Our World, Gus' Opinion...

Navy removes captain of Enterprise for making vulgar videos

2011-01-05T14:01:00.000-06:00

Well, you must have your head in the sand if you have not heard or been following this story. "The officer, Capt. Owen Honors, was permanently relieved of his duties two weeks before the Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered carrier, is due to leave its home port in Norfolk, Va., to support combat missions in Afghanistan."

Okay, my question is why did it take the Navy brass two years to come to this decision? I'm sure that it had nothing to do with the video's being posted and brought to the attention of the citizens of the United States. Sorry, I'm not buying for one minute that no one that decided to remove Capt. Owen Honors from his duty never knew anything about these videos until now...Bull Shit. And now that it has become a public embarrassment to the Navy they act like they never knew a thing and so to make it look good and like they have great concern, now they react in relieving him from his duty simply to make things look good as though they never had a clue this was going on and try to redeem themselves in the public eye. Well you can buy that bull crap they are trying to sell you if you like, but I don't buy it for one split second.

Actually, although the videos in poor taste and especially the slurs against gays, I see these videos as pretty harmless and not reflective on his ability to lead his crew. And do remember he was promoted by the same top brass in the Navy that are now trying to cover their tracks and remove the egg from their face in their moment of public embarrassment.

Read the story in the Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_17012405?source=rss

Disclaimer: All images, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain. In the event that there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon request.

A Plunge Into The 21st Century

2010-08-22T09:31:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I decided to stick my toe into the 21st Century. I went out shopping for a flat screen TV. I did some research on the Internet, asked multiple questions from all my friends and finally decided to jump into the car and head for my favorite local Walmart…you know the big one out in Jordan Creek where the rich people in Des Moines, IA shop. I had a few models in mind, like that really mattered as I would not know a good one from a bad one or which is best or best suited to me. I had my best friend Jeff with me to assist in the decision. I ended up getting a Vizio 32 inch. Thirty-two inches!!! That has to be the largest screen I have ever owned and it is long and wide. Nothing of this nature has ever graced my home. I'm use to those big box, tube TV’s that after a few years you have to slap on the side when you first turn them on so you can see the pictures. Heck I still have TV’s in my house that actually have knobs. I’m sure I am not the only one that remembers those. The knobs break off and you have to get the needle nose pliers out to turn the channel. Oh my, I guess I can lie about my age but not the ages.

I can remember my very first computer, a TI-99-4A (circa 1979) by Texas Instruments. I was so excited. I ripped open the box, hooked it up to the TV (used as a monitor) and then now what? I looked at my dad and said, “I don’t like this, I cannot ask it questions and have it tell me the answers”. He explained to me that this is not how computers work and that what I was wishing for would never happen. But I had a vision beyond my years and then here came the Internet that did all the things that I had wanted and envisioned for a computer to do. No I did not invent the Internet, that would have been Al Gore.

I also had to get a new cell phone a couple of weeks ago. Everyone tried to talk me into getting an Iphone or Android type phone with all the bells and whistles. I just could not do it. I was unwilling to learn the new technology of having all this information immediately at my fingertips 24/7. I stuck with a more traditional cell phone that about all it does is make phone calls. That’s what a cell phone is supposed to do isn’t it?

So as you see getting my toes wet in the purchase of my first flat screen TV was a pretty big plunge into the 21st century for me. Next maybe I will learn how to send text messages!

BP finally stops oil spewing from Gulf gusher! FINALLY!!!

2010-07-15T22:08:00.011-05:00

Does this finally mean after 3 months of hearing nothing but a nightly update from Katie Couric that she will now have to find something else news worthy to talk about? I sure the heck hope so! Okay, this is the one of worst environmental catastrophes but one soon becomes tired of hearing about it night after night especially when it goes on and on over the course of a three month period of time. There is little I have to say about this subject that has not already been said...but shame on BP. I think it has been proven that they took short cuts and cut corners trying to save money. In consequence we ended up with this disaster that will affect our environment, sea life, Gulf shores, tourism and wet lands for decades. No amount of money will ever change this or fix the problems and issues that have resulted due to the negligence of BP. There are no fines big enough and no penalties strong enough to bestow on this company for what they have done. A true shame of which all executive management of BP should hang their heads in disgrace and be removed from their positions of which they abused and compromised the trust given to them in the operations and decision making within this company.

I will let you read more on this subject at the related links listed below.

I use to use BP gas quite often, but no more. I truly feel bad for the BP station owners. But to ever regain my business they will have to change their affiliation and sell gas supplied by another company. Until then I will just travel to the next station down the street and I encourage the rest of you to do the same. Perhaps then these business owners will strongly consider cutting ties with BP and align themselves with a more responsible company, and hopefully one from the United States!

Gus

Disclaimer:All images, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain. In the event that there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon request.

Polanski free, Swiss reject US extradition request. Was there much doubt?

2010-07-12T08:45:00.003-05:00

First I must apologize to those followers who have been watching for my latest update to my blog. There was some website difficulties and it was not until recent that I could again access my blog to make any postings. With that said here is my next entry.

This is a followup to an old posting in my blog about Roman Polanski. The Swiss government today rejected the United States request to extradite him due to the refusal of the United States to produce and share documents about Polanski's sentencing procedure in 1977-1978. Duh...and one could see why such refusal if you read my first blog entry...the judge reneged on his original ruling and now they want to go back and have a big do over!

Now don't get me wrong here. I am not defending or making justification for Roman Polanski's past behaviors with underage girls. But fair is fair and our justice system must be held accountable for it's actions. Once a ruling or judgement is made there are no "do overs". I commend the Swiss government in their actions today in making the United States take responsibility for their actions.

Four elementary schools in New Albany, Floyd County closing!

2010-03-12T13:00:00.007-06:00

This blog entry may not have effect on many reader, but it is of interest to me as a citizen within this school district. Throughout the country many other school districts are going through similar hard times, budget cuts, and had decisions that are having to be made by school boards across the country in the address of such problems. First I invite you to read the link provided. This is a short article and there is a four minute news cast video. Four elementary schools in New Albany, Floyd County closing! WHAS11 Louisville, Kentucky and Indiana News Local News

First, I will without hesitation state that I one hundred percent agree with the decision of the school board. The measure proposed passed on a 5 to 2 vote and would like to quickly point out the two dissenting vote came from two school board members that have previously announced they would be running for other higher offices. Their dissent obviously politically motivated in the future advancement of their careers in our city government in their pursuit of higher office of which they have expressed their intent.

One parent wrote about the $2000 in property tax they pay each year of which nearly all such tax payment funded education for her children. Must be from a low rent district...but regardless she would be wrong. Property taxes are cut up into funding many city and county services with schools being one of many such services funded. With the average family having approximately 3 children of the $2000 this parent declares she pays even if the whole $2000 amount were to go to schools (which it does not) that would equal $666 per child of which the parent is receiving benefit, where someone such as myself paying the same $2000 in taxes who has no children gets very little benefit from the same amount paid. So it is very easy to see who is reaping the most benefit here and that would not be me! Yet it is a part of homeownership and the contribution I must pay as a citizen of this community of which I have never voiced issue or complaint. But it angers me the entitlement that some people feel and expect they should receive from the hand of others. In this situation, their children are going to school for almost free! Those on welfare, food stamps, and government assistance are sending their children to our public schools for free as you know they are paying no property taxes. And yet just a few days ago my mother and I were a gasp when one such welfare free loader complained to us on the issue of these schools closing. The last freaking person on this planet that should be complaining in my opinion when my tax dollars are sending her child to school for a free public education, not to mention the welfare benefits and food stamps that my tax dollars provide to her so that she and her child can eat and have a roof over their head at night. Yet it is the people with this mentality that already rape our system collecting free hand outs that are always the first to complain.

The decision that was made in the closing of these schools was long over due. Back when the money freely flowed like water from the faucet they spent money hand over fist just wasting it thoughtlessly instead of buckling down and conserving during plentiful times. Now that the faucet has been shut off they are finally buckling down, being conservative, closing schools to fill up classrooms that were until now half empty and getting rid of some teachers and their salaries that were unnecessary and frivolously being paid to teach half full classrooms in many instances. The school board finally in the face of cutting the budget or going into bankruptcy did the reasonable and prudent thing in making this decision...a decision that should have been made many years ago and of which was long over due.

Now that the well has run dry and there is no bottomless pit of money to abuse we have the school board scrambling and parents crying due to past recklessness, negligence and abuse. Yet, there remains many options open and available for these parents and their children. Maybe not easy options or the most convenient options but none the less many options are available other than wasting tax dollars keeping open schools and paying teachers salaries that we don't need. Many parents are voicing and making excuses to not close these schools in that they bought property in that particular neighborhood because that is the school they wanted there children to attend...Then move! The school board was quite cleaver, they had Realtors on hand at last nights board meeting when the decision came down the pipe for the pissers, moaners and cry babies that were using this as their excuse. Or the excuse that two of the four schools were four star schools, one of which President Bush visited a few years ago. So what? Anyone that forks out enough money or kisses the right tail feathers can persuad someone or some outside organization to dawn them with a gold plaque to hang on the wall and say how great and wonderful you are...but that doesn't make it so. (you can look at the New Albany, IN high school statistics and figure that out) Or how about saving some of that money being spent going out to eat three and four nights a week or saving some of that money spend at Bonnie Sloan (the VFW) slamming back $3 drinks and leaving $5 tips more nights than not and using it for the education of their child in a private school of their choice if the free public school no longer meets with the parents approval. We have at least two private Catholic Schools that would be happy to educate your children (for a price) and it is not required that you be catholic for your children to attend. They also provide excellent educations and the students have higher aptitude scores than those in area public schools. Or how about those big vacations, road trips, season basketball tickets to the Wildcats game, greens fees, country club memberships, eating hamburgers instead of steak, running up debts on your 52 credit cards you have to have and all the other places in ones budget that personal cuts could be made to fund your child’s private education if public school is no longer good enough for you and you recent the appropriate and prudent decision by the school board that was made? And for those that can afford or budget their families so that they can send their children to a private school it would certainly be to the advantage of their children as the New Albany High School graduation rate is only 87% and of those graduates only 8% aspire to further education of a bachelors degree or higher...which in our economy and job market is almost a must to get a job of which you can comfortably survive. Oh yes, that's right you have “entitlement” to bitch about what basically amounts to the free ride you're getting by sending your children to public school...I forgot. But I tell you what I have not forgotten and that is the thousands of homeowners just like me in this community that pay property taxes that have no children. We are paying just as much and probably more than most in our community for your child’s free education that you bitch about and of which we get little or no personal benefit at all. Yet we don't complain that we are funding your child’s education…nor should we.

Bottom line...this was the right thing to do. This should have been done long ago and if the free ride is no longer appealing to such parents then there are many other choices for them other than sitting around bitching, pointing fingers, name calling and crying about something they have no justification what so ever to be crying about. These pissers and moaners have the choice if desired to move to a new neighborhood in the area, they can home school their children, they can send their children to private school, and if none of those options sound good to them how about picking one of the other 49 states with hundreds of thousands of different school districts to select from to send their children to school. However, don't think for a moment that this is just a New Albany, IN problem as the economy and recession has effected the entire country and regardless where you live I'm sure as a reader your community and maybe even your schools are going through similar budget cuts, reorganizations, and have their own sets of problems and issues of a similar nature.

The New Albany/Floyd County School Board did the right thing. If faulted for anything it should be for wasting our tax money all these years and not doing this ten or more years ago. Finally the reasonable and prudent decision in closing these schools and releasing teachers that were unnecessary is being done. From a practical, financial and business point of view I see no other reasonable options or fundamentally sound choice the school boards could have or should have made.

Gus

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All images, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain. In the event that there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon request.

Judge Vacates Sentence of Duck Killer

2010-03-10T18:04:00.002-06:00

I read this story and about fell off my chair laughing. Then after thinking about how stupid it was and how much money it cost tax payers, well it kind of pissed me off. How stupid and what a waist of tax money. Jesus H. Christ, don't our elected officials and prosecutors have better things they can appropriate our tax dollars on than prosecuting a man for accidentally running over a duck in a mall parking lot! The prosecutor that insisted that this go to court should be flogged, tarred, and feathered (with the dead duck feathers) and run out of town! Or at the very least stripped of his duties as a prosecutor and sent back to the private sector to practice his warped interpretation of the law.

I invite you to go to the link provided and read this short story about this case. Conviction vacated for MA man who ran over duck - WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY After the sentence being vacated by a judge who obviously had a little more sense than the prosecuting attorney, the prosecutor states he would not be seeking appeal "due to financial constraints". How about because it was stupid to start with and you're an idiot for prosecuting it the first time and know you will get laughed out of the state appeals court as fast as you walk in...if they would even consider hearing your appeal at all. What a moron. And then we wonder why we have people wrongly convicted of crimes or just as irresponsible, the non conviction of criminals due to blundering boobs like this prosecutor has proven to be. And of which we know is but one of many that are just like him in such similar positions, many of which doing so because they are not capable of making it in private practice or the private sector. Bristol District Attorney Samuel Sutter is obviously a prosecutor with a big head or inflated ego of which we too often see. Thankfully there was judge with more brains and common sense to put a stop to the loony behavior of this District Attorney.

Truly sad and disgraceful to see a man in such a position abusing his privilege and I cannot help to think that many times in the past he has gotten away with it.

Gus

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New Heathcare Reforms...Not Going To Happen

2010-02-26T16:12:00.003-06:00

How could anyone turn on their television sets and not hear about the various proposals for healthcare reform in the United States. On this issue I have personally been very disappointed with the whole ordeal and especially disappointed with President Obama. He has allowed this single issue to consume the entire first year of his presidency with so much focus and effort trying to sell it (unsuccessfully) to the American people as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate that he has failed to accomplished little else.

There are many countries that have socialized medicine and the system has been successful in many of these countries. But in the success of such a health care program it comes with a price and there are some drawbacks and short comings that go with such a system. Such as, higher taxes to pay for such a healthcare system, limits and government control of salaries for healthcare professionals, caps on health care providers charges for services and thus compromising the free enterprise system of healthcare in general to name a few. I have spoken to individuals that are very happy and satisfied with this type of healthcare system in other countries. So why will it not work for the United States and the American people?

The answer is complex but pretty easy to understand the big picture. Our country thrives on big business and free enterprise. Healthcare, healthcare providers, hospitals, and insurance companies are big business and many of our governing officials find it very difficult to stomp on the toes of big business because of the power they wield…which is money and voting power. The other reason our governing officials have trouble supporting healthcare reform is because of us…we the people and our voting power. It has been very difficult for many people in the United States to give support to our government to implement and control the healthcare of our country when our government has a very poor and extensive track record of mismanaging just about anything they stick their fingers into. Look at our Medicare and Social Security system that is going bankrupt, how about the growing national debt, our governments bailout of mismanaged companies, many of which are now back to giving exurbanite bonuses to their management and CEO’s (our tax dollars). And what about the simple fact that there has been no effort in the past what so ever for our government to police or fix our current healthcare system? Why would anyone trust our government with the implementation and control of a new healthcare system when they have failed to fix the one we currently have? There has also been a refusal to come up with some answers to very reasonable questions. Some such question include, how will these healthcare reforms affect healthcare professionals and their families? Will their salaries be capped? Will there be pay reductions? What about patient care standards and doctor/nurse to patient ratios? It is hard for a current healthcare professional to support such healthcare reform when there are no answers to these and many other important questions as to how these changes would affect the current healthcare professionals in our country and their families…and we make up a lot of voting power as one of the largest industries in the country that produces more new jobs than any other industry in the United States. Data from 2008 shows that healthcare provides for over 14.6 million jobs in the United States…that’s a lot of votes. And until the people filling these 14.6 million healthcare jobs are given adequate explanation to the many questions they have I don’t see many of them supporting the proposed healthcare reforms…thus one main reason many of our elected officials have trouble in supporting such reforms in the healthcare industry.

This is just the skim on the surface of why healthcare reform in the United States has not passed or been implemented in the United States. There are tons more reasons as well, which I am sure you can think of dozens. I don’t see healthcare reform any time soon in our future, at least not the kind President Obama is trying to push at us. I, along with may others would like to see more government focus on fixing the current system we have. The recent White House Health Summits is a good first step in which they raked Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield over the coals for their “audacious” 75% rate hike proposal. But this is just a start and scratching only the tip of the iceberg of what the government needs to police in our current healthcare system. The insurance industry has become so powerful it dictates or in some way effects most everything associated with healthcare…from the price of an aspirin to patient care ratios in hospitals as well as the cost of healthcare insurance to the consumer and then they are allowed to hand pick only the most healthy of consumers to insure to further maximize profits and thus their control. We need our government to look at and fix the problems and issues of healthcare professional licensing. Why do nurses, doctors, dentists, physical therapist and other healthcare professionals have to be licensed to practice in each state separately? Example: All Registered Nurses take the same exact NCLEX examination to become a licensed nurse throughout the United States. If all nurses pass the same exact test in New York that nurses do in every state in the United States, then why do they have to have a license in each state seperately to practice there and are forced to go through the complex licensing procedures, pay out hundreds of dollars in fees, and meet special criteria which may be different from state to state. Then keeping up with all those licenses in multiple states, when to renew and how many continuing education hours this state requires but this one does not and so on is just ridiculous and for the most part it is simply a money making scam that needs to be stopped by our Federal Government since individual states have proven they are unable to police themselves and do the right thing for not only the healthcare professional, but the people and patients they are licensed to provide service and medical care. What about some hospitals and nursing home facilities giving unrealistic and unsafe patient care loads to nurses and other support staff care givers. We have nursing homes where it is common for 1 nurse, most often an LPN or Certified Medical Assistant to be responsible for the care of up to 40 patients and some times more. We have hospitals where it is common practice for a nurse to have as many as 15 patients or more assigned to them in an acute care hospital setting. I don’t think I need to explain to most of you reading this the lack of patient safety or the impossibilities of such demands on a healthcare professional to deliver competent and prudent care under such forced working conditions. These are but a few examples of our currently broken healthcare system.

If our government wants to reform healthcare, I am personally all for it! Our current system in providing healthcare is definitely broken and you get no argument from me about that. But start with the fixing and reforming of the current healthcare system we have today and restore the confidence of the people. Fix it and fix it right and do a good job and we won’t need any other healthcare reforms or socialized medicine…but if after doing a good job with fixing our current broken down system you care to propose changing it again, I feel confident the people of the United States would be more inclined to giving consideration to our government to prove themselves with a new healthcare plan if a well proposed new system were suggested with detailed outlines and answers given to the many existing questions the current proposed healthcare system fails to adequately answer and address.

Gus

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Twice-divorced Madonna to appear on'The Marriage Ref'

2010-02-14T14:33:00.013-06:00

The Material Girl, Madonna is back all over the news once again...She has been recently seen giddy as a school girl casing after new flame Jesus Luz, Brazilian model 28 years her junior. Land disputes in Malawi involving her charity school project. Rumors and headlines of a chin implant. And topping the list, Madonna is scheduled to appear on the new NBC reality show, "The Marriage Ref" as a guest judge!

Holly cow this is just beyond believable. Who in their right mind could ever take anything serious from Madonna regarding any advise she may give in resolving a marital problem. She's a man eating cougar who devours young boys like fresh meat, has been twice divorced, has had a child out of wedlock with Carlos Leon, broke up the marriage of Alex Rodriguez, and now is chasing after a Brazilian model Jesus Luz who is 28 years her junior with rumors flying that she is seeing all three A-Rod, Carlos and Jesus in a little secret love triangle and keeping all three on the chain. How could anyone ever take any advise she may have to give to a married couple seriously?

Twice-divorced Madonna to make an appearance on NBC's 'The Marriage Ref' StarTribune.com

Now don't get me wrong here, I love Madonna as an entertainer. Still at 51 she is still going strong. Not only is she a wonderful entertainer, but a savvy businesswoman. She has always known what to do and when to do it to keep herself in the lime light, on the front pages, and in the news to keep her name alive, even if that meant a little controversy or controversial behavior...Remember the coffee table book simply titled "Sex" or the controversies that surrounded much of her music, Like a Virgin, Like a Prayer, Papa Don't Preach to name a few. And due to these controversies of which she orchestrated making her the Queen Of Pop and the real Material Girl.

I just found this quite humorous and funny that she will be a guest judge on The Marriage Ref that I just had to write a little blurd as I hoped after thinking about that you will get as big of chuckle and laugh as I have gotten.

Gus

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Super Bowl sets record with 48 minutes of ads

2010-02-08T15:03:00.006-06:00

Not only did my team, the Indianapolis Colts fall short in the Super Bowl, but I had to endure this agony while watching it through 48 minutes of equally painful commercials. The most commercial time of any Super Bowl in history.

Super Bowl sets record with 48 minutes of ads - Yahoo! News

Okay, there were a couple of good ones such as the Snickers commercial with Betty White playing football. And the Doritos commercial with the boy telling his mothers boyfriend “Don’t touch my mama and don’t touch my Doritos”. I was extremely disappointed in the Budweiser commercials this year which have had a history of being very cute, funny and full of a laugh or two.

The Super Bowl last night was the most watched TV show in history and so were those painful commercials. A friend of mine who does not even watch football was here and said to me “how can you stand watching this, there are too many commercials”. I had to agree with his observation but like most suffered through it to see my Colts fall victim to Drew Brees and company in the second half.

Equally disappointing was the halftime show this year. We have had such wonderful talent during such halftime presentations and last nights show left everyone brain storming and asking themselves, “The Who?” Who are these 70 year old men all hunched over with obvious signs of osteoporosis? Okay, so they did not want to take the chance on another Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” but I think a much better halftime presentation could have been presented to the fans at the game and those of us sitting here in our homes for such an event which turned out to be the most watched television program in the history of TV. And did you see the pre-game performers outside the stadium before the game. Daughtry performed and did a wonderful job, only to be followed up by Steve Winwood who could no longer carry a tune in a five gallon bucket. His howling of his once popular song “Higher Love” resembled the screams of a scalded cat! Yet another dreadful performance like that of the halftime presentation by the Who that all of us would much rather not had to suffer through.

The Super Bowl game itself was fun and exciting as always and I love my football and much enjoyed the game. But I remain very disappointed in many of the choices in performers for the pre-game show and halftime show, commercials, designated commercial time, etc that were at the discretion of the hosting network CBS.

Gus

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The Long Road Home...Winter In The South.

2010-02-02T15:41:00.009-06:00

Dear God, we bow our heads in prayer today to ask that you no longer allow it to snow in any state south of Iowa! Although Gods children too, you failed to bless them with the ability to drive in ice and snow or give them sense enough to stay at home knowing they lack in such skills and abilities. Amen.

I just spent three days trying to trek back to my house in Indiana near Louisville, KY. Of course the night before I was to leave Albuquerque it decided to come a blizzard, shutting down nearly the entire northern two-thirds of New Mexico. As you know the same storm continued its way east dumping ice, sleet and snow across northern Texas and the state of Oklahoma. For some reason this storm liked Interstate 40 causing this Interstate to close east of Albuquerque, through Texas and into Oklahoma. Of course this was the Interstate I was suppose to travel to get to Indiana. That was just not going to happen. I awoke this past Friday and ran straight to the television. Bad news…roads still closed. Well the car was packed and I was not up for waiting around for the spring thaw. So I headed south on Interstate 25, got on Interstate 10 and headed towards Dallas. No problems with weather issues at all, except for that little bad patch in Adeline. Of course some wild person in a Camaro found probably the only remaining patch of ice on the road. The car was totaled and looked like an accordion. I hope they survived the crash. That was the only accident I saw in route to Dallas. Of course this was a much longer route, but at least I made it to Dallas safe and without any ice and snow issues. Got a room at my favorite Howard Johnsons in Dallas, cracked two beers and was fast asleep.

The next morning I had no issues in my travels as I head up Interstate 30 toward Arkansas. Then things got interesting. Just south of Little Rock about 30 miles I started to run into signs of an ice storms. Trees coated in thick sheets of ice. Limbs and even whole trees had fallen due to the weight of the ice. Some having to be cut up and hauled to the ditches that had fallen into the roadway. The highway was surprisingly clear…at first that is. The closer I got to Little Rock the worse things got and the worse things got with the weather the more of Gods children I had the pleasure of meeting on the roadway…you know the ones who he accidentally skipped the day he was handing out brains and common sense about driving in winter weather conditions. To compound things, as you know Arkansas is one of the poorest states in the union. And the cost of a little sand or a little road equipment to spread it is just never going to happen. Then we have the silly ass truckers who think they are going to get their 18 wheelers up the I-440 Loop exit ramp that is at least a 45 degree incline up hill and taking a sharp left hand curve near the top. The “King Of The Road” truckers were reduced to third rate Court Jesters who were not only not funny, but also lacking in any form of intelligence thinking they were making it up that exit ramp…of course two tanker trucks jack knifed ending all such attempts backing up traffic for mile on Interstate 30 coming into Little Rock. Once past this nonsense it was smooth sailing as I made my way to my friends house up Interstate 67 to the small town of Russell, AR.

After a nice overnight visit I awoke to a balmy 12 degrees. Such temperatures this low are extremely rare for central Arkansas. I waited until up in the morning to around 9:00am before I decided to head on out and finish my journey home to Southern Indiana. I continued north on Interstate 67 only the find the road 20 miles north of me to be impassable. It was covered with at least 4 to 6 inches of ice. Was bumpy and rutted out. It was like trying to drive car across a landscape of miniature craters. I was being shook and bounced around in the car very uncomfortably and I know this not good on my car either…and I was only going like 5 to 10 miles per hour. I finally managed to get to the next exit and turned around. I headed south back to Little Rock, got on Interstate 40 and headed east towards Memphis. As I cruised very easily with no weather issues across Interstate 40 the ditches were littered with mainly 18 wheelers…you know those who thought they were “King Of The Road”. Sorry, I have little respect for these truckers that continuously endanger not only their own lives, but also the lives of other law abiding innocent people. They act without any respect for the laws of the highways with their unwise, disrespectful, unsafe, and dangerous acts an maneuvers...and lets not forget the pill popping with simulants to stay awake and the fudging records so they can drive longer than legally allowed. Much of the time it is due to the “King Of The Road” attitude they have, thinking they are the masters of the highway and all else beware and get out of my way. The attitudes and behaviors of these truckers on a Interstate system that was never intended for their use to begin with they have now taken over. Between Little Rock and Memphis I counted 13 such semi trucks in the ditch, with evident signs where several others had already been pulled out and hauled away. They were turned over, mangled, and cargo spilled everywhere. I was getting a little hungry not yet having breakfast…those oranges spilled all over the road were kind of looking good to me! About half way between Little Rock and Memphis a semi went out of control in the west bound lane. In the process he also took out two cars and a mini van with him. The cars and mini van almost beyond recognition. The semi truck in not much better shape. The accident so bad that both the west and east bound traffic had to be stopped while I watched a life flight helicopter be flown in to help with the critically injured. Of course ambulances and police were already on the scene. (And I won't even get into the cost to us tax payers these truckers caused) On this same stretch of road of which there were 13 semi tractor trailer trucks wrecked I saw but one pickup truck and one car. And you want to tell me these 18 wheelers and those behind the wheel are safe? I’ll debate that with anyone anytime. Here is a good article supporting my claim by an Oregon Attorney as to the safety of semi/large trucks verses that of conventional automobiles. http://www.colbachlaw.com/personal_injury_law_info/oregon-truck-accident-attorney.html Also, are you aware that the Interstate system was originally designed for military use and movement and when not in use by the military to be used as an alternate route that could be used for “public transportation”. Therefore the Interstate roadway system was never intended for the commercial use of semi tractor trailers and those commercial industries of which they provide service.

In West Memphis, Arkansas I turn and head north on Interstate 55 about 20 minutes into that stretch there are yet more semi trucks in the ditches and one was being disassembled by blow torch and cut into sections to be hauled away. Thus another 5 mile back up on the Interstate…thanks to yet another “King Of The Road”. The road became ice covered, similar to that as described on Interstate 67, but passable. Traffic was stop and go to the Missouri border. Then a miracle happened! The roads were completely cleared and completely bone dry! It was like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. One minute the vile cyclone in Kansas, the next the color, splendor and beauty of Oz. While in Arkansas I swear I saw some of those winged monkey’s too...I think they were driving some of those 18 wheelers that found their way to the ditches! But anyway the rest of the way home was smooth sailing…a 6 hour trip from Russell, AR to Floyds Knobs, IN turning into 13, but finally I made it to my home in Southern Indiana in one piece.

Gus

Disclaimer:

Reiterating Polanski was a fugitive from justice...Really?

2010-01-22T21:49:00.001-06:00

Okay, I am going to assume that everyone is familiar with Academy Award winning director Roman Polanski and his legal troubles that have been highly publicized in the news and on the Internet stemming from a conviction 32 years ago of statutory rape of a 13 year old girl. (Now 45 years old). He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse…which took place at Jack Nicholson’s home.

In court documents, Polanski's attorneys said the late Superior Court Judge Laurence J. Rittenband sentenced the director in 1978 to a diagnostic study at a California prison where he served 42 days.

Although the judge told attorneys that would be Polanski's full sentence, he later indicated he was going to renege on the bargain and give him a harsher sentence at a scheduled hearing

Jesus H. Christ, lets end this drama and let’s look at this from a practical point of view starting from the beginning. First, what was a 13 year old girl doing alone with Roman Polanski in Jack Nicholson’s home to start with? Was she a willing participant in this sexual escaped, having the desires of sexual contact with Roman Polanski, champagne or not? Where were her parents and why would they allow her to be in the company of a much older man and in the privacy of another man’s house? Roman Polanski already served 42 days in prison for his confession which was indicated to be his full sentence. Roman Polanski is a famous man and world traveler, why after 32 years has it been decided to haul his ass in? There has certainly been more than ample opportunity to nab him in the past 32 years, so why now? Why now has United States authorities decided to go after him…it is not like there was never a door of opportunity in the past 32 years or that they did not know where to find him or detain him or have the means to follow him and arrest him. Guess he was an easier target these days than Osama bin Laden...lets get our priorities straight here!

Now do I agree with what Roman Polanski did some 32 years ago with this girl? Certainly not, but it would appear that he has severed his sentence or why else would he have served 42 day in prison and been set free? Even if not, the United States chose not to pursue any action against him for 32 years when they had countless opportunities to do so, so why now? The case is so old and dusty as are the victim and perpetrator. And to waste state funds on such a ridiculous case, especially a state (California) in bankruptcy with all the problems and issues it has in providing basic state services (that’s another blog) I think that this issue with Roman Polanski needs to be laid to rest. Had the State of California brought issue 32 years ago and pursed it diligently my feelings may be a lot more harsh. But that is not the case here as we all know if you have been following along and keeping track of the drama which is highly published on the Internet and in the news.

I agree in the wrong doing of Roman Polanski 32 years ago. But it was 32 years ago. He has seemingly paid his debt to society and the United States’ choice of action (or the lack there of) in not pursuing him for 32 years would support that claim. Let’s move on…I think everyone else involved has already. Will there ever be a Rosemary's Baby 2?

Gus

Disclaimer:

Hospital or Five Star Hotel?

2010-01-18T12:12:00.001-06:00

Hospital, from the Latin hopitalis “guest”: an institution where the sick or injured are given medical or surgical care. Hotel, from Old French hostel: an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and various personal services for the public. Guest, from the Latin hostis “stranger”: a person to whom hospitality is extended. These definitions have come from the Merriam-Webster dictionary and are not of my own interpretation.

Have we forgotten the definitions of these words, what they stand for, what they mean and represent? And when and where along the way did these two very different terms, hospital and hotel become confused in their definitions to the point of being synonymous with one another in the eyes of most hospital patients, their families, hospital administration, and their governing boards? We have vastly distanced ourselves from the true meaning of what a hospital truly is and represents, a place where the sick come for medical care and treatment to a mentality that a hospital is a five star hotel. We even have hospitals advertising on the Internet to the public “a unique concept that strives to provide a 5 star hotel atmosphere” http://www.roswellregional.com/about/about.htm

Due to this type of philosophy presented to the public and the primary focus shifting to customer satisfaction we have instilled a new perception to our “guests” coming to the hospital for medical care and treatment along with their families who have a totally different expectation then that of which should be the hospitals primary focus and concern…medical care, treatment and charity to the communities of which they were constructed to service. Patients and their families now expect turn down services with mints on the pillows, massages, gourmet meals, 50” flat screen satellite televisions with 150 channels, piped in music, in room refrigerators and microwaves, maid service, wireless Internet…and the list of demands go on and on. And if they don’t get it…oh there is surely hell to pay. Often times becoming belligerent, throwing tantrums, become verbally abusive, physically violent, threaten law suits, refuse necessary medical care, they will even go to the point of ridiculous and call the administrator, the CEO, members of the Board of Directors, the police (911) and news media! For those of you that are in disbelief of such outrageousness you must not be a medical professional or not worked in a hospital within the last 10 years or so. For those of you that have, I am doubtless that you have personally seen what I have described, perhaps even much worse and know this to be true. If such ridiculous demands are not met, regardless of how nice or professional you may have been, the first thing out of the “guests” mouth is “He/she was rude to me!” knowing this always makes managements ears stand on end and will at the very least get the accused a good tongue lashing, pink slip or termination notice, regardless of how absurd the situation, or the “guests” demands or expectations, even if beyond the realm of possibility.

With the new philosophy of which most hospitals have turned, advertising in such a manner as described, focusing more attention on customer service and satisfaction, and that patients have a choice of which hospital to go to, we are fast losing what our real primary focus should continue to be. The treatment and medical care for the sick or injured. Now don’t get me wrong…I believe in good customer service and professionalism toward all hospital “guests”. But there should also be a reasonable expectation of decorum and etiquette from our “guests” just like with any other guest visiting your home, place of business or public institution. We have long lost this in our hospital environments where people have become more self-focused, have a lack of respect, and don’t care how their inappropriate behaviors may affect those around them. I, like most medical professionals wish I could make every patient and their families 100% satisfied and happy. I like most, do my very best to provide professional medical care, good customer service and meet the reasonable expectations of those patients and I want them to make the choice to come back to the hospital of which I am employed due to the positive experience they had the last time they were there. I want them to choose to return in the future if medical care and treatment is needed, because if they don’t the hospital may find they don’t need me or other medical staff due to a lack of patients to service and care for. I certainly understand the business aspect of such customer service. But at the same time there has to be a happy medium. A reasonable level of expectation, respect and professionalism from both the medical personnel and from those we are there to service.

A hospital is not a five star hotel, regardless of what some hospitals advertise and falsely represent themselves to be. If you want a five star hotel with all the pampering and amenities you would customarily expect, I hear the Hilton or Ritz Carlton are quite nice…but if you want good medical care and treatment, quality medical service, wish to be treated like a “guest” with professionalism, compassion, caring and understanding for your medical needs, then I hope you come see me at the hospital where I will try to meet your reasonable expectations in providing quality medical care and customer satisfaction…sorry, that does not include a full body massage with hot rocks and scented oils.

Gus

Disclaimer:

My Look At Global Warming...

2010-01-16T12:53:00.006-06:00

Hearing about global warming has kind of got me thinking. We hear all kinds of controversy daily on the news and on the internet. Polar icecaps melting, holes in the ozone, extremes in weather, increased evaporation, glaciers melting, sea levels rising and the list goes on and on. The causes I don’t all clearly understand and depending on what you read and who you listen to there are a zillion different explainations. They all recite something different, point fingers, lay blame and have their own theories. I’ve read and heard everything from, “the largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the emission of carbon dioxide” to cow farts and everything in between. Al Gore wrote a book on global warming, had an Oscar winning documentary (An Inconvenient Truth) and in 2007 even won a Nobel Peace Prize. He must be the world authority.

Now I am very conscientious of the world we live in and the environment around me…or at least try to be. I drive a hybrid car, I try to recycle as much as I can, I try not to litter, and I try not to fart too much. But as I sit here and ponder this subject and the changes around me in our world as I have done for many years since this subject became of great media attention, I ask myself this and now pose to you the same question…Isn’t this basically evolution? Is there really anything we can do to stop it? Yes, we may be pushing it a long and helping to accelerate things a little faster, but do we really have the ability to stop or reverse the processes of global warming?

As I ponder these questions, reflect back on my studies and read more about the history of the earth for the past millions of years I can only conclude we cannot. Let me share these facts with you as to why I have concluded and reasoned this out in my mind the way I have. Do you realize that over the past 540 million years there have been five major extinction (some experts say as many as 20) events of which over 50% of all animal species died? Are you aware that over 97% of the species that have ever lived on the earth are now extinct? Did you know that mankind almost became extinct over 70,000 years ago? http://hubpages.com/hub/Mankind-Almost-Became-Extinct Did you know two of the known causes for some of these known recorded mass extinctions is global cooling and global warming? It therefore stands to reason that the earth as history has demonstrated for millions of years goes through cycles. There are periods of change, periods of global cooling, and periods of global warming. Sometimes as history has demonstrated these changes cause mass disruption to the earth’s eco-system thus resulting in such drastic change to the environment which sometimes ends in the mass extinction of its species. I do point out that experts have cited that we are long overdue for another cataclysmic event and mass extinction of the earth's species...hmmm are we considered a species?

I don’t mean to scare anyone, just put some thoughts and maybe help get you thinking about the world we live in. Global warming (and cooling) seems to be part of the earth’s natural cycle. I ask again, is there really anything you and I can ultimately do to stop or reverse the process?

Regardless of the answer, I’m still going to keep driving my hybrid and recycle all those plastic milk jugs and pop bottles…

Gus

Disclaimer:

Conan Slain By NBC Beasts! Leno To Reclaim His Throne!

2010-01-15T15:47:00.002-06:00

Although not “official” as of yet, reports are that Conan has been slain by the NBC beast and that Leno, King of Late Night will be reclaiming his throne. Word has it that Conan has been paid off in his departure from NBC and that he will be free to pursue other opportunities immediately with other networks (FOX). More details are available at the following link:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-14/conans-exit-confirmed/?cmpid=p_yahoo

This would not have been the ending I was personally hoping for as pointed out in yesterday’s blog entry on this topic. I do wish Conan the best…if he does go to FOX for a late night show I do hope they are wise enough not to place him up against Leno and Letterman. That would most likely lead to another late night talk show failure for FOX…We do vaguely remember the failures of The Late Show with Joan Rivers, The Chevy Chase Show, The Arsenio Hall Show, The Magic Hour, and now The Wanda Sykes Show is taking a stab at it, but her ratings have dropped 14% since her dismal debut.

Conan, if you make the move to FOX, please be very mindful of their failed track record over the past couple of decades in their attempts to produce a viable late night talk show.

Gus

Disclaimer:

Congratulations Lil' Wayne!

2010-01-14T19:33:00.000-06:00

How can we let this week go by without saying Congratulations Lil’ Wayne! You have accomplished what no other man I know could achieve during the course of a two week period. A true role model to your fans, society and the world!

Lil' Wayne has managed to accomplish the feats that no other man known to me has ever done…nor would they ever try to do during the course of about a two week period of time. A hit record singing back up to Jay Sean, he’s found/pleads guilty of packing a pistol in NYC, fathers two kids by two different women and gets busted by the po po in Arizona for lighting up to the tune of Mary Jane on his tour bus…Lil’ Wayne, your to be commended for being such a busy man. I know few others that could keep up with your testosterone, pistol packing, and toke smoking manhood. Such a role model to your fans…I bet they just can’t wait to hear you a year from now in concert when you get to come home from Alcatraz to see your four children (by 4 different women) and head back out in the Mary Jane Mobile to greet your awaiting fans around the world…word of caution, stay away from New York and Arizona…they seem to be a bad omen for ya bro.

Gus

Disclaimer:
All images, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain. In the event that there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon request.

Where In The World Is...Tiger Woods?

2010-01-14T14:57:00.000-06:00

Tiger Woods...OMG have we all not heard enough by now. Sex Scandals, Sex Tapes (everyone has one of those online now), and now Sex Rehab...Where In The World Is...Tiger Woods?

First of all, who the freak cares? But first reports are that he is at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona. A renowned addiction and sex rehab facility of such well known celebrities such as Johnny Cash, Mike Tyson, Elle MacPherson and Kate Moss...where they kissed all their addictions goodbye at the small price tag of $35,000 a month. Other reports have surfaced that Tiger has landed in the fairways of South Africa checking into a sex rehab center there for a period of six weeks.

As stated, who cares and what's the big fuss all about? The boy likes a little booty call now and then...okay, a lot of booty. The man is human and has faults, flaws and failures like the rest of the human race. Do I support his actions on a personal level? No. But at the same time his life is his to live just like yours and mine. And regardless of the appetite of that thing found hanging a foot below his belly button, he remains one of the most accomplished athletes of our time.

The media frenzy surrounding Tiger Woods and all his personal life antics has become over the top and quite frankly boring and reading their sensationalized headlines as appealing as a bowl full of vomit. We are all tired of hearing about it. The average person could care less, and it's his life...if he want to boink everything with a hole between her legs and throw away his marriage, family, and full time fatherhood to his children, well that is his choice.

So lets move on and get past this, I am sure he and his family would appreciate the opportunity to do the same and to sort this out privately among themselves.

So when does Tiger tee off next is my question? He needs to get back to what he does best...and from my understanding that's in the fairways of Augusta...not between the sheets of some opportunistic trolup.

Gus

Disclaimer:
All images, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain. In the event that there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon request.

Everything You Need To Know About The Conan/Leno Drama

2010-01-14T10:28:00.000-06:00

Drama is right! The best writers for the Young and Restless and the Day's of Our Lives couldn't come up with a better storyline in their world of fantasy than is playing out in real life with NBC and their late night line up with Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. For those of you compelled to read the juicy tid bits and get more information than you probably want to know head on over and read until your head spins.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20100114/cm_huffpost/421795

Personally IMHO, Leno is the King of Late Night and accepted the opportunity (con job) offered to him by NBC to move to primetime and pass his crown on to a second rate rooster. Conan developed himself into a host with a good following of late night viewers. This development in part due to following in the wings of the king and the lead in he got for his show by following Tonight, with Jay Leno.

I have mixed feelings on the debate of what NBC should do with its now totally screwed up line up. Leno's new show is doing exactly as it was expected to do as far as ratings. There are nights it is up against some pretty heavy hitters from the other networks in the same time slot. The local TV affiliates complain that Leno's show is not drawing enough viewers to lead in to their local news casts and that they are suffering...BULL CRAP! If the viewers liked their local news cast to start with there is such a thing as a remote that comes with most television sets sold on the market today. I would be interested to see those local affiliates statistics that are complaining and see the before and after Leno ratings of their news cast programing. I bet we would find an insignificant change. If a local news cast had loyal viewers to start with those viewers would continue to hit the remote and flip on over to see their favorite local news programing regardless if they just got done watching Leno or not.

Although an unwise choice (IMHO) for Leno to go to primetime, whats done is done. He and NBC should live with the choices they have made. If local affiliates want to substitute other programing in place of Leno, let them do it...I think it is all a bunch of big talk and blowing hot air anyway. What are the locals going to substitute Leno with in their nightly lineup? Reruns of Gilligan's Island or perhaps some of those Informercials for some of those Ginsu steak knives everyone can't wait to buy...but wait, call now and get the second set FREE!

It will be interesting to see how this drama plays out...but I say just leave it like it is. Everything is going exactly as planned so why change the plan? Let the cry baby locals cry (boohoo) if they don't like it...there is really little they can do other than commit suicide if they choose to remove Leno from their nightly lineups.

And the Final Jeopardy Question...What happens to Jimmy Fallon and Carson Daly?

Gus

Haitians will have the "full support" of the U.S.

2010-01-13T22:34:00.000-06:00

Today President Obama made a statement "Haitians will have the full support of the U.S".

Okay, sounds good but lets think about this a moment. I truly feel sorry for the situation in Haiti with the 7.0 earthquake that just destroyed the capital city of Port-au-Prince. I have personally visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti and seen the once beautiful Presidential Palace that we (The United States) build in the 1920's that has been turned into ruins by the recent earthquake. For those of you that don't know your history or simply don't recall the United States once occupied Haiti and took over their government and commerce back in 1911 which lasted over 40 years due to the fears of the German influence in Haiti and them controlling their economy. Our occupation of this country that can easily be marked up as another failure in such attempts in American history. Haiti had no significant rulers other than Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, a ruthless ruler that declared himself President for life...which he did rule until his death in 1971 of which he commanded the notorious Tonton Macoutes (Bogeymen) responsible to execute his opponents. His son, Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc) succeeded him upon his death who's weak rulership forced him to flee into exile to France in 1986 due to a coup. Upon his flee the United States again gave Haiti military support and over $30 million dollars. Like we had that in our budget to give.

Sorry, but I have little sympathy or giving in my heart for a peoples that have refused in over a hundred years of American support to step up and make but little if any attempt to support themselves. To run and establish an effective leadership. To encourage and find the means to bring about their own economic and self supportive economy and commerce. To develop themselves into a self sufficient country where the average person doesn't live on the equivalent of $1.00 per day or less. When you hit rock bottom sometimes that is when you find the boot straps to pick yourself up and do better for your future and the future of your children and their children. Now may be one of those times President Obama. How much more and more and more should we (the people and government of the United States) do for this country of thugs and corrupt leaders that has impoverished it's peoples that look for continuous handouts from afar?

And who helped us during one of the biggest natural disasters in the the history of the United States when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans? Certainly not Haiti!

Gus

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Haitians will have the "full support" of the U.S.