surrounding highlands for future hunting areas. Crossing mosquito creek and turning into the two-track that divides Muskegon county property from state land, I was behind a log truck slowly making its way up the track. This fall they lumbered off large sections above the creek. When looking at a clear cut area its easy for someone to note what appears as total devastation; however, it’s this type of selective clear cutting that promotes abundant wildlife. The truck pulled to a stop in the muddy track and I guided my van into a turn off. I struck up a conversation with the two foresters, I asked about their operation and about land that adjoined this property.

I set off following the creek down stream; it was easy going for the first mile or so. Soon a vast ridge was in view and it was decided that I would go up and over than around. Reaching the summit of the ridge it was only 50 feet wide but continued on to the south well out of my field of vision. I followed the ridge, at its end I found the remnants of a camp. Hearing brush breaking, I looked to the higher banks on the opposite side of the gorge to see three whitetails running up the step ravine. As I walked back up the peninsula, I spotted a bright orange fungus on a fallen tree near the bottom of the gorge, I made way down to it, stopping to take a picture. The next chapter of this journey would be called: Brush and mud. Following the creek through the thick brush and soggy ground I was pleased to see an abundance of deer sign and thinking if there was a place in Muskegon County to find a bear, it would be down here. Eventually finding a dry route out of the swamp and back up to high ground, I could hear the forester’s machinery in the distance.

The route I chose to travel on my return is across the highlands. By now my legs are fatigued, and when I finally decide to turn south and find the two-track I am glad to see I haven’t walked past my van. My goals for the day where met, I gotten a good lay of the land and some sorely needed exercise. The pleasure I derive a walk like this can’t be measured, only remembered.

Let the games begin!

This is a rhetorical question, but I'm willing to entertain any answers. Why do members of a certain political party break rules and laws with an almost assured impunity, and when finally this corruption can’t be ignored any longer its prosecution is merely a slap of the wrist.

Over here they’re discussing one such case, with a few speculations as well

Under the cover of holiday cheer and inattentiveness, this story was nearly able to be slid under the radar, if it weren’t for a few attentive folks.

Hot Link Fun

Its Bush’s fault, yes I’m jumping on the bandwagon. If he would have only listened to Algore and signed the Kyoto treaty I would have been ice fishing this weekend. Now we have sky is falling global warming and now I have to drive 400 miles to find good ice only making the situation worst. This brings me to a question of ethics; should I burn all that fossil fuel and release green house gases into the atmosphere making the hole in the ozone bigger and take a chance of harming next years ice fishing? Or take up varmint hunting and kill off the local coyotes, foxes, and coons.? By choosing the later, I may incur the wrath of the local PETA chapter, I could never be so lucky, while selling the hides of these creatures for monetary gain.

That darn Bush. It’s all because of him, I’m stuck making this tough decision. Then again I could just take the easy way out and do both. In reality, my dilemma in this is that I'm lacking a decent varmint rifle. Michigan law, requires all hunting after dark to be done with a rim fire cartridge. This brings me to selling a pistol or coming up with sum of money of which I am short of at this time of year. I’ve started my research and hope to have a solid idea by the 20^th when the gun show is in town. I hope by then we either have ice for fishing or snow for hunting.

Oh , Happy New Year

I would like to wish all of humanity and especially those who take their invaluable time to visit here a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Lifted shamelessly from C&S

Yoouurrr so vain,

If you had ever wondered why John Edwards is referred to as "Breck girl" this video should leave no question in your mind.
H/T C&S

Sleeping around

The moral of this story should be? I wonder who picked up the bill for all the dumped garbage to be picked up?

Swing low, sweet chariot

Maybe they will hold a raffle. This should have been done a year ago.

Thanks Minnesota

Speaking in Dearborn late Sunday night, the first Muslim elected to Congress told a cheering crowd of Muslims they should remain steadfast in their faith and push for justice.

"You can't back down, you can't chicken out, you can't be afraid, you got to have faith in Allah, and you got to stand up and be a real Muslim," Detroit native Keith Ellison said to loud applause.

Ok I need some help with a definition here “real Muslim” is there such a thing as a fake Muslim? I went to wikipedia and found a definition for Muslim, I tried fake Muslim no luck, even moderate Muslim, still just one definition. However when searching Christians at this same site, there where many definitions available. I’m still troubled with Mr. Ellison and his real Muslim remark. Over the last twenty years Americans and Jews have been attacked by “real Muslims” are these the Muslims that Mr. Ellison is speaking of. I have yet to see any significant condemnation of “real Muslims” that flew planes into the twin towers.

Some may read this and say, he’s just a racist, bigot, and, maybe a redneck to boot. Fact is I don’t harbor that mind-set, there are Christian based groups that I think are just as fanatical, the difference is they don’t kill you when you say your not interested and to leave your doorstep.

Oh Canada

The next time you have a Canadian or one of the many ungrateful Americans telling you how great Canada is, toss this into mix. No it won’t change their minds or help you win the debate, just something to help you illustrate the folly of socialism.

To be fair this type of issue has happened here in the states too, just not with this kind of bureaucratic flavor.

Personal note

The winds blew hard today across West Michigan gusting up to 40MPH, keeping me out of the woods today. Deer tend to keep their travel to a minimum on windy days, and I don't care to be 20 foot up in a tree when the winds were blowing as they were today. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a 5 to7 MPH wind out of the SW, which should be good as I believe the deer will be coming from that direction in the morning.

American car ?

The Big Three, if I never saw that in print or heard it again it would be fine by me, it’s like living in the past. Toyota expects to overtake GM this year, great! The company I work for builds bumpers for the Toyota Tundra and Sienna I am currently building a prototype for the next Toyota bumper that my employer will produce. By the end of February we will have provided Honda with two prototypes bumper systems, all of which are shipped to assembly plants right here in the USA the only bumper we ship out side this country is for, you guessed it GM

This is the rhetoric that incenses me: Members from Michigan, led by Rep. John D. Dingell, have pledged to use Democratic control of Congress to help U.S. automakers.

"If Toyota's worldwide production surpasses General Motors', it will simply provide further evidence of the need for the U.S. government to pursue policies that maintain and strengthen the U.S. industrial base," Dingell said yesterday.

I’m all for a level playing field, but I know this liberal commie Dingell, and what he’s implying, he wants to pour money into Detroit for which there will be little return.

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime” ok, the analogy is a stretch, but it will work here .

Over at this thread some are showing unwavering loyalty to their American cars, many of which are built in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. Good for those who have that fierce patriotic brand loyalty; somebody needs to keep funding all those pensions and benefits.

Evening Hunt

Above are a few pics I snapped, from my tree stand this eve

After nearly month’s hiatus, I was back in the woods this evening. The rain had stopped and with the warm temperature and light wind it was a great setting for an evening hunt, the only piece missing were the deer. I saw one red squirrel the entire night. Ross (my son) and I had scouted this spot back in the first week of November and I hadn’t been back since. Walking in I was encouraged by the amount of deer sign present, there was even a couple fresh rubs. Not one to give up, I will hunt this area in the morning and again tomorrow evening.

Shot across the bow

We’ve not yet begun the New Year and already Jenny is pleading poverty. Not like I don’t believe her, it’s just that she, in no way brought this up during her campaign last fall. (from the article) As for increasing taxes, the Governor would not commit when pressed repeatedly by reporters. Call me cynical but, I see this as a set up for raising taxes.

I’m not comfortable with the politics in this state. Jenny’s only concern seems to be what lies east of Lansing. This may sound petty, but I feel the south east side of state is like an albatross around our necks. We can’t get Honda, Toyota or most any manufacturer to build up here because of the taxes and corrupt unions, and the governor is beholden to them.

I find it odd how the governors office has been responsible for the budget for the last four years and wasn’t aware of its condition. Maybe instead of spending all that cash on Cool Cities and the MEDC she should have be balancing the budget.

I wrote something about MEDC awhile back. I've pulled this from my old 360 blog. After reading it I think my suspicions were founded, I haven’t heard a single radio spot since the election

Over the last couple of months I’ve been hear advertising spots on a local radio station, these ads are being paid for by me. The MEDC has been running ads touting how great it is to start and run a business in Michigan, but why run them on local stations? Would it not make better sense to run them in a competing state, it seems like their preaching to the choir. Yes, I know there are business people from out of state that travel through and may hear these ads, but still I wonder. Michigan’s economy is in bad shape, manufacturing jobs are leaving and unemployment is at 6.3% 48 highest in the nation and we have what I believe is going to be a close race for governor this November. Could these ads be a type of campaign ad, to make it seem as if things are better than are?

I have sent an email to the MEDC requesting information about their advertising, about their target demographic. I hope to gain some insight into their goals and prove my suspicions wrong; otherwise I won’t be a happy camper.

There is plenty of information of the web about Jenny's connection and questionable contacts, start with Mark Petrosky +MEDC .

Larry's nondenominational holiday story

I LOL

Zucker draws parallels

David Zucker draws very distinct parallels between James Baker from "The Iraq surrender group" and Nevil Chamberlain. After this farce, I have little faith in the leadership this country. We are headed for perilous times in this country and many just choose to bury their collective heads in the sand. I laughed, but its not funny.

H/T Lucianne

Foil hat crowd

This is good, you remember the Partridge family. Danny shows more restraint than I could
H/T Hot Air

Worth a look

As I stated in a previous post, I’m learning myself html. I’ve even gone so far as to set up a unceremonious geocities web site to demonstrate my skills. During this endeavor it became apparent that I would need a good photo editor. Being the Dutchman I am, I sure wasn’t going to spend any money, not when there’s all that free stuff on the net. After trying a couple different software’s I came across Gimp : GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages. To say the least I am impressed, I use Unigraphics, a high end CAD system at work, and this tool has much the same feel of control and numerous resources. There are a lot of buttons, having never used Photoshop it took me a few minutes to fire it up and start using it. I would recommend this open source software to anyone that works with images or just has a creative flair and what do you have to lose, it’s free!

TGIF

Posting from work today, not that I have nothing better to do, just taking a break. I have gotten all the quotes done, did a bit of design work, and worked at solving issues on the production floor. This evening my wife and I will be back in Holland for a engineering staff Chrismas party!
What fun dinner and drinks with people I see all day long.

Light posting

Posting may slow somewhat, I'm learning myself html.And reading comprehension and memorization are not my strong points, so this is to become a war of personal accomplishment with many battles to be fought.
The goal is not to become a web designer; however, as I write this it does have a nice ring to it.To have some basic html skills is all I desire.

French, but entertaining

jerome murat
Uploaded by segalier

Peggy sent this my way

Rock N Roll

I was reading a post over at this guy’s blog about Petoskey stones. I spent hours in the gravel pit behind the house in Jenison as a rock hound. Must be where my daughter gets it from, she always is picking up rocks, during the summer there’s little rock piles all over the house and garage. We had rock tumblers that I would set up in the garage and run for hours on end. When finally the cap was removed it was like magic, the results of that tumbling action yielded beautiful smooth polished stones, from once dirty rough rocks.

Melting Metal

I’m so bored with my welding class. I’ve been welding most of my life, and do it proficiently. I can do a prefect weld, take it to the instructor and he will say “do another one” I qualified two welds tonight and left. When I’m done with this module of the class I’m not enrolling in the rest of the modules. I haven’t made up mind, but I think I will do a CAD class or two.

Off to a slow start

What had appeared to be a good start for this ice fishing season has now but all melted away, and a white Christmas is not in the forecast. Right now I can hear the rain falling outside the window. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, any time I can get on the ice before the 1^st of the year is just a bonus. Besides there’s plenty off work around the house that needs doing and there still a bit of bow season left.

Sad

In a not so distant past, I raised tropical fish and corals.
The fish, corals, and all the equipment is gone now, this is all that remains.

Something I've never tried

And probably never will, feral cat hunting. Here's the catch, with a cannon. Now, I like cats we have one, but he stays inside and out of trouble. A feral cat is like any other varmint, and should be dealt with accordingly. My suggestion is a 22-250, .17 HMR or maybe just a .22 , I wouldn't go so far as to use a cannon, but then again, this guy makes it sound like fun.

A day of rest

I’ve been off and on this computer all day, and still haven’t come up with any thing to say here, not like it matters, I think I’m about the only person who reads this drivel. The house is quite, wife took Sarah and a couple friends ice skating, so it’s just Ross and I. There have been a few things accomplished today, small in scope but moving in the right direction. Tomorrow morning I have a meeting in Grand Rapids at a tool & die shop to discuss a prototype tool their building for the company. The next three months are going to be busy for myself with all the prototype work coming up.

Last night

I’m back out in the shop today; like superman had his “fortress of solitude” I have my “shop of solitude” not quite the same level of solitude, but that’s all I have. As I had said in a previous post my life sucks, and I wasn’t kidding, it does, it was easy for me to find someone worst off than myself. At times people will let you down; many times I’ve been that person.

Last night we went to the Santa Claus parade in Coopersville, our newly adopted home town, all the kids have now left Ravenna schools and now go to Coopersville. The parade was long, especially with temps down in the mid 20’s and a stiff breeze, let’s just say it was freezing; however, there was plenty of free hot chocolate up for grabs to combat the chilly weather. Before the parade started we toured the Coopersville museum and the farm museum, both quite interesting. The kids got to feed and pet some reindeer and collect more candy than they need, sometimes it takes times like this to balance out bad.

Yup, sums it up !

Not what you think it is, this is a G rated blog, well maybe PG

Woodworking

I have just finished gluing up a shelving unit I've built for the laundry area . Simple design with dado construction, will work well down here.

beta blogger

Just changed over to the new Google blogger. Sure hope I don't regret this decision.

Saturday morning

What a beautiful day. The sun is out and there are blue sky's overhead. the garage is nicely warmed up and I've started on the weekends projects.

Right on schedule

Winter has arrived here in west Michigan, ok maybe 20 days early but it is December. Last nights rain had turned to freezing rain and snow by this morning coating everything with an icy snow mixture. As the day progressed, the sky opened up and dropped another 4-6 inches of heavy wet snow. The morning tomorrow will be spent digging out the snowblower, taking care of a few last things outside, clearing out the garage. As much as I enjoy hunting it will be nice to spend the day here out in the garage with the wood stove burning, drinking coffee and just puttering around.