Ah the Holiday Season is here, to many it is just about over. Many have or are about to head to Grandma's house or someother family gathering place, what fun. You get to hang out with the people you most likely have ran away from only to be stuck with them for 5-8 hours in a small place. People wonder why they drink after these get togethers, recall your most recent family holiday gathering.
To me its a time to relax and thank the lord I'm where I am and what I could have become.
Well, it's been another year and 2013 is looking to be a different kind of year. No Elections that matter, no more bar life and a future that is looking bright. Is a run for City Wide Office in the wings, 2013 will show the way.
I lost a good friend in 2012 but gained a few new ones as well. What Happens next is anyones guess. Here's to it. Good Luck to all, buy a ticket and enjoy the ride
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The Duke- Tampa Base: NRA/PTA/Hollywood and you & me
The Duke- Tampa Base: NRA/PTA/Hollywood and you & me: So now the NRA has made their statement about the School Shooting in CT. What did you expect the folks at America's foremost Anti-Gun Contr...
NRA/PTA/Hollywood and you & me
So now the NRA has made their statement about the School Shooting in CT. What did you expect the folks at America's foremost Anti-Gun Control Group to say? Of course, a Good Guy with a Gun is the only way to stop a Bad Guy with a Gun. That leads to more guns, which has worked out so well in Florida. Just shoot anyone if you feel threatened, Stand Your Ground, and the rest will work out. (a better way to say it is- Shoot 1st ask questions later) By the way, there was a Cop at Columbine School and we know how that worked out.
At the end of the day WE have to take a closer look at what WE let our kids do, watch, listen and play. It's a WE problem. Not too long ago a singer performing in a Wedding Dress and humping the stage was racy, now a Boob Shot during the Superbowl even seems lite, heck you can even say FUCK on TV as long as it's a live mic & after 11pm. At some point WE have to take responsibility for our viewing/listening habits. Yea, Yea, I know our rights would be taken away, it's our 1st Amendment Right to free speech, blow out your behind if you can't see how things have gotten a bit out of control the past 40 years. So yea I guess I'm blaming the Baby Boomers. You brought us the 60's & 70's drug culture and so VERY, VERY Bad Music after the Beatles, they get a pass, but other than the Beatles your age group has just sucked. You can, Mr. & Mrs. Boomer can't even balance a budget or pass a bill that could fix things thru congress. But if it involves a tax break or way to make you a little richer while sticking to the next generation you are all for.
Parents, WTF. When you give your kids everything and I mean everything what the hell do you expect. Before you start your "I don't" speech stop and think about what you had growing up and then think about what you gave your kids. Every kids DOES NOT deserve a Trophy in Little League, there things called winners & loser. We all hope we win every time out but we all know the truth, we fail more often than we win. Face it. Teaching our next great generation that winning doesn't matter how leads to less productivity & excuses. Not every kid is gonna be a doctor or president of a corporation but no matter what position in life your child ends up in he or she will need the drive to succeed. With out that they as good as homeless. It's true and you know it. Wise up.
Hollywood....Where the hell should a person start. Just because it sells doesn't mean it's a good thing. I used to listen to Howard Stern, Howie would defend his radio show, which is a good show I know, but every once and while Howie would say something that would get him in trouble with some group. Reports would asked him about his little girl, "Howard would you let your Daughter listen to your show?" Depending on the subject matter sometimes he said yes sometimes he said no. At least he was honest. But the bigger point is, sometimes a little respect is all that is needed. $$$$'s are great don't get me wrong but if a movie is just guns, blood & guts and a bit of sex to spice it up, where does the story come in? Remember that, the Novel, the Essay, the True Story...it kinda gets lost in the BS the movie companies throw up on a screen for people's hard earned dollar. Saving Private Ryan was a good movie but even Vet's who say where a bit taken a back by the Blood & Guts.
So, there is a problem but just blaming one group is not the answer. WE have to fix it. Pass the Assult Weapons Ban, Ban Clips over 10 ten rounds, Hollywood needs to stop making us less concerned about death/how we kill, Parents suck it up- teach not cover up and look at the world around you. What can you do? I'm sure you will find that there is a lot you can fix in your world. If not we'll be here again.
At the end of the day WE have to take a closer look at what WE let our kids do, watch, listen and play. It's a WE problem. Not too long ago a singer performing in a Wedding Dress and humping the stage was racy, now a Boob Shot during the Superbowl even seems lite, heck you can even say FUCK on TV as long as it's a live mic & after 11pm. At some point WE have to take responsibility for our viewing/listening habits. Yea, Yea, I know our rights would be taken away, it's our 1st Amendment Right to free speech, blow out your behind if you can't see how things have gotten a bit out of control the past 40 years. So yea I guess I'm blaming the Baby Boomers. You brought us the 60's & 70's drug culture and so VERY, VERY Bad Music after the Beatles, they get a pass, but other than the Beatles your age group has just sucked. You can, Mr. & Mrs. Boomer can't even balance a budget or pass a bill that could fix things thru congress. But if it involves a tax break or way to make you a little richer while sticking to the next generation you are all for.
Parents, WTF. When you give your kids everything and I mean everything what the hell do you expect. Before you start your "I don't" speech stop and think about what you had growing up and then think about what you gave your kids. Every kids DOES NOT deserve a Trophy in Little League, there things called winners & loser. We all hope we win every time out but we all know the truth, we fail more often than we win. Face it. Teaching our next great generation that winning doesn't matter how leads to less productivity & excuses. Not every kid is gonna be a doctor or president of a corporation but no matter what position in life your child ends up in he or she will need the drive to succeed. With out that they as good as homeless. It's true and you know it. Wise up.
Hollywood....Where the hell should a person start. Just because it sells doesn't mean it's a good thing. I used to listen to Howard Stern, Howie would defend his radio show, which is a good show I know, but every once and while Howie would say something that would get him in trouble with some group. Reports would asked him about his little girl, "Howard would you let your Daughter listen to your show?" Depending on the subject matter sometimes he said yes sometimes he said no. At least he was honest. But the bigger point is, sometimes a little respect is all that is needed. $$$$'s are great don't get me wrong but if a movie is just guns, blood & guts and a bit of sex to spice it up, where does the story come in? Remember that, the Novel, the Essay, the True Story...it kinda gets lost in the BS the movie companies throw up on a screen for people's hard earned dollar. Saving Private Ryan was a good movie but even Vet's who say where a bit taken a back by the Blood & Guts.
So, there is a problem but just blaming one group is not the answer. WE have to fix it. Pass the Assult Weapons Ban, Ban Clips over 10 ten rounds, Hollywood needs to stop making us less concerned about death/how we kill, Parents suck it up- teach not cover up and look at the world around you. What can you do? I'm sure you will find that there is a lot you can fix in your world. If not we'll be here again.
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Duke- Tampa Base: Work for Tampa, Live in Tampa. Schools & Guns
The Duke- Tampa Base: Work for Tampa, Live in Tampa. Schools & Guns: Hey, just a side note, if you work for the City of Tampa, LIVE IN TAMPA. Its part of any City Employee's work agreement. If you don't like...
Work for Tampa, Live in Tampa. Schools & Guns
Hey, just a side note, if you work for the City of Tampa, LIVE IN TAMPA. Its part of any City Employee's work agreement. If you don't like go work for Plant City or any other city/town that allows its Public employees collect a paycheck from its citizens, who also dont care if you are not impressed enough to live there. It's not a soap box complaint, its just the way it should be. Wouldn't a city resident be more concerned by issues that effect his/her neighborhood if the person lived there? Seems simple enough to me.
Once again a school was the spot for a killing spree. I don't know what's worst, the fact it happened or the fact that we have to ask which one....This shouldn't be happening but yet it is. No, I'm not gonna go on a gun control rant, there is much more at work here than just guns. When did it become the "It" thing to do? What kind of person goes, "Hey, I know what to do, shoot up a school" or "Hey, let's walk into a mall, during the Holiday Shopping Season, and take target practice," sure you can do it on a video game why not in real life. All I have to do is hit the "Re-Set" button and I'm good to go. Or is it the parents fault? Little Johnny/Sue, was beaten/Bullied/Uneducated/Fatherless/insert what ever else you want to blame here, hence that's why he/she took the road they did. Ending in the death of multiple friends/family or just plain innocent people. Blame the Gun laws or lack there of, if we didn't have a 30 bullet clip for that 9mm or if AK's/AR-15's/Bushwackers were outlawed none of this would have happened. Save it. Stop it. Go to a Mirror and look, what do you see? Can you see that person? That's who to blame. Think how you were raised, what does your child have in his/her room that you didn't? Now, I'm not putting all the blame on us, but think about it for a moment. Really think about it. You can try to protect our youth with Helmets, knee pads, security fences, No Football, No bullies, Stranger Danger and more. But all of that isn't a help when the little ones get home go to their room and start playing the latest "Modern Warfare" or "GTA". Gun play has even made its way into mainstream music, sports and movies. It would seem that the parents of the 60/70's made really bad role-models. From Gun violence, Wall St Scandal, Tax reform that lead to no jobs and over liberal feeling over art/entertainment have all helped drive our youth to this point.
The Gun Lobby will sure be out in force saying "Guns don't Kill People, People with Guns Kill people," this very well be true but I find it hard to believe that Jefferson, Hancock, Franklin and the rest ever thought a Desert Eagle .50cal or "Hallow Point" shells were coming down the pike either. The 2nd amendment yes gives you the "Right" to bear arms but doesn't say every gun made. It doesn't say you can own an AK-47. When this rule was put in place we, the people of this union, only had guns that you shot once and took a minute or two to reload, not spray off 30 shots, take a second, re-load another 30 round clip, and keep firing.
Hunters, Target Shooters- PLEASE STOP. There is no animal known at this time that is waiting out there in the woods with a Bullet Proof Vest hiding from you. There is no Target Club with more than a few folks in it you really Shot Large Cal Weapons for sport. Yea, all 4 of you, the rest may say that do but in fact it's such a small group you don't matter.
Address those facts listed above and maybe, just maybe we will never hear about, Sandy Hook, Va Tech, Batman, Colorado, Mall Shooting ever again. Or don't....you will only have yourself to blame.
Once again a school was the spot for a killing spree. I don't know what's worst, the fact it happened or the fact that we have to ask which one....This shouldn't be happening but yet it is. No, I'm not gonna go on a gun control rant, there is much more at work here than just guns. When did it become the "It" thing to do? What kind of person goes, "Hey, I know what to do, shoot up a school" or "Hey, let's walk into a mall, during the Holiday Shopping Season, and take target practice," sure you can do it on a video game why not in real life. All I have to do is hit the "Re-Set" button and I'm good to go. Or is it the parents fault? Little Johnny/Sue, was beaten/Bullied/Uneducated/Fatherless/insert what ever else you want to blame here, hence that's why he/she took the road they did. Ending in the death of multiple friends/family or just plain innocent people. Blame the Gun laws or lack there of, if we didn't have a 30 bullet clip for that 9mm or if AK's/AR-15's/Bushwackers were outlawed none of this would have happened. Save it. Stop it. Go to a Mirror and look, what do you see? Can you see that person? That's who to blame. Think how you were raised, what does your child have in his/her room that you didn't? Now, I'm not putting all the blame on us, but think about it for a moment. Really think about it. You can try to protect our youth with Helmets, knee pads, security fences, No Football, No bullies, Stranger Danger and more. But all of that isn't a help when the little ones get home go to their room and start playing the latest "Modern Warfare" or "GTA". Gun play has even made its way into mainstream music, sports and movies. It would seem that the parents of the 60/70's made really bad role-models. From Gun violence, Wall St Scandal, Tax reform that lead to no jobs and over liberal feeling over art/entertainment have all helped drive our youth to this point.
The Gun Lobby will sure be out in force saying "Guns don't Kill People, People with Guns Kill people," this very well be true but I find it hard to believe that Jefferson, Hancock, Franklin and the rest ever thought a Desert Eagle .50cal or "Hallow Point" shells were coming down the pike either. The 2nd amendment yes gives you the "Right" to bear arms but doesn't say every gun made. It doesn't say you can own an AK-47. When this rule was put in place we, the people of this union, only had guns that you shot once and took a minute or two to reload, not spray off 30 shots, take a second, re-load another 30 round clip, and keep firing.
Hunters, Target Shooters- PLEASE STOP. There is no animal known at this time that is waiting out there in the woods with a Bullet Proof Vest hiding from you. There is no Target Club with more than a few folks in it you really Shot Large Cal Weapons for sport. Yea, all 4 of you, the rest may say that do but in fact it's such a small group you don't matter.
Address those facts listed above and maybe, just maybe we will never hear about, Sandy Hook, Va Tech, Batman, Colorado, Mall Shooting ever again. Or don't....you will only have yourself to blame.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Good Bye Big Game James
Its not very often that this blog touches the world of sports, other than to comment on the Rays to Downtown Tampa talk, but tonight/this am that has changed. The Rays have traded a true Ray, James Shields aka Big Game James, to the KC Royals. This is about a close as the Bucs trading A-Train (Mike Alscott) but this one hurts a bit more. James was a Rays from the start, we drafted him, he grew in our farm system and he was our team's rock when we needed it. Sure, David Price got pub but Big James was the man was always there eating innings saving our teams bully.
I'm sure the folks we got in return will be good players for the Rays but none will be Big James.
Thank you James Shields, this Rays fan will miss seeing you in a Rays Uni
I'm sure the folks we got in return will be good players for the Rays but none will be Big James.
Thank you James Shields, this Rays fan will miss seeing you in a Rays Uni
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Charlie's a Democrat Now & Other Points
Wow, who would have guessed that Charlie, our former Gov. and man who lost to the Cuban master- Marco, would become a democrat? Just about every person in Florida that who has half a brain. I guess a hug from President Obama can change a man, what's next- Changing Gay people straight? Water into Wine? The Obama Hug has power, how else can you explain his re-election in 2012? Now Charlie is free to take on a very bad Republican Gov. in Rick Scott, sorry Alex it would seem that Charlie is coming for your prize and I don't think you can stop him. Charlie is Florida and he should know by now his chances outside this great state are slim, unless Dog Catcher is a Federal Position or maybe he could pull off a "talking head" gig at MSNBC....Good Luck Charlie, welcome to the world of the Democrat's- it's a party that has more sharp edges than a chain saw.
The USF Football team signed a new coach-from WKU, Willie Taggart, a former standout highschool QB from Manatee. He's a darn fine recruiter, a look at his roster at WKU shows that, and he believes he can change USF direction. Heck, I could as well as the bum begging for change could but Willie has the goods to do it. He did it at WKU. Good Luck Willie
The Bucs are on TV this weekend, a Thank you to Philly Fans and to Fox. Fox held up the Bucs, make sure the games on TV or you don't get John Lynch. Bucs fans if you are not at the team make sure you have a TV tuned to Fox13 Tampa, let's repay the good ol folks at Fox back with some high ratings!!
The USF Football team signed a new coach-from WKU, Willie Taggart, a former standout highschool QB from Manatee. He's a darn fine recruiter, a look at his roster at WKU shows that, and he believes he can change USF direction. Heck, I could as well as the bum begging for change could but Willie has the goods to do it. He did it at WKU. Good Luck Willie
The Bucs are on TV this weekend, a Thank you to Philly Fans and to Fox. Fox held up the Bucs, make sure the games on TV or you don't get John Lynch. Bucs fans if you are not at the team make sure you have a TV tuned to Fox13 Tampa, let's repay the good ol folks at Fox back with some high ratings!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tampa The city that sleeps
The City of Tampa is a busy place, Office workers moving to and fro. Homeless people in the parks, they bring color to the hustle & bustle of the Tampa's core. The Restaurants are busy, lunch time is the best. Cabs & Buses jamming the traffic on Ashley & Kennedy, folks on bikes, hipsters really trying to be Green only add to the mess. But as the sun begins to set the city starts to change, the Office workers head to the parking garage or open air parking lots, and make their way home. The Buses & Cabs move on the airport of S. Howard Ave for their fares. The few bars in the City's core begin to fill up for the all important Happy Hour 4-7pm where the attorneys and movers/shakers talk about world they control. Hattricks seems to be the one place they all hang out, darn fine place at anytime but when the night comes this fine establishment become a ghost town. Of course Hockey Games, Concerts and other Events bring some life to the Downtown area but by & large those are few and far between.
As for the Weekend, the city could be used a movie lot, no one is out, nothing is open and hardly a car can be seen.
The Mayor is on the right track by addressing the needed infrastructure to bring the city to life. Who wants to live in a city that rolls up after 5pm each weekday and is a parking lot on the weekends. The new condos in the City's core are a start. The Encore is a great move. The Riverwalk is long over due.
Keep it up Mayor Bob. One day we may get the City this area richly deserves.
As for the Weekend, the city could be used a movie lot, no one is out, nothing is open and hardly a car can be seen.
The Mayor is on the right track by addressing the needed infrastructure to bring the city to life. Who wants to live in a city that rolls up after 5pm each weekday and is a parking lot on the weekends. The new condos in the City's core are a start. The Encore is a great move. The Riverwalk is long over due.
Keep it up Mayor Bob. One day we may get the City this area richly deserves.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Rays/The Bucs & the Lightning
Everyone wants to be in Tampa but yet no one seems to show up when they get here. The Bucs can't sell out a game, at least the pass few years, the Lightning had to go "all in" on a marketing blitz to somewhat fill their house...and the Rays are the Rays. It would seem that the City of Tampa has streets paved with Gold Bricks, to the owners of Professional Sports Teams anyways, with a city & county leadership that is willing to drop its pants for stadium funding. Hey, we did this to ourselves, afte the Bucs got wind of the Baltimore deal they held it over our collective heads and got a great deal. A deal that is now a major issue between the County & the Team. Before we run into the waiting arms of the Rays, think for a moment, is it worth blowing up our plans for Downtown Tampa? How does the Lightning fit into all of this? (For the moment leave the NHL Lockout BS out of the Convo) Hockey has had its good moments in Tampa but overall fan interest had been less than stellar, let's be honest. Yes, we all enjoy professional sports, it makes us proud when our team wins the big game. But at some point you have to ask yourself is it truly worth it?
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Invision Tampa
Well, now we have a plan. Sure most of it we have all talked about for years but now its in writting. My mother always told me once its in writting you know its true. Or was it dont believe everything you read... either way the City of Tampa now has a plan. Some of it may not ever come true, some of it will change with the times and efforts of the cities leaders but we have a plan that all can seek for direction. Congrat's to Mayor Buckhorn.
The Riverwalk is finally coming to be what its planners saw many years ago and if the Mayor stays the course Downtown Tampa will be what, I at least, many have hoped it could be...a Major city. No offense to the folks in Miami but I perfer Tampa. Now the hard park begins, getting the County and the State on board. We aren't just talking about changing a law to let Cities decide their own taxes/taxing areas or if they are allowed to vote on possible City only taxes. Now we need those folks to help make this vision come to life. We need the State give us the OK to change some On-Ramps to 275. We need to County extend a hand helping cut the red tape.
We need to believe in Tampa.
Now a good start would to have the County & City Leaders work together on the LighRail Project, thus expanding the TECO Streetcar.
Sure, this will all go out the Window if the Rays come to Downtown Tampa....But its a plan....
The Riverwalk is finally coming to be what its planners saw many years ago and if the Mayor stays the course Downtown Tampa will be what, I at least, many have hoped it could be...a Major city. No offense to the folks in Miami but I perfer Tampa. Now the hard park begins, getting the County and the State on board. We aren't just talking about changing a law to let Cities decide their own taxes/taxing areas or if they are allowed to vote on possible City only taxes. Now we need those folks to help make this vision come to life. We need the State give us the OK to change some On-Ramps to 275. We need to County extend a hand helping cut the red tape.
We need to believe in Tampa.
Now a good start would to have the County & City Leaders work together on the LighRail Project, thus expanding the TECO Streetcar.
Sure, this will all go out the Window if the Rays come to Downtown Tampa....But its a plan....
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tampa Parks
Bravo to Mayor Buckhorn and the late Ken Good, the New Tampa Nature Park is now open. After all the focus on the Riverwalk, rightly so, these pass few years it is good to see a plan that started in 1986 finally become what was planned. So far the City has "mostly" stayed the course that Mayor Pam started, make Tampa a world class city, City Parks is a great to reach that goal. Sure there is more to do and many funding issues that could go off the tracks if that baseball team that can not be mentioned wants a Downtown Tampa Ballpark...but untill then Mayor Buckhorn has my support.
That brings up a good question, where is the county on the Gandy Bridge? I hope that the County can find a way to reopen the park.
One question to Mayor Buckhorn, "Where are we on the "reclaimed" water project? Sir, we supported your bid to keep that water under city control, so could you please give us a update??
That brings up a good question, where is the county on the Gandy Bridge? I hope that the County can find a way to reopen the park.
One question to Mayor Buckhorn, "Where are we on the "reclaimed" water project? Sir, we supported your bid to keep that water under city control, so could you please give us a update??
Monday, November 26, 2012
Tampa
Isn't about time that the city of Tampa becomes a major hub of business? A major hub of urban life? Too many times our city leaders do a good job of putting a smiling face on that possible goal, only to turn away from it later on. Mayor Buckhorn seems to be sticking to the plan. We all know & knew that Streetcar was in bad shape once the CSX insurance bill was put on the table. The tourist train can not live with that $400,000 bill every year. Now is the time to push the transit idea, now is the time to give Tampa what it truly needs- Mass Transit!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Debate
What a night. After having the Opportunity to join the gang at TBO.com & the Tampa Trib at their offices for a debate panel. Myself, a strong Obama supporter, 2 folks who supported Romney & Anything that even seemed Republican, one poor guy was truly "Independent", this sap really was looking for something good to come from the debate. The panel was rounded out by an Activist for Obama and Military Vet/Educator/African American for a Obama. I believe our panel even hit every segment of America, soup to nuts, rich to middle class. But once the debate started we all sat glued, faces toward the TV. No one said a word. Sometimes we would catch each other smiling at a good moment for our guy, my guy didnt have too many good moments.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Duke- Tampa Base: Politics as normal
The Duke- Tampa Base: Politics as normal: As we only have less than 40 days until we make a choice, not really a true choice, but a choice nonetheless, I sit back & enjoy the fightin...
Politics as normal
As we only have less than 40 days until we make a choice, not really a true choice, but a choice nonetheless, I sit back & enjoy the fighting among the masses. The folks who truly believe that President Obama is a Crazed/Anti-Christ/Commie/Non-American bent on bring these United States down to a 3rd world level. Those folks are truly, very truly touched by God in a special way. I don't know which God they have been touched by or even worship but I would bet "Their" God is the same one who looks upon Jerry Sandusky with love. Oh, don't flip out, its call a Sarcasm. Another group of "Fine" Americans, or Obama Lovers to some, look at this President as the Great Leader of their cause. What cause, hell if I know. Every President has to pass up on some of his promises to reach the greater good but this crop of followers seem to be ok with whatever change of Promises reasoning the President gives. Kinda of makes me understand why folks supposed Bush II, even after we knew he was full of it.
The Talking Head Crowd, now here's a group that really gets into this BS. From Maddow to Beck, these folks pick a side and run with it. Truth, who cares about the Truth. Its Dollars baby, TV Ratings and Ad Revenue! The Truth is something for the folks who really are smart and the TV/Radio Talking Head Elite are those Smart Folks! They tell you who's right, who's wrong, who's should be right and where you should buy your goods.
Then last but not least are the people. As in "We the People", the folks who make up this great Union. The people who make the America the best place to live and the Great Plains & Mountain West a place that isn't just for Big Game & Oil Rigs. It's the People who get lost in all of this, the just want to live and let live, the tax break that Mitt talks about doesn't touch them, the Medicare Issue doesn't effect them the way the President says it does. But the "People" have been given so much Cotton Candy over the past 40 years anything close that cotton candy sugar high gets them to swing. Like a crackhead to a crackpipe the people are the most at risk in the big grand elections. Their focus is taken off the area that matters most, HOME. All Politics is LOCAL and too many times we all forget that. The Tea Party of Tomorrow and the Progressive Movement of Today, all had their starts at the local level.
What you gonna do about it? Nothing
The Talking Head Crowd, now here's a group that really gets into this BS. From Maddow to Beck, these folks pick a side and run with it. Truth, who cares about the Truth. Its Dollars baby, TV Ratings and Ad Revenue! The Truth is something for the folks who really are smart and the TV/Radio Talking Head Elite are those Smart Folks! They tell you who's right, who's wrong, who's should be right and where you should buy your goods.
Then last but not least are the people. As in "We the People", the folks who make up this great Union. The people who make the America the best place to live and the Great Plains & Mountain West a place that isn't just for Big Game & Oil Rigs. It's the People who get lost in all of this, the just want to live and let live, the tax break that Mitt talks about doesn't touch them, the Medicare Issue doesn't effect them the way the President says it does. But the "People" have been given so much Cotton Candy over the past 40 years anything close that cotton candy sugar high gets them to swing. Like a crackhead to a crackpipe the people are the most at risk in the big grand elections. Their focus is taken off the area that matters most, HOME. All Politics is LOCAL and too many times we all forget that. The Tea Party of Tomorrow and the Progressive Movement of Today, all had their starts at the local level.
What you gonna do about it? Nothing
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The Run to past
As the shark sits warm, humming and ready to run again, the radio is telling a story of a American, from long ago. A time when the shark was a bit bigger, less comfortable and more thirsty for cheap leaded gas. The life blood of the shark from the past was killing people, although it took years, and the cost was hurting the american way of life. It would seem that some in this great country forget that we are never really as good as we view ourselves. We are never nearly as bad as some others view us too. The shark sits and listens to the radio tell its story, running fast at 1st, the Good'Ol Days I can hear it say, but it knows that the next hill will bring a change. A change that will impact its life, its status and possibly its country. The shark never saw EPA mandate on MPG's coming and still is not a fan of ABS breaks. No different than how the Avg. American sees its paycheck these past 20 years. The road is not a smooth as it used to be. The great freeway of America has been replaced by toll stops and signs making the trip a bit more of a chore. It's cheaper to Fly these days and the need to stop by "south of Boarder" or Wildwood, NJ is no longer the cool family summer vacation thing to do. Let's fly to the Island's and hide our money in a Tax Shelter. Let's make a quick stop in Vegas to play the slots. The planning of stops to see and feel the american dream has passed. The dream has died.
The shark passes yet another Euro-Trash sports, another fat american who forgot what got him into that car...American know how. Instead of looking inward the man chose to look outward, while doing so his American Dream faded into the dust of Route 66.
The shark passes yet another Euro-Trash sports, another fat american who forgot what got him into that car...American know how. Instead of looking inward the man chose to look outward, while doing so his American Dream faded into the dust of Route 66.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
What a week
The week has been a good one! If you count covering 3 stores and having a new puppy, Syra, at home. Syracuse put up a good fight against USC, showed more Offensive firepower than the Gator did in two games, and the Bucs showed up to a game. It is early although! Heck, I've had a better week than Mitt Romney!
Tampa lost a good man this week, Perry C. Harvey, passed. The man was a legend in Tampa. Thanks to people like him our fair city has a street named MLK.
We learned that the StreetCar will not need more dollars....YET. But many, including me, feel if we stick with it and expand its tracks it can become a better transit system for our downtown.
The real question is, when will the Bulls win a Game on TV (National Broadcast)????
Tampa lost a good man this week, Perry C. Harvey, passed. The man was a legend in Tampa. Thanks to people like him our fair city has a street named MLK.
We learned that the StreetCar will not need more dollars....YET. But many, including me, feel if we stick with it and expand its tracks it can become a better transit system for our downtown.
The real question is, when will the Bulls win a Game on TV (National Broadcast)????
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Duke- Tampa Base: Where do we go from here
The Duke- Tampa Base: Where do we go from here: Now that both Parties have had their respected Wonk-Beer Pong-Toast Masters get together's maybe they can start being real with the voters o...
Where do we go from here
Now that both Parties have had their respected Wonk-Beer Pong-Toast Masters get together's maybe they can start being real with the voters of America. Neither party is really going to be able to fix things in a four year period, an eight year period won't do it either, don't kid yourself these problems started a long time ago. Both parties are to blame, each time they promised a tax cut that money had to come from somewhere else-sometimes the Rich won and many time the Middle Class lost, that is not a "Class Warfare" statement, it's a fact. If you have a net worth of $500,000.00 a tax cut is greatly more impactful to you compared to a person with a Net-worth of $50,000.00. There is no question about. Its time to face some true facts, the American people donated Millions of Dollars to the ASPCA every night after 1 am, I still believe that is due to that sappy song, as well as the one kid in backwater country who can eat a full meal 3 times a day for 19-cents!! Heck, we put an overpriced NFL QB in Jail for fighting Dogs but let OJ get away with playing "Jack the Ripper" on his Ex-Wife & her friend and you really expect the political parties to make a deal???
I believe in the Democratic party for one reason only, they still try to be for the American Worker and members of our society who may or may not be in the "so-called" mainstream. While it would seem that the folks in the GOP only seem to care about Tax Cuts, Religion and a woman's right to choose. Did you noticed anything? Not a single mention on Debts, Military Action or the way forward.
Change is hard, only we can bring it and it is not a TV Reality Show- People will really lose something
I believe in the Democratic party for one reason only, they still try to be for the American Worker and members of our society who may or may not be in the "so-called" mainstream. While it would seem that the folks in the GOP only seem to care about Tax Cuts, Religion and a woman's right to choose. Did you noticed anything? Not a single mention on Debts, Military Action or the way forward.
Change is hard, only we can bring it and it is not a TV Reality Show- People will really lose something
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
The Duke- Tampa Base: Finally! The DNC Shows a Backbone
The Duke- Tampa Base: Finally! The DNC Shows a Backbone: It felt good to be a Democrat tonight! Finally people stood up and said Hey, we aren't Commie/Pinko/Socialist/Whimps you Righties have been...
Finally! The DNC Shows a Backbone
It felt good to be a Democrat tonight! Finally people stood up and said Hey, we aren't Commie/Pinko/Socialist/Whimps you Righties have been calling us for over 20 years. A few speakers even suggested that some Dem's grow a God Damm Backbone and fight back. Amen my Brother!
It is time for a little "Bubba" in the Democratic party, the Center Left, to lead from where most American's are. The extremes segments of both the Dem's and GOP have never been the true GPS of their members but many of us could see where others (namely people who live outside the USA) believe that is what we are.
Both Parties have lead our great country to the cliff of ruin. Both Parties have helped grow the US Gov't into large mess of rules, taxes, Military Control and far too many contradictions to list here. The Debt "Crisis" has been coming for years, don't just blame the Dem's and don't just blame Bush (W) for it. Blame every President since Ike. Blame every member of Congress since 1960. This mess we find ourselves in is not due to Social Security, nor is it due to Food Stamps or Well-Fare.
When was the last time you heard someone not talk about ripping off the IRS, ok better choice of worlds, when was the last time you or you over heard someone discuss which "Tax Breaks" you use to keep more $$$? Or when was the last time you heard about a "Friend" who gets Gov't assistance but really doesn't need it? I have a feeling you know, you do or know of a person who does one of the things listed above. Now move back and look at it from a larger view point, We are fighting Terrorist who used cheap bombs made from fuel oil and a dime store radio and we spend Billions on a new Fighter Jet with two differnet engines. We "Invest" in a finite fossil fuel but make no attempt to improve how we use that fuel. Think about it. If we ever really put our money where our mouths are we could do it, we could delevope a new way to travel, a new fuel or a fair tax code. Heck, we got to the moon in 10 years at a time when we were miles behind our Super Power co-hort, USSR. When we got into WWII we were able to switch quickly into production mode to out build the Nazi's and Japan combined. (The Greater Military issue is one I will get into one day but at this moment I chose to wait)
Don't just blame Medicare, Social Security, the Afforable Health Care Act, Food Stamps and Well-Fare as the places to cut for you will truly find those programs are at the center of what most Americans want. And yes we can & do pay for them. Look deeper. Don't just take Fox News, MSNBC or Rush's word for or against it. Read a book, not the Drudge Report.
Come to the Center.
It is time for a little "Bubba" in the Democratic party, the Center Left, to lead from where most American's are. The extremes segments of both the Dem's and GOP have never been the true GPS of their members but many of us could see where others (namely people who live outside the USA) believe that is what we are.
Both Parties have lead our great country to the cliff of ruin. Both Parties have helped grow the US Gov't into large mess of rules, taxes, Military Control and far too many contradictions to list here. The Debt "Crisis" has been coming for years, don't just blame the Dem's and don't just blame Bush (W) for it. Blame every President since Ike. Blame every member of Congress since 1960. This mess we find ourselves in is not due to Social Security, nor is it due to Food Stamps or Well-Fare.
When was the last time you heard someone not talk about ripping off the IRS, ok better choice of worlds, when was the last time you or you over heard someone discuss which "Tax Breaks" you use to keep more $$$? Or when was the last time you heard about a "Friend" who gets Gov't assistance but really doesn't need it? I have a feeling you know, you do or know of a person who does one of the things listed above. Now move back and look at it from a larger view point, We are fighting Terrorist who used cheap bombs made from fuel oil and a dime store radio and we spend Billions on a new Fighter Jet with two differnet engines. We "Invest" in a finite fossil fuel but make no attempt to improve how we use that fuel. Think about it. If we ever really put our money where our mouths are we could do it, we could delevope a new way to travel, a new fuel or a fair tax code. Heck, we got to the moon in 10 years at a time when we were miles behind our Super Power co-hort, USSR. When we got into WWII we were able to switch quickly into production mode to out build the Nazi's and Japan combined. (The Greater Military issue is one I will get into one day but at this moment I chose to wait)
Don't just blame Medicare, Social Security, the Afforable Health Care Act, Food Stamps and Well-Fare as the places to cut for you will truly find those programs are at the center of what most Americans want. And yes we can & do pay for them. Look deeper. Don't just take Fox News, MSNBC or Rush's word for or against it. Read a book, not the Drudge Report.
Come to the Center.
The Duke- Tampa Base: What the People Want
The Duke- Tampa Base: What the People Want: It is like a rain storm hitting a tent. Pounding the cover bringing the people inside the tent closer together. The petty arguments over ...
What the People Want
It is like a rain storm hitting a tent. Pounding the cover bringing the people inside the tent closer together. The petty arguments over country music seem pretty small when you're trying to stay dry.
The storm that is heading this way is unlike anything we have seen before. The waves of distrust are slamming the shore already, eating the sand away leaving the bedrock of our lives. It is not a good picture, this bedrock, it's the base of our wants & needs after the commercials are off the air. The need to be wanted, the need to be alive.
This storm will bring it all up. The rich will become less rich and the poor will become poorer. But then what?
What do most people want, before you start thinking of that big house or european sports car think basics, how do they want to live? What is the base line that can bring happiness, bring joy and bring a feeling of desire? I'm sure that it is not a tax break for the poor or a tax on the rich. Its also quite possible that it is not a giant house on the beach. Too often our leaders in both parties seem to forget that we "built" this country from nothing. We moved here for the "idea" of a better life, our Grandparents worked themselves to death to give us what we have. Did your Grandfather put his nest egg in a CDO, Gold Index Fund, or the Mattress? It's a good bet that your Grandparents Voted for Ike and many, I would assume, would claim they were good republicans. If they could see today's Republican Party Platform they would demand a refund.
Our Grandparents believed in making the country a better place for their children's children. They came from nothing and expected to make the world around them a better place, not a place where self worth is judged by how big your house is or where you vacation.
Both parties have chosen to take the American people on a ride, the elections don't mean much anymore other than our one chance to try to influence their decisions. We are no longer a country where the little boy or girl in a middle or lower class neighborhood has a real chance to make it big anymore. You are either in or you are out in today's economy. And far too many of us are in the "out" crowd. There are problems when the "Out" crowd is bigger than the "In" crowd, big problems like as in Revolution type problems. Think about it?
Or think of the past 10 years this way: Before the Great Depression hit the USA we got many signs that both parties missed, over a ten year period:
A Huge & Growing income disparity
A regressive Tax Policy
A Inflating and then Collapsing Real-Estate Market
Chronically Depressed Business Sector
A international banking system that would rapidly transmit the effects of the depression in one country around the world, quickly.
Sound like something you have seen recently?
Now ask yourself the question, What Do You Need to Live a Happy Life?
The Duke- Tampa Base: What have we learned from the RNC
The Duke- Tampa Base: What have we learned from the RNC: Now that the RNC has left our fair city the razor wire fence, tents and National Guard Troops are gone as well. We the people of Tampa, can...
What have we learned from the RNC
Now that the RNC has left our fair city the razor wire fence, tents and National Guard Troops are gone as well. We the people of Tampa, can get back to our normal lives while the country has to deal with the choice of who. The choice of Forward or the choice of the Past. Shall we chose the pathway that has not been taken before or take the worn path that has shown to be easy but has some very dangerous curves. Today, unlike in days before, the party platform of the Republican Party is a bit more "Big Gov't" than many Republicans even realize. Read it folks, for a group of folks who claim that they are all about jobs the party platform seems to be all about Social Engineering. If you really are a true believer you should no this but it's a better bet that no one other than a few "insiders" have actually read the thing. Kind of like Paul Ryan's budget plan, many of the right wingers only know what the TV talking heads have told them.
The DNC is just about to start, let's hope President Obama finds his inner "2008" and brings down the house. He needs to or the right wingers will win and change this country. The change will be sweeping & harsh and the middle class will find themselves further away from the American dream. The dream that you too can be rich, you too can be a homeowner and yes, you can be yourself.
I just hope the TV talking heads don't focus on the attendance at the stadium, we have problems that need fixing not just a big crowd of fans.
The DNC is just about to start, let's hope President Obama finds his inner "2008" and brings down the house. He needs to or the right wingers will win and change this country. The change will be sweeping & harsh and the middle class will find themselves further away from the American dream. The dream that you too can be rich, you too can be a homeowner and yes, you can be yourself.
I just hope the TV talking heads don't focus on the attendance at the stadium, we have problems that need fixing not just a big crowd of fans.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Real Democrat Part III- Believe in Something
All to often both parties seem to have the public look to events and "smaller" items to hide their inability to accomplish meaningful progress and making the country better. Both Republicans & Democrats have talked to us, the American Public, about Rape, Women, Which party cuts Medicare & How they do it, Where the President was born, Gay Marriage and more. All of it has nothing to do with how are country will proceed in the years to come! Did the 18th Amendment help the country?
Democrats have to stand for workers as well as the Middle Class, but be proud of it. Our leaders in the party have to stop falling for chicken hawk republican call out. Stick with the progressive plan and its positives, while at the same time nothing letting the "Elites" with MBA's from Yale or the Scholars from MIT craft names for our plans that are over most peoples heads. We could have sold the Affordable Health Care Act better, Democrats were late to the fight and Republicans took the fight to the American public, an American Public that didn't know what the plan did because it is as easy to read as the programming guide for your old VCR. Instead of talking about people having insurance, medicare cost reductions, Pre-Existing conditions, The Small Business Tax Credits and the filling of the Medicare "Donut Hole," we fought about "Death Panels". There are no "Death Panels" in the Affordable Health Care Act!!! Democrats-STOP BEING WIMPS!! Stand Up for your beliefs. This is what we stand for, Everyone doing better, Everyone having a chance.
Democrats have to stand up to the Right Wing Bullies on the issue of Military Spending. Not just about wars-See Iraq, but spending. Not the VA, but Spending on two Jet Engines for one plane. Not the GI Bill but why we keep building up are forces when there is no super power left. China owns $1 Trillion in U.S. Treasury Securities, they are not going to invade us, but like a debt collector, they know they have us by the short hairs in many international disagreements. If we stop spending as much as the rest of the world combined on our military we could shave $1 Trillion over the next decade. That would still make the US Military the Best in the World! By Miles & Miles! Fact-the Military has spent more money in the last five years than during any other five year period since World War II. The Spending & Debt Service (Pentagon Spending only) stands at $3 Trillion Dollars thanks to two wars we didn't pay for, we borrowed the cash. The Pentagon's budget in the last years of Clinton was $287 Billion and the last years of Bush it had reached $665 Billion. We need a strong Military but not the cost of our economy!
Democrats have to focus on the American People, our lives, the American Dream-a Good Home, a Family and Middle Class life that gives its people the belief it can do better, it can be rich if it works hard enough. Currently that is not the case and the plan the republicans are following will make it next impossible for it to ever become true again. To the republicans, the American Dream is just that a Dream.
Democrats have to fight for the American Worker, NOT JUST UNIONS, but all workers. I'm talking about jobs. Supporting "Right to Work" acts is the right way to go. Let the nations Unions adapt to this, their choke hold over the American Auto Industry was part of its fall, we must be competitive against the world and out-dated 'Union Shop" rules have to go away or we will continue to lose Manufacturing to other countries. Do this while protecting workers rights to a safe work environment, their right to organize as well as their right to health care.
Democrats have to stop the take over of America's wealth by Wall St Bankers and do it with it their Campaign cash. We have to stop talking about it while at the same time taking Wall St Money.
But wait there is more.....
Democrats have to stand for workers as well as the Middle Class, but be proud of it. Our leaders in the party have to stop falling for chicken hawk republican call out. Stick with the progressive plan and its positives, while at the same time nothing letting the "Elites" with MBA's from Yale or the Scholars from MIT craft names for our plans that are over most peoples heads. We could have sold the Affordable Health Care Act better, Democrats were late to the fight and Republicans took the fight to the American public, an American Public that didn't know what the plan did because it is as easy to read as the programming guide for your old VCR. Instead of talking about people having insurance, medicare cost reductions, Pre-Existing conditions, The Small Business Tax Credits and the filling of the Medicare "Donut Hole," we fought about "Death Panels". There are no "Death Panels" in the Affordable Health Care Act!!! Democrats-STOP BEING WIMPS!! Stand Up for your beliefs. This is what we stand for, Everyone doing better, Everyone having a chance.
Democrats have to stand up to the Right Wing Bullies on the issue of Military Spending. Not just about wars-See Iraq, but spending. Not the VA, but Spending on two Jet Engines for one plane. Not the GI Bill but why we keep building up are forces when there is no super power left. China owns $1 Trillion in U.S. Treasury Securities, they are not going to invade us, but like a debt collector, they know they have us by the short hairs in many international disagreements. If we stop spending as much as the rest of the world combined on our military we could shave $1 Trillion over the next decade. That would still make the US Military the Best in the World! By Miles & Miles! Fact-the Military has spent more money in the last five years than during any other five year period since World War II. The Spending & Debt Service (Pentagon Spending only) stands at $3 Trillion Dollars thanks to two wars we didn't pay for, we borrowed the cash. The Pentagon's budget in the last years of Clinton was $287 Billion and the last years of Bush it had reached $665 Billion. We need a strong Military but not the cost of our economy!
Democrats have to focus on the American People, our lives, the American Dream-a Good Home, a Family and Middle Class life that gives its people the belief it can do better, it can be rich if it works hard enough. Currently that is not the case and the plan the republicans are following will make it next impossible for it to ever become true again. To the republicans, the American Dream is just that a Dream.
Democrats have to fight for the American Worker, NOT JUST UNIONS, but all workers. I'm talking about jobs. Supporting "Right to Work" acts is the right way to go. Let the nations Unions adapt to this, their choke hold over the American Auto Industry was part of its fall, we must be competitive against the world and out-dated 'Union Shop" rules have to go away or we will continue to lose Manufacturing to other countries. Do this while protecting workers rights to a safe work environment, their right to organize as well as their right to health care.
Democrats have to stop the take over of America's wealth by Wall St Bankers and do it with it their Campaign cash. We have to stop talking about it while at the same time taking Wall St Money.
But wait there is more.....
Monday, August 20, 2012
Real Democrat Part II
Before we go any farther, When is Rape ever Legitimate? Before you go all Anti-Right Wing understand Todd Akin is not the 1st Pol to say crap like this. Clayton Williams of Texas once stated, Jokingly he stated later, " If its inevitable, just lay back and enjoy it" when comparing rape to the weather. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow did a whole segment on Republicans "Rape is no Big Deal" or a better way to say "Rape is as rare as snow on Miami Beach" statements over the past decade. No matter where you fall on the abortion issue, comparing Rape to anything other death, shows the person making the comparison is just not in touch with reality.
Real Democrat
With growing fractures in the American Left it is becoming harder and harder to be a "True" Democrat. They have too many special interests to make happy. On the Right it is pretty darn simple- Keep the Religious Right Happy & Keep Big Business Happy (See Fat Profits here). The Dem's have to insure that at least 10 groups are happy or at least on board with the platform. (Labor Unions, Service Unions, Big Business, Blacks, Hispanics, Women, GLBT groups, White Males, The New York Times, Grad-student/ Over Educated Elites) The 10 groups the dem's have under the tent are lets just say a bit crazier than your worst family get together over the holidays. The 10 mentioned above each have one or more sub groups all asking for their issues to be put on the platform. You can Win that way. Sure, you can win a land slide once in a blue moon, you can win a House or Senate seat in Texas but long term it's not easy to win like the New England Patriots. The worst part is many of these groups are looking for a leg up on same groups that are helping them at times.
Since when did Liberal become a "dirty" word. I'm liberal, I wear my Polo, Green Bottle, very liberally before I go out on the town. I'm not looking to kill someone, I'm not in the mood to over turn the gov't and I do not like socialist. And I have never and I MEAN NEVER GONE SKINNING DIPPING! EVER! If my mother ever heard of me doing said act in holy body of water, well lets just say I would not be breathing air after.
But all of the above is a Red Herning to Middle America. Since this election cycle started the Debt, Jobs and America's future economy haven't been discussed in depth. While the Democrats are talking about Mitt's "Changing of Medicare" they leave out what their plan is to fix it. While Republicans chase abortion, the democrats get off the hook. Don't Fall for this BS. Be the Party that is above it all. When the right hits you on Spending talk about the Roads, The Cops, Defense and the over good you have done.
Real Democrat
With growing fractures in the American Left it is becoming harder and harder to be a "True" Democrat. They have too many special interests to make happy. On the Right it is pretty darn simple- Keep the Religious Right Happy & Keep Big Business Happy (See Fat Profits here). The Dem's have to insure that at least 10 groups are happy or at least on board with the platform. (Labor Unions, Service Unions, Big Business, Blacks, Hispanics, Women, GLBT groups, White Males, The New York Times, Grad-student/ Over Educated Elites) The 10 groups the dem's have under the tent are lets just say a bit crazier than your worst family get together over the holidays. The 10 mentioned above each have one or more sub groups all asking for their issues to be put on the platform. You can Win that way. Sure, you can win a land slide once in a blue moon, you can win a House or Senate seat in Texas but long term it's not easy to win like the New England Patriots. The worst part is many of these groups are looking for a leg up on same groups that are helping them at times.
Since when did Liberal become a "dirty" word. I'm liberal, I wear my Polo, Green Bottle, very liberally before I go out on the town. I'm not looking to kill someone, I'm not in the mood to over turn the gov't and I do not like socialist. And I have never and I MEAN NEVER GONE SKINNING DIPPING! EVER! If my mother ever heard of me doing said act in holy body of water, well lets just say I would not be breathing air after.
But all of the above is a Red Herning to Middle America. Since this election cycle started the Debt, Jobs and America's future economy haven't been discussed in depth. While the Democrats are talking about Mitt's "Changing of Medicare" they leave out what their plan is to fix it. While Republicans chase abortion, the democrats get off the hook. Don't Fall for this BS. Be the Party that is above it all. When the right hits you on Spending talk about the Roads, The Cops, Defense and the over good you have done.
Its Time for a Real Democrat
It has been stated by a few scholars and pundits, "Democrats believe in nothing" or maybe better stated "Democrats do not have a backbone". Both statements do have some very real validity to them. As a die hard "Clinton Dem," as I call myself, many of my friends jokingly call me a "Republican in the closet" but if you look back he was probably the 1st President of the Modern era who took a stand in the center of American Politics. If you really look at our current state of affairs, I feel, we need more people like President Clinton in the White House.
How many times this year have we watched & listened to ads, Cable TV Shows and read in our great nations Newspapers each political party taking opposite sides in the very argument they were for a year or two before? Too many. Republicans push a "personal responsibility" health care law in the late 1990s, only to be dead set against it in 2008. Why? Because the Democrats were now for it. President Obama pushes the idea of cuts to Medicare, Social Security and other programs and the Tea Party fights it. These are just two of the many cases that have unfolded over the past 4 years.
Start a third party? Not a bad idea but as you can see with the Tea Party, which in the beginning was truly a grassroots group, these groups can easily be "taken over" by big money donors/power brokers. The Koch brothers, and others like them, banded together with Dick Armey to "re-focus" the Tea Party into a strong arm of the Republican party. America Elect, great start but as their members have found no direction equals no party. America Elect couldn't get a single person of status to run for office with they're backing. A third party needs a lightning rod personality or at least a person who can transcend the attacks of lobbyist and now Super PAC's.
Get money out of politics. That would stop the "Flash Point" 15-sec spots on TV, make the candidates defend thier positions, understand that many can't with out help of their chief of staff, they will misspeak but give them time to rebut.
How many times this year have we watched & listened to ads, Cable TV Shows and read in our great nations Newspapers each political party taking opposite sides in the very argument they were for a year or two before? Too many. Republicans push a "personal responsibility" health care law in the late 1990s, only to be dead set against it in 2008. Why? Because the Democrats were now for it. President Obama pushes the idea of cuts to Medicare, Social Security and other programs and the Tea Party fights it. These are just two of the many cases that have unfolded over the past 4 years.
Start a third party? Not a bad idea but as you can see with the Tea Party, which in the beginning was truly a grassroots group, these groups can easily be "taken over" by big money donors/power brokers. The Koch brothers, and others like them, banded together with Dick Armey to "re-focus" the Tea Party into a strong arm of the Republican party. America Elect, great start but as their members have found no direction equals no party. America Elect couldn't get a single person of status to run for office with they're backing. A third party needs a lightning rod personality or at least a person who can transcend the attacks of lobbyist and now Super PAC's.
Get money out of politics. That would stop the "Flash Point" 15-sec spots on TV, make the candidates defend thier positions, understand that many can't with out help of their chief of staff, they will misspeak but give them time to rebut.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
What country is it?
Guess what country did these things: (it's not always who you think)
Deposited its country's Gold in a foreign bank after the Nazi's occupied that country.
England/UK Put their Gold in a Checz. Bank after the Nazi's Invaded the Country
Spent $400 Billion Dollars on a war that lasted over ten years, without winning.
Afghanistan ( The USSR came close in Today's Dollars)
Kidnapped a family in order to bring a criminal to justice.
Colombia (Tricked Pablo Escobar's Family w/US Help)
Tested drugs and effects of STD's on its own citizens.
USA (Tuskegee Airmen) WWII Germany would also count
Locked up vast numbers of citizens to keep it safe.
USA (Japanese & Germam Americans WWII & Some Germans in WWI)
Nationalized Oil & Gas industries for personal & Government gain.
Venezuela & Hugo Chavez
Bombed/killed its own citizens, for political advantage.
Iraq- Saddam Hussein (Kurdish people)
Ripped off a large track of land, like the size of 3 states, from another country.
***USA (The Mexicans still feel that we took Cali, AZ & NM from them)
It's very beginning was use as prison, or dump site, for a major empire.
Australia (Victoria & Western Australia were started as "Penal Colonies)
Turned away ships full of Jews escaping Hitler during WWII. (Multiple Answers to this one)
USA, UK, Cuba & Canada (SS St. Louis) But they weren't the Only ones
Uses its "Illegal" currency to build up its Government's coffers.
Cuba (Uses US Dollars that Ex-Pat's send to their families back home)
Has a kill list?
USA- Currently
Answers on Friday, Good Luck
Deposited its country's Gold in a foreign bank after the Nazi's occupied that country.
England/UK Put their Gold in a Checz. Bank after the Nazi's Invaded the Country
Spent $400 Billion Dollars on a war that lasted over ten years, without winning.
Afghanistan ( The USSR came close in Today's Dollars)
Kidnapped a family in order to bring a criminal to justice.
Colombia (Tricked Pablo Escobar's Family w/US Help)
Tested drugs and effects of STD's on its own citizens.
USA (Tuskegee Airmen) WWII Germany would also count
Locked up vast numbers of citizens to keep it safe.
USA (Japanese & Germam Americans WWII & Some Germans in WWI)
Nationalized Oil & Gas industries for personal & Government gain.
Venezuela & Hugo Chavez
Bombed/killed its own citizens, for political advantage.
Iraq- Saddam Hussein (Kurdish people)
Ripped off a large track of land, like the size of 3 states, from another country.
***USA (The Mexicans still feel that we took Cali, AZ & NM from them)
It's very beginning was use as prison, or dump site, for a major empire.
Australia (Victoria & Western Australia were started as "Penal Colonies)
Turned away ships full of Jews escaping Hitler during WWII. (Multiple Answers to this one)
USA, UK, Cuba & Canada (SS St. Louis) But they weren't the Only ones
Uses its "Illegal" currency to build up its Government's coffers.
Cuba (Uses US Dollars that Ex-Pat's send to their families back home)
Has a kill list?
USA- Currently
Answers on Friday, Good Luck
Iran Money- $340 Million, Ryan, Bucs and the RNC
Well, when you call it right, you call it right. The NY Regulator who went after Standard Chartered, an English Bank, settled for $340 Million Dollars. It should have been higher, the case should have went to trial but the Treasury and the NY Fed put pressure on NY State Banking leaders and then boom settlement. Nothing like paying for illegal acts while admitting nothing. Only in America! It goes to show that once again, Wall St is in charge, No matter what the political parties say at your local Town Hall Meeting. If there is cash to be made, no matter the cost to our laws, our way of life, it will happen. All be it profitable. I think Benjamin Lawsky deserves a medal for going after Standard Chartered. The man followed the law and went after a law breaker, even if the U.S. Government didn't want him to. Good Going Sir, you are a damm fine American.
Poor Paul Ryan, you will be the leader of the Party next year. You just won't be it's VP. Mitt chose you to unite the right, to give him that true conservative vein that Mitt himself could not muster. Mr. Ryan must be kicking himself after his Fox News interview with Britt Hume, old softball himself. "Wait, I'll have to run those numbers and get back to ya" that would have been a better quote, Mr. Ryan. As expected Mitt, dropped a stop in Orlando on his bus tour as it been very clear the Medicare questions would over take his new found friend. The day is coming Florida, August 27th is coming up fast. I can hear the buses now, I can hear those Tea Party seniors in the Villages changing their tunes. Don't take our Medicare Away...but screw our GrandKids instead. How else can you explain these people playing both sides.
"Nobody Goes there anymore; it's too crowded" Yogi Berra
Nice going Bucs Fans! It's a new day in Tampa Bay but not in the Stands. The 1st game of year, all be it a Pre-Season Game, will be blacked out. Even the new rules couldn't help all the Glazers horses and all Schiano's men can't get the RayJay filled again. Maybe we should have gone after Tebow? We would sell out every sunday, most would call it church. The downside of that is our local Churches would then closed due to lack of Support. I can see it now, "Tampa Area Church Services are Blacked Out due to Lack of Attendance" in the Tampa Trib.
For Pete's sake, the Bucs have lowered Ticket Prices, skip a night out in SoHo and buy some Bucs Tickets.
Poor Paul Ryan, you will be the leader of the Party next year. You just won't be it's VP. Mitt chose you to unite the right, to give him that true conservative vein that Mitt himself could not muster. Mr. Ryan must be kicking himself after his Fox News interview with Britt Hume, old softball himself. "Wait, I'll have to run those numbers and get back to ya" that would have been a better quote, Mr. Ryan. As expected Mitt, dropped a stop in Orlando on his bus tour as it been very clear the Medicare questions would over take his new found friend. The day is coming Florida, August 27th is coming up fast. I can hear the buses now, I can hear those Tea Party seniors in the Villages changing their tunes. Don't take our Medicare Away...but screw our GrandKids instead. How else can you explain these people playing both sides.
"Nobody Goes there anymore; it's too crowded" Yogi Berra
Nice going Bucs Fans! It's a new day in Tampa Bay but not in the Stands. The 1st game of year, all be it a Pre-Season Game, will be blacked out. Even the new rules couldn't help all the Glazers horses and all Schiano's men can't get the RayJay filled again. Maybe we should have gone after Tebow? We would sell out every sunday, most would call it church. The downside of that is our local Churches would then closed due to lack of Support. I can see it now, "Tampa Area Church Services are Blacked Out due to Lack of Attendance" in the Tampa Trib.
For Pete's sake, the Bucs have lowered Ticket Prices, skip a night out in SoHo and buy some Bucs Tickets.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
once upon a time
The bridges with lit, the roads were newly paved, palm trees planted but still a city showing decay. Rockets on roofs, police at church, Rays season may be the one that raises the Trop's roof...
Not since Henry Plant made Tampa what it is today has the City been in the Nation's headlines. Sure the "Plant" railroad to the port is gone as well as the Hotels in the Bay, but Bayshore Blvd. sure looks nice. Bring it on RNC! We are all waiting
After a few cold adult beverages this afternoon with my neighbor the talk turned to war and American society. My neighbor is a very nice guy, with a high rank at the AFB, and after some .50cal ammo boxes were put in my trash by accident I had to ask what the hell he did. Don't worry, he didn't tell but the ammo box makes a great tool box! Just Saying!
" A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance" Hunter S. Thompson
The night is growing into that dark mass of fear that overtakes a persons soul. The oceans waves beat the same sound over & over, like a soundtrack of a clock, Tic Tock, Tic Tock. Over & Over again the waves hit the sand pushing it forward and then taking it back. Life can be the same way, you move a few steps forward but you lose a bit with each step. You lose touch with your High School Friends when you go to College, you lose some of your College Friends when you get a Real Job and after you get married you lose your friends at the bar and the hot number you always "hooked up" with every other friday. But you are making progress you have been told. The money you earn the more toys you buy. It would be better in some cases to just let it all go and remember your early days in life. The days when you only cared about playing outside & snow days which cancelled school for the day. Too many times we all forget about those days, yes there are some who never forget them but many of those folks never more forward at all. You know the type, still driving a 1975 Pacer, living with their parents and still working at the store as a stock clerk. That darn drug test just keeps me from getting promoted to head stock clerk...way to dream big!! Good Luck, Hit it hard. No wonder why our McJobs only pay Min. wage with employees like that you could get a fry guy for life.
It was nice that the U.S.A. Volleyball decided not to show up in the Gold Medal Match. The power of the Amazon women of Brazil were just too much. Our girls started out strong, kicking ass in the 1st match, but we could hold on. Hell the ladies of Korea put up a better fight against Japan then our ladies did. It was still a nice showing by the US squad. Enjoy the sights & sounds of the Olympic games girls and make sure you use one of those condoms that were given to the Olympic Village. Safety First!!
Medal Count-We're Kicking China's ass!! Screw the Russians, those folks in China have been giving it to us like the hillbilly gave it to Ned Beatty in Deliverance. Good Job Boys & Girls, the American Gov't can't thank you enough.
Not since Henry Plant made Tampa what it is today has the City been in the Nation's headlines. Sure the "Plant" railroad to the port is gone as well as the Hotels in the Bay, but Bayshore Blvd. sure looks nice. Bring it on RNC! We are all waiting
After a few cold adult beverages this afternoon with my neighbor the talk turned to war and American society. My neighbor is a very nice guy, with a high rank at the AFB, and after some .50cal ammo boxes were put in my trash by accident I had to ask what the hell he did. Don't worry, he didn't tell but the ammo box makes a great tool box! Just Saying!
" A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance" Hunter S. Thompson
The night is growing into that dark mass of fear that overtakes a persons soul. The oceans waves beat the same sound over & over, like a soundtrack of a clock, Tic Tock, Tic Tock. Over & Over again the waves hit the sand pushing it forward and then taking it back. Life can be the same way, you move a few steps forward but you lose a bit with each step. You lose touch with your High School Friends when you go to College, you lose some of your College Friends when you get a Real Job and after you get married you lose your friends at the bar and the hot number you always "hooked up" with every other friday. But you are making progress you have been told. The money you earn the more toys you buy. It would be better in some cases to just let it all go and remember your early days in life. The days when you only cared about playing outside & snow days which cancelled school for the day. Too many times we all forget about those days, yes there are some who never forget them but many of those folks never more forward at all. You know the type, still driving a 1975 Pacer, living with their parents and still working at the store as a stock clerk. That darn drug test just keeps me from getting promoted to head stock clerk...way to dream big!! Good Luck, Hit it hard. No wonder why our McJobs only pay Min. wage with employees like that you could get a fry guy for life.
It was nice that the U.S.A. Volleyball decided not to show up in the Gold Medal Match. The power of the Amazon women of Brazil were just too much. Our girls started out strong, kicking ass in the 1st match, but we could hold on. Hell the ladies of Korea put up a better fight against Japan then our ladies did. It was still a nice showing by the US squad. Enjoy the sights & sounds of the Olympic games girls and make sure you use one of those condoms that were given to the Olympic Village. Safety First!!
Medal Count-We're Kicking China's ass!! Screw the Russians, those folks in China have been giving it to us like the hillbilly gave it to Ned Beatty in Deliverance. Good Job Boys & Girls, the American Gov't can't thank you enough.
Friday, August 10, 2012
So its Paul Ryan
Well, according to CNN, MSNBC and more Twitter folks than I can count, I guess it Paul Ryan for VP on Mitt's Ticket! Oh Boy late August in Tampa just got a lot better. I can hear the DNC bus pulling up to every senior citizen community right now, Hurry up Mary we have to stop Mitt & this kid from taking away our cash. Sure he is a "Lighting Rod" but at least he is trying to fix deep issues our country has been unable to address. I, like most Democrats, don't like his plan on Medicare and Social Security but if we try to work with him it just might work. Others will say he's too young, heck when as 42 been young? JFK was young and Clinton was young, so what we need the fresh blood. Paul Ryan has a vision for the country, one that is not unlike Ronald Reagan's vision for the country but what did that really get us?
Either way, this election is about our future. Do we continue to cut taxes with complete disregard for the Middle Class? Or do we attempt to slowly change the paradigm and focus on the whole country. I find it funny, very funny some of the very people who have gotten help, their paychecks increased-Payroll Tax cut, Health Care etc are the same people who can't or won't support President Obama. The man is working to make you & I have a better shot. Over the past twenty years our leaders have cut taxes on the top earners in the country and the results have been bad. We have, as a country, have become great at making BS Money. BS Money is money that doesn't really exist, think CDO's, Market Calls, the people who bid oil up to $147.00 a barrel. It's not real money, one flash crash and it's gone. Sure it makes some folks rich but more often than not the middle class folks, those making $30-$50,000.00 a year don't see any of it. If you really want to make things better call your congressmen/woman and tell them to re-act "Glass-Stegal" and get Money out of politics. If you do those two things this country can really do some great things again.
Either way, this election is about our future. Do we continue to cut taxes with complete disregard for the Middle Class? Or do we attempt to slowly change the paradigm and focus on the whole country. I find it funny, very funny some of the very people who have gotten help, their paychecks increased-Payroll Tax cut, Health Care etc are the same people who can't or won't support President Obama. The man is working to make you & I have a better shot. Over the past twenty years our leaders have cut taxes on the top earners in the country and the results have been bad. We have, as a country, have become great at making BS Money. BS Money is money that doesn't really exist, think CDO's, Market Calls, the people who bid oil up to $147.00 a barrel. It's not real money, one flash crash and it's gone. Sure it makes some folks rich but more often than not the middle class folks, those making $30-$50,000.00 a year don't see any of it. If you really want to make things better call your congressmen/woman and tell them to re-act "Glass-Stegal" and get Money out of politics. If you do those two things this country can really do some great things again.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The HST Lifestyle
As any true Hunter S. Thompson fan knows, the Good Doctor was a machine of pharmacy intake. The man was a great writer, in my mind the best, but those in the know are more impressed with the sear volume of illicit drugs the his body ingested. Some people enjoy a beer or three with dinner, yet others can down 40-50 over a 6 hour period, I would be one of those folks. Still some other folks fall into the dark world of drugs, Meth, Coke, Grass and others. But no one can obtain true heights of perfection while in a Booze/Drug haze. Mr. Thompson could. The Doctor didn't just reach greatness, he surpassed it.
From E. Jean Carroll's Biography on Hunter S. Thompson:
3pm- Rise
3:05pm Chivas Regal with Morning Papers, Dunhills
3:45pm Cocaine
3:50pm another glass of Chivas, Dunhill
4:05pm 1st Cup of Coffee, Dunhill
4:15pm Cocaine
4:16pm OJ & Dunhill
4:30pm Cocaine
4:54pm Cocaine
5:05pm Cocaine
5:11pm Coffee, Cocaine
5:30pm add more ice to Chivas
5:45pm Cocaine
6:00pm Gras to take the edge off the day
7:05 Woody Creek Tavern for lunch- Heineken, Two Margaritas. two cheeseburgers, two orders of fries, a plate of tomatoes, a taco salad, a double order fried onion rings, Carrot Cake, Ice Cream, a bean fritter, a snow cone(a glass of shredded ice over which is poured 3 or 4 jiggers of Chivas)
9:00pm starts snorting Cocaine seriously (like every few minutes)
10:00pm drops acid
11:00pm Chartruse, Cocaine, Grass
11:30pm Cocaine
12:00am (Mid Night) Hunter S. Thompson is ready to write
12:05am-6:00am Chartruse, Cocaine, Grass, Chivas, Coffee, Heineken, Clove Cigarettes, Grapefruit, Dunhills, OJ, Gin, Continousus pronographic movies
6:00am the Hot Tub- Champagne, Dove Bars, fettuccine alfredo
8:00am Halcyon
8:20am Sleep
Jesus H Christ! If this list above is even half true you have to admire the man for just being able to stand after that intake. Ozzy, Janis, Jimi, The entire Greatful Dead band and Keith Richards have nothing on the Good Doctor.
"The truest mark of greatness is insatiability."- Henry Fielding
Many have attempted to live this, it's not possible, and no one has yet been able to produce great works while making these attempts. Sure Mick & Keith wrote some good tunes while buzzed out of their minds but it's a bit easier to write a 2:30 minute pop song compared to a novel.
From E. Jean Carroll's Biography on Hunter S. Thompson:
3pm- Rise
3:05pm Chivas Regal with Morning Papers, Dunhills
3:45pm Cocaine
3:50pm another glass of Chivas, Dunhill
4:05pm 1st Cup of Coffee, Dunhill
4:15pm Cocaine
4:16pm OJ & Dunhill
4:30pm Cocaine
4:54pm Cocaine
5:05pm Cocaine
5:11pm Coffee, Cocaine
5:30pm add more ice to Chivas
5:45pm Cocaine
6:00pm Gras to take the edge off the day
7:05 Woody Creek Tavern for lunch- Heineken, Two Margaritas. two cheeseburgers, two orders of fries, a plate of tomatoes, a taco salad, a double order fried onion rings, Carrot Cake, Ice Cream, a bean fritter, a snow cone(a glass of shredded ice over which is poured 3 or 4 jiggers of Chivas)
9:00pm starts snorting Cocaine seriously (like every few minutes)
10:00pm drops acid
11:00pm Chartruse, Cocaine, Grass
11:30pm Cocaine
12:00am (Mid Night) Hunter S. Thompson is ready to write
12:05am-6:00am Chartruse, Cocaine, Grass, Chivas, Coffee, Heineken, Clove Cigarettes, Grapefruit, Dunhills, OJ, Gin, Continousus pronographic movies
6:00am the Hot Tub- Champagne, Dove Bars, fettuccine alfredo
8:00am Halcyon
8:20am Sleep
Jesus H Christ! If this list above is even half true you have to admire the man for just being able to stand after that intake. Ozzy, Janis, Jimi, The entire Greatful Dead band and Keith Richards have nothing on the Good Doctor.
"The truest mark of greatness is insatiability."- Henry Fielding
Many have attempted to live this, it's not possible, and no one has yet been able to produce great works while making these attempts. Sure Mick & Keith wrote some good tunes while buzzed out of their minds but it's a bit easier to write a 2:30 minute pop song compared to a novel.
Iran Cash and people like Mitt
Since the 1970s the business community as been on a roll, making cash at all cost, even if they cheapened the product. Steel became Plastic, Cotton became Plastic Fibers, Airplanes made of aluminum became airplanes made out of carbon fiber, the product cost went down and profits rose. We shipped jobs to Mexico, Vietnam and China as well as other locations. Things got a little dicy in 1979, Iran went Rouge and took Americans hostage as well as giving the world the finger, you use us for our oil and leave us with nothing. For years most of the world stayed back leaving Iran & its people frozen from the rest of the world. Things started to change when some corporations saw $$$$'s in the Iranian people. Business leaders, not unlike Mitt, jumped in to get their slice of the pie. Who cares if the U.S. Government has said not to, "its straight cash homie" these leaders said in their boardrooms. Business was good and the profits were greater. "Project Beachball," as Iraq's military leaders called it, was using this very same business activity to bring the Middle East it's most awaited tool. A tool that would make the rest of the world take notice, the Saudi Kings had the US Military, Egypt & Israel had brokered a peace between them, Iran saw their chance to become the biggest, baddest bad boy on the block. Project Beachball-an Atomic Bomb, would do the trick. So how do you stop a bad boy from becoming a really, really bad boy...Take the cash away. No matter how you feel about our current presidents leadership on this issue, some want to go to war, some want to talk, Ron Paul just doesn't care but Obama's leadership just may be working.
Standard Chartered PLC, a U.K. Banking unit has gotten into a bit of trouble for doing biz with the Iranian's. The bank is charged with washing cash for the Iranian's, not money laundering per-say but close enough for a layman. The Bank, of course is fighting back, says it would never do something like that but anyone who is not a tree remembers the banking system that just about tanked the world economy a few years ago. The bank is not alone with it's Iran issues, MTN, a South African Mobile-phone company, is stuck. All their profits, cash, in Iran can't be taken out of Iran with out breaking international sanctions, that were put in place by the U.S.
Who knows what happens next, but right now the world is winning against the bully of the Middle East. It's nice to have a bunch of cash but it really sucks when you can't spend it on Anything!
Standard Chartered PLC, a U.K. Banking unit has gotten into a bit of trouble for doing biz with the Iranian's. The bank is charged with washing cash for the Iranian's, not money laundering per-say but close enough for a layman. The Bank, of course is fighting back, says it would never do something like that but anyone who is not a tree remembers the banking system that just about tanked the world economy a few years ago. The bank is not alone with it's Iran issues, MTN, a South African Mobile-phone company, is stuck. All their profits, cash, in Iran can't be taken out of Iran with out breaking international sanctions, that were put in place by the U.S.
Who knows what happens next, but right now the world is winning against the bully of the Middle East. It's nice to have a bunch of cash but it really sucks when you can't spend it on Anything!
Less than 20 days/Speeding Tickets & Hookers
In less than 20 days the City of Tampa will be over run with Right Wingers, Tea Party crazies, Karl Rove, Super PAC parties, Fox News people and Ron Paul's nuts. The Event Zone will be "Escape from NY" with Liberals like me playing "Snake Plissken" trying to get the tapes out of the "Zone". The Ron Paul folks are sure to fire a few "End the Fed" platforms up the chain and Tea Party will most likely push for Michelle Bachmann to become our next State Dept. Head. And the Right thought Mrs. Clinton was a bad choice wait till Bachmann gets the job. The SS, known as the Secret Service, will be putting up the fences & 5 ft thick Barriers to stop any truck traveling 30 MPH, those POOR folks that live on Harbour Island have it the worst. Only one way on & off and its right in the middle the "Event Zone" Security Checks each time they cross, thats gonna make a 5 minute run to Publix a nightmare. What ever you do, DO NOT take your boat anywhere near Channelside, its mined! And the TPD, Hillsborough County Sheriff and Fish & Game Patrols are shooting to kill. Be careful.
Another thing that will blow monkey nuts will be the shut down of the Crosstown/Lee Roy Selmon Expressway during the RNC. Just yesterday the Shark was nailed while doing a healthy 85 MPH by undercover Malibu! A Malibu! Really, Jesus at least pull the shark over in a Good'Ol FHP squad car! I'm not looking forward to using 60 to get to work, the fact that I will have to drive through Brandon is enough to make me pull my hair out. Thank God I have two very capable Attorneys.
The Only Good thing the RNC will bring to Tampa...Is Better Hookers! Yep, the folks at Mons, 2001, Pink Pony and others are importing Grade A Talent. Sure its like outsourcing but at least they are Americans!
Another thing that will blow monkey nuts will be the shut down of the Crosstown/Lee Roy Selmon Expressway during the RNC. Just yesterday the Shark was nailed while doing a healthy 85 MPH by undercover Malibu! A Malibu! Really, Jesus at least pull the shark over in a Good'Ol FHP squad car! I'm not looking forward to using 60 to get to work, the fact that I will have to drive through Brandon is enough to make me pull my hair out. Thank God I have two very capable Attorneys.
The Only Good thing the RNC will bring to Tampa...Is Better Hookers! Yep, the folks at Mons, 2001, Pink Pony and others are importing Grade A Talent. Sure its like outsourcing but at least they are Americans!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The Friendship Trail, Sports Radio and The Shark Rides again
Ah, the Friendship Trail, that old bridge which Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties saved a few years ago. Saved to be used as a Bike Trail, Fishing pier, Park, in general they were saying OK some folks want us to save this POS, why not. Sure they slapped some light posts, railings, decking for fisherman but not much else was done. Over 500,000 people used the "Park" for Bike riding, fishing, rollering blading and who knows what else. I even used the "park" as a look out for street racing, watching the rice burners getting pulled over is great fun! To be honest the moon glows on the bay water on a clear night, when you look towards Tampa the city is in its glory and off to the West Downtown St. Pete looks like a major city. I don't know if the Friendship Trail will be saved, I was hoping it would be, but given the current state of affairs in our fine state, I doubt it. Maybe I'm wrong, I hope I'm wrong. When people work together, anything can happen.
Finally Tampa is going big time, NO I'm not talking about the RNC or the Bucs making a Super Bowl Run, we now have an FM Sports Radio Station!! Congrat's 98.7 the Fan!
As oil warms in the cold steel, you can feel it. As cool air enters the chamber, you can feel it push you back into your seat. As your tires begin to grip the asphalt the hairs on the back of your neck begin to stand on end. When Oil Pressure, Air In Take and fuel mix properly the Shark can over take just about anything with wheels. When you line up at a street race you want a cool night, cool air is like NO2 to a warm machine, like fresh blood in a body. Where a human body can be worn down with age, the shark is not like a human. Whether the body is perfect or beat up it's the engine that matters, the engine is what makes the shark go. The engine is the heart that pushes power to it's legs, those legs will run as fast as they can. Do not pay attention to the beauty at the start line, for she is a dark mistress, she is not your friend is a killer. The shark moves about like caged animal, begging to break free, it wants to run, it wants to eat. The flag drops and heavy shark lurches forward but yet behind the lighter horse in the next lane. The drive can see the its taillights, bright in his eyes, 1st to 2nd gear is a bitch in these heavy machines. At 3,500 RPM's the shark hits 3rd and begins to gain on the tiny horse that thinks its turbo/fuel injected motor can dust the mighty shark. The sky is dark, without a cloud in the sky, the light of the moon combine with the street lights give the Gandy a "Daytona" feel. The cool air from the bay waters makes the drivers sweat feel cold on his neck. The tiny horse is getting scared with only a 1/4 mile left, its at 5,000 RPM's with no more to spare. The shark hits 4th and jumps at the chance to catch the baby horse, its teeth are wet with anticipation. Its time to kill, its time to win, less than a 1/4 mile left and torque spare thanks to the cold bay air. The 20inch wheels spinning at over 110 MPH and then a slight fishtail and 5th gear...bye bye tiny horse. The Shark passes the trailer park chicks at the main hump like a QB leaves a cheerleader after the big game, Touchdown, Score, GoodBye, I win. Do not Call me in the Morning. For tonight the Shark as won, The Shark beat it's former self...the Shark is back
Finally Tampa is going big time, NO I'm not talking about the RNC or the Bucs making a Super Bowl Run, we now have an FM Sports Radio Station!! Congrat's 98.7 the Fan!
As oil warms in the cold steel, you can feel it. As cool air enters the chamber, you can feel it push you back into your seat. As your tires begin to grip the asphalt the hairs on the back of your neck begin to stand on end. When Oil Pressure, Air In Take and fuel mix properly the Shark can over take just about anything with wheels. When you line up at a street race you want a cool night, cool air is like NO2 to a warm machine, like fresh blood in a body. Where a human body can be worn down with age, the shark is not like a human. Whether the body is perfect or beat up it's the engine that matters, the engine is what makes the shark go. The engine is the heart that pushes power to it's legs, those legs will run as fast as they can. Do not pay attention to the beauty at the start line, for she is a dark mistress, she is not your friend is a killer. The shark moves about like caged animal, begging to break free, it wants to run, it wants to eat. The flag drops and heavy shark lurches forward but yet behind the lighter horse in the next lane. The drive can see the its taillights, bright in his eyes, 1st to 2nd gear is a bitch in these heavy machines. At 3,500 RPM's the shark hits 3rd and begins to gain on the tiny horse that thinks its turbo/fuel injected motor can dust the mighty shark. The sky is dark, without a cloud in the sky, the light of the moon combine with the street lights give the Gandy a "Daytona" feel. The cool air from the bay waters makes the drivers sweat feel cold on his neck. The tiny horse is getting scared with only a 1/4 mile left, its at 5,000 RPM's with no more to spare. The shark hits 4th and jumps at the chance to catch the baby horse, its teeth are wet with anticipation. Its time to kill, its time to win, less than a 1/4 mile left and torque spare thanks to the cold bay air. The 20inch wheels spinning at over 110 MPH and then a slight fishtail and 5th gear...bye bye tiny horse. The Shark passes the trailer park chicks at the main hump like a QB leaves a cheerleader after the big game, Touchdown, Score, GoodBye, I win. Do not Call me in the Morning. For tonight the Shark as won, The Shark beat it's former self...the Shark is back
Happy Birthday Mr. President
In case you missed it, yesterday was President Obama's Birthday. Happy 51st Mr. President, you're a little grayer, a little stressed and still following your plan. Where many leaders make promises that they know they can't keep, you Mr. President kept or attempted to keep everything you promised. Sure, you didn't shut down Gitmo but you sure as hell did try. If the Republican or other folks try to hit them on that you should point to the fact the House & Senate shoot down every attempt you made on that one. Mr. President, you have had job growth every month, yes not enough to turn the ship around but its better than where we were in 2007-2008. We the people are as much of the problem as you are sir. We want, we need but don't want to pay for it. We still expect $1 a gallon gas and Medicare but don't want to pay for it, throw free cable in as well, pass on Health Care and give us Free Cable!! We let our Unions push wages to employees to great heights, for low skilled labor, and they watched as company after company left our soil to find "Cheap" unskilled labor, leading to a dumber unemployed electorate. We let our Public Service Unions become so bloated that our Cities, Towns and States rely on development growth, once again Cheap Labor to build cheap homes or shot from the hip banking/investing tools.
Happy Birthday Mr. President, we the people gave you a great birthday gift, didn't we.
The shark is washed and ready to go, the black top on Gandy Blvd. is warm after a sunny Tampa day. The waves beneath the bridge crash against the pillars of the bridge like fans clapping their hands for the big event. The rice burners are down the street, oiling their machines like a boxers getting ready for the big fight. Fans begin to mass near the radio tower and the spotter takes it's place on the hump. The local police are staging to stop who they can. The Shark has been rebuilt, the old great shark of old met the fate of so many sharks, they stop moving and they die. 90,000 miles of pure fun and numerous crushed souls of BMW owners later the old great shark was put down. Shinning like a new penny, the new shark took it's rightful spot in line to take on it's old cousin. A mustang with some work done to it, cold air, new chip and judging by its wobble NO2 system is waiting. These two "friends" line up and wait for the signal to start.
Happy Birthday Mr. President, we the people gave you a great birthday gift, didn't we.
The shark is washed and ready to go, the black top on Gandy Blvd. is warm after a sunny Tampa day. The waves beneath the bridge crash against the pillars of the bridge like fans clapping their hands for the big event. The rice burners are down the street, oiling their machines like a boxers getting ready for the big fight. Fans begin to mass near the radio tower and the spotter takes it's place on the hump. The local police are staging to stop who they can. The Shark has been rebuilt, the old great shark of old met the fate of so many sharks, they stop moving and they die. 90,000 miles of pure fun and numerous crushed souls of BMW owners later the old great shark was put down. Shinning like a new penny, the new shark took it's rightful spot in line to take on it's old cousin. A mustang with some work done to it, cold air, new chip and judging by its wobble NO2 system is waiting. These two "friends" line up and wait for the signal to start.
Friday, August 3, 2012
campaign Debts, Guavaween and More
Since our folks in the House & Senate decided to take a month off for Labor Day, to them it's the same thing as a four weekend that you & I get off only after bullshitting the boss about some family issues that needs our attention. The time off is not even the worst part, those men & women of greatness who blame President Obama or the Tea Party for everything left a few items just hanging there, unfinished, like a middle school kid before Easter Break. The Country is facing a drought of biblical proportions, so let's just not vote on the Farm Bill. The Military is about to lose $500 Billion dollars of Funding, due to their deal over the "Bush Tax Cuts," screw it we have beach time and timeshares to be at. There is more but I'll save you. So, before you start blaming one party or the other, stop look in the mirror and blame yourself. While Abortion, 2nd Amendment rights and the fate of Gay Marriage are important don't let those issues overshadow the real issues, US!
Campaign Debts, are not unlike our Nations Debts. But this years crop of Tea Party & Mainstream Republicans seem to talk a good game but in their own Campaigns they have shown to be no better than the current Government is. Michelle Bachmann's Presidential Campaign is $950,000 in the Hole and as of today still has not made payments to many small businesses, and to think Ms. Bachmann was all about the little guy. Jon Huntsman was $1.54 Million in the Hole, and only came up with the Cash to pay his bills after he was sued by a few vendors. He had the Money, in his personal Bank Account. Newt Gingrich is $4.85 Million in Debt, Rick Santorum is $1.69 Million in Debt. As of yet, all except Huntsman seem to have a plan to pay it back. But it's not just this current cycle of President wannabe's, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Pat Buchanan, Pat Kucinich, Al Sharpton, John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani are still on the hook for Millions. To be Honest, I see no way Edwards, Buchanan & Sharpton ever making good on their debts. All of them had your vote at one time, all of them claimed to be the best one for the Job. The Man or Woman that could balance the budget...Fat Chance. Wake up people!
No Guavaween Parade this year. The Folks from Lakeland & Plant City will now have no where to go this Halloween Weekend. I've heard that the folks at Natty Light are concerned that they will lose 500 Barrels of Brew due to the lost. It would seem the folks in the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce played the "Whole Take the Cover Charge & Gates Away" play all wrong. The City used to put up the 50K needed to police, fence and generally insure the event happened. Taking the gates & cover charge away means no way to fund the fees/cost for all that support. Nice going guys. Your Biggest event is now no more, sure the folks from Lakeland & Plant City are up for a Pub Crawl & Costume contest. This should be fun, look I'm from Plant City, see my costume it didn't cost much because it's how I normally dress. Me, I'll do what I've done since 2009, I'll pass on the whole event, you lost me when you took away the floats only to bring them back a in 2011. It would have been nice if you noticed that sometimes its better to leave things alone then make a change.
Hillsborough County can talk about "possible" changes. Nice Going Ken Hagan!
Campaign Debts, are not unlike our Nations Debts. But this years crop of Tea Party & Mainstream Republicans seem to talk a good game but in their own Campaigns they have shown to be no better than the current Government is. Michelle Bachmann's Presidential Campaign is $950,000 in the Hole and as of today still has not made payments to many small businesses, and to think Ms. Bachmann was all about the little guy. Jon Huntsman was $1.54 Million in the Hole, and only came up with the Cash to pay his bills after he was sued by a few vendors. He had the Money, in his personal Bank Account. Newt Gingrich is $4.85 Million in Debt, Rick Santorum is $1.69 Million in Debt. As of yet, all except Huntsman seem to have a plan to pay it back. But it's not just this current cycle of President wannabe's, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Pat Buchanan, Pat Kucinich, Al Sharpton, John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani are still on the hook for Millions. To be Honest, I see no way Edwards, Buchanan & Sharpton ever making good on their debts. All of them had your vote at one time, all of them claimed to be the best one for the Job. The Man or Woman that could balance the budget...Fat Chance. Wake up people!
No Guavaween Parade this year. The Folks from Lakeland & Plant City will now have no where to go this Halloween Weekend. I've heard that the folks at Natty Light are concerned that they will lose 500 Barrels of Brew due to the lost. It would seem the folks in the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce played the "Whole Take the Cover Charge & Gates Away" play all wrong. The City used to put up the 50K needed to police, fence and generally insure the event happened. Taking the gates & cover charge away means no way to fund the fees/cost for all that support. Nice going guys. Your Biggest event is now no more, sure the folks from Lakeland & Plant City are up for a Pub Crawl & Costume contest. This should be fun, look I'm from Plant City, see my costume it didn't cost much because it's how I normally dress. Me, I'll do what I've done since 2009, I'll pass on the whole event, you lost me when you took away the floats only to bring them back a in 2011. It would have been nice if you noticed that sometimes its better to leave things alone then make a change.
Hillsborough County can talk about "possible" changes. Nice Going Ken Hagan!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Olympics of a US Election
Early voting started for the Florida Primary this week, make sure you get out there & VOTE or just shut up. It's a bit rough to make that statement but all too often people like to complain about their leaders but yet don't take an active stand in it. Or as I like to say its like " Stripper coming home from work and crying because she didn't find love." If a stripper wanted to find love, I don't think drunk men grouping and throwing $20's at you is a good way to find love but hey it pays the bills.
With less than a 100 days left until the big day in November the action is being to heat up. Mitt went to Europe, took a swipe at the London Games, told people of the middle east that they were losers and then his PR man told the press to "Kiss My Ass" while in Poland. Obama, on the other hand, is running ad's to explain his "You didn't build this" comment. While what Mitt did was bad and placed some egg squarely on his face, Obama's words strung a bit more. Like the Olympians who miss their landings these two are hamming it up for the judges, all in an attempt to impress that Russian judge. Where is Kerri when you need her?
So, Chick-Fil-A got a lot of business the other day. It would seem that US businesses are now using the Gay Marriage Debate to increase sales. As an old salesman told me once, Sales hide all Sins! Sure the Chick-Fil-A cows are happy now, not just because they get sunday off but also because they sold a shit load of Chicken on Wednesday! Damm! Who knew one guys personal views could lead to such an uproar. Like anyone really thought the folks at Chick-Fil-A were down with the whole Gay Marriage thing, come on now, they are closed every Sunday...No matter what even if it's the biggest shopping day of the year. Hey, does it really matter? If you don't like what a company believes don't go there. Think about it, if every lefty, Gay person, Vegetarian and alike stopped going to Chick-Fil-A and their sales tanked causing the company to change their mind about Gay Marriage....Which is not going happen, do you really think everyone in the Company who stop being Anti-Gay Marriage? Come on Now.
With less than a 100 days left until the big day in November the action is being to heat up. Mitt went to Europe, took a swipe at the London Games, told people of the middle east that they were losers and then his PR man told the press to "Kiss My Ass" while in Poland. Obama, on the other hand, is running ad's to explain his "You didn't build this" comment. While what Mitt did was bad and placed some egg squarely on his face, Obama's words strung a bit more. Like the Olympians who miss their landings these two are hamming it up for the judges, all in an attempt to impress that Russian judge. Where is Kerri when you need her?
So, Chick-Fil-A got a lot of business the other day. It would seem that US businesses are now using the Gay Marriage Debate to increase sales. As an old salesman told me once, Sales hide all Sins! Sure the Chick-Fil-A cows are happy now, not just because they get sunday off but also because they sold a shit load of Chicken on Wednesday! Damm! Who knew one guys personal views could lead to such an uproar. Like anyone really thought the folks at Chick-Fil-A were down with the whole Gay Marriage thing, come on now, they are closed every Sunday...No matter what even if it's the biggest shopping day of the year. Hey, does it really matter? If you don't like what a company believes don't go there. Think about it, if every lefty, Gay person, Vegetarian and alike stopped going to Chick-Fil-A and their sales tanked causing the company to change their mind about Gay Marriage....Which is not going happen, do you really think everyone in the Company who stop being Anti-Gay Marriage? Come on Now.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
East Hillsborough County
What a difference a few miles makes. One minute you are in America and the next moment your in Tea Party heaven, or hell depending on your views.
The Occupy Wall Street crowd was never my fav but at least those folks stayed true to their roots. Yea, some were stuck up, over educated college kids, who wanted a job that paid them $100K a year. Like that number is just handed out to every new grad with a Liberal Arts Degree, hey it's just money. These same kids forget that many of their parents busted their asses for $30-$50K a year, it was enough to put their asses through school and exceeded every little want they had growing up. You see Mom's & Dad's that whole "Everyone Gets a Trophy" thing was a REALLY bad idea. Also, that bumper sticker you put on your car, the one that says "My Child is a "A" student", didn't help either. Life isn't fair sometimes you bust your ass and you get crap in return and sometime you win. Other times you win big and become someone else, something else...a Republican or worst. Not that being a Republican is bad, heck some of my best friends are Republicans, but these strange days are bring out the worst of the Righty Bunch.
The Tea Party started out the same way as the Occupy folks, all be it they were mostly white, they had a real issue they were fighting for, the debt & some out of control spending. Somewhere along the way the Tea Party folks really got fucked for lack of a better word. The Republican Right, the Ultra Conservative Right Wing Republicans, got its teeth into the group. David & Charlie, Karl, Casino Owners and Mormons took hold of the group. Suddenly it wasn't just the debt, which got it's cascading start during a Republican's turn at the head of the table, it was collective bargaining and pensions. Leaders who once could work with other members of the House & Senate were kicked out, told they were no longer "Right" enough. It would seem that the Tea Party has one line of attack/compromise-Do it our way or we all die. Think it's a bit too much of an over statement? Remember the debt ceiling fight? Well, get ready it's coming up again.
I got a email today from my father, it was his usual Right wing rant on how Obama is taking our guns, taking the country over and handing it over to the UN. The UN??? Really, you can't really think that, can you? Like the UN could do a better job, have you seen the Middle East Lately? The email went on to explain how Oklahoma, Texas and a few other states have recently passed bills in their state houses to be a "Sovereign" State, not under Federal Government directives. Like the state of Oklahoma, while a fine state with some OK College football programs could it on their own, where you gonna get your water if the Great Lakes stop piping it down to you? When the state Alabama decides to raid your state for it's riches, like what oil you have left and those "Blue Chip" football prospects, who's gonna save you from invasion? Those Alabama boys don't play did you see what they did to LSU? Have you ever cheated on a girl from Alabama? Let me tell ya it's nothing your National Guard can handle. By the way, that's your only defense. Your National Guard, not "OUR" U.S. Military. That highway, you know the one with that bridge that is about to fall into the river, fuck you it's on your residents, don't you dare call your congressman... wait now you don't even have a congressman. That my friends is why the Tea Party is dangerous, People believe all this BS. I hate Taxes but I love free lunch. I love my house and I love my tax deduction even more but don't you dare take it away from me.
Wake up, we can't have it all.
The Occupy Wall Street crowd was never my fav but at least those folks stayed true to their roots. Yea, some were stuck up, over educated college kids, who wanted a job that paid them $100K a year. Like that number is just handed out to every new grad with a Liberal Arts Degree, hey it's just money. These same kids forget that many of their parents busted their asses for $30-$50K a year, it was enough to put their asses through school and exceeded every little want they had growing up. You see Mom's & Dad's that whole "Everyone Gets a Trophy" thing was a REALLY bad idea. Also, that bumper sticker you put on your car, the one that says "My Child is a "A" student", didn't help either. Life isn't fair sometimes you bust your ass and you get crap in return and sometime you win. Other times you win big and become someone else, something else...a Republican or worst. Not that being a Republican is bad, heck some of my best friends are Republicans, but these strange days are bring out the worst of the Righty Bunch.
The Tea Party started out the same way as the Occupy folks, all be it they were mostly white, they had a real issue they were fighting for, the debt & some out of control spending. Somewhere along the way the Tea Party folks really got fucked for lack of a better word. The Republican Right, the Ultra Conservative Right Wing Republicans, got its teeth into the group. David & Charlie, Karl, Casino Owners and Mormons took hold of the group. Suddenly it wasn't just the debt, which got it's cascading start during a Republican's turn at the head of the table, it was collective bargaining and pensions. Leaders who once could work with other members of the House & Senate were kicked out, told they were no longer "Right" enough. It would seem that the Tea Party has one line of attack/compromise-Do it our way or we all die. Think it's a bit too much of an over statement? Remember the debt ceiling fight? Well, get ready it's coming up again.
I got a email today from my father, it was his usual Right wing rant on how Obama is taking our guns, taking the country over and handing it over to the UN. The UN??? Really, you can't really think that, can you? Like the UN could do a better job, have you seen the Middle East Lately? The email went on to explain how Oklahoma, Texas and a few other states have recently passed bills in their state houses to be a "Sovereign" State, not under Federal Government directives. Like the state of Oklahoma, while a fine state with some OK College football programs could it on their own, where you gonna get your water if the Great Lakes stop piping it down to you? When the state Alabama decides to raid your state for it's riches, like what oil you have left and those "Blue Chip" football prospects, who's gonna save you from invasion? Those Alabama boys don't play did you see what they did to LSU? Have you ever cheated on a girl from Alabama? Let me tell ya it's nothing your National Guard can handle. By the way, that's your only defense. Your National Guard, not "OUR" U.S. Military. That highway, you know the one with that bridge that is about to fall into the river, fuck you it's on your residents, don't you dare call your congressman... wait now you don't even have a congressman. That my friends is why the Tea Party is dangerous, People believe all this BS. I hate Taxes but I love free lunch. I love my house and I love my tax deduction even more but don't you dare take it away from me.
Wake up, we can't have it all.
Monday, July 30, 2012
99 Days, 99 Bottles and Billions of Dollars yet to go
Only 99 days left until Election Night! Only a few Billions left in Mitt's PAC war chest and a hell of a lot more than 99 beers will be drunk before that date. The folks in Golden will be happy with my purchases this fall, heck I might just be able to re-start this crappy economy with my beer consumption alone.
As anyone really checked out the unemployment news lately? I don't think so. Yes, we are still at 8.2% (or higher) Yes, that number is lower than it should be due to people not even trying anymore. But the number you don't hear FOX NEWS talk about or even show...Government Jobs are shrinking! See righties, Obama really is making gov't smaller even if it hurts his chances in November. WOW.
The summer air is starting to get sticky in the Bay area, TPD is out hunting for homeless and other crazy folks who just may not be following the rule. The rule which states that you must be dressed just so, really to stand at attention for the RNC. The folks in Romenyville are still standing though as of 6am monday morning...so we'll see.
Its nice to see that the US Auto-bail out was just an utter waste of taxpayer money...GM & Chrysler seem to be just hanging on. Just hanging on to profits that is. Profits equal jobs in the auto biz and Detroit making a case for "Come Back City of the Year". Be they should be on the look out for a strong push from Mississippi's BMW & AirBus plants. Even Grant couldn't have dreamed this shit up, "What, you mean to tell me those fucks are stealing the Northeast Manufacturing base?" Grant I hear is local for Volunteers for the next Civil War. But I hear the folks in Tennessee are up for an attack on Mississippi after losing out on the AirBus Plant.
After beer 40 the light seems to grow dim in the Duke and the Shark's auto poilot is not ready to handle the rough road ahead. The couch is call this man home for the Republicans are coming and the smell of smoke is soon to fill the air.
As anyone really checked out the unemployment news lately? I don't think so. Yes, we are still at 8.2% (or higher) Yes, that number is lower than it should be due to people not even trying anymore. But the number you don't hear FOX NEWS talk about or even show...Government Jobs are shrinking! See righties, Obama really is making gov't smaller even if it hurts his chances in November. WOW.
The summer air is starting to get sticky in the Bay area, TPD is out hunting for homeless and other crazy folks who just may not be following the rule. The rule which states that you must be dressed just so, really to stand at attention for the RNC. The folks in Romenyville are still standing though as of 6am monday morning...so we'll see.
Its nice to see that the US Auto-bail out was just an utter waste of taxpayer money...GM & Chrysler seem to be just hanging on. Just hanging on to profits that is. Profits equal jobs in the auto biz and Detroit making a case for "Come Back City of the Year". Be they should be on the look out for a strong push from Mississippi's BMW & AirBus plants. Even Grant couldn't have dreamed this shit up, "What, you mean to tell me those fucks are stealing the Northeast Manufacturing base?" Grant I hear is local for Volunteers for the next Civil War. But I hear the folks in Tennessee are up for an attack on Mississippi after losing out on the AirBus Plant.
After beer 40 the light seems to grow dim in the Duke and the Shark's auto poilot is not ready to handle the rough road ahead. The couch is call this man home for the Republicans are coming and the smell of smoke is soon to fill the air.
The RNC is Coming, the RNC is Coming
After spending a day walking the streets of Tampa it would seem that nothing big is coming in less than 30 days. Sure, there are new trees were there were none and yes the city/county spent millions on Bayshore Blvd. instead of other roads in much, much more need of repair. Other than that nothing, wait they are tearing up the Ice Palace to make remove for the Mitt's & Twitt's that will take a very large stage and speak to wary nation. The one question that has not been addressed is the Homeless. Where will they put the Homeless? Gaslight Park, have you ever been there? Homeless central! The Faith Kitchen is out of a home, it was a soup kitchen for our areas Homeless now our Cities neediest are once again without a safe place. But there is a bit of Good News, "Romneyville" has popped up in Downtown, look for the Pink Tents. The Homeless have settled there, thanks to someone "Renting" a lot behind a business and the Republicans are not happy. The City Code enforcement folks have told the group they must leave by today...But the Residents of Romneyville have a contract with the Land Owner...We shall see what happens.
During the RNC I suggest that we all hold Occupy your Backyard events! Yes, grab some cold beers and invite your neighbors! What fun you can have, that jerk of a next door neighbor, the one who lets his dog take a dump in your yard only to blame the neighbor from the other side of the neighborhood, ask him to join ya. Start a convo about Guns and the bible and watch the sparks fly. Me, I'm having a few Penn State Alumni & Catholic Priest over for a cookout and Nick at Night Marathon. Not only am I have fun at someone else expense but saving the children of my neighborhood.
During the RNC I suggest that we all hold Occupy your Backyard events! Yes, grab some cold beers and invite your neighbors! What fun you can have, that jerk of a next door neighbor, the one who lets his dog take a dump in your yard only to blame the neighbor from the other side of the neighborhood, ask him to join ya. Start a convo about Guns and the bible and watch the sparks fly. Me, I'm having a few Penn State Alumni & Catholic Priest over for a cookout and Nick at Night Marathon. Not only am I have fun at someone else expense but saving the children of my neighborhood.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Gun Control & the NRA
They are coming to take your Guns!! Wayne LaPierre, David Keene, Charlton Heston & others before them have made that statement many times over the years, in the face of more and more gun related crimes. Now, reader, I'm not for banning Guns, taking guns away from Americans, it's our right! But lets face some facts, when those old white men in 1775-1776 wrote the US Constitution they were talking about Muskets & Kentucky Rifles not Uzi's, AR15's and .50Cal's. The folks who claim these types of weapons are protected are, in my view, just as crazy as Holmes, Columbine Shooters, Jared Lee Loughner and many more have used Assault Rifles to kill. The NRA folks claim these assault rifles are used for hunting....Right and I drove sports cars for their GREAT GAS-MILEAGE! Is there a Deer in Upstate NY in Full-Body Armor waiting & taunting NY hunters each fall? No! By banning Assault Rifles or at least making them hard to obtain is NOT an attack on the 2nd Amendment. Why would any American want criminals to have better fire power than their own police? I would hope not.
I own guns and believe in the 2nd Amendment, but I will never understand how the Right & the NRA keep using this very American right to push it further & further. In Florida the "stand your ground" law is making the state an old west style shooting range. The Tampa Bay Times looked over the past few years of shootings that used the "stand your ground" law and found that many of the people involved in these cases were the criminals themselves. Drug dealers shooting Drug dealers, Gang Members shooting other Gang members and even one guy who chased down a suspected robber and shot him in the back...after a 3 mile chase!! Its Time to face some facts, We are become more and more like a society that resembles a Hollywood Western. "Guns don't kill people, People Kill People," that's what the NRA & Right-wingers say...it would seem that they believe in more regulation of People. Yes, Republicans for more regulation of the sick and the weak...and Black, Brown and Tan, in other words anyone not like them. Yes, it's a slippery slope to some but sometimes you have to remember the SPIRIT of Idea, not just the Words.
I own guns and believe in the 2nd Amendment, but I will never understand how the Right & the NRA keep using this very American right to push it further & further. In Florida the "stand your ground" law is making the state an old west style shooting range. The Tampa Bay Times looked over the past few years of shootings that used the "stand your ground" law and found that many of the people involved in these cases were the criminals themselves. Drug dealers shooting Drug dealers, Gang Members shooting other Gang members and even one guy who chased down a suspected robber and shot him in the back...after a 3 mile chase!! Its Time to face some facts, We are become more and more like a society that resembles a Hollywood Western. "Guns don't kill people, People Kill People," that's what the NRA & Right-wingers say...it would seem that they believe in more regulation of People. Yes, Republicans for more regulation of the sick and the weak...and Black, Brown and Tan, in other words anyone not like them. Yes, it's a slippery slope to some but sometimes you have to remember the SPIRIT of Idea, not just the Words.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Night with Michelle & Wal-Mart
As my night my with Ms. Bachmann continued, I could feel an attraction building, her eyes, her hair with not a single strand out of place and her firm B-Cups...sure I'd do her. Not for sex but for the party, Michelle needs a little democrat in her, a bit of liberal love juice to soften her up. Maybe it could help her get back on the mainstream or maybe it would give her downs or some-other mental problem like the shot young girls take to stop pussy cancer. Or at least that's what Michelle says.
When you start drink at 8 am, the people at Wal-Mart are much more friendly! I pull into the parking lot with the Silver Shark warm and ready for long run, searching out BMW's and trashing them. But first a run to America's favorite shopping palace, Wal-Mart, once the darling of the South now an InterNational Mega Chain supplied by China. As I roam the aisles of the suburban trailer-park supply store I find I'm out of beer. My cart make a bee line to the cold beverage section and grab a cold case of Rocky Mt Water, tear a can out and drink it down...as I walk through the store picking up steaks and chips. Lays Chips seem to have a new flavor each week, Spicy Ketchup or Dill Pickle, no I choose Loaded Baked Potato! God Damm I love America!! As I approach the Menswear area a clerk stops me and questions why I have an opened beer in the store, what it's not ok to look the part while shopping at Wal-Mart? No worries it, the can, was empty by now. Jeans for $10! Yes, that's Good Ol' American consumerism at its best. If you cant make it cheap call China. This Wal-Mart sits on the sites of a Sex Peep Show Place & Sticks & Stuff store, which is most likely an upgrade for the South Tampa area.
Has anyone noticed the Presidential Campaign is beginning to look & sound like the Reagan/Carter Election of 1980? Reagan was not gonna win, Carter even though he was bright, he was not getting the job done. A leader but not the leader the country needed at the time. Reagan beat back the crazies in the GOP and made a race of it. Carter played the same card over and over only to have his nuts clipped in November. It was the only time my parents waited in line to vote, Reagan while not their favorite got their vote. That's when I knew my folks were losing their grip. They split up six months later. The Whole Trickle Down thing never really made it to our family.
As I hop back into the Silver Shark, I open another can of the Beer and get behind the wheel. the shark welcomes me with a purr, The Band is playing on the CD player, The Weight...I pull out and head toward the great Trailer Park Beach that is Gandy Beach. The only place where the lower class can go these days. Confederate Flag and all that. Women in two piece bathing suits, their fat asses bubbling over, men in cut offs and 15 year old pick up trucks. The America that does the dirty work for the rich. Just keep these folks stocked up with Natty Light, guns and cheap drugs and they will stay in their hole. Away from your nice house at the Beach or Bayshore Blvd. You call them when you need them.
When you start drink at 8 am, the people at Wal-Mart are much more friendly! I pull into the parking lot with the Silver Shark warm and ready for long run, searching out BMW's and trashing them. But first a run to America's favorite shopping palace, Wal-Mart, once the darling of the South now an InterNational Mega Chain supplied by China. As I roam the aisles of the suburban trailer-park supply store I find I'm out of beer. My cart make a bee line to the cold beverage section and grab a cold case of Rocky Mt Water, tear a can out and drink it down...as I walk through the store picking up steaks and chips. Lays Chips seem to have a new flavor each week, Spicy Ketchup or Dill Pickle, no I choose Loaded Baked Potato! God Damm I love America!! As I approach the Menswear area a clerk stops me and questions why I have an opened beer in the store, what it's not ok to look the part while shopping at Wal-Mart? No worries it, the can, was empty by now. Jeans for $10! Yes, that's Good Ol' American consumerism at its best. If you cant make it cheap call China. This Wal-Mart sits on the sites of a Sex Peep Show Place & Sticks & Stuff store, which is most likely an upgrade for the South Tampa area.
Has anyone noticed the Presidential Campaign is beginning to look & sound like the Reagan/Carter Election of 1980? Reagan was not gonna win, Carter even though he was bright, he was not getting the job done. A leader but not the leader the country needed at the time. Reagan beat back the crazies in the GOP and made a race of it. Carter played the same card over and over only to have his nuts clipped in November. It was the only time my parents waited in line to vote, Reagan while not their favorite got their vote. That's when I knew my folks were losing their grip. They split up six months later. The Whole Trickle Down thing never really made it to our family.
As I hop back into the Silver Shark, I open another can of the Beer and get behind the wheel. the shark welcomes me with a purr, The Band is playing on the CD player, The Weight...I pull out and head toward the great Trailer Park Beach that is Gandy Beach. The only place where the lower class can go these days. Confederate Flag and all that. Women in two piece bathing suits, their fat asses bubbling over, men in cut offs and 15 year old pick up trucks. The America that does the dirty work for the rich. Just keep these folks stocked up with Natty Light, guns and cheap drugs and they will stay in their hole. Away from your nice house at the Beach or Bayshore Blvd. You call them when you need them.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I was sitting with Ms. Bachmann having a Bong Hit
The other day I happened upon a great little place in the Bay area where the Sweet smell took me inside. After paying a hefty cover charge to a very large man I stepped in to a world that was getting ready for the big show. The manager took his time to show me around the place, this is where the big, no names mentioned, will enter so no one will know their here. Which is odd since once inside wouldn't the folks inside then know Mr. "I shouldn't be here" is actually there? The carpet was new the smell of freshly cut wood hung in the air like a cloud of smog that only means one thing...Republicans. The ladies, I mean "Entertainers," were busy practicing their routines and fixing their hair. As a man with no hair on his head I found it odd how much time people spend on that grass like stuff that grows atop a persons head. With all those ads for hair removal you would think that everyone wanted to look like me...but hey that's just my view.
After taking the grand tour the manager asked if I was interested in joining this private club, get in now cause in a few days we have to close our membership rolls, the suits in accounting had made a deal with the RNC not be too Showy during the Big Event. Even if the folks from Fox News had already purchased 2 private party rooms at the club. Who knew Sean Hannity was a closet freak! No matter the cost I said I was in! I want to see these scum-bags from Fox getting their freak on and then write about it. The sights, the view and the ladies, not to forget the booze nor the finest grass from that Liberal Strong hold, California! Which takes me to my chance meeting with Michelle. She's kind of hot, that devo formed hair, that smile that reminds me of a drugged out Step-ford wife, Michelle Bachmann! Who cares if she's married to a closeted gay man who just happens to be a preacher, that fact alone make this quest more fun. Like having sex in a crowded bar or a public park, you know you shouldn't watch but its just too darn hot not to look. I eased up to Michelle and offered a hit of my fine Cali bud and to my surprise she said yes but found Texas weed to be better. Ah, the fine herb that is carried across an international boarder by illegals under the fear of losing a parent back home in Mexico City. Well, Of course I should have known that the Tea Party leader such as Michelle Bachmann would be for the little man. Through the haze of booze & grass Michelle's face had a glow, like Jamie Gertz walking out of the pool in Fast Times. I almost wanted to run to the mens room and do unspeakable things in private but I kept my cool. I asked why she had worked to become the head of the Tea Party Caucus leaving her roots. She was a small town girl who did well at school and was active in her community. Now she is laying waste to any group that is brown or American. She spoke on how the Isamlic peoples are coming for our rights, our guys and our Virgins. Please God not OUR Virgins!! I mean really what will High School QB's & RB's do on prom night with out our virgins? I pressed for more. How would these people do this? What about Dearborn, MI aren't "these" people already here? Aren't they Americans? Why just "These" People, why not Mexicans? I was told that Mexicans do better yard work and except lower pay. So Nice, I reply, that the Tea Party & Many Republicans believe in low wages for all non-white males in America. I ened up feeling taken advantage of, after 15 years of cutting the grass for a few dollars a week, I mean Dad could have paid me less or maybe even less. Heck, Dad could have made me a supervisor over a ground crew.
After taking the grand tour the manager asked if I was interested in joining this private club, get in now cause in a few days we have to close our membership rolls, the suits in accounting had made a deal with the RNC not be too Showy during the Big Event. Even if the folks from Fox News had already purchased 2 private party rooms at the club. Who knew Sean Hannity was a closet freak! No matter the cost I said I was in! I want to see these scum-bags from Fox getting their freak on and then write about it. The sights, the view and the ladies, not to forget the booze nor the finest grass from that Liberal Strong hold, California! Which takes me to my chance meeting with Michelle. She's kind of hot, that devo formed hair, that smile that reminds me of a drugged out Step-ford wife, Michelle Bachmann! Who cares if she's married to a closeted gay man who just happens to be a preacher, that fact alone make this quest more fun. Like having sex in a crowded bar or a public park, you know you shouldn't watch but its just too darn hot not to look. I eased up to Michelle and offered a hit of my fine Cali bud and to my surprise she said yes but found Texas weed to be better. Ah, the fine herb that is carried across an international boarder by illegals under the fear of losing a parent back home in Mexico City. Well, Of course I should have known that the Tea Party leader such as Michelle Bachmann would be for the little man. Through the haze of booze & grass Michelle's face had a glow, like Jamie Gertz walking out of the pool in Fast Times. I almost wanted to run to the mens room and do unspeakable things in private but I kept my cool. I asked why she had worked to become the head of the Tea Party Caucus leaving her roots. She was a small town girl who did well at school and was active in her community. Now she is laying waste to any group that is brown or American. She spoke on how the Isamlic peoples are coming for our rights, our guys and our Virgins. Please God not OUR Virgins!! I mean really what will High School QB's & RB's do on prom night with out our virgins? I pressed for more. How would these people do this? What about Dearborn, MI aren't "these" people already here? Aren't they Americans? Why just "These" People, why not Mexicans? I was told that Mexicans do better yard work and except lower pay. So Nice, I reply, that the Tea Party & Many Republicans believe in low wages for all non-white males in America. I ened up feeling taken advantage of, after 15 years of cutting the grass for a few dollars a week, I mean Dad could have paid me less or maybe even less. Heck, Dad could have made me a supervisor over a ground crew.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The Herd is here and Tampa gets a its old time groove back
While riding the "Bat Bike" from my S. Tampa Home to the Center of the Tampa, you can see the changes happening...Not just the dead grass & trash from Trop. Storm Debby but new mass sightings. New Trees, Plants, people and the RiverWalk may be mostly done...Yep the Right Wingers are coming to town and the People of Tampa are getting ready. Well, maybe not Everyone, but the city leaders are making an it known that our city is ready to shine. ( And it did it without help from Tea Party Favorite-Rick Scott) Elephants are being placed everywhere, it was said that Lowry Park Zoo let them out, The Bush Family could be here soon but that was a misplaced story, Both Sr. and Jr., said no We'll pass. Now if the City & County could find the dollars to help the City's west & Central Neighborhoods...But I guess the Right Wing doesn't really go there.
The Grand Hotel on the City's North End is finally opening!!! The Party is set for July 28th and "is" booked for the RNC. Millions & Millions later The Floridan Palace is here. The Tampa Mural is back to its grand glory. I'm looking forward to hitting the "Sure Fire Room" with a fist full on $50 dollar bills. The Grand party will sure be bumping.
The Grand Hotel on the City's North End is finally opening!!! The Party is set for July 28th and "is" booked for the RNC. Millions & Millions later The Floridan Palace is here. The Tampa Mural is back to its grand glory. I'm looking forward to hitting the "Sure Fire Room" with a fist full on $50 dollar bills. The Grand party will sure be bumping.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Jobs, Tampa and Football
As the Country gets closer to the start of its great race both political parties are setting up their base command posts in Tampa & Charlotte. Here in Tampa the Right is looking to frame their party as the all things business while portraying the left, i.e. President Obama, as leader of a Socialist Government Takeover of the USA. All the while forgetting to mention that Mitt and his friends find good in these vary programs. The underlining "Race Card" the right continues to play is beginning to show some "green shoots" of growth within the American people, only showing how far we have yet to go. For every President Obama mistaken path, caused by letting congress do its job, you have Mitt running from his record and blaming everyone else...heck at this point the only real person who some Americans can believe is Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JP Morgan Chase, at least he makes mistakes and takes ownership of them. Though if a "whale" can grab $6 Billion from him maybe he isn't the right guy for the job....
In a few weeks the Tampa area will be become Fort Tampa, making Harbour Island an island under siege. With only one road in & out, the people of that patch of land will feel worst than the prisoners in an American Military Base in Cuba. Well, maybe not that bad but I'm sure the lack of a grocery store will hurt.
On the road to no where...Hey JD, how's that new school coming?
In a few weeks the Tampa area will be become Fort Tampa, making Harbour Island an island under siege. With only one road in & out, the people of that patch of land will feel worst than the prisoners in an American Military Base in Cuba. Well, maybe not that bad but I'm sure the lack of a grocery store will hurt.
On the road to no where...Hey JD, how's that new school coming?
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Duke- Tampa Base: the american worker
The Duke- Tampa Base: the american worker: As we watch our leaders "work" towards saving the American future most of us are struggling to make it in this ever changing world. The Righ...
the american worker
As we watch our leaders "work" towards saving the American future most of us are struggling to make it in this ever changing world. The Right & Left seem to have plans that could work, each with their own problems & possible pit falls. Still the worker sits on the sidelines, waiting for a chance to "live the American Dream". A Bill that could put workers to good use, AKA work, sits collecting dust while workers collect unemployment checks. The target of any good leader is to deliver on a promise and for leaders of a country, a country as great as America, a leader delivers jobs, and a dream. A dream that anyone person can become what they want to become. Become a Bum or Become a Rich Sports star or a master of industry, that is the American Dream...And the GOP & Democrats are sitting back, thus forgetting that "Dream". The American Worker may not be able to control its own destiny anymore, they lost that right a long time ago by getting greedy. But at the same time, we must not fall for the "Profits at any cost" rule that many of the "masters of industry" claim we are have gotten fat from their profits. We have have lost our way, they say. Maybe if the workers & the masters could look back they would see that they too were & maybe are just like our own leaders
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Bayshore- The Place to Die
It would seem that Bayshore Blvd has become the new place to off yourself. Last night a young man chose to slam his car across the beautiful Bayshore grass and through the nice white wall and into the bay. I'm not making lite of this poor man's situation I'd like to merely point out the Irony of choosing Bayshore Blvd to do it. The Skyway has always been area residents #1 choice to end their trouble lives but its a pain in the ass to drive over any bridge in the Tampa/St. Pete area, see the Rays Attendence for more proof, you have to pay a toll to boot!! It can be a real pain in the ass, think about it.
At Least at Bayshore Blvd, you can do it for free. You even get a High Class Crowd. No Tolls, and you can take your car with you. Now that is a deal maker.
At Least at Bayshore Blvd, you can do it for free. You even get a High Class Crowd. No Tolls, and you can take your car with you. Now that is a deal maker.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Lost Gen Part 3 & 4
Jimmy becomes Ronald, the 80's
......Its been almost two years since Mo walked away from Bee’ville, at 1st Mark thought it was just a bad trip, the recent haul from the local police evidence van was making them rich. The Middle Class kids in the neighborhood were trying to be city kids. Or maybe it was the opposite. Either way, it was too easy. The county sheriff allowed his team to drive their police vehicles home with them at night, I don’t think even he thought the evidence van would ever be a daily work vehicle, but alas it was. The 1st break in was small, a bag of pot, not the best weed the two had smoked but it worked. There was even enough to share and a little to sale to the jocks on the football team. Mark had played football and ran track but during his junior year, Mo asked him to come a house party on the west side of the city. Sometime after a few beer bongs and meaningless chatter about the state of high school football in the area, Mo offered a big rush. What a rush it was. White powder that made a person want to run, fast. The Z28 Mark had was fast but this powder was faster, he wanted more, there would be more and Mark would never be the same.
Mo seemed to be a regular with these folks all them also seemed to know Mo’s dad or someone like him, which Mark found odd during all his time with him he never mentioned him nor did anyone else for that matter. These people were seedy, like the types TJ Hooker bagged out in LA. Pimps, pickpockets and general loser but they were on to Mark; the look of an athlete was not one they were used to. Mark pulled Mo away from a large man who was probably about 40 and had more tattoos then WWF star. “We got go and go now” Mark said, sweat was coming from Mark’s brow and the hair along his neck was now standing on its edge. He knew what was about to happen and he knew Mo would not be too much help at this point, the boy was beyond gone, he was on the other side of madness. The shot to the back was hard, harder than the hit Mark took during section 5 high school football championship this fall. That hit took the wind right out of him; he thought he was dead and looking at never being able to return the favor by taking a crack at the asshole that blindsided him. The fall this time was a bit worst, Mark fell into the large fuck with tattoos and as he turned to take a swing at the asshole that sucker punched him he felt a prick and then a burning sensation in his right thigh. He felt wet; his right leg had a river running under his Z jeans. Mo, jumped back to defend himself leaving Mark on an island of killer loaded on Booze & coke. Not a good place to be. Mark grab a bottle swinging wildly to defend the crazy biker fucks who it seemed wanted this outsider out of there midst. After landing a few blows to the tattoo guy Mark made a break for it. Fuck Mo if he didn’t make it out of there, “not like he was there to back me”, Mark though. Mark had always defended Mo from the football guys who thought he was a “Burn-Out” and called his mother a whore. She was a Whore but it’s not the thing you yell out about someone Mother in a high school hallway. Once safely inside the Z28 Mark floored it towards the east and the safety of the suburbs. Those asshole would be dealt with Mark though but 1st “I’m going to kick the shit out of Mo for bringing to that place.” Times were changing faster now, Bush was in the White House, war was coming.
The Great Fake War of the Middle East- Oil and Money
Mike had kind of drifted from the group once he got to High School, the friendship was there but the pull of something greater laid on the horizon. He saw the changing that we didn’t’, he watched his fathers company layoff worker and offer job training, Data Processing, Data Entry and other work fit for a secretary not a steel worker or the person who helped build America’s great machines. Sometime during the Reagan years Mike and his family moved to a big house in a new sub-division with a in ground pool and 4 car garage, his family didn’t fit in with the rest of us anymore. They were the part of Reagan’s trickle down economics that worked; while the rest of us thought we were making it they increased their share of the prize. Mike’s mother even thought about sending him to a private school, the public education system was no longer good enough, even if the public school system was the main pull for his family to move to Bee’ville, no after 14 years it was no longer good enough. Dad said it was the because the New Boss at the office was a mover & shaker and his kids went to the private school, Christian Brothers Academy of Holly Names, it was for the rich kids he said. Mike fought against the move, Football & track were his passion and Bee’ville had a great class coming in, but saw it has his duty to try to save Mo and keep me on the right track….or so he said. But Mark could see it in his eye; he knew he had to keep one foot in the real world and one foot in the world of what could be. Mike never thought of Reagan as a great leader, he saw him more as a salesman selling our lives for a few others personal gain. He stopped playing football he sophomore year for the debate club became his passion, track was no longer a draw, and Mark stopped running the 1500 the same year. Mark had found that he was different for most people but didn’t know why, he saw things the same way as Mike but Mark’s reactions to them were vastly stronger, “Reagan is going kill us”, Mark said, to which Mike would reply “he has a plan, let it work out 1st”. They were both right
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