Reprobate: True confessions and lies

2014-02-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

I was born in a trunk in the Princess Theater, in Pocatella, Idaho...wait that was the Garland character in "A Star Is Born."
I came onto this planet on this date, circa 1948, Second of 2 children, born to Charles E. and Gertrude M. Carlson.
Fast forward: 1956
Father died aged 36. I was 6. Raised by a determined Mother, who, due to Dad's excessive medical bills from a year of hospitalization, lost everything. House, car... EVERYTHING.
Fast forward: 1957
Family surviving on SS benefits and whatever Mom could scrape together doing This and That. No welfare for us. Move into housing project. Rent $125 a month. Bare bones minimal existence.
Toxic neighborhood. Mom doing best to hold family together by instinct alone.
Fast forward: 1963
Out of projects. Renting half of duplex in Payne Avenue area. A major step up. Mom has a job as church secretary. She has become embittered, vindictive, insanely strict and a pseudo religious fanatic. Severs all ties with my Dad's family over imagined slights.
Fast forward: 1966-1967
Out of school. Discover world, freewill. Leave home. Embrace counter culture and all the joys and pitfalls it contains.
Fast forward: 1970-1973
Minimal memories. Stoned too much.
Fast forward: 1974-1979
Broke hearts. Had mine broken. Became self indulgent asshole.
Married-Divorced. Way too immature.
Fast forward: 1980-2000
Settled down. Working hard. Married again. Fatherhood. Life changes. Family becomes
all- consuming. Start to become reclusive.
Fast forward: 2001-2011
Same old, same old. Loving wife & daughter. Daughter all grown, gets married.
Tragedy on the horizon.
Wife passes. Become Zombified
Fast forward 2012-2013
Daughter and friends hold me together. Start to come out of trance and begin to accept life once more.
Current reflections:
I've had the best and the worst. I've suffered losses.
Probably no more nor less then others. Starting to enjoy everything.
Still a cynical smartass, tempered with a little more tolerance.
Proud as hell of my daughter Andrea. Thanks to all who have kept me alive.

Plagiarizing Sinatra: "I've been up and down, over and out and I know one thing:

Life is good. Happy fucking Birthday to me.

The pause that refreshes

2012-12-24T05:47:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night... and temporarily, good bye

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2012-08-31T02:22:00.001-07:00

Let me preface this adventure in prose by stating, if I boycotted every celebrity, or every "common man",
who I had differences with of a political, philosophical or lifestyle nature, then I would become the most reclusive human on the planet. Hells bells. At times, I disagree with my own conceptual existence.

Last night at the Republican convention, Clint Eastwood was tapped to be one of the ultra pro Romney cheerleaders.

The Good: It's always good to see Clint Eastwood. After all, he is a movie star of the highest magnitude. He is a great director & he is responsible for some of my favorite films.

The Bad: Whoever wrote that speech that Clint gave while supposedly praising Mitt Romney.

The Ugly: The crowd reactions to the mock "conversation" between Clint & President Obama.
They responded like giddy little school girls experiencing their first prepubescent orgasm while watching "The Beatles" perform on Ed Sullivan.
All that was missing was for someone to show up in blackface, resemblant of Ted Danson's infamous appearance at the "Friars Roast" for Whoopi Goldberg a few decades past.

There is a not so thinly veiled aspect of racism running through the Republican party. Explain the peanut throwing incident involving two delegates & a black CNN camerawoman at the convention.
Explain the pictures of Obama with a bone through his nose, or a picture of watermelons strewn on the White House lawn that was featured predominately at "Tea Party" rallies. Explain the disenfranchisement of minorities through changing voting registration, early voting restrictions, voter I.D. requirements.

Watching the shenanigans at the convention have pushed me over the precipice that is racism.
Watching this election campaign, I must admit that I have become a racist as well.
With all sincerity, I proudly proclaim, I hate the human race. What the fuck happened to us?

The state of the Fair

2012-08-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

Went back to The Minnesota State Fair yesterday for the first time in six years. It's not that I don't enjoy going, it's that I've been there before.
I attended the Fair, or as the locals like to boast, " The Great Minnesota Get Together", with my daughter & son- in- law. In mid walkabout, I mentioned to them that I attended more Fairs then their combined ages. (61) A slight exaggeration, but not to far from the truth.
We went on sixth day. It is still relatively clean, although, I noticed that there was a continual presence of clean up crews this time around. Not like years past when it seemed the organizers of the fair were overwhelmed by the number of attendees & the trash they could produce. Of course, everything looks bigger when your a kid.
There were lots of renovations that had taken place in just the last 6 year that were quite noticeable.
The most surprising change was the modernization of the public restrooms. Holy moley, doors on every crapper stall, better lighting, motion activated faucets, individual urinals & the best part, cleaner.
I did eventually find up near "Machinery Hill" (farming equipment), an unrenovated restroom with the giant trough for pissing. Ah, the good old days.
I shared fried pickles, shared fried gator, whole hogged devoured a foot long hotdog, slathered in caramelized onions, pork chop on a stick, sno-cone (cherry), several sodas & mucho agua. It was getting warmer & more humid by this time.
A very fine time was had by all, with one minor exception. 5 hours of traversing the acres upon acres of fair grounds with gimpy knees. Short term memory loss made me forget to wear my knee braces, although it is doubtful they would have helped all that much with the excessive walking.
At the end of the time trip, when finally ensconced back home, with 3 ibuprofen surging toward the aches & pains, I settled in my favorite lazy boy chair & immediately dozed off for an hour or so.
It was a delight to reexperience what was one of the highlights of days gone by with my grownup daughter & her hubby. Sadly, this may well be the last Fair that I attend. The cravings for the unhealthy, but so damn good to the taste, high chloesterolic food, does not compensate for the agony of what are, at this point, extremely gimpy knees. As the time moves on, the aches fade, & the cravings return, I'm sure that some time in the future, I may do it all over again, because it is after all, it is the, " Great Minnesota Get Together."

Piss And Moan

2012-08-07T15:21:00.001-07:00

I was in a great mood today until...

If there is a Heaven or a Hell, whichever place we will spend eternity, I hope the Third Worlders will have to spend 24/7 in a driving school. In the mean time, while you are here on Earth... at least try to learn the fucking rules of the road.
Big mistake - Senior & welfare day at the grocery store. By seniors, I mean those way older then I.
I'm in my mid sixties, & these elders should all be in a home. I realize that grocery shopping is probably
one of the last big thrills for them, they get to go out & meet the friends etc. For the Christ sake... stop blocking the aisles while you compare aches & pains & your latest bout of constipation. Stop cutting people off to get your prune juice. Just because you're old, does not excuse your rudeness. You haven't earned that right just because you are old. Above all else... pay attention to other customers & move. Get out of my fucking way. I didn't plan to spend 1 hour in the store, when normally, I'm in & out in 1/2 hour. Where are the "death panels" now that we need them.
Why do I lately get in the check out line behind Welfarers. Time stands still while they sort their groceries according to what gets paid for by which voucher. Check their ID. Check it again. Issue a new voucher. Explain they need cash to pay for certain items not covered by the vouchers. Get a job & find a different store.

And The Winner Is...

2012-07-24T12:01:00.003-07:00

AOA Trophy

The Anal Orifice Award was conceived over 40 years ago. The past recipients were known only to a few close friends due to lack of any form of media willing to publish the winner's name
of this coveted trophy. This award is given randomly, with no set timeline.

My thanks to the media giant, Google for their access that allowed me to create my Blog.
Also my thanks to The Arizona Republic for the quotes, & Wikipedia for some of the background of the winner.

The qualifications needed to become a recipient of the AOA, are complex.
The candidates must say or do something so venal, so irresponsible, so vile & ludicrous that those statements or actions are deemed completely abhorrent to the mores of a rational society.

History:
This recipient sponsored "Arizona SB1070" an anti illegal immigration measure, since ruled mostly unconstitutional by a Federal Court. Proposed to deny U.S. citizenship to children born in this country to illegal immigrants. Deemed in violation of the 14th Amendment. Hence, unconstitutional.

In 2006, this recipient called for the renewal of the 1950's immigration enforcement program called "Operation Wetback." Also in 2006, this AOA winner had included in an email to supporters, the text from an article by a white separatist group. The crux of the article was anti-Semitic. Citing "multiculturalism" as a Jewish anti-white conspiracy, as well as the usual Holocaust denial.

The AOA winner was a known associate of J.T. Ready, who allegedly killed his girlfriend, her daughter, 15 month old granddaughter, daughter's fiancé, and himself. Ready a former Neo-Nazi, was at the time of his death, under investigation by the FBI for domestic terrorist involvement in the shooting to death of immigrants found in the desert.

The recipient became the 1st Arizona State Senator to be removed from office via a recall election.

The past of this xenophobic, although interesting, is not the reason for winning the AOA.

Regarding the Aurora, Colorado theater massacre, this AOA winner wrote on his Facebook page the following: "Someone should have stopped this man. Someone could have stopped this man. Lives were lost because of a bad man, not because he had a weapon, but because no one was prepared to to stop it. Had they been prepared to save their lives or the lives of others, lives would have been saved. All that was needed was on Courages/brave man prepared mentally or otherwise to stop this"

Because of the complete insensitivity to the victims, their families & the survivors. Because of the belief that theater goers should have been armed themselves and recreated "The Gunfight At The O.K Corral". Allow me, with complete distain for the recipient, present the Anal Orifice Award to former Arizona State Senator, Russell Pearce. You, Mr. Pearce, are officially recognized as an Asshole.

As old as my tongue

2012-07-22T02:53:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I've reached that age, if someone mentions a three way , the first thing I think of is light bulbs.

If I get much older, the only dating that will interest me, will be Carbon Dating to determine my age.

I do remember the who, but not the how. Or the when.

Stolen joke:

I recently went to the doctor & had a complete physical. The doctor told me that I had the body of a 40 year old. I should give it back because I'm getting it all wrinkled.

But, seriously, folks. Dr. Shewin B. Nuland has authored a best selling book entitled, " The Art of Aging."

What is portrayed in commercials, as a Norman Rockwell-esque experience, in reality, is more of a Salvador Dali or Jackson Pollock type of existence. Much more surrealistic & abstract. Aside from the usual amount of regrets & more gaffes then Mitt Romney's campaign, I have had & am having a pretty

good life. My health is good. There are the usual aches & pains, which I've had most of my life, mostly due to the false belief of immortality you have as a youth. I do the same things I did when I was younger, except not as often. The recovery time is a bitch.

With more introspection, (if I wanted), I'm sure there are a few things that I would have done differently. However, if I could do it over again, I would. Exactly as I did before.

The mantra of Sinatra doing it "My Way", or Popeye's " I am what I am", for me, has transcended

beyond the cliche.

In my case, the adage that "life is short", is the furthest thing from the truth. I am having a Capra type of life. It is a long, sweet ride. The whole time, I've been holding an "E ticket."

Peace & Rock On.

And the horse you rode in on...

2012-07-20T08:54:00.002-07:00

Michele Bachmann, for her McCarthy-esque attack on the Obama administration & the Federal Government regarding infiltration by members of the "Muslim Brotherhood", at the highest level. In particular, a member of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's staff. Once again, a publicity seeking right winger, attacks the integrity of individuals without anything resembling proof. Using the weapons of paranoia, innuendo, and outright lies, this disgraceful act by a disgraceful member of the United States House of Representatives is becoming the norm for certain factions in this country, who just can't get over the fact that a black person holds the highest office in the country. Sadly, but not totally unexpected, Bachmann is joined in this attack by four other members of the House of representatives. Reps. Trent Franks R-Ariz, Louie Gohmert R-Tex, Thomas Rooney R-Fla & Lynn Westmoreland R-Ga.

This "plantation mentality", the South shall rise again, cracker, racist bullshit demands repudiation.
Even Sen. John McCain (America's sorest loser, AKA. Grandpa Grumpy) slammed Bachmann's action on the Senate floor. McCain referred to Bachmann's charges as "sinister".
Taking a lesson from the Fox News Network by framing their "fair & balanced opinions as a question, allow me to follow suit.
Isn't it about time we took a page out of the John Wilkes Booth playbook? Sic Semper Tyrannis.
Shame on you Michele Bachmann & your gang of four. Your behavior is frightening. History continues to repeat itself.

This,That, & The Other... Ad Infinitum

2012-07-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

This: A man walks into a bar, orders a drink & says to the bartender,"All Republicans are assholes."
A man at the end of the bar says, " Hey, I heard that, & I'm offended." The first man asks,
" Why, are you a Republican?" The other man replied. "No. I'm an asshole."

That: Willard Mitt Romney is a double threat. A politician & a corporate big whig. Just the kind off person to sell out the country to the highest bidder. No problem with having a moral compass. As we know, those types of slime have sold their souls for a few dollars without any regrets.

The Other: Another severe storm hit tonight. Winds in excess of 60 MPH's. Rain falling, as "The Yardbirds" once sang, " Over, Under, Sideways, Down." Broken tree limbs, leaves all over the ground. Looks like the neighborhood was put through a shredder. Lost power for 1 1/2 hrs. Second severe storm in week and a half. Last time lost power for 11 hrs. We rarely lose power. Maybe 5 times in the 29 yrs in this neighborhood. If this isn't a sign of infrastructure decay, I cannot give a better example.

Ad Infinitum: Got a new computer: A Mac Mini. The old one, after 4+ years was so infected with computer type issues, that it was time to send it to the vet & have it put down.
The best thing about the Mac Mini is the ease of use. No need for the bullshit (which causes most computer problems) Windows. I refuse to download any Windows programs. The hard part of learning to navigate the Mac Mini, is to unlearn all of the unnecessary crap you have to know to deal with Windows. Shame on you Bill Gates for a variety of reasons.
P.S. Will you & your wife stop donating millions to third world countries. This country, the place you live in & have reaped the multiple benefits from, could use the money. Adopt a fucking highway, build
a bridge. Donate to food shelves, high schools. Buy some state of the art medical equipment for the VA hospitals.Whatever. Keep the money at home. What ever you are currently giving to the USA, it's not enough.

But, Then Again: Politicians seem to think the American people are like mushrooms... they like to be kept in the dark, and fed a lot of shit.

Peace & Rock On.

Welcome to my world... by invitation only

2012-07-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

Last week the daughter & I went to see Kristin Chenoweth in Mpls.
Time for me to get my Gay on. Absolutely fabulous & then some.
Two hours of unrestrained Show Business, with the accent on Show.
An incredible performance. She hit some notes that had me worried
that my glasses would shatter. Great segues between songs, with some
local stories about her days at the Guthrie Theater & her first encounter
with the Minnesota winter her jabs at ABC executives etc. She is every
male heterosexuals (me) dream.
Talented,voice, humor, looks & incredible body. One of the best non
Rock concerts in my decades. Thanks for the goosebumps. You go Girl.

After having my fill of political pundits & their incredible lack of civility,
I have created my own version of an opinion show. It's a bit radical (surprise),
but it will end the frustration of watching these rude bastards. It is called... CUT OFF
The premise is no different from any of the similar gabfests, with one major
improvement. The caveat is ... the guests are allowed to present their views.
No matter how insane, no matter what political party they represent, no matter
what. They can agree or refute with out interruption. Period. If someone
of the opposition interrupts the presentation of a differing view, their microphone is CUT OFF.
They are unable to have anything broadcast for 3 minutes. If it happens a
second time... Cut Off for 5 minutes. If they are foolish enough to do it a third time,
they are escorted out of the studio by security. All televised. They are also banned
from further appearances for 6 months. This just does not include the obvious
rudeness of talkus interruptus... it includes the split screen shaking of one's head,
the smirk, & the complete lack of originality. If a pundit repeats themselves a third time
or spouts their political party's standard talking points. CUT OFF.
Of course, the host is allowed to politely interrupt, but only to the ask the person to expand,
or to ask a question of clarification. The public might actually get to hear something.

I've devised the perfect place for those distressed from the world around us.
A getaway, a resort where you can forget the usual things that plague the individual
living in this inane world. A place to rest, to recharge. A place to get away from the stench
of every day Bullshit. The name of this haven... The Downwind Unwind.

Welcome to the Torrid Zone. Here in Minnesota, we are experiencing 7th straight day
of 90+ degree temps with oppressive humidity. No change in sight for the next 4 or 5 days.
The patio door is steamed over. Go outside and your glasses fog up from the humidity.
Overnight lows are in the 70's or 80's. What climate change. Great time to be a cactus salesman.
Holy moley, In the words of Buster Poindexter...It is hot, hot, hot.

Happy Birthday United States Of America.

So long till next time. Peace & Rock On.

Father's Day 2012

2012-06-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

On Father's Day, the daughter & I were going to go to see Kristen Chenoweth in concert. Alas, last minute concert postponed due to health problems. ( laryngitis)
Andi (daughter) calls up & says, she & Spider (son-in-law) are coming over to have a Father's Day Bar-B-Q.
What a pleasant treat.

Burgers & hot dogs, pasta salad etc. & I don't have to do a damn thing except revel in the gloriousness of not doing nothing.
After the feast, after the DVD, we settled down for the catch up, story embellishments, & B.S. & a cocktail or two. This has become a family standard. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I must pause momentarily. and say that Andi is creative, funny, intelligent, & sarcastic. Those who know her will find no fault in that assessment. Do not get her pissed off.
Do not tell her that black is white, up is down, or wrong is right. She knows there is no just in justice. She's a bit of a no nonsense liberal.
The best thing I love about her.... she does not suffer fools lightly.
Whilst doing our usual, (maybe it was the day), Andi said the most heartfelt thing I have ever heard her say.
She thanked me for making her what she is today. She was proud of me. Right back at you. It's not quite a new tie or a power tool, but I'll take it. Gladly.
Thank you Andi,...I love you.

Odds And Endz

2012-06-05T21:12:00.001-07:00

6/6/2012 is the 68th anniversary of "Operation Overlord". That was the code name for the invasion of western Europe by allied forces. "D- Day". We, the descendents of WW ll veterans can only imagine the insanity & the hell these heroic military personnel withstood. Thank you for your sacrifices.

I saw my first firefly this evening at approximately 10:05 PM, CDT. This is the earliest that I have seen one. Couple that with the growth of the garden, it's going to be a hot, warm Summer.

Scott Walker, Republican Governor survived the recall election in Wisconsin. He beat back the challenge of Democrat Tom Barrett. Walker took in over 60 million bucks from out state interests. (Koch brothers etc.) Barrett won the nomination over the union endorsed candidate. Remember, the unions started the recall process & the establishment Dems., usurped the process & put their same old, same old, good old boy up as opposition. The Dems. promptly changed the tone of the campaign from workers rights to the usual, political bullshit.
Again this proves that the Republicans are the party of the corrupt, while the Democrats are the party of the incompetent. Not to worry. It is only a matter of weeks before a Grand Jury indicts Walker for " campaign finance malfeasance, embezzlement of veterans funds, bid-rigging, and even child enticement during the period when Walker served as Milwaukee County Executive, but was running for governor." Walker may have traded the pink slip for an orange jumpsuit.

There is a reason why we have two ears and one mouth.
Think about it.

How many times do I have to hear someones version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" before I start to regurgitate?

Why are John Sandford's, "Virgil Flowers" novels some of the best thrillers out there ?

What is the appropriate waiting period after a spouse has
passed away, before you actively try to get laid? It's been 6+ months, & even the crack of dawn isn't safe from my lecherous intentions. Apologies to all concerned.

Thanks for the indulgence, & continue to "Rock On".

Thanks for the memories

2012-05-24T16:42:00.001-07:00

We're coming up to Memorial Day weekend.
It is more then special retail sales events, the Indy 500 or the unofficial start of Summer.
Memorial Day began after the American Civil War as a way to honor the fallen Union soldiers. It then expanded to honor all who had served and or fallen in the service of their country. Since the start of the 20th century, Memorial Day has evolved into a day in which we remember loved ones who have passed.
My father (WW II veteran) died when I was 6 yrs old. I don't have a lot of memories about him, after all I was just a kid when he died, however, I always tried to take a few moments on Memorial Day to think of him & reflect on what life would have been like if I had the influence of a father figure. How different would my life have been? To me Memorial Day was always, selfishly, a would of, could of, should of.
Well now Memorial Day has taken on another, yet similar meaning.
My beloved wife Karen passed last November. (2011)
I have plenty of memories of our time together, mostly
(90 %) good to fantastic. The lives we shared will always be a part of me, regardless of the day, whether it is designated as an official day of remembrance or whenever. I will be forever grateful for our time together. I am thankful for our wonderful daughter, Andrea & how her life,
her principles, & her beliefs will be a testament to our love for each other & for her.
I still selfishly think, would of , could of, should of.
Take the time this Memorial Day to think of your loved ones. Those who have passed, & those still living.
Peace & Rock on.

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission.

2012-04-20T08:34:00.004-07:00

With apologies to "THE OUTER LIMITS" for ripping off part of their intro.
If you overlook the continued dreck the networks force feeds the public,
the current TV season is not without controversy once again.
Two mid season shows on a the alphabet network (ABC), "Good Christian Bitches" (GCB) & "Don't trust the B**** in Apt 23" (Bitch) have come under fire from the Parents Television Council.
The PTC is a conservative watchdog group based in Florida headed up by Brent Bozell III. Bozell is also a regular contributor to FOX NOISE. Bozell also has founded conservative PACS & was a staff member for Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign. Great credentials.
In the past the PTC has taken on such shows as The Family Guy, CSI, Friends, House, Grey's Anatomy, The 70's Show,The Simpsons, Gilmore Girls, the list goes on.
They even took on the WWE professional wrestling (entertainment ) for excessive sexuality & violence that they deemed inappropriate for prime time. In short, if there is perceived "anti family" transgressions, they are against it.
Some of the shows that the PTC endorsed or endorses are...
7th Heaven, Touched by an Angel, Reba, Wonderful World of Disney, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, Dancing with the Stars, Sunday Night Football.
You get the idea of what unimaginative TV shows the PTC would like to take over the airways. God help us.
Like most watchdog groups, they have come out against tv shows in the past that haven't even aired yet. Nor had they seen any advanced preview. They just don't like the potential for being offensive. Case in point GCB. Which by the way is a pretty much "nail on the head" skewering of hypocrisy of "Christian" beliefs vs. every day practice.
The PTC is not without it's own controversy, there have been IRS investigations for misappropriation donor funds. Also other ethic issues such as vastly overstating their membership numbers from 12,000 to 1.3 million.
One of their goals is to have the Federal Government make the determination on what is appropriate programming , using the standard set up by the PTC.
Not satisfied with trying to cleanse TV, the PTC is attacking the music industry, YouTube & any other industry that they see as inappropriate.
Solution: If the PTC is so concerned about the effect the media has upon children, turn off the fuckin' TV. Have your children read a book, play games with them, talk to them, spend time with them. The TV is not a baby sitter to oversee your child's development.
That was & will always be the job of the parents, not some loony right wing
hate spouting watchdog. To quote then NRA national spokesman Charlton Heston whilst brandishing a hand gun.... regarding my remote control "From my cold dead hands."

We're having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave

2012-03-17T23:11:00.003-07:00

With apologies to Irving Berlin.

Yesterday 3/17/12, we smashed, destroyed, obliterated the temperature high record in the

Twin Towns. 80 degrees. Holy Moley. Painted the fence, cleaned up the garden, went on poop patrol (the dog's, not mine).

Just incredible. Got the fans out & blowing by afternoon. The dog, all of 13 years & counting was running around outside like she was 5 years old. Wearing shorts (me, not the dog).

On days like that, it's why we stay through the winters in Minnesota.

More warmth headed our way this week. I know it all evens out in the end. But for now, let us revel in it. No agenda, no rants, no opinions, no ennui, just enjoying the thrill of an early Spring.

Going to keep this short coz I'm going out in a few hours to work on my tan. Bye, bye & buy Bonds.

You've gotta a lot of balls.... for now

2012-03-08T16:09:00.005-08:00

Problem:

Under the guise of protecting American freedom & keeping the big government from interfering with the lives of all freedom loving Americans, the Republican Party, unilaterally

has started their WAR ON WOMEN.

From attempting to deny statutory rape victims access to Medicaid funded abortions.

Passing laws declaring a fertilized egg as a legal person.

Cutting off access to all forms of birth control for women.

Slashing funds for Planned Parenthood.

Forcing women to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. ( The updated definition of rape put forth by the FBI earlier this year is as follows: “The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”)

You get the general idea.

Solution:

To prevent the need for contraceptive birth control, abortions & all the other periferally related

issues, I propose implementing the immediate neutering of all males, regardless of age etc.

Not only will this eliminate all need for contraceptives, in the long run, it will stop politicians from breeding.

Eventually, the human race will die out. This is not a bad thing, as we sure have screwed the pooch with regards to the home planet.

The real danger is the Fascist intrusive desire to take control of the most sacred right we, as freedom loving Americans hold most dear. Stay the fuck out of our lives & the bedroom.

It's a long & winding road

2012-03-04T02:16:00.003-08:00

Last night (3/3/12), I took the first step to some semblance of normalcy since Karen died in November. I began to socialize outside my everyday sphere. I went out to Famous Dave's Blues Club in Mpls. to see some old friends perform a reunion concert. The band was & is

"THE LITTER." I have known, hung out with & followed these guys for 40+ years.

I recently reconnected with a two of the remaining original members (Denny & Zippy). For those unenlightened about the group, go to Wikipedia. In their time, they had the makings of one of the legendary rock bands in the Midwest, with an almost cult like following.

The gig was pretty damn good. Sure, the voices were a little rough due to decades of overindulgence. The instrumentation was sloppy at times, but by nights end, feeding off the crowds' energy & euphoria, they were spot on.

A splendid time was had by all.

It was so nice seeing fans of the band after all these decades. Hello to Marilyn, Kathy, Marge,

Gary, et al.

Kudos to Kenny & the lovely Beth for their continued friendship & the transportation.

A special shout out to the best "gal pal" from high school & beyond, Maureen.

Thank you all for giving me an enjoyable evening & making me feel human once more.

May we all "Rock On" together again.

2011-12-11T00:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a little over a month since my wife passed away.

For the first time in over 40 years , I am alone.

Whether it was roommates, the usual assortment of girlfriends

or a wife sharing my life, living together, I've always had someone.

Sometimes the sudden loneliness is almost to much to bear.

The grieving, continues. This is the time when, I suppose,

I should "man up", "grow a pair" etc. The personal loss is more devastating

than I could possibly imagine. I still have a difficult time talking about Karen's death,

especially with the strangers I have to deal with while trying to settle her estate.

It is easy to understand why the suicide rates skyrocket during the Christmas season.

Lest anyone reads more into this then what was intended, don't worry. I'm too selfish,

too egotistical to contemplate ending what is a very strange journey. I still believe that

there is a lot that I can do to make people smile.

Despite my travails, I would like to wish to my family & friends, a very Merry Christmas.

Let there be peace on earth & within every one of you.

It's Personal

2011-11-06T03:16:00.000-08:00

This blog will be silenced for a while.

My wife, my partner, my friend died last night.

She had been ill for the past few years.

Her spirit kept fighting,but her body had to give in.

I need some quiet time to spend with family.

2011-10-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

In these difficult times, we the American people are faced with extraordinary choices to deal with extraordinary problems.

The difference between the Democratic political party & the Republican political party are very simple. It comes down to one thing.

When in power or out of power, the Dems. sit back, spend their time & ponder & try to see what they can accomplish to make the world a better place for all to live in. When forced to deal with an issue that they perceive restricts the freedom of individuals, they wring their hands and react to that particular situation. The Reps. on the other hand run like a constant machine that, while preaching smaller Government with less restrictions, they continually assault the basic rights of the individual. They continually plot. Under the guise of too much regulations on people, industry, banks etc., all the time these bastards try to take away the woman's right to choose what to to with her own body. They try to restrict the right of people to vote. Laws introduced that require a photo ID. Students cannot vote where they attend college, they must return to their hometown to vote. No same day registration at the polling place etc. This happens daily on the local, state & national level. No regulations on industry, there goes any hope of safety standards for workers. There goes any hope of a cleaner environment. Tax cut for corporations. No regulations on the banks. That worked out real well. Remember the housing crash. No rules to restrict greed & unsavory practices that cause financial hardship for the people or the country. As long as they get theirs... fuck the rest.

Now the Dems. work under the cloud of of political naivety. They still believe in the inherent

quality of the good in people. Wake the fuck up. I believed in that quality once myself. Forty fucking years ago when I was in my twenties & stoned all the time.

If the working middle class who vote for the Reps. because they cannot wait to take over, & think that things will change for the better, don't worry. Even if these asswipes get everything they want, the voters who mistakenly think that they, the people will now run the country & put things right, forget it. You'll be sold put as soon as the big money boys start to pull the political & purse strings.

Vince Flynn, a best selling right wing author of spy novels, who occasionally has a good thought wrote in his first book titled "Term Limits" the plot line of eliminating members of Congress who violate the trust of voters & who are corrupt. By eliminate, think "with extreme prejudice. " That is a work of fiction. As is this the belief that the Reps. are working for the good of the people & the country. Sic semper tyrannis.

Thank you for smoking

2011-09-19T02:22:00.000-07:00

I smoke cigarettes. I have smoked for decades. I enjoy smoking. As the saying goes, "too old to care & to addicted to quit." I smoke in my house, my car, my back yard, my front yard, anywhere that if it is legal to smoke, I smoke.
I try not to smoke around non smokers in public. i.e. the streets or outdoor events. If I do smoke at these events, I find a open area & I do not blow smoke in the direction of nonsmokers. This is done out of a sense of civility, not out of concern for the supposed effects of "second hand smoke." I am smoking now, even as I type this blog. It is so tasty. That said, on with the show

I stream via Netflex. Lately, I have been watching British cop shows such as "A touch of Frost", "Inspector Lewis" & my personal favorite, "Midsomer Murders." If you're unfamiliar with "Midsomer Murders", look it up on Wikipedia. 13 seasons & counting. It offers a great cast, plot lines & is intelligently written.
Recently, while watching an episode of season 11, I noticed that on a dark & chilly night, while a murder was about to be committed, a barmaid, witnessed the two antagonist (one was brandishing a firearm) having a heated argument.
These two people then walked off to a semi secluded space. A gun shot was heard off camera & one of the two ran off & was seen by another woman standing on the street corner. The commonality of the witnesses is that they were both outside, enjoying a cigarette. Both witnesses provided essential information & were instrumental in helping the "coppers" solve the crime.

My hypothesis, is the logical assumption that smokers have now become crime fighters. You can have your "Batman" your "Kojack" your "Dick Tracy"
& the countless others involved in crime solving. Without us, the average
smoker, outside in all kinds of weather, crime would be running rampant.
So the next time all you nonsmokers see us enjoying our addiction, don't condemn us. Lighten up & light up. The next crime solved could involve you. Smokers unite & ignite. Lets help keep the world a safer place.

Reform this you government peculators

2011-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Social Security System is not broke. It has never been broke. It will never be broke. Let me qualify that last statement.

Since the 1980's our beloved federal government has been stealing the SSS surpluses to pay for other programs that strike their fancy. Presidents Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II & now Obama have perpetrated this thievery on the American public. Where do you think the money comes from to pay for the Wall Street & auto makers bailout? How about the Iraq & Afghanistan wars? Both political parties are equally guilty. They have pissed away this money.

All surplus revenues, which by the way are paid for with with your earmarked tax dollars collected from you payroll tax (FICA) were going into a special Social Security trust fund at the U.S. Treasury. In the fund is Treasury IOUs for the spent revenues. When the “trust funds” are needed to pay Social Security benefits, the Treasury will have to sell more debt in order to redeem the IOUs. These T Bills, which the public "purchases" offer some of the lowest interest rate on the planet.

Social Security now "owns" nearly 18 percent of the federal debt, making it the largest single holder of US debt. The government owes almost twice as much to Social Security as it does to China.

Through the decades, the Feds have "borrowed" trillions of dollars from Social Security. Last count was 2.5 trillion & climbing. When the US decides to default on money owed to Social Security, which they will because they can, the public who have worked their entire lives will be left out in the cold without so much a blanket to keep warm. That blanket was supposed to be Social Security.

2011-08-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Amy Winehouse shuffled off this mortal coil last week. Boo hoo fucking hoo. She assumed room temperature from an overdose of overindulgence. Another case of someone with talent who lacks the talent for living. Whether she lacked support from friends, management or whomever, she was a death that was waiting to happen. The big surprise in all of this, is that it took so long to happen.

Face it. She doomed herself years ago with her chosen lifestyle. How many times to you continually go to rehab & celebrate getting out by getting drunk & doing hard drugs within a week of release? What is so ghoulish about her death are those who are so quick to ascend her into the martyr hall of fame, & the sudden increase of her CD sales as a result of her passing. Unless she showed extraordinary musical talent, (which was questionable) Amy was destined to be a footnote in the history of music. Another flaming star that quickly faded for whatever reason. Life is incredibly hard. It gets no better with age, which perhaps luckily, Amy Winehouse will not find out. You know. I just don,t fucking care!

Bits & Pieces

2011-07-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

You know how life insurance policies have the clause excluding payment if death is caused by an act of God. If you're an atheist, do you even bother getting insurance? Do you sue the insurance company & make them prove that God exists? What is an act of God? According to the Bible, acts of God , to name a few, were parting of the Red Sea, creation, plagues, floods & the infamous burning bush. (Careful of that bikini wax ladies.) If flooding is considered an act of God, per the Bible, why do insurance companies offer flood insurance?

Back in the late 30's or early 40's, one of the most celebrated party givers, movie star, Broadway star & overall bonne vivant was Tallulah Bankhead. She once gave a party & invited the Marx Brothers. Well Chico Marx was at that time in lust with Miss Bankhead & wanted to have sex with her. As the story goes, he approached her & said, "Tallulah, I really want to fuck you. " To which Tallulah replied" And so you shall dear boy, so you shall." Truly a broad with style.

Every year as more & more of the Nixon tapes & documents are released, they continue to show how hard "Tricky Dickie" tried to thwart the Constitution of the United States to suppress opposition & the illegal use of federal agencies (FBI, CIA, IRS) to screw over the people on his enemies list, & the illegal bombing of Laos & Cambodia. The list goes on. When that asshole took a dirt nap, he was afforded all the bullshit tributes from the then current President Bill Clinton , former Presidents & various statesmen. Jesus H. Christ, Clinton even proclaimed a national day of mourning.

Throughout our history, the United States has had stupid Presidents, incompetent Presidents & corrupt Presidents. No one was more evil than Richard Milhouse Nixon. Darth Vader was in the White House. I reached adulthood in the late 60's & saw first hand what that fascist tried to do to this country. And no, I cannot let it go. To this day I still hope someone drove a stake through his heart to make sure he stays dead. We came perilously close to having a dictatorship established in the USA.

Final thought. Someone needs to abolish Congress. Who the hell are they really working for?

Wham bam thank you ma'am

2011-07-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today, whilst fixing breakfast, ABC's Good Morning America was in the background .

They had a story about Halle Barry's stalker etc.

Pretty sad all the sickos out there.

The bizarre thing was, they had an interview with Paris Hilton regarding her experience with a stalker.

Who the fuck is she kidding? You don't have to stalk Paris Hilton... just have TMZ set up at your house & the publicity slut will show up at your door in minutes.

You gotta love the need to create these minor league celebrities.

The list is endless.