AVERAGE JOE AMERICAN

Friday the 13th

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 06:58:00 -0500

Now that Friday the 13th has come and gone once again, it should be safe to talk about, right? No cause for alarm or panic, the world didn't come to an end.

For most.

But for many in a Denver, Colorado, neighborhood, the world may as well have come to an end, because it has been changed forever. It was changed by a student gunman who -- surprise, surprise -- one day before the Sandyhook anniversary and just ten miles from Columbine added his name to the history books. God be with the people of Arapahoe.

But what do we do about this senseless school violence? How do we put a stop to this parade of young killers shooting up theaters, high schools, colleges, churches? What cost is too high, what measures to extreme to protect our children?

Gun Control. Is that the answer? Ask anyone with anything more than just an opinion on the matter and they'll tell you that taking guns away from honest Americans doesn't take them away from criminals. It only prevents those honest Americans from defending themselves.

Concealed Carry. Do we institute and enforce concealed carry laws nationwide? And if so, how do you enforce them? Would Police have the right to do random checks for firearms or permits? I'm sure the ACLU would have a field day with that. And what of the first strange looking individual walking down the sidewalk with what looks like a gun bulging beneath his jacket? With all the craziness lately, you may as well shout "Fire" in a crowded theater.

My family was in a mall earlier this week in suburban Louisville, Kentucky, when a fire alarm started going off inexplicably. While several people reacted as if they didn't hear it, others responded by saying, "It does that all the time lately." Most people in the mall were numb to it. Most. But not all. My wife passed one woman who was quickly shuffling to the exit while her companion tried to keep up. The companion asked the shuffling woman where she was going, and my wife heard her respond, "There's a man back there with a gun. There's a man with a gun."

Of course, there wasn't. But there could have been (as there was in an Arapahoe High School two days later). And there was no panic invited by the shuffler's proclamation. But there could have been. And in either case people could have died.

And as shocked as we are every time that this happens, we should not be surprised. Because nothing has really been done to prevent it. Which brings me back to my earlier question: how do we put a stop to it? I have an idea that would make some people happy, others not so much, but would likely make any would be shooter think twice before opening fire.

Open Carry. Let me first say that I think concealed carry laws are stupid. The only people who need to secretly carry a gun probably shouldn't be carrying one in the first place. It may make them feel safe, but what of everyone around them who either (a) doesn't know that they have a gun until it needs to be drawn -- which is already you too late, or (b) sees a suspicious bulge and becomes fearful of what they suspect is a gun.

My argument for Open Carry laws is simple.
(1) A gun carried openly by an honest citizen would likely deter a shooter who doesn't want to be shot before doing his damage.
(2) If guns were carried openly there would be less cause for concern when one is seen in public.
(3) If guns were carried openly, Police could easily check for permits without random targeting -- or profiling.
(4) If concealed carry was illegal, as soon as someone withdrew a concealed weapon they would be identifying themselves as law breakers.

Think about it, aren't you more concerned about someone who has something to hide?

If you have a better idea, I would love to hear it. Share it in the comments below.

Obamacare Mash

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 18:20:00 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ofs51kzjSRA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Food Stamps Brown Out

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 21:53:00 -0400

I wonder who they'll blame for this one. My money's on John Boehner and the House Republicans.

No groceries for people in 17 states when food stamp debit card system fails - http://pulse.me/s/s1Bpo

nbcnews.com

By Becky Bratu, Staff Writer, NBC News

People across 17 states Saturday were unable to use their food stamp debit cards after a computer failure at the company that powers the system.
Ohio, Michigan and Illinois were a few of the states where people reported having trouble using their electronic benefits transfer cards, which are managed by vendor Xerox Corp.

A company spokeswoman confirmed Saturday that the system was experiencing connectivity issues.
"During a routine test of our back-up systems Saturday morning, Xerox's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system experienced a temporary shutdown. While the system is now up and running, beneficiaries in the 17 affected states continue to experience connectivity issues to access their benefits," spokeswoman Karen Arena said in a statement.

Surprised, Anyone?

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 21:45:00 -0400

Not me.

ObamaCare rates trigger more sticker shock | Fox News - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/10/12/obamacare-rates-trigger-more-sticker-shock/

It's Been A Long Time

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 14:30:00 -0400

Wow, it's been over a year since I've posted any content here. It would be a miracle if there's anyone still around to read this, having neglected it for so long. I've dropped out of ever social network I was on since then, and it has made for quite a peaceful time. Lots of noise on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, et. al. But I've been thinking maybe it's time to get back to sharing my thoughts and rants here. After all, a person needs some form of release.

So if you're ready -- if you're even still here -- the ride is about to start. Strap yourself in and hold on tight.

-- Joe

Political Gala Hoopla

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Tue, 4 Sep 2012 09:24:00 -0400

Last week was the Republican National Convention, and the Democrats kick off their gala of excess tonight. While it's probably no surprise to regular readers which way I'll vote in November, I'll reserve my comments on both conventions until the Democrats festivities have concluded.

I'll be watching the Dems from a hotel room in Detroit while I travel on business. Should be an interesting week.

9th Birthday

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sat, 1 Sep 2012 22:59:00 -0400

Today, my boy turned nine. Seems like only yesterday....

So we went to Chicago for a 2-day getaway and just did lots of kid things. Had a great time! And tomorrow is the birthday party.

Change At The Pump

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:28:00 -0400

How convenient for big oil companies that Hurricane Isaac chose the week before Labor Day to strike, causing them to shut down refineries in the affected area, driving gas prices up for one of the biggest travel weekends of the year! And all the Obama administration can do about gas prices is pass increasingly restrictive emissions policies for new vehicles.

The only change Obama has given me is change for a dollar, and somehow it just doesn't add up.

Test Post From Orange Diary on Kindle

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 19:31:00 -0400

This is a test.

Test Post From Orange Diary for Android

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 19:29:00 -0400

This is a test.

It's Been A Long Time....

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 14:29:00 -0400

It's been quite a while since I've been active here. In fact, I got a notice from my Domain Registrar that my Domain name is due to be renewed. I guess if I'm going to pay for AverageJoeAmerican.US for a few more years, then I should probably get a little more active in posting here.

Guess it's a good thing we have a Presidential election coming up in a few months. That will certainly give me a few things to talk about.

My question is this: without resorting to what the politicians do and bashing one or the other, who will you be voting for, and why?

Send me your comments.

Joe

BOOK REVIEW: Double Barrel by Grey West

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:41:00 -0400

If the Civil War Couldn't Beat Him, Who Are A Bunch of Zombies to Try?

So, I'm not one who generally cares much for stories of Zombies, Vampires, Werewolves ... the Undead in general. And the bookshelves (real or virtual) are cluttered lately with stories about Zombies, stories about Vampires, stories about Zombie-killing Vampires -- you name it, it's out there.

What first caught my eye about the Double Barrel series, honestly, was Honest Abe on the cover. It caught my eye, and I just had to see what it was all about. Who would have guessed that I would find the entire series impossible to put down. Incredibly well written and very compelling, I just could not get enough of the Barrel brothers and their Zombie quest!

As for Honest Abe? Well, you can't really call this Historical Fiction, or Alternate History, but it sure does make the story that much more intriguing to imagine that our 16th President was actually involved in a Zombie Apocalypse.

Who says you can't judge a book by it's cover? I say, if Honest Abe is on the cover, it's a MUST READ, as are ALL of the Double Barrel episodes. Very well done!

Send me your comments. Joe

BOOK REVIEW: Admit The Horse by P.G. Abeles

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:11:00 -0400

A very well written account (more fact than fiction) of what SHOULD be the most controversial Presidential election in our nation's history (moreso, even, than the election of George W. Bush in 2000). In "Admit The Horse," Abeles weaves the story that the mainstream media refused to report as it happened: the story of an inexperienced community organizer's rise to the highest office in the land, and all of the tactics of questionable legality that helped him to get there.

The story is both colorful and matter-of-fact. It reads like an oral history of current events, as it probably should, given that the author was there through much of the inspiration of the tale.

At this time when we have a second chance to hope for real change in the upcoming election ... and the candidate "O" finally has a record to run on (albeit not a very successful one) ... this book should be required reading for every registered voter before going to the polls this November.

A fantastic telling of a fantastic story that. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would review it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Send me your comments. Joe

Ames Debate Thoughts

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:04:00 -0400

I found the debate tonight very interesting. First and foremost: Ron Paul is a crackpot. With that said, I can easily rule out five of the candidates on the stage in Iowa. I'll refrain from naming those eliminations this early in the campaign, because many of them are likely to flop their flip before primary day.

What I will say is, I now wish more than ever that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was running; I can't wait for Rick Perry to get into the thick of it; I'm still hopeful that Rudy Giuliani will enter the race.

Who won tonight? I think most will remember this as the day that Rick Perry threw his hat into the ring.

Any thoughts to add?

I Said, NO Soliciting!

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Tue, 9 Aug 2011 19:00:00 -0400

Twice today, people have come to my door peddling something that I would go out and get on my own if I really wanted it. Both times, when I told the unwanted solicitors trespassing on my property (it is posted PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO SOLICITING, NO TRESPASSING at the entrance to our subdivision) that I wasn't interested, they acted surprised, as if I must not understand what wonderful things they had to offer. One had the gall to ask me why, and the second suggested I stop taking drugs when I informed him that it was posted NO SOLICITING in the neighborhood.

This is more annoying than the phone call from the RNC that I mentioned in my earlier post, because these people clearly know where we live and could transact any sort of trouble if they had the desire to get revenge for being rejected. Not to mention that they interrupt dinner and other family activities and get our dogs excited and barking when they ring the doorbell.

Why must these people refuse to take no for an answer? Why must they become rude and insulting when told that they are trespassing on private property and are unwelcome?

Is it just me? Or do others find these people to be a nuisance? Or is this just one more product of the decline of society?

Political Hang Up

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Tue, 9 Aug 2011 17:57:00 -0400

Just what makes people -- even my own political party -- think it's okay to call me in the middle of the work day and start rattling their spiel with no regard for what I might be busy doing? Not even a, "Do you have a moment?" to make sure they aren't catching me in the middle of something. Maybe that's why they've been calling me twice a day every day with their number marked RESTRICTED. They must have known that eventually I would get tired of rejecting the RESTRICTED call and wondering who it was that I would actually answer it.

Wonder if they knew I would hang up on them, too.

I understand the importance of Cut, Cap & Balance. I realize that Congress and the Obama Administration have failed us financially (for one). You would have to live under a rock not to know (in fact, I think even Patrick Star understands). Please don't call me and insult my intelligence with your scripted jargon. And if you, dear GOP, need to call someone, shouldn't you be calling the Democrats or Independents who are still disillusioned with Washington? Make your phone calls count and stop preaching to the choir!

FREE William Brooks Download TODAY ONLY

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:56:00 -0400

Magnatune Song of the Day
for Friday, July 15, 2011

Genre: Folk
Album: Bitter Circus
Artist: William Brooks
Song: 11. She's Right Over There

Listen to the album: hifi lofi

(only available today, Friday)

Today's free song is from the album:

"Bitter Circus" by William Brooks

Total time: 46:18 - release date: 3/24/2004
This artist has 5 other albums

New Video From Brett Mikels

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 21:35:00 -0400

You've heard him on The Joe Show. Now check out his great new video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVr21Df55U4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

And don't forget to LIKE it while you're there.

Joe

Sent via my Android

FREE Mountain Mirrors Download TODAY ONLY

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sun, 5 Jun 2011 09:13:00 -0400

Magnatune Song of the Day
for Sunday, June 5, 2011

Genre: Alt Rock
Album: Mountain Mirrors
Artist: Mountain Mirrors
Song: 6. Alone in a Crowd

Listen to the album: hifi lofi

(only available today, Sunday)

Today's free song is from the album:

"Mountain Mirrors" by Mountain Mirrors

Total time: 42:31 - release date: 4/15/2006
This artist has 3 other albums

More Disney Trip Updates Coming Soon

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Sun, 8 May 2011 10:11:00 -0400

We just returned from our second trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We had a great time, and I'll be adding pictures and video to my mobile posts from Orlando over the next few days.

Check back for updates.

We're already making plans for our next trip, in late 2012, when the updated Fantasyland will be open.

Send me your comments. Joe

Vacation Day 7: Magic Kingdom & More

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Fri, 6 May 2011 23:35:00 -0400

Our last full day at Disney World was split between Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and relaxing in our resort room. We started with a character breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Pooh, where our kids were treated as guests of honor and escorted to our table by Mary Poppins. Mad Hatter was a hoot! At Magic Kingdom we rode our first roller coaster as a family. It was awesome! Then after a peaceful afternoon in the room, we did some shopping at Downtown Disney. It was a good day.

Vacation Day 6: Epcot

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Thu, 5 May 2011 08:49:00 -0400

After having breakfast with the Princesses we spent the day at Epcot, one of my favorite parks. Fast rides with my little girl and drinking Mezzo Mix at the Coke Club Cool made for an awesome day!

Some pictures from our day at Epcot:

Vacation Day 5: Birthday Princess

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Wed, 4 May 2011 07:18:00 -0400

My daughter's 5th birthday was spent at Magic Kingdom. We even had dinner with the Princesses at Cinderella Castle. At one shop we went into, the shopkeepers got everyone in the store -- customers included -- to sing Happy Birthday to her. It was a magical birthday! My little girl rode Splash Mountain with me and her first real roller coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -- front seat on both!

Some pictures of my Tink's birthday at the Magic Kingdom:

Vacation Day 4: Animal Kingdom

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Tue, 3 May 2011 07:20:00 -0400

We had a great family day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The "cast members" were back to their normal form. The parks have been very crowded this time around, and Downtown Disney was so crowded last night it was almost impossible to move. We had a wonderful meal at Chef Mickey's, and even my son got into meeting with the characters. It's been a great trip so far!

Some pictures from our day at Animal Kingdom:

Vacation Day 3: Magic Kingdom

joe@averagejoeamerican.us (Average Joe American) — Mon, 2 May 2011 00:45:00 -0400

We had a great day at Disney's Magic Kingdom today. Only two comments, really. 1) Seriously, they can include Internet in the room at these prices? 2) Many of the "Cast Members" seem a lot less friendly than the last time we came.

Some pics from our day at Magic Kingdom: