Wow... Christmas again already?

Yes... another year is coming to a close. A year that has seen the end of my business travels. A year that has seen the beginning of a new career. A year that has seen us moving to a new home. Lots of changes and stresses along the way. But a year that has brought my wife and I closer together in light of all the challenges that we have faced and will face as the new year emerges.

I am thankful for everything that I have been blessed with this year as well as the adversities. For it is through the adversities that we have grown stronger. I hope as 2010 comes to a close and 2011 begins; all of my friends, colleagues, peers, and very close family members have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

God bless us all ...everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

I was working on a separate post a few days back but was interrupted. Lots of life changes recently and still waiting for the dust to settle. Yet even with all that has happened over the last several weeks, I have much to be thankful for. Here are just a few things for which I owe the Good Lord my thanks a gratitude:

• A wonderful wife who through all we've endured is still by my side.
• A renewed relationship with my daughter.
• Two beautiful grand daughters and a third grand baby due early next year.
• An excellent job with a local company so I don't have to travel for work anymore.
• My continued and ever increasing health.

So with that I leave you all to your family, friends, and food. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

FUD

As I mentioned when I first started this blog, it takes serious commitment to keep one going. Well, a lot has gone on since I started back in February of this year and I haven't had much in the way of time to post entries. Perhaps with today's entry I can get back into the habit and try to make at least one post a week. Hey... the only place to go is up right?

So with that it is now Saturday, July 24, 2010. Wow, where has the year gone! 2010 is half way to becoming a memory.

In any event, I've been an amateur photographer for many years. I went digital back in 2006 and 'round the same time began a photostream on Flickr. I created the photostream with the thought that I since I traveled so much, I could share what I'd seen while on the road with my wife and other interested parties. I felt that was what Flickr was intended to be... a photo sharing site. Well, as most things go Flickr too has developed a dark side by the actions of misguided users.

As I said, Flickr is a photo sharing site. Sharing pictures of an airshow, your dog/cat, a beautiful sunset or landscape. Sharing pictures with your friends and family. But a few (and I'm confident it is only a few) have elected to use Flickr as a means of expressing their political, and sometimes racial points of view.

Lately there have been many disturbing images posted regarding our current President. Now I'm all for free speech and the entitlement one has to their opinion. But comon' folks... he is our elected President and is due every respect that comes with the office. People should not be scouring the Internet for slanderous and libelous images of the President. But what they really should not be doing is then posting those images to 'their' photostreams. I mean isn't Flickr there for you to post images (PHOTOS) that 'YOU' took with a camera?!?! Needless to say I am struggling with people who post this S**T within 'their' photostreams. There are perhaps hundreds if not thousands of other sites, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and blogs for that kind of stuff. But I for one don't believe that is what Flickr was intended to be and than makes me sad. It makes me sad that I have to share my creativity on a site that has become a vehicle for rudeness, disrespect, and in some cases hate.

Now what makes this more of an affront is the fact that I will bet the majority of those who are posting this stuff have never experienced any of those things; I have. I have felt the sting of prejudice first hand. I have felt the sting of profiling first hand and I will tell you it is something that I wouldn't wish on anyone. It is both hurtful and just plain wrong. And it certainly is NOT Christian behavior. It is regretful that the previous administration took the terrible events of 9/11 and turned this country into a country of fear. They spread their dogma of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt and have in my opinion weakened this great country. Because now instead of fearing what is really scary in the World, we fear each other. We're not gonna' get very far with that kind of thinking. In fact the fear looks to be turning to hate. Look at what is going on in Arizona.

So on that note I will leave you with your thoughts. I pray that we as a country can move beyond this and learn that, no more than the freeway, the world does not belong to you. It is meant to be shared. And stop sharing other peoples garbage on your Flickr photostreams. Show me what YOU can do with a camera.

As always I welcome your thoughts.

Please remember...

... that many have given all in defense of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. It is our duty and obligation to remember their sacrifices not only on Memorial Day, but everyday of the year. To share the history of those individuals who served in every conflict since the Revolutionary War with the youngsters of our country. To remember those who today's schools and history books are trying to forget. Thank you and God Bless those who have and will sacrifice in the name of the freedoms we hold so dear.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day.

Hello everyone, today is Saturday, March 27, 2010.

OMG! The first quarter of the year is nearly over. Winter is waning and spring just around the corner. It seems both coasts got a taste of spring this past Saturday (the 20th) as temps were around 70 in the West and close to 80 in the East.

Given such a beautiful day I elected to take a walk-about 'round Baltimore's Inner Harbor. I'd driven through the city before, always on my way somewhere else, so this was the first time I stopped to venture out.

It's quite compact and lots to see within a few square blocks. Since it is a working harbor there are several maritime exhibits to see which are operated by Historic Ships in Baltimore. For a fee you are permitted to tour the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk, the USCGC Taney, and the Lightship Chesapeake. Then there is the oldest surviving screwpile light house known as the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. I passed on the tours but did manage to get a couple shots of these well maintained pieces of history. Directly below is the light house...

And then here is one of the Taney...


In addition to these attractions is the National Aquarium. I passed on this too as there was quite the line of folks trying to get in. Maybe next time I'll give it a go.

So after walking for a couple of hours in 80 degree heat and long sleeves (I had no idea it would be this warm), I thought I'd better stop to get a cool drink: enter the Pratt Street Ale House. Now there is all manner of food places around the Inner Harbor. But I found this place as I was walking over toward Camden Yards. I'm sure this would be a great place for a meal and the menu had some wonderful items, but what got me was the Beer Menu. How can you not like a place that has a menu dedicated to craft brews. After a detailed review of the menu I decided to try the Blackfriar Stout, which by the way was real good.


Needless to say the afternoon in Baltimore was great. The weather was warm, a plethora of photo ops, and lots of excellent venues to eat and drink. I look forward to my return. That's it for now and we'll see y'all soon.

Later

Back in the saddle

Good morning all and welcome to Daylight Savings 2010 edition (I for one can't stand daylight savings). It's Sunday, March 14, 2010.

Well, after yet another lengthy layoff period I am scheduled to return to work tomorrow. I am very excited to be returning to gainful employment and prayerfully optimistic to begin climbing out of this financial hole. But there is also a bit of trepidation and uncertainty. The economy is still weak and the unemployment rate is still well above 10% here in California. I know first hand the struggles that our state is facing, but I am thankful for the public aid that I received. Had it not been for the benefits I've received during this time, I have know idea where I'd be. Thank you California for the help and now hopefully you can help someone else.

But now to look ahead. I will be again working in the Metro DC area and am scheduled to depart southern California tonight on a red eye headed East. I hope to bring y'all new images of the area and its surroundings as well as comments on local eateries. I will also be much closer to the goings on of our Nation and sure to have something to say about what's happening around me and to all of us.

So stay in touch as the next post will be from our nation's capitol. God bless you and have a wonderful Sunday.

F**K YOU Tom Delay

Hi all and forgive the title. It's Monday, March 8, 2010.

I came across a headline that really hit a nerve this morning. It was published by "The Huffington Post" and read as follows, Tom Delay: People Are Unemployed Because They Want To Be.

That statement really pisses me off! I have been actively seeking any kind of employment since August of last year. I have submitted hundreds of resumes to employers across a wide range of industries; from IT Security (my most recent position) to truck driving. If you apply to an employer looking for someone with your skills, they have between 6 to 10 other candidates or more from which to choose. If you apply as a grocery clerk (and I did and worked in this industry in my twenties) they don't even bother to look at your skills. They immediately consider you to be overqualified. I will admit that there are likely a handful of the populace that has no desire to go back to work and continue to live off the government tit through unemployment benefits, food stamps, welfare, or some combination of benefits. But I for one along with countless others WANT to work. We want to secure gainful employment and regain our self respect. We want to have something meaningful to do with our lives and something to represent our efforts at the end of a full day of work. I personally take affront to this statement and feel that everyone who has been in the same boat with me voice their opinion. I don't have a wealthy wife to lean on. In fact my wife cannot work and thus dependent on me to support us both. I want and need to work as I'm certain that most real MEN do. For someone who is supposed to have been a public servant, I find this kind of comment uncalled for, inappropriate, irresponsible, and offensive. But, perhaps that is one reason he is no longer a public servant.

I invite your thoughts.

Who is Bart Stupak?

Hi y'all and welcome to the weekend. It is Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Now I know that some of you are gonna' take this opinion kinda' hard and that's okay. But this is how I feel on this issue and that's okay too.

It seems that another politico has come to the surface over the debate on healthcare. Rep. Bart Stupak, the nine-term Democrat from Michigan is the author of the "Stupak Amendment" which is a rider attached to the House health care legislation that would effectively ban most government funding of abortion under the new health care system. I must say that I agree that this is a procedure that should not be paid for with tax dollars. This is not a condition like a cold or the flu which can be contracted by simply interacting with daily life. The condition for which an abortion becomes the treatment is clearly, and in most cases, avoidable.

I believe that too many folks have come to accept abortion as a means of contraception; it is not. And as such I don't believe that abortions should be funded by tax dollars. If people desire to engage in unprotected sexual activity then they should bear the burden of the cost and not John Q. Taxpayer. I believe that if these were the rules then folks might think a bit harder before engaging in an act that results in a human life. Not withstanding the issue of a person relying on the government to pay for their abortion, but then to pay for the food and care of the new infant as well. Seriously people, it all boils down to this... "If you can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em".

I welcome your thoughts and have a great weekend.

I will give him rest from all his enemies all around

I will give him rest from all his enemies all around, originally uploaded by cptdrinian.

Hi all; it's Sunday, February 28, 2010. The last day of the month.

Wow... crazy to think that two months of the new year have already passed. In any event I'm sure that there are lots of stories to comment on today, but being a Sunday I've elected to refrain from ranting. I decided to share an image taken exactly one year ago today. I hope that everyone can derive comfort in knowing that the Lord Jesus loves each of you. And it is His goal to give each of us rest from our enemies and from our burdens; all we have to do is ask.

So with that have a blessed Sunday and we'll start anew in March.

Many others have know this, but now they all have a voice

Welcome everyone to Saturday, February 27, 2010.

It's pouring rain outside at the moment so I thought I'd read through some of the morning headlines when I bumped into this story; Buffett vents on financial fat cats.

Now many of us for quite some time now have felt outrage toward the irresponsibility of top banking and finance officials and management. They get paid outrageous sums of money whether they deliver or not (kinda' like sports figures). And they put all of us in danger by making extremely risky investments with our money. This behavior is not going to change by enacting legislation that they will simply maneuver around. If you want real change then you have to hit them where it hurts, in their pockets.

Let's face it, given the opportunity people will be greedy. That's just human nature and in fact biblical (man is sinful). So in order to prevent certain behaviors there has to be consequences when one has committed a wrongful act. But unless the perpetrators of those acts feel the same pain as the rest of us, nothing will change. Trust me, if these same high level individuals had to deal with the same consequences as you and I for their wrongdoings there would be less trouble in our financial system and a whole lot more fairness.

As always I invite your thoughts.

And so the feeding frenzy begins

Hi folks, it is Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

According to Yahoo News, the conservatives have turned against one of their own. Newly elected Senator Scott Brown is now under attack from those within his own party because he has voiced support for a jobs bill sponsored by the administration. So what's the deal? We need to put people back to work right? If we don't then things are just gonna' get worse for everyone. More local governments are gonna' have to lay off staff to keep their already strained budgets in check. This means more claims for unemployment benefits and food programs which are surely at their breaking points in many states. And if that's not bad enough, all levels of government will get slammed when things like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes occur and there is no revenue to cover the costs associated with rebuilding. Oh yeah, the Federal government will likely keep spending to keep the train on the rails, but at what cost to the future generations of this country.

I have always believed that in order to make money you have to spend money. But it would seem that the government at all levels as well as big business take a dim view of this way of thinking. Politicians don't want to raise taxes so that they can get re-elected. Big business wants to keep every penny and not carry their fair share of the burden. So in the end who really gets stuck paying the bill? That's right; you, me, your friends, your neighbors, your families and so on.

I think it's high time that all of the bickering stop. If that same amount of energy were placed into an effort to do something about job creation we just might start to crawl out of this mess. Granted, there is enough blame to go around such that everyone gets a share. We might not be personally responsible for creating this mess, but by not voicing an opinion to our elected officials we are no less to blame for the problems at hand. We are a country of smart people, educated people, people with common sense. Why don't we all just shut the F**K up and get the job done. The sooner we do the sooner the pain will end for us all.

I invite your thoughts

Leno's Rico Taco

Hi folks, it's Monday, February 22, 2010.

I had some appointments today which kept us out during the lunch hour. Given that and our proximity to Colton, we decided to grab a bite at Leno's Rico Taco.


This is not our first time here, but my first time being able to share it with others. We were introduced to Leno's by my compadre a while back and stop by whenever we're in the area.

The make great tacos from a wide variety of meats: beef (carne asada), pork (carnitas), tongue (lengua), shrimp, and more. I seem to always gravitate toward the carne asada (on right) while my wife toward the shrimp (on left).


These are so good that my wife who's not a fan of hot and spicy, just can't wait for the next visit.

So if you're in the neighborhood just East of Colton High School, drop in and give Leno's a try. I think you'll be happy you did.

Wrath from above

Hi all and today is Friday, February 19, 2010.

It's sad that in a civilization that is supposedly so advanced, we have to resort to violence in order to feel that we're heard or that some manner of action will be taken to effect a change. I for one do not believe in violence, but like most folks do have a temper. While I know that there is much in this world that I cannot change, I don't believe violence is the answer. But I have to wonder what happens inside a person's mind when they elect to follow that path. I know in my own life there are any number of things that have happened at the hand of big business and the government. But I know in my heart that while frustrating as those matters might be, violence is not really going accomplish my goals. In fact, it would only result in my being summarily tossed in the pokey. Nevertheless, the thought of Joe Stack slamming a plane into a building full of people who in all likelihood had no idea of his personal struggles is disturbing. What is it that is pushing more and more people to think that this is the answer?

Anywho... I suppose we'll never know, but one thing I know for sure (perhaps only me but I know it in my heart). Society is pushing people to their physical and mental limits. We were not meant to operate in the manner we are all behaving. We were meant to take care of one another given the fact that we are all human beings; at least I think we all are. I think this man's actions represent a serious problem that is bubbling just below the surface of many folks who share similar stories. I think Joe Stack's actions represent some people's outward expression of their inward feelings. Given that, I have to wonder just how many more folks could go rogue without warning.

God bless all the folks who came to the aid of the employees within the building and I pray that they all find peace and forgiveness.

So I'm not alone?

Hi everybody, this is what's left of Wednesday, February 17, 2010.

If you were to ask my wife what I thought of this as it was being reported by the evening news, you would know that I pegged this one before the story even finished. It now appears that the majority of us feel that the US Supreme Court committed a huge gaff when they decided to allow corporations, labor unions, and other organizations to spend money directly from their general funds to influence political campaigns (see accompanying story at Yahoo).

In this regard there are lots of things that folks have strong opinions on but cannot prove: the existence of Area 51, who shot Kennedy, or whether astronauts landed on the moon. But one thing I think is for certain even though I have no concrete evidence; our elected officials are in bed with big business.

As elected officials, there are very specific rules regarding political activities. They are defined within the Hatch Act of 1939. Below are a few thing that are verboten under this act:

• Allow your official title to be used in connection with fund raising activities
• Solicit, accept, or receive political contributions from a subordinate employee
• Solicit, accept, or receive political contributions (except in limited circumstances involving certain Federal labor or employee organizations)
• Engage in political activity while using Government property, including computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and telephones
  

But now the Supreme Court, in its infinite wisdom decides that corporations (which possess many of the same attributes of individuals) can donate whatever they feel to a candidate who supports their particular agenda. Now I have to ask, where is the sense of adhesion to the law in that?

What are your thoughts?

Pants should fit snugly, unless you're MC Hammer

Hi y'all! Today is Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

Ever since this fad started I've been opponent. Guys wearing pants that are 3 to 4 sizes too large with the waistband half way to their knees. It makes people even on their best days look disheveled and sloppy. It looks as if they have no self respect to wear clothes that fit properly. In fact it can slow you down physically.

A few years back the LAPD was chasing after a driver who would not yield to their lights and sirens. As is the case with all these pursuits the driver stops the car, bails, and attempts to flee on foot. However in this case the suspect missed a step due to his having to pull up his pants!

Now I don't condone crime or resisting arrest, but perhaps he'd have had a better chance if his trousers were of a correct size and properly installed around his waist. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20.

The whole reason I even mention this is because this issue is in the headlines again. Apparently U.S. snowboard rider Nate Holland, feels that his peers pants are too tight and do not properly reflect the snowboarding persona. I have to say that I disagree. The only sport for which I can see a benefit to loose clothing would be martial arts. But that's me and perhaps I'm dating myself.

But seriously folks, the whole look makes you appear like you woke up and put on what you slept in. Be proud of yourself and who you are and wear your pants where they belong. Just give it a shot. What have you got to lose, except for your pants.

Not the best right now economically, but hey, we've got sunshine.

Hi folks, it's Saturday, February 13, 2010.

It was reported yesterday I believe that there is snow in 49 of the 50 states in this great union of ours. Yes, even here in the State of California the mountain areas got a healthy dose of the white stuff. However, we seem to have garnered a short reprieve from the buckets of rain that fell just a few days back.

No such reprieve yet for the economy here in the West though. Many folks are having to endure much suffering due to the national downturn as well as slowdowns locally. And then to add insult to injury, lots of folks got slammed by the recent mud flows caused by the lack of vegetation in the burn areas of the Station fire. But keep the faith people, this too shall pass.

In a fashion no different than the pendulum on a clock, life has to swing both ways. It has swung right now in a direction which has kicked many of us in the teeth. But it will swing back the other way and we will all be in a better place; the sun will come out and shine brightly for us all.

Don't forget your Valentine tomorrow!

So you have issues with sharing do ya'?

Hello and welcome to Friday, February 12, 2010 and below is my thought for the day; at least for this morning.

You know, there is so much talk today regarding President Obama and his so called Socialist agenda. Now, I have not ever personally lived in a socialist country or within a socialist society. Therefore, I don't feel that I can render an accurate opinion or demonstrate the President's connection on socialism. Yet there is a growing group of individuals who feel that they have enough understanding to make such assertions. I for one do not share this opinion of our President and I laud his efforts to change the status quo.

I feel the way I do because I believe that this country of ours bought into the whole "Reaganomics" mentailty back in the 1980's. These folks genuinely subscribed to the idea of the "trickle down" theory and hung on to it. I supposed the idea had some merit: give tax breaks, incentives, and money to business; then some of the profits from those same businesses would reach the hands of labor and thus have trickled down. So given the current state of affairs I ask you: How much money has trickled down to you from the likes of AIG, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others? Really... how much?

So along comes President Obama who says (kinda') to "Stop the Madness" (remember Susam Powter?). Anyway, the President states that a serious shift in wealth needs to happen and all society is aghast! Now please understand I do not believe that he is trying to steal from the rich to give to the poor; oh no. I believe that the President simply wants them to SHARE what they already have; what God has given them.

You see, the Bible tells us in 1Timothy 6:17-19 that:

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Did you happen to notice the part about "willing to share"? It is my belief that big business has become so greedy and consumed by avarice that the only way to get them to do anything is to 'command' them to do it through legislation.

So with that I give you one final question ...well maybe two.

How many of you Tea Party folks out there call yourselves Christian?

And if you claim to be a Christian then why are you fighting this?

I welcome your thoughts and have a wonderful day :)

Welcome - It's Thursday, February 11, 2010

I've not taken the plunge into this whole blogging thing before. Something such as this, in my opinion (and there are gonna' be lots of those) is a serious commitment. Commitment to sit and express a thought or opinion on any topic on a regular basis. I know that I have devoted a considerable amount of time to posting photographs of my work related travels and picked up a few new contacts along the way; but this is different.

It is my intention as I develop this blog to share ideas, thoughts, facts, memories, opinions, and yes photos. I also plan to use it to critique places that I visit while out traveling across this vast country. All while sharing what I think might be of value to others and hopefully make a few new friends along the way.

So I encourage those of you out in the electronic realm to stop by and check in from time-to-time. Please feel free to share your facts, rants, reviews, photos, and other personal opinions with me. I look forward to a ongoing intellectual exchange. And to start of, surf on over to my flickr photostream and have a look at some of my photographs.

Here is a preview:

This particular shot was taken along the C&O Canal in Williamsport, MD.