I go to the dentist for a cleaning every 6 months without fail. I get them cleaned. I tell the truth about my inability to floss on a regular basis. I suffer the comments about my crappy fillings I got when I was 12.
I had a deep cleaning today. If you've never had this done, basically they seriously rip into your gums and teeth.
That wasn't the worse part.
After I was done, after the next appointment was scheduled, I was surprised with a $22 charge and an envelope.
The envelope contained a letter stating they my dentist was no longer a "preferred provider" with my dental insurance. No wonder they didn't mail me that letter. I would have cancelled my torture appointment.
--I prefer my torture to be in plan, thank you!
Laughter is the Best...
It's not that often that a comic makes me laugh out loud in the good old knee slapper kinda way. Well today I was reading Dilbert and one just struck me as face-hurt funny.
Almost there...
Our new hot tub got delivered yesterday. It was way easier to get it back there than I thought. I had measured 5 times and was sure it would fit through the gate but when the truck pulled up the thing looked huge. The guys that brought it were real pros. It was set up in about 15 mins.
But no power.
I can't find and line up an electrician to hook up the damn thing.
So it sits out there like a reminder of my life before Brenda found me: Cold and empty...
--Oh the Humanity!!
But no power.
I can't find and line up an electrician to hook up the damn thing.
So it sits out there like a reminder of my life before Brenda found me: Cold and empty...
--Oh the Humanity!!
Cars and Karma
So I bought another car today. As I was driving home from the dealership I was thinking about how I seem to measure and mark the passing of my life by the cars I drive.
My 1970 Dodge Dart was Freedom made real. My Pinto was a folly. My Cavilers payments lasted twice as long as my first marriage. My Volvo Wagon drove me back from the edge of despair. My Mazda pickup was a harbinger. My Saab was soaked in pain and my Astro full of laughter and magic.
That brings me to my 2000 Saturn.
Its a simple car, an automatic and easy on my knee. It has room for four comfortably. It has a nice stereo and it fills it with music. It goes a long way on a gallon of gas. Its gold.
This car will see me get married for the last time. I will teach my daughter to drive in this car. I will tell Brenda I Love her several thousand times in this car. As it drives us into the future what will this car be soaked in?
...Inner peace.
My 1970 Dodge Dart was Freedom made real. My Pinto was a folly. My Cavilers payments lasted twice as long as my first marriage. My Volvo Wagon drove me back from the edge of despair. My Mazda pickup was a harbinger. My Saab was soaked in pain and my Astro full of laughter and magic.
That brings me to my 2000 Saturn.
Its a simple car, an automatic and easy on my knee. It has room for four comfortably. It has a nice stereo and it fills it with music. It goes a long way on a gallon of gas. Its gold.
This car will see me get married for the last time. I will teach my daughter to drive in this car. I will tell Brenda I Love her several thousand times in this car. As it drives us into the future what will this car be soaked in?
...Inner peace.
Sushi and Sunshine
I had lunch today with a couple friends I use to work with. We had Sushi and the wasabi was mighty powerful. The people at my new job "Don't do Sushi". It was my favorite. Buffet!
Anyway as we were talking the topic came around to living off the grid. For years I have been interested in the topic. Solar power, 12 volt systems, firewood for heat the whole list. I have many books about cabin and cottage building. I have some on alternate building methods like earth shelters, log-end cabins, even tree houses.
This weekend I am going to search the shelves and collect them together once again.
--I'll sit down with some nice granola and have a good read.
Anyway as we were talking the topic came around to living off the grid. For years I have been interested in the topic. Solar power, 12 volt systems, firewood for heat the whole list. I have many books about cabin and cottage building. I have some on alternate building methods like earth shelters, log-end cabins, even tree houses.
This weekend I am going to search the shelves and collect them together once again.
--I'll sit down with some nice granola and have a good read.
What's Important?
Unlike every other Bloger in the known universe, tonight I won't be discussing Terry Schiavo or the school killings in Minnesota. I am going to discuss something really important:
Last night, my daughter asked me what the word "n*gger" means.
I have an open policy about asking for definitions. She can ask me anything and I will tell her what it means as well as any other additional connotations it might carry.
I asked he where she was hearing this word. She said kids on the bus were calling other kids this name. The weird part is the kids that are being insulted with this name are all Arabs. Sheesh.
After that ordeal was over and my face finally cooled from blushing she said, "Dad, what does c*nt mean?"
--I'll be blushing for a week.
Last night, my daughter asked me what the word "n*gger" means.
I have an open policy about asking for definitions. She can ask me anything and I will tell her what it means as well as any other additional connotations it might carry.
I asked he where she was hearing this word. She said kids on the bus were calling other kids this name. The weird part is the kids that are being insulted with this name are all Arabs. Sheesh.
After that ordeal was over and my face finally cooled from blushing she said, "Dad, what does c*nt mean?"
--I'll be blushing for a week.
My views on the Terri Schiavo mess
First of all Terri is not brain dead. She is aware of her surroundings. This should be the end of the discussion. Sure her quality of life sucks but that's personal, it doesn't require the full congress to decide. Her husband should divorce her and move on. I understand he is living with another woman already. Her parents want to care for her. That's fine, let them.
It should never have gotten this far. Is the media this bored?
--Why the hell is the full congress wasting time on this?
It should never have gotten this far. Is the media this bored?
--Why the hell is the full congress wasting time on this?
Pondering Energy Today
As prices at the pump increase, legislation passes to allow drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, my monthly budget fuel to get to work daily tops $500 a month, and talks with friends abound, I ponder energy.
I have always been interested in energy independence. One day I plan to have a cabin off the grid all together. I have also been thinking of getting a hybrid car for my commute. I have been looking at the Toyota Prius. 60 mpg in a 4 door sedan. It should save me as much money a month as the car payment would be. The thought started as a simple way to save money because my damn van only gets 16mpg.
But on a larger scale I was wondering how best to break the fossil fuel habit all together. It's worse than addiction to heroin. We can't stop wanting our massive H2 HUVs. There is too much money to be made. Our country has blown 100 billion dollars so far on the war in Iraq. What if our country spent 100 Billion dollars on energy research. What if we focused on true energy independence? Wouldn't it defuse the power held by these petty tyrants in the middle east and elsewhere? In fact we have better technology already. The hydrogen fuel cell cars are efficient and produce water and oxygen as exhaust. All the wind and solar energy that is wasted daily is ridiculous.
We need to create the demand for these things. The only way they will ever happen is for it to make someone money, big money. So the next time you consider a new car, at least look at the new hybrids first. Maybe even a Mini-Cooper...
I have always been interested in energy independence. One day I plan to have a cabin off the grid all together. I have also been thinking of getting a hybrid car for my commute. I have been looking at the Toyota Prius. 60 mpg in a 4 door sedan. It should save me as much money a month as the car payment would be. The thought started as a simple way to save money because my damn van only gets 16mpg.
But on a larger scale I was wondering how best to break the fossil fuel habit all together. It's worse than addiction to heroin. We can't stop wanting our massive H2 HUVs. There is too much money to be made. Our country has blown 100 billion dollars so far on the war in Iraq. What if our country spent 100 Billion dollars on energy research. What if we focused on true energy independence? Wouldn't it defuse the power held by these petty tyrants in the middle east and elsewhere? In fact we have better technology already. The hydrogen fuel cell cars are efficient and produce water and oxygen as exhaust. All the wind and solar energy that is wasted daily is ridiculous.
We need to create the demand for these things. The only way they will ever happen is for it to make someone money, big money. So the next time you consider a new car, at least look at the new hybrids first. Maybe even a Mini-Cooper...
Sci-fi and fantasy author Norton dies at 93
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Science fiction and fantasy author Andre Norton, who wrote the popular "Witch World" series, has died. She was 93.
Her death was announced by friend Jean Rabe, who said Norton died Thursday of congestive heart failure at her home in Murfreesboro, a Nashville suburb.
Norton requested before her death that she not have a funeral service, but instead asked to be cremated along with a copy of her first and last novels.
--I had no idea she was 93! What a life!
Her death was announced by friend Jean Rabe, who said Norton died Thursday of congestive heart failure at her home in Murfreesboro, a Nashville suburb.
Norton requested before her death that she not have a funeral service, but instead asked to be cremated along with a copy of her first and last novels.
--I had no idea she was 93! What a life!
Reid threatens partial Senate shutdown
Surrounded by 37 Democratic senators on the steps of the Capitol, Democratic Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada threatened Tuesday to shut down the Senate over the issue of filibusters of President Bush’s judicial nominations. Reid would exempt from his shut-down only national defense matters and spending needed to ensure ongoing federal operations.
Democrats seem incapable of learning the lesson taught by Tom Daschel, the architect and chief instigator of their obstructionism; Tom Daschel, who used to be minority leader in the Senate; Tom Daschel who used to be a senator.
Even people who don't follow the workings of our government know that the president's judicial nominees deserve a vote. They know that the Democrat's tactics are, at best, disrespectful of the nominees; at worst contempt for the people of the United States and their constitution.
--They will never learn. They have to be for something, not just against something.
Democrats seem incapable of learning the lesson taught by Tom Daschel, the architect and chief instigator of their obstructionism; Tom Daschel, who used to be minority leader in the Senate; Tom Daschel who used to be a senator.
Even people who don't follow the workings of our government know that the president's judicial nominees deserve a vote. They know that the Democrat's tactics are, at best, disrespectful of the nominees; at worst contempt for the people of the United States and their constitution.
--They will never learn. They have to be for something, not just against something.
Some things we didn't see in the news:
I was cruising the foreign press getting alternate views on the news. (You should try this!) One outlet said that not tending to a dead body in the Muslim culture never happens. On election day, after suicide bombers blew themselves up trying to take out polling places, voters would step up to the body lying there, spit on it, and move up in the line to vote.
Another article pointed out that we all heard from the media about the 100 Iraqis killed as they were lined up to enlist in the police and security service. What the media didn't point out was that the next day there 300 lined up in the same place.
The more Iraqis the terrorists kill, the more they drive the Iraqis away from their cause and toward a democratic form of government that recognizes the human rights of all people regardless of race, creed, religion or tribal affiliation.
--Do yourself a favor. Expand your information resources.
Another article pointed out that we all heard from the media about the 100 Iraqis killed as they were lined up to enlist in the police and security service. What the media didn't point out was that the next day there 300 lined up in the same place.
The more Iraqis the terrorists kill, the more they drive the Iraqis away from their cause and toward a democratic form of government that recognizes the human rights of all people regardless of race, creed, religion or tribal affiliation.
--Do yourself a favor. Expand your information resources.
"Hello Marty, This is Marty..."
I love cracking my kids up. Especially the spontaneous kind of funny bone, laughing, stupid silliness. Today I did it by calling myself and leaving myself a message at work.
I called the hot tub place when I got home to get a delivery date and time set up. The woman that could help me had already left for the day. I established she would be working tomorrow and thanked the guy.
Next, I called my work number. I do this all the time, "Hi Marty, this is Marty. Call Regina about the hot tub... My you look handsome today."
This is when they begin to crack up. They should be doing homework, but happiness is way more important in my house than fractions.
--I can go weeks without fractions. Not a day goes by I don't smile...
I called the hot tub place when I got home to get a delivery date and time set up. The woman that could help me had already left for the day. I established she would be working tomorrow and thanked the guy.
Next, I called my work number. I do this all the time, "Hi Marty, this is Marty. Call Regina about the hot tub... My you look handsome today."
This is when they begin to crack up. They should be doing homework, but happiness is way more important in my house than fractions.
--I can go weeks without fractions. Not a day goes by I don't smile...
U.N. Faces More Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
From the washington Post:
UNITED NATIONS -- The United Nations is facing new allegations of sexual misconduct by U.N. personnel in Burundi, Haiti, Liberia and elsewhere, which is complicating the organization's efforts to contain a sexual abuse scandal that has tarnished its Nobel Prize-winning peacekeepers in Congo.
The allegations indicate that a series of measures the United Nations has taken in recent years have failed to eliminate a culture of sexual permissiveness that has plagued its far-flung peacekeeping operations over the last 12 years. But senior U.N. officials say they have signaled their seriousness by imposing new reforms and forcing senior U.N. military commanders and officials to step down if they do not curb such practices.
--The UN slips down another notch.
UNITED NATIONS -- The United Nations is facing new allegations of sexual misconduct by U.N. personnel in Burundi, Haiti, Liberia and elsewhere, which is complicating the organization's efforts to contain a sexual abuse scandal that has tarnished its Nobel Prize-winning peacekeepers in Congo.
The allegations indicate that a series of measures the United Nations has taken in recent years have failed to eliminate a culture of sexual permissiveness that has plagued its far-flung peacekeeping operations over the last 12 years. But senior U.N. officials say they have signaled their seriousness by imposing new reforms and forcing senior U.N. military commanders and officials to step down if they do not curb such practices.
--The UN slips down another notch.
Today it is hard to type.
My knees and girlie hands are stiff and sore from building a platform yesterday for our new hot tub that gets delivered next week. My brother came over and helped me, thank God. His paws are probably not functioning either.
I call myself a tree-house carpenter. As usual, yesterday my paper plans did not survive my tree-house building methods. I changed my design on the fly. I over engineered the deck so much my brother is probably still laughing. I think, in the end, he was surprised that it was square and level when it was done!
I'll let a pro do the wiring. Tree-house electricians usually make the news for getting electrocuted...
--It was a true Miller Time.
I call myself a tree-house carpenter. As usual, yesterday my paper plans did not survive my tree-house building methods. I changed my design on the fly. I over engineered the deck so much my brother is probably still laughing. I think, in the end, he was surprised that it was square and level when it was done!
I'll let a pro do the wiring. Tree-house electricians usually make the news for getting electrocuted...
--It was a true Miller Time.
Ghost Image by Joshua Gilder
"A scar is permanent. That is why a skilled plastic surgeon will try to hide it -- in the crease of an eyelid, in the fold beneath the breast, along the hairline or behind the ear. If you're lucky and have the right genetic makeup, the scar may be almost indiscernible to the naked eye. But it is always there. It never goes away."
--I can't say I liked this book much. I spent too much time thinking how stupid the main character was. I just didn't care about him.
--I can't say I liked this book much. I spent too much time thinking how stupid the main character was. I just didn't care about him.
I wrote some for a contest at work
The electrons stir
Across the quiet darkness
Packets softly flow
Cherry blossoms weep
Tears of joy, the peddles fall
Whispering secrets
Spring rain pounds my roof
The past runs to the future
Goodbye power surge
Day and night drives spin
Never forgetting the truth
Racks need more cooling
Across the quiet darkness
Packets softly flow
Cherry blossoms weep
Tears of joy, the peddles fall
Whispering secrets
Spring rain pounds my roof
The past runs to the future
Goodbye power surge
Day and night drives spin
Never forgetting the truth
Racks need more cooling
Moveon.org may be moving on...
Rolling Stone magazine, as well as millions of people have given up on Moveon.org.
You don't get any more liberal than Rolling Stone magazine but even they are waking up and selling the Moveon Coffee:
"They signed up 500,000 supporters with an Internet petition -- but Bill Clinton still got impeached. They organized 6,000 candlelight vigils worldwide -- but the U.S. still invaded Iraq. They raised $60 million from 500,000 donors to air countless ads and get out the vote in the battle-ground states -- but George Bush still whupped John Kerry. A gambler with a string of bets this bad might call it a night. But MoveOn.org just keeps doubling down."
"Now that Howard Dean has been named chair of the Democratic National Committee -- an ascension that MoveOn helped to engineer -- the Internet activist group is placing another high-stakes wager."
"Like so many other Internet start-ups, MoveOn has raised -- and burned through -- tens of millions of dollars, innovating without producing many concrete results. Any reasonable analysis shows its stock may be dangerously overvalued. Those banking on MoveOn had better hope it is more Google than Pets.com. Because should the group flame out, the Democrats could be in for a fall of Nasdaq proportions."
--As long as someone keeps asking the questions...
You don't get any more liberal than Rolling Stone magazine but even they are waking up and selling the Moveon Coffee:
"They signed up 500,000 supporters with an Internet petition -- but Bill Clinton still got impeached. They organized 6,000 candlelight vigils worldwide -- but the U.S. still invaded Iraq. They raised $60 million from 500,000 donors to air countless ads and get out the vote in the battle-ground states -- but George Bush still whupped John Kerry. A gambler with a string of bets this bad might call it a night. But MoveOn.org just keeps doubling down."
"Now that Howard Dean has been named chair of the Democratic National Committee -- an ascension that MoveOn helped to engineer -- the Internet activist group is placing another high-stakes wager."
"Like so many other Internet start-ups, MoveOn has raised -- and burned through -- tens of millions of dollars, innovating without producing many concrete results. Any reasonable analysis shows its stock may be dangerously overvalued. Those banking on MoveOn had better hope it is more Google than Pets.com. Because should the group flame out, the Democrats could be in for a fall of Nasdaq proportions."
--As long as someone keeps asking the questions...
FORCED TO REVEAL SOURCES
JUDGE SAYS WEB SITES CAN BE FORCED TO REVEAL SOURCES By Dawn C. Chmielewski
In a case with implications for the freedom to blog, a San Jose judge tentatively ruled Thursday that Apple Computer can force three online publishers to surrender the names of confidential sources who disclosed information about the company's upcoming products.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg refused to extend to the Web sites a protection that shields journalists from revealing the names of unidentified sources or turning over unpublished material.
--I don't recall...
In a case with implications for the freedom to blog, a San Jose judge tentatively ruled Thursday that Apple Computer can force three online publishers to surrender the names of confidential sources who disclosed information about the company's upcoming products.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg refused to extend to the Web sites a protection that shields journalists from revealing the names of unidentified sources or turning over unpublished material.
--I don't recall...
SciFi Suckage.
How can the SciFi Channel get so bad and good at the same time?
Battlestar Galitica is so good and at the same time they make Mansquito?
--Oh the Humanity!
Battlestar Galitica is so good and at the same time they make Mansquito?
--Oh the Humanity!
No Hackers at Harvard
BOSTON (Reuters) - Harvard Business School said on Tuesday it is rejecting applications from 119 would-be students who it says hacked into a Web site to learn if they were accepted at the Ivy League university ahead of the official notification.
"This behavior is unethical at best -- a serious breach of trust that cannot be countered by rationalization," Kim Clark, dean of Harvard Business School, said in a statement.
--Harvard has just thrown down the glove...
"This behavior is unethical at best -- a serious breach of trust that cannot be countered by rationalization," Kim Clark, dean of Harvard Business School, said in a statement.
--Harvard has just thrown down the glove...
On being a Father
My daughter is eleven years old now. She's growing up fast.
We have been having real discussions lately. Adult conversations about things that really matter, things that truly effect our lives. She has things to say, real things. And I will listen. Sometimes all she really wants is to be heard.
I am so proud of her.
She is really smart. Not just the "I'm a proud father of a great kid" smart category. She really is very intelligent. She is very sensitive and feels things deeply. She is also very aware of what goes on around her.
I also think she is beautiful.
--How did I get so lucky?
We have been having real discussions lately. Adult conversations about things that really matter, things that truly effect our lives. She has things to say, real things. And I will listen. Sometimes all she really wants is to be heard.
I am so proud of her.
She is really smart. Not just the "I'm a proud father of a great kid" smart category. She really is very intelligent. She is very sensitive and feels things deeply. She is also very aware of what goes on around her.
I also think she is beautiful.
--How did I get so lucky?
Adventure and Futons
We packed up the kids and spent the weekend with friends in Baltimore. The kids had a great time, they always do when we go to visit their friends and stay over night.
It amazes how well all four of these kids play together for hours and hours and days. They have this amazing game they play where they build cities and worlds and whole societies.
The weather sucked and is was a great time even if we were stuck indoors. The futon was even comfy!
--Beer, wine, pizza and movies were right on target.
It amazes how well all four of these kids play together for hours and hours and days. They have this amazing game they play where they build cities and worlds and whole societies.
The weather sucked and is was a great time even if we were stuck indoors. The futon was even comfy!
--Beer, wine, pizza and movies were right on target.
SpongBob is my friend!
Two weeks ago, The New York Times turned over half of its op-ed page to outing gays with some connection to Republicans. Yes the very liberal-democrat media outlet The New York Times.
So basically the new New York Times policy toward gays is: "We love gay people! Gay people are awesome! Being gay is awesome! Gay marriage is awesome! Gay cartoon characters are awesome! And if you are gay but don't agree with us about everything, we'll punish you by telling everyone that you're gay!"
--more reasons why I hate the media.
So basically the new New York Times policy toward gays is: "We love gay people! Gay people are awesome! Being gay is awesome! Gay marriage is awesome! Gay cartoon characters are awesome! And if you are gay but don't agree with us about everything, we'll punish you by telling everyone that you're gay!"
--more reasons why I hate the media.
Dreams and Gatorade...
A couple nights ago I drank a bottle of Gatorade right before bed and had a huge number of very wild dreams. Last night I sensed the pattern with another one right before bed and the wild dreams again. I think the electrolites grease the brain before sleep!
Tonight I am drinking more Gatorade and we shall see...
--Let's expand the test. You try it! Let me know what happens.
Tonight I am drinking more Gatorade and we shall see...
--Let's expand the test. You try it! Let me know what happens.
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