Dennis' Ramblings

Updated USA Travel Maps

2011-09-14T15:58:00.003-05:00

Visited States:

Visited States by Motorcycle:

Republicans- This time, don't be stupid

2010-11-02T16:52:00.003-05:00

Clearly, you will be riding high into Washington with today's sweeping mid-term election. Don't mistake the results for an endorsement of Republican establishment principles. You had better listen to the tea party types, sack up, and take bold action on returning this country to a free-market Constitutional Republic, or you will be out in 2012.

The Republican establishment thinking that exposed you as conservative frauds from 2000-2006 (total control of Government) will not work anymore. The pundits are wrong about how you 'mis-handled' your mandate in the 1994 elections- it's not that you went too far- you didn't even get close to far enough. This time, grow a pair and get us back to the country that we know works well. You don't have much time to undo the mess Obama has foisted upon us, not to mention demonstrate enough wherewithal to take on entitlements. Don't get me started. We'll be watching.

Tommy Sowers is a Veteran running for Congress

2010-11-01T12:52:00.003-05:00

A fact which he has made abundantly clear in all of his advertisements... While his military experience surely equipped him with some excellent leadership tools to rely upon, his skills as a Green Beret will not come into play on the floor of the House of Representatives. Drop the veteran thing, Tommy- you're starting to sound like John Kerry in 2004!

'Want freedom? Kill some crackers!'

2010-07-12T17:58:00.002-05:00

'Want freedom? Kill some crackers!'

I'm inspired. I shall now change my name to "Reverend King Dennis Shabazz Jackson Sharpton X." You may refer to me as Reverend X. Where were those cracker babies?

Wait a minute- I thought we were in post-racial America! Yeah, that's it! Maybe I won't change my name.

Updated North American Travel Maps

2010-06-21T21:25:00.002-05:00

It's time for an updated North American travel map.
Visited States:

Visited States by Motorcycle:

Visited Mexican States:

Visited Canadian Provinces:

Discount E85, Anyone?

2010-05-14T00:46:00.003-05:00

R&P 'discount' fuel (Hayti, MO) seems to be the only place around here where E85 is available. I'm not a huge E85 fan, but R&P management is well aware that they are the only local supplier:

R&P price as of yesterday: $2.49
Average Missouri price, according to http://www.e85prices.com/: $2.15

Price gouging? You decide. I won't go crying to the State of Missouri like every other jerk around here, but I will get my E85 elsewhere...

Crackpot BP Oil Rig Theory

2010-04-30T09:15:00.002-05:00

Since the lefty crackpots proffered their theory that the 9/11 disaster was a Bush Administration 'inside job,' I offer an equally stupid crackpot theory: The Obama Administration, working in conjunction with the enviro-wackos, intentionally sabotaged the BP/Transocean oil rig to turn public opinion more towards their cap and trade legislation!

Gotta admit, the timing is impeccable.

Dude, where's my Country?

2010-03-25T18:36:00.003-05:00

The "health care" bill passed in Congress Sunday... I've given myself a few days to mull it over, and I can't imagine that anyone with as much as a high school education could believe that it's Constitutional. Pelosi was right- it was a 'victory'... a victory over the American people! The notion that Congress can compel you to buy any good or service is just appalling. Yes, I know that Missouri state law demands that I buy auto insurance to drive. However, it's my choice to drive. Apples and oranges. To me, this is just one more example of Congress' proclivity to piss on the Constitution at every opportunity!

I very much agree with Neal Boortz and Glenn Beck on this one. Their mood on this event is really very sour. I believe that this "health care" law, unless repealed, is certainly one of several nails in the coffin of this once amazing nation. It is the single largest threat to our long-term economic health since, well, the 2009 "stimulus" bill - which as you remember, added more debt to the nation's books in one year than all the previous administrations combined. Glenn Beck took a bit of an upbeat attitude about its passage, saying on his radio show Monday that this would be a watershed political event, and that Conservatives would sweep the Congressional elections this fall. That's great if he's correct, but recent history doesn't give me much hope of a return to Constitutional Principles.

Here's where Glenn Beck miscalculates: he's assuming that once the Congress and the Presidency is taken back by conservatives, then they will actually have the guts to reverse this insanity! My bet is that they won't. In my mind, Republicans exposed themselves as frauds back in the Bush Administration- with both houses of Congress and the Presidency, there is no excuse for making timid moves. Obama and his ilk are certainly wielding their power with ruthless efficiency. Chicago politics has found its way to Washington. The difference is that the Socialists of this country are hell bent on the complete destruction of their political opponents. Most Conservatives do not possess that killer political instinct, and never will. Unless Conservatives grow a pair, man up, and take bold action, their opponents will always have the upper hand.

I really hope that Beck is correct, and that a return to Constitutional principles is within reach in our lifetimes. I won't hold my breath. It breaks my heart that the USA is rotting from within and may be radically different in 20 years. I place the blame squarely at the feet of Congress, and not just the current one. It goes all the way back to FDR and the Great Society... Once those ideas took hold, our death warrant was signed- it's just amazing to me that we've managed to go this long without bankrupting the Country! There is something to be said for the American spirit, and frankly our luck as a nation. Beck has touched on one thing that may be quite correct- it may literally take a 're-founding' of our nation to ensure that freedom and individual rights can be upheld for the long term.

It will take much more than a balanced budget and tax reductions to fix our economic problems. We will have to have a better trade balance in the future, but big talk about keeping manufacturing jobs here is just that- talk. Let's see. Made in the USA: Pros- educated workforce, good infrastructure, good intellectual property law. Cons- OSHA, wage laws, unions, EPA, litigious populace, high wages, expensive state-run health care, high taxes and fees on both Federal and State levels, politicians constantly meddling in business affairs, contract law that means nothing, Presidential power to fire CEOs... Made most other places: Pros- low taxes, reasonable wages, relatively less government interference. Cons- possibly less-educated workforce, possibly less-reliable infrastructure, language might be difficult. Pretty easy decision from a businessman's perspective. Not to mention finance- USA: Fannie, Freddie, Community Reinvestment Act, position limits on 'certain' commodities, Sarbox, FDIC, meddling Congress. Elsewhere: glad to get the financial business...

Even though my political mood is waning, my personal life seems to be going just fine at the moment. I've made some adjustments in my finances, assuming more difficult times are in store for our Country for the foreseeable future. As soon as my means allow it, the possibility of a second home elsewhere in the world is becoming more certain. When the Government's tentacles seem to reach into my life more than ever, and the very freedoms I've taken for granted throughout my life seem to be crumbling, I will do what I must to ensure that the prospects for my family remain good.

Libertarian Infighting Dooms It As A Political Movement at Zeal For Truth

2010-02-25T04:50:00.002-06:00

Libertarian Infighting Dooms It As A Political Movement at Zeal For Truth

Check out Zeal for Truth. Interesting stuff.

What a Year

2009-12-31T18:54:00.004-06:00

2009 was a far more important year than most people think. We elected our first black President, which officially put us into post-racial America. Finally. Or maybe not. There are still plenty of white racists out there, and of course there are still plenty of black racists as well. Jackson, Sharpton, and the NAACP are still going strong.

Even though our Dear Leader delivered us into post-racial America, the Administration and Congress have taken thuggery and disrespect for the Constitution to new heights. We now have czars for every problem we're facing (and some we're not), and even the most casual observer can tell you that unconstitutional is the first word that comes to mind. We learned this year that the President, NOT directors, may fire executives of large publicly-traded industrial corporations. I don't recall reading about that power in the Constitution. With the tacit approval of the Supreme Court, the Administration also completely trashed contract law in this country (GM and Chrysler bankruptcies). Contract law (specifically pertaining to bonds) is now a farce, and like the Constitution and our almighty dollar, isn't worth the paper it's written on.

Congress passed a 'stimulus' bill that spends more money than our government has spent in any Presidency thus far. In fact, more than all of them combined. Rest assured that the Federal Reserve Bank is on the case, 'monetizing the debt' (read: printing money) and saving us from further economic malaise. Isn't it strange how the dollars in your wallet are starting to look more and more like Monopoly money every day? I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store! I'll be keeping my head down, going to work, taking care of my family, and doing my best to enjoy life. Cheers!

Go Back to English Class, Mike

2009-07-28T15:16:00.003-05:00

Mike Norman, the Pitbull Economics guy who occasionally appears on the "Cost of Freedom" Saturday Fox News shows, really should stick to his knitting and stay off television... While he is occasionally entertaining and sometimes seems to be a reasonable guy, you can count on him providing a steady supply of wing-nut ideas. His primary talent is talking/laughing over his debate opponents (usually Jonathan Hoenig or Wayne Rogers)- basically dominating the conversation to the extent he can.

In his appearance on Cashin' In this past weekend, he pulled out an old progressive/statist chestnut that just drove me up the wall, and I can't let it pass without comment: He mentioned something about promoting the general welfare, then said something like- “it's in the Preamble of the Constitution. Read it.” News Flash, Mike: the part of the preamble of the Constitution that mentions 'promote the general Welfare' does not mean that promoting the general welfare is a legitimate function of Government! Read the Preamble again:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

I'll shorten it down to the relevant topic, so Mike can understand it: We the People, in order to promote the general Welfare, do ordain and establish this Constitution... In other words, Mike, the general welfare has already been promoted by the ordaining and establishment of the Constitution.... It's not an ongoing thing. It amazes me how the lefties always pull out this little 'general welfare' nugget, and they never get called on it. While I certainly make my share of grammatical errors, I do know how to read. Sharpen up, Mike, or Fox News may replace you...

No Recent Posts...

2009-07-12T17:51:00.002-05:00

All I can say is, I've been out living my life lately. The weather is warm, which allows for plenty of outdoor activities. Don't get me wrong, I could go on for days about the colossal mistakes our government is currently making, or how we've managed to completely trash contract law with the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler. It's no wonder that foreign investors are clamoring for an alternative to the dollar as a reserve currency. But I digress...

The Doctors and Drug Companies are Next

2009-05-20T08:26:00.004-05:00

Since our Dear Leader and Congress now dictate corporate pay and apparently have the power to fire executives of private companies, my bet is that health care is next. You'll hear all sorts of rhetoric about excessive doctor pay and windfall drug profits, all of which will need to be sacrificed at the altar of the 'greater good,' whatever that is... It's funny to me that whether its a star athlete or a corporate executive, people from outside those professions always seem to know what proper compensation levels should be, and are always the most vocal about it...

Oh, by the way, I hereby extend my apologies to President Obama for off-handedly likening him to Kim Jong Il with the 'Dear Leader' reference. If that speech is now a violation of law, I plead ignorance, and throw myself on the mercy of the court.

The Santelli Rebellion

2009-02-19T23:28:00.003-06:00

This video of Rick Santelli on CNBC this morning sums it up. Forget calling it the Chicago Tea Party, this is the start of The Santelli Rebellion... He's clearly a better thinker than anyone in Congress at the moment! SANTELLI '12 - It's not "yes we can," it's "yes we WILL." Viva Capitalism!

I feel refreshed

2009-02-17T21:37:00.001-06:00

After a fine Saturday motorcycle ride- 180 miles, partly sunny, 44 degrees. Oh yeah, it'll do for February....

Roll Over, Thomas Jefferson

2009-01-20T12:06:00.000-06:00

With B. Hussein Obama becoming El Presidente today, the small strides we have been taking towards socialism the last 20 years will become an olympic-sized long jump....

Thomas Jefferson, Adam Smith, and countless others who advocated free minds and free markets are surely rolling over in their graves today. Let's hope for the best!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T00:10:00.002-06:00

I hope you have a great one. Only one prediction this year, and it's an easy one: I think this year is going to be difficult, at least in terms of the collective financial funk we're in at the moment, but we'll somehow muddle through. On an individual level, we Americans will be learning what it's like to live within our means this year. That can't be a bad thing! Personal responsibility- what a concept!

Sign of the Times

2008-12-23T15:29:00.003-06:00

A woman is apparently attempting to lay the blame for her investment losses with Madoff on the SEC (and thus the taxpayers). Uh, yeah. Even though I left my homework with your dog, and your dog ate my homework, the teacher should now flunk you, not me. I bet she bought her house with no money down and an adjustable interest-only balloon loan, too.

Much More Than Meets the Eye

2008-11-05T20:55:00.004-06:00

The most interesting thing for me regarding the Obama election win last night was Jesse Jackson. Yes, the numero uno race-baiter was at the Obama victory celebration in Chicago, crying his eyes out over the historic win...

Was he crying due to happiness that racism is defeated? Was it more likely that he has much less to complain about now that a black man has been elevated to the highest office in the land and will be considered the most powerful man in the world? Call me cynical, but I believe it's more that latter than the former.

So there is your immediate positive effect of an Obama victory- go figure; I knew that if I thought about it long enough, I might find one- a solid nail in the coffin of Jackson's race-baiting business. Time to find a new line of work, Jesse.

My name is Dennis and I approved this message...

2008-11-02T15:34:00.003-06:00

I am SO ready for this election to be over. I feel like I will explode if I see one more political ad. Johnrak McBama keeps asserting the HE will be the one to single-handedly get us out of an economic mess that Congress started for us back in the 90's... Uh, yeah. (Don't get me wrong, Congress and Wall Street then fanned the flames back in the early 2000s, then every knucklehead in America spent what they saved and then way more- so there's plenty of blame to go around!)

I am not really happy with either major party candidate, and Bob Barr (Libertarian) has no shot at winning. Regardless who wins, rest assured that we will get what we deserve for putting either of these two in the White House. I just hope that we can maintain our identity as a free people through some potentially difficult financial times immediately ahead! We've survived idiots in the White House before, and my guess is that we'll do it again. I say it somewhat jokingly: God save the Constitution!

Moral Hazard

2008-09-19T12:45:00.001-05:00

Today is a 'good' day for the markets, but a bad one for capitalism in general. Apparently, we taxpayers are bailing out the entire financial system. What does this mean? The same mistakes in mortgage finance and credit will be repeated. This is akin to a short-term fix for a drug user, but no re-hab. Shame on the government. As Jim Rogers often says of both Democrats and Republicans, "a pox on both their houses."

I Better Ramp Up My Travel Budget

2008-08-21T14:40:00.002-05:00

At least I should within the U.S. :

Current Visited States:

Current Visited States by Motorcycle:

That Pesky Road-side Johnson Grass Problem

2008-08-15T13:51:00.003-05:00

in Pemiscot County, Missouri has apparently been remedied by the imposition of a "johnson grass" tax! Yet another example of the fact that throwing money at a problem doesn't necessarily fix it. Thanks for that little addition on my personal property taxes. Good work, Pemiscot County! (photos HWY U)

Random Quote of the Week

2008-07-21T16:23:00.001-05:00

The great secret both of health and successful industry is the absolute yielding up of one's consciousness to the business and diversion of the hour--never permitting the one to infringe in the least degree upon the other. --SISMONDI.

Great Beer, and a Great Car

2008-06-17T04:01:00.001-05:00

Be Careful Who You Shoot in Caruthersville

2008-04-08T01:55:00.004-05:00

Early Sunday morning, the Caruthersville Police had to shoot a man who was apparently brandishing a weapon after stealing a car and being caught... (story here)

This alone is big news for our little town, but the reason that this story is so explosive is that the Police officers are white, and the 'suspect' was black. You can see all the speculation and racism on both sides HERE on the Topix thread. The title alone starts it off: "the murder by the police."

I've said it before- no matter your race, creed, religion, or sexual preference, IF YOU DRAW A WEAPON ON THE POLICE, THEY WILL SHOOT YOU. 'Protect and Serve' doesn't just mean protect the suspect. It also means that police should protect themselves as well in the line of duty. Seems like a simple, understandable fact of life, but apparently not to some of the citizens of Caruthersville. One of the people interviewed by the local TV station said something to the effect of this: 'if the police were close enough to use a Taser, they were close enough to arrest the man without shooting him.' Uh, yeah. Let's see YOU arrest someone while looking at the business end of a .45 auto. See how fast you look for a weapon yourself. Before all you anti-gun nuts start chiming in, please realize that someone who would steal a car would also obtain a gun illegally if they chose to be armed...

While I've been around long enough to know that corruption does exist among police, particularly in some of the larger cities, I can't imagine that the Caruthersville police would make a 'bad shoot' and try to cover it up. If the police version of the story is true, it sounds to me like they did their job well. It's too bad the 'suspect' had to lose his life, and it's too bad the officers in question will have to live with the fact that they have killed someone... In my opinion, the police have 'protected and served' the City of Caruthersville and society in general by doing what had to be done in the situation and removing a dangerous criminal from the streets, no matter his color.

The Fabric of Society is Thinner Than You Think

2008-04-04T00:18:00.004-05:00

A statement clearly backed up by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and to a lesser extent (although the ramifications are really more far-reaching), the recent bailout of Bear Stearns by the Federal Reserve.

Now I know that Bernanke makes a solid point when he says that the fate of Bear Stearns is not a desirable one by any means. I agree. Nobody but the short-sellers have come out well in this situation. However, the apparent fact that our financial system turns out to be a confidence game and that the failure of one large broker/banker cannot be tolerated makes me think that I'm watching the Wizard of Oz, and the little man behind the curtain has just been exposed...

Don't misunderstand- I'm neither a doom-and-gloomer, nor a gold bug. I am convinced more than ever that the importance of diversification among several asset classes cannot be over-emphasized.

Random Update

2008-03-19T02:17:00.002-05:00

Spitzer is gone. Good riddance. I'll give him credit for fixing a couple of Wall Street issues that needed reform, but his strong-arm extortion tactics against mostly innocent people like Grasso made me sick. Hey, anything for political gain, right? What an ass. He got what he deserved.

Unfortunately, Spitzer laid the groundwork for new strong-arm tactics among the politically-up-and-coming states attorneys general. I can't wait to see who the next Spitzer turns out to be...

A Great Day for Cuba

2008-02-19T08:53:00.002-06:00

Finally. Fidel is gone, at least politically. I was hoping that Fidel Castro would have been dead by now, but the world doesn't always work like you want it to sometimes. Brother Raul gets the keys to the country for now- I've said it before- Cuba will likely become Communist in name only, like China. Great news for the Cuban people. It may take a while for significant political freedoms like free speech and fair elections, but I bet the island takes a definite capitalist turn...

Since I Haven't Been Political in a While...

2008-01-27T20:58:00.000-06:00

All this bullshit rhetoric bouncing around in political talk about sovereign wealth funds (pools of investment money owned by foreign governments) is really starting to get on my nerves. The politicians are constantly talking about changing the rules for, or putting onerous restrictions on sovereign wealth funds, often citing 'national security' concerns.

If a foreign government takes a large stake in a U.S. company, even one that's involved in our national security, they can't possibly get technical information from that investment. It's a financial transaction. Even if they managed to get a seat on the board of directors, that's only one vote, never mind the fact that directors are generally just concerned with big-picture business issues. Now I'm no detective, but it would look rather strange to me if a corporate director representing a foreign government started poking around asking questions about our latest military toys and other sensitive technology. There's an FBI office near you! Pick up the phone and call them.

People get so pissed about foreigners buying U.S. real estate and making investments in our publicly-traded companies. BIG DEAL. Before our Yankee lira (dollar) fell off the proverbial cliff, our mutual funds and hedge funds were buying huge stakes in foreign companies all the time, if not buying them outright. Free trade is free trade. It's not like the foreigners can take the companies or real estate back home with them...

Now THAT Would be Your Rigid Frame...

2008-01-08T21:30:00.001-06:00

The ABS system makes up for the bumpy ride!

What a Way to Start the Year

2008-01-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

With a Missouri Tiger victory in the Cotton Bowl vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks....

(insert Dr. Evil laugh here)

Happy New Year to all.

Update and Random Quote of the Week

2007-12-26T16:02:00.000-06:00

Sorry to my regular readers for the lack of posting this month. I have no good excuse (well, I actually do, but it would be flimsy), so I'll just jump back in with the usual worthless commentary and observations:

Since my last post, the University of Missouri Tigers were, for one glorious week, number one in the nation in football. It didn't last, but what a great time. I've been waiting for a season like this for twenty years, now it's finally happened. Just gotta beat the Razorbacks now in the Cotton Bowl....

Hugo "The Ass" Chavez lost his referendum on Constitutional change in Venezuela, which makes me happy. A temporary setback in his plans to turn the country into the next failed attempt at achieving a worker's paradise... Many people are saying that this effectively buries Chavez politically, but I disagree. Never underestimate the desire of a power-hungry socialist idiot to seize all the power he can. I predict he will make a more bold move before his term as President is up.

And finally, a random quote of the week:
In the day of prosperity we have many refuges to resort to; in the day of adversity only one.--HORATIUS BONAR.

Warren Buffett is a Hypocrite

2007-11-15T12:28:00.000-06:00

In terms of his take on the estate tax. I have to clarify that quickly, before the Buffett groupies out there decide to dispense some vigilante justice towards me for such heresy...

If keeping the estate tax is such a good and fair situation for the citizenry, then why did The Oracle give away most of his assets to the Gates foundation? Did he think that Uncle Sam might not spend that money as wisely as he? Perhaps only those people who are society's elites should be able to determine how their estate will be spent, but not the rest of us. We should just give up that money to Uncle Sam, and blindly trust the smartest people in the universe (Congress) to spend it well.

From the linked article:
"Instead of the free market determining when assets are bought or sold, the death tax makes that determination," said Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. "There is something fundamentally wrong when the government swoops in after a funeral to take a cut of what that person had worked their whole life for, and has already paid taxes on at least once."

You said it, sister. Remember: actions always speak louder than words. Buffett says the estate tax is necessary, but shielded the bulk of his own estate by giving it away as a charitable contribution. Strange that Uncle Sam won't be taking "a little more out of the hides" of guys like him. Food for thought.

Random Quote of the Week

2007-10-30T13:51:00.000-05:00

The distinguishing trait of people accustomed to good society is a calm, imperturbable quiet which pervades all their actions and habits, from the greatest to the least. They eat in quiet, move in quiet, live in quiet, and lose their wife, or even their money, in quiet; while low persons cannot take up either a spoon or an affront without making such an amazing noise about it.--LYTTON.

For Those of You

2007-10-13T08:09:00.000-05:00

who are financial types (aren't we all), check out prosper.com. You can actually make some money in micro loans. Be careful, however, because the loans are unsecured... Click this button, you'll get extra $ if you sign up:

Note to Self

2007-10-13T07:48:00.000-05:00

Copper is a very good conductor of electricity! I recently read on Reuters that a German man was electrocuted and burned to a crisp attempting to steal copper from some sort of electrical substation... I've said it before, good riddance! Go mine the stuff if you want copper, or better yet, buy mining shares...

Not-so-Random Quote of the Month

2007-09-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

Speaks for itself:

Many politicians are in the habit of laying it down as a self-evident proposition, that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story, who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim.--MACAULAY

The Hammer of Truth

2007-09-05T07:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, a mirror can be your harshest critic. Michael Moore should invest in one. I had to reprint this post from Rife's Torch (see blogroll), entitled "What About You, Mike?" Enjoy.

Filmmaker and throughly disingenuous huckster Michael Moore has asked Presidential candidates to pledge to go without health insurance should they be elected.
This is almost as stupid and pointless as the candidates’ pledges to work for the minimum wage during their tenure as Executive, but my question is this: What about you, Mike? How about you drop your health insurance, since you’re so in touch with the American proletarian? Given both your net worth and obesity (I’m sorry, but the sight of a 350lb man bitching about the evils of American excess is just too full of humor and irony to pass up mentioning), it would seem that this is the closest you will be able to get to the experience of the “little guy.”
In fact, I think that everyone who supports Mike’s prescription for health care reform - which is notably high in facile, blanket, idiotic assumptions, and notably low in substance and connection to reality (”free, universal health care for life” sounds great, but so does a free Lexus every year - neither is feasible nor morally justifiable) - should ditch their health insurance in protest. Along the same lines, I think that those who are inclined to use force to distribute money from one group of people to another (regardless of purpose) should start with their own damn bank account. After all, why should some of us have health care while others do not? Isn’t this an affront to justice? Isn’t that what the movie is about: the assumption that positive rights do exist and should be enforced by the government?
I haven’t yet seen Moore’s latest propaganda piece (it’s on my list of things to watch via. BitTorrent as soon as I get a chance to run to the liquor store), but I would like for someone, somewhere to tell me just why the hell we’re supposed to assume that when a well-known American filmmaker shows up with a full crew and requests health care from the Cuban government, they will treat him and the poor souls he dragged with him any differently than the most prominent member of the Communist Party? Are we really supposed to believe that this is anything less than blanket propaganda (it is my understanding that the hospital he visited in the film serves dignitaries and high Party officials almost exclusively)? Oh, I see! The Cuban system must be just swell; this is why so many Americans brave shark-infested waters to leave their homes and families and migrate to this worker’s paradise.
So either put up or shut up, Michael. Or just tell me why you should have health care and others should not? Isn’t that the question of the hour?
(The answer, by the way, is “because he can afford it,” but I can guarantee you that in this area, Moore will exhibit the same amount of intellectual honesty presented in his films.)

Just Back From Florida

2007-08-15T14:10:00.000-05:00

And the trip was fantastic. The motorcycle riding got old during the day due to heat, but we wised up on the way back by riding at night. Other than that, the first true distance trial (2600 miles) of my BMW K1200GT was a good one. The bike worked perfectly, as expected, and the only thing I may change about it in the future will be the seat...

As far as the scuba diving, I got to dive several wrecks, including the Spiegel Grove, the Thunderbolt, the Benwood, and the City of Washington. Several reefs were included as well. Lots of marine life- beats the hell out of a day (or a week, in this case) at the office! Florida Keys diving will definitely be included in my future expeditions.

I also stopped by the Coral Castle in Homestead, FL. It was really cool- in fact, I will be taking my wife there with me in the future. What a great accomplishment, and the chicks think it's romantic.

It's good to be back to my family- I did miss my girls. Time to get back to work, and ensure that my vacation money is sufficient for next year...

Epic Ride

2007-08-02T12:39:00.000-05:00

Final preparations are under way for the motorcycle ride to the Florida Keys. Barring any potential tropical storms/hurricanes, the scuba diving should be great. I have yet to dive the Keys, so it will be fun to check out the wrecks in the area. I'm told that the currents there can rival that of Cozumel, so it should make for some interesting diving...

Combining two of my hobbies makes for a great vacation. Now I just have to figure out where to take my wife a little later in the year...

Re-accumulation Theory

2007-07-24T14:04:00.000-05:00

All this populist, class-warfare, 'haves and have-nots' talk during the current Presidential campaign really makes me want to puke...

My favorite quote always goes something like this: "The wealthiest X% (X is a single-digit number) of Americans control Y% (Y is a relatively high double-digit number) of the wealth of this country." "This has got to stop, blah, blah, blah."

Here's my re-accumulation theory: Let's say we give in to these socialists, confiscate all the wealth of this country, and distribute it equally to every living adult. Assuming an economic system that's even mildly capitalist (like the one we have now), within 5 years, much of that wealth would be right back into the hands of those we took it from originally-within 10 years, all of it would be.

The bottom line is this: there are always people who are experts in their field. They can't help but succeed. Some are great investors, negociators, inventors, executives, workers, thieves, etc. There are also plenty of people with no motivation, and people who squander their money keeping up with the Joneses, betting, drinking, using drugs, etc. They are certainly free to do those things, but fools and their money are always parted. There will always be 'haves' and 'have-nots'. Get used to it. Instead of concerning ourselves with ways to take wealth away from the rich, perhaps we should start discussing how to teach some of the 'have-nots' how to create wealth of their own...

Random Quote

2007-07-22T23:27:00.001-05:00

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision; and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.--COLTON.

I Noticed

2007-07-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

more motorcycles on the road today than normal (today is ride to work day - www.ridetowork.org )... That's a good thing - even used as plain transportation, bikes are economical and fun...

On a different note entirely, planning is well underway for the motorcycle/scuba diving trip to the Keys of Florida next month. Barring any hurricanes, the wreck diving should be fantastic!

Hope to See You on the Road

2007-07-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

Another Proud University Bows to the NCAA

2007-06-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Arkansas State Indians are changing the name of their mascot. The NCAA mascot Gestapo has ruined the identity of another University in the name of political correctness.

I'm happy that not everyone at ASU is pleased about this forced change (from the above linked article):
“None of us like this,” said committee member Bill Keedy, a former Newport High School football coach and a radio announcer for ASU football games. “We think the NCAA is ‘hostile and abusive.’”

I do as well, Mr. Keedy. And may I suggest a perfectly watered-down mascot name? Arkansas State Native Americans? Arkansas State Vegetarians? Nah, maybe not. I'm sure the marketing firm will come up with a gender-neutral, environmentally-friendly, non-confrontational mascot...

Trent Despot

2007-06-15T22:46:00.000-05:00

“Talk radio is running America. We have to deal with that problem.”

So says Trent Lott (Despot - I'm coining the term today), Senator from Mississippi and arbiter of modern political speech and thought in America...

Talk Radio, you are free to use the term Trent Despot free of charge, as long as you give proper credit!

You Look Like a Fine, Up-standing Young Man, I Think You'll Do

2007-06-11T17:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted lately, due to the fact that I've been working, riding my motorcycle, and taking care of my family... Generally trying to be a responsible human being. On the other hand, check out this story from right here in good ol' Southeast Missouri:

Who's Your Daddy? Paternity Battle Between Brothers

My favorite quote from the article is this: "I want to go to the Supreme Court," Raymon told ABC News. "If they can't prove it's me then they should throw it out of court." And as for the child support, he said, "The state should eat it." Ah yes. The State should eat it. Great logic. Irresponsible Ass.

Motorcycle Pic of the Month

2007-05-20T21:58:00.000-05:00

Or at least an interesting one that I happened upon on the killboy.com blog:

I've never seen that color scheme on the road before- Gloves would have been a real smart addition to her attire...

The Difference is that Lord Browne

2007-05-02T16:39:00.000-05:00

lied about sex in court, but apparently was honor-bound to step down from his post at BP:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/05/01/browne.resign/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Go figure. People can do the right thing from time to time. Several high-profile Americans could learn a thing or two here...

Now That's a Retirement

2007-05-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

One of my motorcycle/scuba diving friends is strongly considering retiring (again), selling his rental properties/etc., and buying a sailboat big enough for him and his wife... Then sailing, diving, and motorcycling full time. Not a bad way to spend your time! That's the sort of retirement I have in mind in the distant future as well...

When Stupidity Meets High Metals Prices

2007-04-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

From KAIT channel 8, Jonesboro, AR:

WALCOTT, AR - Greene County authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occured this afternoon near Walcott.
Sheriff Dan Langston said a man was electrocuted at approximately 1:13 p.m. The accident occured at or near the intersection of Greene County Roads 315 and 340.
The name of the victim has not yet been released. Langston said preliminary investigation revealed that the man may have been attempting to steal copper from the site.

Darwin award nominee?

Great Day for a Ride

2007-04-22T18:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, some friends and I had a fantastic motorcycle ride through Southeast MO. I know, kinda boring, but there really is some decent scenery if you look for it. Started in Caruthersville, rode to downtown Cape Girardeau, had lunch, checked out lots of bikes. Then on to Chaffee, Delta, and Advance along Hwy 25. We took 25 down to Malden, to catch the end of an antique car show. Some interesting vehicles there. Finally, on south to Kennett, then back home east on 412. 200+ miles- it wasn't a long ride by any stretch of the imagination, but it was sunny, not a cloud in sight, and we had nowhere to be all day...

This Whole Imus Controversy

2007-04-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

with the Rutgers women's basketball team is such a huge win for..... Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton! Huh? Yes, these two prominent leaders, who by the way are racists themselves, have now recovered the spotlight from Obama. All is well in the world of Jackson and Sharpton. They certainly believe that the spotlight belongs to them- how dare Obama take it away!

Don't worry guys, Obama will have it back soon, and you will be returned to political and societal irrelevance soon enough.

Un-Freaking Believable

2007-04-04T23:04:00.000-05:00

Check out shareholder proposal #4 on this year's proxy for Altria Group:

PROPOSAL 4 – GET OUT OF TRADITIONAL TOBACCO BUSINESS BY 2010

The Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824, claiming beneficial ownership of 75 shares of common stock, together with two co-proponents, submitted the proposal set forth below. The names, addresses and shareholdings of the co-proponents will be furnished upon request made to the Secretary of the Company.

WHEREAS, in 1973 a Philip Morris representative stated: “We all know that once a consumer product has been proven by the medical profession to be harmful to the human body, the product will be banned from sales and whatever has been sold will be withdrawn from the trade.” He said, if cigarettes would be “undeniably proven to be harmful and conducive to lung cancer, there will definitely be a ban on cigarette sales worldwide.” Later, in the film, Death in the West, a Philip Morris Vice President declared that, if it were shown cigarettes cause harm, “we would withdraw them.” PMUSA has never disavowed these statements.

Recently PMUSA has promoted itself as socially responsible. It says it shouldn’t be judged by past modes of operating. However, as late as August, 2006, a Federal Judge overseeing the U.S. Government’s lawsuit against it and other tobacco companies ruled it and the others have continually violated racketeering laws by deceiving the public about tobacco dangers. It stated:

1.
They have falsely denied, distorted and minimized significant adverse health consequences of smoking for decades.

2.
They have consistently manipulated nicotine levels in cigarettes, with resulting addictive consequences.

3.
Their own documents and research reveal their continued recognition that smoking causes serious adverse health effects, along with fears how such knowledge might impact litigation.

Meanwhile, other findings indicate that the company does regulate nicotine levels in its cigarettes, corroborating what the Federal Judge alleged.

While acknowledging that a combination of increased taxes on cigarettes and diminished public access to smoking reduces smoking and, therefore, increases public health and, despite its acknowledgement of smoking’s health hazards, PMUSA has lobbied mightily to restrict increases in taxes in various states (BW 09.11.06). This makes the proponents of this resolution convinced the company is not sincere in its stated commitment to reduce smoking among people in general, youth in particular and, especially those addicted to its products.

The findings of the Federal Judge and others show that our company has consistently acted duplicitously in the dissemination of its cigarettes. Despite this, it still has asked the same Judge for permission to continue marketing its alleged “light” and “ultralight” products abroad even though it knows millions of people think they diminish health hazards but do not. This “boundless rapaciousness” has led The Washington Post to opine of this Company’s thinking: “If we can’t continue to defraud Americans into killing themselves … can we at least keep suggesting to billions of people abroad that some cigarettes are safer than others?”

After years of trying to make this Company more socially responsible, the shareholders filing this resolution are left with no alternative but to submit the following:

RESOLVED, that, since it acknowledges the science showing its tobacco products create disease and death, shareholders request the Board of Directors initiate steps to sell or phase out all production, promotion and marketing of its health-hazardous and addictive tobacco products by 2010.

The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal.

Ya think? Uh, guys, it's time to sell your measly little 75 shares and get out of the tobacco business TODAY! Idiots.

Credit Where It's Due

2007-03-28T18:20:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the State of Missouri has really gotten something right by its corporate citizens. Unlike the constant offers you get in your personal life from your credit card companies/banks/etc. to get 'paperless billing,' like it's a BIG convenience to you (doesn't save you money, only the company), the State of Missouri actually gives YOU an incentive to file important corporate documents with the State online at a much reduced cost. Now that gets me excited to save trees!

Hmmm- a win for me, for Missouri, and for the tree-huggers... who'da thunk it?

Some Pressure for Citgo

2007-03-14T22:07:00.000-05:00

Another local Citgo franchise dropping Citgo and going independent-this station just took down the prominent CITGO sign that you now see is missing- it seems people really do vote with their wallets!(Hayti, MO)
Glad to see the independent owners following in 7-Eleven's footsteps...

Welcome Back

2007-02-28T19:13:00.000-06:00

I notice now that the weather is improving here in Southeast Missouri that those motorcyclists whose loud pipes "save lives" are finally out and about again... Riding 'season' is back! Of course my riding season never ends, but it's good to see them out on the road. Welcome back!

It's Time to Back off the Bank of America

2007-02-20T23:26:00.000-06:00

This recent policy of issuing credit cards to Mexicans seems to have really touched one of the many nerves regarding immigration in the United States... Apparently, Bank of America believes that it's muy importante to service credit-worthy foreigners who want credit cards. The Hispanic population of the USA, illegally here or not, is by far the fastest-growing. It makes tremendous business sense to serve that market. Regardless of why they're here, Bank of America sees what they believe to be a creditworthy foreigner standing in front of them (or at the very least, one who is willing to establish a secured card by putting money up-front).

I say it's good old Capitalism, plain and simple. People are talking as if the bank is issuing unsecured credit cards to all illegal immigrants, which is clearly preposterous. Kudos to Bank of America, for refusing to behave like a charity, and actually trying to make a buck. I really hope they don't cave in to the pressure on this one.

And Here I Was Under the Impression

2007-02-13T20:00:00.000-06:00

that sending additional troops to Baghdad would have no effect... Hmmm...

This Year's Cool Scuba Dive

2007-01-31T04:59:00.000-06:00

May well be the Spiegel Grove. I can live with that.

Sometimes, the Good Guys Win

2007-01-20T13:48:00.000-06:00

Of course by good guys, I mean Capitalists. The news of Wal-Mart's victory over Maryland made my week. No legislature is more capable than a business in determining what amount of health care spending will attract and retain the most qualified employees. Score one for the good guys- you Wal-Mart Jihadists will have to go back to the drawing board.

Random Pic of the Week

2007-01-12T04:33:00.000-06:00

A sample of my step-daughter's art, late 2005. Sort of looks like a wild neon sign:

I'll Take a Routing Number with That, Please...

2007-01-05T07:36:00.000-06:00

On January 3, the normally very responsible KFVS12 TV of Cape Girardeau did something that blew my mind. They produced a very compelling segment about a certain local health-care company that is bouncing payroll checks. Poor, pitiful employees.

In the segment, they show the bounced payroll check on air, with the identity of the payee blocked out by some one's thumb. Here's the amazing thing: even without the aid of a DVR, the check was on air for so long, you could easily make out the name of the bank, the routing number, and the account number of the company in question.

I realize that if a company is bouncing payroll checks, there may not be much money in the account. If I were in charge of either the bank or the health-care company, I'd have my lawyers at Dewey, Cheatham & Howe climbing straight up the skirt of KFVS12 for subjecting my company to serious financial risk in a most negligent way... Mike Smythe (general manager), you owe both companies a humble apology on air during one of your "Viewpoint" segments...

2007 Predictions

2007-01-02T22:04:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year- I plan on making 2007 even better than 2006, and I hope you do as well.

Time for New Year's predictions-

Fidel Castro dies in 07, and IF brother Raul gets the keys to Cuba, it becomes "communist" much more in the Chinese sense of the word- in name only- as capitalism regains a foothold in our little neighbor island to the south...
U.S. auto makers remain in deep trouble, and I reiterate my prediction that GM declares bankruptcy by the end of this year. Ford may not be the only one that approaches Toyota about some sort of alliance or takeover. Of course, Toyota would be foolish to even consider it- the U.S. auto makers are basically health-care operations that happen to make cars on the side! Toyota can just continue its winning ways, and defeat the others anyway...
More private equity takeovers of publicly-traded companies go on this year, in fact, they may accelerate. With all the corporate governance shenanigans going on with stock options, and all the unreasonable head-aches companies have to deal with since Sarbox, why bother? Take the company private and run the damn thing the way you want to. Who could blame you?
More initial public offerings are at risk of being listed overseas- another unintended consequence of Sarbox. Something will have to change soon in terms of this law- I say it gets modified by Congress in 07.

While I think something major will go down with Iran this year, I won't make it an official prediction. Even if it does, know that we can call on Ethiopia (see previous post) to go in, kick ass, and rid the world of that nuclear/radical Islam threat.

Islamic Radicals Terrorizing Your Country?

2006-12-29T03:16:00.000-06:00

Who you gonna call?

Ethiopia! Huh?

Apparently, when it's time to rid an area of jihadists, Ethiopia gets the job done. No hand-wringing, just action. Like we did in Afghanistan shortly after 9/11, except the Ethiopians will probably not spend time "rebuilding" the things they've destroyed...

Perhaps when the Ethiopians leave Somalia, they'll turn their sights on the Sudan and clean that mess up in Darfur as well. Who needs the U.N. when Ethiopia can get the job done?

I Hope It's a Public Hanging

2006-12-26T22:50:00.000-06:00

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy... Kill hundreds of people, get killed yourself. Justice, old school.

I've Been Named Time's Person of the Year

2006-12-18T12:07:00.000-06:00

for 2006! It's an honor that I won't take lightly, and I promise that I won't let it go to my head. There are so many people that I would like to thank...

Season's Greetings

2006-12-18T00:08:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this joke making the email rounds?

For My Democrat Friends:
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

For My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Kinda funny. People need to get over it and grow a thicker skin- I personally like "Happy Holidays," but then the sensitive types believe even that is an attack on Christmas!

Good for US Airways

2006-12-05T23:23:00.000-06:00

and their decision to kick the imams off the flight... I'm thinking this whole thing was staged by the Muslims to prove a point, but still the right decision by the airline.

Empty Threat, If There Ever Was One

2006-12-03T18:15:00.000-06:00

All this talk about an Al Qaeda cyber attack is ludicrous... The most they could possibly come up with might be a denial of service attack on some corporation's servers. You can't expect me to believe that an organization that is run from caves could bring down our cyber financial infrastructure... Apparently, we run a much greater risk being poisoned but Putin and his spies!

Back From Vacation

2006-11-28T18:02:00.000-06:00

We had a little family road trip last week that took us through Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Below is a typical view in Western Virginia and West Virginia- probably a great drive when the leaves are changing- not so much now!

More importantly, we got to see friends and family on the trip and the kids had a great time, so all the driving was worth it.

So We Chose Tax and Spend...

2006-11-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

OK, it's not much different than the borrow and spend Republicans. Of course, now I get to hear about how I need to pay "my fair share" of taxes. Uh-huh...

Ah, Election Eve...

2006-11-06T23:42:00.000-06:00

And it's about time. The political ads here in Missouri are sucking my will to live... Missouri Senate race, tricky constitutional amendments. It'll all be over tomorrow! So who are you for? Tax-and-spend (democrats), or borrow-and-spend (republicans)? With maybe one exception, I'll be voting Libertarian.

Random Pics of the Week

2006-10-30T22:01:00.000-06:00

Some photos from the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum:

Being a BMW fan, I couldn't help but include the pic of one of the bikes that Rommel & crew used in North Africa in WWII. What a great gun on the side-car. Forget rush hour, the intimidation factor for other motorists would be huge...

Weekend Review - Back from Florida

2006-10-26T04:06:00.000-05:00

Just back from the diving trip to the Oriskany, the world's largest artificial reef. It must have been a really impressive aircraft carrier back in the day. What an experience! The whole weekend was great, with the exception of having to ride our bikes through some nasty wind and rain on the way down...

The Oriskany: the coolness factor of this dive is high. Plan on short dives, however, because the coolest swim-throughs and things to see are from 90' to 120', in my opinion. The top of the crow's nest is at 70', and the flight deck is at 136'. Stay too long on the flight deck, risk going into deco. Gotta keep a very close eye on your dive computer. This was no doubt my deepest dive, and it's kind of the ultimate "wall" dive, in that you feel like you're descending the side of an underwater skyscraper as you go down. Marine life is still a little weak, but there are already BIG barracuda lurking about. I can't wait to see it again in a year or two, when it's had more time... We managed to meet a man in downtown Pensacola who served on the Oriskany in 1965- a great way to cap off the experience.

The Scuba Shack: (Pensacola, FL) recommended. These guys didn't hold our hands at all, which we found extremely refreshing. We did our own thing, at our own risk.

The New World Landing: highly recommended accommodations. Basically across the street from the Scuba Shack. Great location, great staff, real keys. Old school.

29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort: (Vandiver, AL) a destination in itself. First-class operation, basically a very popular campground for motorcyclists. You'll see every kind of bike imaginable! Great motorcycle road to get there, as well: Alabama highway 25.

Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum: (Leeds, AL) Coolness factor was off the charts. Motorcycles from every manufacturer, and many you never knew existed... You could easily blow the better part of a day there.

Those are some of the highlights of the trip. I couldn't ask for a more fun "guys weekend."

I'm off to go Dive on the Oriskany

2006-10-18T00:12:00.000-05:00

Leaving Thursday by motorcycle. This should be a fantastic dive... What a great reef the Oriskany will be for Pensacola. On the way back, I'm stopping at a vintage motorcycle museum in Alabama- should get some great pics... Mixing my scuba diving and motorcycling habits- beats a day at the office!

Here's a Little Gem

2006-10-14T20:40:00.000-05:00

for all the people in the Business and Finance section at Yahoo Answers who seem to continually ask, "What is the best way to save money?" They go on to explain the debt piling up, etc. Here's the answer:

ALWAYS SPEND LESS THAN YOU MAKE.

There we go. I've done my part today. Now you go to Yahoo Answers, and prepare to read questions that will have you laughing out loud... Enjoy!

Ah, Columbus Day...

2006-10-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

If you want to encounter some extreme intellectual firepower, head over to Yahoo Answers and check out the questions about Columbus. Plenty of haters over there... Good guy or bad, Columbus started the ball rolling on the eventual conquest of indigenous people that made our quality of life what it is today! It is what it is, so the haters will just have to get over it...

On a much lighter note, my next 'adventure' occurs this month: I'm riding my motorcycle down to Pensacola Florida to go scuba diving on the site of the USS Oriskany, the now-sunken aircraft carrier of John McCain fame... the flight deck is at 135 feet, and the top of the tower is at 70. Can't wait for this one!

On the way back, my friends and I will stay at the 29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort near Birmingham, Alabama. It's motorcycles only, so it should be cool.

Welcome Aboard, 7-Eleven!

2006-09-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

I see that 7-Eleven has joined my boycott of Citgo... Glad you're on board, boys.

Just back from Chicago

2006-09-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

Had a great time at a meeting with a supplier. Took in a Sox game from a suite, a boat ride downtown, etc. It's not NYC, but an awesome city nonetheless.

I'm Just an Infidel Trying to Make it in this World...

2006-09-18T19:22:00.000-05:00

Perhaps Pope Benedict is as well: "He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.'"

(story link: CNN.com - Pope's Islam comments condemned - Sep 15, 2006)

I wish the Pope wouldn't be so apologetic- the truth is the truth...

If you know the enemy and know yourself,

2006-09-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. So said Sun Tzu in The Art of War...

September 11 reminds us of the capabilities and intent of our radical Islamic enemies. They are not interested in getting along, sharing the planet with non-Muslims, land for peace, or any other negotiation. They want us to convert to Islam, or die. It's that simple to them. So we know our enemy.

How well do we know ourselves? It's gut-check time. It seems that many people (USA, UK, and other Europeans included) want to keep their heads in the sand as to the nature of the threat we face. Claiming that those of us who clearly see this threat are "fear-mongering" or are "blood thirsty" doesn't make the threat go away. Do we have what it takes to eliminate these people who wish us harm?

We did in the second World War. We were forced to flex our muscles and show the world what the USA is capable of accomplishing if it chooses. Had we not, my guess is that a hell of a lot more people would be speaking German now, and the genocide would have continued unabated. It's time to take the gloves off, let the CIA do some really dirty work (assassinations and other covert operations), and kill the enemy before it happens to us again. I think Blair and Bush see the threat pretty clearly, but the U.S. Congress is a different matter.

If you haven't yet made it down to Ground Zero in NYC, I strongly recommend you go. It's hard not to get angry when you see it.

Moral Relativity

2006-09-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

is not a good thing... But it may increase the returns on some mutual funds... I noticed in last Friday's Wall Street Journal that some of the "socially responsible" mutual funds are relaxing their restrictions on the stocks that are eligible for their portfolios. The lack of "vice" companies has held back the performance of these funds for some time now. Shame on the funds for easing their morality- I thought it was their #1 motive in their investments.

I have no moral problems with the vice stocks- in fact, I am the proud owner of Altria stock (cigarette manufacturer). My morality makes me believe that you have the right to pollute your body with anything you wish, just don't let your habit infringe on my rights. Some choose nicotine to pollute themselves, I choose chocolate. Nevertheless, I am a good death merchant, and always smile when I see someone buying Marlboros at the gas station...

Vice stocks always seem to do well when the economy slows- so if you believe we're in a slow-down, go get some vice stocks!

So the Crocodile Hunter Died

2006-09-04T22:51:00.000-05:00

He was clearly passionate about his work, and he died doing what he loved. Not a bad way to go.

Well Here We Are, a Year Later,

2006-08-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

and no one seems to have learned anything from Hurricane Katrina. The Army Corps of Engineers says that the New Orleans levees are back to pre-Katrina levels (able to withstand a category 3 hurricane). Ray 'Chocolate' Nagin is still in power... Huh? How did that happen? Definitely one of those 'get what you deserve' sort of things, agreed?

People are still moaning and pissing about the Federal Government's response to Katrina- why aren't there more blank checks from Congress?

Several newspeople today still spoke of Katrina's "wrath," as if the storm had the capacity to think! Don't forget the global warming, etc, etc, ad nauseum.

The bottom line- New Orleans is no better prepared for a category 3+ storm than it was a year ago. The only difference is that there are now fewer residents to get caught up in the floods if it happens again. As I said in previous posts, no one took the time to consider any bold new ideas for New Orleans. So New Orleans remains a very susceptible town to hurricanes, not to mention any terrorists who have designs on the levees. I hope that the people who have the desire to recover and relocate can get it done before this tragedy inevitably repeats itself.

Motorcycle Trends

2006-08-23T21:37:00.000-05:00

I believe that the height of the popularity of the motorcycle 'cruiser' has been, or is very close to being, reached in this country. SO many custom choppers/etc.

Recently, custom sport bikes are all the rage. 'Adventure' riding is also becoming popular, and should be so for the next several years. The next trend will be the restoration of old classic motorcycles... Mark my words. Competition on ebay is already starting to heat up for old bikes and parts. Better scoop up that great fixer-upper while you can!

Israel / Hezbollah Cease Fire

2006-08-16T03:56:00.000-05:00

Uh- yeah. A big opportunity wasted by the Israelis...

I Think it Would be Interesting

2006-08-10T14:05:00.000-05:00

if one of the U.S. oil companies would sell gasoline derived solely from North American oil sources. (I realize that the majority of our crude oil comes from Mexico and Canada) They could call it 'Certified North American Gasoline'. This would be interesting because we would learn how much more some people would be willing to pay per gallon for gasoline to know that they are not funding Middle Eastern or Islamofascist countries...

It Seems

2006-08-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

That Bill O'Reilly is on a Big Oil Jihad, the likes of which haven't been seen since Lou Dobbs and globalization... He thinks that BP is shutting down their Alaskan operation to shock the markets and line their pockets even further with higher oil prices. He spoke on the Radio Factor today about how preventative maintenance could have prevented this shut-down. Bill- this shut-down IS the preventative maintenance! Would you have BP keep pumping oil through that system without shutting it down to replace the pipelines? Come on! There is no sense in rolling the dice on what could potentially be a big oil spill.

I've said it before- the government makes more than double what the average oil company makes on a gallon of gasoline. Until it's the other way around, I don't care to hear about your Big Oil conspiracy, Bill.

Off to the Lake

2006-08-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

This weekend for some family time and scuba diving. Can't wait! Gotta put some new (to me) scuba equipment through its paces. If I keep up all my expensive hobbies, I'll have to move my retirement age back a few years. Oh well, it's worth it...

I Think I'll Vote Libertarian

2006-08-01T05:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I would have anyway, but here is a Democrat contender for Congress (vs. Jo Ann Emerson) in Missouri's 8th District:

In case it's hard to read, E. Earl says that a Democratic Congress will:

Create Jobs *
Raise Minimum Wage **
Close the Border
Bring Down Gas Prices ***
Revive Lost Industries ***
Level Global Trade Field +
Balance the Budget
Lower the Trade Defecit ***
Re-Energize the Family Farm +
Re-Direct Government to the People +

* not the function of government
** destroyer of entry-level jobs
*** impossible in the long term, due to economic forces beyond the government's control
+ total B.S., feel-good political rhetoric

Clearly, E. Earl was no economics major. A Congress of any political makeup can really only accomplish three of these goals. Raising the minimum wage is easy enough for Congress to do. Closing the Border, a different story. We better get to work on the Great Wall of the Southwest soon... Maybe E. Earl will lend a hand in its construction! Last, but not least, E. Earl and friends could balance the budget... While I recognize that in E. Earl's world, that's a code phrase for "raise your taxes to balance the budget," it could actually be done with radical spending reduction as well. That would take a tremendous amount of leadership...

Kudos to E. Earl for not race-baiting or playing a class-warfare card in his ad. Classy, indeed.

Occasionally, I Check

2006-07-25T19:53:00.000-05:00

my statcounter to see who has been poking around the blog. It's kind of fun to see where all the readers are coming from. I noticed yesterday that someone from the Bill Richardson campaign was reading several posts here at D.R.

Welcome, lefties! We mean you no harm. At least not physically!

Joe's Crab Shack as a Destination?

2006-07-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Who knew? Saturday, my brother, a friend and I rode our bikes down to Memphis, Tennessee to have lunch at Joe's Crab Shack- the downtown location has a great view of the river and downtown Memphis... It was a good way to spend an afternoon. Clear weather, good riding, and a belly full of seafood. Beats a day in the office.

I am Now a Motorcycle Collector

2006-07-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

I just bought, for a very reasonable price, a 1982 Honda CB 650 Four... An excellent winter fix-up project. It will never see the same road time that my BMW R1150R gets, but it will be fun to get it running again and ride it in the summers.

Motorola Update

2006-07-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

I am happy to say that Giant International, the manufacturer of Motorola FRS radios, has stepped up and resolved my warranty issues to my satisfaction... So Motorola at least partially lives on in the world of Dennis. Cell phones are still out, though.

Hezbollah Gets What it Deserves...

2006-07-17T18:23:00.000-05:00

Bye-Bye Moto!

2006-07-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

Well, not yet, but I am very close to chunking all things Motorola around my house and workplace. Too many quality issues lately with cell phones and FRS radios... Did you realize that Motorola doesn't even manufacture its own FRS radios? A company called Giant International does. Motorola had no interest in assisting me with my warranty issues, so now their credibility with me rides on what Giant does or doesn't do (not that Motorola cares, I'm just one customer- but I do get to vent here) ...

Rife Sticks It

2006-07-11T22:58:00.000-05:00

To the NOW gals, that is... with his usual biting truth. Check out his thoughts on the NOW gang and the topic of female genital mutilation (a legitimate feminist issue).

Even I Get It Right Sometimes

2006-07-11T18:41:00.000-05:00

My Ken Lay prediction (see previous post) was spot-on... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/07/06/ny-post-wants-lay_n_24479.html

Indeed.