Today is April Fool's day. Most commemorate this with practical jokes and what not, but I celebrate my brother's birthday. No day is more fitting than this day for him to have been born. He was an exception. not the rule.
Mom and Dad were not supposed to have children, yet there he is, a real life April Fool's joke. God had to have a sense of humor. Then, when I showed up, that was even more cruel. Jim was born when mom thirty-eight, I arrived short of her forty-second birthday.
As we grew up, I know I must have aggravated him. Like the time he says I was pretending to snore, but wasn't ( I really was snoring) or the time he got so mad at me he threw a baseball at me and missed. Or the time he threw up in the window of our room and I had to clean it up. Then there was the time he let me take his new GTO and learn to drive a stick. He sat there quietly while I ground through the gears and hopped off of stops, and killed it a couple of times. When I was about 4, he tied me to a horse hitch up at our granny's house and tried to burn me at the stake! Luckily Granny caught him and put me out.
Jim has always been my hero. When he was young, he could hit a ball a mile, and knew sports inside and out. His ability to motivate players always astounded me and I tried during my coaching career to be as good as he was. He has more than a knowledge of history, he has a passion for it and loves to teach it. He was a natural at teaching.
We are separated now by a couple thousand miles, but we talk every week; sometimes twice a week. I miss it when we don't, I just love to hear his voice and hear what he is doing back in Illinois. Jim is a true story teller, and his tales of his grankids make me laugh.
I hope he has a Happy Birthday. He deserves it.
I love you, man....
Bro Doughnut
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Job Hunting
I am unemployable. Simply put, I apparently do not play well with others, so my days working seem to be numbered. Oh, I have tried getting a job, but I never get by the interview. I send out applications every day, contact people whom I have applied to, but no one wants to talk to me.
Ironic. I am the guy that everyone talked to before I retired. If they wanted something done, I was usually the one they asked. If someone had a question or concern, either I or Stan Daro were the ones to give those concerns voice. Now, according to some psychological tests I have taken for jobs, I do not play well with others. Go figure.
The tests also told me that I seem to have a big ego, am out for myself, fly by the seat of my pants and don't take to criticism well. Those are all qualities I did not know.
After perusing my resume, I asked myself what I was doing wrong on it. Aren't you supposed to put things on there that you did? If I leave out important things like teaching and coaching and being a radio DJ, what is left? I took off my years of service, that way no one can possibly exclude me because of my age. I buffed up my title of Student Services Coordinator to "Administrative Assistant". I removed DJ and replaced it with "On-Air Host" I took off the dates of my jobs, and my graduation from college. I perked up my degree in Theatre to "Communications".
Resume experts say that job seekers should write their cover letter to a specific person. But ads do not put who to reply to, they just have a little box that says "Apply Here." So who do I address my letter to? If I put "Dear Sirs" or "Dear Madams" or "Dear Sirs and Madams" I risk being labeled as not Politcally Correct. If I write, "To Whom It May Concern," my letter is too vague. What am I too do?
Ironic. I am the guy that everyone talked to before I retired. If they wanted something done, I was usually the one they asked. If someone had a question or concern, either I or Stan Daro were the ones to give those concerns voice. Now, according to some psychological tests I have taken for jobs, I do not play well with others. Go figure.
The tests also told me that I seem to have a big ego, am out for myself, fly by the seat of my pants and don't take to criticism well. Those are all qualities I did not know.
After perusing my resume, I asked myself what I was doing wrong on it. Aren't you supposed to put things on there that you did? If I leave out important things like teaching and coaching and being a radio DJ, what is left? I took off my years of service, that way no one can possibly exclude me because of my age. I buffed up my title of Student Services Coordinator to "Administrative Assistant". I removed DJ and replaced it with "On-Air Host" I took off the dates of my jobs, and my graduation from college. I perked up my degree in Theatre to "Communications".
Resume experts say that job seekers should write their cover letter to a specific person. But ads do not put who to reply to, they just have a little box that says "Apply Here." So who do I address my letter to? If I put "Dear Sirs" or "Dear Madams" or "Dear Sirs and Madams" I risk being labeled as not Politcally Correct. If I write, "To Whom It May Concern," my letter is too vague. What am I too do?
So, I guess I will have to just stay retired, work alone, and be my own boss. At least then I won't have to listen to or work with others, and the end result will be all about me.
Or I could write a best seller.... (look for gratuitous plug for novel here). [subliminal message on buying "Growing Up Doughnut" imbedded in message]
Doughnut
ps...If anyone knows of a radio station out in AZ that is looking for a good part timer, let me know.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Spare the bottom, Spoil the Child
When a person is three, they don't really have a sense of right and wrong. They just have a sense of have and don't have. This sense is a driving force behind learning right and wrong. Take for instance the idea of shoplifting. People shoplift because they want something, or because they need an adrenaline fix, or because they are either too cheap or can't afford something. The idea of getting caught is there, but if the perpetrator is not caught, then the sense of getting something for nothing, makes the chicks all free.
I learned at an early age to not steal, that it was wrong.
We all have bugged our parents to buy us things when we were young. While they were shopping, we might constantly grab things off the shelf and say, "I want this!" And the answer is usually no, but if we continue to ask, we might get our way. Sometimes, though, we get a good admonishment and "back in the day" we got a good paddling. (Can't do that now, CPS will come take the kids away because of abuse.)
In 1955, (yes, Virginia, there was life in 1955) my mom had taken me with her to the GRAB-IT-Here store in Hoopeston while she shopped for our Do-Nut Shop. I rode backwards in the cart while she shopped constantly pulling items off the shelf and putting them in the cart. She would say, "NO!" and take them out and put them on the shelf. What a great game we had. For some reason, she let me out of the cart to walk beside her as we went near the toy section.
I spied a balsa wood glider that I just had to have, and took it off the hook and gave it to her. She, of course, said, "NO!" and put it back on the shelf. As soon as her back was turned, I took the glider down again, and stuffed it down my pants leg! It was too long, and it covered my knee, so I pulled it up under my armpit. Unfortunately, it was still too long, but I was able to get it out of the store as long as I pretended I was playing "Chester" from the TV show GUNSMOKE.
The problem came when I tried to sit in the backseat, and could not sit up straight. Mom demanded that I sit up straight and when I told her I could not, she asked why. My stomach leaped up into my mouth, as I pulled the plane out of the leg of my pants. I was very pleased with myself. I had gotten something for free. Mom did not see it that way, and dragged me out of the car and back into the GRAB-IT-HERE.
She called over the store manager, explained what had happened, and made me apologize for taking the plane. After I had done that, she promptly pulled my pants and underwear down around my ankles and proceded to spank me stupid. She wailed on me and I wailed at the top of my lungs.
You know what? No one ever called the cops on her and I never stole anything again. I guess I was too afraid of getting my pants pulled down again in public.
Doughnut
I learned at an early age to not steal, that it was wrong.
We all have bugged our parents to buy us things when we were young. While they were shopping, we might constantly grab things off the shelf and say, "I want this!" And the answer is usually no, but if we continue to ask, we might get our way. Sometimes, though, we get a good admonishment and "back in the day" we got a good paddling. (Can't do that now, CPS will come take the kids away because of abuse.)
In 1955, (yes, Virginia, there was life in 1955) my mom had taken me with her to the GRAB-IT-Here store in Hoopeston while she shopped for our Do-Nut Shop. I rode backwards in the cart while she shopped constantly pulling items off the shelf and putting them in the cart. She would say, "NO!" and take them out and put them on the shelf. What a great game we had. For some reason, she let me out of the cart to walk beside her as we went near the toy section.
I spied a balsa wood glider that I just had to have, and took it off the hook and gave it to her. She, of course, said, "NO!" and put it back on the shelf. As soon as her back was turned, I took the glider down again, and stuffed it down my pants leg! It was too long, and it covered my knee, so I pulled it up under my armpit. Unfortunately, it was still too long, but I was able to get it out of the store as long as I pretended I was playing "Chester" from the TV show GUNSMOKE.
The problem came when I tried to sit in the backseat, and could not sit up straight. Mom demanded that I sit up straight and when I told her I could not, she asked why. My stomach leaped up into my mouth, as I pulled the plane out of the leg of my pants. I was very pleased with myself. I had gotten something for free. Mom did not see it that way, and dragged me out of the car and back into the GRAB-IT-HERE.
She called over the store manager, explained what had happened, and made me apologize for taking the plane. After I had done that, she promptly pulled my pants and underwear down around my ankles and proceded to spank me stupid. She wailed on me and I wailed at the top of my lungs.
You know what? No one ever called the cops on her and I never stole anything again. I guess I was too afraid of getting my pants pulled down again in public.
Doughnut
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I Gave Birth Today!
Exciting is not exactly the word, but it will do.
I sent the manuscript to the publisher today (Authorhouse.com) and it will soon be processed and ready for publishing. Move over Shakespeare! Watch out Twain! Dive Down Dickens! There's a new scribe in town.
A year of thinking, worrying, selecting, writing, rewriting, editing, worrying some more, and finally the culmination of all that hard work is now out there. I will be analyzed and critcized. Some will like it, some won't. But Growing Up Doughnut is like a dream come true. Women will understand more than men. Why?
Writing a book is kind of like giving birth. At first you have this idea that you would like to get pregnant (sometimes you don't, and it just happens after a few beers), then you have to really get down to the nitty gritty and you have many false starts. Then the waiting and the wondering if you did the right thing, if it will turn out ok, if it will make you happy, if it will be pretty or good looking. How will your other kids feel about the new baby? Will your husband still love you after the birth? Will you want another? Then, the pain starts and all those fears drop by the wayside as the doctor smack the little smooth bottom and that first cry is heard!
Now all there is to do is sit back, watch it grow. The child will have to be motivated and moved, coddled and stroked if it is to become something.
Excited? You bet! Scared? You bet! Remember, though, it takes a world to buy a book for it to be successful. Watch for Growing Up Doughnut to hit the shelves near summer. Take it on vacation! It is an easy read.
Doughnut
I sent the manuscript to the publisher today (Authorhouse.com) and it will soon be processed and ready for publishing. Move over Shakespeare! Watch out Twain! Dive Down Dickens! There's a new scribe in town.
A year of thinking, worrying, selecting, writing, rewriting, editing, worrying some more, and finally the culmination of all that hard work is now out there. I will be analyzed and critcized. Some will like it, some won't. But Growing Up Doughnut is like a dream come true. Women will understand more than men. Why?
Writing a book is kind of like giving birth. At first you have this idea that you would like to get pregnant (sometimes you don't, and it just happens after a few beers), then you have to really get down to the nitty gritty and you have many false starts. Then the waiting and the wondering if you did the right thing, if it will turn out ok, if it will make you happy, if it will be pretty or good looking. How will your other kids feel about the new baby? Will your husband still love you after the birth? Will you want another? Then, the pain starts and all those fears drop by the wayside as the doctor smack the little smooth bottom and that first cry is heard!
Now all there is to do is sit back, watch it grow. The child will have to be motivated and moved, coddled and stroked if it is to become something.
Excited? You bet! Scared? You bet! Remember, though, it takes a world to buy a book for it to be successful. Watch for Growing Up Doughnut to hit the shelves near summer. Take it on vacation! It is an easy read.
Doughnut
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Kissing your sister, and Open Microphones
The NIT is in full swing, Spring Training is half over, and we have a new Healthcare law. Talk about kissing your sister!
The Frightening Illini are struggling through wins in the NIT, the little sister to the NCAA tournament. There is talk that big brother wants to put these 32 teams in the Big Dance. If that happens, can you imagine who the NIT is going to get to go the prom with? The teams they have to choose from will be tantamount to choosing last on the playground; and we all know who gets chosen there. Guys like me who are slow, not very good, have no following, but are fun to have around because we usually come up with an occasional punchline. They should do what Illinois does in its basketball tournament. Invite everyone, seed the regionals and let the big boys pound on the little guys until someone comes out on top. Do away with conference tournaments and let everyone in to the prom.
I went to the Cubs/Royals game yesterday with my good buddy, LLoyd. We had a great time and sat with some very funny people from Kansas City. I know, not many people from Kansas are funny, but these folks were genuinely funny and had a keen understanding of just how bad their team is. So did we, and we exchanged some good natured barbs, and took shots at our own teams. The outcome of the game, though left us all with that, "Just kissed my sister/brother" feeling. A TIE!!! What the heck was that? Oh, sure, its spring training you say, and we don't want our millionares hurt...Babies....I paid 20 dollars for that ticket in the corner,and another 11 dollars for my dog and a beer... and I want a winner, not a bunch of whiners!
Finally, Joe Biden did something relevant that showed me he is a normal guy. Yesterday in the news conference called to watch the President sign the healthcare legislation, Joe said something that was caught on tape because his microphone was open. After introducing the Pres, he turned the Commander-in-Chief and said, "This is F----ing important!" Everybody is outraged he would use such language.
Me? I think it was fantastic. Someone in a higher office spoke the language of the people.
Doughnut
The Frightening Illini are struggling through wins in the NIT, the little sister to the NCAA tournament. There is talk that big brother wants to put these 32 teams in the Big Dance. If that happens, can you imagine who the NIT is going to get to go the prom with? The teams they have to choose from will be tantamount to choosing last on the playground; and we all know who gets chosen there. Guys like me who are slow, not very good, have no following, but are fun to have around because we usually come up with an occasional punchline. They should do what Illinois does in its basketball tournament. Invite everyone, seed the regionals and let the big boys pound on the little guys until someone comes out on top. Do away with conference tournaments and let everyone in to the prom.
I went to the Cubs/Royals game yesterday with my good buddy, LLoyd. We had a great time and sat with some very funny people from Kansas City. I know, not many people from Kansas are funny, but these folks were genuinely funny and had a keen understanding of just how bad their team is. So did we, and we exchanged some good natured barbs, and took shots at our own teams. The outcome of the game, though left us all with that, "Just kissed my sister/brother" feeling. A TIE!!! What the heck was that? Oh, sure, its spring training you say, and we don't want our millionares hurt...Babies....I paid 20 dollars for that ticket in the corner,and another 11 dollars for my dog and a beer... and I want a winner, not a bunch of whiners!
Finally, Joe Biden did something relevant that showed me he is a normal guy. Yesterday in the news conference called to watch the President sign the healthcare legislation, Joe said something that was caught on tape because his microphone was open. After introducing the Pres, he turned the Commander-in-Chief and said, "This is F----ing important!" Everybody is outraged he would use such language.
Me? I think it was fantastic. Someone in a higher office spoke the language of the people.
Doughnut
Monday, March 22, 2010
More Medical Bureacuracy?
The US House of Representatives made history yesterday when they passed a healthcare bill. I am sure the debate will rage on as it does not go into effect until 2014. Once the elections take place this year, we may once again find that they have not gotten things done as the new members will surely move to repeal it, if there is a Republican majority following the election.
The devisive legislation has pulled at the seam of the country. Liberals say we need it to help everyone get better health care; while conservatives say that it is too expensive and interferes with a persons rights. No one can really say how it is going to work for sure, until it is initiated and the bugs worked out. I have mixed emotions about it.
I am angry that there was legislation included that had nothing to do with healthcare. Student loan legislation has nothing to do with healthcare. Education money and the revision of NCLB have nothing to do with healthcare. But, these were items attached as amendments. No real mention of them, though.
If the government runs this bureaucratic nightmare the way they allow the VA in Prescott, AZ to run, then the whole idea is a sham. The Prescott VA seems to be a place where bureaucrats are more interested in covering their own butts than providing great service to veterans.
Case in point: My brother-in-law is trying to have surgery on a leg. The VA in Prescott has gone out of its way to prevent him from having this done. His "primary care " person ( a nurse practitioner) cancelled his surgery on her own without ever seeing him; she has overridden orders for prescriptions (cutting his pain medication in half) and did not even see him for months. When he called her to tell her that he was bleeding internally and was having blood pooling in his abdomen, her reply was that she "didn't have time for this". Two days later, he was taken to the hospital just hours from death. She constantly does not refill prescriptions on time, leaving him in constant pain due to an open wound. With service like this, it is no wonder the Prescott VA has one of the highest suicide rates for patients and former patients.
If he complains, he and those that advocate for him, are met with threats and put in positions where retribution is possible should they complain more.
If this is the way the government treats vets, what's to stop it from treatin you and I the same? We may be on the brink of a very scarey situation. And, with universal healthcare, why do we need the VA or Medicare? These two programs could be released and the people who use them could just go into the system. Or, how about this...We get rid of the VA and give all vets a card that allows them to go anywhere for their care, and the government will pick up the tab? Close down the VA hospitals and make them shelters, or turn them into regular hospitals?
We need to get ahead of the curve on this before 2014.
Doughnut
The devisive legislation has pulled at the seam of the country. Liberals say we need it to help everyone get better health care; while conservatives say that it is too expensive and interferes with a persons rights. No one can really say how it is going to work for sure, until it is initiated and the bugs worked out. I have mixed emotions about it.
I am angry that there was legislation included that had nothing to do with healthcare. Student loan legislation has nothing to do with healthcare. Education money and the revision of NCLB have nothing to do with healthcare. But, these were items attached as amendments. No real mention of them, though.
If the government runs this bureaucratic nightmare the way they allow the VA in Prescott, AZ to run, then the whole idea is a sham. The Prescott VA seems to be a place where bureaucrats are more interested in covering their own butts than providing great service to veterans.
Case in point: My brother-in-law is trying to have surgery on a leg. The VA in Prescott has gone out of its way to prevent him from having this done. His "primary care " person ( a nurse practitioner) cancelled his surgery on her own without ever seeing him; she has overridden orders for prescriptions (cutting his pain medication in half) and did not even see him for months. When he called her to tell her that he was bleeding internally and was having blood pooling in his abdomen, her reply was that she "didn't have time for this". Two days later, he was taken to the hospital just hours from death. She constantly does not refill prescriptions on time, leaving him in constant pain due to an open wound. With service like this, it is no wonder the Prescott VA has one of the highest suicide rates for patients and former patients.
If he complains, he and those that advocate for him, are met with threats and put in positions where retribution is possible should they complain more.
If this is the way the government treats vets, what's to stop it from treatin you and I the same? We may be on the brink of a very scarey situation. And, with universal healthcare, why do we need the VA or Medicare? These two programs could be released and the people who use them could just go into the system. Or, how about this...We get rid of the VA and give all vets a card that allows them to go anywhere for their care, and the government will pick up the tab? Close down the VA hospitals and make them shelters, or turn them into regular hospitals?
We need to get ahead of the curve on this before 2014.
Doughnut
Friday, March 19, 2010
Master of My Domain!
I slipped through the Ides of March, unlike Caesar, and survived St. Paddy's Day, but I am afraid that March Madness may get the best of me.
I should be out in the yard trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and raking rocks, but somehow I get mesmerized by the TV as basketballs starts. I don't follow college basektball a great deal during the year; afterall, we get ASU and UA games, but really have to search ESPN for something more concrete when it comes to good basketball. I did suffer through some Illini games on Big Ten Network and ESPNU, but the East Coast teams and the rest of the Big Ten sometimes eluded me. So, my brackets are empty for the first time in almost 35 years.
But, this weekend, I am settling in for some serious tube hoops. The NIT, NCAA, women's ball, it all is on this weekend and I am in some serious trouble. If I don't get my yard weeded, then I may have to mow instead of rake. It is serious business out here, the raking. My rocks are messy because people walk across my yard (it cannot be called a lawn because it lacks grass) leaving little meteor craters in it. The neighbors look at the "poor old Shields' yard" and give a sigh as if we are some kind of vagrant who has be tolerated, but not really seen.
I'm just a procrastinator. If I don't get it done today, it will be there tomorrow. I am retired with the emphasis on "tired". I can do what I want, when I want. I am the master of my domain!
What's that, dear? Yes, Iwill be right in to do dishes.
Doughnut
I should be out in the yard trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and raking rocks, but somehow I get mesmerized by the TV as basketballs starts. I don't follow college basektball a great deal during the year; afterall, we get ASU and UA games, but really have to search ESPN for something more concrete when it comes to good basketball. I did suffer through some Illini games on Big Ten Network and ESPNU, but the East Coast teams and the rest of the Big Ten sometimes eluded me. So, my brackets are empty for the first time in almost 35 years.
But, this weekend, I am settling in for some serious tube hoops. The NIT, NCAA, women's ball, it all is on this weekend and I am in some serious trouble. If I don't get my yard weeded, then I may have to mow instead of rake. It is serious business out here, the raking. My rocks are messy because people walk across my yard (it cannot be called a lawn because it lacks grass) leaving little meteor craters in it. The neighbors look at the "poor old Shields' yard" and give a sigh as if we are some kind of vagrant who has be tolerated, but not really seen.
I'm just a procrastinator. If I don't get it done today, it will be there tomorrow. I am retired with the emphasis on "tired". I can do what I want, when I want. I am the master of my domain!
What's that, dear? Yes, Iwill be right in to do dishes.
Doughnut
Friday, March 12, 2010
Facebook Fiend
What a wonderful day here in the Valley of the Sun! And it is that today as spring training raves on and Mr. Sunshine takes centerfield for a while.
I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook lately. I find it captivating to see and talk to others whom I have lost track of over the years, and to stay connected with some of my younger students. The problem is the amount of time that I spend on it.
I have around 1000 friends on this social networking site. I try to check in on someone that I have not seen in a long time once a week. Do you know how long it takes just to peruse the list? This is addictive and I need an intervention. I can't stop myself though.
I have friends from high school, college, from Morning Sun, Iowa; Hoopeston; Paxton; the East Coast; West Coast; Canada; South America...I think you get the picture. Information addiction is what I have. And I can't get enough because of my "friends."
I get on first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I spend my lunch on Facebook, but I have not lost weight. I just keep gaining while I sit in a dark room and stare at the illuminated screen that mesmerizes and astounds me.
One thing I don't do on Facebook. Applications. I don't farm, play Mafia Wars, or do anything like that. My God, if I did, I wouldn't get ANYTHING done! Just keeping up with you guys is enough. Don't overload me. My inbox is full.
I vow that after my book is out on the market this summer, Iwill take a break. Until then, keep those status updates coming!
Doughnut
I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook lately. I find it captivating to see and talk to others whom I have lost track of over the years, and to stay connected with some of my younger students. The problem is the amount of time that I spend on it.
I have around 1000 friends on this social networking site. I try to check in on someone that I have not seen in a long time once a week. Do you know how long it takes just to peruse the list? This is addictive and I need an intervention. I can't stop myself though.
I have friends from high school, college, from Morning Sun, Iowa; Hoopeston; Paxton; the East Coast; West Coast; Canada; South America...I think you get the picture. Information addiction is what I have. And I can't get enough because of my "friends."
I get on first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I spend my lunch on Facebook, but I have not lost weight. I just keep gaining while I sit in a dark room and stare at the illuminated screen that mesmerizes and astounds me.
One thing I don't do on Facebook. Applications. I don't farm, play Mafia Wars, or do anything like that. My God, if I did, I wouldn't get ANYTHING done! Just keeping up with you guys is enough. Don't overload me. My inbox is full.
I vow that after my book is out on the market this summer, Iwill take a break. Until then, keep those status updates coming!
Doughnut
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Feeling the pinch
I have some bad news for you...
No one ever likes to hear that line. It is, however, true of gasoline prices. In case you have not been watching, prices are inching their way upwards. According to an article today in the Arizona Republic that is attributed to the Associated Press, we are looking at prices that will soon be over the $3 mark. And they might stay there.
What has happened to cause this? Well, we are doing too good a job at not driving as much. Oil companies are also not running at their capacity on purpose.
There is no Katrina, No war, The earthquake in Chili did not affect the prices. The idea of supply and demand in reverse is actually doing it. Supply and demand says that if we do not use as much, then prices come down to encourage us to spend. But in this case, our conservation is going to cost us money because the oil companies are not profiting as much as they would like.
Does this mean they are losing money? Hardly. Exxon Mobil recorded profits last year. And, according to US News on March 8, they paid almost 116 billion in taxes. They did not take money from the government, they gave it money. BUT even after that, the company still made 45 billion dollars.
What we need to do is take a full day off. In Mesa, AZ over the weekend, the fire department let a fire engine company sit unused to save money. Governments and companies are furloughing people to save money. We need to quit using gas as a country for one day a month. For one day a month, NO ONE goes to a gas station to buy gas. Go there to get gum, or a soda, maybe some lottery tickets... but NO GAS! Let the stations lie idle and their tanks unused. We need to create such a surplus that the companies will be begging us to take gas off their hands.
I have one question also... Why is it that the price of gas in the ground is raised when it has already been paid for? It is not the stations that do it, they are told when and how much, so there is no reason to beat on them. But if we do not buy gas as country, then the oil companies as a whole will have a surplus.
Beware the Ides of March!
No one ever likes to hear that line. It is, however, true of gasoline prices. In case you have not been watching, prices are inching their way upwards. According to an article today in the Arizona Republic that is attributed to the Associated Press, we are looking at prices that will soon be over the $3 mark. And they might stay there.
What has happened to cause this? Well, we are doing too good a job at not driving as much. Oil companies are also not running at their capacity on purpose.
There is no Katrina, No war, The earthquake in Chili did not affect the prices. The idea of supply and demand in reverse is actually doing it. Supply and demand says that if we do not use as much, then prices come down to encourage us to spend. But in this case, our conservation is going to cost us money because the oil companies are not profiting as much as they would like.
Does this mean they are losing money? Hardly. Exxon Mobil recorded profits last year. And, according to US News on March 8, they paid almost 116 billion in taxes. They did not take money from the government, they gave it money. BUT even after that, the company still made 45 billion dollars.
What we need to do is take a full day off. In Mesa, AZ over the weekend, the fire department let a fire engine company sit unused to save money. Governments and companies are furloughing people to save money. We need to quit using gas as a country for one day a month. For one day a month, NO ONE goes to a gas station to buy gas. Go there to get gum, or a soda, maybe some lottery tickets... but NO GAS! Let the stations lie idle and their tanks unused. We need to create such a surplus that the companies will be begging us to take gas off their hands.
I have one question also... Why is it that the price of gas in the ground is raised when it has already been paid for? It is not the stations that do it, they are told when and how much, so there is no reason to beat on them. But if we do not buy gas as country, then the oil companies as a whole will have a surplus.
Beware the Ides of March!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Global warming? I think not!
Where has the sun gone? We have not had a sunny Sunday for almost three weeks now here in the Valley of the Sun. Yesterday it rained almost an inch and in the high country, they go almost 12 inches... of SNOW!
We went to Prescott yesterday to help Dorothy's brother pack his apartment. He is going to Tucson soon to have his left leg amputated from an injury he received in the military. We got up early and saw a rainbow on our way there. After about 2 hours of packing, we noticed these big flakes coming down. Since I did not see a bright flash, I assumed it was snow. I was right. We hopped in the car and started for home. As we made Prescott Valley, the snow increased in intensity to blizzard conditions. My poor car had never seen a snow storm, and it was reluctant to continue, but we egged it on.
As we reached I-17 about 45 minutes later, the snow turned to rain. Once we dropped down to about 25oo feet in elevation, the precipitation stopped, and low and behold, another rainbow appeared. The views of the mountains getting snow were fantastic as the clouds hung close to the sides.
I had a high school friend, Don Smith, and his wife Lisa arriving from Illinois for some R&R and warm weather, so I went to the airport to get them. As I pulled out onto my street, I looked up and there was a DOUBLE RAINBOW! Surely good things would come to them as they landed.
It was not to be, though, as we got more rain in the evening...about an inch. We have had more rain so far this year, than we did in all last year.
They took off this morning exploring AZ, and hoping to find some sunshine. We'll find out when they return on Wednesday for the Cubs game.
I have one question about all this.... Where is the Global Warming? I have had my heat on 10 times more than I did last year!
Al, what's up?
Doughnut
We went to Prescott yesterday to help Dorothy's brother pack his apartment. He is going to Tucson soon to have his left leg amputated from an injury he received in the military. We got up early and saw a rainbow on our way there. After about 2 hours of packing, we noticed these big flakes coming down. Since I did not see a bright flash, I assumed it was snow. I was right. We hopped in the car and started for home. As we made Prescott Valley, the snow increased in intensity to blizzard conditions. My poor car had never seen a snow storm, and it was reluctant to continue, but we egged it on.
As we reached I-17 about 45 minutes later, the snow turned to rain. Once we dropped down to about 25oo feet in elevation, the precipitation stopped, and low and behold, another rainbow appeared. The views of the mountains getting snow were fantastic as the clouds hung close to the sides.
I had a high school friend, Don Smith, and his wife Lisa arriving from Illinois for some R&R and warm weather, so I went to the airport to get them. As I pulled out onto my street, I looked up and there was a DOUBLE RAINBOW! Surely good things would come to them as they landed.
It was not to be, though, as we got more rain in the evening...about an inch. We have had more rain so far this year, than we did in all last year.
They took off this morning exploring AZ, and hoping to find some sunshine. We'll find out when they return on Wednesday for the Cubs game.
I have one question about all this.... Where is the Global Warming? I have had my heat on 10 times more than I did last year!
Al, what's up?
Doughnut
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Where have American Products Gone?
Today is the opening day for the Cactus League. Baseball is here,and so is warm weather. Things are heating up in the State House here in AZ also as our legislators deal with a budget crisis. Matter of fact, all our cities are involved as is our schools. There is no money and for some reason, no one wants to raise any.
This all goes back to the Great Communicator, Ron Reagan, who cut taxes and programs and is seen as the pentultimate person who turned a flagging economy around. Our local city government is considering raising taxes on food. Presently, we do not have a tax on food. So, the one dollar price for an avocado used to make guacamole is one dollar. When the tax goes into effecgt, that same avocado will be $1.02. Doesn't seem like much, does it? Opponents are saying that it will cost the poor and they won't be able to afford food. They can probably still get the $50.00 carton of cigarettes, though, on the res. I only mention Ron, because some have now found that it could be that Reagonomics has brought us to where we are.
On another economical note, GM has announced a recall of a million cars that seem to have a problem with the power steering. Most of these cars were assembled in Mexico, not Detroit or some other American city. Does anyone, besides me see the problem with the US government having a big stake in GM and having another country's workers put their cars together? Our people are out of work, so it is time to bring these American owned entities back to our shores. I don't see any recalls for cars that are put together here in the good old USA.
Whatever happened to America that made us go elsewhere to have our manufacturing done? Are our folks less able to do this? NO, we priced ourselves out of jobs. These companiees went overseas because labor was cheap, and our government gave them incentives to go. Now, it should give them incentives to stay, or bring back jobs!
I am not an isolationist. But, I do believe that if a product is going to be made overseas and brought into the country, when it could very well be made here by an American company, then that company should have a high tariff to protect our workers. Companies that leave our shores for the benefits of cheap labor should not receive any tax dollars, nor should they receive any breaks.
This, he says, as he types on a computer marked, "Some components Made in China"
Was my computer made in a sweatshop, like my shoes?
Doughnut
This all goes back to the Great Communicator, Ron Reagan, who cut taxes and programs and is seen as the pentultimate person who turned a flagging economy around. Our local city government is considering raising taxes on food. Presently, we do not have a tax on food. So, the one dollar price for an avocado used to make guacamole is one dollar. When the tax goes into effecgt, that same avocado will be $1.02. Doesn't seem like much, does it? Opponents are saying that it will cost the poor and they won't be able to afford food. They can probably still get the $50.00 carton of cigarettes, though, on the res. I only mention Ron, because some have now found that it could be that Reagonomics has brought us to where we are.
On another economical note, GM has announced a recall of a million cars that seem to have a problem with the power steering. Most of these cars were assembled in Mexico, not Detroit or some other American city. Does anyone, besides me see the problem with the US government having a big stake in GM and having another country's workers put their cars together? Our people are out of work, so it is time to bring these American owned entities back to our shores. I don't see any recalls for cars that are put together here in the good old USA.
Whatever happened to America that made us go elsewhere to have our manufacturing done? Are our folks less able to do this? NO, we priced ourselves out of jobs. These companiees went overseas because labor was cheap, and our government gave them incentives to go. Now, it should give them incentives to stay, or bring back jobs!
I am not an isolationist. But, I do believe that if a product is going to be made overseas and brought into the country, when it could very well be made here by an American company, then that company should have a high tariff to protect our workers. Companies that leave our shores for the benefits of cheap labor should not receive any tax dollars, nor should they receive any breaks.
This, he says, as he types on a computer marked, "Some components Made in China"
Was my computer made in a sweatshop, like my shoes?
Doughnut
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Annie Could Really See Without Eyes. She Knew About Tomorrow!
Remember the musical "ANNIE"? The one based on Li'l Orphan Annie and Daddy Warbucks? It had a song in it called, Tommorrow. Which contains the line, "...I love you tomorrow..." Well, tomorrow is going to be a banner day. The Cactus League opens Spring Training games here in AZ. There are 14 different major league teams that hold their training camps within an hour of my house and another two that are about an hour and a half away. You know what that means? Summer is not far off, and spring break is just around the corner for those of you in the frozen tundra that is the Midwest and the Northeast.
It also means that March Madness and the Original March Madness is near. What's the difference? The Original March Madness is Illinois High School Basketball. The IHSA coined the phrase, then the NCAA stole it and copywrighted it. So the IHSA worked out a deal where they could call their tourney "Original".
So, here we have, again, a time period where sports overlap. There will be college basketball, pro basketball, baseball of all levels, softball, track and field, hockey, golf, tennis, and my new love, curling, going on at the same time. Later in April, we add football in the form of the Arena League Football as it tries a comeback.
I am not as big a sports nut as I used to be. I would sit down and watch the dramas unfold on the court or field all the time. Now, I have other endeavors that keep my attention. Rock raking, pool cleaning, floor dusting, bed making, and poo picking are just a few of my new found activities. Occasionally I will go for a walk and listen to my iPod.
It is time to shake off the cobwebs, get on the outdoor shoes that are not insulated, pick up the old ball glove and bat, and enjoy the outdoors. Naps will no longer be on couches, but rather on hammocks, beaches, and in spas or on floaties in pools. The order of the day will be sunscreen, not sweatshirts and scarves.
Baseball signals the start of the outdoor season. So grab your kids or your spouse, or your significant other, and go "have a catch." Get that Coppertone Tan.
Doughnut
It also means that March Madness and the Original March Madness is near. What's the difference? The Original March Madness is Illinois High School Basketball. The IHSA coined the phrase, then the NCAA stole it and copywrighted it. So the IHSA worked out a deal where they could call their tourney "Original".
So, here we have, again, a time period where sports overlap. There will be college basketball, pro basketball, baseball of all levels, softball, track and field, hockey, golf, tennis, and my new love, curling, going on at the same time. Later in April, we add football in the form of the Arena League Football as it tries a comeback.
I am not as big a sports nut as I used to be. I would sit down and watch the dramas unfold on the court or field all the time. Now, I have other endeavors that keep my attention. Rock raking, pool cleaning, floor dusting, bed making, and poo picking are just a few of my new found activities. Occasionally I will go for a walk and listen to my iPod.
It is time to shake off the cobwebs, get on the outdoor shoes that are not insulated, pick up the old ball glove and bat, and enjoy the outdoors. Naps will no longer be on couches, but rather on hammocks, beaches, and in spas or on floaties in pools. The order of the day will be sunscreen, not sweatshirts and scarves.
Baseball signals the start of the outdoor season. So grab your kids or your spouse, or your significant other, and go "have a catch." Get that Coppertone Tan.
Doughnut
Monday, March 1, 2010
Time to open an AMAZON account!
Last week was a red letter week for me.
I am going to be a published author! I mean, more than this blog. I am actually going to get my book Growing Up Doughnut published! Authorhouse out of Bloomington, IN is going to publish it for me. I am now part of the growing trend of INDIE publishers. That is not to say that I am from Indiana, or that the publisher is in Indiana (Which it is) but rather that I am an independent publisher.
The story revolves around me as a kid through 12th grade. Now, this is not memoiry tell all. ( I just invented that word, memoiry) It is what my friend, Dr. Bill Gholson, calls creative non-fiction. I take some facts, inject some embellishment, and VOILLE! a story. (my French is not too good, so please excuse the misspelling if there is one)
I have all sorts of characters in the book, most of them my friends. But.... I have changed their names to protect their identities; for the most part. Those that I told about the book and asked if I could use their names and they said yes, well, they are there for posterity. Others whom I did not contact, have their names changed, but they may recognize themselves.
It is the typical growing up story...lots of hearbreaks, pratfalls, and misstakes. I borrow some stories from my brother's life ( mine was not as good as his) and I embellish some stories (Steak and Shake founder visits Do-nut Shop; George Halas drops by on his way to Chicago.) But, all in all, it is a good-natured look at myself and others who shaped my life (ie: teachers and coaches) I have not had a bad life and my friends were not bad friends, so there is no negativity allowed.
That is not to say that there have not been sad times, there have been. And I have tried to recall them also. Hoopeston, IL was a great place to grow up, and I love the town. I cover some historical stuff, but only as it needs to be .
Think of this as Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon on sedatives. You will smile at it, sometimes laugh outloud at it, and you will also cringe at some of the things that happen.
But nobody gets a body shot or will be embarassed by their part in my life.
I want to give a shout out to my peeps that have been helping me with this:
Susie Dayton in Reno, NV helped me by editing the book. Susie is a great catch, and someone out there should be hiring this woman. Talk about skills! She has really helped the book along here.
Scott Baer from here in Phoenix. Scott is giving me some of the pictures for the book that he took circa 1970 when he was in high school at HHS.
Tim Cerka from here in Phoenix. Like most of the Phoenix areas he is an out of work Graphic designer who designed a preliminary book cover for me. We are still seeing if Authorhouse can use it.
My brother, Jim in New Salem, IL. He is supplying pictures of our family "back in the day" He, too, shared the "Doughnut" nondeplume.
Dave Theobald in Bloomington, IL. Dave has written a book, also, and he helped by sending stories and ideas.
Connie Dobkins from California. She is another Hoopestonite who has written four books. She helped me scout out publishers and gave me advice.
Finally, my wife, Dorothy. This lady has allowed me to take a year off and make an attempt at being creative. I know that she loves me and that has made her hold her tongue many times. She has already read the book, and has pronounced it "A BEST SELLER" (just a hint to the critics out there....
The book should be out in late spring or early summer... take me to the beach!
OPRAH! You need to read this book!
Doughnut
I am going to be a published author! I mean, more than this blog. I am actually going to get my book Growing Up Doughnut published! Authorhouse out of Bloomington, IN is going to publish it for me. I am now part of the growing trend of INDIE publishers. That is not to say that I am from Indiana, or that the publisher is in Indiana (Which it is) but rather that I am an independent publisher.
The story revolves around me as a kid through 12th grade. Now, this is not memoiry tell all. ( I just invented that word, memoiry) It is what my friend, Dr. Bill Gholson, calls creative non-fiction. I take some facts, inject some embellishment, and VOILLE! a story. (my French is not too good, so please excuse the misspelling if there is one)
I have all sorts of characters in the book, most of them my friends. But.... I have changed their names to protect their identities; for the most part. Those that I told about the book and asked if I could use their names and they said yes, well, they are there for posterity. Others whom I did not contact, have their names changed, but they may recognize themselves.
It is the typical growing up story...lots of hearbreaks, pratfalls, and misstakes. I borrow some stories from my brother's life ( mine was not as good as his) and I embellish some stories (Steak and Shake founder visits Do-nut Shop; George Halas drops by on his way to Chicago.) But, all in all, it is a good-natured look at myself and others who shaped my life (ie: teachers and coaches) I have not had a bad life and my friends were not bad friends, so there is no negativity allowed.
That is not to say that there have not been sad times, there have been. And I have tried to recall them also. Hoopeston, IL was a great place to grow up, and I love the town. I cover some historical stuff, but only as it needs to be .
Think of this as Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon on sedatives. You will smile at it, sometimes laugh outloud at it, and you will also cringe at some of the things that happen.
But nobody gets a body shot or will be embarassed by their part in my life.
I want to give a shout out to my peeps that have been helping me with this:
Susie Dayton in Reno, NV helped me by editing the book. Susie is a great catch, and someone out there should be hiring this woman. Talk about skills! She has really helped the book along here.
Scott Baer from here in Phoenix. Scott is giving me some of the pictures for the book that he took circa 1970 when he was in high school at HHS.
Tim Cerka from here in Phoenix. Like most of the Phoenix areas he is an out of work Graphic designer who designed a preliminary book cover for me. We are still seeing if Authorhouse can use it.
My brother, Jim in New Salem, IL. He is supplying pictures of our family "back in the day" He, too, shared the "Doughnut" nondeplume.
Dave Theobald in Bloomington, IL. Dave has written a book, also, and he helped by sending stories and ideas.
Connie Dobkins from California. She is another Hoopestonite who has written four books. She helped me scout out publishers and gave me advice.
Finally, my wife, Dorothy. This lady has allowed me to take a year off and make an attempt at being creative. I know that she loves me and that has made her hold her tongue many times. She has already read the book, and has pronounced it "A BEST SELLER" (just a hint to the critics out there....
The book should be out in late spring or early summer... take me to the beach!
OPRAH! You need to read this book!
Doughnut
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