I don't mean the kind you listen to when I say "Records" - I mean the kind that are made, and broken. Yesterday was a day when numerous records were broken. Sadly, they weren't the kind to be proud of.
UNEMPLOYMENT The number most quoted yesterday was 4.78 million. That's how many people in the United States are collecting Unemployment benefit checks. However, digging a little bit deeper, there are an additional 1.4 million who are collecting unemployment checks from the recently passed EXTENSION of 7 weeks by congress. That brings the actual total up to around 6.2 million people collecting unemployment checks from their respective state governments. Both, of course, are NEW Records - the highest since someone began keeping records way back when I was still in high school. One other little omission - these figures do not count the folks who have exhausted unemployment benefits. God knows how many people that encompasses. Bleak, to say the least.
NEW HOUSING PURCHASES Another record breaker, in a negative way. New housing purchases went down in 2008. First time since record keeping began - back in the early sixties.
SOLDIER SUICIDES In 2008, at least 128 active duty soldiers committed suicide. It may be more. There are still 15 "suspicious" cases being investigated. On a per capita basis, members of Armed Forces suicides are now higher than that of the civilian population. Both are Records.
My little City of Tulsa, Oklahoma is not immune either. With approximately 380,000 residents, we have had 9 bank robberies so far this month. In all of 2008 we had 14.
IN OTHER NEWS Wall Street continues to rub our collective noses in the dirt with the recent news of $18.4 Billion dollars paid out in bonuses in 2008. Obama was too kind when he used the word "shameful". I think thieving Bast**ds is more like it.
Illinois Governor Rod Blago finally bites the dust. Good Riddance, Good Bye.
Old Fart Mike
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Not a one!
NOT A ONE!
Yesterday, even after incredible efforts by our new President to include members of the opposition party - The Republicans - in a stimulus package designed to get the economy moving in the right direction, Not one Republican voted in favor of this package. NOT EVEN ONE.
So much for Bipartisan efforts. The Republicans claim two things are amiss in this package - (1) Too many pork barrel projects and (2) not enough in the way of tax cuts. I don't know, maybe it's just me - but weren't the Republican congressmen the ones who led the way in pork barrel spending during the last several years of the Bush Administration? For them to go all high and mighty all of a sudden is a mystery to me. Have they realized the error of their ways? Besides, I would need to read the entire 600+ page bill to find out if there really is pork in this legislation. On the second issue, I'm wondering how additional "Tax Cuts" will help those people who are currently out of a job - including my wife, who was downsized almost 5 months ago, and has been unable to find a job yet.
With large companies announcing massive layoffs every day, is a further tax cut going to help John Q. Public? It seems to me that putting people to work is the answer. But, then again, I'm just a normal person, not the smartest guy - one who can't figure out why, if the numerous tax cuts enacted over the previous 8 years hasn't seemed to work to PREVENT this mess, why it will now.
Could it be that the Republicans are simply back to their old tricks? You know, if a Democrat is in the White House, you vote against each and every thing he proposes. That's essentially how it was during the Clinton administration.
I suppose the good news is that the Democrats have a majority in both houses of congress these days, so they have enough votes to pass legislation without a single vote from the Republicans. It is a shame though, that regardless of how President Obama tried to engage them, not a one would vote for his plan. Living in the reddest state there is, I am used to this, but still....
Old Fart Mike
Yesterday, even after incredible efforts by our new President to include members of the opposition party - The Republicans - in a stimulus package designed to get the economy moving in the right direction, Not one Republican voted in favor of this package. NOT EVEN ONE.
So much for Bipartisan efforts. The Republicans claim two things are amiss in this package - (1) Too many pork barrel projects and (2) not enough in the way of tax cuts. I don't know, maybe it's just me - but weren't the Republican congressmen the ones who led the way in pork barrel spending during the last several years of the Bush Administration? For them to go all high and mighty all of a sudden is a mystery to me. Have they realized the error of their ways? Besides, I would need to read the entire 600+ page bill to find out if there really is pork in this legislation. On the second issue, I'm wondering how additional "Tax Cuts" will help those people who are currently out of a job - including my wife, who was downsized almost 5 months ago, and has been unable to find a job yet.
With large companies announcing massive layoffs every day, is a further tax cut going to help John Q. Public? It seems to me that putting people to work is the answer. But, then again, I'm just a normal person, not the smartest guy - one who can't figure out why, if the numerous tax cuts enacted over the previous 8 years hasn't seemed to work to PREVENT this mess, why it will now.
Could it be that the Republicans are simply back to their old tricks? You know, if a Democrat is in the White House, you vote against each and every thing he proposes. That's essentially how it was during the Clinton administration.
I suppose the good news is that the Democrats have a majority in both houses of congress these days, so they have enough votes to pass legislation without a single vote from the Republicans. It is a shame though, that regardless of how President Obama tried to engage them, not a one would vote for his plan. Living in the reddest state there is, I am used to this, but still....
Old Fart Mike
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Back in the land of the living
Well, that's not totally accurate. Didn't die this time around. I did, however, have to go get my shock box - or, the more formal name "Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator" - repositioned this past Monday. It had slipped a bit and was sticking out much farther than it should be, which I had pointed out to my cardiologist last Tuesday. He took a gander at it and said, "We gotta fix that".
We, my cardiologist and I, have a good relationship. I've been going to him now since 1992, so I've even suggested to him he should give me Frequent Flyer Points, but to no avail.
Anywho - I arrived at the hospital at 8:00 AM to get all checked in, and it went smoothly. Then, I waited until 10:20. A male nurse finally came and wheeled me away. As we're heading toward the O.R., he said they had sent him the wrong patient 2 times, so he decided to come get me. Knowing my Doctor like I do, I told the nurse I bet he was fit to be tied. He agreed.
Into the Operating room we went.
Next thing I know I am waking up in a room with my wife sitting there. Never even saw my doctor. After 30 minutes of lucidity, I am released to go home. Thank goodness one of the things I had asked my bride to talk to the doc about was to get me some pain pills. The last time, I didn't have any, and it was horrendous. I am just not that tough.
So, the rest of Monday was a fog before packing it in at about 8:00 pm.
Tuesday/yesterday was more of the same. Those pills knock me for a loop. I was in and out of sleep for most of the day.
Today I feel mostly an ache from the incision. Not the throbbing pain of the past two days. Haven't taken any of those magic, kill the pain, put me to sleep pills today. I think I'm gonna make it.
In the meantime, we've had Ice, sleet, snow, and cold weather. The sun is shining today and the temperature is going to rise to 36.
Old Fart Mike
We, my cardiologist and I, have a good relationship. I've been going to him now since 1992, so I've even suggested to him he should give me Frequent Flyer Points, but to no avail.
Anywho - I arrived at the hospital at 8:00 AM to get all checked in, and it went smoothly. Then, I waited until 10:20. A male nurse finally came and wheeled me away. As we're heading toward the O.R., he said they had sent him the wrong patient 2 times, so he decided to come get me. Knowing my Doctor like I do, I told the nurse I bet he was fit to be tied. He agreed.
Into the Operating room we went.
Next thing I know I am waking up in a room with my wife sitting there. Never even saw my doctor. After 30 minutes of lucidity, I am released to go home. Thank goodness one of the things I had asked my bride to talk to the doc about was to get me some pain pills. The last time, I didn't have any, and it was horrendous. I am just not that tough.
So, the rest of Monday was a fog before packing it in at about 8:00 pm.
Tuesday/yesterday was more of the same. Those pills knock me for a loop. I was in and out of sleep for most of the day.
Today I feel mostly an ache from the incision. Not the throbbing pain of the past two days. Haven't taken any of those magic, kill the pain, put me to sleep pills today. I think I'm gonna make it.
In the meantime, we've had Ice, sleet, snow, and cold weather. The sun is shining today and the temperature is going to rise to 36.
Old Fart Mike
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Color Purple
Last night, my bride, our two close friends, and I went to the latest in the Broadway series of musicals that my friend Larry brings to town each year. We have been season ticket holders for many years. The show, based on the book, The color purple, was also a movie some years back, and starred Whoopie Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover. Those who saw the movie, like my wife and I had, would be curious as to how such a sad, poignant, and difficult tale could possibly be made into a musical. After all it has some story themes involving incest, abused women, lesbians, loose morals, and more.
Yet this play, it's music, and the story ended up being rather uplifting in the end. Much more so than the movie was. At least as far as I was concerned. There were moments of horror, and moments of laughter. Joy and disbelief. The voices of the leads were simply astounding as they sang plaintive songs about misery and hope. It was indeed an experience I am still thinking about this morning.
I have always loved musicals. My all-time favorite remains The Phantom of the Opera, which I have seen 5 times. The first time I saw it, I had the unbelievable good luck of seeing Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, who originated the roles of the Phantom and Christine, perform. It was during a General Manager's meeting for a company that I previously worked for. I was so taken with the music, I stopped and bought its CD, and brought it home for my family to listen to. They soon became fans of its music, and when Phantom was announced as appearing in Dallas, I bought tickets for my wife and I to go see it - driving some 4 1/2 hours each way, spending the night in a hotel, etc. She, too, fell in love with every aspect of the play.
Years later, my friend brought Phantom to Tulsa, and I arranged an evening to take our top clients to it, along with our sales department staffers, and significant others. It was a highlight of our year. Additionally, of course, my children were all able to see it.
Tragedy seems to fuel many of Broadway's top musicals. Annie, set in the Depression, is another following this theme. Yet, from misery comes such beauty.
Old Fart Mike
Yet this play, it's music, and the story ended up being rather uplifting in the end. Much more so than the movie was. At least as far as I was concerned. There were moments of horror, and moments of laughter. Joy and disbelief. The voices of the leads were simply astounding as they sang plaintive songs about misery and hope. It was indeed an experience I am still thinking about this morning.
I have always loved musicals. My all-time favorite remains The Phantom of the Opera, which I have seen 5 times. The first time I saw it, I had the unbelievable good luck of seeing Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, who originated the roles of the Phantom and Christine, perform. It was during a General Manager's meeting for a company that I previously worked for. I was so taken with the music, I stopped and bought its CD, and brought it home for my family to listen to. They soon became fans of its music, and when Phantom was announced as appearing in Dallas, I bought tickets for my wife and I to go see it - driving some 4 1/2 hours each way, spending the night in a hotel, etc. She, too, fell in love with every aspect of the play.
Years later, my friend brought Phantom to Tulsa, and I arranged an evening to take our top clients to it, along with our sales department staffers, and significant others. It was a highlight of our year. Additionally, of course, my children were all able to see it.
Tragedy seems to fuel many of Broadway's top musicals. Annie, set in the Depression, is another following this theme. Yet, from misery comes such beauty.
Old Fart Mike
Friday, January 23, 2009
Greed & Business As Usual
GREED. Almost every day there seems to be another example of greed in the headlines. Recently, we've seen Bernie Madoff, a swindler extraordinaire, exposed for bilking his clients out of some $50 billion dollars in a Ponzi scheme. Another investment expert, whose name escapes me at the moment, arranged for his plane to go down, while he parachuted out of it, hoping to stage his death, and thereby avoid being caught and punished for his misdeeds. Other cases have been reported nationally, and worldwide, but without as much fanfare.
Even here in the Heartland we are not bypassed. In our local paper today, news broke about our city's Public Works department, and two of it's employees taking bribes to steer business to specific contractors. There were four individuals named representing companies who offered the bribes, accepted by the public works employees. In all, it appears that over $4.5 million extra was spent by the city - and, of course, it's taxpayers - to fix roads because of these bribes paid by the contractors. Our Mayor is visibly upset.
Greed is running rampant in the world. It is one of the 7 deadly sins, and it pervades throughout our society more than I've seen it in my 62 years on the Planet Earth. Defined, Greed is the self-serving desire for the pursuit of money, wealth, power, food, or other possessions, especially when this denies the same goods to others.
It is also one of the main problems behnd the economic situation we are in today.
BUSINESS AS USUAL Reality is setting in in Washington, D.C. Regardless of President Obama's attempt to operate in a bipartisan way - and, I might add, his opponent John McCain's pledge to do so - it looks like Congressional Republicans don't want to hear anything of it. McCain, to his credit, heard the voices of the American people too, who are tired of the bickering between the parties and simply want something done to improve things. Yesterday, at the hearings for Hillary Clinton to be approved for Secretary of State, Senator McCain, stood up and asked for swift passage of her nomination.
On other items, though, both House and Senate Republicans are content to revert back to obstruction, and criticism. It really won't matter what the new President brings forth, they will oppose it. He is simply from the wrong party. Until the citizenry lets their representatives know this can't go on any longer, it, unfortunately will continue. It is time for a change. That's why Obama was elected.
Old Fart Mike
Even here in the Heartland we are not bypassed. In our local paper today, news broke about our city's Public Works department, and two of it's employees taking bribes to steer business to specific contractors. There were four individuals named representing companies who offered the bribes, accepted by the public works employees. In all, it appears that over $4.5 million extra was spent by the city - and, of course, it's taxpayers - to fix roads because of these bribes paid by the contractors. Our Mayor is visibly upset.
Greed is running rampant in the world. It is one of the 7 deadly sins, and it pervades throughout our society more than I've seen it in my 62 years on the Planet Earth. Defined, Greed is the self-serving desire for the pursuit of money, wealth, power, food, or other possessions, especially when this denies the same goods to others.
It is also one of the main problems behnd the economic situation we are in today.
BUSINESS AS USUAL Reality is setting in in Washington, D.C. Regardless of President Obama's attempt to operate in a bipartisan way - and, I might add, his opponent John McCain's pledge to do so - it looks like Congressional Republicans don't want to hear anything of it. McCain, to his credit, heard the voices of the American people too, who are tired of the bickering between the parties and simply want something done to improve things. Yesterday, at the hearings for Hillary Clinton to be approved for Secretary of State, Senator McCain, stood up and asked for swift passage of her nomination.
On other items, though, both House and Senate Republicans are content to revert back to obstruction, and criticism. It really won't matter what the new President brings forth, they will oppose it. He is simply from the wrong party. Until the citizenry lets their representatives know this can't go on any longer, it, unfortunately will continue. It is time for a change. That's why Obama was elected.
Old Fart Mike
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Yesterday
Yesterday was certainly remarkable. The crowd was estimated to be between 1 and 2 million people - the largest ever to attend an inauguration. And, from the dozens of interviews with the average citizens in attendance, it was peaceful and without demonstration. I, of course, as stated yesterday, missed it because of an appointment made with my cardiologist.
The good news for me, however, is that the cable news networks repeated - and repeated - and repeated again the swearing in of PRESIDENT Obama, and parts of the ceremony that I wanted to see. I watched the events leading up to his actual taking of the oath, but, since my appointment was at 11:15, CST, I had to leave at 11:00.
Walked into the office as he was beginning his speech, and one of the nurses had it streaming on her computer - but it was so jerky that I decided to wait and pick it up later.
As I watched his speech later, I was again struck by this man and his message. It was not the best speech I had ever seen him give - that could be argued for others in the past. Perhaps the one at the 2004 Democratic convention. Maybe the one he gave about race relations, after all the flack with Reverend Wright hit the fan. Could've been the one where he accepted the Democratic Nomination, or the one at Grant Park after he had clinched the nomination. I don't know, but somehow it still inspired me.
In my opinion, Obama was able to both strike the chord of how serious the problems we face are, yet still project a positive tone in how we will overcome them. Obviously, the proof will be in the pudding - damn, there I go, using an old cliche - but, results will, in the end, be what matters. I believe that the majority of the nation is rooting for this man to succeed.
My doctor's appointment was okay. I will have to have a procedure done next Monday though. When I had my defibrillator/pacemaker replaced last September, apparently, the unit was placed on top of the wires that lead to the heart. What this has caused is that my shock box sticks out too far from my chest. This causes a bit of discomfort for me in that when I am driving the seat belt strap rubs across it. Also, I'm a little concerned that it could be too close to breaking through. I showed it to the tech and the doctor and they both said we gotta fix that. So, On Monday, I have to undergo a simple procedure to open up the "pocket" in my chest where this unit resides - make it a little bigger, and move the unit around a bit. It will be done on an "Out-patient" basis, so I'll be back within a few hours. Everything is working fine, mind you - it's just that the unit needs to be repositioned. I don't know what time I go in, but the doctor says the procedure doesn't take very long at all - maybe a half-hour.
Old Fart Mike
The good news for me, however, is that the cable news networks repeated - and repeated - and repeated again the swearing in of PRESIDENT Obama, and parts of the ceremony that I wanted to see. I watched the events leading up to his actual taking of the oath, but, since my appointment was at 11:15, CST, I had to leave at 11:00.
Walked into the office as he was beginning his speech, and one of the nurses had it streaming on her computer - but it was so jerky that I decided to wait and pick it up later.
As I watched his speech later, I was again struck by this man and his message. It was not the best speech I had ever seen him give - that could be argued for others in the past. Perhaps the one at the 2004 Democratic convention. Maybe the one he gave about race relations, after all the flack with Reverend Wright hit the fan. Could've been the one where he accepted the Democratic Nomination, or the one at Grant Park after he had clinched the nomination. I don't know, but somehow it still inspired me.
In my opinion, Obama was able to both strike the chord of how serious the problems we face are, yet still project a positive tone in how we will overcome them. Obviously, the proof will be in the pudding - damn, there I go, using an old cliche - but, results will, in the end, be what matters. I believe that the majority of the nation is rooting for this man to succeed.
My doctor's appointment was okay. I will have to have a procedure done next Monday though. When I had my defibrillator/pacemaker replaced last September, apparently, the unit was placed on top of the wires that lead to the heart. What this has caused is that my shock box sticks out too far from my chest. This causes a bit of discomfort for me in that when I am driving the seat belt strap rubs across it. Also, I'm a little concerned that it could be too close to breaking through. I showed it to the tech and the doctor and they both said we gotta fix that. So, On Monday, I have to undergo a simple procedure to open up the "pocket" in my chest where this unit resides - make it a little bigger, and move the unit around a bit. It will be done on an "Out-patient" basis, so I'll be back within a few hours. Everything is working fine, mind you - it's just that the unit needs to be repositioned. I don't know what time I go in, but the doctor says the procedure doesn't take very long at all - maybe a half-hour.
Old Fart Mike
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
INAUGURATION DAY !
It is hard to believe for so many people that today, January 20th, 2009, brings the inauguration of the first African American President of the United States. This is a milestone for our country, not Just for the countless black Americans who prior to this election, saw no real hope of ever breaking the prejudices of our country. Yet, here we are, about to swear into office Barrack Obama as our 44th President.
It is not just people of color who celebrate this day. As all who know me realize, I am as white as can be - proud of my Irish-American heritage - but having grown up in a time where I watched TV as a boy seeing the horrific images of "Negroes" being hosed down, beaten, and otherwise suppressed for such things as wanting to eat at a lunch counter; drink from a water fountain; or avail themselves of an education at a public university, I, too, feel celebratory today.
Like the civil rights movement before him, Barrack Obama overcame incredible odds to get to this day. The little known, first term Senator from Illinois first caught my attention with his speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. I remember thinking to myself at the time, "This guy could be President someday". However, I didn't think it possible in just four years. Neither did hardly anyone else. Sometimes, though, fate has a hand in things. For Obama to beat the early frontrunners in his party - namely Hillary Clinton and John Edwards - had to be predestined. How else can you explain the incredible win in the almost all white Iowa caucus - first up among the numerous beauty contests that ensued? I believe this man has greatness in him.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch today's events LIVE. Quite a while back, I made my semi-annual appointment with my cardiologist for today. At 11:15. What a dummy I am. I didn't even think of January 20th as being THE day of the inauguration - as it has been since the time of FDR. So, I will have to catch up on his speech and the swearing in ceremonies later today. I know all of it will be carried - either on CNN, or YouTube.
I am hopeful that Obama's detractors give him a chance. The last 8 years has taken a toll on our country because of the partisan nature of virtually everything. As an ex-Marine, I found my patriotism attacked by friends when I first told them I was against the war in Iraq. Many of these same folks had never served in the Armed Forces. When I explained, as logically as I could, my reason - Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11, their answer was Saddam was a bad guy. When I agreed, but asked if it was up to the U.S. to eliminate All bad guys throughout the world, such as Chavez in Venezuela, the guy in North Korea, the corrupt leaders in numerous African countries, or the current leaders in Iran, I was either told I was missing the point, or sworn at. Hopefully, civility will return.
Let us also hope that false information, hate, and pure meanness go away during the next several years.
Old Fart Mike
It is not just people of color who celebrate this day. As all who know me realize, I am as white as can be - proud of my Irish-American heritage - but having grown up in a time where I watched TV as a boy seeing the horrific images of "Negroes" being hosed down, beaten, and otherwise suppressed for such things as wanting to eat at a lunch counter; drink from a water fountain; or avail themselves of an education at a public university, I, too, feel celebratory today.
Like the civil rights movement before him, Barrack Obama overcame incredible odds to get to this day. The little known, first term Senator from Illinois first caught my attention with his speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. I remember thinking to myself at the time, "This guy could be President someday". However, I didn't think it possible in just four years. Neither did hardly anyone else. Sometimes, though, fate has a hand in things. For Obama to beat the early frontrunners in his party - namely Hillary Clinton and John Edwards - had to be predestined. How else can you explain the incredible win in the almost all white Iowa caucus - first up among the numerous beauty contests that ensued? I believe this man has greatness in him.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch today's events LIVE. Quite a while back, I made my semi-annual appointment with my cardiologist for today. At 11:15. What a dummy I am. I didn't even think of January 20th as being THE day of the inauguration - as it has been since the time of FDR. So, I will have to catch up on his speech and the swearing in ceremonies later today. I know all of it will be carried - either on CNN, or YouTube.
I am hopeful that Obama's detractors give him a chance. The last 8 years has taken a toll on our country because of the partisan nature of virtually everything. As an ex-Marine, I found my patriotism attacked by friends when I first told them I was against the war in Iraq. Many of these same folks had never served in the Armed Forces. When I explained, as logically as I could, my reason - Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11, their answer was Saddam was a bad guy. When I agreed, but asked if it was up to the U.S. to eliminate All bad guys throughout the world, such as Chavez in Venezuela, the guy in North Korea, the corrupt leaders in numerous African countries, or the current leaders in Iran, I was either told I was missing the point, or sworn at. Hopefully, civility will return.
Let us also hope that false information, hate, and pure meanness go away during the next several years.
Old Fart Mike
Monday, January 19, 2009
Wonder & Worry
With the Inauguration of Barrack Obama only a day away - someone I supported early on, by the way - my thoughts have been all over the board.
WONDER. My dad, had he lived, would be 98 years old. He and my mother lived through the great depression, and were life-long Democrats, and I don't believe either voted for a Republican at any time during their lives. My dad died in 1979 at the age of 69, my mom lived until the age of 89, passing in 2000.
My wondering has to do primarily with my dad. Though he was an unshakable Democrat (I'm sure he turned over in his grave on the many times I voted Republican), the thought of how he would have reacted to an African American being sworn in as President has been on my mind for some time now. I've been wondering if he would have voted for Obama in the General election last November, or would he have broken his self proclaimed committment to the Democrats and voted for McCain? I ask this rhetorical question because, as much as I love my dad, he was a racist.
He, of course, grew up in a different time - and although I don't condone racism - was a product of the environment. The mean streets of the south side of Chicago (ironically, where Obama chose to make his home in recent years) in 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's were divided by ethnic groups - mostly Irish, Italian, and Polish. My dad came from a 100% Irish family - both sides - and was proud of that heritage. With no more than a 6th grade education, he fought his way through a lot of things to bring up a family, eventually moving his wife and children to Southern California, after a stint in the Marines during World War 2.
However, his prejudices ran deep. He, as far as I remember, rarely used terms like Negro, or Black. Rather, his most often used terminology was the "N" word, or other demeaning epithets. He didn't just discriminate insofar as just African Americans either. Virtually anyone who wasn't white was referred to with similar negative names.
My dad wasn't a bad man. Just, like Archie Bunker, a product of the times he lived in.
WORRY. I do worry about our new President and whether or not he will survive. Perhaps the assassinations of MLK, and my two personal heroes, John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby, still resonate within me. All of the aforementioned inspired me. And until Obama, that inspiration had disappeared from America's leaders. At least to me. Reagan was good, but not in the same league - again, this is to me - as the Kennedy's or MLK. Obama though, has struck a nerve within me that has been sorely missing since I was a 21 year old, living in California, and volunteering for Bobby Kennedy. His assassination wounded me so badly that I swore off all political activity until almost 40 years later.
Though things have improved greatly in civil rights during the past 40 to 50 years, there are still, unfortunately too many people who HATE. While this hate is not confined to just race, if you couple the color of soon-to-be President Obama's skin with his different ideology from that of the former President's most crazed supporters (each party has them), I fear the possibility of a powder keg waiting to explode.
Let us hope this is not the case.
I have added the Obama family to my daily prayers.
Old Fart Mike
WONDER. My dad, had he lived, would be 98 years old. He and my mother lived through the great depression, and were life-long Democrats, and I don't believe either voted for a Republican at any time during their lives. My dad died in 1979 at the age of 69, my mom lived until the age of 89, passing in 2000.
My wondering has to do primarily with my dad. Though he was an unshakable Democrat (I'm sure he turned over in his grave on the many times I voted Republican), the thought of how he would have reacted to an African American being sworn in as President has been on my mind for some time now. I've been wondering if he would have voted for Obama in the General election last November, or would he have broken his self proclaimed committment to the Democrats and voted for McCain? I ask this rhetorical question because, as much as I love my dad, he was a racist.
He, of course, grew up in a different time - and although I don't condone racism - was a product of the environment. The mean streets of the south side of Chicago (ironically, where Obama chose to make his home in recent years) in 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's were divided by ethnic groups - mostly Irish, Italian, and Polish. My dad came from a 100% Irish family - both sides - and was proud of that heritage. With no more than a 6th grade education, he fought his way through a lot of things to bring up a family, eventually moving his wife and children to Southern California, after a stint in the Marines during World War 2.
However, his prejudices ran deep. He, as far as I remember, rarely used terms like Negro, or Black. Rather, his most often used terminology was the "N" word, or other demeaning epithets. He didn't just discriminate insofar as just African Americans either. Virtually anyone who wasn't white was referred to with similar negative names.
My dad wasn't a bad man. Just, like Archie Bunker, a product of the times he lived in.
WORRY. I do worry about our new President and whether or not he will survive. Perhaps the assassinations of MLK, and my two personal heroes, John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby, still resonate within me. All of the aforementioned inspired me. And until Obama, that inspiration had disappeared from America's leaders. At least to me. Reagan was good, but not in the same league - again, this is to me - as the Kennedy's or MLK. Obama though, has struck a nerve within me that has been sorely missing since I was a 21 year old, living in California, and volunteering for Bobby Kennedy. His assassination wounded me so badly that I swore off all political activity until almost 40 years later.
Though things have improved greatly in civil rights during the past 40 to 50 years, there are still, unfortunately too many people who HATE. While this hate is not confined to just race, if you couple the color of soon-to-be President Obama's skin with his different ideology from that of the former President's most crazed supporters (each party has them), I fear the possibility of a powder keg waiting to explode.
Let us hope this is not the case.
I have added the Obama family to my daily prayers.
Old Fart Mike
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Service
SERVICE....or I should say, lack of? Here's my story, sad, but true (Borrowed from an old Dion & the Belmonts song):
The bone-chilling cold weather we experienced the last few days wrecked havoc on my 12 year old car. Twice in the past couple days, my battery died, causing the need for a "jump" to get my car restarted. This, of course, led me to the obvious conclusion I needed to replace my battery. So, yesterday I took my car to good Ol' Wal-Mart to accomplish same.
At just a few minutes after 2:00Pm, I handed the keys over to the woman helping me, and after she explained that they were "backed up" and the installation could take between 2 to 4 hours, I asked her to call me when it was ready. My bride picked me up and we went home.
Not having heard a word from the folks at Wal-Mart, at 5:50, I called them to find out if my car was ready to be picked up. First, there was no separate number for the automotive department, so I had to call the main store switchboard, but it was answered relatively cheerily, and I asked for the automotive department. She switched me over. It rang 28 times. Then disconnected.
I called back and explained my situation to the operater. She replied, "Let me page someone". Gone for about 2 minutes, she came back on the line, and said, "No one is answering, hold on." Finally, a man answered, "Bob, sporting Goods."
I said, "Well, I'm trying to get ahold of someone in automotive to find out if my car is ready. I dropped it off at 2, and it's now 6, and I just needed a battery replaced. "
"Hang On", said Bob, from Sporting goods.
Bob came back about 4 minutes later, "Mike Hughes?"
"Yes".
Bob, "It's been ready since 3.25"
"You mean it's been ready for 2 1/2 hours and no one has called me?"
Bob, "You'll have to take that up with them."
"Tell them I'm coming to get the car"
Click.
So, I rousted my better half, and off we went.
When I arrived at the store, I went in, and found three people standing at the counter. One, a woman, came over to see me - didn't say a word, so I said, "My name is Mike Hughes, and I came to get my car". And I handed her my claim ticket.
As she looked at the paper work, I said, "So, this car has been ready for almost 3 hours now and nobody called me, how come?" She replied, "Well, you must not have told us to, it's not marked on the ticket." Obviously, I set the record straight and told her I DID tell the woman who helped me to call me when it was ready. She didn't say one word - NO APOLOGY, NO NOTHING. Just printed out the ticket with how much I owed.
In my younger years, I would have gotten in her face, and let her have it before demanding to see a manager. Now in my "Golden Years", I don't do that, I just don't go back and give these people my business again. They really don't care - and it is absolutely no good for me to get all crazy about.
Does anybody else see just how bad service is?
Old Fart Mike
The bone-chilling cold weather we experienced the last few days wrecked havoc on my 12 year old car. Twice in the past couple days, my battery died, causing the need for a "jump" to get my car restarted. This, of course, led me to the obvious conclusion I needed to replace my battery. So, yesterday I took my car to good Ol' Wal-Mart to accomplish same.
At just a few minutes after 2:00Pm, I handed the keys over to the woman helping me, and after she explained that they were "backed up" and the installation could take between 2 to 4 hours, I asked her to call me when it was ready. My bride picked me up and we went home.
Not having heard a word from the folks at Wal-Mart, at 5:50, I called them to find out if my car was ready to be picked up. First, there was no separate number for the automotive department, so I had to call the main store switchboard, but it was answered relatively cheerily, and I asked for the automotive department. She switched me over. It rang 28 times. Then disconnected.
I called back and explained my situation to the operater. She replied, "Let me page someone". Gone for about 2 minutes, she came back on the line, and said, "No one is answering, hold on." Finally, a man answered, "Bob, sporting Goods."
I said, "Well, I'm trying to get ahold of someone in automotive to find out if my car is ready. I dropped it off at 2, and it's now 6, and I just needed a battery replaced. "
"Hang On", said Bob, from Sporting goods.
Bob came back about 4 minutes later, "Mike Hughes?"
"Yes".
Bob, "It's been ready since 3.25"
"You mean it's been ready for 2 1/2 hours and no one has called me?"
Bob, "You'll have to take that up with them."
"Tell them I'm coming to get the car"
Click.
So, I rousted my better half, and off we went.
When I arrived at the store, I went in, and found three people standing at the counter. One, a woman, came over to see me - didn't say a word, so I said, "My name is Mike Hughes, and I came to get my car". And I handed her my claim ticket.
As she looked at the paper work, I said, "So, this car has been ready for almost 3 hours now and nobody called me, how come?" She replied, "Well, you must not have told us to, it's not marked on the ticket." Obviously, I set the record straight and told her I DID tell the woman who helped me to call me when it was ready. She didn't say one word - NO APOLOGY, NO NOTHING. Just printed out the ticket with how much I owed.
In my younger years, I would have gotten in her face, and let her have it before demanding to see a manager. Now in my "Golden Years", I don't do that, I just don't go back and give these people my business again. They really don't care - and it is absolutely no good for me to get all crazy about.
Does anybody else see just how bad service is?
Old Fart Mike
Friday, January 16, 2009
Farewell
FAREWELL - "Regrets, I've had a few - but then again, too few to mention..." Could've been the appropriate lyrics, should Dubya had had a theme song to his Goodbye speech last night on TV. He did it his way, alright. Our local paper led with a story about his farewell address - and, right next to it, a story about how Oklahomans will remember him more fondly than the rest of the nation and world. He still has a high approval rating here. Go figure.
Gil Grissom's farewell on CSI was sorta anti-climatic too. But, then again, that was just a TV show, not the real life mess we're embroiled in.
KEEP THOSE FLOCKING BIRDS AWAY - Honestly, I was unaware that birds or even a flock of them could bring down an aircraft - which is supposedly what happened to cause the US Airways flight to go down in the Hudson River shortly after take-off yesterday. You have to give the pilot a lot of credit for averting total disaster as not one life was lost. I'll have a lot more respect for a herd of birds in the future - and more fear too. Alfred Hitchcock was way ahead of his time.
HEAT WAVE. Yesterday's high temperature was 22 - at 1 AM. It steadily dropped all day, and was 16 at about 4 PM. This morning when I arose, it was 6. However, it is expected to get to a relatively balmy 38 later today. Tomorrow it will rise to the mid-fifties. In my thinking, it is still better than the brutal summers - where July and August typically see EVERY day between 90 and 105.
Old Fart Mike
Gil Grissom's farewell on CSI was sorta anti-climatic too. But, then again, that was just a TV show, not the real life mess we're embroiled in.
KEEP THOSE FLOCKING BIRDS AWAY - Honestly, I was unaware that birds or even a flock of them could bring down an aircraft - which is supposedly what happened to cause the US Airways flight to go down in the Hudson River shortly after take-off yesterday. You have to give the pilot a lot of credit for averting total disaster as not one life was lost. I'll have a lot more respect for a herd of birds in the future - and more fear too. Alfred Hitchcock was way ahead of his time.
HEAT WAVE. Yesterday's high temperature was 22 - at 1 AM. It steadily dropped all day, and was 16 at about 4 PM. This morning when I arose, it was 6. However, it is expected to get to a relatively balmy 38 later today. Tomorrow it will rise to the mid-fifties. In my thinking, it is still better than the brutal summers - where July and August typically see EVERY day between 90 and 105.
Old Fart Mike
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Many flew over the cuckoo's nest & other stuff
THE CUCKOOS NEST
I have been a big fan of American Idol since it's first season. I turned it on in that inaugural year only because nothing was good on the other 100+ channels I receive through cable. So, though I thought this program would be a real turkey, I quickly became hooked. My bride was upstairs, either sewing, or doing some computer things, for the first couple of episodes - but when I saw that my favorite, Kelly Clarkson - was getting ready to sing "After the Break", I called her down to watch. She then became hopelessly addicted, just like me. Anyhow, this season has begun - with the Auditions.
Wowee - what some people do! I confess I think some of those folks that audition must know how awful they are, and do it JUST to get their 2 minutes of fame, humiliating as it must be. However, some of the people who go on actually think they can sing and appear to be incredibly surprised when the judges tell them to take a hike. Obviously, these folks are seriously deluded. The question remains, "How can their family and friends allow them to do this?" Are they as tone deaf as the contestants that make fools of themselves - or are they merely being supportive? Good Grief - I'll admit my singing is akin to frogs croaking in a swamp, but I know it, and wouldn't dare subject myself to Simon Cowell's put-downs. The other thing I wonder about is whether the Producers of American Idol have a psychiatrist standing by for those poor individuals who have a melt-down after Simon has zinged them.
Lots of people can't stand this program, but it's tough to ignore its impact. Yesterday, when I ventured out in my car, I heard a song from Kelly Clarkson on one station; later switched to another station and heard Daughtry, and after completing my chores, heard one from Carrie Underwood.
OKIE NEWS
Big news broke here in Oklahoma yesterday which made most of the populace happy - except those in Stillwater (Home of Oklahoma State University) - Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford announced that he is coming back as QB for the OU Sooners. This news, of course, stole the headlines and lead story on local news channels. We've got our priorities right.
WEATHER
Everyone complains about the weather, so I'm gonna add my two cents. Yesterday, our weather here was rather nice for mid-January. The high was 51. That was at noon though, and then in came a cold front. Today's high temperature is supposed to reach 21 - a drop of 30 degrees, with a wind chill factor of about 12. Last night it was single digits. The problem, you see, is that has been the story throughout this winter - one day it hits 7o, the next it's only 30. Everyone you see is sniffling, or coughing - and has been for a month. To really tick me off, I spoke to both my brother and one of my oldest friends yesterday in Southern California. The temperature was in the eighties. I told them to go @#$%^&.
Old fart Mike
I have been a big fan of American Idol since it's first season. I turned it on in that inaugural year only because nothing was good on the other 100+ channels I receive through cable. So, though I thought this program would be a real turkey, I quickly became hooked. My bride was upstairs, either sewing, or doing some computer things, for the first couple of episodes - but when I saw that my favorite, Kelly Clarkson - was getting ready to sing "After the Break", I called her down to watch. She then became hopelessly addicted, just like me. Anyhow, this season has begun - with the Auditions.
Wowee - what some people do! I confess I think some of those folks that audition must know how awful they are, and do it JUST to get their 2 minutes of fame, humiliating as it must be. However, some of the people who go on actually think they can sing and appear to be incredibly surprised when the judges tell them to take a hike. Obviously, these folks are seriously deluded. The question remains, "How can their family and friends allow them to do this?" Are they as tone deaf as the contestants that make fools of themselves - or are they merely being supportive? Good Grief - I'll admit my singing is akin to frogs croaking in a swamp, but I know it, and wouldn't dare subject myself to Simon Cowell's put-downs. The other thing I wonder about is whether the Producers of American Idol have a psychiatrist standing by for those poor individuals who have a melt-down after Simon has zinged them.
Lots of people can't stand this program, but it's tough to ignore its impact. Yesterday, when I ventured out in my car, I heard a song from Kelly Clarkson on one station; later switched to another station and heard Daughtry, and after completing my chores, heard one from Carrie Underwood.
OKIE NEWS
Big news broke here in Oklahoma yesterday which made most of the populace happy - except those in Stillwater (Home of Oklahoma State University) - Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford announced that he is coming back as QB for the OU Sooners. This news, of course, stole the headlines and lead story on local news channels. We've got our priorities right.
WEATHER
Everyone complains about the weather, so I'm gonna add my two cents. Yesterday, our weather here was rather nice for mid-January. The high was 51. That was at noon though, and then in came a cold front. Today's high temperature is supposed to reach 21 - a drop of 30 degrees, with a wind chill factor of about 12. Last night it was single digits. The problem, you see, is that has been the story throughout this winter - one day it hits 7o, the next it's only 30. Everyone you see is sniffling, or coughing - and has been for a month. To really tick me off, I spoke to both my brother and one of my oldest friends yesterday in Southern California. The temperature was in the eighties. I told them to go @#$%^&.
Old fart Mike
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
TV Commercials
So, I'm watching TV last night and the thing I notice is the steady barrage of commercials pushing medicines and other health aids. Good thing my kids are all grown up! As a parent I didn't have to face explaining things like "Dad, what is Erectile dysfunction?" or "Daddy, what are feminine hygiene products used for?" or "Dad, the guy that's squirming around - how's he gonna be helped by preparation H?" Good Grief. Back in the day they didn't run commercials for products like that on TV - you actually had to go to the doctor, or your local druggist o find out such personal things.
I remember, as a matter of fact, the first time I thought(or probably wished)I might actually need to have a condom - we called them rubbers then - it was one of the most humiliating experiences of my short life til then. I was 15, and I went with a friend to a drugstore that was on the absolute other side of town from where we lived. Did that, obviously because the last thing I wanted was for my mom to find out. My dad probably would've told me to be careful, but, my mom, who never really yelled, would've given me one of her "disappointed" looks.
So, my friend and I went into the drugstore, and had to hang out for a while because - gasp - there was a woman working behind the counter where we thought we knew they were kept. As we killed time, we checked out Mad Magazine, and even tried to sneak a peek at Playboy, but to no avail. Finally the woman working the counter was distracted enough by a woman customer, and the male owner/pharmacist came to the counter. We sidled on over to him, and, in as quiet a voice as possible so as not to allow the two women to hear, I meekly asked the Pharmacist, "I'd like to buy a couple of prophylactics (the 'formal' name for rubbers then)"
His response, "Sorry, son, I couldn't hear you."
Gulp. I repeated my request.
He said, in a voice that I was sure could've been heard in downtown Los Angeles, "You want some rubbers, huh? What kind?"
Good Lord, I'm thinking, they have different kinds? How the hell would I know - I'm 15. I've never even seen one. I just know that my friends have told me this is something you need to have, in case you're able to "go all the way".
So, with my head down, and my voice trembling, I mumbled something like, "mmmjhokin".
Fortunately, the pharmacist, with a big smile on his face, didn't say another word, except to reach under the counter, get me a couple rubbers, and tell me the price. Can't remember for the life of me what it might have have - for all I know it could have been a thousand dollars or 10 cents. What I wanted more than anything was to run like hell. My friend and I left that store quickly, and never looked back.
Most of us teenage boys never used that first rubber. Instead they became our badge of honor, outlined in our wallet to show off to our buddies until the day we realized, looking at it, that the package had fallen apart, drying out the product and would not protect us when we did eventually have the chance to use it.
Now, of course, these products are prominently displayed in grocery stores, and the old time drugstores have mostly disappeared. Also, the mystique of other medicines is long gone, much like the youth of people like me - who are awfully glad they don't have to explain to their precocious 9 year old what erectile dysfunction is, or exactly what you use Preparation H for.
Old Fart Mike
I remember, as a matter of fact, the first time I thought(or probably wished)I might actually need to have a condom - we called them rubbers then - it was one of the most humiliating experiences of my short life til then. I was 15, and I went with a friend to a drugstore that was on the absolute other side of town from where we lived. Did that, obviously because the last thing I wanted was for my mom to find out. My dad probably would've told me to be careful, but, my mom, who never really yelled, would've given me one of her "disappointed" looks.
So, my friend and I went into the drugstore, and had to hang out for a while because - gasp - there was a woman working behind the counter where we thought we knew they were kept. As we killed time, we checked out Mad Magazine, and even tried to sneak a peek at Playboy, but to no avail. Finally the woman working the counter was distracted enough by a woman customer, and the male owner/pharmacist came to the counter. We sidled on over to him, and, in as quiet a voice as possible so as not to allow the two women to hear, I meekly asked the Pharmacist, "I'd like to buy a couple of prophylactics (the 'formal' name for rubbers then)"
His response, "Sorry, son, I couldn't hear you."
Gulp. I repeated my request.
He said, in a voice that I was sure could've been heard in downtown Los Angeles, "You want some rubbers, huh? What kind?"
Good Lord, I'm thinking, they have different kinds? How the hell would I know - I'm 15. I've never even seen one. I just know that my friends have told me this is something you need to have, in case you're able to "go all the way".
So, with my head down, and my voice trembling, I mumbled something like, "mmmjhokin".
Fortunately, the pharmacist, with a big smile on his face, didn't say another word, except to reach under the counter, get me a couple rubbers, and tell me the price. Can't remember for the life of me what it might have have - for all I know it could have been a thousand dollars or 10 cents. What I wanted more than anything was to run like hell. My friend and I left that store quickly, and never looked back.
Most of us teenage boys never used that first rubber. Instead they became our badge of honor, outlined in our wallet to show off to our buddies until the day we realized, looking at it, that the package had fallen apart, drying out the product and would not protect us when we did eventually have the chance to use it.
Now, of course, these products are prominently displayed in grocery stores, and the old time drugstores have mostly disappeared. Also, the mystique of other medicines is long gone, much like the youth of people like me - who are awfully glad they don't have to explain to their precocious 9 year old what erectile dysfunction is, or exactly what you use Preparation H for.
Old Fart Mike
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
IN THE NEWS
I'm a news junkie. I admit it. Before I stopped working, my intake of the news was like most working men - check out the sports page while gulping down a cuppa coffee on the way out the door, maybe watch a few minutes of the network news while I dozed off before dragging myself to bed. Now, I read the local morning paper cover to cover; check in on the New York Times and Washington Post on-line and tune in Wolf Blitzer (CNN) in the afternoon to see what's up in the world. A load of info for my 62 year old brain. 3 things I want to comment on today.
MADOFF. If ever there was an appropriate name for a thief, it's this guy. Most of the folks who will read this little blog of mine know it is pronounced "MADE OFF" - as in, Made off with his investor's money. Here's what really bothers me about this guy. Yesterday, a judge ruled that he didn't have to go to jail while he awaited trial. Instead, said judge confined him to his $7 million penthouse apartment, under "house arrest". Isn't that kinda like punishing a kid by sending him to his room - which happens to be filled with a Color TV; Telephone; Stereo; I-Pod; and all the latest in video games, etc.??
Madoff swindled his investors out of some $50 million bucks. An average, low-life bank robber who gets away with maybe $4,000 gets thrown in the slammer to await his court date. What's wrong with this picture?
PRINCE HARRY. The big to-do that has Prince Harry in the news these days is that he called one of his Mates in the British Royal Army (or whatever they call it) a "Raghead". Not a nice thing for him to say, though most of my friends use the term "Towell Head', or have taken to the popular joke, "Sheet Head". The point is when you are a "Royal", a leader of some sort, or celebrity, for that matter - you simply cannot utter any type of racial or religious epithet. Though guys who are buddies, in particular, are fond of calling each other such names as Dickhead or referring to one another's ancestry - Dago, Mick, etc., as a term of manly endearment, when you are on the national or wordly stage, it is a BIG NO-NO.
A good example of this male bonding through the use of nasty name calling can be found in the Movie "Gran Torino", starring Archie Bunk....make that Clint Eastwood. Clint who growls his way through this movie using every known slam on Asians, shows in a particularly funny scene (for guys, anyway) how men insult each other and think it's great. My wife, and the other woman in our party were aghast that this happened, and asked if it was true. My buddy and I laughed and told them both "Absolutely." They were horrified.
THURSDAY NIGHT GOODBYES. Just read in the paper that President W. plans to address the Nation on TV on Thursday night, giving his farewell address. He's asked for time from all the major networks - about 15 minutes - at 8est/7cst. Interesting that it is the same night that Gil Grissom of the original CSI will also be saying goodbye to the role he created. Based on their respective ratings, I know which will be missed more.
Old Fart Mike
MADOFF. If ever there was an appropriate name for a thief, it's this guy. Most of the folks who will read this little blog of mine know it is pronounced "MADE OFF" - as in, Made off with his investor's money. Here's what really bothers me about this guy. Yesterday, a judge ruled that he didn't have to go to jail while he awaited trial. Instead, said judge confined him to his $7 million penthouse apartment, under "house arrest". Isn't that kinda like punishing a kid by sending him to his room - which happens to be filled with a Color TV; Telephone; Stereo; I-Pod; and all the latest in video games, etc.??
Madoff swindled his investors out of some $50 million bucks. An average, low-life bank robber who gets away with maybe $4,000 gets thrown in the slammer to await his court date. What's wrong with this picture?
PRINCE HARRY. The big to-do that has Prince Harry in the news these days is that he called one of his Mates in the British Royal Army (or whatever they call it) a "Raghead". Not a nice thing for him to say, though most of my friends use the term "Towell Head', or have taken to the popular joke, "Sheet Head". The point is when you are a "Royal", a leader of some sort, or celebrity, for that matter - you simply cannot utter any type of racial or religious epithet. Though guys who are buddies, in particular, are fond of calling each other such names as Dickhead or referring to one another's ancestry - Dago, Mick, etc., as a term of manly endearment, when you are on the national or wordly stage, it is a BIG NO-NO.
A good example of this male bonding through the use of nasty name calling can be found in the Movie "Gran Torino", starring Archie Bunk....make that Clint Eastwood. Clint who growls his way through this movie using every known slam on Asians, shows in a particularly funny scene (for guys, anyway) how men insult each other and think it's great. My wife, and the other woman in our party were aghast that this happened, and asked if it was true. My buddy and I laughed and told them both "Absolutely." They were horrified.
THURSDAY NIGHT GOODBYES. Just read in the paper that President W. plans to address the Nation on TV on Thursday night, giving his farewell address. He's asked for time from all the major networks - about 15 minutes - at 8est/7cst. Interesting that it is the same night that Gil Grissom of the original CSI will also be saying goodbye to the role he created. Based on their respective ratings, I know which will be missed more.
Old Fart Mike
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday Morning First Blog
I decided to get into the blogosphere this year. That way, when I want to rant, I can just do so at the time, not wait for it to build up to a point when my brain is close to exploding. So, dear friends and family, this is it. Don't know if you want this or not, but it will allow me to get things off my chest - or mind.
A lot has been going on since the new year began, but 12 days is a long time to get caught up on, so I'll only give you "Bits and pieces" as the title of my blog implies.
OU lost another bowl game and another BCS championship. The good news for me is that I only got 2 calls from friends referring to "Chokelahoma". UGH. It is tiresome hearing stuff like that. Most of these folks don't comment on the fact that the Sooners have been to the Championship game four times in the last 10 years though. Not a whole lot of teams can boast of that achievement.
Other good news is that in just 8 days, a new President will take office. He will have one of the toughest jobs EVER ahead of him because of the mess left by his predecessor. 2 wars, the economy, I could go on and on - but I don't want to Tick off my Stalwart Republican friends in this first ever Blog of mine. There will be plenty of time for that in the future. :)
That's it for now.
Old Fart Mike
A lot has been going on since the new year began, but 12 days is a long time to get caught up on, so I'll only give you "Bits and pieces" as the title of my blog implies.
OU lost another bowl game and another BCS championship. The good news for me is that I only got 2 calls from friends referring to "Chokelahoma". UGH. It is tiresome hearing stuff like that. Most of these folks don't comment on the fact that the Sooners have been to the Championship game four times in the last 10 years though. Not a whole lot of teams can boast of that achievement.
Other good news is that in just 8 days, a new President will take office. He will have one of the toughest jobs EVER ahead of him because of the mess left by his predecessor. 2 wars, the economy, I could go on and on - but I don't want to Tick off my Stalwart Republican friends in this first ever Blog of mine. There will be plenty of time for that in the future. :)
That's it for now.
Old Fart Mike
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