Travels and Ramblings

A New One - Finally

2011-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

No pictures today, just rambling......I've been working mostly six 12's since the end of May in Victorville, CA - including Saturdays! Now I've started a second project for the same agency with the pipe being fabricated near downtown LA. It's a 50 minute commute in prime Los Angeles traffic. The saving grace is they start at 5 am. But going home is a royal pain at 15 mph. Fortunately this is only for a week, then I'm back commuting Cajon Pass until fabrication starts in late Dec. That part is only 6 miles away in Riverside and I'll be starting a second job at the same firm...nothing like double dipping to keep the wolf away. I have 3 jobs running and I've turned down another two. This is stone cold crazy - I'm supposed to be retired!!!
The morning economic news is contract employment is dropping and not for the usual reason, becoming direct hires. So if companies are not hiring from temp agencies (ie. letting go) are the direct hires the next to get fired...likely!

I Will Never Buy a New Car

2011-09-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

My favorite Jeep wrecking yead has been auctioned off and Pick-a Part scrapped everything!! If car manufacturers cannot support their product or cannot stop the clock, why should I buy something that's going to be obsolete? Besides I can still fix this without a dealers computer and tech at $80/hr.

The Budget Debacle

2011-07-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

So what is so difficult to understand about “you cannot have any more money”?

DC has overspent for years and that means everyone. Now we finally have some congresspeople with principles who cannot be corrupted by the “good ol’ boys” there. Do you REALLY trust Congress…look what they did to Gramm-Rudman – declared an emergency and overrode it. Ten years of cuts???? That’s two elections! The rating agencies, Moody’s etc set the downgrade threshold and the proposals are missing that by 25%.

Default is not a necessity, there is enough daily income to cover the nation’s debt interest, Social Security, and military pay. Default is a SCARE TACTIC by the administration.

*********** You cannot have any more taxes ************

Dateline: 7 PM Sunday- A budget 'framework' has been agreed on.
I hate Washington speak - these budget cuts still allow an 8% raise when the GDP is growing 1.3%! It's still spending more than comes in.

Another Day, Another Dollar

2011-06-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Reminds me of George Thoroghgood's "get a REAL job".
So I'm back in a pipe mill inspecting the fabrication of water transmission pipe for the next 3-4 months. And screwing up a perfectly good summer when I had planned on taking a bike tour of the southwest. Eventually I'll get to see Monument Valley on my 'Iron Horse' when John Ford filmed a lot of his western movies. With only Sunday's off, I'll barely have time to finish the cosmetics on the Cherokee.

Churchill on Islam

2011-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

"How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries, improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live.

A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement, the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.

Individual Muslims may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it.

No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step, and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome."

Sir Winston Churchill; (Source: The River War, first edition, Vol. II, pages 248-50 London )

This short speech from Winston Churchill, was delivered by him in 1899 when he was a young soldier and journalist. It probably sets out the current views of many but expressed in the wonderful Churchillian turn of phrase and use of the English language, of which he was a past master. Sir Winston Churchill was, without doubt, one of the greatest men of the late 19th and 20th centuries.

He was a brave young soldier, a brilliant journalist, an extraordinary politician and statesman, a great war leader and Prime Minister, to whom the Western world must be forever indebted. He was a prophet in his own time. He died on 24 January 1965, at the grand old age of 90, after a lifetime of service to his country, and was accorded a State funeral.
This probably explains why one of Obama’s first act as a resident of the White House, was to returned his bust back to England.

Subsidies = Welfare = Entitlements

2011-05-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

So now we have a bunch of Senators grilling "Big Oil" regarding their Federal subsidies. This is a good thing even if it's short-term political grandstanding.
BUT more to the point, we need to end ALL SUBSIDIES. This includes farmers, game reserves, welfare, these are all subsidies. We are as a nation BROKE and it's time to quit the give-away artists buying their way into the Republican and Democratic Congress. They are giving away OUR MONEY.
How long are you willing to contribute to these entitlement programs??? This must end if you want to keep our country.

Celebrating Ella's 7th Birthday

2011-04-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

We all went to a Japanese steak house for Ella's seventh birthday party. She's growing up waaaaay too fast. Her new electric "Razor" scooter is the first time I've ever seen her cautious. I'm glad her birthday is in the spring because it's nice to see some green after all the snow.

Travelin' in PA

2011-04-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

It was going to rain in LA so I thought it a better idea to go visit my daughter and her family. Coincidentally we all love local clams steamed in a white wine sauce. While I was there we surveyed the yard for regrading of about 150 yards of dirt. This will allow for about a foot of top soil instead of that terrible clay that only grows moss. After that I will install a complete automatic sprinkler system and hydroseed the whole yard.

Big John's View of AZ Bike Week

2011-04-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

I spent the last week with a bunch of friends during Bike Week in Scottsdale, AZ. Most of us all ride Harley knuckleheads and we were guests of Knucklehead Mike-the best host in years!!
The conversations tickled enough brain cells to regenerate some more memories about the old days.....I'm now real ambitious to re-seat the oil pump check valve on my knuck. Then I'll only have Mike's problem - which one to ride ha ha.

Electricity vs. Conservation

2011-03-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

We have used all the available sites and are maxed out for hydroelectric power and wind and solar are unreliable. Our wonderful EPA and ignorant public do not support nuclear power. So the DOE has MANDATED outlawing incandescent light bulbs and REQUIRE the use of mercury laden CFC bulbs. Fluorescent tubes are REQUIRED to be more efficient along with the ballasts that operate them. So where does that all bring us???
In 5 years I have reduced my usage from 137 kWh billed at $33.23 for the month of April 2006. Now I have a bill for 55 kWh for March 2011, a 60% REDUCTION and my bill is still $31.68!!!!!!
The answer is NOT conservation, costs will still go up. Between the EPA, DOE, and environmentalists they are killing our economy. WE NEED GENERATING POWER!!

Still Life In PA

2011-03-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

I've been visiting my daughter and grandkids, Ella and Philip in Pennsylvania for two months. I love going there because she has a real kitchen and lets me cook! This is Sunday morning breakfast of waffles with strawberries, whipped cream and strawberry syrup - DELISH! Now back to work stacking sawn lumber from her downed tree.

East Coast Travelin'

2011-02-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm in Florida after a stop at my daughters in Pennsylvania. This is a 200 year old cypress wood water pipe at a steam and power show in Avon Park. My cousins kids are coming over for a BBQ'ed turkey dinner later. It's 80 degrees here and I'm lovin' it.

Perform or Perish

2010-12-30T03:22:00.000-08:00

Last evening a SF radio talk show host was decrying the new Congressional rule that will require all new legislation to be founded in the Constitution. It's about time this nation returned to the standards and morals that made our country great as embodied by the character Tell Sackett. Ever since those Progressives starting with Woodrow Wilson began subverting Constitutional Law for socialist reforms, people have lost their integrity and sense of personal responsibility.

Pull Your Own Freight!

Sawing Boat Seats 'cuz It's Raining Out

2010-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

It took 2 weeks to find the right kind of vertical grain redwood delivered so now I've sawn it to size and have to get it planed at the neighbor cabinetmaker's shop. My good friend John Monahan who restores Falls Flyers has got me the original seat materials so I just need to finish the seat bottoms and backs. When restored it will be more like a piece of quality furniture than a boat ha ha.

Airplay Sites for New CD "Big Norm"

2010-12-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

For those wanting access to hear airplay of Andy Calder's band "One Ton Pig" and their new release of Big Norm, visit the following sites. Jimmy Rabbitt plays blues, country, and rock with fun and knowledgeable banter from a DJ that enjoys his work.

Saturdays:
http://www.kociradio.com/-koci-programming/-the-jimmy-rabbitt-show.html

Most Tuesdays:
http://kafmradio.org/

Back to Cali for a Week of Work - aaarrrgh!

2010-12-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Back for a week of work at a local pipe mill for Chevron work - what a bunch of racket!!
I'm just glad it's only for a week, gotta get ready to enjoy Christmas with my son and his family.
And now I have a chance to get back to all my persoanl projects too.

Primed for Thanksgiving with Aleta's Family

2010-11-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

After having brought my industrial grade mine dry washer blower to help with the leaves now I can relax!!!
The turkey fryer is cranked up and the stuffing is in the oven with stuffed sweet potatos on the stove and two pecan pies waiting in the wings. Aleta has decorated the dining room to look very festive.
And since the fryer is all set up I found a delicious recipe for fried crab cakes for supper...like I need to eat more tonight ha ha ha.

Leaves at Aleta's - Fall Colors PHOOEY!

2010-11-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

So in order to earn my Thanksgiving dinner, I have to get all the leaves to the curb. While Aleta runs the leaf blower, my only reliable helper since she could walk has been Ella. My 'leaf plow' is more efficient than people anyway. This years efforts made a 4 ft high pile 10 ft wide and 120 ft long for the local vacuum truck.

And Bernanke Said There Was No Inflation????

2010-11-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Do You Ship For Christmas
"Dear UPS Customer...

...Effective January 3, 2011, UPS Daily Rates will increase as follows: UPS Ground services will increase a net 4.9% through a combination of a 5.9% increase in rates and a 1% reduction in the UPS Ground fuel surcharge; UPS Air and International services will increase a net 4.9% through a combination of a 6.9% increase in rates and a 2% reduction in the UPS Air and International services fuel surcharge...

...In addition, effective January 3, 2011, the dimensional weight divisor used to calculate dimensional weight will change from 194 to 166 for domestic U.S. UPS Ground and Air services shipments, and from 166 to 139 for U.S.-origin export shipments..."

That, incidentally, is a ~16% increase in price on dimensional weight packages. If your box is light and large, you're going to get reamed by 16%.

Too Much Excitement Right Now

2010-11-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

St. Lucia Prime Minister Stephenson King told a local radio station that an American tourist drowned at Cas En Bas beach in the island’s north. St. Lucians were deluged by 21 hours of sustained rain starting Saturday morning. On Sunday, dead animals floated in swollen rivers and people in the capital of Castries took to streets to clear fallen branches, broken glass and other debris. High winds ripped the roofs off a hospital, a school and a stadium and blew a large concrete cross from the roof of a century-old church, officials said. A landslide blocked a main highway.

Back In Los Angeles...for a couple of weeks

2010-10-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my cruise to Santa Rosa visiting a friend of 40 years and roommate for the year I was working pipeline construction in Richmond. I stopped here at the Coalinga off ramp to scratch my butt! I had to miss rain both coming and going so being back in sunny SoCal is fine.
I just got the Cherokee back from the trans shop-I don't do those. The painter should be by in a couple of days so that work can start...I'm not going to want to drive it, it'll be so new!!

Dateline Soggy Sonoma County, CA

2010-10-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with the "sticks and twigs' granola crowd after 4 days of rain and 6 more to go gives me time to dwell on larger issues such as 'the rule of law'.

A Calif. candidate for Governor is not prosecuting a proven felon immigrant housekeeper.
The U.S. Attorney general is not prosecuting voter intimidation by Black Panthers.
Homeland security is allowing multiple cases of manslaughter by illegal aliens including a nun to continue.
There is no prosecution of the felonies of 'robo-signing' of mortgages which are overt lies to the courts.

Now what am I supposed to think, That all these are above the law. That our Chief Executive and Law Enforcement Officer is unable or unwilling to do his job. And I am supposed to vote for ANY incumbent. With the magnitude of collective myopic stupidity throughout this nation, the best I can do is to NOT PARTICIPATE!

Supremely Stupid Economics-Ben again

2010-10-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Helicopter Ben Bernanke is going to do another QE flood of money out of the presses. How can we buy our own Treasury Notes when we're in debt???

The most important "restriction on investment spending" today is that all the customers are up to their freaking eyeballs in debt, staggering under the crushing weight of debt from two insane decades of the loathsome Alan Greenspan at the demonic Federal Reserve constantly creating more and more money to finance bubble economies in raw, naked consumption, insane speculative bubbles in stocks, bonds, houses, derivatives and the cancer-like growth of a treacherous, corrupt system of governments, from local to state to federal, as trillions and trillions of dollars were deficit-spent to add to the orgiastic deluge of tax revenues already pouring in, and then going right back out again as new spending, from the aforementioned bubble economies in stocks, bonds, houses and derivatives spawned by, at the root, the Federal Reserve creating the money necessary!

Back From Aleta's and Continuing the Jeep Rebuild

2010-10-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Now that I've returned to LA I can continue my Jeep project. I have completed the transfer case reseal and installation. The damn thing is HEAVY to stuff back in on my back. I appreciate Cole's help. Now I have the drive shaft out and it's getting all new u-joints. The license and insurance is all ready to go. Maybe I can haul all of Aleta's remaining 'stuff' to her on the 'maiden voyage' ha ha. I am now waiting for the drawings for a new pipeline project. The project may start as soon as Thanksgiving??? Work aarrggh!

Aleta's New Sewer

2010-08-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is the MAIN reason I came to visit and I've been arm wrestling with the township sewer authority...they've fired their engineer and office help while losing buckets of $$$ and nobody knows what they're doing.
We got the inspector to buy off the installation. Now I just have to get rid of the little shed and two big logs for the mill. Then I can schedule the yard re-grading to the tune of about 180 cubic yards of dirt and install an automatic sprinkler system sourced from the old well for free water.

Rockabilly Hot Rods

2010-08-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

The locals brought out their toys this weekend.

Brother and I Visiting B&O Museum w/Grandkids

2010-08-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Philip is very excited to be in a real steam locomotive and they even have operating sounds. My brother is visiting from MN by way of Virginia and so we've gone down to Baltimore to see a very impressive museum

Tree Work In PA

2010-08-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Now that I've made it to Aleta's and she has found a few thinigs for me to do... A 60+ mph wind knocked down a couple of trees that I have to dispose of. In the meantime, I chase Ella and Philip around in the yard and through the woods - coincidentally checking for poison ivy.

Went Through PA to Get to MN

2010-07-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

I only got to spend a day with Aleta and the kids. I had to get to MN for the HS reunion. And now Byron has me mowing and anything else that comes to mind.
The reunion was fun and interesting, having found Gary one of our 'three musketeers'. We now have our cousins from Florida on their way here for the 4th of July, a case of high-density Smith's.
I expect to be leaving early next week for CA to see Cole and his family and to get my laptop repaired.

Toys At My Brother's

2010-06-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Heh, heh, heh, I get to ride a motorcycle while I'm visiting! And there is no room for sidecar riders unless they scrunch up as that is where all the beer is!!

It's Time to Start Packing

2010-06-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

The rainy seasson has arrived and after three months of total inactivity it's time for me to go install Aleta's sewer hookup + her list of other stuff after I get back from my HS reunion. And oh by the way....pester two grandkids who I hope missed me as much as I missed them!

This Guy Is Pissed (his words)

2010-06-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help you"

This particular small incident (BP) in the total panoply of destruction to our economy comes in the form of oil headed for the coasts and some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, not to mention important fish hatcheries and habitat.

The other parts came in other places. A destroyed housing market, two financial bubbles in a row in 10 years time, eight million Americans out of work, 20+ million illegal invaders in this nation that our government refuses to expel (or, for that matter, let the states expel), backdating deposits at banks, bogus balance sheets, hinky derivative deals, bribed state and local officials in our cities and states, an actual honest-to-god Depression that is being "evaded" by borrowing trillions from the Chinese (who are then driving their people so hard they kill themselves out of desperation) and much more.
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/

Geithner Is Our Casey Jones

2010-06-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

And Obama is the the conductor! Geithner says spend, spend, spend, and President Obama wants another $50 Billion because his 'Spendulous' is running out of steam??? Our debt is 87% of our entire Gross Domestic Product! And that does not even count the $145 BILLION that Fannie and Freddie are in hock for. They are all hoping that housing prices are going up -yeah right!

What ever happened to the jobs thing? Unemployed people do not pay taxes, they consume them. I WAS a rocket scientist...with stuff on the shuttle, and I can tell you this is NOT rocket science.

Aftermath Musings

2010-06-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

The federal government has launched a criminal probe into the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. All well and good. But it invariably begs the question as to why, some three years after the start of the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression, there have been ZERO criminal investigations launched by Justice against Wall Street. The contrast is striking.

http://ampedstatus.com/hotlist.php

OK, OK, I Agree With An Oil Drilling Moratorium

2010-05-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

So I have finally come around to agree that all the eco-nuts from California enviromentalists to Philippe Cousteau, including 'peak oil' people are right. We need dramatic legislation that will:

End all offshore drilling & exploration.
Forbid any refining of non-American crude in American continental refineries.
Forbid the importation of foreign refined products including byproducts like plastics.

This will mandate reliance on the myriad of 'Green' technologies that are our collective salvation. This will also expedite the development Chinese and Indian infrastructure reliant on petrochemicals.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

Honoring the Nations Rule of Law, our National Guard, and the integrity of Arizona's government.

And On A Lighter Side...Fresh Conch

2010-05-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am going all out for dinner tonight. Conch ceviche for appetizers followed by big slabs, tenderized, and pan fried in butter.
I drove my neighbor to the fish market for some freshly butchered Bigeye Tuna aka ahi. That's next for the menu

NYMag - Heileman: "Wall Street executives are a bunch of raving lunatics"

2010-05-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

“Today, it’s hard to find anyone on Wall Street who doesn’t speak of Obama as if he were an unholy hybrid of Bernie Sanders and Eldridge Cleaver. One night not long ago, over dinner with ten executives in the finance industry, I heard the president described as ‘hostile to business,’ ‘anti-wealth,’ and ‘anti-capitalism’; as a ‘redistributionist,’ a ‘vilifier,’ and a ‘thug.’"

And more insights as to why Wall Street AND gummint are ALL a bunch of crooks. http://baselinescenario.com/2010/05/26/wall-street-ceos-are-nuts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BaselineScenario+%28The+Baseline+Scenario%29

Rachel Maddow is a Provocateur

2010-05-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

The Constitution provides for equal opportunity under the law. I completely agree with this.

Maddow in her interview with Rand Paul she asks if he favors businessmen discriminating "...on the basis of a characteristic that they didn't like as a private business owner." She alludes to race in a race-baiting manner when in fact one could consider Starbucks Coffee is discriminating against tea drinkers or juice bar patrons.

Merriam-Webster defines discriminating as the ability to perceive peculiar features.

If you choose to not discriminate I do not think I wish to know you much less consider you a friend. If you choose to not exercise your ability to tell the difference between good and evil, good workmanship versus bad, or any other host of daily decisions that make you a competent judge of life around you, then you are a waste of humanity.

The Federal Government Is Not Enforcing Our Immigration Laws

2010-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

And that is what fosters vigilanteeism:

Gheen of ALPAC: "Over the last couple days, Obama and the chief of ICE have refused to honor their oaths of office," he said. "Their constitutional requirement is to enforce existing laws".

Gheen said the 17 states where some form of immigration crackdown is under development include Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

For an Article by Article reference to Mexico's tough immigration laws worth emulating, visit here:
http://theuniversalseduction.com/special/mexicos-immigration-law-lets-try-it-here-at-home

The Morning Sea Breezes

2010-05-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

The morning breezes have been real brisk from the storms off Barbados. They don't even let up at night and any mosquitoes that get caught out get blown through the screens. In the morning there are all these dead wingless bugs on the floor and wings in the screens.

"This Is a Hangout of Mine"

2010-05-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ7sYvYexAs

Great Sunrises Here

2010-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love this east side of the island. Anyone can see a sunset. Since I have to get my tile work done and I like my bottle of Piton by about 2 pm when it's 85 degrees +, I start when it's light. After my coffee that is.

And You Thought TSA Was Bad????

2010-05-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

He couldn't make a bomb right in the first place??

The SUV was rigged with a homemade gasoline-and-propane bomb that didn't go off on Saturday night.
Each of the 36 M88 fireworks bought by the suspect, Faisal Shahzad, at the Matamoras showroom near the New York border has pyrotechnic powder equal in size to less than a sixth of an aspirin, according to officials.

Law enforcement couldn't follow him??

They initially planned to arrest him at his Connecticut home but lost track of him, two people familiar with the probe told the AP.

Airport security was going to let him leave??

Emirates airlines also didn't initially notice when Shahzad purchased a ticket that he had been placed on the government's no-fly list, according to a law enforcement official.

The Sunday Funnies - My Version

2010-05-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Idyllic Islands

2010-04-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Don't let one of these land on your head - they hurt!
I am not very fond of coconut milk but I really enjoy the fresh meat.

Tighten the Reins 'til You See Blood

2010-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Dateline April 25, 2010- Auction Rate Preferred Wreckage YET! http://www.auctionratepreferreds.org/

To date, almost 60% of the outstanding auction-rate securities have been redeemed.

With more than $25 billion still outstanding, some closed-end-fund sponsors have been refinancing the outstanding auction-rate securities aggressively to provide liquidity to the holders.

I was sold ARPS over two years ago that were represented to be a 'liquid investment' equivalent to a money market. It took my broker EIGHT MONTHS to offload this crap - just another case of Wall Street deceit.

Don't let ANY Senator off the hook for full Wall Street transparency and disclosure!

Blatant Hypocrasy Across the Board

2010-04-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

So today Senator Levin has put Goldman-Sachs in the Congressional hotseat. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Let's look at the litany of miscreants that ALL contributed to our economic collapse:

Repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act - Clinton/Rubin 1998
SEC employees surfing porn sites instead of digging out the truth of CDO's
Wishful would-be homebuyers signing for liars loans and on and on...

Now we can see where all of this leads...

There Were "Progressives" for the Last Centrury

2010-04-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Even in 1957 Atlas Shrugged references the blight of "progressives" on society -

"By that time it was too late. ...the freight cars were in California, where the soybeans had been sent to a progressive concern made up of sociologists preaching the cult of Oriental austerity, and of businessmen formerly in the numbers racket. In Minnesota, farmers were setting fire to their own farms, they were demolishing grain elevators,and the homes of county officials because their wheat could not move...

Lack of Enforcement by The Chief Executive

2010-04-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

President Obama: "That is why I feel so strongly that we need to enact a set of updated, commonsense rules to ensure accountability on Wall Street and to protect consumers in our financial system."

You are not enforcing existing laws and have allowed others to be recinded, Mr. President!
Why is not the Attorney General prosecuting bankers, mortgage lenders, appraisers and Real Estate agents where felonious conduct has taken place? Investment houses, auto manufacturers, and a whole host of hangers-on received 1.5 trillion taxpayer dollars because exisitng laws have not been enforced. The repeal of Glass-Steagall undermined a fifty year old safe system and Hank Paulson expedited the removal of the 14:1 leverage rule when he moved from Goldman-Sachs to Treasury. Those of you who elected the last three Presidents and their henchmen, Rubin, Paulson, Holder, and their entourages are just getting what you deserve. You are no different than AIG with your oversized house, oversized SUV, and oversized credit cards.

De'ja Vu All Over Again

2010-04-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

There was a curious juxtaposition yesterday evening when CNN aired a program showing Detroit's deterioration followed by India's economic woes of inflation. All of this while I was re-reading Atlas Shrugged where the mother of Hank Rearden of Rearden Steel is begging for a job for her other son and Hank turned her down because he was worthless...and the People's Republic of Mexico had just nationalized a worthless copper mine.

She said "If you loved your brother, you'd give him a job he didn't deserve, precisely because he didn't deserve it - that would be true love and kindness and brotherhood. Else what is love for? If a man deserves a job, there is no virtue in giving it to him. Virtue is the giving of the undeserved."

This is true moral bankruptcy!

Finally A ChanceTo Update

2010-04-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

I feel like Howard Hughes in Nassau - just without the bankroll or entourage. The rainy season started a month early but at least the wind is back and there are no Virgin Airlines 'heavies' (747) taking off for Europe - ash clouds...Because of my damaged laptop display and poor internet service, I've finished Ludlum's "Parsifal Mosaic". Now I'm starting a re-read of "Atlas Shrugged". With a 20 year space it is patently obvious that a 35 year old story did not enlighten anyone! Ayn Rand even used the term 'progressives' then for the looters.

No Financial "material" Impact - Ha Ha Ha

2010-03-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

I know, Obama has said that there would be no "material" impact to finances until 2014.
Liar.

Truth: Caterpillar and John Deere already announced non-cash charges of $100 and $150 million, respectively, for this year based upon the impact of this bill on forward retiree health care costs.
But today a 100-kiloton device landed on AT&T's (NYSE: T) balance sheet - they announced a one billion dollar non-cash charge.

Now tell me you think that these companies are going to pay this out of the kindness of their hearts and their own pockets and to hell with the shareholders??? Or are they going to pass this along as higher consumer costs?

Yes, you are going to have your healthcare but you cost-of-living is accompanied by a giant flushing sound.

I Really DO Work......Occasionally

2010-03-19T18:07:00.001-07:00

This is the pipe yard looking out to San Jacinto Mountain.

I am still getting in my 2 or 3 days a week, now as a consultant to Aleta's company. It's weird having my daughter for a boss. I just sent 6 packages to my accountant for all the family and their business's. And I'm wrapping up a whole bunch of other details so I can leave for St. Lucia in 2 weeks for 4 months. The mining company has been 're-aligned' to a family business under Cole's guidance. I'm free at last, free at last!

Family Visit 2010

2010-03-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

Aleta with Ella and Philip came to SoCal for a two week visit. I think that uncle Cole was outmatched by the mini-Jedi. Great fun was had by all including me with continuous fun and mayhem at the Orchard House interspersed by four count 'em 4 visits to Disneyland.

Our Amerian Hertitage - a gentle reminder

2010-02-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

The Tenth Amendment of our American Constitution -

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

I believe it is time for the citizens of America to hit the Federal Reset Button. This country was not made great by people receiving handouts...they did it all by themselves! I want the Federal Government to do their job and only their job. Then we can all do ours with honest rewarding work.

Remembering...

2010-02-10T19:39:00.001-08:00

When Aleta first talked to me about marrying Phil I said that only if we become one big family because after raising them for almost 3 decades I could never really let them go. Phil and his family were and are a wonderful family to have joined. Three days before Phil took Ella and I for a plane ride around the neighborhood. It was the last I saw him and he enjoyed it as much as we did.

Work, Work, Work

2010-02-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

So there is was happily getting greasy building my new motor. Actually I was putting the new parts together and I got a call for few days of real work for last week and this week. In between I have finished and installed the motor - now it RUNS! Here is before and after:

The Haitian Dichotomy--and I have no good answer!

2010-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Now that we have a handle on the immediate rescue problem we need to look at the long view. From a construction point of view, economics plays an important role. I have witnessed island construction of concrete block buildings that I could see daylight through what should have been mortar joints. There was no rebar and the concrete was inferior because of insufficient cement. There are no building codes in place and corruption is suspect. And this is prevalent throughout the Caribbean nations.
Where to draw the line between safe construction and over-building is difficult. When hurricanes or earthquakes destroy buildings, the new construction does provide new jobs in a poor economy. But when the economy is inadaquate to provide quality materials and competent workmanship, the results will be inferior. The salt air rots steel construction but rust-proof paint or galvanizing costs extra-no immediately visible benefits. And the replacement a couple years later provides work.
There are a variety of considerations to take into account: the involvement of knowledgeable foreign business with guarantees of investment return. Also the education and training of contractors and their workers and the implementation of building codes. And last but not least, motivation of the population with less emphasis on religous superstition and voodoo and a better work ethic.

I Question This Country's Security Concerns

2010-01-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Executive Order 13440 of July 20, 2007, is revoked -dated January 9, 2009. "...in order to improve the effectiveness of human intelligence gathering..." WHAT!!

The intelligence team and it's authority have been removed and not replaced in over a year. So this country has no authority to question the Christmas Day bomber??? I think that we had better start to be concerned over this nations security and how this administration is (not) handling it.

Motorhead Progress

2010-01-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

Now that I have finished my motor rebuild I figured I had to give it a nice new home to flex it's 330 hp muscles. It's nice to be able to get in and work on things in a real full-size truck-not SUV.

The American Public Is Destroying Me

2009-12-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

The American public's preoccupation with cost is ruining us-

So there I am putting my new 30 year motor together, installing the freeze plugs. Noticing that the thickness is different I measured them. The American made ones are 20% thicker ie. last 6 years longer than those made in China. Next I feel the fuel pump gasket in the FelPro kit. It's 30% thinner than the pump manufacturer's.

It's become a shame to have to ask for quality.

2009-12-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

I made it back in time to enjoy Christmas with my son and his family fortunately with no snow. We even got some shrubbery cleaned up and his Jeep started and it runs fine. Now there is just the transmission to go. And it's time for me to get back to my project Cherokee because my brother is bringing another bunch of parts for my Falls Flyer raceboat project on New Years. And I have to complete the ownership change of the mining operation to Cole.

Back From Big Bear

2009-12-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

I decided to go to Big Bear for a few days. It was just that there was no snow predicted. That's our weathermen for you! Since I've been staying at my friends free apartment, I brought them a new computer. Now they have something fun to play with and not go outside ha ha.

Some Enlightenment

2009-12-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

TIME Anoints Bernanke-
Time Magazine just named him person of the year. Bernanke joins previous illustrious winners, such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin twice, Yassar Arafat, and Richard Nixon twice.

The Federal Reserve's Ongoing Legacy-
The Fed was funded by the big U.S. banks originally, who still hold stock in it and have seats on its regional boards of directors. These banks receive yearly dividend payments from the Fed for their investments. If the Fed is making money, the big banks will be the beneficiary, not the American public.

Tree Trimming at the Orchard House

2009-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Having returned to SoCal, was visiting my son and his family and enjoyed their tree trimming efforts. It's only down to 50 degrees at night so it's only 20 degrees warmer than PA - not really a great difference.

Snow In Pennsylvania

2009-12-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

The season's first snow...fortunately we didn't need the snowblower.

Friends-Sweethearts of the Rodeo

2009-11-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

My friends Janis and Kristine moved to Nashville with
their families 20+ years ago and only play music on the Friday after Thanksgiving - I went to see them this year
and had a nice visit. Leonard and Kristine lived in our back house in Redondo Beach. Unfortunately it was way too short...maybe again next year.

Thanksgiving Update

2009-11-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to All-

I was able to enjoy the holdays with my daughter and her family in Pennsylvania.

We even got enough snow for a snowman

and snow angels. I ripped out the old upper

bath carpet and Aleta laid new tile.

Fall Colors in the Northeast- even poison ivy!

2009-11-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

I have managed to finish the rest of leaves today. I am also continuously trying to clear the brush and poison ivy and found two specimens today. That is substantially less than when Phil used to say "Don't come out here!" I want to keep the brambles and p.i. out so the kids can have their own personal park to play in.

Techsid 4.6 liter V-8 - 585 hp

2009-11-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

I have just found out from my buddy Nigel that my Grand Marquis Merc was the crossover year for the Ford use of the Techsid (Ferrari) 4.6 liter motor that also ran in the SVT 99 Cobra at 585 hp and is capable of 1600 to 1700 hp.

Mk III Leaf Plow - Aleta's Forest

2009-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

I have added a permanent mounting for my 'Leaf Plow' so now Aleta can do the installation herself next year. It is really impressing the neighbors how we move so many leaves - with so little effort. It is really nice to excape to the tranquil rural life. The obligations are still there but on our timetable.

My How America Has Changed - Now PC Is In Favor

2009-11-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

Today was the date of Henry Stanley’s finding Dr. Livingston 138 years ago. Here follows an excerpt from “The Autobiography of Henry Stanley" upon his arrival in New Orleans in 1859.

“The view of the sky was as freely mine as another’s. These American rights did not depend on depth of pocket, or stature of a man…I possessed privileges of free speech, free opinions, immunity from insult, oppression, and the contempt of class; and that, throughout America, my treatment from men would solely depend upon my individual character, without regard of family or pedigree."

My Current Occupational Therapy

2009-11-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Besides my observations on the economy...

I have finally got the Jeep motor to a state where it is looking like a motor again.

I really enjoy pulling up next to a Navigator and revving the motor so the frame twists during a power brake. Thise guys don't even take their 4WD SUV's off road ha ha ha!

Insights From Our Founders

2009-11-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Bernanke, Geithner & The Media - recovery - NOT

2009-11-10T15:40:00.001-08:00

Mainstream media is opining that we are in a

recovery even maybe a result of the stimulus!
Karl Denniger(http://market-ticker.denninger.net/) has overlaid this chart with the dollar and The S&P 500 from the March lows to today.
Notice the near-perfect inverse correlation. The Dollar goes up, the market goes down. The Dollar goes down, the market goes up; near-perfect correlation
Folks, you don't have to engage in any sort of "conspiratorial" thinking on this whatsoever. You only need examine the facts. The rally in the market has exactly nothing to do with the economy and the outlook for it. It is tied to one and only one thing - the decline in the dollar. It is responding to hot money flows that are being intentionally generated and, if you follow them as an investor you will be crushed, just as those who bet on recovery in Japan following their original collapse were.

A California Workaround...

2009-11-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

I am back in CA now and can sure tell it...those crooks in Sacramento are at it again.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-state-tax31-2009oct31,0,2028140.story
The provision is one of numerous maneuvers state lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger approved in the summer to paper over the state's deficit. Many of the changes, including the extra withholding, were little noticed outside of Sacramento. Savvy taxpayers can get around the state's maneuver by increasing the number of personal withholding allowances they claim on their employer tax forms, said Brenda Voet, a spokeswoman for the state's Franchise Tax Board.

Stupid Car "Stimulus"

2009-10-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

As you can readily see from the blip in the hole

our wonderful gummint's car stimulus was a complete flop. We're in the same hole we were in and possibly deeper because forward sales were robbed. Now we will see if the rest of the "Stimulus Package" is equally effective. ha ha ha

Visiting Family in Pennsylvania

2009-10-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

Fall in the northeast is quite pretty but the ominous drop of temperatures is going to chase me out in another week. Besides I have caught up with most of the 'fix-it' chores around and the leaves have yet to fall. We'll save that for our return at Thanksgiving when my brother will be visiting here for fried turkey too.

Indian Summer in Minnesota

2009-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have finally had some time to visit my brother in Minnesota. We both grew up on the Mississipppi River and now that he has returned from Beijing we can catch up on our missed time. He has a whole bunch of projects that will give me something to do too.

Motorhead Wrenching

2009-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Since there were no open flights to Minneapolis I have to take a later flight to see my daughter and grandkids for two days then go to MN. In the meantime the delay gave me a chance to start the engine assembly on my Cherokee. It's nice having everything clean and start getting the Navigator Eater back together.

Today's Hot Post - a followup from yesterday

2009-09-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

It turns out the actions shouldn’t have happened for another, very simple, reason: ACORN can’t legally operate in the state of Maryland.According to the following documents, ACORN, Inc.–the parent organization of all things ACORN–forfeited its corporate charter in Maryland in 2006. ACORN Housing forfeited its corporate charter in 2008. Any ACORN office in the state of Maryland is potentially operating illegally.

Now guess what... It's sting time in San Bernardino, CA at the ACORN office! These crooks are nationwide!!
ACORN Prostitution Scandal: California Here We Come!by James O'Keefe
**This is a Part I of the ACORN San Bernardino exposé.

What News Do You Get and Where From???

2009-09-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

My usual concerns regarding the dispicable news coverage by the usual suspects (CBS/NBC/ABC/CNN/MSNBC) has recently been heightened by their lack of coverage of the "Crooks in Residence" at ACORN and their support of (pseudo) whore's and pimps looking to buy a house for underage immigrant hookers. Tuesday promises to be a big bombshell day so check Fox News. In the meantime if you haven't heard...

ACORN’s Lawless Waysby Matthew Vadum
ACORN is not only a radical organization devoted to undermining the American system of government: It is a massive, ongoing criminal conspiracy that should be investigated for possible violations of federal racketeering laws.
With a long history of lawbreaking that is finally getting media attention, the poverty pimps of ACORN are currently in retreat across the nation, and an upcoming voter registration fraud trial may reveal embarrassing information that disrupts the operations of the embattled radical activist group. This is in addition to the undercover child prostitution sting videos revealed in recent days on this website.

Summer OUTTA the City

2009-09-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

I am spending my second week in Big Bear Lake and I come down the hill 2-3 days a week. Well, I have to get something done once in awhile!

Last week I got all the machined and new parts back for the Jeep motor and have started on the building routine. At least it is cleaner work than taking it apart. I have to be in Long Beach on Wednesday for a meeting so I can enjoy summer from the mountains to the beach.

I'd Rather Be Hot Than Wet

2009-09-02T16:52:00.001-07:00

Hurricane/tropical storm Erika is running a bit north but still too close for comfort. I'm glad I'm here even if it is getting all greasy rebuilding the motor.

I'm Enjoying Being The Family Patriarch

2009-09-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

I was invited to join in the family festivities for my grandson Kane's 4th birthday. Dinner was at the Spagetti Factory with about 16 people. After we went back to their 'Orchard House' for presents and cake and a settling of our stomaches. An excellent time was had by all including me in my role of 'Family Patriarch'.

Living the Resort Life ~ Big Bear Lake California

2009-08-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

I have escaped the 110 degree heat of San Bernardino and have gone to the mountains where it's just breaking 80. As a new perpetual guest of friends from long ago and far away I enjoyed a BBQ'ed turkey with them yesterday. I think that I will be able to stretch this out 'til Tuesday. My grandson Kane is having his birthday party Tuesday evening and I have to go back down the hill for that.
I received a call from the engine shop saying my Jeep motor is done and now I have a bunch of parts to pick up and play with - try to figure out how they go back together ha ha. More motorhead details to follow.

More Fed Shenanigans

2009-08-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Aug. 27 (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Reserve argued yesterday that identifying the financial institutions that benefited from its emergency loans would harm the companies and render the central bank’s planned appeal of a court ruling moot.

"Harm the companies" eh? You mean reveal that they are and have been insolvent, and The Fed has been engaged in covering them up?

The Fed is hiding the insolvency of banks. They, along with their handmaidens in Congress even went further and twisted the arm of FASB to legalize intentional accounting distortions that I argue amount to fraud. ~http://market-ticker.denninger.net/~

On The Road Again - my new 'home'

2009-08-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

On the road up to Big Bear Lake, CA where I've be visiting TV Bob and his wife. His kids and mine grew up together across the street from each other. Later we were neighbors on the dock in the marina. Now after a big tri-tip dinner, I have accepted their gracious invitation to stay at their spare apartment a block from the lake. I will be there through late fall...Halloween?? It's a beautiful commute when I do have to work.

Back at Work - but that's not me there

2009-08-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am finally back on the Caltrans project - here monitoring the application of the corrosion protection tape prior to the mortar lining and coating repairs. Fortunately they are not working Friday so I am going to visit friends at Big Bear Lake for a long weekend. It's got to be cooler than the 110 degrees we've had here.

Some Timely Historical Observations

2009-08-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today's Notable Quotes giving a historical perspective on our economy's direction~

“The spring of 1930 marks the end of a period of grave concern…American business is steadily coming back to a normal level of prosperity.”– Julius Barnes, head of Hoover’s National Business Survey Conference, March 16, 1930
“While the crash only took place six months ago, I am convinced we have now passed through the worst — and with continued unity of effort we shall rapidly recover. There has been no significant bank or industrial failure. That danger, too, is safely behind us.”– Herbert Hoover, May 1, 1930

Now Where Did I Put That Bearing

2009-08-12T11:56:00.001-07:00

After digging out all the scrap iron that went through the oil pump, I decided to throw all the bearings away! So new pistons, bearings all the way around, rebuilt heads, and on, and on.
But at least now the work is becoming cleaner to do.

Signs of Atlas Shrugging

2009-08-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

More signs that our wonderful gummint is willing and intent on holding their thumb on the scale of American business. How much are you Sheeple willing to put up with?

Aug. 6 (Bloomberg) — Fraudulent or deceptive actions in the wholesale oil market may draw fines of as much as $1 million a day under a rule issued today by the Federal Trade Commission... Under the measure, practices such as keeping tankers offshore and crimping U.S. supply, or closing refineries for maintenance at a time that coincides with high price or demand, or exporting at a low price just to manipulate U.S. stores of oil will get a closer look...

As a capitalist I have the right to buy and sell when were and to whom I please ~ or I can quit and you can try your hand at it. Or better yet the gummint can do it like they're going to do with healthcare. Like they have already done with the post office, the IRS, or the CA-DMV.

Today's 90 Day Delinquencies and Foreclosure Data

2009-08-07T02:22:00.000-07:00

So you watch CNBC and ??? and are told that things are geting better huh? Ha ha ha and Cramer showed his alphabet soup of graphs. Well why not ponder this salient tidbit of information datelined today (http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/).

New Motorhead Project

2009-08-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Since the Caltrans project is waiting for documentation approvals, I thought I would start a new project of my own. The 1977 Jeep Cherokee I use to go to the gold mine with has about 8 lb of oil pressure hot and 150,000 + miles on it I figured it was ready for the last re-build I will ever do on it. It is getting a complete new motor, new suspension, steering, and paint. At 7.2 liters this Navigator Eater will be ready for another 20 years. "Cash for Clunkers" eat your heart out and cheap tags for the CA DMV too!

Just Another Day at the Office

2009-07-29T21:26:00.001-07:00

A red letter day (note upper left screen) REALLY means the market is down!!!

Back in CA and Working - only occasionally

2009-07-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have returned to California and just in time to start a short project for Caltrans. They are improving that terrible Ortega Highway. Although the origial intent was for my return was to resume the engine rebuild on my Jeep Cherokee. I also understand that there is another project for Chevron that is pending. So much for my retirement. My boss (and daughter) is a real taskmaster.
I have just finished helping her refinish her laundry room after I repaired the blown-up washing machine. It's a good thing she enjoys painting. We even got the wood floors in the bathroom and hall reinstalled. I just have to retrofit a 'Smith tray' (hat tip George) to drain any future mishaps.
It is nice to return to visit friends, George in Forestville has succeeded in selling his house and is retiring. Now when I visit him we can both sit around and kabitz at the TV news commentators. TV Bob in Big Bear is retiring so I will have some great company when I visit the mountains far from the maddening crowds in 'the flatlands'.

Fun Time On The Ravens Fifty

2009-07-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

And then the last thing I remember is stumbling around Fells Point in Baltimore's Inner Habor three sheets to the wind. The next morning I woke up on the Ravens 50 yard line trying to figure out how to get breakfast. Weeelll, how else do you think that I would end up here, ha ha.

BBQ Hickory Chips - free come and get 'em

2009-07-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

This monster hickory tree blew down and I came back to my dughter's to see about making some firewood - there's a whole bunch of hickory chips for our 4th of July BBQ.

Wrenching with Cousin Len

2009-06-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

I got into Miami where Len picked me up at the airport and we went up to Sebring, FL to hang out for a few days. He is in the process of putting a Land Rover body on a Chevy diesel Blazer. (it reminds me of some women) We needed to move the grill out to get more front-end room. And the diesel is real easy on the wallet too! After a short visit here including a brat-BBQ and fish tacos to get my Mexican tastes tuned up again, I am off to Aleta's for some grandkid pestering.