Analytically Speaking
The show I chose is Family Guy to analyze. The show opens with Stewie piloting a fighter spacecraft with Rupert as his copilot battling the Death Star which is really a facsimile of Peter. As the scene changes to reality stew is on the couch attacking Peter with his little model spacecraft and Rupert is by his side. The scene changes to Chris spying on Meg's diary and a tussle ensues and Stewie is caught in crossfire and gets bounced down the stairs and receives a severe laceration. Maggie and Chris investigate the damage; is he alive or dead? Maggie asks he is breathing that's a good sign right? Now the cover up is on the way. They put Stewie in bed to hide them from their mother. Then they offered to do favors as a way to keep her off guard. Soon they decide to clean the wind and Peter walks in and asks how long is too even unconscious then he joins the conspiracy. When all else fails to revive Stewie, Peter decides to take drastic measures. He pitches still way behind the wheels of the car as Lois tries to leave. She ran Stewie over and upon discovery began looking for ways to cover up the situation.
Stewie is using his imagination to exact revenge on those he considers inferior. Peter is being disturbed while watching television give Stewie the slough off. These are both typical actions in a normal family on a day-to-day basis. Next we move on to Chris spying on Meg's diary once again typical behavior. An adolescent female confiding her personal secrets to a diary, and a young male using his (in his opinion) superior intellect to uncover secrets. When he is caught in the act a struggle begins and the chase and Stewie is knock down the stairs. When they arrive on the scene Meg being the older child begins to assess the situation and looks for support from Chris. They put Stewie in bed thinking that all will take care of itself if they just give it time. When Lois comes in, Chris and Meg guard Stewie and run interference. The cover-up is typical of kids in trouble. When Peter discovers Stewie is unconscious he begins to console the kids by explaining how he has done the same thing many times himself. As a father he feels his son is tough and will snap out of it so joins the cover up. When their efforts fail Meg once again turns to her motherly instincts and wants to take Stewie to the hospital. Meg wants to do what's right but is torn by guilt. Peter says he has one last trick, he throws Stewie under the wheels of the car when Lois tries to leave. Lois discovers to her horror that she is run over her son. Being a quick thinking person she decides the best option is a cover-up. She wants to pay it on someone else not knowing it was just pinned on her. Her first instinct was to lie, lay blame and cover-up. These are all totally natural human emotions. It takes a much bigger person to stop and evaluate the situation, to make a corrective action and to hold up for one's mistakes. When I was about 12 years old I crashed a brand-new garden tractor into a tree. My first instinct was to park it in the garage and pretend I didn't know anything about it. Instead I realized I would lose the faith and trust of those I care about so instead I went and reported the situation. I did explain that I get hit the face of the branch as I went under the tree and lost control. Instead of being mad they merely bought the parts and replaced them. I realized it was much better to take responsibility and maintain the trust because it's very hard to regain what is lost.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Auf Wiedersehen
Auf Wiedersehen
This is a list of 10 of my favorite songs. However, this is not my 10 favorite songs, because that list would change moment by moment, and it did many times as I tried to choose this list of the songs. Briefly, the first song I chose was my earliest favorite song, before I was school aged. In fact, one of my very earliest memories was the babysitter playing Wipeout on his drums, he gave my brother and I both a pair of drumsticks and we tried to follow along banging away on the arm of the couch. The second song long cool woman in a black dress by the Hollies was very popular when I was about six years old and for my birthday I asked for that record. I was completely unaware that you couldn't buy a song I wasn't on the charts any longer. However, I was given a used copy which suited me just fine. Because the Night; sung by the Patty Smith Group became my favorite when I was 16 years old because of its hard rocking style. It really stirred my emotions. 19 is the title of a song by Paul Hardcastle that attempts to document the fact that the average age of a Vietnam vet was 19 years old. This can be a very moving song for a young man who has seen men return from war with missing limbs and is now facing facing the newly installed draft registration requirements. We Will Rock You by Queen really needs no further explanation everyone knows it, everyone loves. During the first Gulf War it took on new meaning as theme song for the 4200 th Provisional Bomb Wing. The Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini was of course part of my repertoire as a child, even with no musical talents I could sound it out. But the real reason I chose this song was an awakening that I experienced much later in life when I heard it played for its classical music value. I was instantly I convert to classical music and have been ever since. Driver’s Seat by Sniff and the Tears just captivated me musically, and it stuck with me all these years. Fire and Roses by Mimi Goese is a song that must be experienced. Mimi as an incredibly strong voice that can quite literally crush the diaphragm microphone and her talents are put to use as she drives her voice over in through the instrumentation and yet it still remains clear and heartfelt. 220 Volts by Tangerine Dream is just one song by a group that's been making music for more than 50 years and has released dozens of CDs and movie soundtracks.
1. Wipeout by the Safaris
2. Long Cool Woman in Black Dress by the Hollies
3. Because the Night by Patty Smith
4. 19 by Paul Hardcastle
5. Auf Wiedersehen by Cheap Trick
6. We Will Rock You by Queen
7. Pink Panther by Henry Mancini
8. Drivers Seat by Sniff and the Tears
9. Fire and Roses by Mimi Goese
10. 220 Volts by Tangerine Dream
(Tangerine Dream released hundreds of songs, I have dozens of favorites.)
By the time I was 19 years old I had dropped out of High School twice ran away from home and had become chronically depressed and suicidal. The economy was as bad or worse than is presently with no hope of finding a job I joined the military to once again run away from home. I had considered this a last-ditch effort on preserving my life. Since joining the Air Force my thoughts of suicide seemed so far in the past as if just part of the dream.
I first heard the song Auf Wiedersehen while listening to a Cheap Trick album at the Recreation Center of Sheppard Air Force Base. At first, I was drawn in by the pounding sound of the drums and the strum of the electric guitar, then the guttural lyrics took over pulling me in. Many of the words are difficult to discern the first time but not the word suicide that was repeated four times at the end. I was drawn in I didn't know whether to stay and listen or cut and run. I liked the song musically I even liked the lyrics up until it advocated suicide. I listen to the rest of the songs on the album but I couldn't get that one out of my head. So I played it over and over and listened intently to try to understand it better. Soon I began to analyze why felt where did when I heard. I knew I'd no longer had suicidal intentions so I could listen to an open-mindedly. But in some ways I felt it was taunting me and other ways I felt like I now had the upper hand and wasn't going to let my life be ruled by thoughts of suicide each and every time I heard the word. It seemed the more I played the song the stronger my resolve. The song almost seemed like a dare or a game of chicken but now I was no longer caught in the trap of proving to anyone but I wasn't afraid to kill myself. This song also made me stop and think that perhaps I really was incapable of committing suicide to begin with. It was words like hari kari that gave me a clear visual understanding that running myself through with a knife wasn't for me. Perhaps I thought I was a chicken. The song was like my own counselor providing me the advice I needed to battle my demons.
This is a list of 10 of my favorite songs. However, this is not my 10 favorite songs, because that list would change moment by moment, and it did many times as I tried to choose this list of the songs. Briefly, the first song I chose was my earliest favorite song, before I was school aged. In fact, one of my very earliest memories was the babysitter playing Wipeout on his drums, he gave my brother and I both a pair of drumsticks and we tried to follow along banging away on the arm of the couch. The second song long cool woman in a black dress by the Hollies was very popular when I was about six years old and for my birthday I asked for that record. I was completely unaware that you couldn't buy a song I wasn't on the charts any longer. However, I was given a used copy which suited me just fine. Because the Night; sung by the Patty Smith Group became my favorite when I was 16 years old because of its hard rocking style. It really stirred my emotions. 19 is the title of a song by Paul Hardcastle that attempts to document the fact that the average age of a Vietnam vet was 19 years old. This can be a very moving song for a young man who has seen men return from war with missing limbs and is now facing facing the newly installed draft registration requirements. We Will Rock You by Queen really needs no further explanation everyone knows it, everyone loves. During the first Gulf War it took on new meaning as theme song for the 4200 th Provisional Bomb Wing. The Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini was of course part of my repertoire as a child, even with no musical talents I could sound it out. But the real reason I chose this song was an awakening that I experienced much later in life when I heard it played for its classical music value. I was instantly I convert to classical music and have been ever since. Driver’s Seat by Sniff and the Tears just captivated me musically, and it stuck with me all these years. Fire and Roses by Mimi Goese is a song that must be experienced. Mimi as an incredibly strong voice that can quite literally crush the diaphragm microphone and her talents are put to use as she drives her voice over in through the instrumentation and yet it still remains clear and heartfelt. 220 Volts by Tangerine Dream is just one song by a group that's been making music for more than 50 years and has released dozens of CDs and movie soundtracks.
1. Wipeout by the Safaris
2. Long Cool Woman in Black Dress by the Hollies
3. Because the Night by Patty Smith
4. 19 by Paul Hardcastle
5. Auf Wiedersehen by Cheap Trick
6. We Will Rock You by Queen
7. Pink Panther by Henry Mancini
8. Drivers Seat by Sniff and the Tears
9. Fire and Roses by Mimi Goese
10. 220 Volts by Tangerine Dream
(Tangerine Dream released hundreds of songs, I have dozens of favorites.)
By the time I was 19 years old I had dropped out of High School twice ran away from home and had become chronically depressed and suicidal. The economy was as bad or worse than is presently with no hope of finding a job I joined the military to once again run away from home. I had considered this a last-ditch effort on preserving my life. Since joining the Air Force my thoughts of suicide seemed so far in the past as if just part of the dream.
I first heard the song Auf Wiedersehen while listening to a Cheap Trick album at the Recreation Center of Sheppard Air Force Base. At first, I was drawn in by the pounding sound of the drums and the strum of the electric guitar, then the guttural lyrics took over pulling me in. Many of the words are difficult to discern the first time but not the word suicide that was repeated four times at the end. I was drawn in I didn't know whether to stay and listen or cut and run. I liked the song musically I even liked the lyrics up until it advocated suicide. I listen to the rest of the songs on the album but I couldn't get that one out of my head. So I played it over and over and listened intently to try to understand it better. Soon I began to analyze why felt where did when I heard. I knew I'd no longer had suicidal intentions so I could listen to an open-mindedly. But in some ways I felt it was taunting me and other ways I felt like I now had the upper hand and wasn't going to let my life be ruled by thoughts of suicide each and every time I heard the word. It seemed the more I played the song the stronger my resolve. The song almost seemed like a dare or a game of chicken but now I was no longer caught in the trap of proving to anyone but I wasn't afraid to kill myself. This song also made me stop and think that perhaps I really was incapable of committing suicide to begin with. It was words like hari kari that gave me a clear visual understanding that running myself through with a knife wasn't for me. Perhaps I thought I was a chicken. The song was like my own counselor providing me the advice I needed to battle my demons.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
My shop is still a Mess
My shop is a Mess
I began to renovate I workshop during spring break. I have everything piled everywhere was just a path to walk around the periphery of the interior. As much as I try I can't find the time to finish the job I started. I even try to put in as little as an hour a day, that worked a couple of times. But with school in full swing and tests and quizzes at every juncture there just isn't time. Every minute I spend trying to get even one step ahead I feel like I'm forgetting something that's very important.
Each time a walk in the garage I want to grab a handful of stuff and began to organize it. But at the same time I just don't know where to begin. There's stuff everywhere, and I don't want to just move it from place to place without a true sense of purpose. I even went so far as to draw floor plans using AutoCAD and to draw silhouettes of my machines, benches, cabinets, etc. This is been a great help in preventing me from moving things several times. I've been doing virtual rearranging with the help of my wife. At this point I seem to have a pretty good idea how I want it to be arranged, if only I could find the time. The weather has definitely been a blessing last few days, it really gives me the motivation to keep moving forward. It seems I plan my weekends for everything including homework, especially homework. So I ask myself whether my ever going to get this finished. I'm about half done and totally eager to get in there and just hit full force. But I'm torn between what I love and school. Sometimes I feel like I don't spend every waking hour working on homework that I'm guilty of not trying hard enough. But despite my best efforts sometimes my reward is considerable disappointment. It's during those times I really need to work in my shop and the sense of accomplishment that only it can provide.
I had plans to go to woodworking show in Kansas City but when I enrolled in a new CATIA class I had to make a sacrifice. Of course the school won. So now I'm waiting for summer I realize it’s a few weeks away in my list of projects is piling up bigger than ever along with my favorite woodworking magazines. Most everything gets put on the back burner while in school. This is gone on for more than two years, you might think by now be used to it. I don't think anyone can ever get used to it. Sometimes it feels as if there is no end in sight as the homework work piles up from every which direction. I keep trying to budget my time so I get the most out of it. This story reminds me of some good financial advice, that says “always pay yourself first.” That's something I seem to be unable to do; my shop is still a mess.
I began to renovate I workshop during spring break. I have everything piled everywhere was just a path to walk around the periphery of the interior. As much as I try I can't find the time to finish the job I started. I even try to put in as little as an hour a day, that worked a couple of times. But with school in full swing and tests and quizzes at every juncture there just isn't time. Every minute I spend trying to get even one step ahead I feel like I'm forgetting something that's very important.
Each time a walk in the garage I want to grab a handful of stuff and began to organize it. But at the same time I just don't know where to begin. There's stuff everywhere, and I don't want to just move it from place to place without a true sense of purpose. I even went so far as to draw floor plans using AutoCAD and to draw silhouettes of my machines, benches, cabinets, etc. This is been a great help in preventing me from moving things several times. I've been doing virtual rearranging with the help of my wife. At this point I seem to have a pretty good idea how I want it to be arranged, if only I could find the time. The weather has definitely been a blessing last few days, it really gives me the motivation to keep moving forward. It seems I plan my weekends for everything including homework, especially homework. So I ask myself whether my ever going to get this finished. I'm about half done and totally eager to get in there and just hit full force. But I'm torn between what I love and school. Sometimes I feel like I don't spend every waking hour working on homework that I'm guilty of not trying hard enough. But despite my best efforts sometimes my reward is considerable disappointment. It's during those times I really need to work in my shop and the sense of accomplishment that only it can provide.
I had plans to go to woodworking show in Kansas City but when I enrolled in a new CATIA class I had to make a sacrifice. Of course the school won. So now I'm waiting for summer I realize it’s a few weeks away in my list of projects is piling up bigger than ever along with my favorite woodworking magazines. Most everything gets put on the back burner while in school. This is gone on for more than two years, you might think by now be used to it. I don't think anyone can ever get used to it. Sometimes it feels as if there is no end in sight as the homework work piles up from every which direction. I keep trying to budget my time so I get the most out of it. This story reminds me of some good financial advice, that says “always pay yourself first.” That's something I seem to be unable to do; my shop is still a mess.
Spring Break
Spring Break
When spring break started I had big plans of replacing the living room windows with a patio door. But as spring break got underway I soon realized it wasn't going to happen so I decided on a new plan of attack. I would insulate the garage. This was going to be an arduous task and I was sure I wouldn't get it done before it the break ended. I began by moving all the toolboxes and cabinets away from the walls so I could get access to the shelves. Then I emptied the shelves and began to remove them from the walls. I only attempted to do one wall of the time; even this was a major undertaking. I had no room to walk or work with all the stuff in my way. But I went to the store and bought several rolls of insulation and a half a dozen sheets of OSB. I cut and stapled the insulation in place. Then I had to cut the sheets of OSB to fit the stud spacing on the irregular length wall. It wasn't long before rented my first obstacle, an electrical outlet. I had to get out the jigsaw to cut an opening to fit around the outlet. I also had to remove the outlet and position it forward so it will be flush with the new sheet of wall paneling. I had to make similar cuts for a window an electrical junction box, and finally the garage door opener tracks. This took many hours but the clad walls soon made it all worthwhile. Before long my wife decided they needed to be painted. So shopping trip was in order; I bought an 18 inch contractors paint roller and matching pan, several gallons of primer and paint.
Early the next morning I began to prime the one wall that was sheathed in OSB. The extra wide while roller worked great provided I had the room to move for the roller handle. Many times I've been to handle into toolboxes and cabinets. I grabbed a touch-up brush and work my way around the outlets and corners; the first step was complete. But this was only one small wall. It soon became apparent I needed a better way. As I clean the brushes and rollers I began to think about the obstacle course I had been working in. Then it hit me; I should paint the rest of the sheets of OSB outside before cutting or hanging them. The following day I painted the prime the wall, as it dried I laid out the remaining sheets of OSB and began to prime the textured surface. My plan worked, it sped my time up considerably. In just a few hours I primed about eleven 4 x 8 sheets. It was so easy it was like relaxing. I painted all the sheets the next day and when I dried I stacked them until I made room to insulate and hang them on the wall.
I wasn't quite half done when spring break ended and I haven't had a chance to finish.
When spring break started I had big plans of replacing the living room windows with a patio door. But as spring break got underway I soon realized it wasn't going to happen so I decided on a new plan of attack. I would insulate the garage. This was going to be an arduous task and I was sure I wouldn't get it done before it the break ended. I began by moving all the toolboxes and cabinets away from the walls so I could get access to the shelves. Then I emptied the shelves and began to remove them from the walls. I only attempted to do one wall of the time; even this was a major undertaking. I had no room to walk or work with all the stuff in my way. But I went to the store and bought several rolls of insulation and a half a dozen sheets of OSB. I cut and stapled the insulation in place. Then I had to cut the sheets of OSB to fit the stud spacing on the irregular length wall. It wasn't long before rented my first obstacle, an electrical outlet. I had to get out the jigsaw to cut an opening to fit around the outlet. I also had to remove the outlet and position it forward so it will be flush with the new sheet of wall paneling. I had to make similar cuts for a window an electrical junction box, and finally the garage door opener tracks. This took many hours but the clad walls soon made it all worthwhile. Before long my wife decided they needed to be painted. So shopping trip was in order; I bought an 18 inch contractors paint roller and matching pan, several gallons of primer and paint.
Early the next morning I began to prime the one wall that was sheathed in OSB. The extra wide while roller worked great provided I had the room to move for the roller handle. Many times I've been to handle into toolboxes and cabinets. I grabbed a touch-up brush and work my way around the outlets and corners; the first step was complete. But this was only one small wall. It soon became apparent I needed a better way. As I clean the brushes and rollers I began to think about the obstacle course I had been working in. Then it hit me; I should paint the rest of the sheets of OSB outside before cutting or hanging them. The following day I painted the prime the wall, as it dried I laid out the remaining sheets of OSB and began to prime the textured surface. My plan worked, it sped my time up considerably. In just a few hours I primed about eleven 4 x 8 sheets. It was so easy it was like relaxing. I painted all the sheets the next day and when I dried I stacked them until I made room to insulate and hang them on the wall.
I wasn't quite half done when spring break ended and I haven't had a chance to finish.
Friday, March 12, 2010
It's Friday
It's Friday
While listening to the radio this morning I found out that the 9/11 destruction was nine years ago. We all say I can remember it as if it was yesterday but I can hardly believe it was almost a decade ago. I heard member where I was when I heard the news. My wife and I were on vacation in northern Maine; we were staying in a small camp in the northern Maine woods. It was early in the morning when we heard a knock on the door. When we open the door of the frantic neighbor told us what happened. When I tried to explain it to my wife I was sure that he was mistaken or that someone had gotten the story wrong. I kept remembering the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, when they thought Mr. Brady had been killed. He had been shot in the head and the TV had pronounced him dead, but later found out he was very much alive. I was sure this was going to be the case once again. We quickly packed and left the camp because it had no television or radio and we needed to hear it for ourselves. We drove about 15 miles to my wife's family's home where we watched the devastation for hours all the while hoping it was a mistake like the famous radio UFO scare, The Night That Panicked America. When it became evident that our country has been attacked by foreign terrorist group I called my squadron so I could return to work. The plans have not been made at a higher level so I was to remain on leave. I felt my hands were tied and I was very frustrated because I want to do my part in any way I could. But for now all I could do was wait for my turn to do what I was trained to do. We decided to come back to Kansas early in case the need should arise I would be ready to serve. It was the longest drive of my life; wondering how this could this have happened. It was especially troubling to think they attacked the Pentagon building. My mind was wondering where were all the defense systems I had heard about all of my life. We even had short range attack missiles at the local airport in Niagara Falls. I had always heard the same were in place surrounding the White House and Washington D.C. I also remember a 60 minutes interview from several years ago with a middle-eastern person who claimed our great White House was vulnerable to attack by airplane, I scoffed at the notion. I was young at the time and felt that we as Americans have the greatest defense system in the world and his comments were unrealistic bragging. Now it is come and gone by nearly a decade and are we really any safer than we were before the attack. Sure we have stepped up security tremendously but have we really it decreased our security threat. With you when I go to the airport and have to remove our shoes, how is that negating a security risk? If we truly are safer than how come it's only a matter of pure lock that folks like the crotch bomber did not destroy the airplane he killed many people? Is there an answer, if there is I certainly don't have one? But I would like to see more “true” defense measures that target the highest risks, not the average person.
While listening to the radio this morning I found out that the 9/11 destruction was nine years ago. We all say I can remember it as if it was yesterday but I can hardly believe it was almost a decade ago. I heard member where I was when I heard the news. My wife and I were on vacation in northern Maine; we were staying in a small camp in the northern Maine woods. It was early in the morning when we heard a knock on the door. When we open the door of the frantic neighbor told us what happened. When I tried to explain it to my wife I was sure that he was mistaken or that someone had gotten the story wrong. I kept remembering the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, when they thought Mr. Brady had been killed. He had been shot in the head and the TV had pronounced him dead, but later found out he was very much alive. I was sure this was going to be the case once again. We quickly packed and left the camp because it had no television or radio and we needed to hear it for ourselves. We drove about 15 miles to my wife's family's home where we watched the devastation for hours all the while hoping it was a mistake like the famous radio UFO scare, The Night That Panicked America. When it became evident that our country has been attacked by foreign terrorist group I called my squadron so I could return to work. The plans have not been made at a higher level so I was to remain on leave. I felt my hands were tied and I was very frustrated because I want to do my part in any way I could. But for now all I could do was wait for my turn to do what I was trained to do. We decided to come back to Kansas early in case the need should arise I would be ready to serve. It was the longest drive of my life; wondering how this could this have happened. It was especially troubling to think they attacked the Pentagon building. My mind was wondering where were all the defense systems I had heard about all of my life. We even had short range attack missiles at the local airport in Niagara Falls. I had always heard the same were in place surrounding the White House and Washington D.C. I also remember a 60 minutes interview from several years ago with a middle-eastern person who claimed our great White House was vulnerable to attack by airplane, I scoffed at the notion. I was young at the time and felt that we as Americans have the greatest defense system in the world and his comments were unrealistic bragging. Now it is come and gone by nearly a decade and are we really any safer than we were before the attack. Sure we have stepped up security tremendously but have we really it decreased our security threat. With you when I go to the airport and have to remove our shoes, how is that negating a security risk? If we truly are safer than how come it's only a matter of pure lock that folks like the crotch bomber did not destroy the airplane he killed many people? Is there an answer, if there is I certainly don't have one? But I would like to see more “true” defense measures that target the highest risks, not the average person.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friends
Friends
What are friends? That’s a loaded question; similar to how high is up. Each person you ask will have a different answer, in fact they may have several answers, I do. Friends come in many varieties, so you don’t have to choose just one. That’s right, you can many types of friends; close friends, best friends, casual friends, the list goes on and on. Some people say, “A stranger is a friend I have not met.” Those must be the most outgoing people on the planet. Others say, “I have no friends.” I fall somewhere in the middle probably towards the optimistic side, I hope anyway. I make friends easily, because to me an acquaintance is friend. I will talk freely to a stranger. I give easily of my time to others also, perhaps I’m closer to the “strangers are friends” than I realized. To me a friend is anyone who is not an enemy; that includes mostly everyone. I came from large family so being to get along with others was not an option.
I enjoy the company of many casual friends; I like to laugh and make others laugh as well. I often reach out to others, that’s what friends are for. I’d much rather provide a favor than ask for one.
Sometimes a friendship can sprout under the most unusual circumstances. While serving in Qatar (pronounced Cutter by some Ka Tar by others) I worked hand in hand with the Australian Air Force and British Air Force. The Aussies and the Brits, as they preferred to be called, reported directly to me, this made for a tenuous relationship. I shared my love their culture and few of my favorite jokes and we had an absolutely fantastic time during the worst of times. I respected their authority and they did the same for my obligation to report their progress. As soon as the mission essentials were ironed out, we shared stories and laughs.
My closest friends seem to be those I shared some of my worst times with. Close friends endure the toughest strain on their shared relationship. The saying, “We’ve been through a lot together “is the watch phase of lasting relationship. My assistant Crew Chief and I were preparing a B-52 for a bombing mission in Iraq, during the first Gulf War, when I noticed the team Munitions Loaders across the ramp, jump into their truck and speed away. I instinctively knew there serious trouble, quickly summoned Scott and shut off the electrical power to the airplane, and we cleared the area. Our friends had snapped a nose fuse off a 500 lb bomb and left, leaving Scott and I well within the blast zone!
Sometimes friends are brought together by coincidences; they seem to be inexorably linked. It’s the friend you just met, but you feel like you’ve been friends for eons. How can this be? It’s quite simple really, you have a lot in common, but you haven’t had a chance to fully realize just how much. It’s eerie and fun at the same time. Often the more that you know about the other person the more know about yourself. We often don’t see in ourselves what our mind doesn’t want us to, but we can see our traits in others.
What are friends? That’s a loaded question; similar to how high is up. Each person you ask will have a different answer, in fact they may have several answers, I do. Friends come in many varieties, so you don’t have to choose just one. That’s right, you can many types of friends; close friends, best friends, casual friends, the list goes on and on. Some people say, “A stranger is a friend I have not met.” Those must be the most outgoing people on the planet. Others say, “I have no friends.” I fall somewhere in the middle probably towards the optimistic side, I hope anyway. I make friends easily, because to me an acquaintance is friend. I will talk freely to a stranger. I give easily of my time to others also, perhaps I’m closer to the “strangers are friends” than I realized. To me a friend is anyone who is not an enemy; that includes mostly everyone. I came from large family so being to get along with others was not an option.
I enjoy the company of many casual friends; I like to laugh and make others laugh as well. I often reach out to others, that’s what friends are for. I’d much rather provide a favor than ask for one.
Sometimes a friendship can sprout under the most unusual circumstances. While serving in Qatar (pronounced Cutter by some Ka Tar by others) I worked hand in hand with the Australian Air Force and British Air Force. The Aussies and the Brits, as they preferred to be called, reported directly to me, this made for a tenuous relationship. I shared my love their culture and few of my favorite jokes and we had an absolutely fantastic time during the worst of times. I respected their authority and they did the same for my obligation to report their progress. As soon as the mission essentials were ironed out, we shared stories and laughs.
My closest friends seem to be those I shared some of my worst times with. Close friends endure the toughest strain on their shared relationship. The saying, “We’ve been through a lot together “is the watch phase of lasting relationship. My assistant Crew Chief and I were preparing a B-52 for a bombing mission in Iraq, during the first Gulf War, when I noticed the team Munitions Loaders across the ramp, jump into their truck and speed away. I instinctively knew there serious trouble, quickly summoned Scott and shut off the electrical power to the airplane, and we cleared the area. Our friends had snapped a nose fuse off a 500 lb bomb and left, leaving Scott and I well within the blast zone!
Sometimes friends are brought together by coincidences; they seem to be inexorably linked. It’s the friend you just met, but you feel like you’ve been friends for eons. How can this be? It’s quite simple really, you have a lot in common, but you haven’t had a chance to fully realize just how much. It’s eerie and fun at the same time. Often the more that you know about the other person the more know about yourself. We often don’t see in ourselves what our mind doesn’t want us to, but we can see our traits in others.
Man's Last Stand
Man’s Last Stand
My first impression of the video is hard to put into words without being derogatory. It was straight up boring with a side order of stupidity thrown in for good measure. For analysis purposes; it began with a very non-expressive man lying in bed espousing all the things on his mind. It moved on from there with several other men doing the same thing in different settings. Each of the men in the video represented men from different walks of life. As they spoke their words related directly to the first impressions one would get of their character. For example: the first man lying in bed discussed the man's morning routine. The second individual followed in the footsteps of the first and discussed work. The second individual seemed worn and I'm interested but willing to whatever was needed and move on. The third seems chosen for his middle-of-the-road character where he made to possibly appear as white trash and therefore needed to bend to the whims of an aggressive spouse. The following individual was a white-collar worker who’s scenario required him to maintain the most manners of the bunch. And finally we come to the gist of the commercial it's a man's world and a man wants his car a Dodge Charger.
So what was the meaning of all this. Looking below the surface it's easy to see that the man is going to be compliant to his spouse in return he hopes to get the car he wants. As I mentioned earlier it was laid out in a chronological sequence and the individuals visual characteristics were tied to the thoughts they projected but furthermore these thoughts those of their spouses. The audience was expected to be able to see the wives point of view by the social status projected by the man and hints given by his surroundings.
Finally, I found the deepest meanings in the monotone dialogue that seemed to project a sense of blind submission. Even the thump of the music as the words “A Man's Last Stand” represented the pounding of fists or the stomping of a foot to indicate I'm getting it my way that's all there is to it. The screech of the tires and the rev of the engine were designed to pronounce not only this be an exhilaration but also the breaking free from the chains that bind you. The car was black the scene was empty, a black car was chosen because of the connotations of the bad boy like the black hat of the cowboy. The empty scene indicated that the driver now was alone and in charge of his destiny, his submissive behavior was in the rearview mirror. Even the music was similar to a James Bond theme is low these once submissive men have become like a secret agent in the world was their oyster. They would now be the envy of all as they passed by. The flag styled emblem that blew in the breeze as the commercial drew to a close indicate crossing the finish line winner. What more could someone ask for?
My first impression of the video is hard to put into words without being derogatory. It was straight up boring with a side order of stupidity thrown in for good measure. For analysis purposes; it began with a very non-expressive man lying in bed espousing all the things on his mind. It moved on from there with several other men doing the same thing in different settings. Each of the men in the video represented men from different walks of life. As they spoke their words related directly to the first impressions one would get of their character. For example: the first man lying in bed discussed the man's morning routine. The second individual followed in the footsteps of the first and discussed work. The second individual seemed worn and I'm interested but willing to whatever was needed and move on. The third seems chosen for his middle-of-the-road character where he made to possibly appear as white trash and therefore needed to bend to the whims of an aggressive spouse. The following individual was a white-collar worker who’s scenario required him to maintain the most manners of the bunch. And finally we come to the gist of the commercial it's a man's world and a man wants his car a Dodge Charger.
So what was the meaning of all this. Looking below the surface it's easy to see that the man is going to be compliant to his spouse in return he hopes to get the car he wants. As I mentioned earlier it was laid out in a chronological sequence and the individuals visual characteristics were tied to the thoughts they projected but furthermore these thoughts those of their spouses. The audience was expected to be able to see the wives point of view by the social status projected by the man and hints given by his surroundings.
Finally, I found the deepest meanings in the monotone dialogue that seemed to project a sense of blind submission. Even the thump of the music as the words “A Man's Last Stand” represented the pounding of fists or the stomping of a foot to indicate I'm getting it my way that's all there is to it. The screech of the tires and the rev of the engine were designed to pronounce not only this be an exhilaration but also the breaking free from the chains that bind you. The car was black the scene was empty, a black car was chosen because of the connotations of the bad boy like the black hat of the cowboy. The empty scene indicated that the driver now was alone and in charge of his destiny, his submissive behavior was in the rearview mirror. Even the music was similar to a James Bond theme is low these once submissive men have become like a secret agent in the world was their oyster. They would now be the envy of all as they passed by. The flag styled emblem that blew in the breeze as the commercial drew to a close indicate crossing the finish line winner. What more could someone ask for?
Monday, March 8, 2010
C/C blog
Compare Contrast Blog
Oh, the fun I had writing the compare/contrast narrative. I had the worst time just trying to nail down a topic. My mind raced on all the things I’d like to talk about my hobbies mostly. That was something I knew a great deal about and could write a compelling compare contrast without the personal involvement. But that wasn’t to be. I really didn’t want to rehash the military lifestyle over and over again. But what could I do I had never traveled more than twenty miles from home, with one exception and it was about seventy miles. I felt I had no real choice, but it was such a broad topic. I knew I would have to pare it down to something that could fit on three pages. There were so many things to say; how should they be arranged? I thought that would be tough, now for a real challenge; write a 500 word essay about creating an essay that was slightly more than twice that amount.
I set out imagining how life would have been different if I had been born under the military umbrella; for quick reference I had to look no farther than my wife. She epitomizes many of the examples I chose to strengthen my argument. I also reached out to distant memories of military families I have known in my twenty-six year tenure. For an easy comparison I looked at my own neighborhood with its less than ideal circumstances.
Then I began to analyze the interplay of the young lives, while trying to keep in mind all that people are different, I tried to focus my comparisons on the middle ground, how might the average person behave? It was a constant struggle to make a comparison of how my life would be different and not use the word I.
I felt like I was playing table tennis by myself and I had to keep changing which side of the net I was play on. The volley of perspective was consuming and tiring, it often led to a sense prejudice. I often felt distaste toward my own upbringing; what if things really had been different? Where would I be today? Why didn’t I change things when I had the chance? Hindsight is definitely 20/20. I tried to keep the points in balance, always comparing apples to apples. This type of writing has its purpose, but I much prefer to take a stand and support that argument, instead of playing the devil’s advocate with my own writing. It was supposed to be arguable, but it seemed more like John Kerry, jumping back and forth trying to satisfy everyone. It was difficult to get a solid train of thought. Each time one thing led to another and I started to feel a little forward momentum, I had to stop, because it was time give an equal argument from the opposite perspective. Each time I got in my comfort zone, I had to assume a new role.
It seemed like the paper had no end, just like argument, there’s no clear winner.
Oh, the fun I had writing the compare/contrast narrative. I had the worst time just trying to nail down a topic. My mind raced on all the things I’d like to talk about my hobbies mostly. That was something I knew a great deal about and could write a compelling compare contrast without the personal involvement. But that wasn’t to be. I really didn’t want to rehash the military lifestyle over and over again. But what could I do I had never traveled more than twenty miles from home, with one exception and it was about seventy miles. I felt I had no real choice, but it was such a broad topic. I knew I would have to pare it down to something that could fit on three pages. There were so many things to say; how should they be arranged? I thought that would be tough, now for a real challenge; write a 500 word essay about creating an essay that was slightly more than twice that amount.
I set out imagining how life would have been different if I had been born under the military umbrella; for quick reference I had to look no farther than my wife. She epitomizes many of the examples I chose to strengthen my argument. I also reached out to distant memories of military families I have known in my twenty-six year tenure. For an easy comparison I looked at my own neighborhood with its less than ideal circumstances.
Then I began to analyze the interplay of the young lives, while trying to keep in mind all that people are different, I tried to focus my comparisons on the middle ground, how might the average person behave? It was a constant struggle to make a comparison of how my life would be different and not use the word I.
I felt like I was playing table tennis by myself and I had to keep changing which side of the net I was play on. The volley of perspective was consuming and tiring, it often led to a sense prejudice. I often felt distaste toward my own upbringing; what if things really had been different? Where would I be today? Why didn’t I change things when I had the chance? Hindsight is definitely 20/20. I tried to keep the points in balance, always comparing apples to apples. This type of writing has its purpose, but I much prefer to take a stand and support that argument, instead of playing the devil’s advocate with my own writing. It was supposed to be arguable, but it seemed more like John Kerry, jumping back and forth trying to satisfy everyone. It was difficult to get a solid train of thought. Each time one thing led to another and I started to feel a little forward momentum, I had to stop, because it was time give an equal argument from the opposite perspective. Each time I got in my comfort zone, I had to assume a new role.
It seemed like the paper had no end, just like argument, there’s no clear winner.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
One a Day
One a Day
Well I’ve got some time to kill waiting for a one of my favorite shows to come on TV. Get ready to laugh – It’s “Ask This Old House” on PBS. I nearly never turn on commercial television – because I love commercials so much, note: that’s irony. If I knock out a couple blogs ahead of time I might have a clear slate when it’s time to go to a woodworking show in Merriam, Kansas (that’s near K.C. in case you were beginning to wonder). Lie-Nielsen Tool Works (pronounced Lee Neal sen) will be there; that’s primarily why I want to go. I have many of their tools; each year when we go on vacation to our River House in Maine we stop along the way at various tool stores so I can try and buy tools first hand. We’ve spent a quite a bit at Lie-Nielsen and have become regular visitors over the past decade; they offer a showroom discount and we don’t pay shipping so we save twice, what a deal. We wouldn’t buy anything though if the quality wasn’t there. Lie-Nielsen is a small 100% American made company that builds high quality tools at price that takes a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve experienced their quality, anything less is a serious compromise. The company is very ethical and has always treat us right and for this, we return year after year, we don’t always buy – but most times we leave with bright new tools sometimes many new tools .
We’ve stopped in many different states; because we travel by truck we have room for all but the mightiest tools. We have frequented stores in Delaware because they are tax free; when we visit Pauline’s sister. There’s great selection and tax free is often a significant saving. We have visited several manufactures and bought tools directly from the company, even the owner in some cases. We make the most of our vacations visiting families in different states and stopping along the way to buy (all kinds of things); if it will fit in the truck we’ll haul it across the country, no questions asked. We found several antiques on the road some have stayed in Maine and others hitchhiked back to Wichita. Pauline would stop at every yard sale if she could – so don’t give her any incentive or we’ll never get to the House.
It’s a very long but we enjoy it; we always see new things along the way. Once we stopped to give a person down on his luck some money as we were leaving Lenexa (a Woodcraft Store). We traveled halfway across Missouri without stopping be now we needed gas. We pulled into the, oh so familiar, Quik Trip “it was packed like sardines.” I pumped gas while Pauline grabbed a couple refills, she returned with two fountain drinks and a smile. What’s going on I thought; just then she held out her hand she found a twenty dollar bill. Pauline gave away ten dollars to a stranger and when she parked the truck she immediately found 20 more, in a parking lot so busy it couldn’t stay there more than mere minutes without being picked up. That was the bizarre coincidence if you believe in coincidence, I do not, it was destiny.
Well I’ve got some time to kill waiting for a one of my favorite shows to come on TV. Get ready to laugh – It’s “Ask This Old House” on PBS. I nearly never turn on commercial television – because I love commercials so much, note: that’s irony. If I knock out a couple blogs ahead of time I might have a clear slate when it’s time to go to a woodworking show in Merriam, Kansas (that’s near K.C. in case you were beginning to wonder). Lie-Nielsen Tool Works (pronounced Lee Neal sen) will be there; that’s primarily why I want to go. I have many of their tools; each year when we go on vacation to our River House in Maine we stop along the way at various tool stores so I can try and buy tools first hand. We’ve spent a quite a bit at Lie-Nielsen and have become regular visitors over the past decade; they offer a showroom discount and we don’t pay shipping so we save twice, what a deal. We wouldn’t buy anything though if the quality wasn’t there. Lie-Nielsen is a small 100% American made company that builds high quality tools at price that takes a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve experienced their quality, anything less is a serious compromise. The company is very ethical and has always treat us right and for this, we return year after year, we don’t always buy – but most times we leave with bright new tools sometimes many new tools .
We’ve stopped in many different states; because we travel by truck we have room for all but the mightiest tools. We have frequented stores in Delaware because they are tax free; when we visit Pauline’s sister. There’s great selection and tax free is often a significant saving. We have visited several manufactures and bought tools directly from the company, even the owner in some cases. We make the most of our vacations visiting families in different states and stopping along the way to buy (all kinds of things); if it will fit in the truck we’ll haul it across the country, no questions asked. We found several antiques on the road some have stayed in Maine and others hitchhiked back to Wichita. Pauline would stop at every yard sale if she could – so don’t give her any incentive or we’ll never get to the House.
It’s a very long but we enjoy it; we always see new things along the way. Once we stopped to give a person down on his luck some money as we were leaving Lenexa (a Woodcraft Store). We traveled halfway across Missouri without stopping be now we needed gas. We pulled into the, oh so familiar, Quik Trip “it was packed like sardines.” I pumped gas while Pauline grabbed a couple refills, she returned with two fountain drinks and a smile. What’s going on I thought; just then she held out her hand she found a twenty dollar bill. Pauline gave away ten dollars to a stranger and when she parked the truck she immediately found 20 more, in a parking lot so busy it couldn’t stay there more than mere minutes without being picked up. That was the bizarre coincidence if you believe in coincidence, I do not, it was destiny.
Another Lazy Day
Another Lazy Day
I had to stop and think about it a second is it Saturday – named after the planet Saturn or Sunday named after you guessed it the Sun so now that you think you have the hang of it what is Monday named after – that’s right, the Moon. I’d have to check the internet to find out about Tuesday through Thursday but everyone knows (at least I hope they do) that Friday is by the Catholic Church to support fisherman bringing in their catch on Friday. A good catholic was expected to Fry fish on Friday. But today is Sunday – and I’m doing little chores.
It all began when Pauline (that’s right Pauline Paul) woke up to a chilly reception – the furnace was exhibiting its periodic stubbornness – it stomped its feet and refused to play nice on a chilly morning. No matter Pauline stoked the fireplace and drove the chill back to the North Pole. I awoke to crackling fire and the soothing comfort of radiant heat – there’s nothing else like to warm your core. I relaxed for a bit then it was time to remedy the situation.
I began by trying to clean the port of the pilot light gas tube – success; not really, I need a spiral brush and its Sunday, a bad day to find the simplest tools. So I made do with steel wool and lit the pilot – that was an ordeal, but I’ve had plenty of practice – it blows out semi-routinely. As I got it cranking out the BTU’s I starting feeling pretty good and began looking for another small task. Suddenly it struck me like a bolt of lightning (on a microscopic scale); Pauline wants the TV in the guest bedroom put back in working order. The guest bedroom is a palace with its queen sized bed with pillow top mattress that’s so high in order to enjoy its plush sensual comfort you need to climb a set of bed steps, unless are feeling particularly acrobatic spring yourself up more three feet to its cashmere clad throne. The Cherry night stand is actually full sized Victorian style bureau with black marble top, perched upon Queen Anne legs. The TV is no slouch either it’s Pioneer Elite Plasma Monitor. We had disconnected the “small” external speakers and I had never gotten around to reconnecting the larger speakers – removing a costly monitor from its base not something I took lightly – because it’s heavy. But today was the day and in just a short time with right drive and ambition I was able to accomplish it without damage! Now I was feeling good! What’s next?
I heard my wife complain just last night about the toilet not having enough water pressure to flush properly. I have the tools and the parts – actually I’ve had the parts for a few months. The time had come to take the bull by the horns. I shut off the water, and flushed the toilet to drain the tank as much as possible. I unscrewed the water line and caught the residual water in a trash receptacle (it was close by), and removed the fill valve and conveniently tossed it the receptacle after I emptied it. I popped the new valve in place and hand tightened the plastic nuts and turned on the water supply. As the tank filled, I cleaned up the spill and reinstalled the tank cover. I tipped the lever and voila – water pressure; all you could ask for and more!
So should I be working on the Sabbath Day? Is today the Sabbath? That depends on your religion; I was taught Saturday is the Sabbath and necessities should be attended on the Sabbath. Was what I did against my beliefs? You decide.
I had to stop and think about it a second is it Saturday – named after the planet Saturn or Sunday named after you guessed it the Sun so now that you think you have the hang of it what is Monday named after – that’s right, the Moon. I’d have to check the internet to find out about Tuesday through Thursday but everyone knows (at least I hope they do) that Friday is by the Catholic Church to support fisherman bringing in their catch on Friday. A good catholic was expected to Fry fish on Friday. But today is Sunday – and I’m doing little chores.
It all began when Pauline (that’s right Pauline Paul) woke up to a chilly reception – the furnace was exhibiting its periodic stubbornness – it stomped its feet and refused to play nice on a chilly morning. No matter Pauline stoked the fireplace and drove the chill back to the North Pole. I awoke to crackling fire and the soothing comfort of radiant heat – there’s nothing else like to warm your core. I relaxed for a bit then it was time to remedy the situation.
I began by trying to clean the port of the pilot light gas tube – success; not really, I need a spiral brush and its Sunday, a bad day to find the simplest tools. So I made do with steel wool and lit the pilot – that was an ordeal, but I’ve had plenty of practice – it blows out semi-routinely. As I got it cranking out the BTU’s I starting feeling pretty good and began looking for another small task. Suddenly it struck me like a bolt of lightning (on a microscopic scale); Pauline wants the TV in the guest bedroom put back in working order. The guest bedroom is a palace with its queen sized bed with pillow top mattress that’s so high in order to enjoy its plush sensual comfort you need to climb a set of bed steps, unless are feeling particularly acrobatic spring yourself up more three feet to its cashmere clad throne. The Cherry night stand is actually full sized Victorian style bureau with black marble top, perched upon Queen Anne legs. The TV is no slouch either it’s Pioneer Elite Plasma Monitor. We had disconnected the “small” external speakers and I had never gotten around to reconnecting the larger speakers – removing a costly monitor from its base not something I took lightly – because it’s heavy. But today was the day and in just a short time with right drive and ambition I was able to accomplish it without damage! Now I was feeling good! What’s next?
I heard my wife complain just last night about the toilet not having enough water pressure to flush properly. I have the tools and the parts – actually I’ve had the parts for a few months. The time had come to take the bull by the horns. I shut off the water, and flushed the toilet to drain the tank as much as possible. I unscrewed the water line and caught the residual water in a trash receptacle (it was close by), and removed the fill valve and conveniently tossed it the receptacle after I emptied it. I popped the new valve in place and hand tightened the plastic nuts and turned on the water supply. As the tank filled, I cleaned up the spill and reinstalled the tank cover. I tipped the lever and voila – water pressure; all you could ask for and more!
So should I be working on the Sabbath Day? Is today the Sabbath? That depends on your religion; I was taught Saturday is the Sabbath and necessities should be attended on the Sabbath. Was what I did against my beliefs? You decide.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Three Little Words
Three Little Words
You have no doubt heard the term three little words, but the three little words I'm referring to are not, I love you. So let my story begin, a friend and I were talking on the phone about how many woodworking tools I have in my shop. He said, “How do you get your wife to let you buy some new tools.” So I told them the story. Whenever I have a job to do, I buy the tools that I need to accomplish it the right way. Sometimes that means something as simple as a wrench or socket, other times, its power tools such as a circular saw a router. But there's more to the story, of course it's not that easy, I have to do my best and make it worth it. I'm also very lucky she understands the value of quality tools to accomplish a high-level of craftsmanship.
She buys furniture, knickknacks, curtains, linens and bedding. She says that knickknacks make a house a home. So when I wanted some tools, I joked, “tools make the garage a home.” She laughed. She loves shopping bargains and sales. I quickly learned to check for sales myself, so from then on I said, “It’s on sale.” So now you know my three little words.
Spring break is coming up and I want to put in the patio door onto the back deck. So I began to look around and assess the tools and supplies I needed to complete the job. I realize that this 8 foot door is going to be quite a burden to lift especially when you have to take the handles off the sides in order to fit it into the opening. The instructions mention using suction cups to lift the door into the opening, so I began to check the Internet to find the right quality tools to do the job. These turned out to be more expensive than I realized that I didn't give up easy; in fact I called the manufacturer and spoke with one of the technicians for several hours to ensure the product is made in USA and of high quality. He shared a secret with me, a 10% new customer discount, that was just the ticket I needed, “it's on sale” I said. Then I began pursuing a level to ensure the opening was plumb and square. The cost was quite a bit more than I imagined for such a tool. So I began scouring websites looking for the best value for the best product. I wasn't having a lot of luck, everybody seemed to be in cahoots and unwilling to deal on the price. So I reached into my bag of tricks and called a small proprietor that I had bought from the past. I explained who I was when I had purchased in hopes of getting a discount he checked the price he quickly came back to me with an offer. It wasn't what I was hoping I thought about it for a few minutes and called him back and it told him I needed a better price to get approval. He lowered the price still more and when I entered the room I said to my wife “it's on sale.”
So just remember those three little words- It's on Sale!
You have no doubt heard the term three little words, but the three little words I'm referring to are not, I love you. So let my story begin, a friend and I were talking on the phone about how many woodworking tools I have in my shop. He said, “How do you get your wife to let you buy some new tools.” So I told them the story. Whenever I have a job to do, I buy the tools that I need to accomplish it the right way. Sometimes that means something as simple as a wrench or socket, other times, its power tools such as a circular saw a router. But there's more to the story, of course it's not that easy, I have to do my best and make it worth it. I'm also very lucky she understands the value of quality tools to accomplish a high-level of craftsmanship.
She buys furniture, knickknacks, curtains, linens and bedding. She says that knickknacks make a house a home. So when I wanted some tools, I joked, “tools make the garage a home.” She laughed. She loves shopping bargains and sales. I quickly learned to check for sales myself, so from then on I said, “It’s on sale.” So now you know my three little words.
Spring break is coming up and I want to put in the patio door onto the back deck. So I began to look around and assess the tools and supplies I needed to complete the job. I realize that this 8 foot door is going to be quite a burden to lift especially when you have to take the handles off the sides in order to fit it into the opening. The instructions mention using suction cups to lift the door into the opening, so I began to check the Internet to find the right quality tools to do the job. These turned out to be more expensive than I realized that I didn't give up easy; in fact I called the manufacturer and spoke with one of the technicians for several hours to ensure the product is made in USA and of high quality. He shared a secret with me, a 10% new customer discount, that was just the ticket I needed, “it's on sale” I said. Then I began pursuing a level to ensure the opening was plumb and square. The cost was quite a bit more than I imagined for such a tool. So I began scouring websites looking for the best value for the best product. I wasn't having a lot of luck, everybody seemed to be in cahoots and unwilling to deal on the price. So I reached into my bag of tricks and called a small proprietor that I had bought from the past. I explained who I was when I had purchased in hopes of getting a discount he checked the price he quickly came back to me with an offer. It wasn't what I was hoping I thought about it for a few minutes and called him back and it told him I needed a better price to get approval. He lowered the price still more and when I entered the room I said to my wife “it's on sale.”
So just remember those three little words- It's on Sale!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Cat Named Lightning
A Cat Named Lightning
Many years ago our aged cat passed away after 22 years and we couldn't find a replacement because she was really part of the family after all that time. Our house is bordered on three sides by nature reserve so we have many wild animal visitors and some domestics. One such domestic visitor was a golden yellow cat that liked to hang around in the garage why was trying to woodworking. I got the biggest kick out of it when she would jump in the air and snatch bugs in mid-flight and of course she would eat them. I realized she must be hungry so I began feeding her and she and I became close friends she was my company while I was doing woodworking. The noise of the machines didn't seem to bother her; she would find a comfortable place and go to sleep. She would stay in the garage for hours as I worked I had trouble getting her leave when I was done but I couldn't leave her locked in the garage. It took some time but she drew on my wife also. Because of her reflexes I used to say she was quick as lightning so I named her Lightning. Now I'm talking to people and I say, “Here comes Lightning” they think it's raining outside. She's an outdoor cat and she's very independent but very affectionate. We've tried on numerous occasions to bring her in the house but she feels more comfortable outside. So when I take our dog (Molly) for a walk she (Lightning) goes for a walk also. She likes to run and play and hide behind trees and tease Molly, kind of like hide and go seek, and when Molly gets close she darts out and starts again. Molly was raised with a cat as a best friend so now her and Lightening at like sisters.
Lightning's favorite hangout seems to be my garage roof where she can keep an eye on everything especially me entering and leaving the house. Each and every time I leave the door she comes by to make sure to get fed, and then she's off for a new adventure. But she'll be back in time for dinner. During the winter when it's cold she climbs on the house roof and parks herself near the steel chimney, even when it's very cold out she will not come in the house. We get concerned about her so we feet are warmed moist cat food to help her fend off the cold.
Now that the weather has warmed up she's back up her old tricks following me and Molly as we go for walks and just hanging out on the porch letting me know its dinnertime every time I open and close the door. A friend once said, “Stray cats choose their owners not the other way around.” Lightning chose us and we've enjoyed her company for many years, you just never know what she's going to do next.
Many years ago our aged cat passed away after 22 years and we couldn't find a replacement because she was really part of the family after all that time. Our house is bordered on three sides by nature reserve so we have many wild animal visitors and some domestics. One such domestic visitor was a golden yellow cat that liked to hang around in the garage why was trying to woodworking. I got the biggest kick out of it when she would jump in the air and snatch bugs in mid-flight and of course she would eat them. I realized she must be hungry so I began feeding her and she and I became close friends she was my company while I was doing woodworking. The noise of the machines didn't seem to bother her; she would find a comfortable place and go to sleep. She would stay in the garage for hours as I worked I had trouble getting her leave when I was done but I couldn't leave her locked in the garage. It took some time but she drew on my wife also. Because of her reflexes I used to say she was quick as lightning so I named her Lightning. Now I'm talking to people and I say, “Here comes Lightning” they think it's raining outside. She's an outdoor cat and she's very independent but very affectionate. We've tried on numerous occasions to bring her in the house but she feels more comfortable outside. So when I take our dog (Molly) for a walk she (Lightning) goes for a walk also. She likes to run and play and hide behind trees and tease Molly, kind of like hide and go seek, and when Molly gets close she darts out and starts again. Molly was raised with a cat as a best friend so now her and Lightening at like sisters.
Lightning's favorite hangout seems to be my garage roof where she can keep an eye on everything especially me entering and leaving the house. Each and every time I leave the door she comes by to make sure to get fed, and then she's off for a new adventure. But she'll be back in time for dinner. During the winter when it's cold she climbs on the house roof and parks herself near the steel chimney, even when it's very cold out she will not come in the house. We get concerned about her so we feet are warmed moist cat food to help her fend off the cold.
Now that the weather has warmed up she's back up her old tricks following me and Molly as we go for walks and just hanging out on the porch letting me know its dinnertime every time I open and close the door. A friend once said, “Stray cats choose their owners not the other way around.” Lightning chose us and we've enjoyed her company for many years, you just never know what she's going to do next.
Teenage Driver
Teenage Driver
I had friends when I was growing up who was very tall for his age. His parents bought an unregistered car from Canada and he decided to take it out for a test drive when he was only about 12 years old so I went along for the ride. We lived on a dead-end street so we went up and down the street until he got his sea legs. At one point he decided to backup at high speed like the neighbor often did; much to his surprise, it was far more difficult than he realized, as he looked in the side view mirror he got quite scared as he seen a telephone pole approaching rather quickly, he cut the wheel and swerved the car nearly clipping the telephone pole and ended up in a vacant lot. We jumped out of his would be rocket ship to examine what had just gone wrong with our first blast off. We found tire tracks within two inches of it the curb and the telephone pole and less than 6 inches from another parked car. He was so shook up he parked the car for the rest of the afternoon. I wasn't facing backward so I didn't see the devastation headed our way he saw it through the rearview mirror which must have made it seem. But he soon regained his confidence, as the day wore on he decided to get back behind the wheel and try his hand again; I wasn't in the car so he got more courageous and decided to go down the main street, after a few trips up and down the street he became downright cocky and began to burn rubber. It was during one of these times that he was racing down the street that he saw a flash of blue as the hood popped up and within an instant it was torn free from the car and flew up into the telephone wires and it crashed into the neighbor’s yard nearly striking one of their kids. A friend happened to be passing by and saw the whole thing; he stopped and helped him put that good back on the car. Once again he realized the risks involved in driving a car when you're inexperienced so he parked the car and decided he would ride his bike for a while. As we passed by the house where the hood had “crash landed” the owners came out and stopped to ask us if we knew who the driver was because they wanted to take action. Mark (the driver) was there and he pretended to be someone else, all the while he defended himself by saying, “I know Mark Stansbury very well and I know for a fact he never done it.” We were all in disbelief at the audacity he displayed, but soon the daughter came out, whom was nearly struck by the car hood, and began pointing fingers and yelling that's him, that's him. So he beat a hasty retreat and we followed shortly behind.
The moral of the story if you're not old enough to drive don't get behind the wheel, terrible things can happen that are completely out of your control and they seem to happen under just those circumstances.
I had friends when I was growing up who was very tall for his age. His parents bought an unregistered car from Canada and he decided to take it out for a test drive when he was only about 12 years old so I went along for the ride. We lived on a dead-end street so we went up and down the street until he got his sea legs. At one point he decided to backup at high speed like the neighbor often did; much to his surprise, it was far more difficult than he realized, as he looked in the side view mirror he got quite scared as he seen a telephone pole approaching rather quickly, he cut the wheel and swerved the car nearly clipping the telephone pole and ended up in a vacant lot. We jumped out of his would be rocket ship to examine what had just gone wrong with our first blast off. We found tire tracks within two inches of it the curb and the telephone pole and less than 6 inches from another parked car. He was so shook up he parked the car for the rest of the afternoon. I wasn't facing backward so I didn't see the devastation headed our way he saw it through the rearview mirror which must have made it seem. But he soon regained his confidence, as the day wore on he decided to get back behind the wheel and try his hand again; I wasn't in the car so he got more courageous and decided to go down the main street, after a few trips up and down the street he became downright cocky and began to burn rubber. It was during one of these times that he was racing down the street that he saw a flash of blue as the hood popped up and within an instant it was torn free from the car and flew up into the telephone wires and it crashed into the neighbor’s yard nearly striking one of their kids. A friend happened to be passing by and saw the whole thing; he stopped and helped him put that good back on the car. Once again he realized the risks involved in driving a car when you're inexperienced so he parked the car and decided he would ride his bike for a while. As we passed by the house where the hood had “crash landed” the owners came out and stopped to ask us if we knew who the driver was because they wanted to take action. Mark (the driver) was there and he pretended to be someone else, all the while he defended himself by saying, “I know Mark Stansbury very well and I know for a fact he never done it.” We were all in disbelief at the audacity he displayed, but soon the daughter came out, whom was nearly struck by the car hood, and began pointing fingers and yelling that's him, that's him. So he beat a hasty retreat and we followed shortly behind.
The moral of the story if you're not old enough to drive don't get behind the wheel, terrible things can happen that are completely out of your control and they seem to happen under just those circumstances.
Compare and Contrast
Compare Contrast
Indiana Jones and the tomb raider or being compared on the technology used to create the movie effects. Indiana Jones was set in 1936, therefore the technology reflected the era at the time the movie was produced. The Tomb Raider was produced in 2001 and relied heavily on special effects and technological advances that were not available at the time Indiana Jones was produced. Despite these differences Indiana Jones was quite a bit more enjoyable movie to many audience members because it relied on old-fashioned know-how and seat-of-the-pants action.
Indiana Jones made good use of innovation and the tools he wore on his hip, those included a whip and a revolver, and sometimes he relied on brute force. His innovations allowed him to get himself out of situations that seemed impossible. His innovations allowed him to counteract his difficulties and often escape unscathed and ready to fight another day.
Tomb Raider on the other hand often required special equipment, tools, and weapons for every situation; this allowed the heroine to perform feats of great danger and leave the scene without a hair out of place. Because of the unrealistic nature of the movie it took only a short while to become monotonous and hard to palate. The main character Lara Croft could seem to do no wrong, and was able to counteract her enemies at every turn; this too was a turn off for the audience.
The era of the films played a key role in the technology the movie producers have at their disposal, both directors took full advantage of technology and special effects to produce their films. They had different purposes and produce much different results for different audience. In Indiana Jones the technology seemed seamless and appropriate to the time portrayed in the movie this lent itself to the credibility of the action and thereby the overall satisfaction of the audience. In Tomb Raider the goal was to provide the audience with an action-packed adventure based on a heroine using the most futuristic special effects available to enhance her abilities but in the end the overuse and the up and unrealistic capabilities left the audience disappointed.
The special effects and Indiana Jones included the boulder rolling through the tunnel and the seemingly endless volley of poison darts and arrows. The scenes with the arrows left the audience on the edge of their seats and the scene of the rolling stone made the audience feel as though they needed to make tracks. Even the scene where the art was opened and the evil was cast upon the perpetrators the audience was glued to the scene as they rooted for the heroes in hopes they would be spared from destruction.
By contrast the special effects In Tomb Raider seemed trite and overused. The constant overuse of unrealistic special effects made the audience's attention wane as the movie was drawing to a close. It was difficult to sit through the ending because it felt like it had all been said and done before in so many other movies it was just a matter of waiting for to finish.
A well-made movie like Indiana Jones still captivates audiences many years after its original release because of its down-to-earth nature and relatable main character.
Indiana Jones and the tomb raider or being compared on the technology used to create the movie effects. Indiana Jones was set in 1936, therefore the technology reflected the era at the time the movie was produced. The Tomb Raider was produced in 2001 and relied heavily on special effects and technological advances that were not available at the time Indiana Jones was produced. Despite these differences Indiana Jones was quite a bit more enjoyable movie to many audience members because it relied on old-fashioned know-how and seat-of-the-pants action.
Indiana Jones made good use of innovation and the tools he wore on his hip, those included a whip and a revolver, and sometimes he relied on brute force. His innovations allowed him to get himself out of situations that seemed impossible. His innovations allowed him to counteract his difficulties and often escape unscathed and ready to fight another day.
Tomb Raider on the other hand often required special equipment, tools, and weapons for every situation; this allowed the heroine to perform feats of great danger and leave the scene without a hair out of place. Because of the unrealistic nature of the movie it took only a short while to become monotonous and hard to palate. The main character Lara Croft could seem to do no wrong, and was able to counteract her enemies at every turn; this too was a turn off for the audience.
The era of the films played a key role in the technology the movie producers have at their disposal, both directors took full advantage of technology and special effects to produce their films. They had different purposes and produce much different results for different audience. In Indiana Jones the technology seemed seamless and appropriate to the time portrayed in the movie this lent itself to the credibility of the action and thereby the overall satisfaction of the audience. In Tomb Raider the goal was to provide the audience with an action-packed adventure based on a heroine using the most futuristic special effects available to enhance her abilities but in the end the overuse and the up and unrealistic capabilities left the audience disappointed.
The special effects and Indiana Jones included the boulder rolling through the tunnel and the seemingly endless volley of poison darts and arrows. The scenes with the arrows left the audience on the edge of their seats and the scene of the rolling stone made the audience feel as though they needed to make tracks. Even the scene where the art was opened and the evil was cast upon the perpetrators the audience was glued to the scene as they rooted for the heroes in hopes they would be spared from destruction.
By contrast the special effects In Tomb Raider seemed trite and overused. The constant overuse of unrealistic special effects made the audience's attention wane as the movie was drawing to a close. It was difficult to sit through the ending because it felt like it had all been said and done before in so many other movies it was just a matter of waiting for to finish.
A well-made movie like Indiana Jones still captivates audiences many years after its original release because of its down-to-earth nature and relatable main character.
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