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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
I will give him rest from all his enemies all around
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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
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
Monday, February 22, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, February 19, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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:
What are your thoughts?
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
What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
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!
Friday, February 12, 2010
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 :)
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 :)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
