I am moving a couple miles into a house that is about 1000 sq ft bigger. Each of us will have our own room and will have some more space. It will be interesting to watch how the kids react to a new home. I bought my current home almost 11 years ago. It is twice as long as I ever lived anywhere else. My youngest was born here.
I need to sell my current house. I can afford both for a while, but will need a buyer for this one. We will see how it works out. I needed to get my kids in a better neighborhood. This move made sense since all kids will stay in the same schools. I hate moving though. Packing and unpacking is a pain everywhere.
Work is OK. Life is tough. I miss my wife and think about all the time. I really wish she was here. She would love moving into the new house. In a way I feel I am moving on without her, something that is slowly happening.
I still am miffed at the two parties. In an election where everyone says the economy is the most important thing we nominate two economic idiots. I guess they could do a half save with a good VP candidate. I honestly believe that this country will be poorly run for the next 4 years. I go back to the idea that a democratic president with a democratic congress is dangerous. We need to keep the Presidency in the hands of the Republicans for this reason only. Who was the last good president that had congress controlled by the same party? My point exactly.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Youth Sports officials
I just wanted to rant at a few things I have seen over the years. We all have heard of the bad raps some parents get especially when they get into it with umpires and refs at youth sports games. Here are a few of the things that have happened to me. There are a couple times when I got into it a little too heavy, but we don't hear about some of the reasons why. On a couple occasions umpires at my sons games have said they were going to throw someone out before the game even started. Like they have to prove who is in charge.
A few years back I was coaching first base. My wife was doing Chemotherapy at the time. She called me on my cell. Umpire jumped on me for answering my cell saying "I am going to throw you out if you don't hang up right now." I told my wife got to go and called her between innings. When I walked back out the umpire said "Give me the phone, if its an important call I will take it." My reply was "my wife has cancer and is doing chemotherapy, every call is important." He told me if I answered my phone he would throw me out of the park. My wife didn't call back.
Today while at a game there was a rule in question. I verified with the opposing coach and the umpire on the field prior to the pitcher throwing another pitch. The agreed with my interpretation. The head umpire came down and I was on the phone with a friend who happens to do the rules for parks and rec. The umpire told me I was wrong. I said to talk to my friend who does the county rules cause "He knows the rules as well as anyone." Umpire said "I've been umpiring for 20 years, I take offense to that." He talked to him, but didn't change his mind. I walked off to get ready to relay pitching signals to the catcher. He told the home plate umpire to throw me out of the game. This was done in front of our teams parents. In the end after a few phone calls the umpires of the game we were playing said I was right (and so were they). Now I fear tomorrow in the championship game whatever I do could get me thrown out. Absolutely ridicules.
I have seen games called in favor of a specific team. These are 10 yr old kids. Let the kids decide the game. I do not like the way this goes. Umpires are wrong too. I am too. Problem is that when some people get a little power they carry it too far. We see it in Politics and in youth sports. The game we played tonight the umpires were going to call the game cause the third base coaches shirt wasn't tucked in. I don't want to win a game because of that. Power corrupts. Another reason Congress and the White House need to be controlled by different parties. We need that check and Balance.
A few years back I was coaching first base. My wife was doing Chemotherapy at the time. She called me on my cell. Umpire jumped on me for answering my cell saying "I am going to throw you out if you don't hang up right now." I told my wife got to go and called her between innings. When I walked back out the umpire said "Give me the phone, if its an important call I will take it." My reply was "my wife has cancer and is doing chemotherapy, every call is important." He told me if I answered my phone he would throw me out of the park. My wife didn't call back.
Today while at a game there was a rule in question. I verified with the opposing coach and the umpire on the field prior to the pitcher throwing another pitch. The agreed with my interpretation. The head umpire came down and I was on the phone with a friend who happens to do the rules for parks and rec. The umpire told me I was wrong. I said to talk to my friend who does the county rules cause "He knows the rules as well as anyone." Umpire said "I've been umpiring for 20 years, I take offense to that." He talked to him, but didn't change his mind. I walked off to get ready to relay pitching signals to the catcher. He told the home plate umpire to throw me out of the game. This was done in front of our teams parents. In the end after a few phone calls the umpires of the game we were playing said I was right (and so were they). Now I fear tomorrow in the championship game whatever I do could get me thrown out. Absolutely ridicules.
I have seen games called in favor of a specific team. These are 10 yr old kids. Let the kids decide the game. I do not like the way this goes. Umpires are wrong too. I am too. Problem is that when some people get a little power they carry it too far. We see it in Politics and in youth sports. The game we played tonight the umpires were going to call the game cause the third base coaches shirt wasn't tucked in. I don't want to win a game because of that. Power corrupts. Another reason Congress and the White House need to be controlled by different parties. We need that check and Balance.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Pay your Taxes
So many people I talk to are so anti-Republican. Within a couple years we are going from a nation with total Republican control to total Democratic control. Remember Bush and Carter had the same thing. This complete swing may not last long. Who was the last Democratic President to get reelected when a Democratic congress was in place? Wow it has been a while. I honestly was surprised when Bush was reelected. I think the only reason he was reelected was because of Kerry. 70% of Americans are against gay marriage and gay civil unions. Yet with Clinton or Obama and a Democratic congress this will likely exist 4 years from now.
My father thinks that Democrats are Socialists. I think some of there policies are and government controlled health care is a big issue. Many Canadians come to the US for medical procedures due to the lack of wait time in Canada. How are homeless people going to be mandated to pay for health care? They will pay because of an increase in taxes. The tax increase will be on everyone. Those that make 100K to 500K will get the lowest percentage increase. Not those making 50K.
What many people do not realize is that the market is becoming a world market. All the complaint about free trade surrounds outsourcing. Actually it revolves around commodities. The run up in prices is more due to a world supply and demand free market. The US has lost more price control. Americans are upset about gas costs, but Europeans have been paying it for many years. Americans lost track of public transportation and became to luxurious in the 90's. Time to get real and conserve. Conservation is the issue. Bush shouldn't be blamed for the run up in oil and food. Some of it is due to a war that 80% of Americans polled wanted. If it is wanted politicians will do it. How quick many Democrats who voted for the war blame Bush. They allowed it and now want to distance themselves from it.
McCain, Clinton, and Obama. Yuck. I am not happy with any of them. I will probably vote for McCain at this point just to try to gridlock Washington as much as possible. By the way our budget would be balanced if all Americans honestly did their taxes. Those that cheat the government are cheating future generations.
My son is on an All Star team. Playing good baseball. My other two are still playing music. They haven't practiced much, but that should change over the summer. We are getting a bigger house. Each kid with their own room. This is something that should have been done years ago. We lived cramped for years so we could pay medical bills. Hopefully I no longer have too many of them.
My father thinks that Democrats are Socialists. I think some of there policies are and government controlled health care is a big issue. Many Canadians come to the US for medical procedures due to the lack of wait time in Canada. How are homeless people going to be mandated to pay for health care? They will pay because of an increase in taxes. The tax increase will be on everyone. Those that make 100K to 500K will get the lowest percentage increase. Not those making 50K.
What many people do not realize is that the market is becoming a world market. All the complaint about free trade surrounds outsourcing. Actually it revolves around commodities. The run up in prices is more due to a world supply and demand free market. The US has lost more price control. Americans are upset about gas costs, but Europeans have been paying it for many years. Americans lost track of public transportation and became to luxurious in the 90's. Time to get real and conserve. Conservation is the issue. Bush shouldn't be blamed for the run up in oil and food. Some of it is due to a war that 80% of Americans polled wanted. If it is wanted politicians will do it. How quick many Democrats who voted for the war blame Bush. They allowed it and now want to distance themselves from it.
McCain, Clinton, and Obama. Yuck. I am not happy with any of them. I will probably vote for McCain at this point just to try to gridlock Washington as much as possible. By the way our budget would be balanced if all Americans honestly did their taxes. Those that cheat the government are cheating future generations.
My son is on an All Star team. Playing good baseball. My other two are still playing music. They haven't practiced much, but that should change over the summer. We are getting a bigger house. Each kid with their own room. This is something that should have been done years ago. We lived cramped for years so we could pay medical bills. Hopefully I no longer have too many of them.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Uneducated Voters
Well here we go again. Obama does well and Clinton is still holding out hope. Why? Kentucky and West Virginia are still left to vote. Clinton should do well in both states. Obama should do well in Oregon.
"There was just an AP article posted that found how Sen. Obama's support among hardworking Americans, white Americans is weakening again, and how the whites in both states that have not completed college were supporting me," Clinton said in a USA Today interview May 7.
There you have it. White people who haven't finished college support Clinton. She literally is after the uneducated vote. These are people who make less money, have fewer items, and are probably being hit harder by the rise in gas prices. Now we know why she was so adamant about the gas tax holiday. They tried that in Georgia. The day before the holiday was lifted gas was $3.15 and the day after the tax was lifted it was $3.15. The prices were not lowered for me. Clinton also does well with voters on a fixed income. Again she is running around saying we should do something, isn't that her current job? Why do we have to wait till she is elected? Put your money where your mouth is Hillary.
I am still afraid of the same party controlling the House, Senate, and Presidency. I do not see how this can be good for us. Opposition can be a good thing in politics.
My son made the county all star team. This is a good thing. At 10 years old he should see the better pitching and that would be good for him. My daughter has been fighting me and not getting her school work done in time. I hope she passes all her classes this year. She is close to failing a couple of them. If I could just get some effort out of her. She is very capable. This just doing enough to pass with a C drives me crazy. She should be able to get an A.
"There was just an AP article posted that found how Sen. Obama's support among hardworking Americans, white Americans is weakening again, and how the whites in both states that have not completed college were supporting me," Clinton said in a USA Today interview May 7.
There you have it. White people who haven't finished college support Clinton. She literally is after the uneducated vote. These are people who make less money, have fewer items, and are probably being hit harder by the rise in gas prices. Now we know why she was so adamant about the gas tax holiday. They tried that in Georgia. The day before the holiday was lifted gas was $3.15 and the day after the tax was lifted it was $3.15. The prices were not lowered for me. Clinton also does well with voters on a fixed income. Again she is running around saying we should do something, isn't that her current job? Why do we have to wait till she is elected? Put your money where your mouth is Hillary.
I am still afraid of the same party controlling the House, Senate, and Presidency. I do not see how this can be good for us. Opposition can be a good thing in politics.
My son made the county all star team. This is a good thing. At 10 years old he should see the better pitching and that would be good for him. My daughter has been fighting me and not getting her school work done in time. I hope she passes all her classes this year. She is close to failing a couple of them. If I could just get some effort out of her. She is very capable. This just doing enough to pass with a C drives me crazy. She should be able to get an A.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Gasoline
Wow, things have been a little rough. I did find a position and kept my employment. Now for all the hard decisions to be made. I need a bigger home. We would have had one years ago had my wife not gotten sick with cancer. Things are rough. Decisions must be made. I will be going over my finances to determine costs of a new home and what I can afford. Unlike what many Americans did I will figure it out and not listen to a lender who makes money by selling me a loan.
I also have some thoughts on gasoline. For many years I rode a bus. The bus stop was 7 miles from my home. Now I am driving twice that far to go to my new office. There is no public transportation to take me to work. The cost is just a little more than I was paying as I no longer pay for public transportation. Politically gasoline has become a hot topic. Clinton and McCain want to cut the 18 cent per gallon gas tax for the summer. I do not like this idea. It is an election year idea. The money is used for road construction costs. Where is that money going to come from if it isn't in gas tax? I don't think after the Minnesota bridge collapse they can just not spend the money? They want to tax big oil companies too. Problem is they are working off a small margin. The profit margin for oil companies is probably only 8 percent. They would offset the gasoline by taxing a low profit margin company? If years ago the Alaska Wildlife Refugee was allowed to have been drilled for the oil up there. That oil would be coming online today and make us less dependant on foreign oil.
Democrats stopped the drilling plan and now the worldwide supply isn't enough. This issue with oil is because the biggest supply is in unstable regions. That forces risk factors into the market price. The way to lower oil costs is simply supply and demand. Raise supply and/or lower demand. Prices go up as a way to lower demand. Amazing how so many people drive too fast in big vehicles. If they followed the speed limit they may just lower their fuel bill. It might cost them 2 minutes and they can't deal with those minutes being gone. America created its own problem. With the demand for ethanol as a solution we may see gas and food prices rise. ethanol is not nearly as efficient as gasoline. That is why we use gasoline, its more efficient. Now food prices are rising due to transportation costs as well as more demand for food for alternative fuels. We are creating the double edge sword. Buy extra food. Store food up. Keep grains, rice, and other food. The day is coming when it will be needed to offset your food budget.
I also have some thoughts on gasoline. For many years I rode a bus. The bus stop was 7 miles from my home. Now I am driving twice that far to go to my new office. There is no public transportation to take me to work. The cost is just a little more than I was paying as I no longer pay for public transportation. Politically gasoline has become a hot topic. Clinton and McCain want to cut the 18 cent per gallon gas tax for the summer. I do not like this idea. It is an election year idea. The money is used for road construction costs. Where is that money going to come from if it isn't in gas tax? I don't think after the Minnesota bridge collapse they can just not spend the money? They want to tax big oil companies too. Problem is they are working off a small margin. The profit margin for oil companies is probably only 8 percent. They would offset the gasoline by taxing a low profit margin company? If years ago the Alaska Wildlife Refugee was allowed to have been drilled for the oil up there. That oil would be coming online today and make us less dependant on foreign oil.
Democrats stopped the drilling plan and now the worldwide supply isn't enough. This issue with oil is because the biggest supply is in unstable regions. That forces risk factors into the market price. The way to lower oil costs is simply supply and demand. Raise supply and/or lower demand. Prices go up as a way to lower demand. Amazing how so many people drive too fast in big vehicles. If they followed the speed limit they may just lower their fuel bill. It might cost them 2 minutes and they can't deal with those minutes being gone. America created its own problem. With the demand for ethanol as a solution we may see gas and food prices rise. ethanol is not nearly as efficient as gasoline. That is why we use gasoline, its more efficient. Now food prices are rising due to transportation costs as well as more demand for food for alternative fuels. We are creating the double edge sword. Buy extra food. Store food up. Keep grains, rice, and other food. The day is coming when it will be needed to offset your food budget.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
What is wrong here?
First off I have been busy. Raising 3 kids by yourself is much more difficult than I thought. I also am working hard to find a new job. Mine is being eliminated and will be replaced by someone in India. This is where America messes itself up. If companies want to employ people in India they need to do it through attrition or new positions. To lay someone in America off and hire someone in India is not helping the trade gap. We are helping the financial stability of foreign countries while hurting Americans financial stability. I believe that when doing quarterly reports companies need to start showing how much they pay for outsourcing to other countries. They need to say they pay 25 million to such and such a company for work done by workers. This thought needs more work, but you get the gist of the idea.
How divided is America becoming. Americans are still a third red, blue, and independent. This means that maybe half lean one way and half another. Congress is represented by the red side and the blue side. Who speaks for me. It might be wise to develop a strong third party for the independents. At some point this is going to happen. The green party and the libertarian party are way too much to the left and right. We need a moderate party in the US.
I am seeing how the Clinton machine is fighting to steal the nomination. I saw a report that she had a conference call with Obama's pledged delegates to convince them to vote for her. If something like this were to happen I can see moderate Democrats going nuts. Maybe that can help start a new party. A moderate party would overwhelmingly change the political landscape.
America is a great country. We need great leadership. McCain, Obama, and Clinton are not the answer. I believe Romney was the most intelligent candidate. I thought Obama was too, but am starting to question it more and more. Clinton is still riding her husband. Bill supposedly was a great president. Would we feel the same way if Y2K and all the corporate spending on it did not occur. Clinton gets credit for something the economy did for itself.
I laugh at our government wanting to bail out lenders and borrowers. Let the financial implications fall where they may. A recession may be ok. Coming out of one the spending habits of corporations will probably change.
How divided is America becoming. Americans are still a third red, blue, and independent. This means that maybe half lean one way and half another. Congress is represented by the red side and the blue side. Who speaks for me. It might be wise to develop a strong third party for the independents. At some point this is going to happen. The green party and the libertarian party are way too much to the left and right. We need a moderate party in the US.
I am seeing how the Clinton machine is fighting to steal the nomination. I saw a report that she had a conference call with Obama's pledged delegates to convince them to vote for her. If something like this were to happen I can see moderate Democrats going nuts. Maybe that can help start a new party. A moderate party would overwhelmingly change the political landscape.
America is a great country. We need great leadership. McCain, Obama, and Clinton are not the answer. I believe Romney was the most intelligent candidate. I thought Obama was too, but am starting to question it more and more. Clinton is still riding her husband. Bill supposedly was a great president. Would we feel the same way if Y2K and all the corporate spending on it did not occur. Clinton gets credit for something the economy did for itself.
I laugh at our government wanting to bail out lenders and borrowers. Let the financial implications fall where they may. A recession may be ok. Coming out of one the spending habits of corporations will probably change.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Change in America
America needs change. We can not keep going on like we have been for the last 20 years. We can not have establishment in Washington. We can not have Congress and the White House controled by the same party. So what are our choices. I believe that McCain is not much of a change. He is more of a change than Hillary. I also believe that Clinton is establishment and with Congress likely to be Democrat it will be bad. I do not want a large change in my tax bill. Obama is very similar. Obama is change though. Romney would have been change. Obama's issue is the Democrat control issue. Many Americans are voting against Republicans rather than for Democrats. This is another big mistake.
Life has been difficult since the death of my wife. She was only 36, so being home with three children is a change for me. I will be ever grateful for the time we had together. She truly made me a much better person. She taught me a lot.
Life has been difficult since the death of my wife. She was only 36, so being home with three children is a change for me. I will be ever grateful for the time we had together. She truly made me a much better person. She taught me a lot.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Laura
I have been busy. My wife Laura started to get very sick in mid January. Her pain increased and she was having a hard time moving her legs. She passed away on February 1, 2008 at 1:05 PM. She had a peaceful passing. She was in her bed with me, her children, her parents, and her sister in the room with her. I am going to miss her very much. I have cried more in the last week than in the last 16 years. It is going to be interesting with her gone to see how the children react. She was truly a wonderful person.
The funeral was on February 7, 2008 and she was very beautiful. Her best friend gave a wonderful account of her life. They were very close in High School and beyond. Yesterday we went by the cemetary and stood next to her for about 15 minutes. I am not sure what the kids think of it. I kind of talked to her.
Now things get crazy. Baseball is starting up again. My children are going to really need me and I have to determine how to best devide my time. They have had a very difficult 15 days. A lot of family came in and that has been good for them. These kids are going to have a much more difficult life.
This shows what a killer breast cancer is to young women. Women 35 -55 are more likely to die from breast cancer than anything else. My wife was 36. The other problem is detection. Due to costs early detection is tough. My wifes sister had a freind who was 38 pass away the day of the funeral. She died of breast cancer. Universal health care is not the answer. If you have had a parent or even a grandparent with breast cancer then I would pay for an annual mammogram. The alternative is much worse.
The funeral was on February 7, 2008 and she was very beautiful. Her best friend gave a wonderful account of her life. They were very close in High School and beyond. Yesterday we went by the cemetary and stood next to her for about 15 minutes. I am not sure what the kids think of it. I kind of talked to her.
Now things get crazy. Baseball is starting up again. My children are going to really need me and I have to determine how to best devide my time. They have had a very difficult 15 days. A lot of family came in and that has been good for them. These kids are going to have a much more difficult life.
This shows what a killer breast cancer is to young women. Women 35 -55 are more likely to die from breast cancer than anything else. My wife was 36. The other problem is detection. Due to costs early detection is tough. My wifes sister had a freind who was 38 pass away the day of the funeral. She died of breast cancer. Universal health care is not the answer. If you have had a parent or even a grandparent with breast cancer then I would pay for an annual mammogram. The alternative is much worse.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Economy
I have said a few times that I believe Romney is the best candidate to help the economy. Now due to some people borrowing more money than they could repay. This has caused people to change spending habits. I am a little surprised at the last quarter. Usually Christmas shopping picks up the economy a little and it appears American children may not have had a great Christmas. Again I believe Romney is the only one that can make major progress in the economy.
As far as Democrats go I am beginning to be more impressed with Obama every time I hear him. I understand he has some issues. They all do. But things must change in America. We can't have the same people running our country. I think it is time to make a big change. Obama fits that bill.
I also am disgusted at one thing. Senators who have grand ideas and saying bills need to be done to do this and that. That is their current job. Why do I have to wait over a year for this much needed legislation. I don't think they want to introduce the legislation due to the fact that they know that either it won't pass or people won't like the law. But they want us to believe it will work, even if it will not. This is why Americans don't trust politicians. They say stuff to get elected that they know won't work. Clinton is really bad at this.
As far as Democrats go I am beginning to be more impressed with Obama every time I hear him. I understand he has some issues. They all do. But things must change in America. We can't have the same people running our country. I think it is time to make a big change. Obama fits that bill.
I also am disgusted at one thing. Senators who have grand ideas and saying bills need to be done to do this and that. That is their current job. Why do I have to wait over a year for this much needed legislation. I don't think they want to introduce the legislation due to the fact that they know that either it won't pass or people won't like the law. But they want us to believe it will work, even if it will not. This is why Americans don't trust politicians. They say stuff to get elected that they know won't work. Clinton is really bad at this.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
What a day?
My wife has been very sick. Her pain is starting to get worse. This is always an issue with people who are fighting cancer. She was supposed to be gone before Halloween, but is still here and has been doing well. I always fear the end coming soon. I am not ready to be a single father of 3.
My youngest has been sick. He had a stomach virus and has been throwing up a small amount of blood. He seems to be better now. I had him read a lot over the last couple days. Due to my wife being sick all my kids have not gotten the educational help that is required for a child to succeed in today's educational world. Hopefully we will get caught up when things become somewhat normal. Whenever that is.
Clinton won NH and so did Mcain. Here is my feelings. People need to look at electability. Each party needs to take a long look. Since I don't want congress and the White House controlled by the same party I am wanting to vote Republican. Issue is what Republican is winning. I have a few people I don't want to see in the Oval Office. Clinton, Guiliani, Huckabee. These three scare me. especially Clinton with a Democratic Congress. Remember how bad things were during Bill's first 2 years? I saw where Huckabee slammed Mormons during a Southern Baptist Convention. I said anyone who is so outwardly discriminatory towards any large group wouldn't get my support. I am giving Mcain a bye on what his mom said. I know Arizona has a lot of Mormons. I can't support him due to this.
Back to electability. I think the only Republican that could win is Mcain. He could beat Clinton. He is not pushing the Christian agenda. I think America is sick of faith based politics. I am and so are many Christians. I don't think any Republican can beat Obama or Edwards. I think Romney could help our economy like no other. He would have great new ideas and could probably fix the issues of our tax code as well as loopholes better than anyone. He would be able to work with Dems better than Huckabee too. Dems need to elect Obama. I think Republicans fear Obama because they can't beat them.
My youngest has been sick. He had a stomach virus and has been throwing up a small amount of blood. He seems to be better now. I had him read a lot over the last couple days. Due to my wife being sick all my kids have not gotten the educational help that is required for a child to succeed in today's educational world. Hopefully we will get caught up when things become somewhat normal. Whenever that is.
Clinton won NH and so did Mcain. Here is my feelings. People need to look at electability. Each party needs to take a long look. Since I don't want congress and the White House controlled by the same party I am wanting to vote Republican. Issue is what Republican is winning. I have a few people I don't want to see in the Oval Office. Clinton, Guiliani, Huckabee. These three scare me. especially Clinton with a Democratic Congress. Remember how bad things were during Bill's first 2 years? I saw where Huckabee slammed Mormons during a Southern Baptist Convention. I said anyone who is so outwardly discriminatory towards any large group wouldn't get my support. I am giving Mcain a bye on what his mom said. I know Arizona has a lot of Mormons. I can't support him due to this.
Back to electability. I think the only Republican that could win is Mcain. He could beat Clinton. He is not pushing the Christian agenda. I think America is sick of faith based politics. I am and so are many Christians. I don't think any Republican can beat Obama or Edwards. I think Romney could help our economy like no other. He would have great new ideas and could probably fix the issues of our tax code as well as loopholes better than anyone. He would be able to work with Dems better than Huckabee too. Dems need to elect Obama. I think Republicans fear Obama because they can't beat them.
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