Odds And Endz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the memories

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

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

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

We're having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave

With apologies to Irving Berlin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Problem:

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

has started their WAR ON WOMEN.

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

Passing laws declaring a fertilized egg as a legal person.

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

Slashing funds for Planned Parenthood.

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

You get the general idea.

Solution:

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

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

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

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

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

It's a long & winding road

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

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

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

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

A splendid time was had by all.

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

Gary, et al.

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

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

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

May we all "Rock On" together again.

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

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

Whether it was roommates, the usual assortment of girlfriends

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

Sometimes the sudden loneliness is almost to much to bear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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