-- Whether it's $50 to fill up your Prius or $130 for the Ford Expedition, $4-a-gallon gasoline is coming to a pump near you.
Fuel prices are rising at a pace not seen since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita knocked out a third of the U.S. oil refining industry in 2005. Gasoline consumption is climbing twice as fast as last year and will accelerate when summer travel begins late next month.
Population gains and U.S. economic growth are causing an increase in fuel purchases, according to Orlando, Florida-based AAA, the nation's largest organization for motorists.
Gasoline use is rising almost 5 percent above the five-year average.
Americans are resigned to higher prices, says David Pursell, a principal with Pickering Energy Partners, a consulting firm in Houston.
``Last year, we had pump prices well over $3 for the summer and gasoline demand was up,'' Pursell said in an interview. ``Would $4 gasoline cause demand contraction? I think it will, but I also thought $3 gasoline would.''
Gasoline inventories, measured by the days of demand they will cover, are at the lowest level in two decades for this time of year because of refinery fires, power failures and maintenance work oil companies failed to complete in 2006. No new U.S. refinery has been built in three decades, increasing the strain on existing plants.
Pump prices in the U.S. may increase to $4 a gallon from a nationwide average of $2.87 today, especially if hurricanes threaten Gulf of Mexico refineries, says Peter Beutel, an analyst at Cameron Hanover Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut, who helps industrial consumers manage energy costs.
``Hurricanes are always the huge wild card,'' said Beutel. ``We're all praying for a year like 2006 rather than 2005.''
The June-to-November Atlantic Ocean hurricane season may produce 17 tropical storms, with nine reaching hurricane force and four becoming major hurricanes whose winds exceed 111 miles per hour (179 kilometers per hour), London-based forecasters at Tropical Storm Risk said. Some of the storms will strike the Gulf Coast this year after a benign 2006.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Internet safety for kids
LESSONS on how to spot and avoid paedophiles on the internet will be given to every secondary school pupil in Scotland.
Specially trained police officers will teach 285,000 youngsters how to use the web safely without falling victim to the "horrendous crime" of grooming.
A virtual police station is also being set up where pupils who suspect they have been targeted can make an official report. It is estimated 31% of all youngsters in Britain have been targeted by potential sex offenders.
All Scottish children aged 11 to 16 will be invited to seminars this year where they will learn how to protect themselves online and about signs of potential threat.
The Thinkuknow campaign is being launched by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, created last year by the government to counter cybercrime against youngsters.
It will involve police and a group of teachers, who are receiving specialist training, presenting a programme of dos and don'ts to youngsters.
There will be interactive presentations, discussion groups and work parties to highlight the risks facing children from predators.
As well as anti-paedophile experts, children themselves - many of whom have already fallen prey to offenders - have been consulted about how best to tackle the problem.
Research shows one in three children in the UK have received unwanted sexual comments either online or by text message, but fewer than 5% of their parents are aware of this.
And with 75% of British youngsters aged between nine and 19 having internet access at home, the potential for abuse is already high and increasing daily.
Jim Gamble, CEOP's chief executive described Thinkuknow as a major step forward. He explained: "The internet is now integral to the lives of our children. It is omnipresent and in many households now acts as a new member of the family.
"Yet, for many parents, what their children are doing online is a mystery. Children themselves, however, continue to push boundaries with possibilities that are almost endless."
Gamble added: "Let's be realistic. The internet will not go away and we encourage everyone to use it and maximise it for all the legitimate opportunities that it creates. But where children go, then the predator will follow and in the same way as we safeguard our playgrounds, our parks, our streets, we must secure, in whatever way possible, the public place that is the internet."
Gamble said the Thinkuknow campaign was the first of its kind, not only because it had been designed by police, child protection specialists and children working together, but because it included a dedicated, online reporting service.
"This means children and young people can report any instances of inappropriate online contact themselves," he said. "Empowering children is one critical way of helping safeguard youngsters. Saying to them: 'Have fun', while making them aware of the dangers and allowing them to walk into a virtual police environment if they feel threatened makes massive sense.
"It is a simple approach but one that is vital and if used the right way, as recent investigations have shown, will allow us to protect children in a way that is proactive, dynamic and, above all, powerful in bringing the offender to account." Why dont we do that here in the US, where the problem is even worse?
Specially trained police officers will teach 285,000 youngsters how to use the web safely without falling victim to the "horrendous crime" of grooming.
A virtual police station is also being set up where pupils who suspect they have been targeted can make an official report. It is estimated 31% of all youngsters in Britain have been targeted by potential sex offenders.
All Scottish children aged 11 to 16 will be invited to seminars this year where they will learn how to protect themselves online and about signs of potential threat.
The Thinkuknow campaign is being launched by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, created last year by the government to counter cybercrime against youngsters.
It will involve police and a group of teachers, who are receiving specialist training, presenting a programme of dos and don'ts to youngsters.
There will be interactive presentations, discussion groups and work parties to highlight the risks facing children from predators.
As well as anti-paedophile experts, children themselves - many of whom have already fallen prey to offenders - have been consulted about how best to tackle the problem.
Research shows one in three children in the UK have received unwanted sexual comments either online or by text message, but fewer than 5% of their parents are aware of this.
And with 75% of British youngsters aged between nine and 19 having internet access at home, the potential for abuse is already high and increasing daily.
Jim Gamble, CEOP's chief executive described Thinkuknow as a major step forward. He explained: "The internet is now integral to the lives of our children. It is omnipresent and in many households now acts as a new member of the family.
"Yet, for many parents, what their children are doing online is a mystery. Children themselves, however, continue to push boundaries with possibilities that are almost endless."
Gamble added: "Let's be realistic. The internet will not go away and we encourage everyone to use it and maximise it for all the legitimate opportunities that it creates. But where children go, then the predator will follow and in the same way as we safeguard our playgrounds, our parks, our streets, we must secure, in whatever way possible, the public place that is the internet."
Gamble said the Thinkuknow campaign was the first of its kind, not only because it had been designed by police, child protection specialists and children working together, but because it included a dedicated, online reporting service.
"This means children and young people can report any instances of inappropriate online contact themselves," he said. "Empowering children is one critical way of helping safeguard youngsters. Saying to them: 'Have fun', while making them aware of the dangers and allowing them to walk into a virtual police environment if they feel threatened makes massive sense.
"It is a simple approach but one that is vital and if used the right way, as recent investigations have shown, will allow us to protect children in a way that is proactive, dynamic and, above all, powerful in bringing the offender to account." Why dont we do that here in the US, where the problem is even worse?
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Cruising
Just out cruising the blogosphere on the internet highway at the end of a beautiful day! Here's hoping you don't get bugs in your teeth.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Meow
Cats, cats, and now even more cats. My youngest son brought in another baby cat-allready named subzero-the momma cat had supposedly stopped caring for it. It was only about 5 inches long and very healthy. So I have another inside zoo addition. I keep slowly restoring the older cats to the outside world and he keeps bringing in little ones. But they make him so happy and they are a ball to have around so its ok. I'm mildly allergic to cat hair and it makes my eyes swell up if I get cat hair around my eyes. So its a battle constantly keeping things very clean with monkey like cats around. He was watching me read different blogs today and said "See-even bloggers post about cats" I must admit that I like the kittens much better than the snakes and spiders he sometimes brings in!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Horses
Howdy padnas!!
Had a little time to play with a few paint programs this evening and this is the outcome. Of course I have motorcycle on the brain- hence the 2 kinds of horses. Its amazing how easy it is to make cool pics on the computer compared to having to use a pencil and paper. Still fun though.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Top 10 reasons to go to work naked
10. No one ever steals your chair.
9. Gives "bad hair day" a whole new meaning.
8. Diverts attention from the fact that you also came to work drunk.
7. People stop stealing your pens after they've seen where you keep them.
6. You want to see if it's like the dream.
5. To stop those creepy programmer guys from looking down your blouse.
4. "I'd love to chip in... but I left my wallet in my pants."
3. Inventive way to finally meet that 'special' person in Human Resources.
2. Can take advantage of your computer monitor radiation to work on your tan.
And the number one reason to go to work naked...
Your boss will never say, "I wanna see your butt in here by 8:00!" ever again.
9. Gives "bad hair day" a whole new meaning.
8. Diverts attention from the fact that you also came to work drunk.
7. People stop stealing your pens after they've seen where you keep them.
6. You want to see if it's like the dream.
5. To stop those creepy programmer guys from looking down your blouse.
4. "I'd love to chip in... but I left my wallet in my pants."
3. Inventive way to finally meet that 'special' person in Human Resources.
2. Can take advantage of your computer monitor radiation to work on your tan.
And the number one reason to go to work naked...
Your boss will never say, "I wanna see your butt in here by 8:00!" ever again.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Things only a Mom can teach
1. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION..."Just wait until your father gets home."
2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING...."You are going to get it when we get home!"
3. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE..."What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you ... Don't talk back to me!"
4. My Mother taught me LOGIC..."If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, your not going to the store with me."
5. My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE..."If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
6. My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD..."If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."
7. My Mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you're cold?"
8. My Mother taught me HUMOR..."When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
9. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT..."If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
10. My Mother taught me about SEX...."How do you think you got here?"
11. My Mother taught me about GENETICS..."You're just like your father."
12. My Mother taught me about my ROOTS..."Do you think you were born in a barn?"
13. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE..."When you get to be my age, you will understand."
14. And my all time favorite... JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you... then you'll see what it's like"
2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING...."You are going to get it when we get home!"
3. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE..."What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you ... Don't talk back to me!"
4. My Mother taught me LOGIC..."If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, your not going to the store with me."
5. My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE..."If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
6. My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD..."If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."
7. My Mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you're cold?"
8. My Mother taught me HUMOR..."When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
9. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT..."If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
10. My Mother taught me about SEX...."How do you think you got here?"
11. My Mother taught me about GENETICS..."You're just like your father."
12. My Mother taught me about my ROOTS..."Do you think you were born in a barn?"
13. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE..."When you get to be my age, you will understand."
14. And my all time favorite... JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you... then you'll see what it's like"
Monday, April 23, 2007
A Kids Guide to Life
Never trust a dog to watch your food.
When you want something expensive, ask your grandparents.
Never smart off to a teacher whose eyes and ears are twitching.
Wear a hat when feeding seagulls.
Sleep in your clothes so you'll be dressed in the morning.
Never try to hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Don't flush the toilet when you dad's in the shower.
Never ask for anything that costs more than five dollars when your parents are doing taxes.
Never bug a pregnant mom.
Don't ever be too full for dessert.
When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don't answer him.
Never tell your mom her diet's not working.
Don't pick on your sister when she's holding a baseball bat.
When you get a bad grade in school, show it to your mom when she's on the phone.
Never try to baptize a cat.
Never spit when on a roller coaster.
Never do pranks at a police station.
Beware of cafeteria food when it looks like it's moving.
Never tell your little brother that you're not going to do what your mom told you to do.
Remember you're never too old to hold your father's hand.
Listen to your brain. It has lots of information.
Stay away from prunes.
Never dare your little brother to paint the family car.
Forget the cake. Go for the icing!
When you want something expensive, ask your grandparents.
Never smart off to a teacher whose eyes and ears are twitching.
Wear a hat when feeding seagulls.
Sleep in your clothes so you'll be dressed in the morning.
Never try to hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Don't flush the toilet when you dad's in the shower.
Never ask for anything that costs more than five dollars when your parents are doing taxes.
Never bug a pregnant mom.
Don't ever be too full for dessert.
When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don't answer him.
Never tell your mom her diet's not working.
Don't pick on your sister when she's holding a baseball bat.
When you get a bad grade in school, show it to your mom when she's on the phone.
Never try to baptize a cat.
Never spit when on a roller coaster.
Never do pranks at a police station.
Beware of cafeteria food when it looks like it's moving.
Never tell your little brother that you're not going to do what your mom told you to do.
Remember you're never too old to hold your father's hand.
Listen to your brain. It has lots of information.
Stay away from prunes.
Never dare your little brother to paint the family car.
Forget the cake. Go for the icing!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Important Question
Question: How many members of the Bush Administration
are needed to change a light bulb?
Answer: TEN.
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb
needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either
for changing the light bulb or for eternal darkness;
5.. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton
for a new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor and
standing on a step ladder under the banner "Bulb Accomplished";
7. One administration insider to resign and in detail reveal how
Bush was literally "in the dark" the whole time;
8. Another one to viciously smear #7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush
has had a strong light bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference
between screwing in a light bulb and screwing the country
And after all is said and done, no one will notice that they never
actually managed to change the light bulb.
are needed to change a light bulb?
Answer: TEN.
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb
needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either
for changing the light bulb or for eternal darkness;
5.. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton
for a new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor and
standing on a step ladder under the banner "Bulb Accomplished";
7. One administration insider to resign and in detail reveal how
Bush was literally "in the dark" the whole time;
8. Another one to viciously smear #7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush
has had a strong light bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference
between screwing in a light bulb and screwing the country
And after all is said and done, no one will notice that they never
actually managed to change the light bulb.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Look out big rigs
San Diego Times – In an effort to reduce pollution in National City, officials passed a law this week that prohibits diesel trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds from idling more than five minutes.
The crackdown is aimed at stopping truck driving schools from practicing maneuvers and idling within 100 feet of a school, but also intends to reduce all truck idling in the city.
A man died in February after his family said exhaust from a Momax Truck Driving School big rig induced an asthma attack. Community members and Kimball Elementary School teachers rallied the City Council to prevent this from happening again.
Environmental Health Coalition activists want the new law named after Javier Jimenez, the man who died.
It goes into effect in 30 days. If this goes ok - it will probably become a widespread action all across the us.
The crackdown is aimed at stopping truck driving schools from practicing maneuvers and idling within 100 feet of a school, but also intends to reduce all truck idling in the city.
A man died in February after his family said exhaust from a Momax Truck Driving School big rig induced an asthma attack. Community members and Kimball Elementary School teachers rallied the City Council to prevent this from happening again.
Environmental Health Coalition activists want the new law named after Javier Jimenez, the man who died.
It goes into effect in 30 days. If this goes ok - it will probably become a widespread action all across the us.
Sherlock Holmes
AN original manuscript for one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's last Sherlock Holmes stories is expected to sell for more than £250,000 at auction.
The Edinburgh-born writer made more than 100 changes in black ink to his original hand-written manuscript for The Adventure of the Three Gables, which was published in The Strand magazine in October 1926.
The changes included crossing out words and whole phrases or sentences being replaced. A complete manuscript of a Sherlock Holmes story which had been so extensively altered is an item "of the utmost rarity", according to Marsha Malinowski of the auctioneer Sotheby's.
The item will appear as part of the New York sale on June 21. Edinburgh University is believed to be among the prospective buyers. Conan Doyle based his famous detective on Dr Joseph Bell, the surgeon and criminal psychologist who lectured at the university.
The Edinburgh-born writer made more than 100 changes in black ink to his original hand-written manuscript for The Adventure of the Three Gables, which was published in The Strand magazine in October 1926.
The changes included crossing out words and whole phrases or sentences being replaced. A complete manuscript of a Sherlock Holmes story which had been so extensively altered is an item "of the utmost rarity", according to Marsha Malinowski of the auctioneer Sotheby's.
The item will appear as part of the New York sale on June 21. Edinburgh University is believed to be among the prospective buyers. Conan Doyle based his famous detective on Dr Joseph Bell, the surgeon and criminal psychologist who lectured at the university.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Through the ages
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids?
If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions."How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five!That's the key.You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead."How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40.Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtimeAnd it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions."How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five!That's the key.You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead."How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40.Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtimeAnd it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Creative ways to say someones stupid
About as sharp as a marble.
A few clowns short of a circus.
Not the brightest bulb on the Christmas Tree.
A few fries short of a Happy Meal.
I wish I had a blueprint for his brain; I'm trying to build an idiot.
An experiment in Artificial Stupidity.
He only has one oar in the water.
A few beers short of a six-pack.
Dumber than a box of hair.
A few peas short of a casserole.
Doesn't have all her cornflakes in one box.
One Fruit Loop shy of a full bowl.
One taco short of a combination plate.
A few feathers short of a whole duck.
All foam, no beer.
The cheese slid off her cracker.
Body by Fisher, brains by Mattel.
Couldn't pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel.
He fell out of the Stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.
An intellect rivaled only by garden tools.
As smart as bait.
Chimney's clogged.
Doesn't have all his dogs on one leash.
Elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor.
Forgot to pay his/her brain bill.
Her sewing machine's out of thread.
His antenna doesn't pick up all the channels.
His belt doesn't go through all the loops.
If she had another brain, it would be lonely.
Missing a few buttons on his remote control.
No grain in the silo.
Proof that evolution CAN go in reverse.
Receiver is off the hook.
Several nuts short of a full pouch.
Skylight leaks a little.
Slinky's kinked.
Surfing in Nebraska.
Strong like bear... Smart like tractor.
Too much yardage between the goal posts.
Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
The lights are on, but nobody's home.
Has an IQ of 2, and it takes 3 to grunt.
Warning: Objects in mirror are dumber than they appear.
Doesn't know much, but leads the league in nostril hair.
24 cents short of a quarter.
The wheel's spinning, but the hamster's dead.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Virus Warning
Viruses WARNING . . . Watch out for these new viruses - Neither Symantec or McAfee have any solutions for these yet!!!
The Al Gore Virus - Causes your computer to just keep counting and re-counting
The Clinton Virus - Gives you a 7-inch Hard Drive with NO memory
The Bob Dole (aka Viagra) Virus - Makes a new hard drive out of an old floppy
The Lewinsky Virus - Sucks all the memory out of your computer, then e-mails everyone about what it did
The Ronald Reagan Virus - Saves your data, but forgets where it is stored
The Mike Tyson Virus - Quits after two bytes
The Oprah Winfrey Virus - Your 300 Mb hard drive shrinks to 100 Mb, then slowly expands to re-stabilize around 200 Mb
The Jack Kevorkian Virus - Deletes all old files
The Ellen Degeneres Virus - Disks can no longer be inserted
The Prozac Virus - Totally screws up your RAM, but your processor doesn't care
The Joey Buttafuoco Virus - Only attacks minor files
The Arnold Schwarzenegger Virus - Terminates some files, leaves, but will be back
AND THE FAVORITE
The Lorena Bobbitt Virus - Reformats your hard drive into a 3.5 inch floppy . . then discards it through Windows
The Al Gore Virus - Causes your computer to just keep counting and re-counting
The Clinton Virus - Gives you a 7-inch Hard Drive with NO memory
The Bob Dole (aka Viagra) Virus - Makes a new hard drive out of an old floppy
The Lewinsky Virus - Sucks all the memory out of your computer, then e-mails everyone about what it did
The Ronald Reagan Virus - Saves your data, but forgets where it is stored
The Mike Tyson Virus - Quits after two bytes
The Oprah Winfrey Virus - Your 300 Mb hard drive shrinks to 100 Mb, then slowly expands to re-stabilize around 200 Mb
The Jack Kevorkian Virus - Deletes all old files
The Ellen Degeneres Virus - Disks can no longer be inserted
The Prozac Virus - Totally screws up your RAM, but your processor doesn't care
The Joey Buttafuoco Virus - Only attacks minor files
The Arnold Schwarzenegger Virus - Terminates some files, leaves, but will be back
AND THE FAVORITE
The Lorena Bobbitt Virus - Reformats your hard drive into a 3.5 inch floppy . . then discards it through Windows
Monday, April 16, 2007
Chip off the old block!
Most of the lessons I have taught the kids, about what not to do, or how not to do it, have been from my trying it out first-hahaha! As in how not to jump on the trampoline, how not to try and walk through closed doors, how not to come down stairs, how not to walk on ice, how not to do wheelies, how not to put bleach in colors, how not to cook...how not to leave kitchen cabinet doors open while you working at counter, how not to slice and dice, how not to walk into pipes, how not to start fires. Saturday, my youngest son said "dad-I pulled one of your stunts! I slid my bike through a piece of the lattice work-it was an accident."
Huh!
Chip off the old block-poor kid!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Here's a thought for YOU
Life is short,
Break the rules,
Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly,
Love truly,
Laugh uncontrollably,
and never regret anything that made you smile.
Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we`re here we should dance !!!
SPRINGTIME
Springtime-it's here. I know that for a fact , because every breathe I take I sneeze and blow my nose. It's such a beautiful time of year with all the clean cut lawns, the fresh flowers blooming, kids back OUTDOORS playing again. I gotta call Guiness World Records and see if I set a record for thorns and cactus needles in lawnmower tires! I had bought extra tubes just for that reason-combined, I had 52 holes in the front two tires. Mesquite and cactus just wouldn't get out of my way. hehe Guess the mower 's not a bulldozer. The kids had so much fun playing in the newly cut grass until later on when the itching started. I trimmed the front tree and the kids made teepees out of the leafy limbs. Yea--springtime is a fun time of year.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Toys for Boys
They delivered my old age mower today!!! All it needs is hood exhaust and flames and chrome hubcaps and it will be perfect. I had bought a Sears but they made me mad about delivery so I got this one instead. I LOVE IT.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Whats your current wallpaper?
My wallpaper changes daily. The kids like to look and see what new picture is on , when they get up in the mornings. Then we discuss it in the evening. They have learned a lot of extra geography that way. So- whats your wallpaper look like.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
You gotta be kidding me
People with Parkinson's disease are less likely to be smokers and coffee drinkers than their healthy siblings, according to a study of family members. The finding adds to a growing body of evidence that some substance in tobacco might protect the brain against this devastating neurological disorder and sheds new light on coffee's effects on the disease. But the side effects of smoking are bad too. Isn't that just my luck.
I'M A BAD AMERICAN
I Am Your Worst Nightmare.
I am a BAD American.
I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some mid level governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!
I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer, it makes you a smart American.
I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle you to anything.
I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, do it in English.
I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to.
I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.
I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you! So, shut up already.
I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where you came from and change your own country! This is AMERICA .
I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse Jackson preaches, where he gets his money, and why he is always part of the problem and not the solution. Can I get an AMEN on that one?
I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry rear if you're running from them..I also think they have the right to pull you over if you're breaking the law, regardless of what color you are. And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my drivers license. I think it's good..... and I'm proud that "God" is written on my money.
I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years.
I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me stuff or trying to guilt me into making "donations" to their cause.
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.
I believe "illegal" is illegal no matter what the lawyers think.
I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA ! If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know.
I am a BAD American.
I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some mid level governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!
I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer, it makes you a smart American.
I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle you to anything.
I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, do it in English.
I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to.
I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.
I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you! So, shut up already.
I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where you came from and change your own country! This is AMERICA .
I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse Jackson preaches, where he gets his money, and why he is always part of the problem and not the solution. Can I get an AMEN on that one?
I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry rear if you're running from them..I also think they have the right to pull you over if you're breaking the law, regardless of what color you are. And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my drivers license. I think it's good..... and I'm proud that "God" is written on my money.
I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years.
I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me stuff or trying to guilt me into making "donations" to their cause.
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.
I believe "illegal" is illegal no matter what the lawyers think.
I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA ! If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Camel Face
Ever been called camel face and it not offend you. One of my friends and me always call each other ugly names. We saw each other in the Dollar General and he said" was up camel face-how are you " I replied "not bad-badger butt" That poor lady at the check out line had the weirdest look on her face-guess she aint used to friends talking crazy! She kinda did look like a badger-butt too.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
What are you made of?
As I sat in the bedroom folding clothes, listening to the radio, I heard Billy in the bathroom singing as he sat on the toilet. Then I heard Sarah in her room singing as she played on her computer. I went and checked on Kevin in his room and he was singing along with his Ipod laying on his bed. You know what---things are really great here. Everyones at peace and happy. Thats something no amount of money can buy. I am comfortable with myself and where I am in my life and the Lord constantly shows me little miracles to help me remember who's the boss and how he promised to take care of me and my family. A lady stopped by Saturday evening to say hello. She lived in Austin and I had helped her get her car going so she could get home about 8 years ago. I hadn't charged her anything and she never forgot that that little act. She wanted to introduce her family to the young man with who had helped her. Embarrassed the poop out of me. They left a envelope in my mailbox with 100.00 dollars and a note thanking me for taking care of their mom when no one else in town would. That was 8 years ago. I had forgot about it. Apparently they hadn't. That tiny simple act of kindness had affected that whole family.
Things like that remind me how blessed I am and how much I enjoy being alive right now. Yep-it was a really good weekend.
What are you made of?
Things like that remind me how blessed I am and how much I enjoy being alive right now. Yep-it was a really good weekend.
What are you made of?
A Wonderful Day
WELCOME from your traveling minstrel on the internet highway. Phew-I think my energy drink is kicked in goooood! Today turned out to be an intersting and pleasant day. The kids hid eggs outside after all, and then again in the house. Everyone had a good time, ate too much candy, and watched too much tv, a perfect day. Hope yours was just as pleasant.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Easter Greetings
Now thats an Easter Basket-huh. It's 42 degrees outside and raining and blowing cold, so looks like its gonna be an inside egg hunt this year.To one and all
Have a Hoppingly good Easter!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Kiss My Grits
My kids delight in finding different ways to tell me I'm an old man. The other day I told my oldest son to "Kiss my grits". He looked at me stupidly and said "whats that Dad-must be an old man saying!" OLD MAN my butt. I'll be 44 on the 22 of this month-I am not old! But -----wait a minute----had to count the years to see if 44 or 45, can't remember. haha Had to put on reading glasses to sit at computer, had to get kids to help take off boots, put instant coffee in the coffeemaker, buttered the bread and then put it in the toaster, forgot glasses were on top of head, ...you get the point. I still am not old-I'm just breaking my body in where its comfortable like an old pair of boots. Kids said I smell like old boots too. Where was I? Oh yea---KISS MY GRITS!!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
My best buddy
This picture was emailed to me and struck a chord in my heart. I remember my "best friend" growing up and that dog went everywhere I did, I even remember sampling her food with her! I think all kids need a critter companion growing up to talk to and play with. I have only good memories of mine. I still have too many critters-but the kids and myself enjoys them so its ok.
That dog is more sincere than a lot of people I've known. I cant recollect my critters praying though.
That dog is more sincere than a lot of people I've known. I cant recollect my critters praying though.Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Easter Eggs
Of all the symbols associated with Easter the egg, the symbol of fertility and new life, is the most identifiable. The customs and traditions of using eggs have been associated with Easter for centuries.
Originally Easter eggs were painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring and were used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts. After they were colored and etched with various designs the eggs were exchanged by lovers and romantic admirers, much the same as valentines. In medieval time eggs were traditionally given at Easter to the servants. In Germany eggs were given to children along with other Easter gifts.
Different cultures have developed their own ways of decorating Easter eggs. Crimson eggs, to honor the blood of Christ, are exchanged in Greece. In parts of Germany and Austria green eggs are used on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday). Slavic peoples decorate their eggs in special patterns of gold and silver.
Pysanki eggs are a masterpiece of skill and workmanship. Melted beeswax is applied to the fresh white egg. It is then dipped in successive baths of dye. After each dip wax is painted over the area where the preceding color is to remain. Eventually a complex pattern of lines and colors emerges into a work of art.
In Germany and other countries eggs used for cooking where not broken, but the contents were removed by piercing the end of each egg with a needle and blowing the contents into a bowl. The hollow eggs were died and hung from shrubs and trees during the Easter Week. The Armenians would decorate hollow eggs with pictures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other religious designs.
For thousands of years, people thought of eggs as the symbols of new life. People also thought that the Earth itself hatched from a huge egg. So that is why the egg was chosen as the symbol of the resurrection.
Long before Jesus, people used to give each other eggs as presents. These eggs were dyed or painted in fancy colours and designs. Some of the most elaborate and beautifully designed eggs came from countries such as the Ukraine. The tool used by the Ukrainians was called a Kistka. It's a brass cone mounted on a stick. The artist filled this with wax and heats it so that the wax melts, the artist then draws patterns on the melted wax. All the designs used have a religious meaning.
Every country has its own customs. In the Northern counties of England the children go around begging for eggs and other presents and acting out the Pace egg Play, this was known as "Pace egging".
"Pace eggs" comes from the Hebrew word Pesach (Passover). In Scotland the word also appears as Peace or Paiss.
In Poland girls used to send eggs to their favorite boyfriends. Finnish children would beat the grown-ups with birch twigs until they were given eggs for ransom.
Originally Easter eggs were painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring and were used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts. After they were colored and etched with various designs the eggs were exchanged by lovers and romantic admirers, much the same as valentines. In medieval time eggs were traditionally given at Easter to the servants. In Germany eggs were given to children along with other Easter gifts.
Different cultures have developed their own ways of decorating Easter eggs. Crimson eggs, to honor the blood of Christ, are exchanged in Greece. In parts of Germany and Austria green eggs are used on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday). Slavic peoples decorate their eggs in special patterns of gold and silver.
Pysanki eggs are a masterpiece of skill and workmanship. Melted beeswax is applied to the fresh white egg. It is then dipped in successive baths of dye. After each dip wax is painted over the area where the preceding color is to remain. Eventually a complex pattern of lines and colors emerges into a work of art.
In Germany and other countries eggs used for cooking where not broken, but the contents were removed by piercing the end of each egg with a needle and blowing the contents into a bowl. The hollow eggs were died and hung from shrubs and trees during the Easter Week. The Armenians would decorate hollow eggs with pictures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other religious designs.
For thousands of years, people thought of eggs as the symbols of new life. People also thought that the Earth itself hatched from a huge egg. So that is why the egg was chosen as the symbol of the resurrection.
Long before Jesus, people used to give each other eggs as presents. These eggs were dyed or painted in fancy colours and designs. Some of the most elaborate and beautifully designed eggs came from countries such as the Ukraine. The tool used by the Ukrainians was called a Kistka. It's a brass cone mounted on a stick. The artist filled this with wax and heats it so that the wax melts, the artist then draws patterns on the melted wax. All the designs used have a religious meaning.
Every country has its own customs. In the Northern counties of England the children go around begging for eggs and other presents and acting out the Pace egg Play, this was known as "Pace egging".
"Pace eggs" comes from the Hebrew word Pesach (Passover). In Scotland the word also appears as Peace or Paiss.
In Poland girls used to send eggs to their favorite boyfriends. Finnish children would beat the grown-ups with birch twigs until they were given eggs for ransom.
Now wasn't that eggciting!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Cloned FOOD
How do you feel about government slipping approval by us, about cloning our food products. They didn't want us to worry about it or cause any problems . BUT_HEY_whats the difference between cloned people and cloned food. I don't care- as long as I am informed and have a choice in the matter. They also determined that no labeling is needed . So how do you know what your eating? Makes you wonder!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Stopping Traffic
I read this the other day and it stuck in my mind-it was the way I feel but it sounds better. I would like to hear what you all think the possible solution is.
Don't waste a moment thinking about what “policies” might be better than the ones we have. The fact is that the institutions we have, absolutely guarantee insane policies, and unless the balance of power between the elites and the rest of us is changed, then those institutions will continue to manufacture insanity day in and day out. And there is, needless to say, no institutional way to change the balance of power. The institutions exist to maintain the balance of power – or, more accurately, to tip the balance of power ever more toward the elites. Changing the balance of power requires interfering with the institutions, and impairing or impeding their operation. In short: stop traffic.
I see no feasible short term way to accomplish this. All I see are people trying so hard to push their political agenda. That's ok but not the solution.
Don't waste a moment thinking about what “policies” might be better than the ones we have. The fact is that the institutions we have, absolutely guarantee insane policies, and unless the balance of power between the elites and the rest of us is changed, then those institutions will continue to manufacture insanity day in and day out. And there is, needless to say, no institutional way to change the balance of power. The institutions exist to maintain the balance of power – or, more accurately, to tip the balance of power ever more toward the elites. Changing the balance of power requires interfering with the institutions, and impairing or impeding their operation. In short: stop traffic.
I see no feasible short term way to accomplish this. All I see are people trying so hard to push their political agenda. That's ok but not the solution.
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