Sunday, May 05, 2019
Friday, May 03, 2019
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Monday, January 07, 2019
Wednesday, December 05, 2018
Saturday, October 06, 2018
Voting this November
I just received my ballot yesterday, since I'm signed up for mail-in ballots. Donna and I always had a hard time trying to coordinate our schedules so we could go to the polls at the same time. We figured this would make things easier for us.
It's hard, at this point, to remember that I used to vote Republican in some local and state-wide elections. I've always been pretty liberal, but back in Connecticut there was a moderate/liberal wing to the GOP that brought us folks like Lowell Weicker. Sadly, the party has moved so far to the Right that I don't know if Weicker can recognize it today. Hell, I think Barry Goldwater would be out of step now and even Reagan would be considered a moderate with little hope of getting elected.
I haven't even opened the ballot, but already know that it's probably going to be close to if not a straight Democratic list for me. Although there are a few incumbents I'm not crazy about I suppose I'll bite the bullet as I did in 2016 and go Blue Wave. I wish I still had faith that the Green Party was more than a joke every four years. Since we Democratic Socialists remain in the main party that waters down much of what we wish to do. I've given up hope for a true Progressive party to make any inroads in my lifetime.
In case, anyone wonders things are going pretty well with me. My health is pretty good, but all my doctors agree that it's time I take weight loss seriously. I know why I gave up caring, but now I have an important reason to start taking better care of myself. I would like to be around for a few more years.
I know I always make this promise, but it probably is time to start posting here more frequently, not not just sharing videos. If anybody is still out there, remind me that I still have two blogs.
Peace out!
It's hard, at this point, to remember that I used to vote Republican in some local and state-wide elections. I've always been pretty liberal, but back in Connecticut there was a moderate/liberal wing to the GOP that brought us folks like Lowell Weicker. Sadly, the party has moved so far to the Right that I don't know if Weicker can recognize it today. Hell, I think Barry Goldwater would be out of step now and even Reagan would be considered a moderate with little hope of getting elected.
I haven't even opened the ballot, but already know that it's probably going to be close to if not a straight Democratic list for me. Although there are a few incumbents I'm not crazy about I suppose I'll bite the bullet as I did in 2016 and go Blue Wave. I wish I still had faith that the Green Party was more than a joke every four years. Since we Democratic Socialists remain in the main party that waters down much of what we wish to do. I've given up hope for a true Progressive party to make any inroads in my lifetime.
In case, anyone wonders things are going pretty well with me. My health is pretty good, but all my doctors agree that it's time I take weight loss seriously. I know why I gave up caring, but now I have an important reason to start taking better care of myself. I would like to be around for a few more years.
I know I always make this promise, but it probably is time to start posting here more frequently, not not just sharing videos. If anybody is still out there, remind me that I still have two blogs.
Peace out!
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Saturday, August 04, 2018
Monday, July 02, 2018
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Sunday, January 07, 2018
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
The Public (Emilio Estevez Movie) - Official Trailer
A situation we should take a moment to think about. This film may be controversial and will no doubt promote debate.
I've been a Librarian for over thirty years and admit to being conflicted.
I've been a Librarian for over thirty years and admit to being conflicted.
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
One Day at a Time: Trying to move forward
For those of you who might not know, my wife and best friend, Donna, passed away on Aug. 13th of this year. To say it was a tragedy doesn't even come close to capturing how this has effected me and the rest of her family. To those who knew her, Donna was a force to be reckoned with. Until the very end she was as active as her health would allow and was making plans for the future after I retired this coming December. We had some adventures planned and I'm sure they would have been amazing.
People, who I know mean well, keep asking me how I'm doing. There are two answers to that question. There's the one I always give, which is the one they want to hear. Basically what you see in the title of the post. "I'm getting by one day at a time." It makes them feel good I believe and that usually ends the conversation. The other is one I keep to myself and is the real answer. I'm in a very dark place, one darker and deeper than the one that Donna rescued me from all those years ago. If not for Kristina and Sarah, I'm not sure I'd really want to 'move on' as I see nothing out there.
Maybe, if I had faith or belief it would be different. I could pin my hope on some future date when there is some grand reunion in the sky. I call bullshit on all that and at this point don't care who knows it.
People, who I know mean well, keep asking me how I'm doing. There are two answers to that question. There's the one I always give, which is the one they want to hear. Basically what you see in the title of the post. "I'm getting by one day at a time." It makes them feel good I believe and that usually ends the conversation. The other is one I keep to myself and is the real answer. I'm in a very dark place, one darker and deeper than the one that Donna rescued me from all those years ago. If not for Kristina and Sarah, I'm not sure I'd really want to 'move on' as I see nothing out there.
Maybe, if I had faith or belief it would be different. I could pin my hope on some future date when there is some grand reunion in the sky. I call bullshit on all that and at this point don't care who knows it.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Monday, March 13, 2017
The Worst Hard Times by Timothy Egan - a review
the worst hard times by Timothy EaganMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
We hear a lot about the Great Depression, but the event that truly caused so much hardship for the American people, was not the crash of Wall Street and the banks, but the fact that millions of acres of farmland becoming unusual for years.
Author Timothy Egan utilized interviews with survivors, the diaries and journals of others, plus articles from the newspapers and magazines of the era. Also, going through the reports and papers published by the U.S. government and universities he tells a remarkable tale. Once teeming with millions of buffalo and the home of Native Americans, the U.S. government decided to turn the grasslands of the Great Plains into the farm belt of America.
Egan tells the stories of hundreds (perhaps thousands) of small farms that were urged to plow up the grasslands and turn into the wheat fields that would feed the U.S. Through subsidies and agricultural advice, that turned out to be wrong and even deceitful government and self-interested business people aided in the destruction of an eco-system that had been built over thousands of years. Within half a generation the plains became a desert where the land itself turned deadly.
An amazing story of both courage and enormous stupidity. Also a reminder that the short-term profits that can be made might not be good in the long run. Definitely something that we should be reminded of as things around us seem to be changing and not for the better.
View all my reviews
Wednesday, March 01, 2017
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 06, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Monday, January 16, 2017
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
Now What? - (This is all political stuff, so you are welcome to ignore it.)
Demographically I should have been part of those who supported Trump from early on. I'm a white, Baby Boomer who was raised in a small, town that was 90% or more white while I was growing up. It wasn't until I was in seventh grade and began attending a larger, middle school in the nearest large city that I had any Black classmates. I didn't personally know of any Jewish students until I was in high school, although I suppose there had to have been some in middle-school, but not among my friends.
I'm also a veteran and a one-time gun owner, so there should have been something about the Trump agenda to have appealed to me. The scary part, is that so many of the people I currently know (mostly neighbors in our senior community) were indeed voting for The Donald. Even while saying they scorned or objected to some of the things he said, it was their dislike and distrust of Hillary that seemed to be the main reason for their decision. That and how much they appeared to dislike, if not outright hate, Obama.
Maybe it was the non-judgmental, pro-Union, Roman Catholic upbringing, most from my mom, but also my father (from whom I get my non-believer genes). I never heard either ever say anything derogatory about another race or religion. Well, okay, my father did love Polish jokes.
Another thing that I can't understand is how those in my age group, who also lived through the Sixties, ended up going so far to the Right on so many things. Geez, we were the Peace & Love generation who wanted 'No More War' and mourned the death of Martin Luther King as much as that of Robert Kennedy. What the hell happened to all that?
It's going to be an ugly four years and unless what's left of the Left an the Progressive movements can get much of America off their asses in two years to make some changes, it will be interesting to see what this country I fought for will look like by 2020. I hope I'm around to find out, but I'm not sure I'll be very happy about it.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
Tuesday, November 08, 2016
Monday, November 07, 2016
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
Now what should we do?
Been ages since I've done anything here but re-post YouTube videos on some political topic or other. Figured I would briefly jump in with my own thoughts on a few things.
On a personal note, Donna and I are battling some health issues, but pulling through. Been almost exactly a year since my first heart attack and my cardiologist tells me I'm doing fine and don't have to see him until early next year. Donna is working on several issues and we hope to get things under control for some visits we have planned by family and friends from back east. Also, we do have plans for later in the year for our anniversary. Damn, can it really be seventeen years already?
Anyone reading this knows my political views already, so no surprise that I'm having trouble convincing myself that Hillary Clinton really deserves or needs my vote. Yeah, everybody keeps reminding me of my voting for Ralph Nader way back when, but I think the Supreme Court decision on Bush v Gore had more to do with that debacle than my decision. Right now I'm likely to vote for a 'progressive' Third Party candidate for President and Democrat for the down ticket state & local races. I can flip a coin on whether to vote for Kamala Harris or Loretta Sanchez to replace Senator Barbara Boxer. Although, I've actually met Rep. Sanchez in person and she was very, nice. That might be enough to swing my vote.
Going to steer clear of any discussion on the mass shootings, police shootings and the tragedy in Dallas. Needless to say that these are sad situations and it is horrible that the news each night seems to lead off with at least a couple of shootings somewhere in Southern California, let alone around the country. No matter what your stand on gun ownership and laws I think we can all agree that it appears the whole country is loosing its mind.
Stay safe and stay healthy! I'll try to post again in a few weeks, or you can see what I'm up to over at Shot's Shack. I'm sure I'll have plenty to say about San Diego Comic-Con International, as I'll be there once again next week.
Thursday, July 07, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Wednesday, May 04, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Prince Performs “Purple Rain” During Downpour | Super Bowl XLI Halftime ...
Prince Performs “Purple Rain” During Downpour | Super Bowl XLI Halftime ...
Friday, April 15, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Thursday, March 03, 2016
What the Hell is going on? A few comments on politics.
It's usually pretty easy to ignore the primaries for both major parties, but beginning with the announcement by Donald Trump that he would run for the GOP nomination it became impossible. What started out as comedy, for who among us thought he would actually get as far as the debates before growing bored, became anything but as The Donald actually began to be taken seriously by a large part of the Republican base. We're not laughing anymore.
To me the most frightening part is that people whom I like and consider friends, are actually saying that they might vote for Trump. They agree that he is over the top on much that he says, but they are rightly angered at politics as usual as we are seeing it performed in Washington and around the country. If Trump were running on some minor Third party ticket we could still find his quest somewhat amusing, but the fact that the U.S. is for the most part a two-party country he might very well be the Republican nominee. By the way, if you sit down and read the Constitution you won't find Political Parties mentioned in there, this might come as a surprise to a great many people who just accept the Democrats and Republicans as a natural part of our system. I don't believe I realized this until I was in high school and one of my history teachers spoke about just that.
Anybody who knows me can pretty well guess where I stand on the political scale. The fact that I support Bernie Sanders, certainly shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Sadly, I expect that by the time the primaries get around to California the choice will pretty much have been made, which seems to be the case and frankly makes no sense. Why do two very important and populace states like New York and California get in rather late, with NY voting in April and California sitting it out until June? In the case of this election both major parties might already be made in a choice terms of delegates. How do places like Iowa, South Carolina and the rest get to make the decisions? Call it bias, I guess, having lived in both of the states I mentioned.
It's still early, but the GOP seems to be in the midst of self-destructing and many Democrats appear to be happy with things remaining status quo. This old Progressive/Liberal may be about to bail finally. Voting the lesser of two evils really doesn't seem to me what democracy is all about.
To me the most frightening part is that people whom I like and consider friends, are actually saying that they might vote for Trump. They agree that he is over the top on much that he says, but they are rightly angered at politics as usual as we are seeing it performed in Washington and around the country. If Trump were running on some minor Third party ticket we could still find his quest somewhat amusing, but the fact that the U.S. is for the most part a two-party country he might very well be the Republican nominee. By the way, if you sit down and read the Constitution you won't find Political Parties mentioned in there, this might come as a surprise to a great many people who just accept the Democrats and Republicans as a natural part of our system. I don't believe I realized this until I was in high school and one of my history teachers spoke about just that.
Anybody who knows me can pretty well guess where I stand on the political scale. The fact that I support Bernie Sanders, certainly shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Sadly, I expect that by the time the primaries get around to California the choice will pretty much have been made, which seems to be the case and frankly makes no sense. Why do two very important and populace states like New York and California get in rather late, with NY voting in April and California sitting it out until June? In the case of this election both major parties might already be made in a choice terms of delegates. How do places like Iowa, South Carolina and the rest get to make the decisions? Call it bias, I guess, having lived in both of the states I mentioned.
It's still early, but the GOP seems to be in the midst of self-destructing and many Democrats appear to be happy with things remaining status quo. This old Progressive/Liberal may be about to bail finally. Voting the lesser of two evils really doesn't seem to me what democracy is all about.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Friday, February 05, 2016
Thursday, February 04, 2016
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Monday, February 01, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Finn TV Spot (Official)
Can't begin to tell you how excited I am for this movie. Yeah, I know I'm not the only one, but I remember being at the San Diego Comic Con back in '76 when the first film was being promoted. Who knew back then how it was going to impact the world?
Anyway, I already have my tickets for opening night and have even taken the day off from work so that I'll have plenty of time to geek out before going to the theater with family. I've already been told that I'm not allowed to wear my Star Trek t-shirt, even as a joke. Ah, well!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Semi-bi-annual Checking In Post
Things have been pretty crazy the past few months. Both Donna and I had some health issues which are improving. Work continues to be a bit crazy with my immediate supervisor retiring and the Library Director soon following her out the door. It will be interesting to see who replaces who either permanently or on a temporary basis.
Harder to believe is that in a few weeks Donna and I will be celebrating another anniversary. Then in December I'm actually going to be turning 65. Holy crap! I honestly have to say that there have been some periods, earlier in my life and certainly just a few months ago, when I didn't think I was going to make it. It certainly has been hard to ignore, since a week hasn't gone by the past few months where I didn't get at least one letter or phone call reminding me that I'll soon be eligible for Medicare. Damn! Now I know I'm getting old.
The holidays will be here before you know it and I don't know that we're going to be doing much, if anything to decorate the place. Probably get a few gifts for each other, just so we have something to exchange, but I think we're both too frazzled from everything else going on to really think much about that.
Although this is the spot where I'd get political, I'm pretty tired of the Presidential race already, and we have close to a year before we really have to make a serious decision.
Unless something unforeseen happen it's going to be Hillary on the Democratic side, although I'm going to be voting for Bernie Sanders come the primary out here in California. I've got months before I really have to decide if I'm voting for Hillary or going to go Third Party. As of now I will probably vote other than Democrat for the top of the ticket. Mrs. Clinton doesn't even give me the glimmer of hope I had when I voted for Obama.
Far wiser folks area discussing what happened in Paris and any possible response to that, so it doesn't pay for me to throw my two cents into the matter. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed and wounded during the attacks. I can only hope that the authorities are able to stop any further events like the ones we witnessed last week.
I think I'm going to call it quits for now. Take care!
Harder to believe is that in a few weeks Donna and I will be celebrating another anniversary. Then in December I'm actually going to be turning 65. Holy crap! I honestly have to say that there have been some periods, earlier in my life and certainly just a few months ago, when I didn't think I was going to make it. It certainly has been hard to ignore, since a week hasn't gone by the past few months where I didn't get at least one letter or phone call reminding me that I'll soon be eligible for Medicare. Damn! Now I know I'm getting old.
The holidays will be here before you know it and I don't know that we're going to be doing much, if anything to decorate the place. Probably get a few gifts for each other, just so we have something to exchange, but I think we're both too frazzled from everything else going on to really think much about that.
Although this is the spot where I'd get political, I'm pretty tired of the Presidential race already, and we have close to a year before we really have to make a serious decision.
Unless something unforeseen happen it's going to be Hillary on the Democratic side, although I'm going to be voting for Bernie Sanders come the primary out here in California. I've got months before I really have to decide if I'm voting for Hillary or going to go Third Party. As of now I will probably vote other than Democrat for the top of the ticket. Mrs. Clinton doesn't even give me the glimmer of hope I had when I voted for Obama.
Far wiser folks area discussing what happened in Paris and any possible response to that, so it doesn't pay for me to throw my two cents into the matter. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed and wounded during the attacks. I can only hope that the authorities are able to stop any further events like the ones we witnessed last week.
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Friday, October 02, 2015
My Heart and Me - Part Two
This took me much longer to get to than I had planned. Vacation and a number of work projects put this on the back burner. I also think that much of this is old news to folks who read my Facebook posts, so there was no need to go into all that detail over again.
This is going to be a real quick report on what happened to me during my four hospital visits and what has occurred since.
My first hospital visit, following what was indeed a heart attack, ended with me being released following an angiogram. That had been through my groin and I was out for the entire thing. Doctors felt that medication would take care of any problem and it was safe for me to go home. This was on Monday afternoon.
Tuesday morning found me back in an ambulance and being rushed back to the hospital following a repeat of the symptoms I had had on Saturday morning. Not a happy camper.
This time another cardiologist told me that after reviewing my films and test results he felt that I did, in fact, need at least one stint. Another angiogram was performed, this time going through my right wrist and I was awake through the entire thing. To be honest, until they entered my heart I didn't feel a thing. When they got to the blockage it felt exactly as it had when I had my heart attack. Pretty scary for a few seconds, but once the stint was in place I was fine. I spent the night and was released the next day.
I was told to stay out of work for a couple of weeks and that I should limit my activity to short works twice a day. This lasted a couple of weeks and then i was told I could begin cardio rehab. This is basically a gym workout on various pieces of equipment, while being attached to a heart monitor and having your blood pressure check before, during and after you exercise. The first two times were fine and I had no problems. Unfortunately, the night after the second session I once more began having pains in the evening and had my third trip to the ER. I spent another night hooked up to various machines and having my vitals and blood work taken every six hours. While the day shift doctor assigned to my case felt I should stay a second night, my cardiologist and the doctor who initially admitted me felt my tests were not indicating a problem with my heart so I was released again.
About a week later I was finally able to get back to work and couldn't be happier. I went to my regular cardio rehab session in the morning and then drove to work for the evening shift. I was fine and went home where I had dinner. Of course, about an hour later I was once more having pains, taking nitro and waiting for the EMS folks (who by now were calling me by my first name) to swing by for a familiar ride.
A night and most of the day spent having multiple tests proved only that it was not my heart time out, but a gastro problem, brought on possibly by my acid reflux (something I have been on medication for for several years) or possible gall stones.
We now are at the point where I am awaiting more tests for my gastro problems, continuing my cardio rehab and working my old schedule at work. I've lost over eighteen pounds so far and actually feel pretty good after I finish my exercise routine. I'm about half way through the program and will have to continue on my own in a couple of months. Fortunately, our complex has a really nice gym and has almost the identical equipment that I use already. Just a matter of having Donna check my blood pressure and keeping away from all the tasty stuff that is no longer allowed.
That does it for now. I'll try to keep you all updated and hope that things continue on the plus side.
This is going to be a real quick report on what happened to me during my four hospital visits and what has occurred since.
My first hospital visit, following what was indeed a heart attack, ended with me being released following an angiogram. That had been through my groin and I was out for the entire thing. Doctors felt that medication would take care of any problem and it was safe for me to go home. This was on Monday afternoon.
Tuesday morning found me back in an ambulance and being rushed back to the hospital following a repeat of the symptoms I had had on Saturday morning. Not a happy camper.
This time another cardiologist told me that after reviewing my films and test results he felt that I did, in fact, need at least one stint. Another angiogram was performed, this time going through my right wrist and I was awake through the entire thing. To be honest, until they entered my heart I didn't feel a thing. When they got to the blockage it felt exactly as it had when I had my heart attack. Pretty scary for a few seconds, but once the stint was in place I was fine. I spent the night and was released the next day.
I was told to stay out of work for a couple of weeks and that I should limit my activity to short works twice a day. This lasted a couple of weeks and then i was told I could begin cardio rehab. This is basically a gym workout on various pieces of equipment, while being attached to a heart monitor and having your blood pressure check before, during and after you exercise. The first two times were fine and I had no problems. Unfortunately, the night after the second session I once more began having pains in the evening and had my third trip to the ER. I spent another night hooked up to various machines and having my vitals and blood work taken every six hours. While the day shift doctor assigned to my case felt I should stay a second night, my cardiologist and the doctor who initially admitted me felt my tests were not indicating a problem with my heart so I was released again.
About a week later I was finally able to get back to work and couldn't be happier. I went to my regular cardio rehab session in the morning and then drove to work for the evening shift. I was fine and went home where I had dinner. Of course, about an hour later I was once more having pains, taking nitro and waiting for the EMS folks (who by now were calling me by my first name) to swing by for a familiar ride.
A night and most of the day spent having multiple tests proved only that it was not my heart time out, but a gastro problem, brought on possibly by my acid reflux (something I have been on medication for for several years) or possible gall stones.
We now are at the point where I am awaiting more tests for my gastro problems, continuing my cardio rehab and working my old schedule at work. I've lost over eighteen pounds so far and actually feel pretty good after I finish my exercise routine. I'm about half way through the program and will have to continue on my own in a couple of months. Fortunately, our complex has a really nice gym and has almost the identical equipment that I use already. Just a matter of having Donna check my blood pressure and keeping away from all the tasty stuff that is no longer allowed.
That does it for now. I'll try to keep you all updated and hope that things continue on the plus side.
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
My Heart and Me
I've gone over the story of my heart attack and recovery a number of times, but never written much about it. Also, this blog has pretty much been sitting unused for months and this sort of thing fits better here than over on Shot's Shack anyway. I'm not naming any of the doctors or nurses that treated me, only the hospitals. In general I can't say anything really bad about the nurses and attendants at either place.
I'm going to be honest and say that having a heart attack was both a surprise and not a complete shock. Nobody sits around waiting for one to happen, but considering my 'lifestyle' it was only a matter of time, I suppose. I've always been overweight, except for the years I was in the service and a few years after graduating from college. The same goes for any type of exercise, which I pretty much vowed never to do again once my enlistment was up.
On July 31st (a Friday evening), I developed a headache and a short time later pains in my chest. It wasn't the sharp pain you'd probably recognize, but rather a heaviness. Like a band was across the upper part of my chest making it difficult to breath. I didn't connect the two and thought the tightness was just indigestion from our earlier take-out dinner. I took some Tylenol and some Pepto Bismol before going to bed. I had a difficult night, waking up a few times soaked in sweat. I just changed my t-shirt and went back to bed. I got up early on Saturday morning, as I was scheduled to go to work.
I still had the headache and "indigestion" so took some more Pepto. I told Donna I wasn't feeling good and explained the symptoms. She took my blood pressure, which wasn't really that high, but she suggested I stay home. We went back and forth, but I finally agreed to call in. I said I'd go to a 'walk-in' clinic later. While I was getting dressed to drive there, Donna called 911 and before you know it there was a fire engine and ambulance pulling up in front. We are pretty much right between two fire houses, so the response time is generally good. Of course, being in a 'senior community' as we are the 1st Responders are pretty familiar with the neighborhood.
When the EMS folks got there they took my vitals and were pretty sure that I was having a heart attack. I was given a spray of nitroglycerin and some 'baby' aspirin, then I walked myself downstairs and got on the stretcher, since I did feel a little better. We have been to Mission Hospital before in the ER and know some doctors and nurses who work there. It isn't far, even without the ambulance using lights or siren. I was immediately brought into a room in the ER and hooked up to even more monitors. The IV the EMS guys had given me was removed and another placed, plus I was immediately put on oxygen for the first of several times.
One of the cardiologists came in later and spoke to Donna and I. He told me that they would be performing an angiogram on me the following day. By this point, to my surprise, Kristina and Sarah showed up. I felt bad that they had driven up from San Diego, but can't deny it made me feel good to have all my girls with me. Donna told me later that the cardiologist had pulled her and Kristina aside and told them that they might be scheduling me for open heart surgery. Just as well I was kept in the dark about that. I was scared enough.
I'll have more about this in the next day or so. I promise that this won't be as long as my San Diego Comic-con report. :-)
I'm going to be honest and say that having a heart attack was both a surprise and not a complete shock. Nobody sits around waiting for one to happen, but considering my 'lifestyle' it was only a matter of time, I suppose. I've always been overweight, except for the years I was in the service and a few years after graduating from college. The same goes for any type of exercise, which I pretty much vowed never to do again once my enlistment was up.
On July 31st (a Friday evening), I developed a headache and a short time later pains in my chest. It wasn't the sharp pain you'd probably recognize, but rather a heaviness. Like a band was across the upper part of my chest making it difficult to breath. I didn't connect the two and thought the tightness was just indigestion from our earlier take-out dinner. I took some Tylenol and some Pepto Bismol before going to bed. I had a difficult night, waking up a few times soaked in sweat. I just changed my t-shirt and went back to bed. I got up early on Saturday morning, as I was scheduled to go to work.
I still had the headache and "indigestion" so took some more Pepto. I told Donna I wasn't feeling good and explained the symptoms. She took my blood pressure, which wasn't really that high, but she suggested I stay home. We went back and forth, but I finally agreed to call in. I said I'd go to a 'walk-in' clinic later. While I was getting dressed to drive there, Donna called 911 and before you know it there was a fire engine and ambulance pulling up in front. We are pretty much right between two fire houses, so the response time is generally good. Of course, being in a 'senior community' as we are the 1st Responders are pretty familiar with the neighborhood.
When the EMS folks got there they took my vitals and were pretty sure that I was having a heart attack. I was given a spray of nitroglycerin and some 'baby' aspirin, then I walked myself downstairs and got on the stretcher, since I did feel a little better. We have been to Mission Hospital before in the ER and know some doctors and nurses who work there. It isn't far, even without the ambulance using lights or siren. I was immediately brought into a room in the ER and hooked up to even more monitors. The IV the EMS guys had given me was removed and another placed, plus I was immediately put on oxygen for the first of several times.
One of the cardiologists came in later and spoke to Donna and I. He told me that they would be performing an angiogram on me the following day. By this point, to my surprise, Kristina and Sarah showed up. I felt bad that they had driven up from San Diego, but can't deny it made me feel good to have all my girls with me. Donna told me later that the cardiologist had pulled her and Kristina aside and told them that they might be scheduling me for open heart surgery. Just as well I was kept in the dark about that. I was scared enough.
I'll have more about this in the next day or so. I promise that this won't be as long as my San Diego Comic-con report. :-)
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Still here, I guess
If I checked my dashboard I would know the last time I updated this thing, but I'm sure it's been months. I always feel bad, since when I started out this blog was a nice opportunity to get things online. Now it's one of those things I don't recall until I get a message from someone asking me if I still do it.
It really has been a very busy year, what with Kristina's marriage, some illnesses and just life in general. After the wedding the death of our beloved cat, Babie, is the event that we'll remember about 2014. Still hard to believe that the furry little girl that shared our home for almost fifteen years won't be with us as we get through the holidays. We're not sure if we want to go through the emotions of getting another housemate right now. Donna and I go back and forth on the issue, so I'll probably let you know when we make the decision.
We're going to spend some of the holidays with the ladies and some on a short cruise. Got a deal that was hard to refuse, so we didn't even try. As the Orange Public Library will be closing from Christmas Eve until January 5th, we will probably get in a few games of Bingo. Maybe even a trip to one of the casinos, but there are enough places nearby that have the game so taking a few hours to travel to one of the Indian casinos really isn't necessary.
Hard to believe that I'm actually sixty-four now and that next year I'll be officially old! Let me tell you, there sure have been a few times along the way when I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it this far, let alone to the age when all the places around here will give you the Senior Discount. When you live this close to what was once Leisure World (now Laguna Hills), one of the largest 'senior communities' in Orange County hitting 55 or even 60 doesn't get you that special menu at Denny's.
I always promise to write these more often, but I'm not going to do that this time around. Most of you folks are keeping tabs on me with Facebook, Twitter or Google +, so we're not going to be strangers.
Donna and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and a very Happy Festivus, for the rest of us!
It really has been a very busy year, what with Kristina's marriage, some illnesses and just life in general. After the wedding the death of our beloved cat, Babie, is the event that we'll remember about 2014. Still hard to believe that the furry little girl that shared our home for almost fifteen years won't be with us as we get through the holidays. We're not sure if we want to go through the emotions of getting another housemate right now. Donna and I go back and forth on the issue, so I'll probably let you know when we make the decision.
We're going to spend some of the holidays with the ladies and some on a short cruise. Got a deal that was hard to refuse, so we didn't even try. As the Orange Public Library will be closing from Christmas Eve until January 5th, we will probably get in a few games of Bingo. Maybe even a trip to one of the casinos, but there are enough places nearby that have the game so taking a few hours to travel to one of the Indian casinos really isn't necessary.
Hard to believe that I'm actually sixty-four now and that next year I'll be officially old! Let me tell you, there sure have been a few times along the way when I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it this far, let alone to the age when all the places around here will give you the Senior Discount. When you live this close to what was once Leisure World (now Laguna Hills), one of the largest 'senior communities' in Orange County hitting 55 or even 60 doesn't get you that special menu at Denny's.
I always promise to write these more often, but I'm not going to do that this time around. Most of you folks are keeping tabs on me with Facebook, Twitter or Google +, so we're not going to be strangers.
Donna and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and a very Happy Festivus, for the rest of us!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Another "I forgot it is here" installment
I'm afraid to even look back to see how long it's been since I last posted here. I see that in Shot's Shack it was shortly after the last San Diego Comic Con. I normally do both blogs one after the other or within a day or so, this probably means the last PARTING SHOTS around the same time. Lots of has happened since then, but in a way things remain pretty much the same.
I'm still working at the City of Orange Public Library, here in Orange, CA. Donna and I are still living in Lake Forest and we're happy knowing that Kristina is happy living in San Diego with Sarah.
At this point I don't know that I have anything to add to the political conversations going on in the country. I'm disappointed in some of the things that President Obama has done, and disgusted by what the GOP (the political party my father identified with, but never registered with) has become. It is now home to the most vile folks not hiding under white robes. Anti-gay/choice/education/science/regulations but pro-gun, so that makes them pretty popular with a certain segment of the population. They are also believers in that gun-toting, friend of the rich, Jesus Christ, so right is on their side.
Once again, just a reminder that if you really want to keep up with me you can find me on Twitter and Facebook. If I'm not busy with Farmville or #FollowFriday, I might even respond to something you post.
Take care and see you in a few months.
I'm still working at the City of Orange Public Library, here in Orange, CA. Donna and I are still living in Lake Forest and we're happy knowing that Kristina is happy living in San Diego with Sarah.
At this point I don't know that I have anything to add to the political conversations going on in the country. I'm disappointed in some of the things that President Obama has done, and disgusted by what the GOP (the political party my father identified with, but never registered with) has become. It is now home to the most vile folks not hiding under white robes. Anti-gay/choice/education/science/regulations but pro-gun, so that makes them pretty popular with a certain segment of the population. They are also believers in that gun-toting, friend of the rich, Jesus Christ, so right is on their side.
Once again, just a reminder that if you really want to keep up with me you can find me on Twitter and Facebook. If I'm not busy with Farmville or #FollowFriday, I might even respond to something you post.
Take care and see you in a few months.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Quickie comments on recent events (Delayed from original posting date.)
Mixed opinions from the Supreme Court this week on a couple of major issues.
Thumbs down for their decision on the Voting Rights Act, which will provide cover to the Republican legislatures in some states to further block the rights of those who may not vote they way they like (i.e. Democratic/Progressive). Texas jumped right into it within a few hours and we can expect other states to do the same. Have to protect their 'majorities', after all.
Much better news for the equal rights of gays & lesbians. Prop 8 is done for and it seems, from polls, that something like that will never be able to get passed here again. I would not be surprised if some GOP legislators try to get something before the California House, but it wouldn't get far. Sadly, states will still be able to individually ban gay marriage and not recognize those performed in other states, but the tide is turning
on this issue.
I admit to mixed feelings regarding the Edwin Snowden affair. I think most of us knew the government was watching over us, but were a bit surprised by how much they were. For that we should be grateful that it has become public and perhaps something can be done to curb the practice. On the other hand, I'm certainly not going to call him a 'hero' as he basically took it on the lamb after spilling the beans. The places he first went to indicate to me he is going to hand over information to folks not known for their own interest in civil liberties and freedom of speech.
That's it for me for today.
Thumbs down for their decision on the Voting Rights Act, which will provide cover to the Republican legislatures in some states to further block the rights of those who may not vote they way they like (i.e. Democratic/Progressive). Texas jumped right into it within a few hours and we can expect other states to do the same. Have to protect their 'majorities', after all.
Much better news for the equal rights of gays & lesbians. Prop 8 is done for and it seems, from polls, that something like that will never be able to get passed here again. I would not be surprised if some GOP legislators try to get something before the California House, but it wouldn't get far. Sadly, states will still be able to individually ban gay marriage and not recognize those performed in other states, but the tide is turning
on this issue.
I admit to mixed feelings regarding the Edwin Snowden affair. I think most of us knew the government was watching over us, but were a bit surprised by how much they were. For that we should be grateful that it has become public and perhaps something can be done to curb the practice. On the other hand, I'm certainly not going to call him a 'hero' as he basically took it on the lamb after spilling the beans. The places he first went to indicate to me he is going to hand over information to folks not known for their own interest in civil liberties and freedom of speech.
That's it for me for today.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Just some misc. stuff
I hope to finally get around to doing my San Diego Comic-Con report over on Shot's Shack, but just had some non-comics stuff to say.
I have sympathy for my friends & family in Norwich, CT. I just saw on the news this morning that they have had heavy rains and flooding the past couple of days. My family had to leave our Bolduc Lane house three times, while I was growing up, due to the Shetucket River overflowing its banks. I was too young to recall the first time, but old enough the other two times to help my mom pack some stuff. Once we actually had to be rescued by firemen in a rowboat, since we had hoped to wait for my father to get home from where he had been working. That time my parents had to replace just about eveything due to water damage in our first floor apartment. Fortunately, I have heard from my nephew Teddy's wife, Autumn, that they are all fine and suffered no damage.
Not so much sympathy, but I also feel bad for my friends in NYC who had been supporters of Carlos Danger...er, I mean Anthony Weiner. Wow! The guy has really doomed himself, at least politically. He was actually leading in the polls by double digits, but this latest revelation has dropped him by more than that. I think for his own good and for his family, he should pack it in (no pun) and leave the Mayoral race to other candidates. Why split the Dem vote when we know the GOP will be shoveling millions into the up-coming campaign?
Yeah, that's what I did on Thursday night of Comic-Con! Having a few beers before and after certainly didn't hurt. Silly, perhaps but something I have wanted to do for years. Donna, Kristina & Sarah convinced me it was time to do it or shut up about it.
Later, folks!!
I have sympathy for my friends & family in Norwich, CT. I just saw on the news this morning that they have had heavy rains and flooding the past couple of days. My family had to leave our Bolduc Lane house three times, while I was growing up, due to the Shetucket River overflowing its banks. I was too young to recall the first time, but old enough the other two times to help my mom pack some stuff. Once we actually had to be rescued by firemen in a rowboat, since we had hoped to wait for my father to get home from where he had been working. That time my parents had to replace just about eveything due to water damage in our first floor apartment. Fortunately, I have heard from my nephew Teddy's wife, Autumn, that they are all fine and suffered no damage.
Not so much sympathy, but I also feel bad for my friends in NYC who had been supporters of Carlos Danger...er, I mean Anthony Weiner. Wow! The guy has really doomed himself, at least politically. He was actually leading in the polls by double digits, but this latest revelation has dropped him by more than that. I think for his own good and for his family, he should pack it in (no pun) and leave the Mayoral race to other candidates. Why split the Dem vote when we know the GOP will be shoveling millions into the up-coming campaign?
Later, folks!!
Monday, July 08, 2013
STACKRIDGE Stackridge 09 Slark
A song I fell in love with back in the early '70s. You don't have to be in an altered state to enjoy it either. :-)
Saturday, June 08, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Just go for it, already!
Let's just go ahead and have the impeachment and get it over with, shall we? The GOP has been waiting for this moment since January of 2009 and it appears they have enough to get it started. Will it go anywhere? Probably not, but it will allow them to stir up the base and some independents through November of 2014. This will let them get that same base motivated to give them control of the Senate and a bigger majority in the House. Good news for those who want to block and/or undo everything accomplished over the past five years. I'm sure if they could figure out a way to resurrect Bin Laden, it would make everything perfect.
Personally, I think they might as well impeach Biden and if they are really clever they can take down Hillary. These Presidential elections never seem to work well for the Republicans, so maybe we should do away with those and allow the new Republican Senate & House choose who gets the Oval Office from now one. Better to use all that campaign money to get anti-union/anti-women/anti-minority politicians elected in all states so we can keep everyone in the proper place. Democracy is such a messy process and doesn't seem to always go the way it should.
Be nice if we could replace the White House Christmas tree with a cross we could burn every year, wouldn't it? See you in re-education camp, comrades!
Be nice if we could replace the White House Christmas tree with a cross we could burn every year, wouldn't it? See you in re-education camp, comrades!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thoughts on politcal matters.
I don't really have much to say about anything but the occasional feeling of guilt I have about not posting has got to me today.
I wonder if you are like me and are getting tired of politics, especially the Washington variety. I thought, or rather hoped, that the last election would dampen down things and make some folks a bit less strident. I obviously misjudged how much Obama is really hated by the other side and how they really believe that another two years of blocking everything is going to improve their chances in 2014 and further down the line. Last year I was signed up for a number of newsletters and regular e-mail updates for Democratic & progressive causes. I unsubscribed from about half following the November results and am dropping more as I receive them. I know at this point that I am going to be burned out by early next year when Congress gears up for another campaign.
I'm not going to try to predict what the Supreme Court will decide regard DOMA and Prop 8. I think we can guess that both will be a split along obvious lines, with DOMA probably considered unconstitutional. Folks much smarter than I am (pretty much the majority of you reading this) seem to feel that the Court will kick Prop 8 back to the state courts, where it was already decided to be against the state constitution. This won't do anything on the national level but will get Califorinia to where it should be and perhaps nudge a few others to make the right choice. We'll have to wait and see, while hoping for the best.
I wonder if you are like me and are getting tired of politics, especially the Washington variety. I thought, or rather hoped, that the last election would dampen down things and make some folks a bit less strident. I obviously misjudged how much Obama is really hated by the other side and how they really believe that another two years of blocking everything is going to improve their chances in 2014 and further down the line. Last year I was signed up for a number of newsletters and regular e-mail updates for Democratic & progressive causes. I unsubscribed from about half following the November results and am dropping more as I receive them. I know at this point that I am going to be burned out by early next year when Congress gears up for another campaign.
I'm not going to try to predict what the Supreme Court will decide regard DOMA and Prop 8. I think we can guess that both will be a split along obvious lines, with DOMA probably considered unconstitutional. Folks much smarter than I am (pretty much the majority of you reading this) seem to feel that the Court will kick Prop 8 back to the state courts, where it was already decided to be against the state constitution. This won't do anything on the national level but will get Califorinia to where it should be and perhaps nudge a few others to make the right choice. We'll have to wait and see, while hoping for the best.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Hard to imagine.
1969 was certainly an interesting year for me, what with the beginning of my first enlistment and later getting one of those 'Dear John' letters guys in the service always seemed to be receiving. Martha (known to everyone as Mitt) was a wonderful girl and I can understand looking back that we were probably ill-suited. I believe I was told she was married shortly after the break-up, but I never really had a desire to check up on her. Hope all worked out well for her, wherever she may be.
Not really anything to add, but when the wave of nostalgia hit I just wanted to share.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Friday, February 08, 2013
Looking Back
Watching the Weather Channel this morning, with their coverage of "Winter Storm Nemo" not only reminded me of one of the reasons we don't regret our move out to SoCal, but also of being a kid.
I can vividly remember days when the street in front of our house (on Bolduc Lane, in Taftville, CT) would be unplowed for a couple of days at a time. My friends and I could make snowmen, forts and have great snowball fights out there, without fear of a city or private plow wrecking everything. The priority was the highway near us, which before the Connecticut Turnpike was opened, was one of the major routes to Rhode Island. This was especially true for larger trucks, so it was pretty well maintained.
Across the highway and up the hill was a large, sandbank, sometimes used by the city for the roads, which was a great place for sledding. It was also the perfect place during the rest of the year to play cowboys & indians or 'war' with one side up top and the other trying to get up with out being 'shot'. I'm sure that is now all so non-politically correct and offensive, but it certainly never seemed that way to us. Small towns like Taftville, were pretty white and generally made up of families that had been there for generations.
Anyway, while I certainly don't miss the days of having to shovel the sidewalk in front of Donna's mom house or digging out our cars in Brooklyn & West Haven, it does still make me nostalgic.
If you are out there in what the Weather Channel is calling "Nemo", stay warm, and be careful if you have to drive on the roads. I'd like to see you all back safe & sound for next time.
I can vividly remember days when the street in front of our house (on Bolduc Lane, in Taftville, CT) would be unplowed for a couple of days at a time. My friends and I could make snowmen, forts and have great snowball fights out there, without fear of a city or private plow wrecking everything. The priority was the highway near us, which before the Connecticut Turnpike was opened, was one of the major routes to Rhode Island. This was especially true for larger trucks, so it was pretty well maintained.
Across the highway and up the hill was a large, sandbank, sometimes used by the city for the roads, which was a great place for sledding. It was also the perfect place during the rest of the year to play cowboys & indians or 'war' with one side up top and the other trying to get up with out being 'shot'. I'm sure that is now all so non-politically correct and offensive, but it certainly never seemed that way to us. Small towns like Taftville, were pretty white and generally made up of families that had been there for generations.
Anyway, while I certainly don't miss the days of having to shovel the sidewalk in front of Donna's mom house or digging out our cars in Brooklyn & West Haven, it does still make me nostalgic.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Is it really a New Year already?
Man, are they starting to cut weeks out of the year or is time just rushing by too fast for me? I'm pretty sure it's the fact that I'm getting older and know that I only have a limited amount of time left. Not to get all depressing, but let's face facts. Sixty-two is not really middle-age, is it?
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Does this still sound like me?
A brief introduction is probably in order, for those of you who don't feel obligated to visit here simply because you know me.
My name is Steve Chaput and I'm a librarian at a University in New England. For close to fifteen years, prior to coming back to my home state, I had been a public librarian in Brooklyn, NY. Having been born and spent most of my life in New England I just felt it was time to move back, if only to escape the hassle and rudeness which seems to be growing in The City. I'm also a Navy veteran, having joined the service back in 1969, when the U.S. was still deeply mired in Vietnam. If you want to peg me politically, you can think of me as somewhere to the left of almost any politician who still calls himself 'Liberal'.
If I'm doing this Blog thing correctly I would assume to eventually make an A** of myself. Feel free to drop me an e-mail and let me know if I'm living up to that. :-)
The above was the opening of my very, first blog entry written on 1/29/03. At the end of this month I will have been writing this blog for ten years. You can see by the index that I was very active for several years, but have cut back to only a few posts a year recently. As I've said before, just about everything I have to say on any given topic I cover on Facebook & Twitter, plus the occasional videos I put up on YouTube. I don't plan on completely dropping either blog, since you never know when the other 'social networks' will start charging or do something that even I can't put up with. It's nice to know that I will have these as fall backs in that case.
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Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, with time for family & friends. Mine was pretty laid back, since Donna had to work, so we didn't go anywhere worth mentioning. I expect that may change since we would like to travel back east for a family event in the Spring, plus we have a discount certificate for another Carnival cruise that we need to use before 11/2013.
If you have seen the review on YouTube or Facebook you already know that I went to see THE HOBBIT last week and totally loved it. I should probably post it over on Shot's Shack later for folks who don't travel to the other sites.
Finally, and another reason that my blog posting probably won't increase anytime soon is that Donna & Kristina joined forces to buy me an iPad for Christmas. As if I was already addicted to my iPhone, having this larger toy is even more dangerous. Btw, if you have either of the same devices, check out The Simpson's Tapped Out and friend me.
That does it once again for me so I'll be on my way. Peace out!
**************************
Does this still sound like me?
A brief introduction is probably in order, for those of you who don't feel obligated to visit here simply because you know me.
My name is Steve Chaput and I'm a librarian at a University in New England. For close to fifteen years, prior to coming back to my home state, I had been a public librarian in Brooklyn, NY. Having been born and spent most of my life in New England I just felt it was time to move back, if only to escape the hassle and rudeness which seems to be growing in The City. I'm also a Navy veteran, having joined the service back in 1969, when the U.S. was still deeply mired in Vietnam. If you want to peg me politically, you can think of me as somewhere to the left of almost any politician who still calls himself 'Liberal'.
If I'm doing this Blog thing correctly I would assume to eventually make an A** of myself. Feel free to drop me an e-mail and let me know if I'm living up to that. :-)
The above was the opening of my very, first blog entry written on 1/29/03. At the end of this month I will have been writing this blog for ten years. You can see by the index that I was very active for several years, but have cut back to only a few posts a year recently. As I've said before, just about everything I have to say on any given topic I cover on Facebook & Twitter, plus the occasional videos I put up on YouTube. I don't plan on completely dropping either blog, since you never know when the other 'social networks' will start charging or do something that even I can't put up with. It's nice to know that I will have these as fall backs in that case.
***************************
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, with time for family & friends. Mine was pretty laid back, since Donna had to work, so we didn't go anywhere worth mentioning. I expect that may change since we would like to travel back east for a family event in the Spring, plus we have a discount certificate for another Carnival cruise that we need to use before 11/2013.
If you have seen the review on YouTube or Facebook you already know that I went to see THE HOBBIT last week and totally loved it. I should probably post it over on Shot's Shack later for folks who don't travel to the other sites.
Finally, and another reason that my blog posting probably won't increase anytime soon is that Donna & Kristina joined forces to buy me an iPad for Christmas. As if I was already addicted to my iPhone, having this larger toy is even more dangerous. Btw, if you have either of the same devices, check out The Simpson's Tapped Out and friend me.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Does it matter at this point?
I think that I should either give this blog up completely, or just post the same thing over every few months. Basically, everything of note has already been tweeted or posted on Facebook, so there's not a whole heck of a lot to add to that. Still it is nice to be able to do something over a 140 characters in length, or to just ramble on a few topics all in one place.
Donna and I had a very nice dinner with Kristina & Sarah on Saturday at a nice restaurant. This was an early birthday celebration for Kristina, so we were able to give her the present I had bought back in San Diego. Some nice Star Wars figures with a limited-edition Jar Jar Binks figure included as a SDCC exclusive. Maybe in a few years she can give Jordan Hembrough, from TOY HUNTER a call and he'll make an offer. (As an aside: if you aren't watching that particular show on the Travel Channel you might want to check it out. Jordan travels around the country, American Pickers-style, hunting down rare games, action figures and collectibles. While I don't collect much myself I really enjoy the nostalgia I get when he unearths some cool item. The show will also run clips from classic toy commercials featuring the particular item being featured.)
We have done some shifting and rearranging in the new & improved Chateau Chaput. Gearing up for visitors from New York later this year. The Stoffo ladies and Dan S. will be gracing us for Thanksgiving week, plus the older stuff we had in the place really needed some upgrading. Heck we even swapped out a couple of the Thomas Kinkades and added some more photos to the wall. Donna finally talked me into mounting my Navy plaques in the computer/office/comics room. With the new ceiling tiles we installed a couple months ago that room is finally beginning to look a bit better.
Do we even have to get into the up-coming election? I finally decided to vote for Obama again, not that I'm 100% satisfied with his performance, but the idea of the Anti-Christ and the boy zealot sitting in the White House is just too creepy a thought. Rather another four years of Barry and Laughin' Joe, than letting the Limbaugh led Army of Occupation get their hands on things.
The number of local and state propositions on the ballot this year is ridiculous, even though a few might actually do something meaningful. I thought trying to keep Prop. 30 & 32 straight was difficult, but with 37, 38 and a few others to sift though it just makes things harder. I'm pretty sure I saw an ad for a Prop. 39 the other day, but I'm giving up. About all you do is read the small print at the end telling you what corporations, 'tax groups', or unions are funding each one in making a choice. 30 & 38 are battling each other over education funding, while Prop 32 (funded by the Koch Bros. & Karl Rove's PAC) claims to be about campaign finance reform. To say it's a joke is an insult to the term. 37 & 39 deal with food labeling and corporate taxes respectively. I almost forgot #17, which deals with auto insurance. I really believe in the idea behind the propositions giving voters some say on issues, but the things have become so confusing (trying to remember to Vote Yes or Vote No) and the sheer number each election cycle makes it impossible for the average voter to keep track. Hope I haven't confused all of you as much as we're confused out here.
I think that will do it for me for this go around. The next update will probably be over on Shot's Shack some time next week. I'll be attending the 1st San Diego Comic Fest this weekend and hope to have some cool things to talk about.
Donna and I had a very nice dinner with Kristina & Sarah on Saturday at a nice restaurant. This was an early birthday celebration for Kristina, so we were able to give her the present I had bought back in San Diego. Some nice Star Wars figures with a limited-edition Jar Jar Binks figure included as a SDCC exclusive. Maybe in a few years she can give Jordan Hembrough, from TOY HUNTER a call and he'll make an offer. (As an aside: if you aren't watching that particular show on the Travel Channel you might want to check it out. Jordan travels around the country, American Pickers-style, hunting down rare games, action figures and collectibles. While I don't collect much myself I really enjoy the nostalgia I get when he unearths some cool item. The show will also run clips from classic toy commercials featuring the particular item being featured.)
We have done some shifting and rearranging in the new & improved Chateau Chaput. Gearing up for visitors from New York later this year. The Stoffo ladies and Dan S. will be gracing us for Thanksgiving week, plus the older stuff we had in the place really needed some upgrading. Heck we even swapped out a couple of the Thomas Kinkades and added some more photos to the wall. Donna finally talked me into mounting my Navy plaques in the computer/office/comics room. With the new ceiling tiles we installed a couple months ago that room is finally beginning to look a bit better.
Do we even have to get into the up-coming election? I finally decided to vote for Obama again, not that I'm 100% satisfied with his performance, but the idea of the Anti-Christ and the boy zealot sitting in the White House is just too creepy a thought. Rather another four years of Barry and Laughin' Joe, than letting the Limbaugh led Army of Occupation get their hands on things.
The number of local and state propositions on the ballot this year is ridiculous, even though a few might actually do something meaningful. I thought trying to keep Prop. 30 & 32 straight was difficult, but with 37, 38 and a few others to sift though it just makes things harder. I'm pretty sure I saw an ad for a Prop. 39 the other day, but I'm giving up. About all you do is read the small print at the end telling you what corporations, 'tax groups', or unions are funding each one in making a choice. 30 & 38 are battling each other over education funding, while Prop 32 (funded by the Koch Bros. & Karl Rove's PAC) claims to be about campaign finance reform. To say it's a joke is an insult to the term. 37 & 39 deal with food labeling and corporate taxes respectively. I almost forgot #17, which deals with auto insurance. I really believe in the idea behind the propositions giving voters some say on issues, but the things have become so confusing (trying to remember to Vote Yes or Vote No) and the sheer number each election cycle makes it impossible for the average voter to keep track. Hope I haven't confused all of you as much as we're confused out here.
I think that will do it for me for this go around. The next update will probably be over on Shot's Shack some time next week. I'll be attending the 1st San Diego Comic Fest this weekend and hope to have some cool things to talk about.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Is anyone still out there?
Just came in to sweep out the cobwebs and dust things off. **Cough, cough** Man, I forget all about this place. It reminds me of our storage shed when I have to go out once a month or so to get something. Of course, it's easier to get around here, since it isn't half full of stuff belonging to Kristina and Michael. :-)
The only time I remember these blogs, once one of the only places I was able to rant and review, is when I'm reading someone elses and they are in my list of fellow bloggers. I admire other folks who blog everyday, or at least frequently enough to still call themselves bloggers. I'm more a Facebooker or Tweeter now, although I have put myself up on Linked In, where I barely ever venture. Seems far too respectable for me over there. Besides I don't think Linked In is really the place to talk about the Anti-Christ & Boy Wonder running for President on the GOP side or why Marvel Now means less to me than the New 52 from DC.
Really isn't a whole heck of a lot to report, since I think everybody reading this probably keeps up with me on one of the other social media sites. My job hasn't really changed, even with the increase in public service hours. We're currently getting ready to vote on a new contract with the city, but I don't expect that to change much of anything, except how much we pay for our benefits. At times like this I do miss being a member of a 'real union' as I was in New York. Go DC-37!!!
We're still working on our place, even after two years here. We just replaced the ceiling tiles in the 'computer/comics' room, only to discover we had a wasp nest sitting over head unknown to us. The pest control folks were nice and came out, discovering a second nest outside under the awnings. There is a gap in the roof which may need filling-in. We are also looking to get a ramp for the backdoor, to make it easier for Donna. Having never lived in a place I didn't simply rent before, this homeowner thing continues to surprise me with all the little things that have to be done inside & out.
Kristina is threatening to make us get iPhones now that our Verizon contract it running out and we are able to get new phones. Donna and I are pretty happy with what we have now and I'm not sure I need a phone smarter than I am. Not as if I'm not already using my LG for Twitter & Facebook updates way too much.
Coming up the next few months are Comic Fest in San Diego for me, a visit from the Stoffo ladies & Dan (for both of us) and after Thanksgiving another cruise to celebrate our 13th Anniversary. I'll have more to say on all those things as time grows closer. Bye for now!!
The only time I remember these blogs, once one of the only places I was able to rant and review, is when I'm reading someone elses and they are in my list of fellow bloggers. I admire other folks who blog everyday, or at least frequently enough to still call themselves bloggers. I'm more a Facebooker or Tweeter now, although I have put myself up on Linked In, where I barely ever venture. Seems far too respectable for me over there. Besides I don't think Linked In is really the place to talk about the Anti-Christ & Boy Wonder running for President on the GOP side or why Marvel Now means less to me than the New 52 from DC.
Really isn't a whole heck of a lot to report, since I think everybody reading this probably keeps up with me on one of the other social media sites. My job hasn't really changed, even with the increase in public service hours. We're currently getting ready to vote on a new contract with the city, but I don't expect that to change much of anything, except how much we pay for our benefits. At times like this I do miss being a member of a 'real union' as I was in New York. Go DC-37!!!
We're still working on our place, even after two years here. We just replaced the ceiling tiles in the 'computer/comics' room, only to discover we had a wasp nest sitting over head unknown to us. The pest control folks were nice and came out, discovering a second nest outside under the awnings. There is a gap in the roof which may need filling-in. We are also looking to get a ramp for the backdoor, to make it easier for Donna. Having never lived in a place I didn't simply rent before, this homeowner thing continues to surprise me with all the little things that have to be done inside & out.
Kristina is threatening to make us get iPhones now that our Verizon contract it running out and we are able to get new phones. Donna and I are pretty happy with what we have now and I'm not sure I need a phone smarter than I am. Not as if I'm not already using my LG for Twitter & Facebook updates way too much.
Coming up the next few months are Comic Fest in San Diego for me, a visit from the Stoffo ladies & Dan (for both of us) and after Thanksgiving another cruise to celebrate our 13th Anniversary. I'll have more to say on all those things as time grows closer. Bye for now!!
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