Please update on contact information

We will soon be between houses.

Please change my email address to: lclintsp@gmail.com

My new mailing address is: PO Box 23026, Overland Park, KS 66283-3026

My new shipping address is:  7500 W. 151st #23026, Overland Park, KS 66283-3026.

Our home phone number (913-897-3644) will cease on December 4.

My phone number until further notice is: 913-907-8562

Carol's phone number is 913-908-3610

Thanks,

Larry C. Sparrow & Carol M. Sparrow

Other updated information:

Kelsey Leigh Sparrow's mailing and shipping address is: 1501 S. 5th St. E,  Louisburg, KS 66053

and her phone number is: 913-314-2774

Note email address change coming soon

I will soon be changing ISP's. This means my Earthlink email address will go away. I will send another note out once I have my new ISP in place and email addressed arranged. So please look for a follow up message about this sometime in the next 10 days.

Indiana: What was won? What was lost?

Trump won tonight. That made his supporters happy I suppose. But much was lost. Following are some things that will definitely happen or may happen. History will unfold and determine what does and what does not happen. Here's what I see coming:

1. Hillary will win the presidency with an unprecedented landslide.
2. Elizabeth Warren will be the Vice President.
3. Chuck Schumer takes over Senate leadership, Nancy Pelosi regains leadership in the House.
4. The two most progressive jurists in history fill the available SCOTUS openings. Profound attacks on the 1st, 2nd and 10th Amendments start almost immediately. Abortion will become allowable anytime up to live birth. No institution or organization will be allowed to exempt itself from paying for abortions on demand.
5. Spending will NOT slow down and in fact will accelerate as there no longer is any meaningful resistance to spending in either house. This will fairly quickly lead to downgrading of US debt to junk bond rating, rapid devaluation of the dollar, stock market crash far worse than 2007 and rising unemployment so vast that government hanky panky with the numbers can no longer hide it.
6. If you thought Barrack Obama was being unduly influenced/directed by Iran, you haven't seen anything yet.
7. Cecile Richards will be given a major, perhaps cabinet level, position in this new administration.
8. Continuing civil unrest sponsored by Soros, CPUSA, DNC via BLM, OWS, etc. will actually get even worse and possibly might finally reach its desired goal of martial law as the near final step toward the Leftist Police state that movement has hoped for since its infancy.
9. The military will continue to be neutered via spending cuts, over political management, and social experimentation.
10. Polygamy will be declared legal for marriage. Pedophilia will be exempted from felony status.
11. The Republican Party will suffer a massive loss of members and in fact will never again be meaningful in American politics. Several new parties will spring up but their impact and influenc might not be apparent for 50 years.
12. The Democrat Party will finally toss that name and start going by their true identity: The Communist Party of the United States.
13. Taxes will soar with top rates again over 70%. Negative interest will be applied to those citizens lucky enough to have savings of any kind (passbook, IRA's, 40lK's, etc.) This will be Big Government's way of seizing the private assets that they've wanted to do for so long but couldn't figure out a way to do so without provoking a shooting war.
14. A large number of American citizens will flee the country, perhaps in the low millions, and resettle in more favorable political climates, such as Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, etc.
15. Iran will attack Israel. We won't do a damn thing about it. Russia will invade numerous countries. We won't do a damn thing about it.
16. The US mainland will suffer numerous massive terrorist attacks.
17. Illegal aliens will be given voting rights, free housing, free medical care and anything else they could possibly wish for, as the new powers that be see them as their permanent ticket to forever political power.
18. Obamacare will be repealed and replace, with single payer healthcare just like has been the plan all along. Medicare care will continue to tank.
19. Euthanasia will become legal and in fact be pushed as a humane alternative to elder medical care. The definition of elderly in that case will continue to get lower and lower.
20. Trillions of dollars will be wasted on countless green energy boondoggles, with traditional energy sources still being the most rational answers to energy needs.

I could go on longer, but I won't. Other than all the above possibilities, I guess everything should just be peachy, don't you think?

Voters MUST be educated to make Republic saving decisions

The tragedy of an under-, un-, or misinformed voter base was clearly demonstrated by the post election disasters that followed the 2006 and 2008 Congressional and Presidential elections. IF our republic is to be saved, it is my contention that voters should not be allowed to vote (only slightly kidding here) unless they’ve done the kind of due diligence required to decided which candidate or candidates deserve the honor of serving the public in elected office. Simply put, our very survival cannot be left to opinions implanted in our brains by partisan political hacks, media experts, professional political pundits, political consultants or your momma. We must invest our own capital, both time and intellectual, to whatever degree is required to assure ourselves we know as much as WE can learn about candidates’ backgrounds, voting records, belief systems, governing values, policy inclinations and actions they will take upon taking office.

Based on awareness polls, not many voters are spending much time doing that yet as the 2012 elections loom. The series of Republican debates, for those who’ve watched, were only slightly enlightening. First, the very nature of these debates severely limited the depth of answers the candidates could give on any of the issues raised. Second, as many if not most of the debates were clearly designed as gotcha events, often orchestrated by obviously partisan journalists, whose intent was to tear down candidates rather than seek real insights into policy thoughts, little of value came out.

So when a so-far rare opportunity comes along to actually hear candidates thoughts in depth, IMO you as a responsible voter MUST take advantage of same. Last night, such an opportunity presented itself – the C Span Texas Patriots PAC debate between Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain. If you missed it, and no doubt many did, I’m sure you can find it online with the least bit of effort. It was an extremely revealing event into the mindset, abilities, knowledge and intentions of 2 of the more non-traditional presidential candidates. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent – it is your DUTY to educate yourself before pulling a lever.

Do yourself and our republic a big favor – invest some time and start learning instead of being told what you believe. You’ll be glad you did, and you may even find it becoming habit-forming. Why heck, you may even find actually learning something to be far superior to watching the latest episode of the Kardashians, or Jersey Shore, or whatever other brain mush the networks have been pushing hoping you’ll just go along to get along.

Biden and thin skin

The fact that Joe Biden is crying bloody murder because a reporter called his bluff on the bullshit claims he was making about what would happen if Obama’s latest “jobs plan” isn’t passed speaks volumes about the vapidity and utter uselessness of today’s Democrat party.

Our cowardly House of Representatives

On a daily basis, I wonder what impeachable outrage Obama will reveal to all of us. Even more a source of wonder to me is our House of Representatives’ utter cowardice for failing to initiate Articles of Impeachment against Obama. Will we ever recover from the disaster this elected mistake has created?

Gym thoughts on aging

At the gym this morning, there seemed to be an unusually large number of high school age and college age male athlete types. Most were in extremely good shape, all cocky and muscled up, full of testosterone. As I’m almost 63, it would be easy for me to ponder the follies of aging and get all depressed about the contrasts between them and me. As I thought about this at length, it was with a deeply felt sigh that I concluded, “Man, oh man, am I glad I don’t have to suffer through blue balls anymore!”

They couldn’t be that devious, could they?

It just dawned on me. The Democrazies may be setting things up to place blame for Obama’s insanities again. How? Simple. Here goes … the massive overspending is going to create inflation as has never ever been experienced in this country. The folly of Obama and Reid and Pelosi’s overspending will have dawned on most of the zombie voting population in time for Republicans to be put back in charge of one or both houses after the 2010 elections. This avalanche of hyper inflation will hit in 2011. Guess who the Democrazies are going to blame.

Where was their outrage before?

I continue to be amazed by the "Arab outrage" we see being displayed via various news sources from around the world about Israel's retaliatory bombing of terrorists' enclaves and sites in the Gaza Strip. Wonder where was this "Arab outrage" for all the rocket launches, suicide bombings and murders, of Jews and fellow Muslims, over the decades?

Voter turnout disappointing

New data just released today reveals a much smaller number of voters than was anticipated. Total voter numbers were up over 2004 but were no where close to the expected record numbers. As the analysis shows, it seems many Republicans stayed at home instead of voting, or simply didn't cast a presidential ballot because the mainstream press had convinced them that Obama could not possibly lose. If the voters continue to be manipulated by our left agenda press, does it scare you as much as it does me what the press will do to convince these same weak willed and under informed voters about Obama's actual governing plan? Are you old enough to remember Cuba, circa 1958? Wake up, America. Investigate, learn what's real and what's hype, get involved, and get on the horn to your elected officials NOW to insist they govern for the good of the country and not at the whim of the Far Left, as is already clearly starting to show up. The Looney Left thinks this election win for Obama is a voter mandate for all they want done. Gay marriage, unrestricted abortions, legalized drugs, open borders, cowering to our enemies as we dismantle our military and soon, you'll see, much bowing and accommodating of the Islamist horde getting ready to join the fun here now that the Left got its way.

"O" man or "Wo" man in '12?

Isn't it extraordinary that Sarah Palin is getting more attention from the press, the Looney Left, Democrats in general, and pseudo Republicans after Obama won the election last week? Also isn't it interesting how vile and mean spirited that attacks on her continue to be from all the bomb throwers. As I surmised sometime back, I think many politicians are VERY afraid of a genuine proper Republican running for President next time. She may not end up being that candidate, but I sure be she's pointing the way. Agree or not?

Obama "the centrist"???

Isn't it interesting that Barack Obama "the centrist" is suddenly surrounded by the likes of Rahm Emanuel, Louis Farrakan, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, etc.? Wonder what kind of centrist view they'll bring to the meetings they'll surely attend?

How long will it take?

I am hopeful that Barack O' will govern from the center, but I think I like almost everyone I know other than the most delusional of his supporters think this will not happen. If that feeling is accurate, I'm betting it will be only a matter of months until we see these issues on our radar:

1. Repartation - if the radical Congress has the courage to pass it, I guarantee you Barack will sign it.

2. Illegal aliens legalized - 15 to 20 million new Democrats in the wings and waiting, 15 to 20 million new Democrats swelling the roles of the underinsured and undereducated, and by the way, all this and more will be covered for them, at the expense of the rest of us.

3. The shrinking of our military and the lessening of our ability to protect ourselves from our enemies - this may be slowed down somewhat by Obama learning more about the true threats to our country now that he has access to all the intelligence about same.

4. Spreading the wealth - that wasn't a slip of the tongue. This guy was raised as a Socialist/Marxist, and those true colors will become abundantly clear in short order after he takes office.

5. A spending spree of unimaginable scope - remember, the Democrazies power base is strongly dependent upon those who benefit from it most - the hands-out brigade.

I hope I'm wrong on all counts, but I doubt it. What say you?

The bailouts must end - NOW!

The bailouts must end - NOW! In a capitalistic society which we still purport to be the success or failure of a business falls squarely on the shoulders of its proprietors. Do the right thing, and you succeed. Do the wrong thing, and you fail. Where in our U.S. Constitution does it say that We The People have to pay for the mistakes of idiots and greed mongers? Then there's the laughable contention that our elected officials in Washington have answers to our current economic woes. I'm 61 years old as I write this; let me assure you that in my lifetime all attempts by Congress to "help" our economy have inevitably failed miserably. And if you think this tinkering has been bad in recent weeks, just wait until after January 20, 2009 when the Democrazies will have total control of two of our three governing branches. All of us had better start demanding that Congress immediately quit tinkering with our economy. If you're looking for a good resource to bookmark and use to contact the DC crowd, you might want to visit first gov.org.

The fear of the Left

It is extraordinary to me that the Left and its mainstream media cohorts continue their relentless attacks against Sarah Palin. I am thoroughly convinced she scares the dickens out of them, and I think they doubt they can beat her somewhere down the road as she again seeks high office. What's your view?

Sarah Palin is surely a perfect pick for VP

Why do I say that? It's obvious, isn't it. I can seldom if ever recall a candidate that the Democrazies, Far Left bloggers, and mainstream media spent so much effort, so soon, and so relentlessly to discredit. I think they are VERY afraid.

Sort of like parking the Space Shuttle, but different

So I am trying to get ready for a prostate biopsy. One must, at least two hours before the event, give oneself a Fleet Enema. Now I don't know about you, but I have no experience with such things. So I am reading the instructions trying to determine how to administer this beast. And follow those instructions for how to self administer the Fleet Enema I did ... beings how I was home alone at the time and all ... though frankly I don't think my wife would have been terribly willing to help with the administration of the enema.

Anyway, as I am getting into the appropriate position, then applying the bottle to its intended target, it came to me - the perfect analogy to explain to the uninformed how one self-administers a Fleet Enema. Here it is. Imagine you are piloting the Space Shuttle and you're about to attempt a docking maneuver with the International Space Station. Only this time, just to make it interesting, Ground Control has ordered you to turn 180 degrees from the windshield, place your ass up against the windshield, drop your head down into the seat, look back between your legs, and hit the docking point that way. I hope this clears that up for you, should you ever have to experience the same thing.

It was a comforting sight

So I am sitting in the exam room waiting for my urologist to come in so we can discuss my ol' guy prostate issues. I glance at the stainless steel cabinet against the wall and notice the one, and only one, box of latex gloves in the exam room - Size Small. Do you realize how comforting such a simple label can be? And to think, he could have turned out to be a retired NBA player!

NY Times to the rescue

Thank you, NY Times. Just when you think the Democrazies might actually pull it off, who but the good ol', "unbiased" NY Times does a slam piece on John McCain, and voila, just like magic, delivers 20 million or so extra voters into his camp.

The saga of the prostate - part next

So I was standing in the men's club lounge, aka the john, minding my own business, head leaned against my left arm, left arm up against the wall, the same wall to which the knee-to-chest collection device was attached, eyes mostly closed, concentrating REAL hard as ol' codgers my age are want to do, and had been in this pose for some time. In walks one of our too many youngsters at the office, intent on completing the same chore I'm struggling with. Well, he finishes his business in about 12 seconds as 20 somethings often do, then he turns to me and says, "Are you starting or finishing?" To which I smartly and accurately retort, "I CANNOT TELL!" He found himself suddenly speechless.

Damn, Mitt!

Well, color me surprised. What the heck? It's going to take me awhile to sort through today's news. Maybe a write-in candidate will suit my mood this November, 'cause I'm sure not happy (yet) about who's still standing.

"It is what it is."

"It is what it is." Are you as sick and damn tired of this bullshit saying as I? I heard it for the umpthousandth time this afternoon as some junior underlings were pow-wowing about some meaningless piece of corporate emergency of the second. It is always stated when a point of contention or disagreement comes up - a point, issue, opinion or mandate often from someone on high. It is a substitute for courage and the willingness to fight for what you believe - a substitute used far too often in today's world, particularly in business climates, and it is almost always the fall-back response of the myriad collection of spineless drones occupying middle management in most businesses today. You can feel it coming, as the jihadist hords descend on our country somewhere down the road after we've surrendered our souls to the Democrazies ... that portion of the population, dressed in their robes and burkas, quietly discussing their status, and opining, "It is what it is." What a bunch of wussies!

A cosmic impossibility

I am, beyond a shadow of a doubt, sure of this absolute fact: It is a cosmic impossibility to put on an older pair of jeans, which happen to have a hole of virtually any size on or near the knee area of said jeans, without always first thrusting your big toe through said hole with your first and, often, with subsequent attempts. About the only way to get around this perplexing problem, at least at my age, is to sit down in the nearest chair and carefully aim away from said hole - and yes, this sometimes means finding reading glasses so as to not waste more attempts!

Health Club Follies

I joined a health club approximately five months ago - a noble if somewhat misguided enterprise for those of us inexorably racing toward our own personal demise. Aside from what is possibly some manner of health benefits such a decision has delivered, some unexpected issues have floated to awareness because of this new habit. That's right, there are other people also using the facility, and thus has opened a whole new and wonderful plethora of humankind to observe, enjoy and make profound observations about.

I guess one of the first things I would like to offer for you to consider is the need for certain things to be standardized. No, I am not talking about the equipment, or fees, or club rules, or anything like that. I am talking about the surgical enhancements of certain club members. You see, at the club I belong to, a significant number of NFL and MLB wives are members. You cannot miss most of them, as they all seem to be cut out of virtually the same mold. What might that mold be, you may muse? Most are there anytime and every time I am in the club, regardless of day, time, weather, etc. Most are stick thin, except for whatever favorite muscle they've overdeveloped. Most if not all are blond, rarely natural, usually enhanced. And speaking of enhanced, all save one have had extremely large "headlight assemblies" added to their chassis.

Therein lies the rub. Apparently there's no prescribed standard location in the plastic surgery universe for attaching such accessories. Some are low, some are middle, some are high ... way too high. Some point down, some point up, some point out, and some point rather impolitely and glaringly at any innocent who covertly tries to steal a glance when no one is watching. I say this is a national tragedy, and an issue that needs addressing right away. What do you think?

Nancy Pelosi heading to prison

I know ... just wishful thinking on my part. But should it be? Her trip to Syria did as-yet-undefined damage to our interests and the war on terror. Now just today, this left wing idiot has announced she just might go to Iran and start her own peace initiative. What does a crazy bitch have to do to get arrested around this joint?

Imus and the zealots

Look, the truth is, I could give a damn one way or the other about Imus. I have for sometime felt that he's a total idiot. His nappy remark was of course stupid and totally out of line. Now MSNBC and CBS have dropped him because of their so-called moral outrage and that of their viewers, listeners, etc.

Here's what chaps my ass though: Where's all the outrage about all the rappers, hip hoppers, gang bangers, NBA athletes, etc. who routinely and blatantly use similar or worse epitaphs on a regular, visible and extremely loud basis.

I am also sick and tired of all the "moral pillars" that are piling on Imus for the purpose of solidifying their financial interests ... and yes, that's all it's about. Of course I mean the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Funny thing about these two in particular: As they pile it on, I cannot seem to locate any evidence of them coming forward to apologize for that same behavior toward the Duke lacrosse "criminals." I would guess they'll be apologizing just any second now, don't you?

Duke lacrosse case dropped = apologies coming?

Well, now that the Duke lacrosse "case" has finally been dropped, I guess we should expect some very rapid apologies from Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, the ACLU and the like??? Not!!!!!!! What are your expectations for this "sterling" group?

The era of no expectations - American business today?

I remember a time when great American businesses were populated by risk takers, big thinkers, brilliant folks, goofy folks, dumb folks, yes men, no men, and leaders - all more or less focusing on kicking their competitors' butts and helping their companies grow and succeed. Victories, small and large, were celebrated. Mistakes were fixed, mostly by, "Okay, let's try something new."

Then came the lawyers, the consultants, the accountants, the "trained" MBA corp, the focus groups, the quantitative analysis, the team approach to problem solving. And what has all this produced? Unfortunately, in many places, a mundane, vanilla, low risk/low reward type of marketplace presence characterized mostly by reactive tactics, because strategic thinkers and thinking (aka creativity) has essentially been "bred" out of many modern businesses.

My question? Can anything turn this tide or are we doomed to second class status as rising cultures do what we used to do better than we now do?

Barack Obama, Democrats' New Hope: So what did I miss?

Barack Obama - the new poster boy for the Democrats. A "shining media star" and the hope of the party. Okay, what have I missed here? Obama was raised a Muslim, by radical Muslims. He "seemingly" converted from that "religion" in proximity to his political ascension. Can someone please explain to me how today's Democrats explain their zeal for this guy?

The new fence, Mexico and the UN

It is of course a complex issue with no easy solutions - this out-of-control border issue. This and other blogs could argue the pros and cons forever. One point does come to mind that I feel compelled to make. It's about the border fence that will be built. Here's the deal: Mexico's government doesn't want the fence built. And now (shake in our boots!!!!) they've threatened to go to the United Nations to stop this affront!!! Can you possibly guess on how many levels I don't give a tinkers damn about this threat?

Reid to the rescue

So Senator Harry Reid gets caught in a shady land deal, plus he reluctantly admits that he used campaign funds to buy Christmas gifts. There doesn't seem to be much mainstream media furor. What gives?

No doubt about the contrasts

I just watched Charlie Rangel being interviewed on Bill O's nightly Fox News show. My only wish is that all those voters deciding they're going to vote Democrat this election could have heard Charlie so they fully understand where the pillars of the Democrat Party want the country to head.

Here's some hints: Lawyers for all the terrorists ... ACLU oversight or some such outfit to make sure they're all comfortable ... civilian trials for the terrorists ... no coerced information. And think, this guy isn't as nuts as some of the rest of the Democrat stalwarts: Pelosi, Dean, Kennedy, Soros and spawn.

Where's Zell Miller when the Democrats actually need a candidate?

Useful idiots

Bill O' reporting on his nightly Fox News show the other night cited a poll stating that 50%+ of respondents were going to vote Democrat in the upcoming mid-term House elections, boding poorly for Republicans. Now here's the scary part, of these voters saying they were going to do this, almost half didn't know Nancy Pelosi. And I am sure even less know George Soros. Does that scare you as much as it does me?

Paris and Nicole reunite - world saved!

So many mainstream "news sources" were all thithery today with a story about Paris and Nicole reuniting! I guess the fabric of the universe is once again safe from threat, the karma of the cosmos is in order, a cure for cancer and butt boils will surely be forthcoming just any day now, windfall inheritances shall soon lighten every household's burden, tooth decay will cease being a nuisance to western society, and Nancy Pelosi will get a makeover. Hooray for hard news when we need it. 'tis yet again a sterling day in the annals of network and mainstream news histories.

Carter and Chavez side by side at the UN?

I am so sick of Jimmy Carter. Today he's blessed us with his "wisdom" yet again, with an op-ed piece in the NY Times wherein he dutifully assigns all North Korea blame game designations on George Bush, which the Times was more than glad to pass off an accurate portrayal of history. He was particular upset by how Bush screwed up the masterful job he had done on behalf of the Clinton administration ... you remember: Jimmy, Albright, cocktails, autographed sports memorabilia? And we all know what a keeper of his word Kim is.

I wonder what is next with this kook? I can almost see it now: Carter, Chavez ... sponsored by the NY Times with the ACLU being the presenting sponsor ... hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder ... addressing the UN General Assembly and explaining to the world what a terrible country the United States is.

Far fetched? Stay tuned ... elections are near.

Free speech shouted down, threatened at Columbia University

By now, you may have very well seen reports about the Leftist near-riot at Columbia University at the beginning of a speech by a member of the Minuteman Project. At this so-called bastion of free speech, the speaker was shouted down, not allowed to speak and was clearly in harm's way, all while the Columbia "police" stood by, watched and essentially did nothing.

Several issues come to mind, not the least of which is the fact the Far Left in the USA (and in many of the universities where they're groomed and allowed to run free) has been and is crossing a very dangerous line, as they see their influence waning and their causes being defeated by Middle America.

How long will it be before, in their last attempts to have relevancy, they seriously injure or kill someone?

Next issue, when will common sense Americans absolutely put their foots down in the universities that allow these nuts to behave like this, all in the name of so-called "Freedom of Speech," and force these universities to display and teach political balance and civil discourse, or be gone ... lose funding ... be shut down? Some of these schools have become pretty close to our version of the hate-spewing mosques we see in parts of the world. These schools run on public and private funds - funds that can indeed be cut off if the public is willing.

Last, will issues like this finally awaken the vast, sleepy political middle enough that everyone recognizes the threat the Far Left truly brings, who supports them, and with whom they are aligned? What do you see as the answer?

By the way, the link that follows takes you to a press release about the incident:
http://www.minutemanproject.com/default.asp?contentID=193

freeSpeech under debate

The link included in this post takes you to Brian Rohrbough's Monday evening "freeSpeech" segment on CBS evening news. To say it has created a stir would be an understatement. Couric characterized the comment as "repugnant" in response it seems to some of her liberal fans emailing her with how disturbed they were that Rohrbough had been allowed to say such offensive things.

Now the backlash against Couric is proving to be astounding, and the support for Rohrbough's views being best described as tidalwave in nature. If you didn't see, or haven't had a chance to read, what this father who lost a son during the Columbine killings had to say about the current state of public education, you owe it to yourself to do so ... regardless of your political leanings.

You may also find Couric's blog at the CBS News site interesting as she's posting some of the comments coming in. To me, Rohrbough made a case that will resoundingly be supported by much of the "silent" middle.

Or this may very well be the start of the "silent" middle not being so "silent" any more. What's your view?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/02/freespeech/printable2057062.shtml

They were noisey, not just there

While driving to complete an errand today, I found myself thinking about those who had passed on: family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and acquaintances ... why I remembered some and thought so seldom if at all about others. Once again, I found myself lamenting the creeping mediocrity and sameness that I sense in the business world, American society, and quite frankly in many folks with whom I deal on a social level. A flash of "I wonder why?" was soon replaced by another "Aha!" moment.

The people I remember and miss were not necessarily the nicest, or smartest, or kindest, or funniest, or wealthiest. What made me remember them was their ability to illicit strong responses in others. That's right ... they could bring people to anger, or side-splitting laughter, or hot-to-trot debate, or raucous sharing of like's and dislike's, or name-calling debates about politics and religion, or howls of protest, or "Oh my gosh!" moments, or head-shaking realizations about their abilities to think, create, reason, screw up, offend ... whatever.

And do you know why the could do that? Simple. They were not afraid to be themselves, speak their mind, tell someone they loved or disliked them, challenge what they didn't believe, call BS by its name as soon as it reared its ugly head. They also loved taking on the status quo and abusing "sacred cows." They suffered fools not at all, and were totally fearless when something or someone attempted to intimidate them. They were strong, loyal, took big risks, won often and screwed up quite a bit, too. In other words, they lived (not by any stretch of the imagination to be confused with simple existence).

I wonder what would happen in the modern business world, in local and US politics, and in many households today if everyone acted that way? What do you think?

Wasn't it sweet of Hillary?

Wasn't it sweet of Hillary to jump to the defense of her man, Bill, after the mean ol' "right wing press" suggested his blowup during the Chris Wallace interview was nothing more than another of his infamous staged versions of "The Real Truth According To Bill?" Now wait a minute ... haven't I seen that tactic before? Ummm, let me see ... somehow I am getting a vision of a blue dress, but I am not totally sure what I am remembering, are you?

From the land of fruits and nuts, yet another potential ruling

Okay, so now we have another Far Left activist judge out in California about to outlaw the death penalty unless it can be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the execution method (lethal injection) is painless to the convicted. Wonder if this same kind of concern was shown for the victims of those waiting on death row? My point? I really have not enough moral purity to judge absolutely the rightness or wrongness of the death penalty. I do however have plenty of ability to comment on the Left Wing idiots populating many of the courtrooms out West. Here's what I wonder. What is the population out there doing to undo the travesty these idiots are trying to force on the rest of us?

Does it still exist in the workplace?

Leadership and management are terms often used interchangeably in today's workplace. Nowhere have I ever experienced anything to make me think such use is proper.

Granted, MBA "factories" turn out nice little cloned "managers" ... all polished to high luster, fully up-to-speed on Excel and MS Project, with Blackberries blazing, and their contact matrix on autopilot, turning out possible sources for consultants, agencies, and other foolproof budget drainers whose mission in life is to analyze the heck out of the status quo, give those who hire them a false sense of job security, and otherwise lull all those who fall for this nonsense into the stupor of mediocrity.

Of course, once analyzed, more of the same must be done, because no one from this elite flock knows how to think, how to vision, how to influence and change perceptions, or what generally to do, if anything at all, with the information.

If my observation is correct, the future of American business is less than hopeful. Is it too late? Or will true leaders finally assert themselves and save our way of life?

Falwell & "manufactured" rage

Don't you just have to chuckle about the so-called "rage" of the Lefties about Rev. Falwell's offhand comment stating that if Hilary runs it would do more good to mobilize his constituency than if Satan did? Aside from likely being the truth, it was clearly just a humorous observation - the type often made by party loyalists of either party when blowing off steam about the other party. My question: Is this "manufactured" rage all the Left has to offer? Geez, where have we seen "manufactured" rage before?

Let me see if I understand

So let me see if I have this. The Pope states there is a problem with that faction of Islam that preaches and practices "conversion" by the sword, the knife, the bomb ... whatever. The fanatics who follow and practice that particular strain of the Muslim faith protest to demonstrate what an insult such an observation is to the Muslim faithful ("How dare he suggest our particular strain of religion is violent and destructive!").

And to absolutely prove to the world how off base the Pope is, in calling them on this, they promptly fire bomb numerous Christian churches, murder at least one nun, threaten everyone west of Tehran, and who knows what other atrocities they've committed that have yet to be seen or discovered.

Why am I struggling with their logic?

How would you know?

I hadn't really paid that much attention to the newest Viagra commercial until tonight. Upon careful review, many things about it caused me to chuckle, not the least of which was the litany of warnings the spokesperson has to go through at the end of the commercial to satisfy all the regulatory requirements such products have to deal with if they are advertised on television.

There's the very well known warning about which many jokes have been told, the one about the "four hour" issue. We won't go there, because that road is already well traveled.

No, the warning that cracked me up tonight is the one about, "In the event of a sudden loss of vision, stop taking Viagra immediately!" Well, this caused me to ask, "How would you know?"

Here's why I think that (Now bear with me here and remember this is somewhat of an ol' codger's recollection about such things but ... ). If I have taken this product and have used its magic effects to the utmost of my abilities, sooner or later (Stop it ... don't write your own joke at this point in my ramblings.), something "splendid" will most surely occur. When it does, there's a pretty good chance I've thrown my head back, tilted my head vaguely toward "up", clinched numerous and sundry body parts including most of my face, forehead, etc. and have possibly stretched both my mouth and eyes/eyelids as tightly as I can (known in some circles as contortion), and I can almost assure you my eyes close while all this is going on.

So, once again I ask, how would you know? What do you think?

Well past ridiculous

Does it bother you as much as it bothers me, that with all the important and history altering events going on in the world today, there are still reporters, so-called "news organizations" and various and sundry media outlets who, almost on a daily basis, give us updates on the likes of Paris Hilton, Sean Penn, Madonna, etc.?

Are my fears ungrounded?

I've watched parts of this week's two-night ABC series on 9/11. Despite debates that will no doubt and uselessly occur about the historical accuracy of some parts of the series, it serves as a stark and painful reminder of those terrible events of September 11, 2001. I found watching it to be an emotional experience, those emotions mostly switching back and forth from sadness and loss to extreme anger and apprehension.

The sadness and loss is of course easy for almost anyone to understand. The extreme anger should come as no surprise either. The apprehension might be something one looking in from a distance might misinterpret.

No, I am not concerned about another such attack. One will or will not occur regardless of my thoughts about that. Also I will not let the subhuman slime who plan and conduct such strikes rule my life.

No, what concerns me, what I am apprehensive about is a waning of fear and concern I see in friends and acquaintances. Popular press, short attention spans, pack mentality, lack of comprehensive analysis of the day's events being a given because many just "don't have the time" to keep up with the news, all threaten our country's resolve and our chances for succeeding in what will be a multi-generational war to save our way of life.

I hope my fears are ungrounded. Are they?

Hair today, boing tomorrow!

You know from reading previous posts at this site that I am not beyond chuckling (maybe???) at the plight we call aging - particularly as relates to the male perspective on such things. So here we go again. I have to admit that it distresses me somewhat to admit that one of the more "proud" parts of my anatomy anymore (if you catch my drift) are some of the stray hairs I seem to have developed, and distributed to many diverse and unexpected body parts, as I have aged. I have hairs growing on my ears that stand at such rapt attention, one would not at all be surprised to find them in the Queen's Honor Guard (only a small stretch of the imagination).

Although I am not totally sure I am the first to have the thought, I have in recent years concluded, there's no such thing as male pattern baldness! Based on my aging experience, and that of many others with whom I have compared notes about such things, what really happens to the hair that escapes its original lofty location (read: top of head) is that it simply migrates to another location! I know you know what I am talking about. Just look at guys my age. Sure, it may be getting thin, or even invisible, on top, but look at all the impressive patches of hair that have sprung up, simply everywhere. Okay, I won't embarrass any of my pals, so we'll just use me as an example.

Do you realize my eyebrows are now more lush, more glorious, and require more shampooing and conditioning than my "official" hair? No, I am not kidding. And on top of all that, I have to trim them way more often than I need a haircut (weekly at the very least versus every month and a half or so).

Then there's the aforementioned ear hairs. Not only are they stiff as a board, they grow at enormous speed, have a beautiful brown luster closely matching my moustache (from years gone by, way back before I ever tried and then gave up on a "fantastic" age cheater called Just for Men for Moustaches and Beards, and finally shaved it because it was so white you couldn't see it). And quite frankly, though I truly hate to admit it, I even think they wax better!

Need additional proof that my theory is valid? Okay, how about nose hairs in old guys? You know it's true. Just look at some of us aging dudes. Unless we have displayed the utmost in disciplined grooming, any view toward our noses on any given day could easily find our family and friends saying, "Go immediately to the bathroom and look in the mirror." Though I am fairly convinced growing a moustache is no longer logical for me due to the invisibility issue I mentioned earlier in this posting, I am just as convinced that if called to do so, I could approximate a moustache in extremely short order via some manner of comb down strategy - and on top of all that, I wouldn't have to resort to Just for Men for Moustaches and Beards, because it, like my other migrating hair, seems to have reclaimed its original color and luster with no need for artificial help.

Then there's that patch of hair I seem to have sprung on my backside, just slightly south of the well know plumber's view you may have heard about. If you were to take a gander at that outcropping ... oh, never mind - maybe good taste and decorum says I shouldn't take you there! Regardless, I am certain my theory holds water and expect you will agree if you think about it.

Good news about Michael Moore?

I heard a rumor about Michael Moore and plans he's made for New Orleans - obviously another place where he and his camera can film and attempt to redefine history through his particular view of "reality." It seems he wanted to shoot another documentary as only he can - this one about Katrina, and how, of course, the entire event and its aftermath was the doing of George Bush in particular and the Republican party in general.

Upon arriving, he soon learned, there were so few people actually in New Orleans, and so little technical help available to put together such a film, it would possibly take a year, maybe more, to complete such an undertaking.

Well, Michael Moore being the fine, upstanding young man he is didn't want to leave without doing something positive for New Orleans, so he made a few calls to some of his close confidants, and apparently came up with a plan to "make a difference."

Here's what I have heard. Seems he called up Ted Kennedy and George Soros, who volunteered to come down and help. The three of them are going to haul their fat asses over to that breached levy, plop their butts down, and plug up the leaks, so that ward can dry out.

The rumor goes on to say, Moore also enlisted a lot of additional allies to join his grand scheme. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow Coalition chorus will be performing inspirational songs every two hours, and collecting funds from passersby to help continue the noble efforts of this collection of left thinking Americans. Charlie Rangel and Hillary Clinton have volunteered to be fund raisers and network correspondents, to make sure the mainstream media gets everything correct in how they handle this emerging story.

Wait, there's more. Sean Penn and Barbara Streisand have signed on to film and produce the small screen fund raising tribute to this magnificent attempt, with Sean handling international distribution of the finished product, and Babs handling the domestic distribution.

And last but certainly not least, Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam have agreed to provide security for this project, with their chief mission being the establishment of an ongoing, underwater team, whose function is to continuously swim below the water line and make sure that George Bush and his team have no future opportunities to blow up the levy like they did this time.

Again, I must admit, I know this is a rumor. I don't plan on this going beyond you and me until you have supplied me with confirming information.

On striving to be average

I've really never liked the word average. It smells of mediocrity and not trying. It sounds like, "I am just trying to fit in - trying not to make waves by calling attention to myself."

And I wonder how our country views striving to be average these days? Striving to be politically correct? Striving not to make waves? Striving to not show anyone up?

Are there still high performers out there in all areas of commerce, education, sports, political life, arts & entertainment? Are there still people out there who want to win every time, at anything they try? Does the USA still have that trait in its DNA, or has the Political Far Left beat that out of our national psyche with their non-stop blathering about, "Why can't we just all get along and fit in?"

On poots, pimples & progressive problems

It's no secret that the male of the human species tends to find things bodily (passing gas regardless of expulsion method or direction or in whose company, funny noises made via inappropriate use of body parts, gouges/gashes/cuts as long as they belong to someone else, and other logically distasteful things) funnier on average than the female of the human species. And as surprising as it might seem, based on my experience (not that I'm old you understand), aging doesn't seem to change either's view on any of this.

Then there's the surprising little things that happen as you age in a dermatological frame of reference. I have things growing on me now with names longer than my arm, and no apparent use other than to irritate, worry, inspire visits to medical specialists who cost lots of money, or provide yet another source of easily understandable humor to the male of the human species, while disgusting the female of the human species.

And what is it with this onset of pimples (or something???) I seem to be suffering on my backside - near that particularly comfortable sitting mechanism we all have, if you know what I mean. It is unusually disturbing for me to gaze upon, as that particular part of my aging anatomy seems to have held up much better than a few other parts, and in fact, may be near teenage looking in its appearance, thus making the thought of an acne outbreak on such a pristine piece of real estate something I really don't want to think about much.

The humor of the prostate

I find aging, aside from being significantly painful, funny. Numerous men I know close to my age (50's) share many maladies - cannot see, cannot hear, cannot remember, cannot this, cannot that. But the one thing most of us can do is dribble (and no, I am not talking about Dr. Naismith's game).

Because of this little "issue" much humor is there for the savoring, as fellow sufferers share their approaches for dealing with this issue. Perhaps one of the more common ways of facing this issue is by inventing funny analogies comparing present "shame" to younger "glory" when it comes to such things.

One that comes immediately to mind is a remark a business colleague shared with me several years back while chuckling about the hand aging had dealt. As he wrapped up his business for the moment, he turned to me and said, "You know, when I was young, it went off like a garden hose, but now it's more like a lawn sprinkler!" Upon hearing this, I got extremely tickled, lost my place so to speak, and had to start over again (coincidentally, another issue we older guys enjoy).

September 11, 2005 - four years since "9/11"

Fox News broadcast a 9/11 retrospective this morning. It brought back lots of painful memories, but also reminded me of the continuing threat and challenge Radical Islam poses to the civilized world. Though I think significant progress has been made in thwarting some of Radical Islam's drive to destroy civilization, I wonder how much more could have been accomplished had it not been for our Political Radical Left's continuing campaign to undermine what we are trying to do.