Friday, July 01, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Racism or Stupidity
It looks like Oprah's playing the race card now.
While in Paris, doing a little after hours shopping, Oprah and some friends stopped by Hermes boutique to buy a watch, minutes after the boutique closed. They saw shoppers inside but neither the sales clerk nor manager would let them in.
No S*#T! What is it that you don't understand about being CLOSED? That means no, not, nada, on coming in to shop. We're CLOSED!!
Do you expect everybody in the world to kowtow to you just because you are a celebrity and made $225 million dollars last year? Hell, go buy your own store and make it a 24/7 one stop shop.
Hermes said that a "private public relations event was being prepared inside". Maybe, maybe not, but they don't have to have an excuse. They were CLOSED.
"If it can happen to Oprah, it could happen to anyone".
I can vouch for that. I can't count the times I've been to the grocery, drug store, gas station, post office etc., minutes after they closed, and have not been let in. Yea it pissed me off, but it was my stupidity not getting there before they closed---not the sales clerk or managers fault for not letting me in after they had closed. Of course I didn't make $225 million last year and I didn't expect them to.
I've also been in stores picking up a few things when they closed, locked the doors, and had to get someone to open the door to let me out. So much for seeing shoppers inside the boutique. They were probably finishing their shopping because they got there minutes before they closed.
What Oprah needs to do is get it through her head that bad things happen and sometimes they're not racially motivated.
You want to shop? Fine.
Shop when the store is OPEN!!
Blame yourself, not everybody else.
While in Paris, doing a little after hours shopping, Oprah and some friends stopped by Hermes boutique to buy a watch, minutes after the boutique closed. They saw shoppers inside but neither the sales clerk nor manager would let them in.
No S*#T! What is it that you don't understand about being CLOSED? That means no, not, nada, on coming in to shop. We're CLOSED!!
Do you expect everybody in the world to kowtow to you just because you are a celebrity and made $225 million dollars last year? Hell, go buy your own store and make it a 24/7 one stop shop.
Hermes said that a "private public relations event was being prepared inside". Maybe, maybe not, but they don't have to have an excuse. They were CLOSED.
"If it can happen to Oprah, it could happen to anyone".
I can vouch for that. I can't count the times I've been to the grocery, drug store, gas station, post office etc., minutes after they closed, and have not been let in. Yea it pissed me off, but it was my stupidity not getting there before they closed---not the sales clerk or managers fault for not letting me in after they had closed. Of course I didn't make $225 million last year and I didn't expect them to.
I've also been in stores picking up a few things when they closed, locked the doors, and had to get someone to open the door to let me out. So much for seeing shoppers inside the boutique. They were probably finishing their shopping because they got there minutes before they closed.
What Oprah needs to do is get it through her head that bad things happen and sometimes they're not racially motivated.
You want to shop? Fine.
Shop when the store is OPEN!!
Blame yourself, not everybody else.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Friday, June 24, 2005
Robin Hood in Reverse
In a party line vote the Guilford County Commissioners approved a budget giving the taxpayers a 2.44 cents per $100 valuation tax increase.
The 6 Democrats voted for and the 5 Republicans voted against.
Included in the budget:
A 41% ($6000) pay raise for the Commissioners from $14,700 to $20,700 per year.(Some may have needed more spending money for their Hawaii trip next month)
Doubled the school board's salary from $6000 to $12,000 per year.
A $250,000 dollar donation to Commissioner Skip Alstons pet project, The International Civil Rights Center & Museum. (I guess this passed to keep the "race card" factor out)
Cut 5 patrol positions for Sheriff B. J. Barnes while increasing the number of positions in the jail by 8. (Looks like we should be more concerned with getting the criminals off the street, not baby sitting them after we do)
Looks like a screwing to me.
Wish you'd have kissed me first..
The 6 Democrats voted for and the 5 Republicans voted against.
Included in the budget:
A 41% ($6000) pay raise for the Commissioners from $14,700 to $20,700 per year.(Some may have needed more spending money for their Hawaii trip next month)
Doubled the school board's salary from $6000 to $12,000 per year.
A $250,000 dollar donation to Commissioner Skip Alstons pet project, The International Civil Rights Center & Museum. (I guess this passed to keep the "race card" factor out)
Cut 5 patrol positions for Sheriff B. J. Barnes while increasing the number of positions in the jail by 8. (Looks like we should be more concerned with getting the criminals off the street, not baby sitting them after we do)
Looks like a screwing to me.
Wish you'd have kissed me first..
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
What Do You Do When There's No Help?
I have been unemployed since April 7 of this year and have been beating the bushes trying to find another job.
My printing job of the last 24 years has, like so many manufacturing jobs in North Carolina, moved overseas.
The Trade Act of 1974, amended 2002, created a program of Trade Adjustment Assistance to provide assistance to individuals who became unemployed as a result of increased foreign competition, return to suitable employment. Part of that assistance is payment of tuition, books, and fees if you enroll in approved training.
Since I have not been able to find employment in this area I decided to go back to school and try another profession. This will be an experience for me as my son who just graduated from high school will be attending also.
Maybe more of an experience for him.
If I ever get in!
I went to the unemployment office on Monday to talk to my TRA "specialist" and she told me I would have to talk to their counselor. She set me an appointment for 9:45 am on Wednesday, which was today.
She gave me an appointment card with explicit instructions to call if I couldn't keep the appointment.
I arrived at the unemployment office this morning at 9:30 (I like to be prompt), and the light in the counselors office was off. The receptionist told me to have a seat and wait.
At 10:00 am I got up and left having never seen the counselor. She never showed and I haven't had one phone call explaining why.
I wonder why their time is so valuable that you must call them if you can't make it but they don't have the decency to call you if they can't.
Maybe they consider me a second class citizen because I don't have a job. Hell, if everybody had a job what would we need the unemployment office for. I'm giving her job security. Maybe she thinks I can just come and sit and wait on her all day. I can't and I won't.
I've worked for 36 years and have never, ever, been on unemployment until this year.
I think I deserve a little better than that---------------
or at least a reason as to why you can't do your job.
My printing job of the last 24 years has, like so many manufacturing jobs in North Carolina, moved overseas.
The Trade Act of 1974, amended 2002, created a program of Trade Adjustment Assistance to provide assistance to individuals who became unemployed as a result of increased foreign competition, return to suitable employment. Part of that assistance is payment of tuition, books, and fees if you enroll in approved training.
Since I have not been able to find employment in this area I decided to go back to school and try another profession. This will be an experience for me as my son who just graduated from high school will be attending also.
Maybe more of an experience for him.
If I ever get in!
I went to the unemployment office on Monday to talk to my TRA "specialist" and she told me I would have to talk to their counselor. She set me an appointment for 9:45 am on Wednesday, which was today.
She gave me an appointment card with explicit instructions to call if I couldn't keep the appointment.
I arrived at the unemployment office this morning at 9:30 (I like to be prompt), and the light in the counselors office was off. The receptionist told me to have a seat and wait.
At 10:00 am I got up and left having never seen the counselor. She never showed and I haven't had one phone call explaining why.
I wonder why their time is so valuable that you must call them if you can't make it but they don't have the decency to call you if they can't.
Maybe they consider me a second class citizen because I don't have a job. Hell, if everybody had a job what would we need the unemployment office for. I'm giving her job security. Maybe she thinks I can just come and sit and wait on her all day. I can't and I won't.
I've worked for 36 years and have never, ever, been on unemployment until this year.
I think I deserve a little better than that---------------
or at least a reason as to why you can't do your job.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Friday, June 17, 2005
Words Words
Sue's Place has a post about the quandary the editorial board at GSO101 was put in over a word in a post on the site.
Seems Gate took offense to a slang word describing a female body part.
Calvin Williams, the coordinator of the blog, edited the blog and all is well, although he did bring up some valid questions that need answering.
Like Sue, I have read f**k, a**, a**holes etc. on several blogs that I read, and have even used a**holes on mine in describing my former employer.
I do have a disclaimer saying that I may use "strong language depending on my mood". Will that keep someone underage from reading it? My posting might but I doubt a disclaimer will.
The problem I see on the horizon is that as the blogosphere, Triad Blogs, and 101 continue to grow, sooner or later you're going to have someone that is "offended" by these words too.
Whatcha' gonna do then?
Are we just going to ban things like this when 1 or 2 people complain?
I say either ban it all or let it stand.
Is F**K really that much different than P***Y???
Seems Gate took offense to a slang word describing a female body part.
Calvin Williams, the coordinator of the blog, edited the blog and all is well, although he did bring up some valid questions that need answering.
Like Sue, I have read f**k, a**, a**holes etc. on several blogs that I read, and have even used a**holes on mine in describing my former employer.
I do have a disclaimer saying that I may use "strong language depending on my mood". Will that keep someone underage from reading it? My posting might but I doubt a disclaimer will.
The problem I see on the horizon is that as the blogosphere, Triad Blogs, and 101 continue to grow, sooner or later you're going to have someone that is "offended" by these words too.
Whatcha' gonna do then?
Are we just going to ban things like this when 1 or 2 people complain?
I say either ban it all or let it stand.
Is F**K really that much different than P***Y???
Monday, June 13, 2005
Verdict In
Michael Jackson was found "not guilty" on all charges today.
In the juror interviews they kept talking about the "beyond reasonable doubt" factor and how they did not think of MJ as a celebrity.
I can't help but wonder that if it had been any other black man with the same charges, without the notoriety and celebrity status of MJ, would he have ended up with the same verdict??
In the juror interviews they kept talking about the "beyond reasonable doubt" factor and how they did not think of MJ as a celebrity.
I can't help but wonder that if it had been any other black man with the same charges, without the notoriety and celebrity status of MJ, would he have ended up with the same verdict??
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Friday, June 10, 2005
Hawaii
It looks as if the Guilford County taxpayers aren't the only ones up in arms about Commissioners taking a tax paid vacation in Hawaii.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
From Fury to Forgiveness
On June 7, Jamestown resident Zach Osborne was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from an unlikely source.
Death Row inmates from across the country have raised money through their bimonthly publication "Compassion". The publication was started in 2001, to raise money to send murdered victims' family members to college.
Zach's scholarship was the seventh awarded so far. It will be used to help the 19 yr. old rising sophomore pursue a Criminal Justice Degree at East Carolina University.
Zach's 4 yr. old sister, Natalie, was raped and murdered in April 1992 when Zach was 6 yrs. old.
Jeff Kandies, his mother's then-boyfriend, was arrested, tried, and convicted of the crime. He was sentenced to death and is now on Death Row at Central Prison in Raleigh.
"Kandies is moving closer to an execution date," said Matt Stiegler, an attorney at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham. He has no more legal challenges in the state court and one pending with the U.S. Supreme Court.
"He's one of only a handful of prisoners for whom an execution date could be imminent," Stiegler said.
Zach submitted an essay on the effect Natalies murder had on his family, his life, how he came to forgive Jeff, and how the experience will make him a better law enforcement officer.
"I think it will motivate me more to solve cases or to put more effort in them," Osborne said. "It will motivate me to try to prevent events like what happened to my family from happening to others."
At the time of the tragedy the family was worried about what effect the murder would have on Zach. He's had his problems and his "demons" to fight. He rose above them, "exorcised" them and has grown into a fine, respectable, responsible young man, who is intent on helping others.
He has forgiven Jeff Kandies.
Being a family member, and one who helped carry Natalie to her final resting place----------------I wish I could.
Death Row inmates from across the country have raised money through their bimonthly publication "Compassion". The publication was started in 2001, to raise money to send murdered victims' family members to college.
Zach's scholarship was the seventh awarded so far. It will be used to help the 19 yr. old rising sophomore pursue a Criminal Justice Degree at East Carolina University.
Zach's 4 yr. old sister, Natalie, was raped and murdered in April 1992 when Zach was 6 yrs. old.
Jeff Kandies, his mother's then-boyfriend, was arrested, tried, and convicted of the crime. He was sentenced to death and is now on Death Row at Central Prison in Raleigh.
"Kandies is moving closer to an execution date," said Matt Stiegler, an attorney at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham. He has no more legal challenges in the state court and one pending with the U.S. Supreme Court.
"He's one of only a handful of prisoners for whom an execution date could be imminent," Stiegler said.
Zach submitted an essay on the effect Natalies murder had on his family, his life, how he came to forgive Jeff, and how the experience will make him a better law enforcement officer.
"I think it will motivate me more to solve cases or to put more effort in them," Osborne said. "It will motivate me to try to prevent events like what happened to my family from happening to others."
At the time of the tragedy the family was worried about what effect the murder would have on Zach. He's had his problems and his "demons" to fight. He rose above them, "exorcised" them and has grown into a fine, respectable, responsible young man, who is intent on helping others.
He has forgiven Jeff Kandies.
Being a family member, and one who helped carry Natalie to her final resting place----------------I wish I could.
Monday, June 06, 2005
More Fodder For Our "Non-Blogging" Greensboro and County Politicians
in this article.
"Blogs can boost your career".
"A strategy for career enhancement".
"Shows you are up to date on latest ideas and news"
"Having an on-line presence is an important part of managing your career".
Will they be anyone joining, other than the ones already blogging, to indulge us with their views and ideas and let us know where they stand on the issues, and in turn find out what we think?--------------
or will it be not so easy to "backtrack" on something you have already stated in print?---------------
or do you think its just none of our business where you stand on anything?
"Blogs can boost your career".
"A strategy for career enhancement".
"Shows you are up to date on latest ideas and news"
"Having an on-line presence is an important part of managing your career".
Will they be anyone joining, other than the ones already blogging, to indulge us with their views and ideas and let us know where they stand on the issues, and in turn find out what we think?--------------
or will it be not so easy to "backtrack" on something you have already stated in print?---------------
or do you think its just none of our business where you stand on anything?
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Friday, June 03, 2005
Twin Oaks Sold
The deal is 95% complete and the par three golf course will be turned into condos and townhouses.
If you like par three night golf, you'll have to October.
If you like par three night golf, you'll have to October.
Alabama Teen Missing
On a trip to Aruba, from Mountain Brook High School in Alabama with 124 seniors and 40 chaperones, the 18 yr. old has been missing for 5 days. Searchers are still looking for her.
Maybe it's just me, but the end of the article is no place to be advertising Luxury Aruba Vacations, Aruba Accomodations, and the Aruba Ocean Club.
Maybe it's just me, but the end of the article is no place to be advertising Luxury Aruba Vacations, Aruba Accomodations, and the Aruba Ocean Club.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
REO
Speedwagon's show at Arizona Pete's was awesome last night and the place was packed.
Thirtysome years and the band still "rocks".
Thirtysome years and the band still "rocks".
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
5th and 6th Graders on Science
SCIENCE ANSWERS FROM 5TH & 6TH GRADERS
* The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top, and you sit on the bottom.
* It is so hot in some places that people there have to live
in other places.
* Momentum is something you give a person when they go away.
* Mushrooms always grow in damp places which is why they look like umbrellas.
* The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
* The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.
* Thunder is a rich source of loudness.
* Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun, but I never have been able to make out the numbers.
* When planets run around and around in circles, we say they are orbiting. When people do it, we say they are crazy.
* One of the main causes of dust is DIRT.
* A monsoon is a French gentleman.
* To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.
* Genetics explains why you look like your father, and if you don't, why you should.
* Water vapor gets together in a big cloud. When it gets big enough to be called a drop, it does.
* There is a tremendous weight pushing down on the center of the Earth because so many people are stomping around there these days.
* The cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.
* You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.
(via e-mail from a friend)
* The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top, and you sit on the bottom.
* It is so hot in some places that people there have to live
in other places.
* Momentum is something you give a person when they go away.
* Mushrooms always grow in damp places which is why they look like umbrellas.
* The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
* The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.
* Thunder is a rich source of loudness.
* Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun, but I never have been able to make out the numbers.
* When planets run around and around in circles, we say they are orbiting. When people do it, we say they are crazy.
* One of the main causes of dust is DIRT.
* A monsoon is a French gentleman.
* To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.
* Genetics explains why you look like your father, and if you don't, why you should.
* Water vapor gets together in a big cloud. When it gets big enough to be called a drop, it does.
* There is a tremendous weight pushing down on the center of the Earth because so many people are stomping around there these days.
* The cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.
* You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.
(via e-mail from a friend)
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Very Proud Father
Jr. just came home with a grade of 90 on his Senior project that ensures he WILL be graduating high school next Friday night.
He picked Multiple Sclerosis to do his project on as his 24 yr. old big sister was diagnosed with the disease late last year and he wanted to learn more about what she would be going through in the years ahead. In his quest to learn more about the disease I think he has helped the whole family understand and come to grip with what Tree is facing.
Grades were:
Research Paper: 2.7 out of a possible 4
Product: 3.1 out of a possible 4
Speech: 3.7 out of a possible 4
Although he didn't get a grade on community service, he had to perform at least 10 hours of community service pertaining to the topic of his project, which he did for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Greensboro.
His 10 minute speech was what worried him the most. Looking at the grades it must be what he worked on the hardest.
Very fine job Jr. and one proud papa!
Guess he's a large chip off the old block.
He picked Multiple Sclerosis to do his project on as his 24 yr. old big sister was diagnosed with the disease late last year and he wanted to learn more about what she would be going through in the years ahead. In his quest to learn more about the disease I think he has helped the whole family understand and come to grip with what Tree is facing.
Grades were:
Research Paper: 2.7 out of a possible 4
Product: 3.1 out of a possible 4
Speech: 3.7 out of a possible 4
Although he didn't get a grade on community service, he had to perform at least 10 hours of community service pertaining to the topic of his project, which he did for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Greensboro.
His 10 minute speech was what worried him the most. Looking at the grades it must be what he worked on the hardest.
Very fine job Jr. and one proud papa!
Guess he's a large chip off the old block.
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't
Government auditors say that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) paid $31 million in disaster relief for Hurricane Frances, to 12,000 Florida residents who did not deserve the payments.
"FEMA did not adequately inspect homes and used a system of aid payments susceptible to potential fraud, waste and abuse".
What do you expect??
Hurricane Frances, coming 22 days after Hurricane Charley (which killed 27 and damaged 40,000 buildings) was the 4th costliest Hurricane in U.S. history, behind Andrew '92, and Charley and Ivan of 2004.
FEMA had to hire and quickly train 2,000 extra inspectors, who, needless to say, were probably still not very well qualified.
FEMA is charged with going into an emergency situation, (people with no shelter, food, water, clothing, electricity) and getting those people aid as quickly as possible.
Sure there are going to be some bogus claims. Hell, if they had to verify each and every one we'd still be down there verifying from Andrew in '92.
So what do you want??
If FEMA starts doing more inspections and verifying prior to giving aid, they will be criticized for taking too long in getting aid to the victims.
If FEMA does what they need to do to get the aid out more quickly, it becomes easier to defraud.
It's a no win situation.
Personally I think FEMA did a damn fine job in Florida, with 4 storms in 5 weeks.
The auditors evidently have 12,000 names of bogus claims paid. I suggest they contact these people, make them pay restitution or go to jail.
Then they can worry about other "systems of aid susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse", such as welfare, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid.
"FEMA did not adequately inspect homes and used a system of aid payments susceptible to potential fraud, waste and abuse".
What do you expect??
Hurricane Frances, coming 22 days after Hurricane Charley (which killed 27 and damaged 40,000 buildings) was the 4th costliest Hurricane in U.S. history, behind Andrew '92, and Charley and Ivan of 2004.
FEMA had to hire and quickly train 2,000 extra inspectors, who, needless to say, were probably still not very well qualified.
FEMA is charged with going into an emergency situation, (people with no shelter, food, water, clothing, electricity) and getting those people aid as quickly as possible.
Sure there are going to be some bogus claims. Hell, if they had to verify each and every one we'd still be down there verifying from Andrew in '92.
So what do you want??
If FEMA starts doing more inspections and verifying prior to giving aid, they will be criticized for taking too long in getting aid to the victims.
If FEMA does what they need to do to get the aid out more quickly, it becomes easier to defraud.
It's a no win situation.
Personally I think FEMA did a damn fine job in Florida, with 4 storms in 5 weeks.
The auditors evidently have 12,000 names of bogus claims paid. I suggest they contact these people, make them pay restitution or go to jail.
Then they can worry about other "systems of aid susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse", such as welfare, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid.
"We See The Light"
It looks as though Tax Director Jenks Crayton will be re-instated at the County Commissioners meeting tonight, after more than a month of paid leave while a N.C. Dept.of Revenue investigation was taking place.
Seems that 4 of the 6 Democrat Commissioners that voted to place Crayton on leave have finally "seen the light", after their personal vendetta (second investigation) turned up no wrongdoing on Craytons' part.
It should have never gone this far after the first SBI investigation cleared Crayton, but with our partisan politics in Guilford County, the Democrats had to wage their own little war.
Let's hope that now they can stop all their childish bickering and bullshit, and try to do something good for the county.
Jenks, I'd keep one eye over my shoulder. Bruce and Skip have made you their target, and no doubt they'll keep shooting until they hit you.
Seems that 4 of the 6 Democrat Commissioners that voted to place Crayton on leave have finally "seen the light", after their personal vendetta (second investigation) turned up no wrongdoing on Craytons' part.
It should have never gone this far after the first SBI investigation cleared Crayton, but with our partisan politics in Guilford County, the Democrats had to wage their own little war.
Let's hope that now they can stop all their childish bickering and bullshit, and try to do something good for the county.
Jenks, I'd keep one eye over my shoulder. Bruce and Skip have made you their target, and no doubt they'll keep shooting until they hit you.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Jenks Crayton---What's Next??
The second investigation report is out.
After the SBI found no wrongdoings on Craytons part, the N.C. Dept. of Revenue presented its findings today.
The N.C. Dept. of Revenue found "no evidence of any wrongdoing by Crayton as it relates to his duties under the state's property tax statutes."
Isn't this what he has been saying all along?
Seems like our Democrat Commissioners have a burr up their ass when it comes to Jenks Crayton,(well 2 or 3 do but they always vote along party lines) and are trying their best to get rid of a tax director that consistently ranks at the top for tax collections in the state.
In the meeting where they voted to suspend Crayton until the second investigation was complete, Bruce Davis, Paul Gibson, and Kay Cashion with her index cards of notes, all said they have heard "serious accusations" against Crayton.
Not one wanted to come forward and discuss the accusations in public, or give Crayton a chance to respond, they just wanted an investigation and Crayton suspended.
So now Crayton has been cleared for the second time and the Democrats are not happy.
Now we can have a Democratic Commissioner Investigation of the Tax Department of Guilford County, North Carolina. Then they can spin it anyway they like and get rid of Crayton.
As I've said before, Crayton works at the will of the Commissioners. If they don't like him, why don't they fire him? Why spend taxpayer money and time on unnecessary investigations, or are you trying to make it not look political?
GOOD LUCK!
I just hope Crayton has the balls to sue you all for slander and defamation of character.
UPDATE: Sue from "Sues Place" was at the meeting today and has a good rundown of things.
After the SBI found no wrongdoings on Craytons part, the N.C. Dept. of Revenue presented its findings today.
The N.C. Dept. of Revenue found "no evidence of any wrongdoing by Crayton as it relates to his duties under the state's property tax statutes."
Isn't this what he has been saying all along?
Seems like our Democrat Commissioners have a burr up their ass when it comes to Jenks Crayton,(well 2 or 3 do but they always vote along party lines) and are trying their best to get rid of a tax director that consistently ranks at the top for tax collections in the state.
In the meeting where they voted to suspend Crayton until the second investigation was complete, Bruce Davis, Paul Gibson, and Kay Cashion with her index cards of notes, all said they have heard "serious accusations" against Crayton.
Not one wanted to come forward and discuss the accusations in public, or give Crayton a chance to respond, they just wanted an investigation and Crayton suspended.
So now Crayton has been cleared for the second time and the Democrats are not happy.
Now we can have a Democratic Commissioner Investigation of the Tax Department of Guilford County, North Carolina. Then they can spin it anyway they like and get rid of Crayton.
As I've said before, Crayton works at the will of the Commissioners. If they don't like him, why don't they fire him? Why spend taxpayer money and time on unnecessary investigations, or are you trying to make it not look political?
GOOD LUCK!
I just hope Crayton has the balls to sue you all for slander and defamation of character.
UPDATE: Sue from "Sues Place" was at the meeting today and has a good rundown of things.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Saturday
Saturday.
No work. 74 degrees. Beautiful sunny day.
Whatcha' gonna do? Work in the yard? Wash the car? Clean the house?
NOT!!
Then come on down to the Carolina Blues Festival in Center City Park, Greensboro NC.
The Matt Hill Blues Band, John Dee Holeman, Kenny Neal, The Holmes Brothers, and Michael Burks will all be there performing and will make for one great festival.
Saw Michael Burks at the Blue Bayou on Thursday night and his set alone will be worth the price of a ticket. The guy is just awesome.
Beer, wine, food will be there. They even have a kids area in which Abe Reid will be performing.
What better way to spend a Saturday?
I'll see you there. Just look for the old man wearing glasses with a goatee.
Hopefully in a vertical position, but with Jr. as the designated driver, who knows.
No work. 74 degrees. Beautiful sunny day.
Whatcha' gonna do? Work in the yard? Wash the car? Clean the house?
NOT!!
Then come on down to the Carolina Blues Festival in Center City Park, Greensboro NC.
The Matt Hill Blues Band, John Dee Holeman, Kenny Neal, The Holmes Brothers, and Michael Burks will all be there performing and will make for one great festival.
Saw Michael Burks at the Blue Bayou on Thursday night and his set alone will be worth the price of a ticket. The guy is just awesome.
Beer, wine, food will be there. They even have a kids area in which Abe Reid will be performing.
What better way to spend a Saturday?
I'll see you there. Just look for the old man wearing glasses with a goatee.
Hopefully in a vertical position, but with Jr. as the designated driver, who knows.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Will It Ever End?
With this happening and more to come, is there an answer?
Recently becoming unemployed myself, due to my printing job of 24 years "moving" overseas, I know how these people feel.
If we keep this pace up, pretty soon we'll all be working in grocery/fast food, for the government, or in healthcare.
Unless someone finds a way to ship the sick people out.
Recently becoming unemployed myself, due to my printing job of 24 years "moving" overseas, I know how these people feel.
If we keep this pace up, pretty soon we'll all be working in grocery/fast food, for the government, or in healthcare.
Unless someone finds a way to ship the sick people out.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
The Lighter Side
Great Truths of Life
* Once over the hill, you pick up speed.
* I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
* If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.
* Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
* Some days are a total waste of makeup.
* If the shoe fits......buy it in every color.
* If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.
* Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
* If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
* My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
* If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
* Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
* A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.
* Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
(via a friend)
* Once over the hill, you pick up speed.
* I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
* If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.
* Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
* Some days are a total waste of makeup.
* If the shoe fits......buy it in every color.
* If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.
* Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
* If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
* My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
* If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
* Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
* A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.
* Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
(via a friend)
Sunday, April 24, 2005
GTRC and Finances
In the City Council meeting the other night when the Greensboro Truth and reconciliation Commission vote came up, Councilwoman Florence Gatten had some questions:
*Who's funding this?
*How much? $300,000.00?... $600,000,00?
*Who is the Andrus Family Fund?
*How is the money being spent?
*Who is profiting?
*Why is the money coming from out of state? Possibly as much as 80%.
*Why are no local foundations funding this?
*What exactly is restorative justice beyond technical jargon beloved of sociologists......?
*What is the rationale for expending vital resources in this cause
when there are so many worthy causes in our community that cry
out for funding and attention?
These unanswered questions was her reason for not supporting the Truth and reconciliation Commission.
Sandy Carmany also weighed in on her blog saying there was a " lack of trust in the process, and in the GTRC."
Then all the bloggers took to the cause with their takes on the whole thing.
While reading all of the blog posts and the comments, I did some follow up and found something a little disturbing to me.
In some comments, John D Young said you could go here to find the answers to the funding questions. I did, and the Andrus Family Fund name popped up along with lauding the Local Task Force and the college students giving thousands of hours of their time.
In this press release from the TRC they say that the Andrus Family Fund gave them a $60,000 grant, and that the JEHT Foundation also gave them a $75,000 grant.
I can't speak to the grant from JEHT, but while visiting the Andrus Family Fund website, this is what I found:
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $20,000 (3 months)
Purpose of Grant: To support the planning phase of a reconciliation process that would attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Klu Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members.
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
http://www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $330,000 (3 years)
Purpose of Grant: To support the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that will attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Ku Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members, and to work with community residents and stakeholders to implement the TRC's recommendations.
Just looking at the CTRC website, their address is 122 N. Elm St, Greensboro NC.
The Greensboro Justice Fund's address is P.O. Box 1594, Northampton MA. Don't really understand why a Greensboro Justice Fund is based in Massachusetts, but what the hell, there's a lot I don't understand about this whole mess.
WHY is the money going to an address on Arlington Street?
WHY did you need the City Council's endorsement to begin with? As Gate says "You don't need an endorsement to study history.
After you've heard two eyewitness accounts of an automobile accident, it makes you wonder about history.
WHY is there a discrepancy of $290,000 in the grant total? You say the grant was for $60,000 and their website clearly states that the grants were for a total of $350,000 over 3 years.
WHO is the Beloved Community Center? Since the grant money was paid to them and the Greensboro Justice Fund, do you just get $60,000 and they get the rest?
WHO is the Greensboro Justice Fund and why are they sharing (from MA) in the grant money from this "project"? (Maybe the GJF does some good in Greensboro. It said on their website that one of their "funding hero's" was Project Homestead. They gave them a grant to erect a small monument at the site of the Klan/Nazi shootings of which you are reconciling. Wonder if it ever got erected?)
I don't know for sure, but after reading an earlier post of Ed Cone's, it seems that Nelson Johnson may be the man behind Beloved Community Center, and holding your purse strings, and I know already that Dr. Marty Nathan is the force behind the Greensboro Justice Fund.
These two people, having been involved in the shootouts that you are investigating, with both being tied to the grant money that your "commission" was founded on, reeks of bias and will never be accepted by the majority of people in Greensboro.
You wouldn't send a fox to guard the henhouse, would you?
Maybe Councilwoman Gatten's questions and commentary weren't as far out of line as everyone thinks.
I wouldn't say you have been untruthful, but you haven't been as forthcoming as you need to be. If you want the endorsement of the people in Greensboro, "truth" and "transparency" would go a long way in achieving that goal.
Put it ALL out there and let us be the judge.
UPDATE: Chewie sets me straight in her comments to this post.
In comments to different posts about this, and at least one speaker from the floor in the Council meeting, everyone has said that the answers to Councilwoman Gatten's questions about finance are easy to find. All you have to do is look.
I have looked. At the GTRP, GTRC, and the Andrus Family Fund websites. Still haven't found anything about a $60,000 grant to GTRC, so, no, it's not easy to find the answers.
Just reinforces my stand on "truth" and "transparency".
*Who's funding this?
*How much? $300,000.00?... $600,000,00?
*Who is the Andrus Family Fund?
*How is the money being spent?
*Who is profiting?
*Why is the money coming from out of state? Possibly as much as 80%.
*Why are no local foundations funding this?
*What exactly is restorative justice beyond technical jargon beloved of sociologists......?
*What is the rationale for expending vital resources in this cause
when there are so many worthy causes in our community that cry
out for funding and attention?
These unanswered questions was her reason for not supporting the Truth and reconciliation Commission.
Sandy Carmany also weighed in on her blog saying there was a " lack of trust in the process, and in the GTRC."
Then all the bloggers took to the cause with their takes on the whole thing.
While reading all of the blog posts and the comments, I did some follow up and found something a little disturbing to me.
In some comments, John D Young said you could go here to find the answers to the funding questions. I did, and the Andrus Family Fund name popped up along with lauding the Local Task Force and the college students giving thousands of hours of their time.
In this press release from the TRC they say that the Andrus Family Fund gave them a $60,000 grant, and that the JEHT Foundation also gave them a $75,000 grant.
I can't speak to the grant from JEHT, but while visiting the Andrus Family Fund website, this is what I found:
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $20,000 (3 months)
Purpose of Grant: To support the planning phase of a reconciliation process that would attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Klu Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members.
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
http://www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $330,000 (3 years)
Purpose of Grant: To support the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that will attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Ku Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members, and to work with community residents and stakeholders to implement the TRC's recommendations.
Just looking at the CTRC website, their address is 122 N. Elm St, Greensboro NC.
The Greensboro Justice Fund's address is P.O. Box 1594, Northampton MA. Don't really understand why a Greensboro Justice Fund is based in Massachusetts, but what the hell, there's a lot I don't understand about this whole mess.
WHY is the money going to an address on Arlington Street?
WHY did you need the City Council's endorsement to begin with? As Gate says "You don't need an endorsement to study history.
After you've heard two eyewitness accounts of an automobile accident, it makes you wonder about history.
WHY is there a discrepancy of $290,000 in the grant total? You say the grant was for $60,000 and their website clearly states that the grants were for a total of $350,000 over 3 years.
WHO is the Beloved Community Center? Since the grant money was paid to them and the Greensboro Justice Fund, do you just get $60,000 and they get the rest?
WHO is the Greensboro Justice Fund and why are they sharing (from MA) in the grant money from this "project"? (Maybe the GJF does some good in Greensboro. It said on their website that one of their "funding hero's" was Project Homestead. They gave them a grant to erect a small monument at the site of the Klan/Nazi shootings of which you are reconciling. Wonder if it ever got erected?)
I don't know for sure, but after reading an earlier post of Ed Cone's, it seems that Nelson Johnson may be the man behind Beloved Community Center, and holding your purse strings, and I know already that Dr. Marty Nathan is the force behind the Greensboro Justice Fund.
These two people, having been involved in the shootouts that you are investigating, with both being tied to the grant money that your "commission" was founded on, reeks of bias and will never be accepted by the majority of people in Greensboro.
You wouldn't send a fox to guard the henhouse, would you?
Maybe Councilwoman Gatten's questions and commentary weren't as far out of line as everyone thinks.
I wouldn't say you have been untruthful, but you haven't been as forthcoming as you need to be. If you want the endorsement of the people in Greensboro, "truth" and "transparency" would go a long way in achieving that goal.
Put it ALL out there and let us be the judge.
UPDATE: Chewie sets me straight in her comments to this post.
In comments to different posts about this, and at least one speaker from the floor in the Council meeting, everyone has said that the answers to Councilwoman Gatten's questions about finance are easy to find. All you have to do is look.
I have looked. At the GTRP, GTRC, and the Andrus Family Fund websites. Still haven't found anything about a $60,000 grant to GTRC, so, no, it's not easy to find the answers.
Just reinforces my stand on "truth" and "transparency".
Friday, April 22, 2005
Perspective
The next time you hear a politician use the words "billion" casually, think about whether you want that politician spending your tax dollars. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective:
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate Washington spends it.
(via a friend)
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate Washington spends it.
(via a friend)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
GTRC
The City Council voted last night on a resolution to endorse the work of the GTRC. The resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Claudette Burroughs-White, failed on a 6-3 vote along racial lines as had been predicted.
Is Councilwoman Burroughs-White the City Council's version of Skip Alston, by forcing a vote and playing the "race card".
Looks like it to me.
UPDATE: Roch corrects my post in his comment. Seems the resoultion voted on was one made by Councilman Robbie Perkins to "oppose" the TRC program.
Councilwoman Burroughs-White still "forced" a vote by introducing her resolution. Councilman Perkins offered his "substitute resolution", and Mayor Holliday couldn't get a motion to table (although he tried) so a vote was forced on the substitute motion. It passed 6-3.
Is Councilwoman Burroughs-White the City Council's version of Skip Alston, by forcing a vote and playing the "race card".
Looks like it to me.
UPDATE: Roch corrects my post in his comment. Seems the resoultion voted on was one made by Councilman Robbie Perkins to "oppose" the TRC program.
Councilwoman Burroughs-White still "forced" a vote by introducing her resolution. Councilman Perkins offered his "substitute resolution", and Mayor Holliday couldn't get a motion to table (although he tried) so a vote was forced on the substitute motion. It passed 6-3.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Keepin' It Here
Looks like everyone is doing their part to ensure the Furniture Market stays in High Point.
The floodgates are about to be opened and the demise of High Point is about to begin.
The floodgates are about to be opened and the demise of High Point is about to begin.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Turkeys
Turkeys in Da' Hood
Surprised to see wild turkeys standing by the side of the road about 100 yards from the house today.
Picture quality not worth a damn though.
Thinking of getting a new camera. Any suggestions on a good inexpensive one??
Monday, April 11, 2005
Black Thursday - Corporate Destruction
It's Monday and I should be at work.
I should be but I'm not because I got laid off on Thursday. Laid off with about 30 to 35% of the other employees I worked with. After 24 years with the same company, I am now going to be forced to "sign up" for un-employment for the first time in my 37 year's of working.
WHY??
"We're not making any money" they said.
I find that hard to believe considering that we worked 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, from October of 2003 through 2004. That's the most I have worked since I have been employed there. Almost 200 hours of overtime. (Just so you know, I didn't work straight through. We had 4 rotating shifts. We would work 7 days, then off 7 days.) 12 hour shifts.
The "family owned" business I worked for was bought out two years ago, by a $5 billion a year "corporation", which was our competitor.
That's when the trouble started.
They started making changes. They started having lay-offs every 6 months, and our 250 plus employees started dwindling fast. They kept telling me that my job was secure. We ARE going to sell your machine later but it WILL be replaced with a newer and more modern one, knowing they couldn't tell me the real truth because we were working 7 days a week and they needed me. Well, my machine, along with 3 others have been sold, and WILL be re-placed. In Hong Kong, El Salvador, or Mexico.
When we were bought out, the ONLY thing that changed was the MANAGEMENT. We still had the same people, the same accounts, and were working more than we ever have. How were we losing money? How did they run an $85 million company into the ground so fast? To me it's totally the managements fault. Bad news is, I'm the one in the un-employment line.
I guess the Six Sigma bullshit and the bulletin board about how much money we were saving was a "crock". It said we saved $3 million last year, you said we lost money. I guess the big "corporations" can make it say what they want to on paper to justify their means. Say they "project" to make $25 million and only make $22 million, that is a $3 million "loss" to them, even though the $22 million was more than they made last year.
Justify their means.
It cost me my job.
I believe it was the plan from the beginning so I probably should have expected it.
What better way to get rid of a competitor than to buy 'em up and shut 'em down.
Thanks ASSHOLES!
I should be but I'm not because I got laid off on Thursday. Laid off with about 30 to 35% of the other employees I worked with. After 24 years with the same company, I am now going to be forced to "sign up" for un-employment for the first time in my 37 year's of working.
WHY??
"We're not making any money" they said.
I find that hard to believe considering that we worked 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, from October of 2003 through 2004. That's the most I have worked since I have been employed there. Almost 200 hours of overtime. (Just so you know, I didn't work straight through. We had 4 rotating shifts. We would work 7 days, then off 7 days.) 12 hour shifts.
The "family owned" business I worked for was bought out two years ago, by a $5 billion a year "corporation", which was our competitor.
That's when the trouble started.
They started making changes. They started having lay-offs every 6 months, and our 250 plus employees started dwindling fast. They kept telling me that my job was secure. We ARE going to sell your machine later but it WILL be replaced with a newer and more modern one, knowing they couldn't tell me the real truth because we were working 7 days a week and they needed me. Well, my machine, along with 3 others have been sold, and WILL be re-placed. In Hong Kong, El Salvador, or Mexico.
When we were bought out, the ONLY thing that changed was the MANAGEMENT. We still had the same people, the same accounts, and were working more than we ever have. How were we losing money? How did they run an $85 million company into the ground so fast? To me it's totally the managements fault. Bad news is, I'm the one in the un-employment line.
I guess the Six Sigma bullshit and the bulletin board about how much money we were saving was a "crock". It said we saved $3 million last year, you said we lost money. I guess the big "corporations" can make it say what they want to on paper to justify their means. Say they "project" to make $25 million and only make $22 million, that is a $3 million "loss" to them, even though the $22 million was more than they made last year.
Justify their means.
It cost me my job.
I believe it was the plan from the beginning so I probably should have expected it.
What better way to get rid of a competitor than to buy 'em up and shut 'em down.
Thanks ASSHOLES!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Friday, April 08, 2005
Jenks Crayton Suspended
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Last night the Cuilford County Board of Commissioners voted, along party lines, to suspend Tax Director Jenks Crayton pending the outcome of a second state investigation.
The State Bureau of Investigation already cleared Crayton of any wrongdoing in the reappraisal of Republican Commissioner Steve Arnold's property. Arnold even said that the Board of Equalization and Review made the appraisal changes against the recommendation of Crayton's staff.
Commissioner Paul Gibson said "If he did nothing wrong, we should clear his name."
I agree, and in the "true spirit" of that statement, I vote that while the N. C. Department of Revenue is conducting their audit of Crayton, that they audit every single Commissioner on the board. Pull out all the stops and see what little tid-bits of sordid info we can come up with.
Maybe we can find out why Bruce Davis, while being a member of the board that sets property tax rates for the county, can't pay his on time like the majority of taxpayers in the county.
Maybe we can find out, once and for all, where the $1 million loan to the St. James apartments and managed by Skip Alston, went.
I wonder if the majority on the board would go for this?
Yes, this is Guilford County partisan politics at it's best. The Board members who called for the audit have the majority. Crayton works for the county at the will of the Commissioners. If YOU don't like what he is doing, FIRE him. Or can't the man who is pulling the strings get enough votes to do that?
The SBI's time has already been wasted and now you want to waste the time of the Dept. of Revenue.
Ouit your penny-anny crap and get on with the business of running this county and TRY to do some good.
UPDATE: This just posted. Seems Bruce Davis might have some tax and revaluation issues himself. Like I said, if the Dept. of Revenue is here doing an audit, why not audit every single commissioner on the board. Let's really see who has something to hide.
Last night the Cuilford County Board of Commissioners voted, along party lines, to suspend Tax Director Jenks Crayton pending the outcome of a second state investigation.
The State Bureau of Investigation already cleared Crayton of any wrongdoing in the reappraisal of Republican Commissioner Steve Arnold's property. Arnold even said that the Board of Equalization and Review made the appraisal changes against the recommendation of Crayton's staff.
Commissioner Paul Gibson said "If he did nothing wrong, we should clear his name."
I agree, and in the "true spirit" of that statement, I vote that while the N. C. Department of Revenue is conducting their audit of Crayton, that they audit every single Commissioner on the board. Pull out all the stops and see what little tid-bits of sordid info we can come up with.
Maybe we can find out why Bruce Davis, while being a member of the board that sets property tax rates for the county, can't pay his on time like the majority of taxpayers in the county.
Maybe we can find out, once and for all, where the $1 million loan to the St. James apartments and managed by Skip Alston, went.
I wonder if the majority on the board would go for this?
Yes, this is Guilford County partisan politics at it's best. The Board members who called for the audit have the majority. Crayton works for the county at the will of the Commissioners. If YOU don't like what he is doing, FIRE him. Or can't the man who is pulling the strings get enough votes to do that?
The SBI's time has already been wasted and now you want to waste the time of the Dept. of Revenue.
Ouit your penny-anny crap and get on with the business of running this county and TRY to do some good.
UPDATE: This just posted. Seems Bruce Davis might have some tax and revaluation issues himself. Like I said, if the Dept. of Revenue is here doing an audit, why not audit every single commissioner on the board. Let's really see who has something to hide.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Our Governor Is GAMBLING???
Our Governor is gambling.
Looks like he made a little wager on the game tonight. Problem is, I thought gambling was "illegal" in North Carolina sans the big Texas Hold'em poker bust at Ham's, and the canceling of the Bassett Texas Hold'em game with John Elway promoting their new gaming table for the furniture market. Although all the money was going to be donated to the American Cancer Society, a charity.
Bassett officials said "The law was the law."
Alan Fields, an ALE district assistant supervisor, said three conditions must be met for an activity to be classified as gambling: It must be a game of chance, involve something of value and include a prize.
So Governor, is pizza and barbecue not a prize or something of value?
I know the argument coming. It's not a game of chance.
A game of chance is a game whose outcome is strongly influenced by some randomizing device, and upon which contestants frequently wager money. (Our laws state something of value and a prize hence shutting down the Ham's game for a chance to win a trip.)
In ordinary language, the word random is used to express apparent lack of purpose or cause. This suggests that no matter what the cause of something, its nature is not only unknown but the consequences of its operation are also unknown.
What could be more "randomizing" than a basketball player? You never know who is going to show up. Jawad Williams, on Saturday night, played his best game since February. Sean May has been playing good lately, but who knows which Sean May will show up tonight? Same can be said for Deron Williams, Rashad McCants , Luther Head, and all the other players on the court.
Basketball not a game of chance and not gambling? If not, why do all the "bookies" get arrested for taking bets on basketball, football, baseball, etc. when our own Governor is making bets? Shouldn't the law be enforced equally, no matter who you are and what position you hold?
I know it should be and I also know it never will be.
Leave the little fish alone if you're not going to take the big ones.
IMHO, "what's good for the goose, is good for the gander."
Even if it's only a little "friendly" wager.
GO HEELS!!!
Looks like he made a little wager on the game tonight. Problem is, I thought gambling was "illegal" in North Carolina sans the big Texas Hold'em poker bust at Ham's, and the canceling of the Bassett Texas Hold'em game with John Elway promoting their new gaming table for the furniture market. Although all the money was going to be donated to the American Cancer Society, a charity.
Bassett officials said "The law was the law."
Alan Fields, an ALE district assistant supervisor, said three conditions must be met for an activity to be classified as gambling: It must be a game of chance, involve something of value and include a prize.
So Governor, is pizza and barbecue not a prize or something of value?
I know the argument coming. It's not a game of chance.
A game of chance is a game whose outcome is strongly influenced by some randomizing device, and upon which contestants frequently wager money. (Our laws state something of value and a prize hence shutting down the Ham's game for a chance to win a trip.)
In ordinary language, the word random is used to express apparent lack of purpose or cause. This suggests that no matter what the cause of something, its nature is not only unknown but the consequences of its operation are also unknown.
What could be more "randomizing" than a basketball player? You never know who is going to show up. Jawad Williams, on Saturday night, played his best game since February. Sean May has been playing good lately, but who knows which Sean May will show up tonight? Same can be said for Deron Williams, Rashad McCants , Luther Head, and all the other players on the court.
Basketball not a game of chance and not gambling? If not, why do all the "bookies" get arrested for taking bets on basketball, football, baseball, etc. when our own Governor is making bets? Shouldn't the law be enforced equally, no matter who you are and what position you hold?
I know it should be and I also know it never will be.
Leave the little fish alone if you're not going to take the big ones.
IMHO, "what's good for the goose, is good for the gander."
Even if it's only a little "friendly" wager.
GO HEELS!!!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
TESTING
Thunderstorm, Surfside Beach, July 2004
Just seeing if I can get this picture thing to work. LOL May take me a while too.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Terri Schiavo
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Terri Schiavo
The Supreme Court turned down Terri's parents today, refusing to intervene to keep her alive.
I have no problem with Terri dying to end her suffering, I do have a problem with the manner in which they intend to end her suffering.
Starvation.
"The basic metabolic response to starvation is conservation of energy and body tissues. However, the body will mobilize its own tissues as a source of energy, which results in the destruction of visceral organs and muscle and in extreme shrinkage of adipose tissue. Total starvation is fatal in 8 to 12 wk."
Eight to twelve weeks? I thought the doctors said a week or two. Do you starve quicker when you are brain-damaged??
"In more prolonged starvation, weight loss may reach 50% in adults and possibly more in children. Loss of organ weight is greatest in the liver and intestine, moderate in the heart and kidneys, and least in the nervous system. Emaciation is most obvious in areas where prominent fat depots normally exist. Muscle mass shrinks and bones protrude. The skin becomes thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold. The hair is dry and sparse and falls out easily."
Is it acceptable to starve her to death simply because she is brain-damaged and probably can't comprehend what is happening to her? What happened to "cruel and unusual punishment" or is that only reserved for criminals and prisoners of war??
You can go to jail in this country for starving animals yet we are going to starve her to death. Just doesn't make sense to me when we have people hollering about people starving in Ethiopia, Darfur, and Sudan. Starving is starving no matter where you do it, or is there a different set of rules for her because she is incapacitated?
Maybe it's time we let Dr. Jack Kevorkian out of prison. At least he could be a little more humane and end her life quicker without all the extra, unnecessary suffering she is going to go through.
If she really, really did NOT want to be kept alive by artificial means, as her husband Michael contends, then WHY wasn't she allowed to die back in 1990, when her heart stopped and brought on the brain-damage?????
I'm glad I have a living will with all my desires spelled out. That way there is going to be no he said/she said bullshit for anybody to fight over.
PULL THE PLUG.
SEE YA!!!!
I have no problem with Terri dying to end her suffering, I do have a problem with the manner in which they intend to end her suffering.
Starvation.
"The basic metabolic response to starvation is conservation of energy and body tissues. However, the body will mobilize its own tissues as a source of energy, which results in the destruction of visceral organs and muscle and in extreme shrinkage of adipose tissue. Total starvation is fatal in 8 to 12 wk."
Eight to twelve weeks? I thought the doctors said a week or two. Do you starve quicker when you are brain-damaged??
"In more prolonged starvation, weight loss may reach 50% in adults and possibly more in children. Loss of organ weight is greatest in the liver and intestine, moderate in the heart and kidneys, and least in the nervous system. Emaciation is most obvious in areas where prominent fat depots normally exist. Muscle mass shrinks and bones protrude. The skin becomes thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold. The hair is dry and sparse and falls out easily."
Is it acceptable to starve her to death simply because she is brain-damaged and probably can't comprehend what is happening to her? What happened to "cruel and unusual punishment" or is that only reserved for criminals and prisoners of war??
You can go to jail in this country for starving animals yet we are going to starve her to death. Just doesn't make sense to me when we have people hollering about people starving in Ethiopia, Darfur, and Sudan. Starving is starving no matter where you do it, or is there a different set of rules for her because she is incapacitated?
Maybe it's time we let Dr. Jack Kevorkian out of prison. At least he could be a little more humane and end her life quicker without all the extra, unnecessary suffering she is going to go through.
If she really, really did NOT want to be kept alive by artificial means, as her husband Michael contends, then WHY wasn't she allowed to die back in 1990, when her heart stopped and brought on the brain-damage?????
I'm glad I have a living will with all my desires spelled out. That way there is going to be no he said/she said bullshit for anybody to fight over.
PULL THE PLUG.
SEE YA!!!!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Uncomfortable
Maybe the fur-lined model with velcro strips to facilitate easy removal would better suit your taste.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Engineering 101
What parent's want their kid's to learn in college.
The fine art of construction.
(Link sent by a friend.)
The fine art of construction.
(Link sent by a friend.)
Monday, March 07, 2005
Last Word on Skip..............I Hope
March 1, 2005 City Council meeting.
In response to Skip Alston charges of racism in the Housing & Community Development Department in Greensboro, Councilmember Florence Gatten outlined the effort that department has put forth to help such affordable housing projects succeed.
Councilmember Claudette Bouuoughs-White defended Alston. "Racism is a problem in Greensboro. Distrust is a problem in Greensboro" she said.
Councilmember Tom Phillips asked her for an example. He said, "Weve been asking for specifics. If you feel there's been racism, tell us about it".
Burroughs-White responded by saying, "It is alive and very well".
Specifics. Specifics. Specifics.
Skip, Claudette, it's time to PUT up or Shut up!
In response to Skip Alston charges of racism in the Housing & Community Development Department in Greensboro, Councilmember Florence Gatten outlined the effort that department has put forth to help such affordable housing projects succeed.
Councilmember Claudette Bouuoughs-White defended Alston. "Racism is a problem in Greensboro. Distrust is a problem in Greensboro" she said.
Councilmember Tom Phillips asked her for an example. He said, "Weve been asking for specifics. If you feel there's been racism, tell us about it".
Burroughs-White responded by saying, "It is alive and very well".
Specifics. Specifics. Specifics.
Skip, Claudette, it's time to PUT up or Shut up!
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Loans vs Grants
Why not call them grants if you never expect to be re-paid?
City leaders say that providing affordable housing to poor people outweighs the financial risk.
Managers at these 24 complexes have re-paid a total of $881,000. of a total of $12.5 million. That leaves a total of $11,619,000.00 owed to the TAXPAYERS with the promise of collecting ....Nil.
Councilwoman Claudette Burroughs-White says "The issue for me is that people have a place to live".
I agree with that but if the need for affordable housing in Greensboro is so great, why are the vacancy rates at these complexes so high?
Florence Gatten said "A decade ago the citizens made a commitment to spend money on low-income housing. Maybe it's time to revisit that choice with Taxpayers".
I second that.
Better yet, since the taxpayers are paying for those apartments to sit empty, why don't we use them to REALLY help someone. Why don't we get some homeless people off the street and out from under the bridges and abandoned loading docks. Really try to help someone. Give them a place to live and a fresh start.
After all the apartments are sitting there empty and the taxpayers have already paid the rent.
City leaders say that providing affordable housing to poor people outweighs the financial risk.
Managers at these 24 complexes have re-paid a total of $881,000. of a total of $12.5 million. That leaves a total of $11,619,000.00 owed to the TAXPAYERS with the promise of collecting ....Nil.
Councilwoman Claudette Burroughs-White says "The issue for me is that people have a place to live".
I agree with that but if the need for affordable housing in Greensboro is so great, why are the vacancy rates at these complexes so high?
Florence Gatten said "A decade ago the citizens made a commitment to spend money on low-income housing. Maybe it's time to revisit that choice with Taxpayers".
I second that.
Better yet, since the taxpayers are paying for those apartments to sit empty, why don't we use them to REALLY help someone. Why don't we get some homeless people off the street and out from under the bridges and abandoned loading docks. Really try to help someone. Give them a place to live and a fresh start.
After all the apartments are sitting there empty and the taxpayers have already paid the rent.
Damn Headlines
After my last post chiding the N&R for not giving a correction story headline as much weight as the original story headline, they come out with a whopper today.
John Robinson responded to my last post with something about an ideal world, the real world, placement and weight of the daily stories, and never really answered my question.
Where in the hell did this headline come from?? I don't remember reading anything that ever said he was drunk. This is WAY over the line.
All this to capture readers attention?
Or to add to the suffering these families are already going through?
John Robinson responded to my last post with something about an ideal world, the real world, placement and weight of the daily stories, and never really answered my question.
Where in the hell did this headline come from?? I don't remember reading anything that ever said he was drunk. This is WAY over the line.
All this to capture readers attention?
Or to add to the suffering these families are already going through?
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Correction??
The headline in the News & Record on Wednesday morning said "Alcohol found in SUV after deadly wreck" (can't find a link), in updating the readers on the tragic accident that took two teenagers lives early Sunday morning.
On Thursday we get a headline "Highway Patrol revises report in fatal wreck".
Why not an equally bold headline with the "correction" article?
Something like "Highway Patrol says no alcohol found in SUV". This "revises report in fatal wreck" seems a little slack to me, as some people just scan the headlines in the newspaper, never reading the article.
The Wednesday headline confirmed (falsely) , most peoples pre-conceived notions that this was a bunch of teenagers out drinking, driving, and acting foolish.
It just seems to me that the Thursday article could have carried a headline with equal weight disputing the Wednesday article.
Why didn't it?
In the Thursday text you did say that no alcohol was found in the SUV and that the father of the driver said that tests at the hospital showed no signs of alcohol, but what if no one read the article?
Of course, if the Highway Patrol had not given out incorrect information, these articles would have never been in the paper.
I just feel like you ought to correct with as much veracity as you condemn.
On Thursday we get a headline "Highway Patrol revises report in fatal wreck".
Why not an equally bold headline with the "correction" article?
Something like "Highway Patrol says no alcohol found in SUV". This "revises report in fatal wreck" seems a little slack to me, as some people just scan the headlines in the newspaper, never reading the article.
The Wednesday headline confirmed (falsely) , most peoples pre-conceived notions that this was a bunch of teenagers out drinking, driving, and acting foolish.
It just seems to me that the Thursday article could have carried a headline with equal weight disputing the Wednesday article.
Why didn't it?
In the Thursday text you did say that no alcohol was found in the SUV and that the father of the driver said that tests at the hospital showed no signs of alcohol, but what if no one read the article?
Of course, if the Highway Patrol had not given out incorrect information, these articles would have never been in the paper.
I just feel like you ought to correct with as much veracity as you condemn.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
72 Murderers Spared
The U.S. Supreme court spared the lives of 72 convicted murderers today when it handed down a decision that said it was unconstitutional to execute underage killers due to their lack of maturity and intellectual development when the crimes were committed.
BULL%@IT!
Prince William County, VA said they would not prosecute a murder case against Lee Boyd Malvo because of the ruling. Malvo was one of the Washington DC area snipers in 2002 that killed 10 people and wounded 3. Their 1990 Caprice was a "killing machine" as some police officers described it. With two holes cut in the trunk, one for the barrel of the gun and the other for the scope, one would never have to exit the car.
Missouri. Christopher Simmons, who was 17, kidnapped and raped a neighbor. Then he hog-tied her and threw her off a bridge to drown. He bragged about getting away with it because of his age.
Fayetteville NC. Kevin Golphin fatally wounded at point blank range, NCHP trooper Ed Lowry and sheriff's deputy David Haithcock after his brother Tilmon had already wounded them with a semi-automatic rifle and they lay on the ground bleeding.
Don't give me this crap about a 17 yr old lacking maturity and intellectual development. I have a 17 yr old son and I know how mature and developed they can be when they want to be.
You can't tell me these "kids" didn't know or understand what they were doing.
Are people EVER going to be responsible for their actions??
All the supreme court did today was let a bunch of murderers off the hook and opened up the door for a bunch more "underage murderers".
BULL%@IT!
Prince William County, VA said they would not prosecute a murder case against Lee Boyd Malvo because of the ruling. Malvo was one of the Washington DC area snipers in 2002 that killed 10 people and wounded 3. Their 1990 Caprice was a "killing machine" as some police officers described it. With two holes cut in the trunk, one for the barrel of the gun and the other for the scope, one would never have to exit the car.
Missouri. Christopher Simmons, who was 17, kidnapped and raped a neighbor. Then he hog-tied her and threw her off a bridge to drown. He bragged about getting away with it because of his age.
Fayetteville NC. Kevin Golphin fatally wounded at point blank range, NCHP trooper Ed Lowry and sheriff's deputy David Haithcock after his brother Tilmon had already wounded them with a semi-automatic rifle and they lay on the ground bleeding.
Don't give me this crap about a 17 yr old lacking maturity and intellectual development. I have a 17 yr old son and I know how mature and developed they can be when they want to be.
You can't tell me these "kids" didn't know or understand what they were doing.
Are people EVER going to be responsible for their actions??
All the supreme court did today was let a bunch of murderers off the hook and opened up the door for a bunch more "underage murderers".
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Skip's Card
Hogg'sblog has an interesting take on comments made at the Thursday night County Comissioner meeting by Skip Alston. (full transcript here)
It seems we missed the truth by one un-uttered word. Maybe it was divine guidance that caused him to stop and think before inserting his foot in his mouth again.
We all know what he was going to say.
Skip has to keep the black and white communities divided and separate. Then he can lobby for the grants and entitlements that keep the black community dependent on government. He needs to keep the black community "down" to keep his power and control.
Playing the "race card" is his most powerful weapon.
It seems we missed the truth by one un-uttered word. Maybe it was divine guidance that caused him to stop and think before inserting his foot in his mouth again.
We all know what he was going to say.
Skip has to keep the black and white communities divided and separate. Then he can lobby for the grants and entitlements that keep the black community dependent on government. He needs to keep the black community "down" to keep his power and control.
Playing the "race card" is his most powerful weapon.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Dr. Krishnaraj's Agreement
Looks like the Health Board fixed it to where Dr. K will get all his money and all the taxpayers and naysayers should just STFU now.
"We as a board could have been a little bit more clear and maybe a little bit more concise....."
I don't know what could have been more CLEAR and CONCISE than a signed contract. Or do they not mean what they say they mean?
Or is it that after all the public outrage, the threats of lawsuits, the handwritten notes on the contract trying to make it say what you wished it had said months before, you just finally decided it was time to "cover your ass".
Well, ass covered, taxpayers screwed once again.
"We as a board could have been a little bit more clear and maybe a little bit more concise....."
I don't know what could have been more CLEAR and CONCISE than a signed contract. Or do they not mean what they say they mean?
Or is it that after all the public outrage, the threats of lawsuits, the handwritten notes on the contract trying to make it say what you wished it had said months before, you just finally decided it was time to "cover your ass".
Well, ass covered, taxpayers screwed once again.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Deja Vu
St. James II is in the news again and is looking just like another Project Homestead.
Late audits turned in, payments with no invoices to back them up, no oversight by the leaders in Greensboro of the taxpayer money doled out, and an African American leader crying "racism".
What, you think that because you're African American you have unlimited, unchecked access to the taxpayer funds of the City of Greensboro to do with as you wish?
Would you be considered a "racist" if you asked your bank for a audit of funds you deposited into your business checking account every week? How about the grocery store, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Lowes, and every where else you shop. Do you not check the receipt to make sure you were charged correctly? Is that "racist"?
Same with the taxpayers. We have a RIGHT to know where our money is spent and that it is spent properly.
It seems funny to me, as with the Project Homestead fiasco, anyone with any knowledge as to what went on doesn't want to talk.
Sarah and Donald Graham just want to move forward. Carolyn Tarpley hung up the phone. Why?
All Skip can say is everything was fine when I left.
So what happened?? If the city really wanted this to fail, as Sarah Graham alleges, all they had to do is NOT give you the $1 million. It would have surely failed then and would have saved the taxpayers $1.4 million.
It looks like it's time for the City of Greensboro and the taxpayers to get out of the business of low income housing.
Late audits turned in, payments with no invoices to back them up, no oversight by the leaders in Greensboro of the taxpayer money doled out, and an African American leader crying "racism".
What, you think that because you're African American you have unlimited, unchecked access to the taxpayer funds of the City of Greensboro to do with as you wish?
Would you be considered a "racist" if you asked your bank for a audit of funds you deposited into your business checking account every week? How about the grocery store, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Lowes, and every where else you shop. Do you not check the receipt to make sure you were charged correctly? Is that "racist"?
Same with the taxpayers. We have a RIGHT to know where our money is spent and that it is spent properly.
It seems funny to me, as with the Project Homestead fiasco, anyone with any knowledge as to what went on doesn't want to talk.
Sarah and Donald Graham just want to move forward. Carolyn Tarpley hung up the phone. Why?
All Skip can say is everything was fine when I left.
So what happened?? If the city really wanted this to fail, as Sarah Graham alleges, all they had to do is NOT give you the $1 million. It would have surely failed then and would have saved the taxpayers $1.4 million.
It looks like it's time for the City of Greensboro and the taxpayers to get out of the business of low income housing.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
CAIR and Gen. Mattis
I'm a little late commenting on this,but the more I think about it the madder I get, so I am going to get my 2 cents in anyway.
It seems that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad wants the Pentagon to discipline Lt. Gen. James Mattis, for comments he made last week saying it was "fun to shoot people."
"These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life", said Awad.
Excuse me, Nihad.
I missed your post condemning the Islamist A$$HOLES that plant car bombs that indiscriminately murder anyone in their path (women and children included). The ones that cut the heads off of innocent hostages. The ones that strap bombs to their bodies and detonate themselves in stores, night clubs, and crowded shopping areas. Yeah, the same ones that pull occupants from cars only to murder them in cold blood in the street.
"An apparent indifference to human life."
I missed that post. Could you send me a link??
I agree that Gen. Mattis's comment should not have been said and not have been made public.
To be shooting at an enemy who is trying to kill you, your fellow soldiers, or civilians should not be made out to be a sporting event.
But for you, Nihad, to condemn one side and call for discipline, while totally ignoring the other and saying nothing, does nothing for CAIR's cause of building coalition's and mutual understanding.
It seems that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad wants the Pentagon to discipline Lt. Gen. James Mattis, for comments he made last week saying it was "fun to shoot people."
"These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life", said Awad.
Excuse me, Nihad.
I missed your post condemning the Islamist A$$HOLES that plant car bombs that indiscriminately murder anyone in their path (women and children included). The ones that cut the heads off of innocent hostages. The ones that strap bombs to their bodies and detonate themselves in stores, night clubs, and crowded shopping areas. Yeah, the same ones that pull occupants from cars only to murder them in cold blood in the street.
"An apparent indifference to human life."
I missed that post. Could you send me a link??
I agree that Gen. Mattis's comment should not have been said and not have been made public.
To be shooting at an enemy who is trying to kill you, your fellow soldiers, or civilians should not be made out to be a sporting event.
But for you, Nihad, to condemn one side and call for discipline, while totally ignoring the other and saying nothing, does nothing for CAIR's cause of building coalition's and mutual understanding.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Mardi Gras Party
Road trip to the Blue Bayou Club tonight for their Mardi Gras party.
Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos brand of swamp blues and Cajun boogie makes for a very entertaining evening and should bring the Mardi Gras atmosphere right into downtown Hillsborough.
Nicknamed "The Zydeco Chef" by friend and former bandmate C. J. Chenier, rumor has it that Mel may even cook up some of his famous "Louisiana Gumbo" for tonight's show.
Looking........Looking........
Tylenol.............Check.
Rolaids............Check.
OK. Ready to go.
Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos brand of swamp blues and Cajun boogie makes for a very entertaining evening and should bring the Mardi Gras atmosphere right into downtown Hillsborough.
Nicknamed "The Zydeco Chef" by friend and former bandmate C. J. Chenier, rumor has it that Mel may even cook up some of his famous "Louisiana Gumbo" for tonight's show.
Looking........Looking........
Tylenol.............Check.
Rolaids............Check.
OK. Ready to go.
My Calling In The Afterlife
This Body Worlds exhibit sounds like it's made for me.
At least my son thinks it is.
He said, "Dad, You ought to sign up for it. You could be put on display as a 5' 10" 165lb A$$HOLE!"
My are'nt they greatful at 17.
But he's probably right. ( PHOTOS)
At least my son thinks it is.
He said, "Dad, You ought to sign up for it. You could be put on display as a 5' 10" 165lb A$$HOLE!"
My are'nt they greatful at 17.
But he's probably right. ( PHOTOS)
Friday, February 04, 2005
WWF In Guilford County Schools
WWF wrestling match at Jackson Middle School. (via Woody Cavenaugh)
They teach this in middle school then wonder why in the hell the high school kids are so violent!
I can't say much more about this now but needless to say I can't wait to see a copy of the video.
They teach this in middle school then wonder why in the hell the high school kids are so violent!
I can't say much more about this now but needless to say I can't wait to see a copy of the video.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Will They Ever Learn?
Will the powers that be in this freakin city ever learn??
These people just cost the Greensboro taxpayers $1.4 million dollars.
What is the city's answer to it?
Give them another $25,000.00 of taxpayer money.
Think I'll go up there and get my ass in line.
These people just cost the Greensboro taxpayers $1.4 million dollars.
What is the city's answer to it?
Give them another $25,000.00 of taxpayer money.
Think I'll go up there and get my ass in line.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Excedrin and Alka Seltzer
sales should increase dramatically in the next few weeks as tax filing season gets into full swing.
I completed mine yesterday in just under two hours with the 'ole computer and some store bought tax software.
I was pleasantly surprised when a sizable refund popped up on the screen. A refund had not been in my thoughts this year. I expected to have to pay them some because I had worked almost 200 hours of overtime last year. Wonders never cease.
However, the joy of the refund didn't last long---I found this little tidbit on the net:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
How true!
Now if my lottery numbers would.......
I completed mine yesterday in just under two hours with the 'ole computer and some store bought tax software.
I was pleasantly surprised when a sizable refund popped up on the screen. A refund had not been in my thoughts this year. I expected to have to pay them some because I had worked almost 200 hours of overtime last year. Wonders never cease.
However, the joy of the refund didn't last long---I found this little tidbit on the net:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
How true!
Now if my lottery numbers would.......
Monday, January 24, 2005
A Brand New Me
I finally found out why I'm so ill tempered and irritable all the time.
TOXINS.
With this kit I can flush all the toxins away.
I will then have a sense of renewed energy, a clean fresh feeling, my moods can be balanced, and I'll have a free wad of energy.
Well not exactly free, the kit costs $89.50.
Might have to stay ill tempered and irritable.
TOXINS.
With this kit I can flush all the toxins away.
I will then have a sense of renewed energy, a clean fresh feeling, my moods can be balanced, and I'll have a free wad of energy.
Well not exactly free, the kit costs $89.50.
Might have to stay ill tempered and irritable.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Left To Rot
This text accompanies a photo in the News & Record this morning.
"A fall tomato shortage has turned into a surplus that Florida growers say has forced them to abandon 60 million pounds on the vine in the past two weeks, generating pledges of help Tuesday from the state.
Help from the state? Sounds to me like the state is going to pay the growers for the tomatoes. The state should have said, "Look, If we're gonna buy these things, you're gonna pick 'em." And made them pick every one.
Last I heard Campbells still makes tomato soup and Hunts and Del Monte still can tomatoes. 60 million pounds of tomatoes would make a lot of soup or can tomatoes that could be put to use in food banks or homeless shelters in Florida. They could have made a deal with Campbells, Hunts, or Del Monte, or SOMEBODY to get the tomatoes processed. Maybe a one-time tax break for what it cost to do the processing?? Then they would of had probably 45 million pounds of usable tomatoes and soup in the food banks and homeless shelters.
The way it stands now the tomatoes are rotten, the growers will be paid for letting them rot, the Florida taxpayers will be out money, the homeless will still be hungry, and the food banks will still be wanting for food to give to the needy. And 60 million pounds of tomatoes rotted on the vines.
But that's how government works.
"A fall tomato shortage has turned into a surplus that Florida growers say has forced them to abandon 60 million pounds on the vine in the past two weeks, generating pledges of help Tuesday from the state.
Help from the state? Sounds to me like the state is going to pay the growers for the tomatoes. The state should have said, "Look, If we're gonna buy these things, you're gonna pick 'em." And made them pick every one.
Last I heard Campbells still makes tomato soup and Hunts and Del Monte still can tomatoes. 60 million pounds of tomatoes would make a lot of soup or can tomatoes that could be put to use in food banks or homeless shelters in Florida. They could have made a deal with Campbells, Hunts, or Del Monte, or SOMEBODY to get the tomatoes processed. Maybe a one-time tax break for what it cost to do the processing?? Then they would of had probably 45 million pounds of usable tomatoes and soup in the food banks and homeless shelters.
The way it stands now the tomatoes are rotten, the growers will be paid for letting them rot, the Florida taxpayers will be out money, the homeless will still be hungry, and the food banks will still be wanting for food to give to the needy. And 60 million pounds of tomatoes rotted on the vines.
But that's how government works.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Deeper and Deeper
So who gave Etta Mullikin a blank check to spend taxpayer money like it was her own?? The more of this situation that comes out, the more it seems it was a "gift of public assets" which is illeagle according to the NC Supreme Court.
Frankly, if the allegations prove true, I hope she is prosecuted, convicted, and made to foot the bill for Dr. K's $63,000.00 severance since she so arrogantly decided that the taxpayers should do it instead.
I'm also a little curious as to what advice the lawyer they hired was giving her during this fiasco. Advice not heeded or incompetent???
Frankly, if the allegations prove true, I hope she is prosecuted, convicted, and made to foot the bill for Dr. K's $63,000.00 severance since she so arrogantly decided that the taxpayers should do it instead.
I'm also a little curious as to what advice the lawyer they hired was giving her during this fiasco. Advice not heeded or incompetent???
Monday, January 17, 2005
The Nerve of Some People
Went over to the "budz" house Sunday to watch the football games, just like I have been doing all season.
He's got a nice playroom where we can set up three TV's. Two to watch the two network games, plus one to watch the game on satellite with the season pass package he's got. All this and we can shoot pool and drink beer too!! It's a hard life but somebody's gotta do it.
I get there before the rest of the crowd and go to the fridge to grab a beer, open the door, and my jaw hits the floor. In the fridge, staring back at me, are about three cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Milwaukee's Best. Now all this coming from a man who has been supplying the "boys" with Budweiser and Michelob the whole season.
First thing that hits my mind is this is a not so subtle reminder that "I'm tired of buying the beer". But hey we've offered and you've always declined so I don't know why you've got a bug up your ass and I know you're going to read this. So tell me, "What's the problem?"
You've always had the pleasure of our company (since your wife won't let you go out with us), and you've always made money when we come over (off the pool games and our lousy football bets) so the least you could do is buy some good beer. Hell, I even heard you comment that you furnished your new daughters nursery off my bad bets and bad pool playing.
But that's all right. I drank your beer.
Tell you what though.
I'm buying the beer next Sunday and for the Super Bowl.
Cause I soaked your ass for $165.00 Sunday didn't I???????????
He's got a nice playroom where we can set up three TV's. Two to watch the two network games, plus one to watch the game on satellite with the season pass package he's got. All this and we can shoot pool and drink beer too!! It's a hard life but somebody's gotta do it.
I get there before the rest of the crowd and go to the fridge to grab a beer, open the door, and my jaw hits the floor. In the fridge, staring back at me, are about three cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Milwaukee's Best. Now all this coming from a man who has been supplying the "boys" with Budweiser and Michelob the whole season.
First thing that hits my mind is this is a not so subtle reminder that "I'm tired of buying the beer". But hey we've offered and you've always declined so I don't know why you've got a bug up your ass and I know you're going to read this. So tell me, "What's the problem?"
You've always had the pleasure of our company (since your wife won't let you go out with us), and you've always made money when we come over (off the pool games and our lousy football bets) so the least you could do is buy some good beer. Hell, I even heard you comment that you furnished your new daughters nursery off my bad bets and bad pool playing.
But that's all right. I drank your beer.
Tell you what though.
I'm buying the beer next Sunday and for the Super Bowl.
Cause I soaked your ass for $165.00 Sunday didn't I???????????
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Same Old Disease
GreensboroCityCouncilStJamesHomesProjectHomesteadaphobiawhite
elephantitistaxpayerscrewithus
elephantitistaxpayerscrewithus
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
"CYA" Agreement??
It looks like Dr K and the Board of Health are in the news again and it looks to me like it might be one of those "cover your ass" type scenarios. It seems they have a settlement agreement signed by Dr K so he could receive his $63,000 taxpayer gift, they publicly accepted it Monday and voted to include it as part of their board minutes from a Nov 22 meeting.
I'm no rocket scientist but I do get a burr up my butt every now and then when people appointed to be stewards of the taxpayers money can give it away like this in secrecy and try to scam the taxpayers and keep it a secret. I did a google on what meeting minutes were and the laws for minutes and this is what came back:
They must be accurate and reflect what was actually said----must be actionable (clearly
state agreed action) and selective (only the important things should be noted and not all
the fluff in between) --- to formally record vital information.
If this agreement was accurate, important, vital information, and reflected what was actually said, why wasn't it already in the minutes of the meeting and why did you have to come back a month and a half later and vote to include it as part of the board minutes of a meeting where he tendered his resignation. I would think that is vital information and that is why I think this is just a "cover your ass" move. I don't think the settlement agreement ever came about until all this became public and all the bad publicity.
According to last weeks Rhino that may be the case.
The legality of this whole deal is now in question as it is believed now that it was never voted on by the Health Board. According to one Health Board member there was never a vote in closed session. According to the media there was no open session public vote outside the purview of the press. Any way the agreement was signed putting the taxpayers on the hook for the $63,000.
Or are they??
Public officials in North Carolina who give away government assets face personal liability for those assets.
Since this agreement was signed without a vote of the board the person that signed the agreement is personally liable for the money paid out and also the cost of any benefits paid out. Personally if the person that signed the agreement is held responsible, I think they all should be just because of the cavalier, in your face, we don't have to tell you shit about what we do with your money attitude that these people have. It would do my heart good to see 'em all have to keep up 'ole Dr. K for six mos.
Now I see the News & Record wanting to blast Steve Arnold for wanting to remove these board members saying it might cause more "problems" than it "solves". I sure don't see how the hell that could happen. We got a truckload of problems now.
They also say that Arnold and his fellow commissioners ought to ask tough questions about the Krishnaraj matter. But they should do so with an eye toward a resolution, not a revolution.
I agree the commissionersought to ask tough questions, with the exception of Bruce Davis.(Him being on the Health Board he is part of the problem)
But it may take a revolution to get a resoulution.
I'm no rocket scientist but I do get a burr up my butt every now and then when people appointed to be stewards of the taxpayers money can give it away like this in secrecy and try to scam the taxpayers and keep it a secret. I did a google on what meeting minutes were and the laws for minutes and this is what came back:
They must be accurate and reflect what was actually said----must be actionable (clearly
state agreed action) and selective (only the important things should be noted and not all
the fluff in between) --- to formally record vital information.
If this agreement was accurate, important, vital information, and reflected what was actually said, why wasn't it already in the minutes of the meeting and why did you have to come back a month and a half later and vote to include it as part of the board minutes of a meeting where he tendered his resignation. I would think that is vital information and that is why I think this is just a "cover your ass" move. I don't think the settlement agreement ever came about until all this became public and all the bad publicity.
According to last weeks Rhino that may be the case.
The legality of this whole deal is now in question as it is believed now that it was never voted on by the Health Board. According to one Health Board member there was never a vote in closed session. According to the media there was no open session public vote outside the purview of the press. Any way the agreement was signed putting the taxpayers on the hook for the $63,000.
Or are they??
Public officials in North Carolina who give away government assets face personal liability for those assets.
Since this agreement was signed without a vote of the board the person that signed the agreement is personally liable for the money paid out and also the cost of any benefits paid out. Personally if the person that signed the agreement is held responsible, I think they all should be just because of the cavalier, in your face, we don't have to tell you shit about what we do with your money attitude that these people have. It would do my heart good to see 'em all have to keep up 'ole Dr. K for six mos.
Now I see the News & Record wanting to blast Steve Arnold for wanting to remove these board members saying it might cause more "problems" than it "solves". I sure don't see how the hell that could happen. We got a truckload of problems now.
They also say that Arnold and his fellow commissioners ought to ask tough questions about the Krishnaraj matter. But they should do so with an eye toward a resolution, not a revolution.
I agree the commissionersought to ask tough questions, with the exception of Bruce Davis.(Him being on the Health Board he is part of the problem)
But it may take a revolution to get a resoulution.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Road Trip--- Why Not Greensboro??
Took a road trip down to the Blue Bayou in Hillsborough last night to see W. C. Handy award winner Big Bill Morganfield. Big Bill is the son of McKinley Morganfield, aka "Muddy Waters".
The Bayou was packed, the drinks were flowing, and Big Bill and the band provided two sets of blues that had the crowd dancing in the aisles.
Big Bill has created his own style but you can also see a lot of influence from his father. On a couple of the songs it was so eerie because he sounded so much like his father, you would've swore Muddy was up there singing. The blues "is in Big Bill's blood".
Next up at the Bayou is 2004 Blues Guitarist of the Year, Michael Burks. Take it from me this is a show you don't want to miss. He is awesome. Friday January, 14 2005.
Now for my rant:
Why not Greensboro???
I (we) have been driving to Hillsborough, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem every week-end to see national act blues bands. We are going to Blue Bayou, Double Door, and Rubber Soul to see bands such as Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tinsley Ellis, Guitar Shorty, Michael Burks and Jimmy Thackery.
I know there are places in Greensboro such as the Wild Magnolia, Fishers, and Plum Krazys that bring in the local blues acts that we go see, but isn't there SOMEBODY out there that could get a national act to our town someday?? Or are we satisfied with the nitelife we have (or lack of it)??
Maybe you'll say it's because nobody supports the blues in Greensboro. I don't think that's the case because every time I go out to see one of the bands at these bars there is always a good crowd, and a national act would only draw a better one.
End of rant.
The Bayou was packed, the drinks were flowing, and Big Bill and the band provided two sets of blues that had the crowd dancing in the aisles.
Big Bill has created his own style but you can also see a lot of influence from his father. On a couple of the songs it was so eerie because he sounded so much like his father, you would've swore Muddy was up there singing. The blues "is in Big Bill's blood".
Next up at the Bayou is 2004 Blues Guitarist of the Year, Michael Burks. Take it from me this is a show you don't want to miss. He is awesome. Friday January, 14 2005.
Now for my rant:
Why not Greensboro???
I (we) have been driving to Hillsborough, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem every week-end to see national act blues bands. We are going to Blue Bayou, Double Door, and Rubber Soul to see bands such as Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tinsley Ellis, Guitar Shorty, Michael Burks and Jimmy Thackery.
I know there are places in Greensboro such as the Wild Magnolia, Fishers, and Plum Krazys that bring in the local blues acts that we go see, but isn't there SOMEBODY out there that could get a national act to our town someday?? Or are we satisfied with the nitelife we have (or lack of it)??
Maybe you'll say it's because nobody supports the blues in Greensboro. I don't think that's the case because every time I go out to see one of the bands at these bars there is always a good crowd, and a national act would only draw a better one.
End of rant.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Randolph Seeks Lake Access Points
It looks like Randolph County has already picked their sites for boat access to the new Randleman Lake.
Since access to the lake for recreational purposes will be heavily restricted because of the reservoir's primary purpose as a drinking water supply for Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, they have to petition the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the N.C. Division of Water Quality to amend the permit to allow the access.
Guilford County county will also have to do this because they are planning to build a park at the north end of the lake and are also seeking access at that site.
Frankly, I can't see why anybody would want access to a 3,000 acre cesspool.
I know. I know. You're saying they passed all the required environmental impact statements and water quality studies.
You have a 163 acre Seaboard Chemical contaminated "superfund" site sitting on the bank of the Deep River that is going to be feeding this lake. Tetra Tech, Inc. did the study, said the water quality was acceptable for a public water supply. Do they live here? Are they going to drink it? Do they even know what kind of chemicals have been dumped at this site that are now leaking into the groundwater?
You have a now closed city landfill on the bank of the Deep River. Who knows what has been dumped here over 20 or 30 years that is now leaking into the groundwater and into the river. Black and Veatch, Inc. did a study. Said water quality and quantity acceptable for public use. Do they live here? Are they going to drink it?
Then you have the sewage treatment plant. I don't know how many gallons they treat a day but it all goes in Deep River and will end up in Randleman Lake. If you ever ride down I-85 during the summer, 95 outside, southbound, cross Deep River bridge, DAMN whats that smell!, then you know what I'm talking about. Much less having to drink it. It's like having a boil and popping it open. EEEEEWWWWWWW!!! Smells like shit.
All these water quality permits and studies and studiors don't mean a damn thing to me. I'm to old for it to make a difference to me. What I'm worried about are my grandkids (when I have some) drinking and playing in this so called "safe water". You can't tell me this water is going to be safe by diluting it with the fresh water that is coming downstream. I'll give you an example. I'm sitting here imbibing now. If I mix my Crown and 7 weaker by diluting my Crown with more 7-Up, It may take longer but I'm still gonna get drunk.
Same with the water---may take longer----but the're still gonna get sick. Remember Lipitor, Zocor, Vioxx---it was safe too!!
Since access to the lake for recreational purposes will be heavily restricted because of the reservoir's primary purpose as a drinking water supply for Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, they have to petition the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the N.C. Division of Water Quality to amend the permit to allow the access.
Guilford County county will also have to do this because they are planning to build a park at the north end of the lake and are also seeking access at that site.
Frankly, I can't see why anybody would want access to a 3,000 acre cesspool.
I know. I know. You're saying they passed all the required environmental impact statements and water quality studies.
You have a 163 acre Seaboard Chemical contaminated "superfund" site sitting on the bank of the Deep River that is going to be feeding this lake. Tetra Tech, Inc. did the study, said the water quality was acceptable for a public water supply. Do they live here? Are they going to drink it? Do they even know what kind of chemicals have been dumped at this site that are now leaking into the groundwater?
You have a now closed city landfill on the bank of the Deep River. Who knows what has been dumped here over 20 or 30 years that is now leaking into the groundwater and into the river. Black and Veatch, Inc. did a study. Said water quality and quantity acceptable for public use. Do they live here? Are they going to drink it?
Then you have the sewage treatment plant. I don't know how many gallons they treat a day but it all goes in Deep River and will end up in Randleman Lake. If you ever ride down I-85 during the summer, 95 outside, southbound, cross Deep River bridge, DAMN whats that smell!, then you know what I'm talking about. Much less having to drink it. It's like having a boil and popping it open. EEEEEWWWWWWW!!! Smells like shit.
All these water quality permits and studies and studiors don't mean a damn thing to me. I'm to old for it to make a difference to me. What I'm worried about are my grandkids (when I have some) drinking and playing in this so called "safe water". You can't tell me this water is going to be safe by diluting it with the fresh water that is coming downstream. I'll give you an example. I'm sitting here imbibing now. If I mix my Crown and 7 weaker by diluting my Crown with more 7-Up, It may take longer but I'm still gonna get drunk.
Same with the water---may take longer----but the're still gonna get sick. Remember Lipitor, Zocor, Vioxx---it was safe too!!
Monday, January 03, 2005
The End
Today marks the end of a well deserved, and the last ever, 15 day vacation. It's back to the old grind tomorrow.
It will also be like starting a new job as we go from working rotating 12 hr shifts back to a five day, 8 hr shift.
Sure gonna miss those 7 days off every other week.
Leave it to the "Big Wigs" in the corporate world to screw up a good thing.
Go from 3 on, 1 off, 3 on, 7 off,--------> to 5 days a week.
It will also be like starting a new job as we go from working rotating 12 hr shifts back to a five day, 8 hr shift.
Sure gonna miss those 7 days off every other week.
Leave it to the "Big Wigs" in the corporate world to screw up a good thing.
Go from 3 on, 1 off, 3 on, 7 off,--------> to 5 days a week.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Low On The Scale
It would seem that Dr. Ramesh Krishnaraj, our recently retired Director of Health, got a raw deal.
He must be fuming to know that the $63,000. severance he got from the Guilford County Board of Health and the taxpayers of Guilford County, ranks so low on the resignation/ouster payscale. Maybe that was because Dr. K only worked one year vs. Raines working five. I don't know but surely we could have come up with a better package than this, now that we don't have to dole out the Dell incentives. After all, it's only taxpayer money.
I guess my ranting will be for nothing though. This week's Rhino has an article and makes some good points on why this whole arrangement might be illegal, but I won't hold my breath.
As I don't get all my local news coverage from the Rhino weekly, I am curious as to why the News & Record hasn't had much to say about this.
He must be fuming to know that the $63,000. severance he got from the Guilford County Board of Health and the taxpayers of Guilford County, ranks so low on the resignation/ouster payscale. Maybe that was because Dr. K only worked one year vs. Raines working five. I don't know but surely we could have come up with a better package than this, now that we don't have to dole out the Dell incentives. After all, it's only taxpayer money.
I guess my ranting will be for nothing though. This week's Rhino has an article and makes some good points on why this whole arrangement might be illegal, but I won't hold my breath.
As I don't get all my local news coverage from the Rhino weekly, I am curious as to why the News & Record hasn't had much to say about this.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Welcome Home
My brother-in-law is now officially out of Baghdad and back home in Texas, safe and hopefully sound, with his wife and three kids.
Welcome back Harold.
Sometimes prayers are answered.
Welcome back Harold.
Sometimes prayers are answered.
We'll pray now that you don't have to go back.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you and yours have a safe and happy one.
I miss the Christmas'es past. I miss having little kids around.
I miss the first fire trucks, train sets. I miss the first tricycle, and bicycle. I miss getting woke up 15 min. after the presents had been put under the tree. I miss the excitement and the "screams" of joy of seeing what Santa had delivered under the tree.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy Christmas. It's still a special time for me. A time to be with family and friends, and I cherish every moment.
My son is 17 now. His Christmas list consisted of, set of weights, clothes, speakers for his car, foosball table and punching bag and stand.
I miss the old Christmas'es.
God they grow up fast........
I miss the Christmas'es past. I miss having little kids around.
I miss the first fire trucks, train sets. I miss the first tricycle, and bicycle. I miss getting woke up 15 min. after the presents had been put under the tree. I miss the excitement and the "screams" of joy of seeing what Santa had delivered under the tree.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy Christmas. It's still a special time for me. A time to be with family and friends, and I cherish every moment.
My son is 17 now. His Christmas list consisted of, set of weights, clothes, speakers for his car, foosball table and punching bag and stand.
I miss the old Christmas'es.
God they grow up fast........
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Terry Seems Exasperated
Looks like all the talk and media coverage about all of this violence is finally getting to Terry and he is ready to do something about it.
What, I don't know.
"If you expel all these children, they will be on the street or in the High Point jail."
So. If they really wanted to learn and be in school, that's where they would be. They wouldn't be fighting, cussing the teachers, throwing erasers at the teachers and being generally disruptive to the whole process.
"But they have a right to be in school in North Carolina."
Yes they do. And my child also has a right to be in school. In a SAFE, SUPERVISED, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. That is not the case at Andrews High School at the present time. Especially when you have a hint of violence and 200 students leave campus.
Then, when there is a fight and the police are called, all you want to do is criticize the police for responding and taking care of the problem. You say they send too many cars? Six cars equals what? Six or at the most eight officers? I don't think that's too many when you have probably 400 students in the school and the possibility exists that the fight could escalate into something much worse than two or three kids fighting. Especially when you say that outside interference from the community was responsible for some of these fights.
Now the specialized programs at Bennett College, A&T, and Greensboro College.
I commend you for setting up these programs in Greensboro and hope they are working for you.
What I would like to know is while you were setting these programs up in Greensboro, WHY you left High Point out?? Did they not have a problem then or were they just put on the backburner like they have been so many times since the "school merger"? Or were you just too busy with your High Point Lottery or bus hub planning? Or were you just going to wait until the parents and the community said, "We've had enough of this shit!", before you did anything about it?
Seems like you dropped the ball on that one, Terry.
"The solution is education".
This may be Terry. One last question though. When 66% of these kids have parents or guardians at home teaching them not to let anyone "mess with them" or "push them around", what are you going to do? Make the parents come to school too?
What, I don't know.
"If you expel all these children, they will be on the street or in the High Point jail."
So. If they really wanted to learn and be in school, that's where they would be. They wouldn't be fighting, cussing the teachers, throwing erasers at the teachers and being generally disruptive to the whole process.
"But they have a right to be in school in North Carolina."
Yes they do. And my child also has a right to be in school. In a SAFE, SUPERVISED, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. That is not the case at Andrews High School at the present time. Especially when you have a hint of violence and 200 students leave campus.
Then, when there is a fight and the police are called, all you want to do is criticize the police for responding and taking care of the problem. You say they send too many cars? Six cars equals what? Six or at the most eight officers? I don't think that's too many when you have probably 400 students in the school and the possibility exists that the fight could escalate into something much worse than two or three kids fighting. Especially when you say that outside interference from the community was responsible for some of these fights.
Now the specialized programs at Bennett College, A&T, and Greensboro College.
I commend you for setting up these programs in Greensboro and hope they are working for you.
What I would like to know is while you were setting these programs up in Greensboro, WHY you left High Point out?? Did they not have a problem then or were they just put on the backburner like they have been so many times since the "school merger"? Or were you just too busy with your High Point Lottery or bus hub planning? Or were you just going to wait until the parents and the community said, "We've had enough of this shit!", before you did anything about it?
Seems like you dropped the ball on that one, Terry.
"The solution is education".
This may be Terry. One last question though. When 66% of these kids have parents or guardians at home teaching them not to let anyone "mess with them" or "push them around", what are you going to do? Make the parents come to school too?
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Toney Baker
This in the USA Today this morning.
What Mr. Lemming failed to mention in the article is that with 10,241 career yards Toney became North Carolina's all time rushing leader and ranks 2nd nationally.
Although he didn't win a state championship ring while at Ragsdale, he had an awesome four years.
Congratulations Toney and Best of Luck.
What Mr. Lemming failed to mention in the article is that with 10,241 career yards Toney became North Carolina's all time rushing leader and ranks 2nd nationally.
Although he didn't win a state championship ring while at Ragsdale, he had an awesome four years.
Congratulations Toney and Best of Luck.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Big Box Attitude
What is it with the attitude of some of the "big box" retailers here in High Point/ Greensboro??
Yea, I know It's Christmas. Yea, Iknow you're busy. But don't you want me to get my shit and get the hell out of your store where some other fool can come in and put up with all your BS to hand over their hard earned money to you?
Case in point. Head into High Point this afternoon to electronics retailer called "Circuit City" to pick up a few more things on my sons Christmas list. First stop was for 5 1/4" speakers for his front car doors on his car. No problem. Had them. Pioneer. Just what he wanted.$49.95 but had to pay for them at the auto stereo installation area.
Well I got some more shopping to do so the clerk says "no problem, go get what you have to get and come back here and we'll check everything out here."
O.K.!
So approximately 50min later with 1 DVD player, 4 DVD's, 2 CD's, and a pack of blank cassette recording tapes, I made my way back to the auto stereo area to get the speakers and checkout. Speakers were already waiting, handed clerk my debit card, started checking out-------oops---can't check anything out but the speakers--everything else will have to be checked out up front. I said no problem. Give me the speakers and I'll check them out up front too. He said they have to be checked out back here. I just flat out told him that wasn't going to happen unless he bought them. Left the speakers and everything else laying on the counter and hit the door.
Can't believe a store would let a $50 pair of speakers lose a $500 sale. Why should I have to checkout twice to get out of a store. I am the customer and I am not, under any circumstances, going to put up with any bullshit trying to give you my money!!!
Proceeded to second electronics retailer (Best Buy) and bought exact merchandise that was attempted to be purchased at first store. NO PROBLEM THIS TIME! One stop checkout. Thanks Best Buy!!
Yea, I know It's Christmas. Yea, Iknow you're busy. But don't you want me to get my shit and get the hell out of your store where some other fool can come in and put up with all your BS to hand over their hard earned money to you?
Case in point. Head into High Point this afternoon to electronics retailer called "Circuit City" to pick up a few more things on my sons Christmas list. First stop was for 5 1/4" speakers for his front car doors on his car. No problem. Had them. Pioneer. Just what he wanted.$49.95 but had to pay for them at the auto stereo installation area.
Well I got some more shopping to do so the clerk says "no problem, go get what you have to get and come back here and we'll check everything out here."
O.K.!
So approximately 50min later with 1 DVD player, 4 DVD's, 2 CD's, and a pack of blank cassette recording tapes, I made my way back to the auto stereo area to get the speakers and checkout. Speakers were already waiting, handed clerk my debit card, started checking out-------oops---can't check anything out but the speakers--everything else will have to be checked out up front. I said no problem. Give me the speakers and I'll check them out up front too. He said they have to be checked out back here. I just flat out told him that wasn't going to happen unless he bought them. Left the speakers and everything else laying on the counter and hit the door.
Can't believe a store would let a $50 pair of speakers lose a $500 sale. Why should I have to checkout twice to get out of a store. I am the customer and I am not, under any circumstances, going to put up with any bullshit trying to give you my money!!!
Proceeded to second electronics retailer (Best Buy) and bought exact merchandise that was attempted to be purchased at first store. NO PROBLEM THIS TIME! One stop checkout. Thanks Best Buy!!
A NEW THREAT
A new threat to our troops and the people returning to the city of Fallujah.
I hope things get better, but I don't know......
I hope things get better, but I don't know......
Fiscal Responsibility??
Another fine example of Guilford County's fiscal responsibility with the taxpayer dollars.
And they wonder why we bitch and gripe!
I hope things get better, but I dont know.....
And they wonder why we bitch and gripe!
I hope things get better, but I dont know.....
Friday, December 10, 2004
SAFETY
I must be missing something here.
Automobiles on the road are supposed to have four wheels, right??
And if you are driving down the road and one or two of these wheels falls off, it would make for a dangerous situation, right??
Not everyone agrees with me here.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2004-12-10-durango-dakota-recall_x.htm
So what's next? Doors and fenders falling off while you are driving down to the coast. Maybe the steering wheel coming off in your hands. Can't wait.
I hope things gets better, but I don't know...
Automobiles on the road are supposed to have four wheels, right??
And if you are driving down the road and one or two of these wheels falls off, it would make for a dangerous situation, right??
Not everyone agrees with me here.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2004-12-10-durango-dakota-recall_x.htm
So what's next? Doors and fenders falling off while you are driving down to the coast. Maybe the steering wheel coming off in your hands. Can't wait.
I hope things gets better, but I don't know...
Dumbing Down
That's it! Just cut off your thinker. Don't know if the re-attachment will work. Brain may be dead from lack of oxygen. Let's hope not.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6692249/
I hope things gets better, but I don't know...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6692249/
I hope things gets better, but I don't know...
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
And The Truth Shall Set You Free
In response to comments made by Guilford County School Board members Deena Hayes and Amos Quick, as to why African American students were being suspended at a higher rate than white students, an African American teacher offers this little tidbit of information.
http://www.gotriad.com/forum/message/1766/?UserSectionID=13
Just takes some people a little longer to catch on I guess.
I hope things get better, but I don't know...
http://www.gotriad.com/forum/message/1766/?UserSectionID=13
Just takes some people a little longer to catch on I guess.
I hope things get better, but I don't know...
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Ramadan
the Holy month. The month of contemplation, spirituality, and brotherhood. The month that unites all Muslims in fasting, feasting, worship, and prayer.
Well, not all.
http://www.iranpressnews.com/english/source/001327.html
I hope things get better, but I dont know...
Well, not all.
http://www.iranpressnews.com/english/source/001327.html
I hope things get better, but I dont know...
Time To Act
http://www.news-record.com/news/now/andrewsfight120104.htm
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/hp/andrews_120204.htm
It's time for the Guilford County School System to act NOW to get these "thugs" OUT of our school system so the other students can do what they are there do to do. This kind of crap has been going on all year and it's time you do something about it. We have had teachers, students, and principals/asst. principals assaulted this year at school and what have you done about it?
The only thing I know of is assigned police escorts for the principals at the ballgames. Big F'n deal!! What you need to do is identify who is causing all this frigging trouble and get them the hell out of the school system. They know the damn rules, just like my son does, when they come in there and if they can't abide by them, out they go---simple as that. Might not look too good on your suspension reports to the State of North Carolina, and then again maybe that's why we're NOT getting anything done about the problem.
One other question. Why is it that Andrews seems to be the school that is having the most problems?? Thought with all this busing you were going to do, bringing in students from Southwest etc., we were going to have a "melting pot" of different ethnic and social classes. Seems to me like you still have a bunch of "thugs."
I hope things get better, but I dont know...
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/hp/andrews_120204.htm
It's time for the Guilford County School System to act NOW to get these "thugs" OUT of our school system so the other students can do what they are there do to do. This kind of crap has been going on all year and it's time you do something about it. We have had teachers, students, and principals/asst. principals assaulted this year at school and what have you done about it?
The only thing I know of is assigned police escorts for the principals at the ballgames. Big F'n deal!! What you need to do is identify who is causing all this frigging trouble and get them the hell out of the school system. They know the damn rules, just like my son does, when they come in there and if they can't abide by them, out they go---simple as that. Might not look too good on your suspension reports to the State of North Carolina, and then again maybe that's why we're NOT getting anything done about the problem.
One other question. Why is it that Andrews seems to be the school that is having the most problems?? Thought with all this busing you were going to do, bringing in students from Southwest etc., we were going to have a "melting pot" of different ethnic and social classes. Seems to me like you still have a bunch of "thugs."
I hope things get better, but I dont know...
I'll 2nd This Thought----Any 3rd's??
It's time for some serious changes here.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB110185330853087227,00.html?mod=todays%5Ffree%5Ffeature
I hope things get better, but I don't know...
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB110185330853087227,00.html?mod=todays%5Ffree%5Ffeature
I hope things get better, but I don't know...
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Drops of Gold
Just reading this article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6619114/ thinking of the thousands of dollars thrown away while my son was growing up and out of diapers.
Could've dug those "cute" little buggers out of his diapers and gold plated them. Glued to a block of wood they would have made a great paper weight. "Drops of Gold." Just what you need to go with a gold plated umbilical cord. Gold plated turds. Just what every parent wants on his/her desk.
Wish they would've thought of this a long time ago. Seeing as how he is 17 now the idea doesn't seem as interesting to me. LOLOL
Maybe some dad/mom out there somewhere can take this idea and run with it.
I hope things get better, but I don't know...
Could've dug those "cute" little buggers out of his diapers and gold plated them. Glued to a block of wood they would have made a great paper weight. "Drops of Gold." Just what you need to go with a gold plated umbilical cord. Gold plated turds. Just what every parent wants on his/her desk.
Wish they would've thought of this a long time ago. Seeing as how he is 17 now the idea doesn't seem as interesting to me. LOLOL
Maybe some dad/mom out there somewhere can take this idea and run with it.
I hope things get better, but I don't know...
Sunday, November 28, 2004
ROAD TRIP
Had a great Thanksgiving and hope all of you did too.
Took a road trip to the big city of Winston Salem on Friday night to visit the Rubber Soul Bar.
Ronnie Baker Brooks, son of legendary blues artist Lonnie Baker Brooks, was playing. Ronnie lit up the Carolina Blues Festival in Greensboro this year and was in fine form in Winston on Friday.
A must see for any Blues fan.
Took a road trip to the big city of Winston Salem on Friday night to visit the Rubber Soul Bar.
Ronnie Baker Brooks, son of legendary blues artist Lonnie Baker Brooks, was playing. Ronnie lit up the Carolina Blues Festival in Greensboro this year and was in fine form in Winston on Friday.
A must see for any Blues fan.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Marine Kills Wounded Insurgent
I'm sure by now you've heard about the Marine that killed the wounded insurgent in Iraq. If not I have provided a link to the story.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-11-15-marine-shooting_x.htm
And just as I thought the American media is having a field day over this. Just like they always do whenever they can trash our soldiers. Always the bad. Never any good.
Hell, even the Iraqis have chimed with "act of cowardice," which is something they're all too familiar with. Car bombs, beheading innocent civilians, hiding behind black masks.
For another perspective on this and from someone who is there read:
CAUTION STRONG LANGUAGE
http://soldierlife.blogspot.com/2004/11/marines-killing-innocent-terrorist.html
Finally, after reading, soul searching, deciding in YOUR mind who's right and who's wrong, where is the media's, the American's, the Iraqis and the World's outrage for this lady??
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-11-16-iraq-hostage_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-11-15-marine-shooting_x.htm
And just as I thought the American media is having a field day over this. Just like they always do whenever they can trash our soldiers. Always the bad. Never any good.
Hell, even the Iraqis have chimed with "act of cowardice," which is something they're all too familiar with. Car bombs, beheading innocent civilians, hiding behind black masks.
For another perspective on this and from someone who is there read:
CAUTION STRONG LANGUAGE
http://soldierlife.blogspot.com/2004/11/marines-killing-innocent-terrorist.html
Finally, after reading, soul searching, deciding in YOUR mind who's right and who's wrong, where is the media's, the American's, the Iraqis and the World's outrage for this lady??
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-11-16-iraq-hostage_x.htm
Monday, November 15, 2004
Greensboro Massacre
O.K. What's the point here?? It's been 25 years. Can't we get on with our lives now or are you going to go back and try to change the past? Can't do that. So why the hell even bring it up?
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/march_111404.htm
Funny how in the article the group is referred to as the "Workers Viewpoint Organization" when every article I have ever read on the Greensboro Massacre has called them the "Communist Workers Party." Sounds like a little selective editing, or is there something I don't know?
And just what is the goal of the Truth & Reconciliation Comission? All I've heard from the powers that be in Greensboro is how they want the races to come together, to work together, to live together. It seems to me like all they are trying to do by bringing this crap up 25 years later is trying to drive more wedges between us.
Go Figure.
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/march_111404.htm
Funny how in the article the group is referred to as the "Workers Viewpoint Organization" when every article I have ever read on the Greensboro Massacre has called them the "Communist Workers Party." Sounds like a little selective editing, or is there something I don't know?
And just what is the goal of the Truth & Reconciliation Comission? All I've heard from the powers that be in Greensboro is how they want the races to come together, to work together, to live together. It seems to me like all they are trying to do by bringing this crap up 25 years later is trying to drive more wedges between us.
Go Figure.
Toney Baker
Being a Ragsdale alumnus I did want to congratulate Ragsdale on their first round playoff win over Southern Alamance on Saturday.
As usual Toney Baker was the man. 25 carries. 313 yards 3 TD's
USA Today has him with 3,411 yds and 41 TD's this year.
Toney has over 10,000 career yards and did not play a full season his freshman year.
GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY!
at least until someone can break his record.
As usual Toney Baker was the man. 25 carries. 313 yards 3 TD's
USA Today has him with 3,411 yds and 41 TD's this year.
Toney has over 10,000 career yards and did not play a full season his freshman year.
GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY!
at least until someone can break his record.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Disturbing
Doing a little surfing around the web today and came across this website. I found it a little disturbing and if it's true I think we should have been kicking some Iraqi butt a long time ago.
http://www.jaynadavis.com/
http://www.jaynadavis.com/
Now The Truth Comes Out
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/gso/womanhurt_110804.htm
Now the truth comes out about the Muslim woman who claims she was so brutally attacked by one of Greensboro's finest while shopping at Wal-Mart. Seems she is NOT an American citizen as she first claimed but a permanent resident of the United States.
Therefore, in light of these new findings I will change my position and call for the City of Greensboro, the Greensboro Police Department, and Wal-Mart Corp., to immediately issue an apology to this woman in both French and Arabic (languages which she understands) for the unjustices brought upon her. Make them as lengthy as possible to make for a good explanation as to how this could occur, bind all three apologies in book form and give them to her right before she gets on the plane that carries her ASS BACK TO EGYPT!!!
Now the truth comes out about the Muslim woman who claims she was so brutally attacked by one of Greensboro's finest while shopping at Wal-Mart. Seems she is NOT an American citizen as she first claimed but a permanent resident of the United States.
Therefore, in light of these new findings I will change my position and call for the City of Greensboro, the Greensboro Police Department, and Wal-Mart Corp., to immediately issue an apology to this woman in both French and Arabic (languages which she understands) for the unjustices brought upon her. Make them as lengthy as possible to make for a good explanation as to how this could occur, bind all three apologies in book form and give them to her right before she gets on the plane that carries her ASS BACK TO EGYPT!!!
An Apology???
This woman just has to be fucking nuts!
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/gso/womanhurt_110804.htm
Does she really expect us to beleive she has lived here for 12 years and she cannot speak or understand English. Has she lived in a frigging bubble! We have no Arabic or French newspapers, radio stations, or television stations, so I am to assume that she does NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ANYONE AT ANY TIME! Excuse me. Don't think so.
Store employees and witnesses say the woman WAS speaking english until the police arrived. Then she forgot how. Would make a good COPS episode. No speakee english!! No speakee english!!
One of the requirement's to becoming a naturalized citizen is the ability to write, read, and speak English.
Sounds like somebody is LYING to me.
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/gso/womanhurt_110804.htm
Does she really expect us to beleive she has lived here for 12 years and she cannot speak or understand English. Has she lived in a frigging bubble! We have no Arabic or French newspapers, radio stations, or television stations, so I am to assume that she does NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ANYONE AT ANY TIME! Excuse me. Don't think so.
Store employees and witnesses say the woman WAS speaking english until the police arrived. Then she forgot how. Would make a good COPS episode. No speakee english!! No speakee english!!
One of the requirement's to becoming a naturalized citizen is the ability to write, read, and speak English.
Sounds like somebody is LYING to me.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
It's All Over. Or is It?
November 3. It's all over and Bush has apparently won the election although it hasn't been called yet. Seems Ohio is going to be our Florida this year. Bush has a 135,000 vote lead in Ohio but there is some question over provisional ballots that have been cast. If the margin of victory is greater than the provisional votes cast, there is no problem. If not they could possibly sway the state to Kerry but that is a long shot for them. In the campaign they said they would make sure that all the votes were counted, so they may drag it out for another 10 days until all the provisional ballots are counted, and further embarrass themselves. I hope not.
Bush won the popular vote by 3 1/2 million votes over Kerry and also became the first Presidential candidate to to win the presidency and the popular vote since 1988. No small feat.
So hopefully everything will be over this afternoon. Kerry will have conceded, and we can get on with our lives.
OOPS!!
Almost forgot.
Bye. Bye. Tom Daschle!
Bush won the popular vote by 3 1/2 million votes over Kerry and also became the first Presidential candidate to to win the presidency and the popular vote since 1988. No small feat.
So hopefully everything will be over this afternoon. Kerry will have conceded, and we can get on with our lives.
OOPS!!
Almost forgot.
Bye. Bye. Tom Daschle!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)