Afghanistan, "The Kite Runner" & Obama

As a Vietnam Veteran I am opposed to war - war for no good reason. I want our troops home. I don't feel there is any good reason for us to be in Iraq . . . . or Afghanistan - until now. Iraq - No! Afghanistan - I am rethinking my stand.

Let me tell you why. I just recently viewed the film "The Kite Runner." This was a movie selection by my spouse, my muse. She always manages to pick films I normally wouldn't, but that I am later appreciative of her choice.

This is a film which provided me a new insight into Afghanistan. There are dual plots here, but the one which struck me the most was the storyline about life in the country. My image of this country was one of desolation, dusty, barren countryside and mountains. I had no idea of what the country was about. My visualizations came from media reports, which I presumed was the whole picture. But, this is NOT the case. This ONCE was a civilized country, filled with trees and agriculture and teeming marketplaces. This was before it was invaded by the Soviets, and before the Taliban took control of the country.

I had no idea how bad living under the Taliban really could be. I had my perceptions, but they were way off base. Add Al-Quieda to the mix and it must be unbearable. My eyes were opened to the oppression these people are under - an UNCIVILIZED OPPRESSION!

Now I believe I understand why we must assist the citizens of Afghanistan to regain proper governance of their country - not that we must control or occupy their country, but to help them rid the country of an uncivilized life style.

This is why I am giving President Obama the benefit of the doubt as to his recent decision to step up troop presence in that country. I don't believe that the United States must be the police force for the World, but to live under the conditions that the Afghani's are existing, that is intolerable. I hope and pray that we are making the correct decision, and that our involvement will be swift and decisive (let the Military operate as the Military should) and we can return basic human rights and privileges to the citizens of Afghanistan to run their country the way they want, with basic God-given principles.

I hope that you will either read or view the movie "The Kite Runner" and you can see how life was in a country, before it was invaded by what they consider to be infidels.

For more information on the film, check out the official website. Information about the background of the film and book, check here.

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Door to Door Solicitors

How I Successfully Turn Them Away!

This technique has worked every time . . . .

Being retired usually means you might be living off your retirement income and investments. With the economy as bad as it currently is, everybody understands that Wall Street is in the dumpster.

When these folks come to the door trying to pry my hard-earned money from my piggy bank, I just say . . . "I'm sorry, we're retired, and all our investments have tanked, we have no money to spare."

The look at me . . . hem and haw . . . swallow hard . . . look down and usually stammer, "Aw, I'm sorry . . " and turn and walk away.

It hasn't failed me yet. Whether or not it's true does not matter, but it keeps my money in my wallet.

It works better than any NO SOLICITORS sign!

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Paper Clips . . . Just One Box, Please

At this point in my life, when I need some paper clips I drive to the office supply depot to pick some up. I'm just looking for a single box of a 100 or so pieces. Imagine my amazement when I could only find a shrink-wrapped package of ten boxes.

That's 1,000 paper clips!

Being in my early 60's, the chances of using 1,000 paper clips seems to be a bit much. Maybe if I was in my 40's. But 1,000 paper clips to me would be a LIFE-TIME SUPPLY, with enough left over to pass on to my beneficiaries.

I questioned a salesperson about the chances of me purchasing a single box, and the answer was slim to none.

So I asked myself, "I wonder if I could perhaps buy just one ball-point pen, or a single felt-tip marker, or maybe a lone pen refill?"

Nope, these items are only available in multiple or mass quantities.

This appears to be the basis of Pentagon-purchasing methods, less the lofty prices.

Try obtaining just a single roll of adhesive tape. Negativo! Minimum purchase would be 3 rolls at a time.

Apparently we have become a mass purchase, shrink-wrapped, plastic bubble sealed society. And God help you if you try to open one of those plastic sonic-welded merchandise containers. Cut yourself on one of those babies and you'll be a hurtin' for a while.

Oh, for the days (which I remember) of the five and dime store where everything was lined up neatly in their own bin in SINGLE amounts. Where you could buy just ONE Number Two Pencil or a nice gum eraser (try getting one of those today too).

Oh, No! Now you have to climb into your gas-guzzling SUV, drive to the other side of town where everybody congregates to spend their money, and load up on bulk purchases of highliters, envelopes and note pads.

Send me your name, I'll add you to my will for the dispersal of my left-over paper clips.

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Stimulus Money -> -> -> ROADS!

Stimulus Money . . .

ROADS

ROADS

ROADS

ROADS

ROADS


Get the Message?

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BEST Anti-Virus Defense!

I cannot say enough about this FREE anti-virus program for Windows users. I have used all the full-blown packages from McAfee, Norton and TrendMicro, and AVG Anti-Virus beats them all!

And the price is right - FREE!

Where the other packages act in the background and tend to bog down the processing of the computer in an effort to ward off all the malicious code of viruses and spyware, AVG is simple and straight forward.

I've dumped all the previous packages in favor of AVG. I've used it on my two computers for over 6 months, and it works like a charm.

I encourage everyone to consider joining the ever-growing group of satisfied users.

Go to FREE AVG and download version 8.5, just released this week.

You should be aware that AVG does offer upgrades to their full-blown packages for some money. But you do not need to go that route, stick with the no-cost version, it will work just fine.

I get no benefit of any kind for promoting this product, other then the knowledge that you will also be provided peace of mind against the onslaught of viruses and spyware.

Happy computing.

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The Grand Rapids Press - Could it Close?

The publisher of the Grand Rapids Press, Dan Gaydou, today announced a gloomy future for the daily paper and it's sister publications.

Grand Rapids Press institutes salary, benefit cuts; Ann Arbor to cease publication, some Booth Newspapers consolidate

But we saw it coming.

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Newspapers - The Demise of a Watchdog

I'm afraid that with the failure of newspapers to continue publishing, we might not continue to be made aware of what is actually going on in Government. Yes, we might still have on-line editions, but how much of an influence will they be. Remember, the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights is Freedom of Speech and a Free Press.

I admit that I get most of my news electronically, so I have to bear partial blame. I just never thought about the ramifications of obtaining news in this fashion.

Think about what type of society we would have if everyone got their news via television, especially from Fox News.
I hope that I don't live to see us without any watchdogs to protect our rights and privileges.

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Michigan leading the way to sue AIG - Oh No!

Looks like our 'esteemed' Attorney General Mike Cox will manage the suit by states against AIG.

Great!

Everybody can kiss their $$$$$ Good Bye. He'll probably find some unused parks to have the money spent on, just as he recently did in Grand Rapids.

Where do these people come from?

AAAARRRGGGHHH!

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GUEST BLOGGER: Forclosure Money for Parks?

GUEST BLOGGER

I have a guest blogger today, my lovely spouse who, along with me, is in an uproar over the use of foreclosure funds from Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox being set aside to develop two parks in Grand Rapids.

Here is the Cranky Old Woman:

Did I miss something, or did all the irresponsible AIG officials (crooks) suddenly move to Michigan? The same arrogance and "I just don't get it" mentality has reared its head here as state Attorney General Mike Cox stands in a press conference and gallantly announces he gave $500,000 from a Countrywide mortgage settlement to upgrade two parks in Kent County, instead of doling it out to the agencies eager to help homeowners facing, or in the middle of foreclosures. Does he REALLY think anyone at the moment cares about parks (one of which is very small and holds a cramped space behind all the medical/office buildings on Michigan Ave., is a staging area for all the ongoing construction and - even if improved - would hold interest only with the office workers situated right there, if at all? His defense? The improved parks wil help stabilize their surrounding neighborhoods. What neighborhoods? The way things are going, there won't be any neighborhoods left. Put that money where it belongs (and for what it was intended!) Hire debt counselors, open small, temporary offices accessible to the most vulnerable - and desparate- homeowners. Cox should stop trying to look good for his political buddies and take care of the people in need. What an idiot!

Thank you my lovely wife, the Cranky Old Gal.

Stay tuned as she may pop in from time to time . . . if I let her.

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Caveat Emptor - Avoid the Video Professor!

I consider myself to be reasonably intelligent and a smart internet user and purchaser, but in the process of researching materials for classes I'm going to teach, I thought I had made all the right decisions.

I decided to check out some of the materials that Video Professor offers, so I ordered one set and paid the $6.95 fee for the "free" tutorials. You have 10 days to review them and if you determine that they don't meet your needs, you can send them back.

Order them, I did, and waited their arrival. Prior to the packages' arrival, I received a 'letter' from them stating they had been shipped. Shortly thereafter the set of tutorial disks arrived and I proceeded to evaluate the set.

Keep in mind that Video Professor states you have 10 days to review the merchandise.

On the seventh day I determined that the materials were insufficient for the purpose I had intended. Consequently, I called their phone number to get a Return Merchandise Authorization number. Imagine my surprise when they informed me that they had already billed my credit card 3 days earlier for the amount of $189.95.

Note that I was just 7 days into the 10 day evaluation time frame.

I told the Customer Service Agent that my time frame to review the materials hadn't expired as yet. "Sorry," I was told, but there was nothing she could do. I asked for a credit of the amount as I was going to return the materials. "Sorry," again she said.

I immediately called the credit card company to get this resolved, as I was within the time frame in order to return the package. I disputed the charge with MasterCard. Days later I received the paperwork necessary to dispute the claim.

It took three months and a few phone calls to convince and prove my dispute to MasterCard, and it finally did get removed. Now, if I had used American Express, the charge would have been credited immediately and they would investigate my claim - no problem!

Two points:
1) Avoid Video Professor at all costs as they do not live up to the claim of an evalution time period, and you will have a heck of a time trying to get your money back.
2) Use a CREDIT CARD, not a debit card, when purchasing on the World Wide Web. This will help should an issue develop with the product or company.

By the way, the materials I 'reviewed' were not at all that impressive.

Caveat Emptor! Let the buyer beware!

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It's A Green Day!

AIG - W.T.F.?

Whats up with AIG?

Are they dumb, stupid, or just arrogant?

After receiving millions and millions of taxpayer dollars to bail them out, they held lavish parties to celebrate. Now we find out that after the latest infusion of public dollars to keep them afloat, they are about to distribute millions of dollars as bonuses to employees, despite their poor performance, in order to keep them working for AIG.

W. T. F.?

Bonuses - to keep them working at AIG? Where else would they go anyway?

Bonuses - for what?

What a bunch of arrogant bastards!!!!!!!!!!!

Forgive my language, but this is polite compared to what I uttered when this news was announced Sunday.

My bonus to them would be small, brown boxes to take home parting gifts of paper clips and post it notes.

I am stunned!

I am appalled!

I am ANGRY!

This is the type of anger and emotion that drives people to take up weapons and to seek out targets.

AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!

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Have a Great St. Patrick's Day!

Have some green beer on me - I'm still recovering fron surgery. My drugs and alcohol do not mix well.

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Rotator Cuff Tear Repair - Surgery

(Image courtesy of WebMD)

The "Cranky Old Guy" is going to be sidelined for a while as I recuperate from surgery for the above pictured injury. I have to report to the hospital at 5:30 a,m, for surgery at 7:30 a.m.

WHY? Is the TSA going to inspect my bag and my papers?

I expect all will be well, as I should be home by mid-afternoon if there are no complications.

See you soon.

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The story of my life

I NEVER liked writing a journal or a diary because it was boring and time consuming.

But Facebook is a creative way to share your life and encounters with family and friends, plus a method of keeping in touch with and contacting others.

Of course you can be stupid about it. Just look at some of the recent news stories regarding individuals who have posted threats or inappropriate comments about other persons. If you use it the way it is intended, it can be a great communication tool.

Plus, it can also be fun. Notes like the "Michigan Bucket List" is enlightening. However, if you prefer to keep your privacy, this is not the place for you - although, you are in control of what you post and who you want to be a 'friend.'

Check it out, it is not at all difficult.

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I was thinking . . .

The majority of our roads are so bad . . . and we want to rebuild our infrastructure . . . and we want to spark a boost in our economy . . .

Maybe instead of patching and fixing our roadways, we should start from scratch - tear up all the streets and put in new pavement. This time use a method similar to how the German Autobahn is constructed AND not use the low bid system, but use the HIGH QUALITY system!

It's interesting how my thought just happened to coincide with this weeks Parade Magazine.

There is such a proliferation of potholes this year, many of them the result of last years attempt to patch them - unsuccessfully!

Patching isn't working! Let's just tear it up and start over. We will have better roads and people will be put to work, boosting the economy.

I rest my case.

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Automobile shopping

FORD HAS A BRIGHT IDEA!

I was watching TV the other night when a commercial came on promoting the new 2010 Ford Fusion.

2010?

It's only March of 2009!

I guess someone had the bright idea to skip over the 'bad' shopping year of 2009 and just move on to 2010, like it never happened. HUH? DUH!

With this type of thinking no wonder we have the Detroit auto industry on the verge of collapse.

I just happened in to my local Hyundai ("HUN - DAY" like "sundae") dealer this past week to see their new digs (they just built a new showroom), and to take a peek at the new Genesis Coupe (spiffy car).

Conversing with a salesperson revealed that sales for the Hyundai is up, better than last year.

You see, here is an auto company that builds cars based upon customer demand, not on the idea that the manufacturer 'knows' what the consumer wants and needs.

Not that I am in the market to buy a new car, because our two 2001 Hyundai models are still running great (the Santa Fe SUV now has over 100,000 miles on it) and haven't had any problems other than a few cosmetic issues which were easily fixed. But it is a buyers market now. I'll bet that if you walked into a car showroom with a wad of cash, you would easily be able to get your price. (Give me the money, and I'll check it out).

So I pondered, if the Detroit auto builders do file for bankruptcy, what will happen to all the acres of unsold cars and trucks? Door prizes? Stocking stuffers? Buy one, get one free?

When we do buy another vehicle, it will be a Hyundai - no question.

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Hooked again, but . . .

Every year I state that I don't want to watch this show . . . and every year my wife, my muse, gets me hooked on this showcase of young musical talent.

But . . . no way in my mind does Paula Abdul perform any useful purpose. It is a program of SINGING competition . . . not FASHION! Gee Whiz, Give It Up!

I am so glad that they added another judge this year, someone of Kara's caliber and credibility adds nothing but substance to the show.

American Idol also allows others to display their talent, whether or not they are chosen makes not a difference, as the opportunity to display their talent before America might be their 'big break.'

Then . . . . there are the "characters" which make it to the finals. Sometimes I think they are picked by the judges just for ratings draw. Have you forgotten William Hung, or Sanjaya?

So, I make the same resolution every season, and every season I get sucked in again.

But, boy can they sing!

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I'm Lost!

Last night's storyline went forward three years, then backward three years. People are missing, people are showing up. Richard Alpert never ages. Ben - Is he a good guy or a bad guy.

I'm lost in this plot in which all sorts of storylines are just dumped into the mix.

I can't figure out where it's going or it's outcome. I'm hooked and have been from Day One!

In order to stay on top (Yeah, maybe), you have to catch each and every episode. Thank goodness for a DVR!

And, have you noticed that ABC let's the show lag over a minute or two into the next time grid? That way you miss the beginning of the show on another network. It is a deliberate ploy to keep you tuned to ABC for the show which follows.

NAH! I'm already recording that program and can switch over and start it from the beginning.

HAH!

I'm glad I'm not addicted to television.

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"Can You Hear Me, Now?"

Do some of those yahoos selling furniture, mattresses and the like really believe that yelling and hollering in their commercials, will convince consumers to buy from them?

Is this some sort of tactic to rise above the clutter?

It's worse if you happen to have a surround system on when their NOISE is broadcast.

Maybe their advertising agency is based in the Ozarks and fueled by "shine." (did I say that 'out loud?')

Please, take your "Vee-Hick-els" and furniture and drive off into the sunset.

Thank God for the invention of the Mute Button!

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Robert Warren Hale, D.D.S.

March 3, 1996

Dad died on this date in 1996, just one day before his 77th birthday. He was a wonderful man, a great person and a wonderful father to my sister, Kathy and I. He was the loving husband to my mother Beverly.

Dad passed quietly in the nursing home where he had been a resident for 16 years, a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. It was difficult for me to see him trapped in the battle of losing one's sense of thought and intelligence. I couldn't force myself to visit him, as I wanted to remember him as he was . . . a brilliant, creative and inventive Dad. I do not regret making that decision.

I regret that he is no longer with us, as he would be proud of what has become of his son and his granddaughter.

I inherited his wit and sense of humor, although it is not as subtle as his. I also inherited his ability to "save" things - the craft of being a 'pack-rat.'

Dad sacrificed a great deal being a father and husband. The family knows to what extent that went. It isn't necessary to delve into that here, other than to say, Dad was a Saint, along with my Mother. He is reaping his reward by being with his loving Creator.

Thanks, Dad, you made me what I am today.

I miss you!

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Admitted Coke-a-holic

"My name is Mike, and I have been a life-long Coke drinker."

I admit it, I love Coca-Cola. I even have had it in the early morning, even before breakfast.

But now, for health reasons I have stopped. It's been a month since my last Coke.

No, this is not a spoof over the serious consequences of alcoholism. This is a fact that I have been living with for as long as I can remember. I cannot tolerate Pepsi, as it is too sweet for me. Coke is just right for my palate.

Now I have relegated the consumption of a Coca-Cola as a infrequent 'treat' similar to a desert. I no longer have the craving for a Coke as I once did.

I have transitioned to WATER. Water - hard to believe - for me. But with the loving support of my wonderful wife, I now crave a glass full of water and ice cubes. I didn't think that this would be possible for me, as I lust for Coke . . . or did.

I'm not only a Coke drinker, I'm also a Coke collector. Collector of all things Coke. Napkins, shirts, trinkets and even full bottles of Coke. Thanks to my Stepson, Kerry and his wife, Windy, I even have a complete set of Coke trucks, from Speedway Gas.

Taking this step was not at all easy. But I had to - for healthy reasons.

I am prone to Kidney Stones, the experience of which nearly mimics the birth of a child for women . . . PAIN! The chemicals in the cola bean tend to promote the creation of minerals in my kidneys which give me this pleasant sensation . . . PAIN!

I used to consume up to 2 liters of Coke a day in 2001. Now, I have successfully loosened the grip of this addiction on my behavior.

Now, on to Chocolate!

(I in no way wish this post to belittle the seriousness of any addiction to any drug or alcohol.)

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Dreaming

I must have a very active brain, as it is very unusual for me not to dream. And, I dream in color!

I have realized that some of my most intense dreams occur the first few hours after falling asleep. I am astounded by the complexity of some of them, and with the plots which play out. There are people in them from my life with which I haven't had contact with for decades.

Generally speaking, most of my dreams are about everyday events and activities, while every so often, I have some dreams which are very intense and upsetting - waking me from a sound sleep.

On a rare occasion, I will have a flashback to my military service. Some of the most uncomfortable dreams I experience involve either losing any or all of my senses or being contained in a very small, tight enclosure or space; much like claustrophobia.

Despite some of the 'nightmares' I enjoy dreaming. I have discovered one interesting point - I don't dream when I take a nap, only when I'm asleep at night.

A 'head doctor' would have years of publishing after delving into my mind.

Hmmmmmm.

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Mortality . . . Time to Think

Facing my own mortality is easy as I realize each day that I have been fortunate enough to experience yet another day alive. And that is exactly the way I live it . . . Alive!

I make it a point to try and experience each day as if it might be my last. I began that process when I had my heart attack and Quadruple Bypass Surgery in 2001. I realized that as I was being prepped for surgery that I might not survive. I had a long conversation (prayer) with my Lord and Savior, and consequently I had such a peace about me as I was being wheeled into the O.R.

Next week, I'm going to have surgery again, but this time for my right shoulder - repair for my rotator cuff. It's just 'outpatient' but with my medical history, it will be at the hospital. Yes, I am concerned. But am comfortable with any potential outcome.

Adding to this mental discussion is the recent passing of the Mother of a friend of mine, as well as the death of a local radio personality, Rick Beckett; and national commentator Paul Harvey. The last two are of interest to me because of my nearly ten year stint in radio broadcasting.

Considering all the above, I ensure that I make known my feelings for those close to me: my lovely wife and my beautiful daughter; as well as all those family and friends who are dear to me (enemies - if there are any - I pray for).

I have been richly blessed in my nearly 63 years of life. And what a life it has been - Wow! I have had the opportunity to be involved in several very interesting and enjoyable careers. I have experienced many life-changing events, good and bad. I consider myself to have been successful in many areas of life. I am a part of a large and wonderful family. I have been many places, have met many people and seen many sights and locations. I "survived" the Vietnam War!

I hope I'm not yet done.

All of this has prompted me to compile my own "Bucket List" of things I would like to accomplish prior to my departure from this life. The idea came from the movie of the same name. Those of you who can check off some items that are on my list - count your blessings.

So, here is my list, in no particular order. If any of you would like to join me . . . the more the merrier.

MIKE'S "BUCKET LIST"

Travel the country by train.
Visit the Grand Canyon.
Visit the National Parks.
Return to Vietnam.
Own a Gold coin.
Own a share of Apple stock.
See the stock market reach 15,000.
Invest in the Bank of Sealy Posturepedic.
Live to see world peace.
Visit Ireland.
Visit the Vietnam Wall.
Spend a month in Hawaii.
Build a Media Center PC.
Build a HackInTosh / FrankenMac.
Drive a Hummer for a weekend.
Tour the Pentagon.
Lose 50+ pounds.
Set up a home server network.
Have my own basement office in a separate room.
Organize my work area with a work bench.
Landscape the back yard.
Change the garage entrance 90 degrees and finish it off.
Create a master bedroom suite.
Live to be a happy, healthy 100.
Same as above, but with my lovely wife, soulmate and love of my life, Mary.
See the Empire State Building.
Visit Apple Computer, Cupertino, California.
Meet President Barack Obama.
Own an RCA 77DX microphone.
Finish kitchen remodeling.
Learn ballroom dancing.
Have a car with an iPod connection.
See the Western U.P.
Take Mary to New Orleans.
See Mardi Gras.
Return to Shenandoah/Blue Ridge Mountains.
Return to Colorado.
Take a Caribbean cruise.
See more Broadway Musicals.
Travel to all 50 states.
Visit Ellis Island.
Spend a week at Disney World.
See Andi cured of Cancer.
Live to see a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Live in peace and harmony.
Die in my sleep.
Be granted 3 wishes.

Well, let's see what I am able to check off as life goes on.

The last item would be very interesting.

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