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ForumGarden - Blogs http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/ Forum and Group Discussions. Discussion Forums. Discussion Groups. News. Talk. Debate. Conversations of Life. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:07:43 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg ForumGarden - Blogs http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/ Abroad In The Land http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/353-abroad-land.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:50:52 GMT Know what's awesome? Not in the continent-forming, solar flare, oceans rising to conquer the land sense, but in the d00d! sense of the word as it's used in parlance these days?

[There's a picture here, but FG's photo limit said NO!]

Road trips. Road trips rock.

Give me a car (and while you're at it, a competent driver, because I don't like to eat and drive at the same time and we should all be grateful for this), a couple of Micky Diaz's sausage bisquits, a tallish coffee, and a strip of asphalt that goes a ways, and I'm guh-roovin'. Particularly if the asphalt wends it's way across an American state made for said wending. Like, say, New Mexico.

It's not a surprise that the apogee of our rolling orbit was Roswell. I hesitate to say "destination", because the best road trips don't have destinations, they have only filling stations and rest stops and restaurants offering fried delicacies in grease-sodden wrappers, good solid American road food that necessitates a knowledge of the whereabouts of the establishment's defibrillator or set of jumper cables. The missus and I didn't want to focus on an end point. We wanted to glide through the landscape and absorb.

The Willamette Valley in Oregon reveals it's emerald secrets a little at a time as one follows a writhing road, and even the clouds conspire to keep it under wraps. It's a tease, like a flirtation. New Mexico's eastern plains are like a Sumo belly bump. It's here and it's there and it's way over there, and it resists cuddling and it demands awe and respect. It's worked damned hard over the course of millenia to be what it is, you betta recognize. And that glorious, dangerous sunlight just pours over all of it.

[There's a picture here, but FG's photo limit said NO!]

I've read that one of the ways New Mexicans identify Texans is by how they pronounce Ruidoso "Reeyo-dosa", and that's exactly how the missus pronounces it. Forgive her, please. She lived in Texas even longer than me. Ruidoso is beautiful and surprisingly Oregonish in places. And touristy. Ah well. We don't gamble (well, I don't) but next time we'll hike some trails there.

Roswell. What can I say? Well, I can say that my first home town* needs to get shy of quite a few bug-eyed mannequins and posters and crap. When I lived there, Roswell had no need to look to the mysterious heavens for revenue. It had Walker Air Force Base, where my dad was stationed. Alas, Walker shut down in 1967 and we moved to Ramey AFB on the magical isle of Puerto Rico, and in my absence the town was over-run with unearthly kitch. Aliens on shop windows. Alien heads on lamp posts. Aliens selling coffee and beer. Inflatable ETs hawking furniture and books. A "UFO Museum" (that was actually in the silly-but-cool category even with the cheesy fifth-grader dioramas, and cudos to the optimistic nerds who've managed to grow it into quite the going concern and are living the dream) that will soon move into an even larger facility thanks to the donations of like-minded sky-gogglers and conspiracy fans. It's all just too too much. The citizens of the town of Corona, which is actually closer than Roswell to the alleged crash site, should daily face southeast and raise their hands and voices in gratitude.

Underneath all the otherweirdly junk is a pleasantly modest, lived-in-looking town. In ways Roswell reminds me of Abilene, Texas (my second home town, and another place I hope to visit soon). I can actually visualize myself living in Roswell again (although I'd be divorced; I have this on good authority). Of course I had to find the house I lived in as a kid, so that's what we went looking for first. I just pretty much asked my wife to head in a general direction, and said something like "We'll have to find a map somewhere, it's not like I know my way around anymore..."

And we went right to it. Spooky.

Those of you who've followed this blog for awhile will probably recognize the house, but this time I was the one taking the picture. At the last second I couldn't bring myself to step out of the car because I thought it was suspicious-looking enough to be snapping photos from the car without actually strolling the sidewalk like I owned it. People get twitchy about that kind of thing, and twitchy people call the police, and REALLY twitchy people might reach for a baseball bat. As it is, I kind of hope no one in that neighborhood reads this, because even though it's part of a cherished memory, I still felt like an intruder.

As we rounded a corner at the far end of the street I was pointing out things I remembered that no longer existed. A friend's house, the friend's name long forgotten; the corral fence that bordered his front yard, and now girded only by cracked curb; the vast open pit across the alley that we used to call the boondocks, full of dirt mounds and roots called devils horns and junked and rusting cars, now mostly filled in and a lot smaller than I recall; the Piggly Wiggly that once stood just a couple blocks away now replaced with a Dollar General.

[There's a picture here, but FG's photo limit said NO!]

After a tour of the UFO Museum, we had lunch at a Cattle Baron restaurant (over-priced and nothing special), and then got directions to Valley View Elementary School from two cheerful young waitresses. Again, we had no trouble finding our way.

[There's a picture here, but FG's photo limit said NO!

Except for the newish playground equipment, it looked just how I remembered it. I don't recall the sign being there, but it may have been.

In my day our classes had Halloween parties, not "Fall festivals". Dang fundy-mentals.

Finally, we chased the sun homeward, watched the day fade into gold and then into sepia.

[There's a picture here, but FG's photo limit said NO!]

Great trip. I might even go back and spend a weekend in Roswell sometime soon.

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I usually get up at 5 a.m., and I'm at the gym by six at least two or three mornings per week. The other mornings, I hit the sidewalk and walk for an hour.

Weight-lifting is good for you, it's a good way to lift your metabolism and maintain tone. It's also a sort of hydraulic fake labor, convenient only because it beats keeping boulders to throw around in your back yard (front yard if you're a show-off). Lifting is necessary to stave off the middle-age blobular silhouette, but no way is it FUN.

Walking is fun. And mood-enhancing. And educational. And spiritual.

On one walk I saw three coyotes cross Eubank and intersect my path (or maybe it was two coyotes, one of them twice). As I walked further and turned down the North Piño Arroyo Trail, I was paced by roadrunners and bunnies and lizards in the underbrush. On another walk I discovered neighborhoods near home that had escaped the fauxdobe glut by some miracle, and I strode the sidewalk wide-awake past slippered and still-groggy newspaper collectors and a few dawn patrol dog-walkers. Not one looked in my direction. Maybe most folk aren't quite ready to be assailed by the presence of other humans that early, who knows? Once upon a time I was the nocturnal sort and didn't gaze upon the world before noon willingly, so I guess I can relate. I try not to miss a sunrise now, though. An hour's walk and then home to greet the missus with a cup of coffee as she levers herself upright to seize the day. That's the stuff.

I recommend going for a walk.

(* I was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, but I don't count that as my home town because I feel you should be able to do more in your home town than dribble on yourself. Thus, Roswell was my first home town.) ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/353-abroad-land.html disability articles http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/349-disability-articles.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:00:50 GMT there were disability articles in the news paper today about many needs and them apply for asstiance there were disability articles in the news paper today about many needs and them apply for
asstiance ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/349-disability-articles.html voted today http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/348-voted-today.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:59:39 GMT today i voted and let my voice be heard that what it is alll about today i voted and let my voice be heard that what
it is alll about ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/348-voted-today.html <![CDATA[Silence and Cacaphony (or "Silent Lucidity"? Nah.)]]> http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/338-silence-cacaphony-silent-lucidity-nah.html Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:39:21 GMT This morning's breakfast: a lump of pumpkin bread. I say "lump" because I have over the last two days eroded it's loaf-shaped goodness, picking at it until it looks less loaf-y and more asteroid-y. An asteroid of pumpkin bread would rock, I think.

I took a few photos of balloons last weekend before BOTH cameras' batteries died (of COURSE).

No, we didn't go into the park; too many people too close together. Instead we parked on I-25 with every other luckless soul who thought they would surely find a superior vantage point within 25 miles of the place. Well, not exactly "parked" per se, but I'm pretty certain our forward motion could have been outrun by various forms of lichen. You'd think we would have been peeved at this, but it did turn out to be a good balloon-gazing spot, plus it was kind of pleasant to witness so many automobiles on the freeway that weren't trying to break the effin' sound barrier. I'm not a big fan of freeway driving anyway, but I've found that many motorists here up the ante considerably by refusing to use turn-signals, so driving amongst these hurtling blinker-phobes is a lot like Han Solo threading the needle through the asteroid field.

Two asteroid references in as many paragraphs. Did NOT see that coming.

Anyway. I can attest to the fact that seeing photos of many balloons in the sky and actually witnessing it personally are two vastly different experiences. Beautiful. Also eerie. I can see why animals would be spooked by these huge craft; even birds make noise, but balloons just hover there as if pondering a judgement. Every once in a while they make this *hhhhhhhhhh* as the pilots adjust altitude, but otherwise they're silent as a secret. I hate to use the overworked and abused word "awesome", but that is what it is to watch these gliding marvels.

All that last was mostly for the benefit of my PDX pals. Maybe many of the 'Burquenos (is that right? Or am I underlining my n00bness here, good citizens?) reading this are thinking "Yeah, balloons yadayada *YAWN!*" I hope not. I hope I don't live here so long that such a wonder becomes boring. It feels much as I used to feel when on a clear morning in Portland I would stand on my balcony with my coffee and gaze at Mt. Hood. You get tired of something like that, go find y'self a sturdy shovel and commence ta diggin'. Yer done.

#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#* #*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#

From the bowels of the "Why I'm Hopeless At Nearly Everything" department: Lately I've been regretting not having learned how to play a musical instrument when I was younger, particularly the guitar. I took a class in junior high school -- Lincoln Junior High, in Abilene, Texas -- in an abortive attempt to learn to play the recorder. Stupid name for an instrument, and I proved to be as ham-fisted with that as I did with virtually any tool I'd handled in wood shop (yeah, I sucked at that too). I had good intentions, I approached the task of learning with all seriousness at first (except for the couple of times I tried to practice at home in front of the mirror, standing on one foot a la Ian Anderson, just to see what I looked like; surprise! I looked like a DORK*), but t'was for naught. I'd have made more pleasant noise stepping on a squirrel. The musical bent I apparently had not. After awhile I tried turning the recorder into a blowgun. My parents were somewhat less than proud.

The reason this yen for guitar-god musicianship has reared it's dexterity-deficient head is that the FM rock stations here in the Duke City seem inordinately fond of '80s metal. Heretofore I wasn't really a fan at all, gravitating to the more eclectic fare of KINK 101.9 FM, perhaps Portland's best station. Here I've found no radio station that quite fits that bill, so when in the car or at work (I installed my own stereo in my work room, go me!) I most often listen to one of three interchangeable rock stations, and godz help me, I've aquired a taste for hair metal! If cities had to decide on a song that represented the collective musical tastes of it's citizenry, Albuquerque's would be The Scorpions' "Rock You Like A Hurricane", because if I bounced to and fro between these three radio stations I would hear that song twenty times in one day, I no keed.

Impromptu Top Seven Guitar Godz List, No Particular Order Except The First Two And That's Debatable Between Them (this is SO youtube-lolz-wtf-geeky I wouldn't blame anyone for rolling their eyes and refusing to read it, but d00dz, just RAWK with me kthx):

Jimi Hendricks
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Eddie Van Halen
Jack White
The Edge
Pete Townsend
Skwisgaar Skwigelf

'kay, that is all.

(* This made me feel better, dork-wise. Thanks, Ian. You're still one of my musical heroes.) ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/338-silence-cacaphony-silent-lucidity-nah.html the lord s mercy http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/333-lord-s-mercy.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:42:03 GMT we serve a merciful lord and a just lord as well we serve a merciful lord and a just lord as well ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/333-lord-s-mercy.html the health care debate http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/332-health-care-debate.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:40:46 GMT the health care debate rages on on how this will help or not help us this is a big question mark? the health care debate rages on on how this will
help or not help us this is a big question mark? ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/332-health-care-debate.html fall time http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/331-fall-time.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:39:25 GMT my favorite:) season of the year fall time where the leaves change and turn there colors and a nice cool fall breeze in the air my favorite:) season of the year fall time where the leaves change and turn there colors and a
nice cool fall breeze in the air ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/331-fall-time.html Narrow and Wide http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/325-narrow-wide.html Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:41:42 GMT It's Pancake Sunday! Been awhile since we've had a breakfast o' flapjacks, so I'm looking forward to it. I'm hoping we still have the Snoqualmie Falls pancake mix. What restaurants in Albuquerque make good pancakes? Anyone? Anyone?

Oops, and flapjacks aren't really pancakes. Thanks, Wikipedia.

I have a bone to pick, and hopefully that bone I seek to pick won't be (a), MINE, and (b), plucked from the side of a motor vehicle. My consternation has to do with this: WHY must I share a bike lane with passenger-side rearview mirrors? What is it about many motorists in this fair city that leads them to drive so far right of the freakin' crown of the road? I realize I have a bias here; Portland motorists by and large skirt bike lanes by a fat margin because of the amount of bicycle traffic, and those who ride bicycles in Portland are a vocal and litigious lot (and USUALLY rightly so, although some are all too eager to pick a fight). There is, however, in my mind no excuse. A bike lane is a bike lane no matter in what city it may be found. It is NOT a bonus space for automobiles, demarkated to show motorists just what a deal they're getting, like a line on the outside of a cereal box showing how much less cereal you'd get if it weren't for the graciousness and largesse of the producer. "Dang! Looka this, honey! Twenty percent MORE ROOM on the right!"

Don't misunderstand, please. As a vehicular cyclist I have found that sometimes bike lanes aren't the optimum path to safety, and so I will eschew the confines, and pedal outside the lines, for broader avenues the cyclist he pines (awright, knock it OFF). Often, when they lead where I want to go, I'll be on the many and delightful trails 'twixt the ditches anyway since they're scenic and fun to ride. However, while I'm IN the bike lane, it's MINE. I'm thinking the law itself says so unless New Mexico's traffic laws are very different from Oregon's. Please keep all your metal and glass bits to yourself and well to the left, because if you don't and I get clobbered by your mirror or any other part of your vehicle, I WILL try to get some of my blood on your physical person. STAY OFF MY PATCH.

That issue aside, I've had an easy time commuting to work. Now I have to gird my loins and start riding more often AND ride home FROM work as well. So far one thing or another has made riding home impractical, but I'll be honest here and state that the few times I could have ridden homeward, I didn't. Shame on me. Not warrior-like at ALL. This next week I'll make the effort to ride round-trip on my commutes. What does not kill me makes me stronger, once I've stopped heaving behind the shrubbery.

################################################## #####################

We recently discovered the Bear Canyon Arroyo Trail a mere two miles or less from our front door. Excellent place for a walk and to see lots of animals and flora. Now I know where those prickly pear things come from.

There are always roadrunners, rabbits, lizards, and birds everywhere, just as on all the trails we've walked. And QUIET. The kind of quiet that makes cresting the path beside the dam overlooking Juan Tabo Blvd. somewhat startling when the sound and sight of traffic reassert themselves. Actually, everywhere seems a might quieter; is it possibly the rarer air? Or the fact that we aren't hugged on all sides by hills?

My friends in PDX are gonna get awfully bored with me waxing rhapsodic about the Southwest but I mean to say, even the SKY is a wonder here. The clouds are soaring sculptures suspended in the fathomless blue.

Our favorite time to take walks is at dusk, watching the sun go down and set the clouds aflame on the horizon. Truly stunning.

One last note. I keep hearing a gotta go to this place, and now I see THIS.

Gotta go. It's been real. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/325-narrow-wide.html praise http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/322-praise.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:14:35 GMT lord i praise you for who you are and all the things you done in my life and are there for the good and bad times i go through lord lord i praise you for who you are and all the things
you done in my life and are there for the good and
bad times i go through lord ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/322-praise.html more cuts for utah state http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/321-more-cuts-utah-state.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:12:45 GMT more cuts for utah state college next years things seem to only get worst now at this time more cuts for utah state college next years
things seem to only get worst now at this time ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/321-more-cuts-utah-state.html lot going on http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/320-lot-going.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:11:34 GMT been kind of busy a few things here recently am back how ever now been kind of busy a few things here recently am back how ever now ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/320-lot-going.html Heights and Loathes http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/317-heights-loathes.html Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:06:05 GMT Sunday is traditionally house-cleaning day at der Garrisonhaus, and these days there's lots less acreage to cover now that we've down-sized living space. Unfortunately that means we gave up the washer and dryer provided in the larger apartment and must now use the community laundry rooms.

Cripes. I hate picking up after other people, man. It's like our neighbors just moved here from the Pleistocene epoch, when people wore mostly dirt. Why must I get elbow-deep in somebody else's lint? You know when you walk into a laundry facility and the tops of the machines aren't sticky, the floor is swept, and the lint traps are clean? That's because I live in your complex. Say "Hi". I promise never to leave my detritus for you to wade through, nor anyone else's after I've left, most likely. I also will never leave my clothes in the dryers until they're dusty and have to be washed all over again. One thing that separates us from the beasts of the field is our ability to TELL TIME, see? I've always found it funny that people would dare get huffy when someone else had to haul their wet junk out of a washer because it sat in there for three hours. Did they assume everyone else had just left the planet for the day?

I won't say that I "love" my fellow humans, but I'll always respect them, and I'll always shake my head (or my fist) when I meet people who refuse to think past their own immediate needs.

Okay, rant off.

Last Sunday (I am SUCH a lazy blogger guy), The wife and I drove into Cibola National Forest and up to Sandia Crest.

Isn't that just awesome? This was taken from Sandia Crest. Notice that there is NO RAILING. I find it refreshing that visitors are required to look after themselves and those in their charge, don't you? No railing, and therefore no reason for you to be this close to the edge. No mollycoddling here, boy. Watch your step.

Since the trail continued along the very brink of the precipice, and the missus is not fond of heights (nor am I, truth be told), our hike came to an abrupt halt. We'll come back and hike it another day, or I will while the little woman dials our insurance agent, as she has less faith in my middle ear than I do. Besides, there were thunderclouds and lightning in the distance and we had no desire to tempt the godz. We've read of something like ten people being struck by lightning since we moved to Albuquerque . I love to watch lightning storms (Portland sees something like three per millenium) but when you get worried just walking to your car in the parking lot, that's a tad creepy, gnome sane?

These warm sunny days have been a balm, but I'll admit I'm looking forward to autumn. Autumn was once my favorite season, before I moved to a part of the country where it rains almost incessantly between September and May (and NO, I won't forget that's part of what makes Oregon so lush and beautiful), so I hope to recapture that romance now that we've settled once again in the Southwest where it precipitates in the spring and summer as is proper.

Earlier this morning I took a virtual walk past Valley View Elementary, the school I attended in Roswell, via Google Earth. The photo I'd zoomed into looked as if it had been taken in the fall or winter and I was immediately struck with the scent of dry, brittle grass on the playground. My schoolmates and I staged mock superhero battles at recess, sprawling on that grass and later taking it home with us in the folds of our jackets for our mothers to tut over. Y'know, I can't even remember what superhero I chose to be back then. I'm sure he was cool, though. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/317-heights-loathes.html A Rant and Some Other Nonsense http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/316-rant-some-other-nonsense.html Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:04:46 GMT I'm sitting at the desk with a cup of coffee, earphones on listening to AC/DC ("Who Made Who?") on Pandora.com. This is one of my very favorite things to do on an early weekend morning before the world brightens and stirs.

Actually, any day that starts with music and/or a bike ride puts me in a fine state of mind. I need that these days, seeing as how my present job has me knee-deep in tediousness and miopic management foofraw much of the time. Pardon me, just a little rant, missing my old job and comrades. At least I can say my week days go by really fast because to accomplish ANYTHING I have to be at a fair trot. Fancy "managing" and "coordinating" individuals who don't have to do what you ask of them and who don't have anything like the desire you have to GET SH!T DONE. And you can't yell at them or call them names. this is like my seventh circle of Hades. I can hear my old work-mates guffawing over their fish tacos as I speak. Type. Whatever.

Perhaps I should state here that I feel fortunate and grateful to be employed. This is me doing that now.

we're finally in the new apartment, and it's one of our better decisions. Small? Oh yeah. We haven't lived this small since the early days of our marriage. It's just the right size, though. I don't know why we felt we needed a separate office space. *snort!* "Office", like I really worked in there. The "office" was where I slaughtered enemy zombies and Nazis and watched YouTube videos. Yeah, it's like I just stopped maturing at fifteen years old. Except we didn't have this stuff when I was fifteen. We youngsters had to stage G.I. Joe® Apocalypse in the back yard in real time, with real fire, by gawd. I love the smell of singed plastic in the morning. The parents, and my kid brother whose G.I. Joe® I incinerated, not so much.

I wasn't a troubled child. Everyone else seemed a lot more bothered than me.

I digress.

I love this new place. It's orderly and efficient and just all-around more livable than the previous space. Our next-door neighbor can't park his damned Volvo to save his life, and directly above us live a troupe of clog dancers, but having been a cliff-dweller for most of my adult life it doesn't bother me. Oddly, nobody lived in any of the other apartments around us in the old unit; the entire block was vacant except for us and we never have found out why. I kept expecting to be waylayed by former tenants in the parking lot, waving shaky fingers at the building and moaning "Noooo! Do not abide there!" and warning me of little girls from beyond who don't brush their hair.

Speaking of things that go *bump* in the night...I know it's a subjective thing and anyone is free to comment au contraire, but apparently about the only thing liable to go *bump* in the night in Albuquerque is drunk drivers. Don't get me wrong, 505'ers, I'm a YUGE fan of this city, but compared to my old stomping grounds (that being Portland, Oregon, natch) there's nary a whiff of the mystic here. Portland is Spook Factor Ten, Mr. Sulu. All that lovely misty rain and fog, silent side streets lined with old houses, mossy sidewalks, and looming bridges and trees make for quite the eerie atmosphere. It's reflected in the citizenry too, what with the dark clothing and the gloomy demeanor. Maybe it's different in the fall and winter months, but Albuquerque seems doomed by topography and meteorology, bereft of the kind of ambience that turns one's thoughts to the night side of Nature.

I'm sure these folk at http://www.meetup.com/parasocabq/ would disagree. Perhaps I should do some research before I shoot off my fat fingers. I don't mean to say that I believe in the occurrence of paranormal phenomena in the absence of empirical evidence (of which I've read and experienced none), but I have an open mind and I'm a sucker for atmosphere. Now that I mention it, judging by my reaction to an experience I had with a waking dream many years ago (an apparition in blinding-white robes standing by the bed as I lay paralyzed in terror after an afternoon nap), open mind + sucker for atmosphere = susceptible to suggestion = first guy in the group to jump out the window after soiling his trousers. Maybe I should just research from HERE.

A long day of loafing awaits, to end with a nice twilight stroll through the neighborhood this evening. L8erz. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/316-rant-some-other-nonsense.html busy summer http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/313-busy-summer.html Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:48:22 GMT for the most part the summer was busy did some traveling as well as other things as well:-6 for the most part the summer was busy
did some traveling as well as other things as
well:-6 ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/313-busy-summer.html first day of sept http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/312-first-day-sept.html Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:47:04 GMT wow here we are in the first day of Sept already where is the time going these days wow here we are in the first day of Sept already
where is the time going these days ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/312-first-day-sept.html The Decemberists - On the Bus Mall http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/308-decemberists-bus-mall.html Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:51:06 GMT The Decemberists’ On the Bus Mall opens with a soft acoustic strum which sets the scene perfectly for the amazing visual imagery this song creates for you. The Decemberists are amazing story-tellers and lyricists and On the Bus Mall has some of the best lyrics in their entire catalog. If On the Bus... The Decemberists’ On the Bus Mall opens with a soft acoustic strum which sets the scene perfectly for the amazing visual imagery this song creates for you. The Decemberists are amazing story-tellers and lyricists and On the Bus Mall has some of the best lyrics in their entire catalog. If On the Bus Mall wasn’t a song, it would be turned into a story.

Read the rest of On the Bus Mall ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/308-decemberists-bus-mall.html Wine Cabana Old Town, San Diego, CAWine Cabana Old Town, San Diego, CA http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/307-wine-cabana-old-town-san-diego-cawine-cabana-old-town-san-diego-ca.html Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:50:11 GMT The Wine Cabana, located on Congress Street in Old Town, is a hidden gem. For locals, the Old Town tourist trap typically doesn’t spring to mind as a great place to take a date or hang out with friends. However this bar is a perfect example of what you’re missing out on. Read the rest of The... The Wine Cabana, located on Congress Street in Old Town, is a hidden gem. For locals, the Old Town tourist trap typically doesn’t spring to mind as a great place to take a date or hang out with friends. However this bar is a perfect example of what you’re missing out on.

Read the rest of The Wine Cabana San Diego ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/307-wine-cabana-old-town-san-diego-cawine-cabana-old-town-san-diego-ca.html How To Use Quotes From The Big Lebowski At Work http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/306-how-use-quotes-big-lebowski-work.html Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:48:57 GMT There is nothing I enjoy more than quoting The Big Lebowski. The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite movies and certainly has one of the most memorable characters of all-time; The Dude. I don’t know about you but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there. The Dude. Takin’ ‘er easy for... There is nothing I enjoy more than quoting The Big Lebowski. The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite movies and certainly has one of the most memorable characters of all-time; The Dude. I don’t know about you but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there. The Dude. Takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners. The problem is when we are in the office we have to be professional and quoting a movie like The Big Lebowski (specifically The Dude) might be frowned upon. With that in mind, here are some quotes from The Big Lebowski for you to use in certain work situations:

Read the rest of The Big Lebowski ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/306-how-use-quotes-big-lebowski-work.html Comic-Con 2009: Top 10 Movies at the Independent Film Festival http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/305-comic-con-2009-top-10-movies-independent-film-festival.html Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:12:21 GMT The Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival (CCI:IIF) celebrates independent film with the accent on genre-related entries. Over 60 films were shown! This Top 10 list focuses on the Horror/Suspense and Science Fiction/Fantasy genres. Read the rest of comic con film festival... The Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival (CCI:IIF) celebrates independent film with the accent on genre-related entries. Over 60 films were shown! This Top 10 list focuses on the Horror/Suspense and Science Fiction/Fantasy genres.

Read the rest of comic con film festival ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/305-comic-con-2009-top-10-movies-independent-film-festival.html Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza Downtown San Diego Ca http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/303-sammy-s-woodfired-pizza-downtown-san-diego-ca.html Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:40:18 GMT Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza located Downtown San Diego, right next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, is a very solid, can’t-miss, you-know-what-you’re-gonna-get kind of place. Although a chain, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza has very good pizza, appetizers and a good atmosphere. The downtown location is not... Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza located Downtown San Diego, right next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, is a very solid, can’t-miss, you-know-what-you’re-gonna-get kind of place. Although a chain, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza has very good pizza, appetizers and a good atmosphere. The downtown location is not conducive to watching the game, but it’s a good date spot with solid ambiance. The edamame at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza is a must-order appetizer.

Read the rest of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza San Diego ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/303-sammy-s-woodfired-pizza-downtown-san-diego-ca.html Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/302-super-ghouls-n-ghosts.html Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:33:45 GMT Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is one of the more difficult games on Super Nintendo - in fact, it’s one of the more difficult games ever. Right up there with Contra III, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts can be equally frustrating as enjoyable. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is your typical save-the-girl game but plot is not... Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is one of the more difficult games on Super Nintendo - in fact, it’s one of the more difficult games ever. Right up there with Contra III, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts can be equally frustrating as enjoyable. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is your typical save-the-girl game but plot is not what this game is about. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is about killing daemons, zombies and other ghoulish creatures conceived from a spectacular imagination.

[Read the rest of Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/302-super-ghouls-n-ghosts.html Power Pad for Nintendo http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/300-power-pad-nintendo.html Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:38:47 GMT The Power Pad came with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) my parents bought me when I was 5-years-old in 1988 while living just outside San Francisco. That day will forever live in infamy. It came as a complete shock and surprise to me when recently I was discussing the Power Pad and its... The Power Pad came with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) my parents bought me when I was 5-years-old in 1988 while living just outside San Francisco. That day will forever live in infamy. It came as a complete shock and surprise to me when recently I was discussing the Power Pad and its undefinable glory to my friends who all had blank stares. There were about 6 of us and nobody knew what I was talking about.

[Read the rest of the Power Pad Nintendo post] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/300-power-pad-nintendo.html Yo La Tengo - Green Arrow http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/298-yo-la-tengo-green-arrow.html Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:50:51 GMT Yo La Tengo is one of my favorite bands. They have been playing the Indie Rock scene since 1984 when the band formed in Hoboken, NJ. That says a lot about a band - especially on the Indie Rock scene. Yo La Tengo does a lot of experimenting with sound and they are no strangers to vocal-less tracks.... Yo La Tengo is one of my favorite bands. They have been playing the Indie Rock scene since 1984 when the band formed in Hoboken, NJ. That says a lot about a band - especially on the Indie Rock scene. Yo La Tengo does a lot of experimenting with sound and they are no strangers to vocal-less tracks.

[Read the rest of Yo La Tengo Green Arrow here] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/298-yo-la-tengo-green-arrow.html summer http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/296-summer.html Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:43:53 GMT wow hard to believe that summer time is going by so fast where is the time going these days wow hard to believe that summer time is going by so fast where is the time going these days ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/296-summer.html godd trip to so calif http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/295-godd-trip-so-calif.html Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:42:36 GMT had a good trip to so calif to see friends and family members :-6 had a good trip to so calif to see friends and
family members :-6 ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/295-godd-trip-so-calif.html Top 10 Cars To Drive Before You Die http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/292-top-10-cars-drive-before-you-die.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:40:38 GMT Click below to read: Top 10 Cars To Drive Before You Die (http://www.thedailycontributor.com/top-10-cars-to-drive-before-you-die) Click below to read:

Top 10 Cars To Drive Before You Die ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/292-top-10-cars-drive-before-you-die.html Top 10 Songs That Make the Bar Go Crazy!! http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/291-top-10-songs-make-bar-go-crazy.html Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:27:21 GMT 10) Bryan Adams - Summer of 69 Bryan Adams negotiated the shifting tides of the ’80s so well that it never seemed as if he were changing to fit the times. A veteran of the ’70s studio arena rock game, Adams struck out on his own in the early ’80s, turning into a star in his native Canada and... 10) Bryan Adams - Summer of 69

Bryan Adams negotiated the shifting tides of the ’80s so well that it never seemed as if he were changing to fit the times. A veteran of the ’70s studio arena rock game, Adams struck out on his own in the early ’80s, turning into a star in his native Canada and making headway with his 1983 album, Cuts Like a Knife.

[Click here to read the rest of Top 10 Songs That Make the Bar Go Crazy] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/291-top-10-songs-make-bar-go-crazy.html Google Inc. Announces Purchase of Death Star Plans from Galactic Empire http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/290-google-inc-announces-purchase-death-star-plans-galactic-empire.html Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:32:28 GMT MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (August 7, 2009) - Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced the purchase of the Death Star plans from the Galactic Empire further tightening their grip on the galaxy....

[Click here to read the rest of this article on Google] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/290-google-inc-announces-purchase-death-star-plans-galactic-empire.html Safari Cannot Find the Internet Plug-in http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/289-safari-cannot-find-internet-plug.html Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:32:00 GMT The Error:

“The page “_________” has content of MIME type “video/quicktime”. Because you don’t have a plug-in installed for this MIME type, this content can’t be displayed.”

The Resolution:

[Click here to read the solution] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/289-safari-cannot-find-internet-plug.html girls texting boys http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/288-girls-texting-boys.html Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:09:09 GMT When a relationship is very new or you’ve just begun to hang out with a new girl the last thing a guy wants is to get bombarded with text messages. There is a very fine line between a casual text and coming across as annoying (stalking). Guys are very matter-of-fact and they typically do not like... When a relationship is very new or you’ve just begun to hang out with a new girl the last thing a guy wants is to get bombarded with text messages. There is a very fine line between a casual text and coming across as annoying (stalking). Guys are very matter-of-fact and they typically do not like to hold conversations over text messages. Please use text messages to communicate quick, short blurbs of relevant information.

[Please click here to read the rest of girls texting boys] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/288-girls-texting-boys.html Top 10 Greatest T.V. Dads Of All Time http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/287-top-10-greatest-t-v-dads-all-time.html Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:55:50 GMT 10) Dr. Jason Seaver from Growing Pains

Jason Seaver is father to Mike Seaver , Carol Seaver , Ben Seaver & Chrissy Seaver. Jason Seaver is a work-at-home psychiatrist. He frequently finds himself providing psychiatric help to his own family (especially his wife) opposed to patients. When his son befriends a fellow student quizzically nicknamed “Boner”, who can blame him.

9) Carl Winslow from Family Matter

Carl Winslow is the lovable Father to the Winslow family who lives in Chicago, Illinois. He’s the father to Eddie Winslow, Laura Winslow and Judy Winslow. Carl sometimes finds being a father more difficult than patrolling the street as a Chicago police officer. Carl’s toughest task is policing his pesky neighbor and inept de facto son Steve Urkel. One of Carl’s toughest moments as a police officer and father was when a Chicago gang, The Dragons, destroyed his Sister-in-Law Rachel’s diner and beat up his son Eddie.

[Click here to read the rest of the Greatest T.V. Dads Of All Time] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/287-top-10-greatest-t-v-dads-all-time.html Top 10 movies so bad they’re good http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/286-top-10-movies-so-bad-they-re-good.html Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:28:05 GMT 10) Conan the Barbarian Catch Arnold before he became a politician! A pure swords-and-sorcery flick, Conan the Barbarian is one of the best and sparked a wave of fantasy films in the early ’80s. When Conan’s parents are killed in a raid, he’s sent to a slave camp where his master trains him to... 10) Conan the Barbarian

Catch Arnold before he became a politician! A pure swords-and-sorcery flick, Conan the Barbarian is one of the best and sparked a wave of fantasy films in the early ’80s. When Conan’s parents are killed in a raid, he’s sent to a slave camp where his master trains him to be a warrior and use his skills..

[read the rest of this article here] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/286-top-10-movies-so-bad-they-re-good.html Al Bundy upgrades Dodge using Cash for Clunkers http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/284-al-bundy-upgrades-dodge-using-cash-clunkers.html Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:49:46 GMT CHICAGO—July 31, 2009—One day after the government announced they will suspend the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, Chicago native Al Bundy caught an uncharacteristic break. The star-crossed shoe salesman is constantly drawing the short-end of the stick. Today, however, was different for... CHICAGO—July 31, 2009—One day after the government announced they will suspend the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, Chicago native Al Bundy caught an uncharacteristic break.

The star-crossed shoe salesman is constantly drawing the short-end of the stick. Today, however, was different for Bundy. “I work in a shoe store, I make less than minimum wage,” Bundy huffed and puffed. Today, Bundy would...

[Read More about Cash for Clunkers] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/284-al-bundy-upgrades-dodge-using-cash-clunkers.html Surfer, Dude Movie Review http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/283-surfer-dude-movie-review.html Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:56:22 GMT Sobriety is not recommended while watching Surfer, Dude. Surfer, Dude is a documentary about the life of Matthew McConaughey. Just kidding. Surfer, Dude follows the life of epic-cool surfer Steve Addington (Matthew McConaughey) during a wave-less crisis in Malibu. Steve Addington is a Zen master... Sobriety is not recommended while watching Surfer, Dude.

Surfer, Dude is a documentary about the life of Matthew McConaughey. Just kidding. Surfer, Dude follows the life of epic-cool surfer Steve Addington (Matthew McConaughey) during a wave-less crisis in Malibu. Steve Addington is a Zen master who simply wants to surf but must make a tough...

[Read the rest of Surfer, Dude Movie Review] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/283-surfer-dude-movie-review.html Dude in blue hawaiian shirt takes keg stand, gets wasted http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/282-dude-blue-hawaiian-shirt-takes-keg-stand-gets-wasted.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:14:22 GMT SAN DIEGO—July 30, 2009—Local dude Dan April was “jus’ chillin’” in his basement one night when a few keg-bearing rabblerousers came by to “simply watch TV,” April recalled. According to an eye witness, who commented on condition of anonymity, claimed the incident began around 7:55 p.m. PST when... SAN DIEGO—July 30, 2009—Local dude Dan April was “jus’ chillin’” in his basement one night when a few keg-bearing rabblerousers came by to “simply watch TV,” April recalled. According to an eye witness, who commented on condition of anonymity, claimed the incident began around 7:55 p.m. PST when Family Guy was rudely shut off and one cohort brazenly demanded to the other, “Tap that keg!”

“Once the keg was tapped,” April recalled, “they synchronized a slow-clap and chants of ‘Keg Stand’.” A few moments later...

[Read the rest of this satire article] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/282-dude-blue-hawaiian-shirt-takes-keg-stand-gets-wasted.html The Namesake Movie Review http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/281-namesake-movie-review.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:51:40 GMT The Namesake is a generational family saga that everyone can relate to, especially those like me who sometimes forget their heritage. Mira Nair is a quality director that seems to be one of the few people who can pull a movie like this off, and have it play in theaters vs. going straight onto DVD... The Namesake is a generational family saga that everyone can relate to, especially those like me who sometimes forget their heritage. Mira Nair is a quality director that seems to be one of the few people who can pull a movie like this off, and have it play in theaters vs. going straight onto DVD

[Read the rest of the The Namesake Movie Review and read other movie reviews] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/281-namesake-movie-review.html Comic-Con Exclusive: Warner Bros. Special Advance Screening of Ninja Assassin http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/280-comic-con-exclusive-warner-bros-special-advance-screening-ninja-assassin.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:54:57 GMT It is 11 pm on the first full day of Comic-Con and I am being swiped with a metal detector, ordered to turn my phone off and handed a Ninja Assassin headband. A great question, as I am sure many are wondering, is how was I able to see this awesome screening? I first sited a WB advertisement in... It is 11 pm on the first full day of Comic-Con and I am being swiped with a metal detector, ordered to turn my phone off and handed a Ninja Assassin headband. A great question, as I am sure many are wondering, is how was I able to see this awesome screening?

I first sited a WB advertisement in the Comic-Con Events Guide. Under Thursday at 11 pm is said "Warner Bros. Special Advance Screening - To Be Announced". The first step was even...

[Read more about Ninja Assassin] ]]> theDC http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thedc/280-comic-con-exclusive-warner-bros-special-advance-screening-ninja-assassin.html Downsizing http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/275-downsizing.html Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:19:41 GMT In another couple of weeks we're moving AGAIN. There is nothing else I loathe worse that I seemingly do so often. That it's MY idea this time, and for a practical reason, won't lessen the misery either.

The impetus this time is almost purely economic; this apartment is more expensive in rent than we care to afford (and the floorplan sucks, too). We have a mind to do all we can to become debt-free[ish] within five years, and tossing cash at an apartment we don't like isn't fiscally sound. So we're moving across the parking lot to a 1bdrm/1bath, for an eventual savings of $260 per month. I say "eventual" because the corporate (pirate) entity that runs this community insists upon another deposit and a 30-day waiting period for the refund of the original deposit we paid for this unit, instead of merely transferring. Plus some other little fees and expenses here and there. Thanks so much, and may I point out that in some nations of the world a bullet-pocked wall in the central square has often been the response to this sort of crap? Just a cultural-slash-historical aside offered for edification.

Other than the slogging of possessions across hot pavement for hours on end (how can two people amass so much junk? Excuse me, how can ONE person amass so much junk? These "curios" are NOT mine), I'm looking forward to living in a smaller space. Let's say "more utile space" instead. The living area and balcony are actually somewhat larger and much more arrangement-friendly in the smaller unit. No more shoe-horning my bike in and out of a cramped space (what, you thought I stored my bike OUTSIDE? Dudes! I'm from PDX!) AND there's a breeze-way right outside the front door where I can clean it under cover. Sweet.

One slight disadvantage: no washer and dryer in the unit. This bothers the missus more than me, but I told her I'd gladly take care of the laundering. I prefer doing laundry in an hour-and-a-half rather than four anyway. Makes for a less-noisy household, too. Freakin' dish washer is bad enough. I haven't checked out the laundry facilities here, but should they be inadequate (surely not, in a "luxury" community) I'll need to find a decent laundromat in the neighborhood.

Other quibbles that I'll make someone else's problem if they aren't addressed: what's with the cheap plastic base moulding in a "luxury" apartment? And the soot on the ceiling next to the vent? And the debris shoveled into the storage closet? Are we in Green Acres here? I've been a cliff-dweller most of my adult life, so I don't expect faeries and chocolates every time I rent in a complex, but if one's brochure suggests filet mignon, one better not be slingin' Hamburger Helper.

Ever seeking the easiest way to do any damned thing, I've hit upon an idea for moving our stuff. Rather than boxing up the books and kuhnick-kuhnacks, I'll use a few of the canvas grocery bags we've accumulated. This will mean a lot of trips to and fro. Oh well. I'd rather do it this way than spend a bunch of time filling unwieldy cartons to carry up and down flights of stairs (of COURSE we're moving into yet another second-floor unit to appease the little woman's security anxieties; I swear next time I'll just offer to install punji sticks in all the windows). We'll have to hire a couple of guys for the big stuff because the wife can't carry anything that heavy and I'm not about to Ferrigno a sofa by myself; my middle-age insecurities don't yet extend quite that far.

One interesting bit is that this "office" will have to be incorporated into the dining area. This prospect pleases me more than I would have once thought. I spend too much time in this room with my back literally turned to everything and everyone else, and I need seriously to break the habit. This honkin' yuge desk is going away too, and it's about time. I've broken this thing down to relocate it so often it's a wonder it doesn't fly apart as I type on the keyboard. Time to go find a new and smaller (and cheaper) one.

Another purchase in the offing: a king-size mattress set. We ditched our old one a couple years ago in favor of a friend's plushy queen that she had replaced. Nice, comfy mattress, but we've subsequently found that both of us reading in bed leads to elbow wars, plus the cats are missing the no-man's-land, plus the woman stored it on it's side and leaning against a wall so that it's all warped (what IS it with people?). We shopped a couple of mattress shops and have decided to put a king set on lay-away so that when 2020 rolls around we'll have a brand-new bed that I hope will float because I expect we'll all be under water by then unless some kindly aliens drop by to save us from ourselves. Klaatu barada nikto.

#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#* #*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*

I'm pleased to relate that so far I've had nary a curse nor beer bottle cast in my direction since I've taken to Albuquerque's streets on the bicycle. I was "honked at" (more of a "please don't" than a "HOW DARE YOU, WORTHLESS TWO-WHEELED HUMMER-LESS PINKO!" kind of honk, really) once last week when I was looking to segue to the left lane on Ellison with the intent to turn onto Jefferson (I didn't make it; this was at roughly 9:15 a.m. on a weekday morning and there was just enough overtaking traffic to warrant a safer transit at the crosswalk. So far I feel just as safe as I did in Portland, and my route to work is actually a LOT more fun.

I've had two flats so far (one rear, one front), and neither of them were attributable to the dreaded and despised goat-head or any other roadway hazard. In both cases the tube simply gave way around the valve. I was told this might be due to the drier air and friction (I now use talc when replacing tubes). The missus went to a bike shop while I was at work to purchase a couple of spares for me (I always carry two) and came home with a pair of thorn-resistant tubes, the cartons of which stated they were sized 35c to 43c. Oops. I use 32c hard-case tires, so I'd asked her to request 28c-32c; every tube I've ever purchased indicated this sizing. She was repeatedly assured that they would fit when she voiced concern. Guess what? It was like trying to stuff an anaconda into a garden hose. WTF? I am not a dab hand at changing tubes, I'll admit, but I actually ruined one tube trying to get it seated properly. We took them back and we received full refund for them, but the fellow stated again that this was the size recommended, and they had no other size range. Weird. I'll try another shop later this week.

I'm outtie. Enjoy the week. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/275-downsizing.html ed mcman gone http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/272-ed-mcman-gone.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:14:29 GMT last week ed mcman pass away as well he to was well know for his talents last week ed mcman pass away as well he to was
well know for his talents ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/272-ed-mcman-gone.html faraah facett gone http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/271-faraah-facett-gone.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:12:49 GMT on Thur Farrah fawcett also passed on she was well know in role in charlies angels . on Thur Farrah fawcett also passed on she was well know in role in charlies angels . ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/271-faraah-facett-gone.html michael jacksom gone http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/270-michael-jacksom-gone.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:11:17 GMT on Thur the world lost a well know legend in music Michael Jackson he will be well remembered for his music he was 50 yrs old on Thur the world lost a well know legend in music
Michael Jackson he will be well remembered for his
music he was 50 yrs old ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/270-michael-jacksom-gone.html Idiot Box http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/267-idiot-box.html Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:01:27 GMT It's Sunday. I have been without benefit of spouse for most of three days now. Can't say I care for it.

The missus is visiting relatives from South Carolina (or is it North Carolina? It's one of those drawl-y, humid states), and a new job and pet care considerations have dictated that I stay home. That sounds great, doesn't it? Love her as I do, she and I shouldn't have to be in each others' pockets all the time, have to have some free-and-clear private and personal time, correct? So relax, dude. Watch bad tv, eat what you want, drink more than is good for you, hey?

Y'know? That's good for, like, four hours. I was pretty much done with waving my freak flag by noon yesterday. I'd even entertained the notion of treating myself to dinner out at Los Cuates (preternaturally great New Mexican food!) but talked myself out of it because it felt like I'd be cheating on my wife in a way. You just DON'T go to a restaurant alone that you've always previously visited with your mate. It just. isn't. done.

I've watched a lot of CNN and MSNBC, which, if you watch for two hours, is basically the same as watching the same half-hour program four times in a row. It's true, apparently this big ol' wide world doesn't provide quite enough news of the easily-digestible sort that we Americans demand (two minutes of shaky video showing unrest in Iran followed by the awwww-inspiring story of the rescue of a flushed kitten to wash that tart taste of social concern out of your mouth). I should have tuned to BBC America for news; at the very least, news reported in that plummy accent at least SOUNDS more interesting and important. They don't have Nancy Grace, either. I wish they did. No I don't. That's just mean. To the British.

(I'm happy to report that the local news is by-and-large pretty inoffensive, at least as evidenced by channel 7. There IS this one guy who has a hairstyle that makes him look like Eddie Munster: The Anchorman Years, but that's not offensive at all. Maybe I'M offensive for pointing it out.)

I watched a Lifetime movie. Yes, a Lifetime movie. Angie Harmon and her family find out their neighbor placed video recording equipment in the attic of their house and taped them without their knowledge. Creepy. I can't say that it was a "good" production (other than blurry, back-and-white Angie nudity) in that I felt no compulsion to ring people up and say "You HAVE to see this!", but it was effective. Boy, was I mad at that creepy neighbor guy.

Then I watched a documentary about UFO mania, hosted by Peter Jennings. Since Peter Jennings himself beamed up four years ago, it's obvious this program wasn't terribly fresh, but I'll say it was the best examination of the subject I've seen so far. That's actually not saying very much, as most television fare on the topic tends to owe a debt to the Erich von Däniken School O' Mystic Science-y Stuff.

I could just give you a quick run-down of our weekly viewing schedule too, if you like. No? FINE.

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I love this town for bicycling. Portland, Oregon has one very good MUP (Multi-Use Path, and it is VERY good one) called the Springwater Corridor, and a superior network of bike lanes and routes (ah, but for how much longer?). Albuquerque's infrastructure seems more organic, though. Perhaps it's because most paths seem to stretch from greenspace to park to neighborhood along arroyos and natural contours in the landscape. Maybe it's because of the wide-open views. Maybe I'm just still dazzled by the scenery. I can't say anything definitive other than I'm diggin' it. Today I'm going to drop off some books at Cherry Hills Library and then pedal onward to explore a possible route to work. If our observations are correct, using paths through Heritage Hills Park and along the North Pino Arroyo will take me most of the way, to within a mile and a half or so of my workplace on Office Blvd. There's a segue point at Ellison and I-25 that looks a leetle sketchy, but it won't scar my psyche all that much to use a crosswalk for safety's sake, I imagine. Anything to keep the missus from having to walk to the hospital from the airport Tuesday night.

Gotta get to it. L8rs. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/267-idiot-box.html gods wisdom http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/265-gods-wisdom.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:50:25 GMT gods wisdom is beyond our comprehension i believe almighty god knows all see all and hears all as well gods wisdom is beyond our comprehension i believe
almighty god knows all see all and hears all as well ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/265-gods-wisdom.html june rolling along http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/264-june-rolling-along.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:48:38 GMT the month of June is rolling along hard to believe it where is the time going now these days the month of June is rolling along hard to believe
it where is the time going now these days ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/264-june-rolling-along.html dc on business http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/263-dc-business.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:47:16 GMT a week ago at this time i was in Washington dc for some business did do some sight seeing while was there a week ago at this time i was in Washington dc
for some business did do some sight seeing while was there ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/263-dc-business.html Work It, Live It http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/262-work-live.html Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:20:34 GMT Tomorrow I hope to hear that I'm even more gainfully and happily employed. I submitted to a drug screen last Wednesday as the final step in the acceptance process. Barring the inadvertent ingestion of poppy seeds, I should have no problem there. I'd hoped to hear from them Friday, but it looks like Monday now.

That whole idea, of a drug test gone horribly wrong because I ate something that tripped a positive result, makes me wish I'd showed up at the clinic with a small bag of hair and nail clippings too, maybe a cheek swab, my bath towel, anything to demonstrate good faith, y'know? Certainly they'd look at me askance, but there'd be no doubting my sincerity, right?

I have a letter of resignation ready to go for the contract job I hold now. I dread delivering it. I don't take rejection very well myself, so I always cringe at the thought of conveying dissatisfaction to other people. This is why I no longer go to the ASPCA; my wife has to bring home all the replacement pets because when I look into the cages at all the animals I want to take ALL of them home and so when we choose only one it feels as if I've leveled a finger at all the others and thundered "I FIND YOU WANTING!". Kills me. Can't do it.

I've been very fortunate in mining the job market here, since I've actually only interviewed for two jobs (I don't count the two or three on-line applications I submitted) since moving to town and got both of them. I'm particularly pleased with this second opportunity because I'll be working for a non-profit company in aid of a public welfare cause. That'll be a new experience for me. The missus has expressed an interest in volunteering her time and effort for the organization as well (the company relies quite heavily upon volunteers), so it's entirely possible that we'll be in essence working together two or three days per week. Can't beat that.

So now I must find a route that I can ride to work. I'm feeling a lot more confident on the bike now, thanks to a couple of cruises I've pedaled on Tramway and the Riverside Trail (VERY nice riding, by the way). The goal now is to find the route offering the best odds for survival to and from work. Where we live now it'll be a six-and-something-mile ride one way. That may change within a year because we're going to move from the apartment community in which we live to somewhere a bit more economical (and roomy, and without a fireplace taking up one whole wall in an already undersized living room, thus forcing us to Picasso our furniture in somewhat awkward juxtapositions, culminating in a need for physical therapy to alleviate muscular distress from simply watching our damned television. Godz save us all from architects who insist upon rooms that have more than four corners. Gimme a box. I can create my own "visual interest", 'kay?).

I digress.

We already have another apartment community in mind, should it be necessary in ten months' time to move to yet another apartment, but we hope to find a decent house to rent or a manufactured home to purchase in a good park. Yes, I said manufactured home. Or call it a mobile home, or a trailer, I don't care. At our age, "investing in a home" is just another way to pay for something that, in the end, stays above the ground while you get to lie in a box under it. Our tastes (other than for broadband access and cable television) are modest. I'd like a porch or balcony from which I may watch the sun set as I enjoy a beverage with my wife after a day's work. We aren't that choosy as to what said porch is attached as long as we aren't treated to daily viewings of Domestic 911 or meth fumes. We like the Northeast Heights area just fine, the fauxdobe generic style notwithstanding, but when I read the words "located in the prestigious Northeast Heights" in real estate brochures my Inner Trotsky starts hurking his hairballs of indignation. No offense. I'm just saying that these vague declarations of class distinctions make me uncomfy, and I'm not all that neurotic about where and in what I abide as long as it doesn't necessitate the wearing of Kevlar to fetch my newspaper.

Today I have to change a flat tire on the bike. Why it's flat I have not a clue. The tire itself looks no more molested than before I rode the Bosque Trail, but the tube won't accept air. I even tried a Schrader adapter on the off-chance the Presta port on my pump was malfunctioning; nope. (Non-cyclist peeps may Google these terms if they desire to know what the Hell I'm talking about, but yeah, I wouldn't either probably.) These are Bontrager Race Lite HardCase tires I bought specifically to combat the perils of Portland's rubble/glass/syringe-strewn streets, and so goat-heads aside I have trouble believing a few cracked sections of pavement here would breach them. I suspect the tube simply unsealed, perhaps at the valve seam. (Non-bikers: Zzzzzzzzzzzzz) I'll find out. OF COURSE it's the rear tire, and I suck at changing flats anyway. Grr.

After that, a walk along the North Pino Arroyo Trail through Heritage Hills Park. We discovered it yesterday from the Cherry Hills Library lot. It's awesome.

But first, the household chores.

Get out and enjoy the day!

Adios. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/262-work-live.html Gaspirations http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/258-gaspirations.html Sun, 24 May 2009 16:31:41 GMT It's time to get busy, judging from last week's tragi-comic bicycle adventure (or Miss Adventure, as it's obvious our relationship is not on a first-name basis).

Call it an acclimation proclamation, a call to harms. In short, I'm going to have to go out on the bike and hurt myself over and over again. It just needs doing, else I'll remain standing beside the road sniveling "Mommy! The stupid old air HURT me!"

The facts are these: Last week I kitted up (that is, I donned some tatty bike shorts, a pair of cut-off sweats for modesty, a jersey, a flapping LOUD aloha shirt, and a helmet with blinking bike light affixed; it's the sort of oufit that had even Portlanders snorting into their lattés, which is fine because if you're laughing at me it means you SEE me), slathered on a layer of 30 SPF, and carried my trusty steed (a 2004 model Trek 7500FX) down the stairs. My wife agreed to drive SAG for me in the event my effort flagged OR the bright red of our Toyota Yaris was needed to distract a Hummer whose rutting ground I might inadvertently invade. Turning out of the parking lot, I pedaled my way to Academy Blvd. and turned east toward the Sandias. The goal was to reach Tramway Blvd, where I would turn north and ride as far as time allowed.

I made it two miles on Academy. At the most.

As I stood on the sidewalk waiting for the missus to circle around to collect me, as the blackness slowly receded from the edges of my vision, as the slight pink mist of exhaled lung tissue emanating from my gaping mouth abated little by little with each gusting breath, I had some time for reflection, a few minutes of interior dialogue. Much of it was profane, and I'm really trying to cut down on the coarse language. Basically the conversation ran thusly:

You have GOT to be [farmin'] kidding me. You used to commute ten miles a day to and from work with energy to spare, you take a couple of months off, and you only manage TWO MILES, if that? [Melon farmer]!

Hey! These aren't the plump, juicy air molecules they grow at sea level, a'ight? These here are, like, tiny spiky samurai dudes. Who hate you. And look, who was it decided that because he wasn't working he didn't see a reason to go out and ride? What kind of [stuff] is that? You could've kept it up at least for fitness' sake or better yet, FUN, but oh NO, hand me another [farmin'] doughnut! This is YOUR [gosh-danged] fault, Humongulus!

I was still castigating myself for my slothful ways when the missus reappeared and pulled over at the curb. This was humiliating! Depressing! Logic, ever timid and too polite, tapped lightly upon my cognitive processes and suggested that of course not all of this regretful situation was due to laziness, that I simply wasn't prepared for the toll the elevation and the rarer air would take, but it really didn't make me feel better. I was, and still am, very annoyed with myself.

Over the next week my lungs rattled like a plague victim's, my back and chest hurt like Hell, my calves threatened to cramp just walking across the room. Although I recently -- well, five or six months ago -- had a physical exam and was declared reasonably fit (for a fat-air sucker, at least), it feels as if I've been betrayed by my aging shell of flesh. Well NUTS TO THAT. Acclimate I will. Today I'm going out again, and I'll keep going out until I either conquer the atmosphere, or my colorfully-attired corpse decorates a curb (Ooh pretty! Is it a shrub? No, it was moving a little and then it stopped. Did you hear that noise it made? Like a cartoon steam shovel!)

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If you're vegetably-inclined (I used to eschew -- as in "not chew" -- anything that grew from the ground, but I've learned better habits these last few years), I can recommend the farmer's market on Eubank Blvd NE. We discovered it this last week and Holy Cr@p does it smell good in there! The markets we visited in Oregon were all open-air affairs, so this indoor market really concentrates the aromas, chief of which were from fresh green chiles. We took some home and the missus made her very first batch of green chile chicken enchiladas. I about made myself sick. There's still some left in the fridge, so breakfast this morning will be atypical I think. Anyway, aside from the chiles there were strawberries that were among the largest and tastiest I've yet eaten. This kind of place could turn you vegetarian.

Today we'll be touring the city again, seeing what's to see and familiarizing ourselves with our adopted city. Maybe get further west of I-25, park the car and stroll Old Town. This is IF I haven't been collected from the roadway and medivac'd to the nearest hospital before then.

I'm off to read the morning paper and have a bite with the spousal unit. Enjoy your day. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/258-gaspirations.html our troops http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/256-our-troops.html Thu, 14 May 2009 16:23:08 GMT wanted to take this time to dedicate this blog to our troops woh make the sacrifices for our freedoms wanted to take this time to dedicate this blog to
our troops woh make the sacrifices for our freedoms ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/256-our-troops.html buyness http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/255-buyness.html Thu, 14 May 2009 16:14:21 GMT been keeping busy for the most part of things doing this and that been keeping busy for the most part of things
doing this and that ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/255-buyness.html Trip http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/254-trip.html Thu, 14 May 2009 16:13:24 GMT In july i will be going on a few trips one to rode island and the other to so cal for a vacation so looking forward to it In july i will be going on a few trips one
to rode island and the other to so cal for a vacation
so looking forward to it ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/254-trip.html Raging Against The Machine http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/248-raging-against-machine.html Sun, 10 May 2009 16:45:36 GMT If I'm not very careful, I could get used to this.

I've been irradiated by unfettered rays of sunlight for forty straight days now. What a joy it is to dress every day as if I'm a tourist heading to a luau. I've worn the two tattered straw hats I have in my collection almost exclusively; the rest won't see the light of day until winter. The climate rocks. My hair dries while I'm rinsing it in the shower. Even the annointing process, wherein I must slather what feels like melted crayon on my as-yet fishy-pale flesh, isn't quite as annoying as I had imagined (and I'm not going without, regardless; our hike through the petroglyphs was lesson enough). Before the move from Portland I'll admit I felt a little low; now, although the elevation and the rarified air still tug a little (my fault, I'm not working hard enough), I'd say even my posture has improved. This place is good for me.

Of course, this vacation state of mind will be tempered somewhat (and really, this is a good thing, since it's hard to see ditches when one's head is in the clouds) once I've found an employer whose wages and benefits package merit my attendance most days of the week. I've been out of the job search business for nearly fourteen years; it feels...alien, like Ellis Island weird. When did the big-box purveyers start accepting applications almost exclusively on-line? Talk about feeling anonymous! I remember once upon a time carping about the interview process, sitting across from people whose interview tactics ranged from silent stares as they watched me fidget in their nasty plastic chairs, to non-stop chatter about the business environment (requiring only nods of comprehension from me; this is actually my favorite), to the seemingly endless sessions of "What would your fellow employees say about you?" and "Where do you see yourself in five years?" (I've always wanted to answer "At this point I'd say sitting here, I guess.")

I was once interviewed by an executive type in a three-piece who sat ramrod straight behind his desk and asked very specific questions about my work history, then in response to my answers would hunch over a note pad in front of him and write with his face nearly touching the table. I swear I saw the tip of his tongue protrude from the side of his mouth. It was like talking to a grown man while his five-year-old "alter" played secretary. I could imagine him writing "dont lik him he luks at me funy i want madonals for lunch ok".

I would choose these interrogations, though, to the on-line method of invasive questionaire mixed with psychoanalysis that seems to be preferred these days. I've submitted applications to two prospective employers in this manner, taking at least thirty minutes of type-and-click each time. After answering three hundred questions (which were really one hundred questions worded differently three times), even I was convinced I was a misanthropic malcontent, abroad in society only to alienate customers, rip off merchandise, and rend the very fabric of retail. Whereas with a true sit-down-and-gab meeting I usually come away with the idea I did pretty well and held my own, after these keyboarding trials I want just to redo the whole thing, or take the whole machine and bury it in a basement under a healthy layer of quicklime.

A few companies have simply requested resumés via email. That's not so bad, and as a matter of fact has led to my most promising prospect thus far. The feeling remains however that the face-to-face meeting is fast becoming passé. I fear that this is not progress.

Speaking of progress, I have to get out on the bicycle and start acclimating and exploring Albuquerque's bike-tolerant byways before I forget how to ride the damned thing. I have no excuse. The missus is of course terrified for my well-being, but I keep assuring her that it'll be fine once I'm out there pedaling away. Yes, there are places where bike lanes suddenly vanish and wide shoulders abruptly disintegrate into rubble, but I'm always quick to compare this city's nice, relatively wide and uncluttered streets to Portland's narrow, rain-buckled and ruptured asphalt (don't hate on me, my NW peeps, it's the simple truth).

First thing I'm gonna do: take the fenders off! Since now I live where the rainfall averages a mere 9.5 inches yearly versus 36.5 inches in PDX, I'll risk a summer downpour now and then. Once I decide finally to get on with getting out there, my first ride may be north (and then west) on Tramway, downhill with the valley spread out before me. It's awesome in a car, so I can't wait to see it from the saddle.

Getting home via the same route will be a bitch bastert, though. Hopefully my sea-level lungs won't be fluttering on either side of my chin at the end of my maiden desert (chaparral? whatEVAR) voyage.

Brunch beckons. L8trs.

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]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/248-raging-against-machine.html We are All Socialist at Heart…it’s easier http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/247-we-all-socialist-heart-s-easier.html Mon, 04 May 2009 11:40:56 GMT According to the Wall Street Journal (May 4, 2009) a recent Rasmussen Reports poll shows only 53% of Americans prefer capitalism to socialism; 27% were unsure and 20% preferred socialism. That may explain the results of the last election. Assuming, of course, Americans ever felt differently,... According to the Wall Street Journal (May 4, 2009) a recent Rasmussen Reports poll shows only 53% of Americans prefer capitalism to socialism; 27% were unsure and 20% preferred socialism. That may explain the results of the last election.

Assuming, of course, Americans ever felt differently, what happended?

Socialism is easier, it’s that simple. Look at it this way, once you get used to paying more than half of your income in taxes to the government, your worries are over. You don’t know or care that the money is spent inefficiently or that you have turned over control of a large part of your life to the state, all you know is that you don’t have to worry any more about health care, retirement income, education, child care, disability or unemployment. It’s all quite appealing is it not? ;)

Nobody has to be an ant, we can all be grasshoppers. Why work hard, just work hard enough to pay your taxes and save a little energy to march from time to time in a protest to preserve your benefits at all cost.

Your 401(k) plan is in the tank, who cares, you have a good government pension. Your employer is screwing you and taking away your health care that you thought would be part of your future retirement, so what? You bust your butt to work hard and save more, no need, half of what you make is gone before you have it so why bother? There is always someone else to worry about where the money is coming from and of course, that 50% tax rate can always go up.

There are added benefits too, we are all equal. The mediocre among us no longer stand out, the slackers are no longer at risk and the real achievers; well they may get to pay 70% of their income in taxes.

Socialism is so easy I think more and more Americans will conclude, hey why not? There is one big test coming up and that is health care. Keep your ears open and listen to how many people you hear say they want “free” health care from the government.

Socialism is not only easy, it can also be free. :-3 ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/247-we-all-socialist-heart-s-easier.html New Chrysler get 256 MPG http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/246-new-chrysler-get-256-mpg.html Fri, 01 May 2009 22:05:09 GMT I am not the sharpest tack in the box, but then again dealing with the world of politics may not require such a credential. I am reading about the Chrysler debacle and find myself amazed. Image: http://quinnscommentary.com/images/chrysler.gif But no place for an airbag! For decades both... I am not the sharpest tack in the box, but then again dealing with the world of politics may not require such a credential. I am reading about the Chrysler debacle and find myself amazed.

But no place for an airbag!

For decades both management and the unions of the auto companies have mismanaged their respective responsibilities. Management failed to adapt to foreign competition and failed to negotiate reasonable agreements with the union while the union insisted on non-competitive work practices and unaffordable employee benefit programs (having been an employee benefits professional for over 45 years that is something I do know about).

In 1978, I wrote an article about health care in American and in it I quoted someone from GM lamenting the $800 added to the cost of each car because of health care benefits. Whoopee, thirty years later we learn that as part of the bankruptcy deal brokered by the federal government Chrysler’s retirees will lose their vision and dental benefits…vision and dental you say how many retirees in American have health care let alone dental and vision benefits? Active workers will forego a Christmas bonus, a what, two paid holidays and a cost of living adjustment. Cost of living, hey, aren’t we worried about deflation these days?
The good news is that while being at least 50% responsible for the demise of Chrysler and possibly the other auto companies the UAW now owns 55% of the post-bankruptcy organization.

OMG it’s just like keeping a person in “their” home when the mortgage payment is equal to their total gross monthly income. I don’t get it, is this liberal politics in action? Could it be this is part of a secret wealth transfer plan? Does management need to form a union for job security?

Can we hope that the UAW once it has something really at stake (as opposed to helping the old Chrysler stay viable) will negotiate a more realistic deal with itself?
Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this picture? A mismanaged company, an irresponsible union, a government bailout to avoid bankruptcy that didn’t, a president taking lenders to task for not waiving their rights under the law and the greedy union ends up owning the company it helped sink. As they say, you can’t make this stuff up.

The US Government will name four new Board members of Chrysler, Fiat will name three (Fiat, that’s the company that has a factory in Sicily where workers are paid to come to work but there is no work, hey, where have I heard that before), the UAW one and the Canadian government one? How would you like to be a member of that board of directors, eh? I can just see lunch at the first meeting, four will be on a per diem, three will have pasta, one will have a lunch bucket and the ninth will likely…heck other than maple syrup I don’t know what they eat in Canada.

If you voted for change, brother you got it. However, there is good news, if you think that the UAW has a sweet and costly deal, it is nothing compared with the public employee unions. The Mayor of New York gave up trying to get the union workers to pay 10% of the cost of health care benefits. Guess who is paying for those deals, checked your property tax bill lately? ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/246-new-chrysler-get-256-mpg.html In Sun-Washed Country http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/245-sun-washed-country.html Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:50:43 GMT It's seven in the morning (as I write this; I tend to dither over structure, get distracted by Boris wanting in my lap, and rise from this chair several times to fetch more coffee, so I might take ten minutes to finish one sentence. Discipline is not my strong suit) and I've got the 'phones on listening to pandora.com and having my morning espresso roast. Playing now is Weezer, "Island in the Sun". This is the opening paragraph, the "Good GODZ just get something on the screen!" paragraph. I have to approach this thing like Chris O'Donnel in Vertical Limit, leaping at a sprint across a chasm, fists full of climbing hammers.

(Two observations here: (1), I regret using a really horrible movie for analogy, and (B), the Internet Movie Database -- The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) -- thinks that, because I looked up Vertical Limit, I would probably like Gone with the Wind and Speed Racer as well. Why? Is it because there's wind on mountains too? Because the characters make a speedy ascent as they race to rescue the stranded climbers? Actually, I might pay to see Rhett and Scarlet peel out of a burning Atlanta in the Mach 5, just leave stupid people uttering witless dialogue on mountains out of it.)

We've been in Albuquerque 26 days now, and the requisite period of "Oh F**K, what did we DO??" passed after the first, say, twelve hours. I actually expected to feel out of sorts for quite a while, but even though it had been eighteen years since we made such a long-distance move (from Dallas, Texas to Portland) I guess our migratory muscles had kept their tone all this time. Once the furniture was huffed and puffed up the stairs and our stuff started coming out of boxes, it was already feeling good and right that we are here. I think it's an absence of culture shock, really. Becoming acquainted with The Portland Way was a steeper learning curve, whereas in Albuquerque there is more of that "southern state of mind" that we remember from our time in Texas.

Let me state now that I don't intend to play the "better than" game here. I love Portland down to it's grumpy, gothy, dour little soul, and the friends I've made there. I am not glad to be away from Portland. I AM very glad to be in Albuquerque nonetheless. When I make comparisons here, it's in the spirit of embracing the diversity of, and between, both places. So don't hate, 'kay?

Striking Difference #1: Holy crap, I can see two states from here! It's a kick to be driving west and see seemingly half the planet sprawling before us, with volcanic cones rising in the distance. To the northeast of course is the Sandia range, not quite the honkin' YUGE rumpled-blanket green mountains on offer in the Cascade and Coast ranges of the Northwest, but somehow the Sandias are more immediate, more there. See past entries about how I feel about desert environs. I'm diggin' it.

Striking Difference #2: I pump my own gas and it feels great! I almost broke the locking gas cap the first time because hey, I never had to open the damned thing before. (This was actually in Idaho).

Striking Difference #3: I've seen the sun every day so far. That's twenty-six days in a row. Okay, THIS is one aspect I'll unequivocally state is an improvement over Portland Oregon. Portland hasn't seen that many consecutive days of sunshine since Mt. Hood was a speed-bump. My vampire friends of the Northwest will just have to forgive me here.

Striking Difference #4: The Mexican/New Mexican food here is awesome, and I haven't found pot-roast in my enchiladas yet. Red or Green? Make it Christmas, please.

Yadayada #5: They stock stuff in the supermarkets (grocery stores, whatever) that I haven't seen since I was a teenager. King Vitamin cereal! (Think "cereal for people who believe that Cap'n Crunch just won't carry them to their first diabetic seizure quite fast enough".) Wolf brand chili WITHOUT BEANS, as the godz intended!

Numero Six-O: Speed limits of 55 mph are posted on surface streets. I kid you not. We've thus far avoided being run down, or even honked at (unlike, you know, other places). Regardless of the race-track mentality, the motorists here have been quite courteous. We'll see how they react to moi on a bicycle. The little woman has threatened to run over my bike herself rather than see me brave the roads, but the cyclists I've observed look pretty comfy and their shoulders appear lumber-free.

(A side subject: The medians here in the Northeast Heights area are scary; one has to traverse them either to turn left or do U-turns, and the sight-lines are often non-existent. I'm convinced I'm gonna head-on somebody coming around the other way or get side-swiped by someone trying to get by from behind. I'll get over it, but I'll admit it's my least-favorite driving maneuver here.)

Se7en: The arid climate means that static electricity is my homie. I mean, my toothbrush throws sparks, yo. The cats have taken to flinching every time I come near them.

Ate: They could relax with the adobe motif in my 'hood. Just a little. It looks like an SUV dealership on Tatooine up in here. That being said, the architecture here is unique to my experience. I liked walking Portland's sidewalks and admiring the old houses. Much of Albuquerque's building style appears more organic, as if the structures are grown straight from the soil. Portland is jutting, sharp angles. Albuquerque is rounded and wind-buffed. The two couldn't be more different.

Nein!: For the first couple weeks we had a little trouble gathering air molecules. Sleep was actually a bit of a chore. It's eased now, but I'm betting my first bike ride of any real distance is going to be a humbling experience.

************************************************** ************************************************** ************

Today our plan is to go to Petroglyph National Monument for a hike. We'll be doing as much sight-seeing and traveling of the state as funds allow; heck, just getting outside the city's light-smog to see the stars at night will be awesome, the best show on Earth for free! For daylight activities I'm gonna have to get used to sunscreen, I suppose, seeing as I intend to be outdoors a LOT and the near-constant sunshine and elevation make for excellent opportunities to grow my melanoma potential. (I flirted with the idea of trying a spray-on tan to cover my pasty hide, but so far have shunned the concept as being simply too dorky even for me.)

A final note: When researching Albuquerque I came across post after post on various websites that warned of the venomous critters here. To date I have seen two moths and a few (admittedly king-size) ants. Not one scorpion. Not one tarantula. No black widows. Nary a snake. This may all change today, but at this point I'm almost disappointed. That's really ridiculous considering that I'm ever-so-slightly entomophobic, huh?

Brunchtime!

Adios. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/245-sun-washed-country.html The Journey to Respect... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/244-journey-respect.html Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:44:27 GMT As most will be aware each life we inherit, necessitates the fulfillment of a purpose: and its reason... Life is a voyage of discovery, during which we will - without exception - experience all its many facets... How we react to those elements and the outcome of our words, thoughts and deeds;... As most will be aware each life we inherit, necessitates the fulfillment of a purpose: and its reason...
Life is a voyage of discovery, during which we will - without exception - experience all its many facets... How we react to those elements and the outcome of our words, thoughts and deeds; will no doubt determine whether or not we move on in the next life: or ride the same carousel yet again...

One of the many things we will need to address during those incarnations is the varied elements of respect - and its many subsidiaries...
Above all else this element is of prime importance, with the principal factor being that - attributed to ourselves... Without respect, there can be no meaningful road ahead: that will lead to any purposeful resolution...
In essence - where there is no 'self respect' there is no understanding of the concept, or the need to demonstrate such to others...

We are born in ignorance, which some might consider, is the half-way point in the spectrum of humility and arrogance... Due to a lack of awareness, few if any - at the start of life's journey - would turn and face humility, welcoming it with open arms, when the cuisine displayed along the pathway to arrogance, appears more desirable...

Few foresee that the pathway to arrogance is one of deception and self delusion, which has, at its terminus, the inevitable turning point, where all will change lanes and begin descending the long slippery slope to humility...

There is no escape from the Karmic consequences propagated during the upwards journey... Such may well determine that which will be experienced on the downwards slide and; the effort required climbing back up the hill of despair and despondency: towards the light of experience and - the significance of respect...

I know this to be so... For I have made that journey...

Naturally, these considerations are from my personal perspective of life… Not necessarily that of others… ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/244-journey-respect.html A Dumb Lot We Are http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/243-dumb-lot-we.html Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:01:59 GMT Employers are a short-sighted dumb lot after all. A few years back the in thing was to convert pension plans to what is called a cash balance plan, translation; sort of a pension but with far less of a benefit in the years ahead. Then when that was done, they began eliminating all pensions in... Employers are a short-sighted dumb lot after all. A few years back the in thing was to convert pension plans to what is called a cash balance plan, translation; sort of a pension but with far less of a benefit in the years ahead.

Then when that was done, they began eliminating all pensions in favor of the 401(k) plan. Ok, so a 401(k) plan is better than nothing.

Today less than 17% of American workers in the private sector have a pension to count on; about 60% have a 401(k) plan.

But now employers are really getting smart. With 401(k) accounts in the dumper (temporarily at least), a growing number of employers are breaking their promise to workers and eliminating or suspending the employer matching contributions into the 401(k) accounts. Whoopee, now it will take even longer to recover and that much more difficult to save for retirement.

Isn’t it ironic that we are creating a whole generation of workers who will have limited sources of income in retirement other than Social Security at a time when Social Security itself is headed for trouble? And, we will have a generation of retirees who wont have the money to spend on the goods and services made by the companies who are now contributing to the in ability for workers to have a viable retirement. But, hey the savings rate in the US is jumping like crazy we are already up to about 4% and climbing. At that rate the average 45 year will be able to retire in a manner to which they are not accustomed by about age 83.

What will people do? Well, for one thing they may not retire which creates a whole different set of implications for companies and for new workers looking for jobs in the years ahead. Penny wise and pound foolish comes to mind, but employers are notorious for not being able to think beyond their next earnings report and politicians have an uncanny ability to create laws that are counterproductive and are now in the process of attacking the 401(k) plan as a failure. There is a failure alright; it’s called a dearth of common sense.

I read in various publications all the steps people are taking to cope with the “economic crisis” like not using credit cards, not buying what they don’t need, paying off debt, giving up a vacation they planned but were going to charge, eating out less, telling their kids they can’t have whatever they pick up in the toy store. I say to my self, no wonder I am not feeling the crisis, cheap bastard that I am I never did any of that stuff in the first place. Go figure.

I never took any of my four children to Disneyworld ® when they were small because I could not afford it. Now in their 30s they all still remind mind of this failure as a parent. But I’ll show them, I’m going to take my grandchildren. ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/243-dumb-lot-we.html Wherein lies the truth.... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/242-wherein-lies-truth.html Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:50:59 GMT Where is truth to be found??? Is there a secret source from which such can be drawn on demand, by chance or by order??? Perhaps truth is not a single entity, one that suits all, for all occasions or circumstances... One that fits every criterion the individual is likely to encounter during... Where is truth to be found??? Is there a secret source from which such can be drawn on demand, by chance or by order???

Perhaps truth is not a single entity, one that suits all, for all occasions or circumstances... One that fits every criterion the individual is likely to encounter during their journey through life...

Personally, I do not see the truths of life as something than can be passed down from age to age, person to person, teacher to pupil...
For my own part, I consider that each of us, given time and patience, will find our own truths, which are already embedded within our souls... ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/242-wherein-lies-truth.html Through the eyes of the open mind... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/241-through-eyes-open-mind.html Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:46:35 GMT Sometimes, if individuals allow their mind to drift on the breezes of intuition, they become aware of flickering images that flash across the horizons of probability: as might the captivating radiance of the Northern Lights… No two people will ever quite see the same anthology of shapes and... Sometimes, if individuals allow their mind to drift on the breezes of intuition, they become aware of flickering images that flash across the horizons of probability: as might the captivating radiance of the Northern Lights…

No two people will ever quite see the same anthology of shapes and colors, which represent a compilation of opportunities that are as individual to the eye of the open mind as patterns seen through a kaleidoscope - or the sculptured metaphors within feathery snowflakes…

Such proceedings have a specific significance at that moment in time, for that particular person: and some other… That which blossoms represents the unification of like minds for an explicit purpose and/or reason; which can either be short lived: or the beginning of a life-long association…
Whichever period or whatever the eventual outcome may be when such takes place, the need for the encounter will not only be realized; but felt – deep within the core of the heart and mind… From which there is no escape…

Welcome the arrival, encompass the reality and live the experience that such a congress holds in store for you: and those who touch your soul… ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/241-through-eyes-open-mind.html In The Land Of Enchantment http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/240-land-enchantment.html Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:38:25 GMT Dang. We did it. After months of planning, and saving as best we could, and second-guessing ourselves, and being thrilled at the prospect while at the same time being nearly paralyzed by the amorphous spectre of “what if?”, we finally made good our threat to move to Albuquerque. Our apartment... Dang. We did it.

After months of planning, and saving as best we could, and second-guessing ourselves, and being thrilled at the prospect while at the same time being nearly paralyzed by the amorphous spectre of “what if?”, we finally made good our threat to move to Albuquerque. Our apartment here is still in disarray (knick-knacks to place, pictures to hang), but it already feels like a home. I'm sitting here looking out of a window at sunshine and blue sky and listening to the sounds of what I assume are white-winged doves (I Googled). Pretty soon (after another cup or two of coffee and maybe a donut (Dunkin' Donuts has survived! Except they do lattes now. Gah.), I'll resume the task of putting things where they belong, or rather finding new places for them since we're dealing with somewhat less square footage in this place and we're having to be creative. Later I hope to get out and take more photos, perhaps partake of a New Mexican lunch. I'm already partial to the green chiles, but it's all good.

Turns out the hardest part was loading the truck, and since I did damn little of that myself (thanks again, Rebecca and Davey), I'd say it rocks most excellently to be me.

Actually I have that wrong (not the rocking excellently part). The hardest part turned out to be getting on the damned road. We loaded Sunday afternoon with the intent to set out at five the next morning, but we kept discovering closets and drawers full of possessions that we had apparently overlooked. Maddening! The typical dialogue ensued: “Aaargh! I thought you said you cleaned this out!” “I did!” “Well, the feather must have fallen out of your effing wand then, because guess the eff what?”. As you may have noticed, I'm trying to watch my language here, so I may as well not relate the rest of that conversation. Suffice to say that the next couple of hours were not all that scrapbook-worthy.

When all was said and done, we had this:

That's right, there was no room in the truck for my bike, and so it traveled the entire distance strapped to the trunk of the car. I kept telling myself that, since the ride was double-suspended back there, it was highly unlikely the bike would escape it's bonds in pursuit of a second life as a grill ornament for a semi, but my anxiety drove me to repeatedly check the rear-view mirrors for signs of evasive action in our wake. In fact at every stop I was all over that trailer checking straps and chains and seeing to the welfare of the occupants of the car - the cats.

Cats and travel. I may be the first person in the world to actually put those two terms together separated only by an inclusive. This pairing is nearly never a comfortable one, and in fact during one motel room-to-car transfer, one laminated corrugated-board top-loading pet carrier was rendered useless when it's occupant (Harley) surged through the side of the thing as if it had been made of wishful thinking. Fortunately we were still inside and were able to block his escape. Not all felines find the ride itself that harrowing however:

Boris seemed quite happy to observe the world hurtling by.

To read the full entry, see http://iamtherob.blogspot.com please! ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/240-land-enchantment.html Entitlements, Interest Groups and the Direction of America http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/239-entitlements-interest-groups-direction-america.html Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:12:04 GMT If you could pay 50 to 60% of your income in taxes in return for all your retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, childcare, paid time off, health care for life and perhaps a few other goodies like college, would you make that choice? No doubt, many people would answer yes, as they have in... If you could pay 50 to 60% of your income in taxes in return for all your retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, childcare, paid time off, health care for life and perhaps a few other goodies like college, would you make that choice?

No doubt, many people would answer yes, as they have in other countries. In Scandinavia, people seem to like this system. In Sweden with the second highest tax burden in the world, the median voter is a women who works for the public sector and around two-thirds of the electorate draws most of their income from the state either as an employee or from the benefits collected. On the other hand, as one

Swede said, “the only downside is that our taxes also have to pay for a very large and cumbersome public sector that lags a long way behind Sweden’s private sector in terms of productivity.” One has to wonder if some of those taxes could be put to more productive use, but productivity and innovation is not what this is not the topic at hand..

Of course, it is relative. Sweden’s’ debt as a percentage of GDP is 36.5% while in the US it is as follows:
GDP in Billions Debt as % of GDP
2007 13807.5 65.24
2008 14280.7 69.93
2009 14291 88.90
2010 14902 94.47

If you looked at these numbers in isolation one might conclude that the US is the bigger welfare state. However, Sweden has 9 million people and few, if any world obligations. Perhaps they are on to something, just stay in Happy Valley, and make steel, cell phones and furniture that takes six hours to put together. All this socialism may get you something though, the life expectancy is Sweden is 80.86 and in the US currently 78.11, or could it be all the fish?

Now for those who did answer yes, what would that make you? It would make you an “interest group” just like unions, environmentalists, gun enthusiasts and employer organizations. Why does that matter, well as an interest group you would be competing with all other such groups for more of what you want. You would want politicians to be responsive to your demands, you would in fact, want them to give you more and most likely knowing that you vote them into or out of office, they would be responsive to your desires.

Over time, you become dependent on the government for many important things and your focus turns from personal responsibility to dependency. When things do not go right or are no longer affordable you may become upset, you may even march in the streets or perhaps go on strike. In the process you become more and more like everyone else, there is less and less point to striving to be different because no matter what you do your basic needs are taken care of by the government and, of course, you always pay that 50% to 60% of income in taxes.

As you seek more and more “free” stuff from the government, politicians are increasingly interested in keeping you happy in the short run and as is usual do so with short-term solutions while long-term costs and problems grow. Keep in mind that the main goal of government is to get re-elected or otherwise stay in power. The main objective of bureaucrats is to keep their jobs in anonymity.
The common view is that all these benefits are “free” when provided by the government. How many times have you heard someone use the phrase “free health care?” However, they are not free; they are now in the magical land of “government” with the typical inefficiency and mismanagement that always goes with it.

Regardless of any misgivings, there are still many people who find the welfare state appealing, but what happens when a population so dependent on government finds itself with leaders who are not so nice who seek power over service or have goals beyond their own country? How quickly do the checks and balance work? How quickly are citizens willing to put their welfare at risk?
Is it the job of government to “provide” for its citizens? Alternatively, is it the job of government to organize and manage those things that are best done equally for all citizens such as roads, defense, security, emergency services, education and oversight of businesses that do affect the health and well-being of all citizens? Is it the job of government to remove barriers to inequality heaped on man by man and to assure a fair playing field for opportunity?

So, what is the point of all this? The point is that the US is on the road to a system with citizens more and more dependent on government, which in turn will be more and more dependent on taxes, which in turn means that the citizens will be more demanding of the services they get with those taxes because they are more and more dependent on those services.

If that is what you want, that is fine. If you would like more control over the use of the fruits of your labor than it is not so fine. Frankly, if all the world becomes like Sweden (nothing against the Swedes mind you I am part Swedish), where do the high stakes risk takers, innovators entrepreneurs go? Where do the people who want to keep the value they create go, perhaps China? Contrary to current popular opinion, in my view (and in the view of many prominent and Nobel winning economists), capitalism has not failed. Capitalism has done far more good for far more people than can be counted, not perfectly of course and not always fairly, but in the long run the results are positive.

Let the games begin. If you are getting the kind of change you voted for, be happy! :):-1 ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/239-entitlements-interest-groups-direction-america.html faithfuness http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/237-faithfuness.html Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:35:46 GMT god s faithfulness is awesome for ever faithful is gods faithfulness god s faithfulness is awesome for ever faithful is gods faithfulness ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/237-faithfuness.html first trip http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/236-first-trip.html Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:34:06 GMT presidant barrack obamba is goign on his first overseas trip as presidant iit will be interesting to see how it plays out. over there presidant barrack obamba is goign on his first overseas trip as presidant iit will be interesting to see how it plays out. over there ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/236-first-trip.html month over http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/235-month-over.html Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:31:31 GMT wow hard to believe march is over now where is the time going these days wow hard to believe march is over now where is the time going these days ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/235-month-over.html Obama the Socialist and the Cause of Poverty http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/scholle-kid/234-obama-socialist-cause-poverty.html Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:07:40 GMT *Obama the Socialist* Amidst all the devastation from the latest economic crisis, there have been some really funny moments. Among the most humorous has got to be what happened recently with President Obama and the New York Times. I recently referenced... Obama the Socialist

Amidst all the devastation from the latest economic crisis, there have been some really funny moments. Among the most humorous has got to be what happened recently with President Obama and the New York Times.

I recently referenced an article by Washington Post columnist Harold Meyerson in which he expressed shock that people are actually calling President Obama a socialist because of his massive stimulus package, bank bailouts, and tighter government regulation. All this government involvement in economic activity, Meyerson says, just consists of free-market mechanisms designed to help revitalize America's free-enterprise system. He says that it's not socialism and interventionism that are at the root of the current crisis but rather America's capitalist system.

Well, guess what then happened! The New York Times conducted an interview with Obama in which the reporter asked him to respond to suggestions that he is a socialist. Obama laughingly responded, "The answer would be no" and then, according to the paper, added that he was "making some very tough choices" on the budget.

And now the really funny part happens. About an hour-and-a-half later, Obama actually calls the reporter back and says that he wants to give a fuller answer on the socialist question. He wanted to point out that "large-scale government intervention in the markets and the expansion of social welfare programs had begun under his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush."

Now, if you're not rolling in the aisles from laughter at this, then you've got to be either a conservative or a liberal rather than a libertarian

read more

http://www.campaignforliberty.com/article.php?view=26 ]]> scholle-kid http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/scholle-kid/234-obama-socialist-cause-poverty.html East-Bound (But NOT Down, Really) * http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/233-east-bound-but-not-down-really.html Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:58:12 GMT This will be the last entry composed within the state of Oregon. I'm unplugging all the toys today, rendering unto Caesar, and scraping the last bits into the nearest box. Tomorrow afternoon we load a truck, and if we have the stamina we just might blast off for the next sunrise by late tomorrow night. I seriously doubt it, but it's been discussed.

I packed our coffee pot yesterday. That tastes like a mistake right now. When the little woman rises we'll make our sleepy way to a coffee shop, but it's not yet six in the ayem and she'll sleep until seven. My very veins are howling.

I want to say Thank You to everyone who has made this place a home to us. We will miss you all. I've passed the new address around, and anyone who didn't get it initially may ask those who did to share. As soon as we've made landfall and hooked up this machine I'll beam greets.

And, y'know, you're always welcome to visit us UP here in Albuquerque.

Adios, mommies and poppies.

* Albuquerque's elevation ranges from 4900 to 6700 feet above sea level.

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]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/233-east-bound-but-not-down-really.html Something to think about, seriously http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/232-something-think-about-seriously.html Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:18:01 GMT The United States pension obligations are helping to remake the country’s politics. The United States has run fiscal deficits for years to pay for social programs. The government has sold bonds to finance these outlays. The United States needs a bailout to pay its obligations, but many... The United States pension obligations are helping to remake the country’s politics. The United States has run fiscal deficits for years to pay for social programs. The government has sold bonds to finance these outlays. The United States needs a bailout to pay its obligations, but many international investors have pulled out of the United States, sending the country’s currency tumbling and darkening the economic outlook. Thirty percent of the population receives a government pension. The United States poses the global financial crisis’s biggest challenge.

Scary stuff huh?

Well, not to worry, I took those words from a Wall Street Journal article about Hungary.

But wait, is the debate over Social Security and Medicare going to remake our politics, yes indeed. Is much of the US deficit caused by entitlement programs? In fact, they represent the largest portion of the US budget and deficit. Has the US sold bonds to pay for these obligations? The surplus of Social Security tax revenue over outgoing benefits is invested in US Treasury bonds and by 2018 when tax revenues are insufficient to cover benefits, those bonds will have to be cashed in…and where is the money coming from? Have many international investors pulled out of the US and has the dollar declined in value? Think China and the declining dollar and declining credibility of the US economic system. :-3

Does the US have 30% of its population receiving a government pension? No, not yet, but it is about 17% and according to Social Security Administration they have geared up to accept 10,000 applications a day from baby boomers each day for the next 20 years.

Related to that of course is Medicare, which is in worse shape than Social Security and will get far worse much quicker. You hear a great deal of rhetoric these days from our President about how health care is one of the main causes of our deficits and as far a Medicare (and Medicaid and VA benefits) goes he’s right. But think about this, the main portion of these costs is care rendered to patients, not administration, not systems, but health care. So when you hear that the deficit of the federal government will be brought down by controlling health care costs, think hard about what that means. I will tell you in two words, rationing and cost-shifting. Some form of health care rationing and a great deal of shifting of costs from the government to beneficiaries will be necessary. That means higher deductibles and co-pays, higher premiums and it means not getting all the care you want any time you want it, it means waiting and being denied some care, which if the truth be told about health care in the US is not really a bad thing.

Something to think about, seriously! :o ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/232-something-think-about-seriously.html Who Knew This Was Coming? http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/231-who-knew-coming.html Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:55:04 GMT Isn’t it interesting that once the snowball starts rolling bad news and things that happen as a matter or course year after year are now blamed on the economy, on other people and on the system? It would be great if everyone in the US were well educated and motivated in their working life, it... Isn’t it interesting that once the snowball starts rolling bad news and things that happen as a matter or course year after year are now blamed on the economy, on other people and on the system?

It would be great if everyone in the US were well educated and motivated in their working life, it would be wonderful if people never lost a job due to a layoff because there was plenty of work for everyone all the time (and not made up work as in Europe, but real productive work). It would also be stupendous if people managed their money well and lived within their means, but none of that has ever happened and likely never will. Bad things and just plain bad luck happen to good people and sadly a great deal of the time people help along that bad luck by making bad decisions and putting themselves at risk.

Today, however it is popular to simply blame the economy, the financial crisis if you will. It matters little about the actions people have taken in the past several years that are now acerbated by the economy but not caused by it.

Consider this quote from a recent issue of Time ® in a story about people losing their homes because they are out of work. Regardless of when this happened, the result would have been the same, but personal behavior is now secondary to our collective circumstances.

“And if she sometimes spent too freely on clothes and gear for her girls, she was able to balance the books by drawing on her equity in the home she bought in 1995.”

The story focuses not on her spending too freely or the fact she remortgaged the home three times and used home equity but rather on the consequences of that action. When was it ever a good idea to “balancing the books” with home equity?

The following is a summary from the same article and “Stevens” is a former fireman who was disabled, tried his best to run a new business but overextended his borrowing using his home as the security, a very unfortunate situation to be sure. This guy played by the rules and tried his best.

“Their bitterness stems from a feeling that they've held up their end of the social contract, but now the terms of the deal have been rewritten by malign forces.” It’s a different world and a different time," Stevens said ruefully. "Even if you work hard you get laid off." Zachery put it this way: "It's not the United States anymore. Those at the top have sold out the bottom for money."

Malign forces? What is most telling is the quote in bold, yes even if you work hard, sometimes you get laid off…like if the job you are doing is no longer needed, or technology has replaced your work, or someone else can do the job better and more efficiently and in the end would society be better if the system did not work that way? I seriously doubt it or we would still have buggy whip makers sitting around for the next whip to be made. And, yes, unless we give into the populism and victimization being spewed by many of our politicians, it is still the United States, a place where over the long term risk taking, hard work and prudence in your personal life and financial life do pay off for the vast majority of people.

And, no the top have not sold out the bottom for money or anything else, the top I assume being Wall Street and the banks that met the demands (foolishly in many cases) of segments of our population seeking to live and sustain an unrealistic standard of living fostered in part by politicians who believe that simply changing a law or encouraging personal behavior that should be left to the market is a good thing.

Bad luck and bad things do happen to good people, sadly we can’t change that. But people can minimize their risk by making prudent and long term decisions and by not living for today or taking an “I’ll worry about that when the time comes” attitude because you see when the time comes, it’s too late to worry.

Now the cry in the press is “why didn’t the experts see this all coming?” Experts you say? I had no clue what the banks were doing with mortgages and I couldn’t explain a credit default swap, but who didn’t know this was coming when they saw friends and neighbors in debt up to their eyeballs, a negative savings rate in the US, with leased luxury cars and SUVs clogging the roads and homes the size of the left wing of Buckingham Palace popping like Levittown in the 40s?

Give me a break, we all knew this was coming. ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/231-who-knew-coming.html A Post Of No Apparent Consequence http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/228-post-no-apparent-consequence.html Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:35:42 GMT I have a cold. This is great because, y'know, it's an excellent excuse to take a break from my hectic schedule and kick it on the sofa with snacks and cartoons. My conscience and my work ethic isn't taking a hit here at all. Oh no. I've earned a rest. I'm having fun. I'm on vacation!

I am SO freakin' bored.

Found an apartment in Albuquerque, check. Arranged utilities, check. Reserved a rental truck, moving supplies, and loading/unloading help, check. Almost every aspect save the physical labor of the move itself is accomplished. Twenty days remain to repaint this apartment (thus to ensure return of the deposit), schedule cable and broadband for the new digs (Comcast wouldn't schedule transfer of services more than two weeks before the activation date), and pack up all the pictures and knick-knacks. We'll start all that next week, because why have cartons stacked around too soon? So instead...holding pattern. Waiting for Godot. Except I want to go find Godot and yank his metaphorical ass back here so we can get this circus on the road. I don't want him offstage being all enigmatic, I want his sleeves rolled up and carting our junk down the stairs to an open and waiting truck. In fact, I want Godot to be my bitch.

I'm a bit shame-faced to admit that I...WE...already feel a sense of separation from this place. It's taken only the loss of a job, stacked against the assets of friendships, a decent place to live, and an interesting city, to completely unravel our connection to a place we've called home for over sixteen years. What does it say about us? I may have flights of fancy at times but rarely do they manifest in reality to the degree that they warp the paradigm (Paradigm Warp! Band name!). Of the two of us, I'm the one usually given to analytical paralysis. It seemed unwise at the time to risk what stability we had when we moved up here in 1992, and now we're doing it again? We're mad as hatters. I hate moving! Things could go horribly, tragically wrong! We should be protected from ourselves!

We are SO psyched.

First thing after we get moved in and oriented, we're going to join an astronomy club and eventually buy a good telescope. New Mexico boasts some of the deepest sky around, and we're gonna go digging in it. We're also going to get a pair of rock hammers and go look for geodes. As above, so below. Also: Learn Spanish. It's stupid that we've spent most of our lives (other than in the Northwest) in the southern states and have only absorbed, like, ten words of Spanish, eight of them related to food.

Job? Yeah, need one of those. I'd like to say that it won't be yet another warehouse gig. I want to do something else now. Bookseller? That sounds terrific until you consider that you're not paid to read the books. Maybe something tech-related? I know how to surf the Internet fairly efficiently, and with two forefingers and one thumb I can rip along at, say, fifteen words per minute. I've just recently introduced myself to one Linux distribution (that being Ubuntu), so what is that worth? Hmph. Food service? I'll join a carnival before I do that. Don't prospective employers actually read blogs these days? Oops.

Before we can do ANYTHING, we have to wait. That's the difficult bit. Meanwhile, I haven't been on my bike in a month. That changes this week. Just not today, because my lungs are full of glue. Hell, I'm going to stop this and go lie down. Colds, they suck the suckness. ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/228-post-no-apparent-consequence.html the stimulas http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/227-stimulas.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:50:46 GMT it looks like the stimulus is going to do a lot for many things and such it looks like the stimulus is going to do a lot for many things and such ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/227-stimulas.html the spring http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/226-spring.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:49:29 GMT spring time where the flowers bloom and the birds sing so happily a awesome time of the year spring time where the flowers bloom and the birds
sing so happily a awesome time of the year ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/226-spring.html a new month http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/225-new-month.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:48:18 GMT wow here we are in a new month already where is the timegoing these days wow here we are in a new month already where
is the timegoing these days ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/225-new-month.html Limbo http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/224-limbo.html Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:30:52 GMT Seems like a year since I wrote anything, but that's because my schedule is all fnarkt. It's a little difficult to maintain a routine when one main facet of it is gone. I've been trying to pretend I'm on vacation, but one downside of adulthood is that it gets harder to buff the rust off one's disbelief suspension.

Via the wonders of the Innerwebz and the majick that is Google Earth (have you used this? It's AWESOME), the missus and I have been hunting apartments in Albuquerque (and is "Albuquerque" the only word in existance that contains two "q"s and three "u"s? It used to be "AlbuRquerque", as in Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 8th Duke of Alburquerque, the founder of the city of Albuquerque, but for some reason they dropped an "r", and okay, no more parenthetical asides this long or containing this many commas), and have managed to decide upon one main candidate and a couple of alternates. All are near the foothills of the Sandias and all have decent ameneties. We have also decided to manage the move via one 16-foot rental truck and a car trailer, with the addition of two hired loaders on this end and a pair of UNloaders in ABQ (the little woman isn't physically capable of helping me carry the heavy stuff down a flight of stairs OR up a flight of stairs to the new place; I suggested that, just this once, we could lease a ground-level unit, but she has security anxieties and my suggestion of simply scattering thumb tacks around the doors and windows at night was met with that slight shake of the head and roll of the eyes that has always served as our particular means of silent communication). I hire labor for moving because I can never bring myself to ask friends; why ask people to do things you KNOW they'll hate? Doesn't seem very friendly, nome sane?

I'm trying mightily to maintain a positive attitude about this adventure, but I get tunnel-vision something fierce when it comes to moving; I mean I have been known to draw diagrams, even. With a little imagination I can see myself shoving little shipping cartons around a huge table-top diagram of each apartment like I'm Patton preparing to head off a bulge. The packing itself is merely a tedious slog, and the loading I leave to alleged professionals, but in this case we'll have to drive the truck and THAT fills me with dread. Twenty-two hours of driving almost 1400 miles to an unfamiliar city, and towing a car yet. What if I underestimate the length of the trailer when I change lanes, and scrub someone off the freeway? What if I stop for fuel (that will cost nearly $500 for the trip, by the way), and get the box stuck because I didn't have the necessary clearance? Do we dare to afford ourselves a night in a motel and run the risk of our stuff getting stolen in the night? Add to all this the thrilling prospect of transporting three cats (once we've cornered them and wrested the broken bottles from their paws). Every worst-case scenario comes lurching and slavering up from the inky depths. If I allow it, this stuff will drive me mad, which in turn will drive my wife mad, and her brand of madness is the-very-earth-split-asunder variety. It is in my best interest to find a happy damned place with this whole process, or I may find myself on the side of the road in the desert watching the truck pull away in a cloud of disgusted dust.

Actually, that doesn't really sound bad at all. I like to walk.

I had an idea to try to earn some extra cash for the trip (and beyond) by writing a series about this whole relocation business and submitting it to Associated Content. I wrote a first chapter and submitted it for review...and that was most of two weeks ago. I've not seen or heard a thing. This does not inspire confidence. Ah well. I'll be researching other alternatives, and at the least I can chalk it up to gaining experience. In the meantime we'll fax off the leasing application to the first-choice apartment community in Albuquerque on Monday and start sifting CraigsList for packing materials. We'll keep you all posted on our progress. If any.

endit ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/224-limbo.html Disappointed and Depressed Yet? http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/223-disappointed-depressed-yet.html Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:59:00 GMT If you voted for Barack Obama expecting a change in Washington, more bi-partisanship and action in the short and long term best interest of all Americans, I suspect you are feeling a bit disappointed right about now, or you should be. The President needs to realize that he is no longer on the... If you voted for Barack Obama expecting a change in Washington, more bi-partisanship and action in the short and long term best interest of all Americans, I suspect you are feeling a bit disappointed right about now, or you should be.

The President needs to realize that he is no longer on the campaign trail. His version of bi-partisanship and working together seems to be doing it my way. Of course, that is not new in Washington and certainly it is not unique to Democrats, but hey, we were promised change were we not?

Real change would have meant that both Democrat and Republicans would have worked jointly as equal partners to develop a stimulus plan that actually stimulated things within the next six months. Rather we have spending for spending sake and a convoluted perception of what spending will stimulate the economy and what spending is for social programs that while desirable in many cases, are not going to stimulate much. Focus guys, focus and stop trying to get all you want for your social agenda under the guise of stimulus.

About 92% of Americans are still employed, most people are not losing their home, most people are not in credit card debt up to stratospheric levels, so why are they not out there buying, because they are scared, they are confused and they don’t know who to believe and they surely do not understand the credit crisis or the banking debacle.

Enter our political leaders with words of encouragement and hope. Surely I jest. Rather than trying to build up confidence, our leaders to gain a short term advantage allowing them to push through hidden agenda or perhaps to provide cover for their possible failure give us this:

“We’re in an economic crisis as deep and as dire as any since the depression” “Our nation will sink into a crisis that at some point we may be unable to reverse” President Obama

“We will get close to the great depression.” Sen. Max Baucus

“Perched on the edge of a cliff” that without help will fall “off the side of a deep depression” Sen. Byron Dorgan

We are only a few steps away from spiraling down to a depression” The risk of doing nothing could lead to a great depression” Sen. Chuck Schumer

“Our economy is dark, darker, darkest almost” Rep Nancy Pelosi (what the hell does that mean anyway? Sounds like she is talking about chocolate)

Unable to reverse, unable to reverse, of course we can reverse it; we just take the top 10% earners in America and divide up all their life wealth accumulation and start over.

Note that in the spirit of bipartisianship I did not point out that all of the above quotes are from Democratic politicians. :rolleyes::rolleyes: ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/223-disappointed-depressed-yet.html oon the hill http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/222-oon-hill.html Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:23:10 GMT this last week was on thr hill for a day talked to a few reps as well and had some meetings also this last week was on thr hill for a day
talked to a few reps as well and had some
meetings also ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/222-oon-hill.html the stimulassed passed http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/221-stimulassed-passed.html Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:20:57 GMT the us senate passed the stimulas now the question is will this effect getting people pack to work? the us senate passed the stimulas now
the question is will this effect getting people
pack to work? ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/221-stimulassed-passed.html a lot going on http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/220-lot-going.html Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:19:19 GMT have a lot going on at this some decisions to make as well have a lot going on at this
some decisions to make as well ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/220-lot-going.html Suddenly There Was This Door/Ass Connection http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/219-suddenly-there-door-ass-connection.html Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:09:12 GMT Fourteen years in one job is just loitering anyway, right? I was once kicked out of a Sambo's Restaurant for loitering, and I recall being much more upset about that. Is this maturity? Or has the numbness simply not worn off yet?

I am not bitter. The company whips treated me well and fairly, and have pledged to call me back once business improves, or provide me with a glowing letter of recommendation when and if I approach another employer. I can't ask for more than that.

It looks like we'll be moving from Portland much sooner than originally planned. Albuquerque, here we come (or maybe...Guadalajara?)

]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/219-suddenly-there-door-ass-connection.html What We Need is a Little FDR http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/218-what-we-need-little-fdr.html Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:11:11 GMT Oh, no it’s not what you think. What we need is some real *F*ix *D*a *R*ecession. On the other hand, the real FDR did have one thing right; he tried to build people’s confidence to get through the depression. What we have today are politicians including the president doing little but harp... Oh, no it’s not what you think.

What we need is some real Fix Da Recession.

On the other hand, the real FDR did have one thing right; he tried to build people’s confidence to get through the depression. What we have today are politicians including the president doing little but harp on the doom and gloom, which is hardly a way to get people up and spending.

It is hard to accept that a $800 billion package of spending and tax cuts is going to get us moving again when hundreds of billions of that amount is going to be spent by the government on the government.

Then we have things like this one. $15 billion to the Department of Education to “encourage states to raise academic standards, bolster teacher training and undertake more sophisticated testing and data gathering.” Say what? This money is to be spent at the discretion of the Secretary of Education.
Encourage, bolster, more sophisticated, how stimulating does all that sound? :-5

Nevertheless, who can argue with making sure our kids have a better education and who can argue that it is not a good investment for the years ahead, it is. However, the problem is that is has nothing to do with the economy in 2009, 2010 or 2011 or… The problem is that it is $15 billion we do not have to spend, but if we are going spend it anyway, it should be spent on something that gets into the economy before the end of 2009.
I have a few suggestions:

Give every child in the US $1.00 to spend on candy. That will help the local candy store, the supermarket and the local dentist and since mom or dad has to take child to the store that means they spend money doing so. See, it’s simple.

Here’s another, the government should subsidize the cost of popcorn at the movies, I mean talk about a rip off. Do you enjoy paying $5.95 for $.15 worth of corn (without extra butter)? So, if the government paid $5 of the $5.95, you would go to the movies more frequently and Tom Cruise, or Jennifer Aniston would have less of a chance of facing foreclosure, spread the wealth! ;)

See, we have it backwards. Although it is now out of the stimulus package, there was a few million in there to help people stop smoking. Now I ask you how is that a good idea, it is counterproductive. If people stop smoking the recession moves on to the cigarette makers, the person smoking no longer goes to the store where they may purchase something else while buying cigarettes and, here is the big one, the person who stops smoking will likely be healthier and then we have gone and taken money from the economy. See, you have to be careful what you ask for (yes, I am kidding). :(

We don’t need politicians to come up with this stuff, we Americans know how to spend money, just give it to us without filtering it through a half dozen federal and state agencies. Oh wait, that would mean tax cuts, I hope Grandma and Harry aren’t reading this.

So Mr. President, lighten up, you are going to spend lots of money that we don’t have, you are going to get to stimulate us all, but in the mean time, how about a little more of “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” and less of social policy spending that only stimulates democrats from west of the Texas border. :thinking: ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/218-what-we-need-little-fdr.html America Needs Help http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/214-america-needs-help.html Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:24:27 GMT Make no mistake about it, America needs help. What we don’t need is more spending for the simple sake of making sure we are politically correct. If you want to participate in more rewarding stimulation, I have other suggestions. :-3 Recently we added a new target for stimulation, newspapers,... Make no mistake about it, America needs help.
What we don’t need is more spending for the simple sake of making sure we are politically correct. If you want to participate in more rewarding stimulation, I have other suggestions. :-3

Recently we added a new target for stimulation, newspapers, yup in Pennsylvania they are talking about a bailout for a newspaper company. Now unless it is the Star or Inquirer or some other socially acceptable high minded publication, I say forget it.

With not one Republican voting for the so called stimulus package in its current form, the Democrats are in a good position to blame them for the lack of stimulation. Listening to Pelosi and Harry is sufficient stimulation for me, I get so stimulated I forget how many glasses of wine I have had watching the evening news and then I forget why I was so stimulated in the first place.

So here is the deal and you may want to write this down. The US debt and growing deficit is a big deal and sooner or later the bill will come due (and you will pay it). That simply means that taxes will have to go way up and interest rates with them. Keep in mind who we are indebted to. That would be China, India, Russia and Middle Eastern counties, as you may have noticed; those folks are not exactly our closets friends. Think political leverage (after a few glasses of wine). Then think who our Secretary of State is these days, but that’s another story. On the other hand, we may be able to divert contributions to the Clinton library into Treasure Bonds, but I digress. ;)

Then you have the fact that those foreign governments have their own problems, so the question becomes what if there is no one who can or who wants to buy our debt? That my friend is a downright threat to our way of life, our solvency…serious stuff indeed.

So now do you think that willy-nilly spending in the guise of a stimulus to the economy is a good idea? There is no such thing as a short term solution that does not have long term consequences and in this case the stakes are very high.

That would lead us to the idea that while we do indeed have little choice except to spend to get back on track, how is the best way to spend the money. Right now we are increasing entitlements that will never go away and will add to future debt and government dependence (which some cynics believe is intentionally), we are spending on infrastructure that will take 18 months or more to kick in with new jobs and in any case as the economy improves would pick up on its own. We are sending money to the various states which are notorious for mismanaging money, making unaffordable promises and being even more in bed than Congress with special interests, especially, teachers and other public unions. Oh the stories I could tell you.

Let’s think about this. First, we do need to stimulate the economy, we do need to get money into peoples hands as quickly as possible so they spend money (and thhereby increase sales tax revenue, create demand and thus stem the falling number of employed), we do need a long term strategy to pay off our debt and start living within our means. Given it unlikely that Visa or MasterCard will give the federal government a good FICA score, we need an alternative strategy.

And, oh yes, there is the small matter of those pesky other obligations we have entitled ourselves to like Social Security and Medicare.

How would you do all this and still keep control over future spending and revenue and be able to quickly make adjustment as needed?

Here is a thought, you would target tax cuts in a precise manner that will stimulate the economy in the short term, will encourage investment and help those who most need it. Then as things start to pick up it is merely a matter of gradually targeting the tax increases that will surely be necessary in the years ahead and you have not in the process, increased entitlements that will add to the future coming debacle. You also have the ability to intelligently make decisions on exactly what new programs you can afford. Today we are spreading the cash around to anyone who hollers, help, “I am the victim of the economy”…me too and perhaps you too so why don’t we help you…directly.

What kind of taxes to target? Let’s see this is like looking at the menu of a Jersey diner there are so many choices. Let’s start with payroll taxes, with sales tax, income tax, and then move to use the tax code to encourage business investment, lower the corporate tax rate, change how offshore earnings are taxed. Nothing new here of course, but what is new is that it is all visible and controllable and the direct beneficiaries are not some government agency trying to spend the money, but each and every American and each and every business person. And the tax changes are not buried in 7000 pages of legislation otherwise known affectionately as pork.

No, this does not solve our long term problems; it will still take many months to solve the problems of our economy, perhaps years. But what this does is keep the spending visible and easily reversible and that’s the key.

In the rush to solve our current problems through spending, we are creating massive new problems, and those may not be solvable…unless you happen to have a few trillion in the bank you would care to invest in US Treasury and Savings bonds. ;)

What you want to make clear to your elected representatives is that you will not accept actions today that will hurt tomorrow when those who you have elected are long gone into lucrative jobs as lobbyist or making a small fortune on the speaking circuit…and overlooking their own tax obligations. ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/214-america-needs-help.html The Big White Hunter... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/213-big-white-hunter.html Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:05:27 GMT Sometimes a word, phrase or sentence can open up the memory bank and set free, long forgotten incidents. For instance. At the beginning of the month, a female friend telephoned at some unearthly hour of the morning, shouted ‘White Rabbits’ in me ear, then hung up. For whatever reason, this... Sometimes a word, phrase or sentence can open up the memory bank and set free, long forgotten incidents.

For instance. At the beginning of the month, a female friend telephoned at some unearthly hour of the morning, shouted ‘White Rabbits’ in me ear, then hung up. For whatever reason, this verbal attack whisked me back to my childhood days.

We’d been living in Wiltshire for several months (I’d be about six-and-a-half years old) when I, in my childlike wisdom, decided that with father away at the war, what our family really needed was a breadwinner. Someone, who was able to provide the family with a tasty meal or two during the week. It was one thing to eat bread and jam for pudding, but it was a bit sad when at least one day a week, B & J turned up on the menu as a main course: especially the Rhubarb jam. I hated that substance. Why not plumbs. We had plenty of those.

Now - me Mum was no Mother Hubbard. She kept a good cupboard and us kids – well, me and me brother – seldom went to bed with a big hole in our tummies.
But with Mum only getting a few shillings a week army pay, it was hard for her to make ends meet. At least, that always seemed to be the topic of conversation when the relatives came on a visit. There must have been some truth in what they talked about, because – it seemed as though nearly everyone in the world knew that we were poor.
Even Mr Bloggs the butcher helped out. When Mum managed to get a few sausages – which Mr Bloggs kept stored under the counter - he would only ask her for a few pennies, then nodding his head knowingly as they chatted, he’d accept some scraps of paper, torn from a little book that she always carried in her handbag. I often wondered what he used them for.

Anyway, back to the hard-core realisation that I was going to turn my hand to being the ‘Great White Hunter’.
I knew these people existed, ‘cause I’d seen a picture of one in my mates’ comic. He was a big, strong looking man, who feared nothing. He would take on lions and tigers; big horned beasts and slithering snakes. He was one of my heroes and I was going to follow his example.
Thereby was the child’s dream.

I’d seen farm workers – amongst others - passing the house carrying rabbits. Usually they had a pair, sometimes even three or four. My mind shot to level nine and I pictured myself carrying home a long pole, attached to which, could be enough rabbits to last a lifetime. Of course, there was always Dad’s wheelbarrow. If I caught enough, Mum could even sell some and make some money.
Perhaps Mr Bloggs would give Mum a few pennies; and a few scraps of paper for some of them.

It was at this point I fell off cloud nine and landed with a bump.
I’d seen wild rabbits if the fields opposite our house and up on the nearby hill; where the steep banks under the blackberry bushes was festooned with burrow entrances. But I’d never seen anyone catching rabbits. The ‘Big White Hunter’ would have known what to do. He’d have used his gun. Or even his bare hands. But that was no good for me. I only had a toy gun – it didn’t fire real bullets. Perhaps I could use my hands. Then I began to wonder, how do you grab a rabbit when it can run so fast.

In my own small and insignificant way, after much thought and deliberation, I came up with what I considered to be the ideal method; a scheme that my hero, the Big White Hunter would be proud of.
Know doubt, he would pat me on the head and say: - “Well thought out Bobby”.
The plan was - that if I took a few cabbage leaves (‘cause I knew rabbits loved cabbages) and Dad’s big wooden tent-peg mallet, I could put this tasty morsel in front of the burrow and when the rabbit emerged for the feast; - ‘Bonk’. A quick tap on the head would see the goods in the bag – or on the pole.

Back on cloud nine, I gathered the tools of my trade about me and set off for the happy hunting grounds.

On arrival, I lay the trap and with mallet poised in the air, waited patiently for the action to begin. As you will have no doubt already gathered, at that age, I was a bit of a dreamer, so waiting for events to take place, was no hardship. There was much to be considered and I had all the time in the world to make plans for a brighter, wealthier future.

Two or three hours later, with not even a whisker presenting itself at the entrance to the burrow, and a stiff and aching arm screaming to be let off the leash, the hollow rumbling in my tummy denoted the appointed tea-time hour was close at hand.
Deciding that hunting was a skilled job and best left to proper White Hunters, this somewhat disillusioned tycoon set his sights for home and his share of bread and Rhubarb jam.
Ah - the sweet innocence of childhood.

I smiled to myself, turned over and went back to sleep. ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/213-big-white-hunter.html Stimulate This http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/212-stimulate.html Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:33:27 GMT Economic stimulus otherwise known as “grab all you can while you can, nobody is looking” is alive and well. :-1 A quick look at how we got into this mess will show how we are now getting into a bigger mess. Cynical you say, well no, I prefer to think of it as realistic and forward thinking.... Economic stimulus otherwise known as “grab all you can while you can, nobody is looking” is alive and well. :-1

A quick look at how we got into this mess will show how we are now getting into a bigger mess. Cynical you say, well no, I prefer to think of it as realistic and forward thinking.

We got into this economic mess because many Americans did not live within their means, they overspent and over speculated. They thought they could pay for today’s spending spree through the continued unabated growth in value of their homes. They felt that it was their right to have things, including a house, even if logic and simple math showed they could not afford these things.

“Let’s see, you say the mortgage payment is $2500.00 per month, I make $3000.00 per month, do you really think I can afford this?”

“No problem, what are you going to do with the other $500 anyway, besides the value of this house is going up 10% a month and you can sell and make a fortune in a year.” “

Well, you know best, I’ll take it!”:rolleyes:

In other words they borrowed heavily not knowing if they would be able to pay it all back.

If that sounds familiar it should because this is exactly what the federal government is now doing, in short, risking our future in the name of immediate expedience and “getting the economy going again.” Americans thought they could spend their way to happiness, and the federal government thinks it can spend its way to economic prosperity. They couldn’t and it can’t.
In fact, much of what is being spent will not stimulate anything other than special interest pet projects. States are being bailed out of their bad behavior and imprudent spending so they can do it all again. Money is being spent on projects that in the future will require higher local taxes to sustain them. Little is actually being spent to stimulate jobs and that which is will be a long time in coming.

We are in a period of mass hysteria with no one asking the right questions, we accept on faith that which the politicians tell us. With Americans scared, not to mention the rest of the world, it is easy to accept solutions that appear to be making the other guy suffer. The President of the United States feels compelled to speak out about Wall Street bonuses, yeah, get the bad guys…better to look in the mirror. :yh_rotfl

The absence of logic and forethought is pervasive. We move to give the several states the right to set their own auto mileage and pollution standards when all logic tells us that it is far more efficient to set one national standard. That’s why Congress enacted the Employer Retirement Income Security Act in 1974, so there would be federal jurisdiction and not 50 different set of rules when it came to pensions and other employee benefits. Have we lost all logic?

I heard two women, one an official in California, on the radio recently talking about auto mileage and they both said that it was necessary for the states to mandate mileage and pollution standards so that the auto makers would manufacture cars Americans wanted to buy. Think about that for a minute, think again.

What company in the history of the world did not strive to sell what people want to buy? If Americans were clamoring for 35 MPG cars or green cars or electric cars, then every auto manufacturer would be making them and trying to make a profit doing so. If you want people to buy more efficient cars, get the price of gas back up to $4.00 a gallon. Have you been to Rome lately?

The consumer got us into this mess and the consumer has to get us out. It is really that simple. So, how is the consumer going to get us out? Well, first they have to not be scared any longer, and then they have to gradually start spending and the snowball will start rolling up instead of down hill. How do you get consumers to do that? The quickest way is to put money in their pocket so as they gradually spend (even while finally saving a bit more), they also create demand which in turn creates jobs or at the very least in the short run stops the decline in jobs.

There is a vast pool of people who are largely unaffected by the job or even housing markets. They are the retired people. Get a little more cash to them and in a low inflation economy they will spend. Taking slaps at scapegoats on Wall Street or in Detroit isn’t going to solve our problem.

Many people have come up with ideas that deserve more attention than the mad rush to spend money. How about suspending sales taxes in the various states, or suspending payroll taxes for six months, how about more for tax changes that encourage risk taking and investment? There is nothing new here, but while we need to spend money on improved education, and health care and infrastructure regardless of the economy, to couch all of that spending as part of economic stimulus and to now simply throw money at old problems under the guise of the financial crisis is irresponsible, but typical of our politicians.

It will be a long time before we return to the freewheeling spending of the last decade, so forget that and rightly so. Rather, until people forget the lessons of 2008, and 2009 and perhaps 2010, we will see more saving and less spending and moderate growth in the economy and we should be happy at the adjustment. But we will only make even those modest gains if we get money into people’s hands and they spend a good part of it.

And, it really is that simple. So if you think a new road here, a refurbished town park there or a bigger museum in Iowa is going to get us up and running, good luck with that. To solve our really big problems like health care, and Medicare and Social Security and education, we need to make money again not print it. ;) ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/212-stimulate.html said the opening prayer http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/211-said-opening-prayer.html Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:43:17 GMT last sundat at church said the opening prayer it was a blessing to do that last sundat at church said the opening prayer it was
a blessing to do that ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/211-said-opening-prayer.html wintery weather http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/210-wintery-weather.html Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:42:07 GMT we have wintry weather here agan we have wintry weather here agan ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/210-wintery-weather.html a new presidant http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/209-new-presidant.html Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:41:21 GMT now we have a new president that took office hes done a lot so far since hes bee n in there now we have a new president that took office
hes done a lot so far since hes bee n in there ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/209-new-presidant.html Under Pressure http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/208-under-pressure.html Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:55:16 GMT Because I enjoy trying once in a while to stick it to The (pasty white but stupifyingly wealthy) Man, I am right now attempting to burn a copy of a Linux OS called Freespire. I've wanted to try a Linux distribution for some time but have always talked myself out of it; my inner geek only willingly comes out for Battlestar Galactica and movies made from comic books these days. This particular distro is allegedly easy for Windows thralls to use, so I'm gonna give it a shot. I should tell you that I have turned a computer or two into smoking rubble in the past, so if I'm not heard from for awhile (I mean longer than this time), you'll know why.

It's snowing. Excellent.

The missus and I watched Tropic Thunder last night. It was offensive AND funny as Hell, and about thirty minutes too long. Robert Downey Jr. received an Oscar nomination for his role, and he won't win because the Academy doesn't give major category awards for movies like that, else John Belushi would have won at least one Oscar before he "sniffed the long long line". Be that as it may, Robert Downey Jr. is actually very convincing as a black man, albeit a black man stuck in 1975, like he'd just gone AWOL from the set of Starsky and Hutch.

I had an appointment with my doctor this last Friday. My blood pressure was 104/70! That was the second time; I asked the nurse (or the blood pressure technician, or the not-the-doctor -- I never know) to take it a second time, from the other arm, because I didn't believe 104/68. I had to ask if this was acceptable because I'd never heard of that first number ever being lower than 120-something unless it was on one of those hospital shows on The Learning Channel where the patient's blood pressure was low because most of his or her blood was on the floor or on the doctors. I was assured that it was fine, which made me happy because that means I keep taking the hydrochlorothiazide instead of upgrading to one of those medications you see advertized on television where the disclaimer runs longer than the list of benefits for the product itself, and that's with the voice-over guy talking reallyreallyreallyreallyFAST. (Is it my imagination, or is every other ad on television now for either pharmaceuticals or automobiles?) Anyway, I assume my increased physical activity of late is partially responsible for the decrease in blood pressure, so now I have to ramp up the exercise. I have another follow-up scheduled for May, and I seriously want to be as fit as possible by then.

This is apropos of absolutely nothing, but the missus just informed me that over half of charitable donations in this country are given by households earning an income of less than $100,000. I hear this kind of thing and just get all Trotsky up in here. It sort of makes me want to fill the first donation barrel I come across, and then pitch it through the windshield of the nearest luxury car. That's not terribly mature (and I'm actually a big believer in civic order), but I can't help the way I feel. Maybe there's hope yet, though. The next eight years (yeah, I said eight) may see this country started on the road toward the revolution it needs.

(By the way, the missus told me this when I went to the kitchen for more coffee. She's sitting at the dining room table reading the newspaper. She didn't enter the room like a Valkyrie in an opera proclaiming this bit of information. She's not given to impromptu announcements of nonsequiter and unsolicited factoids, like "Sixty-one percent of Albanians enjoy Barry Manilow" or "Mites live on eyelashes!"*. That's usually my thing.)

*This apparently is true, AND, as offered on this website, you can shop for mites at Target!

I'm visiting the gym later this afternoon, where I'll have to squeeze in with the New Year's Resolution crowd. You can spot the members of this group easily; they're the glum-looking ones sitting listlessly on the equipment between sets. Like TEN MINUTES between sets. When I go to the gym I'm a pretty focused guy; I go from machine to machine in one circuit and then go around again. Saves time and keeps me on the move. So when I come across one of these fleshy speed bumps idling on the next machine in my circuit I have to resist the urge to snap them with my towel, particularly if the individual also happens to be talking on a cell phone. What is it about people and these got-damn devices? Are people that afraid to be out of touch for a few freakin' minutes? If we ever do get nuked I suspect the electro-magnetic pulse will kill half of these idiots due to withdrawal, long before the blast wave reaches them. "Hi, it's me, did you see the pretty bright light just now? Hello? HELLO!!?? Oh, GOD!! *uurgk!!*".

Oh my. The missus is offering me pancakes. You may go. *flapping a hand dismissively* ]]> The Rob http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/the-rob/208-under-pressure.html My Friend Bill... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/207-my-friend-bill.html Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:30:16 GMT During my time in the antiques trade, I met and became close friends with, a guy whom we referred to as: Russian Bill… He was a big, powerful looking man, the resemblance to Kaiser Wilhelm I – second to none… Bill always laid claim to being Russian – not German: although he spoke both languages... During my time in the antiques trade, I met and became close friends with, a guy whom we referred to as: Russian Bill… He was a big, powerful looking man, the resemblance to Kaiser Wilhelm I – second to none…
Bill always laid claim to being Russian – not German: although he spoke both languages fluently…

My friend lived in a 7.5 tonne Ford van, which had a Luton top: that part forming the total comfort zone within his property… There was a small gas cooking appliance tucked in one corner, but other than that, the remaining space, was used to transport his horde of antiques, which he sold at fairs and from the back of the van: when chance provided the opportunity… He seldom stayed at our centre for more that a few weeks, before heading off to Ireland, where he spent most of his time…

Bill had few personal possessions – such could be counted on the fingers of one hand…
Two of the most prized, were his stamp collection, which he valued at many thousands of pounds and a ‘hand built’ mechanical model Carousel, which he’d supposedly obtained from an elderly Irish gentleman many years ago…

Measuring about five foot in diameter, that carousel was a work of art, which took a couple of days to piece together, before the clock-work mechanism could be powered up, allowing the machine to revolve, as the lights flashed and the music flowed…
Friend William, often remarked that there would always be a blank ‘sales ticket’ on that piece of equipment – he considered it ‘priceless’…

When news reached us, that the Centre would be closing just before Christmas 1998, Bill – realising his second home from home would no longer exist – started toying with the idea of returning to Russia, where he said he was the owner of a large section of land, that ran adjacent to pine forests and a shallow winding river… Hundreds of square miles; supporting lush grasslands: by all accounts…

“We are both free spirits - come with me Robbie and join in the adventure of a lifetime” he said in his excellent, but very guttural English…
“We can spend the rest of our days, fishing and hunting in the river and forests… We can build a log cabin, to shelter in during the winter months and with no one to disturb us, we can eke out our lives in relative peace”…

“Bill” I replied “It sounds a fantastic idea, but knowing you and something of your past, I can just see someone stepping out from behind a tree, having been waiting for your return for generations, peppering you with lead from a AK-47 - whilst I ran this way and that, trying to duck the bullets”…

He laughed loudly and hollowly… “That’s my boy” - he commented… “Ever the perpetual pessimist…

“Not really” I replied – with the inevitable chuckle… As with your carousel, the ticket on me: reads – ‘priceless’…

From the day the centre closed, I’ve never heard from, or set eyes on Bill again… I do however, often wonder were he eventually finished up… ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/207-my-friend-bill.html Past lives... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/206-past-lives.html Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:53:06 GMT Some years ago, I worked in an Antiques Centre, where, on Saturdays and Sundays, we were inundated with visitors… One particular day a couple walked past me (Mother and Son as it turned out) leaving me in a position of having my back towards them… Without doubt, I had this overpowering feeling,... Some years ago, I worked in an Antiques Centre, where, on Saturdays and Sundays, we were inundated with visitors…
One particular day a couple walked past me (Mother and Son as it turned out) leaving me in a position of having my back towards them…

Without doubt, I had this overpowering feeling, that I was being talked about and, turning round, I saw friend Gwen talking to the couple and pointing in my direction… I strolled up to them and asked if I could be of assistance…

Gwen smiled and said: “Not really… These people asked if you were psychic, because they’d got a fantastic buzz as they walked past you”…
Apparently, they were visitors to the area, who were attending a psychic convention the following day…

We chatted for a few minutes, with me insisting I was not of that nature, but I was, very spiritually minded; which put me in a position where I considered reincarnation to be a truth: rather than a belief…
I furthered that, by saying that I felt strong connections with a Native American culture and would be interested if either of them, could provided me with a date or time commensurate to my having lived that lifestyle…

They wandered off; making their way to the New Age department and it was whilst they were in there: that I experienced tremors running down my spine… Three times it occurred in as many minutes…

As the couple were leaving, I asked them if they’d uncovered anything significant because (as I put it to them) I’d felt three surges of energy sweep across me, the second, being the most powerful… Could either of them associate that with a date, time or place…

For a few seconds: they both looked stunned – as though they’d turned to stone…
Then the mother said: “We’ll be back to see you after the convention”…
Sadly – they never returned…

To this day, I know without doubt, that the suggested connection with the past is as relevant: as life is today… But the when and where: will probably precede me to the grave… ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/206-past-lives.html Miracles can Happen... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/204-miracles-can-happen.html Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:21:52 GMT I am a single universe, within the uncharted, galactic elements of existence... That which I see and know is but a single facet of reality... Part truth: part imagination... From the inner darkness of mortal existence, to the realms of the light of experience, I must travel across the void of... I am a single universe, within the uncharted, galactic elements of existence...
That which I see and know is but a single facet of reality... Part truth: part imagination...

From the inner darkness of mortal existence, to the realms of the light of experience, I must travel across the void of deception and unawareness; to savor the irrefutable realism and perfection of all that is: and ever will be... ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/204-miracles-can-happen.html <![CDATA['Aspects of Love'...]]> http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/203-aspects-love.html Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:47:19 GMT I think that to understand love, one must first really appreciate the concept of ‘giving’ in its truest form. I say this, because unless one fully understands giving, how can love be prescribed. Giving, to me, is as important as love. Because giving, in its truest form, is love. If you can... I think that to understand love, one must first really appreciate the concept of ‘giving’ in its truest form. I say this, because unless one fully understands giving, how can love be prescribed.

Giving, to me, is as important as love. Because giving, in its truest form, is love. If you can give, without thought of rewards of any kind, you have a good foundation from which to start on the pathway to love. Give, for the joy of giving – not for envisaged rewards.

When, or if I give - I seek nothing in return. There are no thorns concealed within my bouquet. That given can be accepted, rejected or passed on to another, by whatever means. Somewhere along the line, someone will benefit from that which is given. Recompense presents itself, in the joy of having been privileged, able and willing to give.

To give is a privilege - not something to be considered as an afterthought.
That being so, one may then turn their attention to aspects of love.
Love, is an all giving, all embracing, all understanding, combination of feeling and thought, that encapsulates the very concepts of the Heart, Spirit and Soul. A trinity; not unlike that spoken of: by some theological idealists.

If love can be given, that reflects those attributes; surely it is a love that knows no bounds. Those who do not accept, or choose to reject love of this nature, may search for a lifetime, but will never find anything to match its determination or sincerity.

These thoughts are of course, only my way of looking at, or understanding love. Others may have different ideas, ideals or values.

But for me, what I think and feel goes a long way towards giving me peace of mind; in the knowledge and understanding that at least I have given all I can: to the ‘Aspects of Love’...

Robbie.... ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/203-aspects-love.html There for me... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/202-there-me.html Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:37:15 GMT It took place in January 1987, on the beach at Skegness - Lincolnshire... It was a terrible night, with a freezing North-Easterly wind, coming in off the North Sea... The NLBI boat had been launched on a rescue mission and waiting for its return in those conditions, was one of the most grueling... It took place in January 1987, on the beach at Skegness - Lincolnshire...

It was a terrible night, with a freezing North-Easterly wind, coming in off the North Sea... The NLBI boat had been launched on a rescue mission and waiting for its return in those conditions, was one of the most grueling experiences I'd encountered since joining the news-team...

I'd been on the beach for close on two hours, with the lifeboat, that was supposedly due to arrive at any minute, running well behind its reported ETA...
Suddenly, the vessel appeared out of the gloom, with those waiting to assist in its landing and the transfer of any saved souls - moving forward...
I did that which was required of me (pictures of the rescued) and turned to leave the beach: thus making my way back to my car...

It was then, I suddenly realized, how little remaining bodily strength and energy I had left... I was, quite literally, at zero rating... My legs were that numb, I could hardly move and the realization suddenly hit me that my whole body was shaking with desperation, attempting to maintain that last ounce of inner warmth...

At that moment, the blizzard started... Large flakes of snow, whipped up in a fury by the relentless wind, felt like battering rams on my semi-frozen skin... Unable to see where I was going I struggled on, a few feet at a time, then resting to try and keep some form of composure...
Sleep - I began to think, might be the answer... Or - if only I could sit down and rest for a few moments - the snow might stop and all would be well...
I could feel my body beginning to loose the ability to go any further - and at that shallow trough of endurance: I cared little...

I was on the verge of giving up, when he appeared by my side... An elderly gentleman, with long gray hair and a beard to match...
"I think you need a hand my son" said this stranger, as he reached out and took my arm...

I felt lifted up, as though being carried along by some unseen force... Within minutes, I was stood at the side of my car... The lights along the promenade, dimly illuminating a world - that a few moments previously - hadn't existed… Why; or how he knew that vehicle was mine: I've no idea... No words had been exchanged what-so-ever...

The man spoke for only the second time... "You are safe now" - and with that: he released my arm...
I lifted my head to thank my rescuer for his timely assistance... There was no one there... Apart from me - the street was empty...

I know; without doubt: it was my guardian Spirit that led me to safety...
It was that same Spirit that gave me the strength and determination to survive and guided me through the traumas of cancer: some three months later...

There’s no doubt in my mind, that in many different ways, we all have a guardian… A supreme entity who is there for us: in times of need...

Robbie… ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/202-there-me.html <![CDATA['Cool Kat'...]]> http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/200-cool-kat.html Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:45:22 GMT All cats have their own special way of saying ‘Hello’ when meeting someone: for the first time. A quick rub around the legs, the occasional meow. But in general, it’s geared up to the ‘all fuss and let’s be good buddies approach’. I’ve had plenty of that in my time, and love it. But ‘Kats’... All cats have their own special way of saying ‘Hello’ when meeting someone: for the first time.
A quick rub around the legs, the occasional meow. But in general, it’s geared up to the ‘all fuss and let’s be good buddies approach’. I’ve had plenty of that in my time, and love it. But ‘Kats’ entry into my life came with a bit of a shock.

Working in my car repair garage and laid flat on my back under a car with a gearbox balanced on my chest - prior to the said item being slotted into the back-end of a car engine – was not the best position to be in, when this savage moggy walked into my workshop for the first time and took an immediate dislike to my head.
To this day, I don’t know why she took exception to my crop of black (turning grey) hair.
Was it my shampoo, my hair lacquer, or the odd flakes of falling dandruff - that may have looked like miniature moths - which provoked her savagery?
Could the sight of my crop have aroused memories of a chance encounter with an over-amorous black, dappled tomcat? I’ll never know.

Having my hands full as she strolled past me, I did what I considered was the next best thing.
I brushed my head against her back legs. A kind of stroking action: a sign of affection – or so I thought.
Big mistake! Kat spun around. Her ears set well back, fangs protruding like those of a striking cobra, she snarled, spat at me, and launched a claw-racking attack on my head.
The gearbox went one way and I went the other. Kat just sat there, hissing like ‘Super Syd’.
The initial onslaught over, I got to my feet and Kat made a dash for the door. But she didn’t scarper completely. She just sat outside in the sunshine, washing her face as though nothing had happened.

I’d always been a cat-lover, so I wasn’t going to let this brief encounter spoil what I hoped might become a worthwhile relationship. So I did my best to foster a good rapport by regular feeding and the occasional treat that included the best-tinned salmon.

Kat responded well to the treatment, making the garage her home base, where she would pass the time of day sat close by, watching me repairing cars and vans. The friendship blossomed, with stroking and the sharing of lunchtime sandwiches a regular occurrence. But offering the ‘head-piece’ when working under a vehicle was a definite: no-no.

It wasn’t until ‘Baskerville’ arrived on one of his infrequent visits, that I realised the remarkable bond that had developed between Kat and me.
‘Baskerville’ – a name I thought best suited the creature - was a big scruffy mongrel that belonged to a neighbouring farmer.
On several occasions the savage beast had me pinned against a wall, its razor sharp teeth raking at my legs and ankles, as I’d desperately try to defend myself with whatever came to hand at that time.
Turning ones back in an attempt to gain safe haven, was like offering the monster a pre-packed lunch. So, caught out in the open on this occasion, with little more than a pair of pliers and an oily rag to defend my lower portions and dignity, it seemed as though I’d been given a first class ticket to hell.

‘Baskerville’ snarled and moved in for the kill. I mouthed off a few feeble expletives, which the animal obviously didn’t understand. This time I was convinced that he was going for the jugular; I had a mental picture of the ‘Grim Reaper’ standing at my shoulder, laughing hollowly.

But this time it was different. Unbeknown to me, help was at hand. A black furry bundle of spitting, clawing fury projected itself from inside the garage. A high velocity power pack, which hit ‘Baskerville’ straight between the eyes: like a supercharged cannonball.
The conflict was a complete miss-match, with Kat the obvious champion.

The savage beast had met his match, beating a hasty retreat with Kat, clawing and spitting as she chased him down the road, through the hedge and across the field towards the farm.
She returned ten minutes later, padding her way through the garage doors as though nothing had happened.
She sat down and tucked her front paws under her chest. I sat there with her and produced sandwiches from the lunch-box.
I stroked her fondly. “Thanks old buddy… Do you fancy a bite to eat?”

© Robert Dalziel 2003/Robbie D 2003 ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/200-cool-kat.html Helping hands... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/199-helping-hands.html Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:17:42 GMT In my younger days, I lived in a village called Dilton Marsh, which was in Wiltshire... In the field opposite the house - was a small pond... This pond proved to be a never-ending source of interest, amusement and pleasure for me and some of my friends. For the most part, the pool itself was... In my younger days, I lived in a village called Dilton Marsh, which was in Wiltshire... In the field opposite the house - was a small pond...

This pond proved to be a never-ending source of interest, amusement and pleasure for me and some of my friends.
For the most part, the pool itself was about twelve foot across and about fourteen feet long, with a natural depth of about six inches. However, to us kids, it was a vast expanse of water that provided us with a multitude of possibilities.

It would be the high seas if we were sailing our boats. Battleships made from bits of tree-bark or twigs. Pirate ships, constructed from old matchboxes; sporting a burnt-out match and paper sail. Submarines, engineered from waterlogged strips of wood; that would move gracefully, just below the surface of the water.

It was also a natural aquarium that gave refuge to a host of fascinating creatures. Large water beetles and newts were common species. On hot, calm days, or warm summer evenings, long-legged skimmers would perform acrobatic feats on the waters surface, racing around the pond, in what appeared to be a never-ending, un-necessary frenzy.
Their tiny pinpoint legs, made dimpled impressions in the water's surface, without ever puncturing its fabric, and we, as children, marvelled at this capability. They seemed to accomplish nothing. Who knows! In their small world, perhaps the essence of life was dependant on doing much yet achieving little.

Each year, as winter changed to spring, and Mother Nature turned her thoughts to the responsibility of amphibian creation, I – and a couple of like-minded buddies – rolled up our sleeves and took on the task of providing a better environment for that, which we knew was about to take place. Yes! It was frog-spawning season.

I’m sure most people have seen and the more brave hearted, handled frogspawn. But looking back, the quantity and quality of frogspawn produced in ‘our’ pond, should have had a mention in the big book of records. But this didn’t happen by chance. Nature needed assistance and us kids were always there to lend a helping hand.
At the lower end of this natural reservoir, nearest the entrance to the field stood two enormous willow trees and it was between these trees, water would escape to the underground drainage system. With the spawning season near to hand, effort was needed to ensure there was sufficient water in the pond, for the frogs to produce the next generation of their kind.

Our small workforce – well, two or three dedicated bodies - worked with the enthusiasm and skill of the beaver. Large sods of earth were carried to the pond, and, mingled with twigs, scrounged pieces of wood and hessian sacking, a strong dam-like structure would be erected between the two willow trees. The banks of the pond also received remedial treatment. Any sections that had been damaged by cattle, throughout the previous summer period, being rebuilt with turf. With the completion of this structural work, the level of the water would rise within days, promoting an overall depth of at least two foot.

Over the next few weeks, visits to the pond would be made daily; the first sighting of frogspawn hailed as a just reward for all our labours. This spawning process seemed to go on for weeks, the enormous clusters of jelly, with their tiny black spots, eventually filling the pond shore-to-shore; top to bottom. In fact, there was so much, us lads really believed that all the frogs in England would have come to our pond to lay their eggs. I thought at the time, I could have filled my dad’s wheelbarrow with frogspawn several times over and not even noticed where it had come from. Running ones hands through the jelly and lifting handfuls from the water to enable a closer examination was a sheer delight.

As the days and weeks past, a careful watch on proceedings, would see the growth of the black spot into something that looked like a comma and finally, the small, encapsulated creature, eating its way out of the jelly bubble as it developed into a tadpole.

At this stage, the pond would really come to life, as the seething mass of tadpoles, exercising their newfound freedom, sought out and devoured the remaining jelly-like substance from which they had emerged. This, their natural food, would, of course, soon become exhausted and the need for a more common and stable diet was something these tiny creatures had yet to discover.

The next stage would be just as captivating. The tadpole would develop four small stumps on the sides of its body, the tail would begin to shrink and the bulbous head, take on a familiar frog-like shape. Within a couple of weeks the transformation was complete and there, in all its glory, would be a perfectly formed baby frog, about half the size of an adult’s fingernail.

This annual event was heralded as the highlight of our year and, once the mass exodus of baby frogs out into the big wide world had taken place, we’d consider our task complete and our endeavours would be focused in other directions.

Ends

© Robert Dalziel 2003/Robbie D 2003 ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/199-helping-hands.html Kitty Capers.... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/198-kitty-capers.html Sun, 18 Jan 2009 06:10:34 GMT If you wanna see: personality, charm, affection, rejection, niceness, naughtiness and a host of manipulative trends and skills, used to unsurpassed advantage – then get yourself a moggy. You’ll be in for a treat. Back in the 1940’s our family lived in a large house, which had at some stage... If you wanna see: personality, charm, affection, rejection, niceness, naughtiness and a host of manipulative trends and skills, used to unsurpassed advantage – then get yourself a moggy.

You’ll be in for a treat.

Back in the 1940’s our family lived in a large house, which had at some stage in its history been both a pub and a farmhouse. So it wasn’t surprising that we had our fair share of mice in the attic, pantry and other rooms that, in the dim and distant past, had formed the basis of a farming domain. So father was of the opinion that a farm cat was needed to bring these little rascals under some sort of control.

That’s when ‘Tiddles’ came on the scene. One hundred and one percent feral, she was blacker than a chimney-sweeps flue-brush and possessed an aggressive nature, better suited to a rattlesnake. The only way she could be handled, was by wearing a pair of thick leather gloves, and a jacket with padded sleeves. Even at that, she had to be held at arms length. Father eventually tamed the beast, and the cat took its rightful place as the fifth member of the family.

And what a performer she proved to be. Mice couldn’t wait to get away. Within a month, it was as though the Pied Piper of Hamlin had paid us a personal visit. Not a mouse in the house.

But it wasn’t just vermin that fell foul of Tiddles. Dogs were another of her pet hates.
She would run the length of the back yard, leap over a five foot high gate, attacking any dog who was unfortunate enough to be caught violating our roadside frontage. A flurry of fluff and fur would see the dog in full retreat and Tiddles sat licking her lips: a look of complete satisfaction on her face. A bold cat who feared nothing. Man or beast.
She loved bread and milk for breakfast and ate the same as us at other times. One day she disappeared and father said she had gone to catch the mice in heaven.

Years later, I owned a car repair business and was frequented by an old black moggy, which took up residence and became known as ‘Kat’.
She too had a fearsome personality and would chase dogs – even when accompanied by their owners.
On one such occasion, an un-suspecting mother, complete with shopping, her baby in a pushchair and a Spaniel on a lead, were chased down the road by Kat, with me in hot pursuit, trying to bring the onslaught under control.

But Kat was a loving mother, who having produced three kittens in the roof of an adjacent building, brought them down one at a time, hiding them behind equipment in the next workshop to mine until they were ready to face the world.
It took a lot of patience, but eventually, we all became good buddies. Her brood, well able to fend for themselves, Kat departed and was seen at a later date, with another litter, but this time, in a shed at the rear of a local shop. She seemed contented doing the rounds. Her former family? They were all found good homes.

Later in life I became friends with Jasper. A ginger and white Tom-cat.
As he aged and developed, Jassie took on the class and style of a cultured gentleman. He acquired a sophisticated and debonair attitude, devoid of boundaries when it came to 'tarting' for attention or affection.
Yet he would only be my friend when ‘he’ thought it appropriate, or ‘he’ wanted his food. At other times, it was as though I didn’t exist.

Jasper liked a bit of fuss, when ‘he’ felt in the mood. In fact his behavioural patterns towards me, became a topic of conversation within the family circle. He would stride across the room, jump upon my lap, lie down and look at me as though to say: ‘ Ok pal, where do we go from here.’
I made up a little song about Jassie, which I would sing when he became settled, the last line of which, would be sung completely out of tune; and in the manner and pitch of a howling dog. Jasper hated this.
You could see it in his eyes and his expression. Sung once, the song was accepted; it was part of our game. But if sung twice in succession, he would get up, jump to the floor and walk slowly from the room. This sing-song caper was eventually abandoned, when on one occasion, Jasper jumped up, spat at me, slapped me around the face with both paws, then ran from the room.
One of his more scary ploys was to climb out of the bedroom window, jump down onto the porch roof, and then use the heads or shoulders of any passer-by to complete his journey onto terra firma.

When he was about three years old, it was considered appropriate for Jassie to have a sister. That’s when Molly arrived on the scene.
She was a black and white ball of fluff, that never seemed to grow much bigger than an over-sized child’s earmuff.
She put Jaspers nose out completely. He disappeared for two days and when he did return, he ate very little food for a couple of weeks. He never really knew what to make of Molly. She would snatch up anything resembling food and drag it away, growling like a dog. It was impossible to feed her by hand – that’s if you valued your pinkies. Because Molly would take the hand with the food still attached. She wasn’t fussy. Food was food to Molly.
Because of her size, she was rather inconspicuous and more than a little prone to getting trodden underfoot or sat upon.
More than once, I’ve received a frantic phone call from the family, bewailing the fact that the cat had been squashed beyond recognition. But somehow, it was never as bad as it seemed and Molly survived all these encounters with fate. The big round eyes, in the wide fluffy face, always displaying that same blank look of bewilderment.

Following the departure of both Jasper and Molly, in what seemed a very short space of time, a visit to our local cat rescue centre provided us with ‘The Boys.’ Henry, affectionately known as ‘Bones’ and Ronnie, nicknamed ‘The Rat’, were identical twins: both as black as twist tobacco. A not so dynamic duo on arrival, but within weeks, both developed traits, trends and personalities that sometimes made the mind boggle.

How for instance, soon after their arrival, did they get into the needlework room and create havoc in the wool collection baskets, when the door to that room was securely closed?
Or, how did they get at the bauble encrusted Christmas tree that stood in the lounge, when the same thing applied? Decorations were found strewn across the floor and the Christmas tree fairy, in total disarray.
They were only kittens; just a few month old.
How did they manage to achieve so much devastation in such secure surroundings?
Observing them carefully over the next few weeks provided the answer. One would stretch up and lean on the door; the other would leap in the air and claw at the flat door-handle. It was a work of art. Even at such a young age, they were experts in the field of naughtiness.

Those early days of climbing into supermarket carrier bags, prior to dashing around the room because everything in the world had disappeared, have given way to capers and escapades, which lean more towards some form of psychological warfare.
Henry would pad up and down, like some absent-minded professor.
Ronnie however, just sits and waits in anticipation, for whatever will come next in life.
Ron’s the one who will hide quietly in the waste-paper bin at throwing out time, unlike Henry, who always says ‘Meow - Hi’ when anyone walked into the room. Both have their funny, whimsical ways, that seem to convey their innermost thoughts and feelings and we’re looking forward to many more years of pleasure with the boys.

For a long time, I’d been under the impression, that many of these quirky little habits and the associated behavioural patterns displayed by my moggies: were unique to my animals.
But in one of her books on felines, expert Gwen Bohnenkamp assures her readers that most (if not all) idiosyncrasies displayed by our pets, are quite natural: all trends, traits and habits having logical explanations…

But it’s still nice to think our cats are somewhat special, not only in what they do, but the way they do it.

That’s why, in our garden, we created an area known as ‘The Sanctuary’. Here, growing in profusion, are roses, ferns and other attractive plants, which represent the very essence of the feline companions we have loved: and lost.

© Robert Dalziel 2003/Robbie D 2003 ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/198-kitty-capers.html Piece on Earth http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/197-piece-earth.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:30:39 GMT I remember this guy, quite popular in many quarters as I recall. Depending on your point of view he was great at his job or an immoral philanderer and while one could make a case that he could easily be both and one matters and the other doesn’t, I personally found the debate exacerbating because I... I remember this guy, quite popular in many quarters as I recall. Depending on your point of view he was great at his job or an immoral philanderer and while one could make a case that he could easily be both and one matters and the other doesn’t, I personally found the debate exacerbating because I can’t separate the two, but as they say that is water under the bridge. On the other hand we seem to have found a new bridge to cross. This same fellow is again in the limelight as his formerly disrespected spouse seeks high office on her own.

We now learn that Mr. Big not only has trouble with his pants zipper, but apparently with his wallet pocket as well. Perhaps it is not unexpected that a rogue who can get away with seducing an intern will have the same success seducing cash from foreign governments, dictators and assorted others seeking favors and preferential treatment from the US and its politicians. Not unexpected yes, but also acceptable as well?

When our friend demeaned the highest office in the land and perhaps the world, we heard it had nothing to do with his job and his defenders simply ignored the potential impact of compromising his office, or the potential for blackmail and the like. Dare I say there were a few of us who simply saw it as immoral and indicative of a defective personality? Now, we are back to square one and apparently we are willing to accept that close ties with assorted governments and individuals seeking favored status is not relevant between spouses.

But wait, let’s not be quick to judge, I suspect that there has been little pillow talk between this couple for a number of years so perhaps we have found a more profound meaning for the term “safe sex.” Perhaps being “cut off” will help save the free world. Let’s just hope this woman is as strong willed as we think she is. I’d hate to think that a peace deal in the Mideast will be influenced by a piece deal in Westchester County. ;) ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/197-piece-earth.html homesafe and sound http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/196-homesafe-sound.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:53:07 GMT wanted to praise the lord for bringing my sister and her husband home safe and sound. wanted to praise the lord for bringing my sister and her husband home safe and sound. ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/196-homesafe-sound.html five presidants http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/195-five-presidants.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:51:24 GMT today in the white house there were five presidants a historical moment! today in the white house there were
five presidants a historical moment! ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/195-five-presidants.html happy new year http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/194-happy-new-year.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:49:30 GMT wow here we are in 2009 now hard to believe it where is the time going these days now. wow here we are in 2009 now hard to believe it
where is the time going these days now. ]]> thomas40 http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/thomas40/194-happy-new-year.html The Liberal Heart at Peace http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/193-liberal-heart-peace.html Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:51:14 GMT U.S. liberals have an aura of helping the underdog, the “working” family, righting wrongs and a general concern for the welfare of the masses. Those are goals hard to argue with to be sure. But it’s not the what, it’s the how in achieving these goals that matters. :thinking: Thinking on this... U.S. liberals have an aura of helping the underdog, the “working” family, righting wrongs and a general concern for the welfare of the masses. Those are goals hard to argue with to be sure. But it’s not the what, it’s the how in achieving these goals that matters. :thinking:

Thinking on this for a moment I recall several social strategies with worthy goals that seem to have backfired and one has to wonder why,

The system has been manipulated to:

 Allow lower income and some minority groups to obtain credit and buy homes they could not and cannot afford

 Children who fail to learn are socially promoted to the next grade just to get them through the system

 Students unqualified for college work are allowed into college

 Widespread government-run gambling is substituted for honest budget and tax management

No doubt there are many other examples. So what is the point, the point is simply that treating a symptom is not finding a cure and that short-sighted “solutions” to problems that are no solution will create larger problems down the road. Every one of the above examples has long term implications, create disappointment and disenfranchisement and in many ways rather than solve a problem, make it worse. What value is there in having a child graduate high school functionally illiterate, or for a family with a home they cannot afford, or a student accepted to a college unable to do any advanced study?

This is not progress; it is manipulation of people so other people can feel good. Tough love has its place. I remember when I was a kid seeing the black people in our town who otherwise had very little riding around in a Cadillac. We couldn’t afford a Cadillac, how could they? We even had a rather crude and definitely not politically correct name for such cars. Then you would see the condition of these cars rapidly deteriorate because there was no money to maintain or repair them, but they had the status of driving a Cadillac. :driving:

It was years later that I figured out that it is not in the having that matters, but the ability to have. It’s like cheating in school, sure you passed the test and even graduated and then what, a rather hollow victory it seems, you beat the system and screwed yourself in the process. Who was the second President of the US again?

When I was eighteen, I vowed I would own a Mercedes someday; my father was a car salesman and sold these cars. About ten years ago when my youngest child was about to graduate college I went out and leased a car at the low end of the Mercedes line. I drove to his graduation in the car and was riding on cloud nine all the while. Then it hit me. Not only was it not such a big deal, but I too was fooling myself, what did leasing accomplish? I still couldn’t afford to buy the car. I had not reached my goal after all.

So, if a person gets into college because some government program lowers standards or sets quotas, did that person achieve his or her goal or are they cheating themselves as well? If the system allows me to buy a house I struggle to make payments on each month with no hope of succeeding and no money left for insurance or clothing or even much food, who is kidding who? :thinking:

But the liberal heart is at peace. Today I could buy that Mercedes, but I haven’t. It turns out there really are far more important things in life than stuff to show off…as much of America is finding out. :-3 ]]> QUINNSCOMMENTARY http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/quinnscommentary/193-liberal-heart-peace.html Death - is a celebration... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/192-death-celebration.html Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:24:09 GMT Death - is a celebration of a life that was… It is also the beginning of an end, from where and when; the circle of life reveals itself: yet again - as the soul and spirit: transcend to a new beginning… For all that moves on, becomes a part of that which was, returning once more - with the... Death - is a celebration of a life that was… It is also the beginning of an end, from where and when; the circle of life reveals itself: yet again - as the soul and spirit: transcend to a new beginning…

For all that moves on, becomes a part of that which was, returning once more - with the passing of time - to that: which is…

Thus... Look for me not: where you think I am… But feel my presence: in all that surrounds you… ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/192-death-celebration.html A shift in perspective... http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/191-shift-perspective.html Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:49:35 GMT Is it possible, that people’s ideologies might be detrimental to their daily way of life, their spiritual progress or enlightenment, without them being fully aware; that such is - or could be: the case??? What brought this to mind, is that on infrequent occasions, I’ve noted people changing... Is it possible, that people’s ideologies might be detrimental to their daily way of life, their spiritual progress or enlightenment, without them being fully aware; that such is - or could be: the case???

What brought this to mind, is that on infrequent occasions, I’ve noted people changing course (so to speak) in given situations, that seem to have been prompted by a shift in perspective, that focussed their attention on alternative or diametric principles; and thus: objectives…

Such transfers of thought and direction (as illustrated in my research) would appear to have monumental affects and influence, far beyond, above and below an individual's own pastures of resignation…

Might it be prudent to tread lightly, allowing one to move forward cautiously into the unknown, or is it more appropriate to advance promptly, accepting (without reservation) whatever consequences might be forthcoming…

Given such an event, even intuitive thought might fail to substantiate a rational answer to such a conundrum… Or would it??? ]]> robbie_d http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/blogs/robbie_d/191-shift-perspective.html