Saturday, October 08, 2005

Nothing this morning

After yesterdays goatroping of forecasts, I'm going to be sure I have enough warm cloths with me.
Yes being over prepared.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Roxanne wants your opinion

She's asking what the Dems need to do to get your vote.
Go over and let her know, I did.

Here's what I had to say:

Sorry, I can't see myself voting for a (National) Dem in the forseeable future.
They have insulted my beliefs, my patriotism, my intelligence, my religion (I'm Christian-not moslem), my hstory, my memory (they keep revising what happened back in the day).
Basically everytime they open their mouths, they find a way to drive me farther away.

BTW- the Reps are starting to follow the same pattern.


Yes, she's a Lib, but still be nice- it IS her house, ya know.



Via Protein Wisdom
I'd like to take this opportunity

to thank the weather-geeks here in San Antonio. They predicted the mid 70's today- at 5 AM.

When I was too far to turn around the forecast started changing.

Basically what we had today was a Norther- I think it got up to 58 today with a 10-15MPH wind and spitting rain. I'm glad I had a spare jacket in my truck. At least I didn't FREEZE to death up 8 feet high in an open chair on an empty field.
BBBbrrrrrrrrrrrr

It's 54 degrees cold outside right now.

. . . And I had to isolate my heater core the other day- it sprung a leak.





. . . And in the Dodge, the A/C is always on- it's made that way.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

If you're interested in the Union Jack

Mrs trainwreck found a link that tells you all you want to know about the national flag of our steadfast allies accross the Atlantic.
Happy Ramadan

From the "Religion of Peace .

Why, is everyone on edge when the moslems have some kind of major "Holy" day?

I remember everyone holding their breath, just waiting for the invetable terrorist bombings when ever HANUKKAH came around, and the wave of maimed and dying childeren that Saint Nick always brought along with him.
It's about time is all I can say

WASHINGTON — Citing hurricane damage to the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico, key lawmakers are trying to relax a decades-old federal ban on new drilling off California and the Atlantic Seaboard and to encourage energy prospecting in the Rocky Mountains.


Congressional proposals also aim to waive some air pollution rules to encourage expansion of oil refineries and to authorize oil drilling beneath Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"Mother Nature proved just how vulnerable America is to supply disruption," said House Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-Tracy). "We must do more to increase and to diversify domestic supplies."

The legislation, likely to be voted on soon in the House, comes as oil- and natural-gas-dependent manufacturers have urged Congress to reopen the "85% of all federally controlled coastal waters [that] are currently off-limits to energy production."


It really sounds good, too bad that we have a bunch of RINO's up there lead by George "Trust ME!" Bush. We all know what'll happen to THIS legislation as soon as the Libs start whining.

Then we get another "sounds good" proposal from them-who-know-better-than-us

High gasoline prices, hurricane-triggered shortages and big refining profits are fueling a push to build the nation's first new oil refinery in 30 years.

The same forces are also triggering renewed efforts in Congress to give incentives and regulatory breaks to companies that expand their plants to produce more gasoline and diesel and jet fuel.

What's driving these efforts is that fuel production from U.S. refineries has not kept pace with the demand from a rebounding economy. The result has been painful price surges for consumers, truckers and airlines.


You have your usual special intrests on both sides, but in Fla. even Georges brother
doesn't want his state to benefit from inexpensive energy. Being the second half of the "Compassionate Conservative" duo, Jeb wants cheap energy without having to help pull the load.

I'm really getting tired of "politica-as-usual" and getting shafted every time I fill up.

(UPDATE 1-07-05 I guess Jeb is as consistant as his brother, he's now agreed to allow drilling off his coast)

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Is anyone else having blogger problems?

I don't know if it's Blogger, my computer (I'm having SpyBot issues) or my connection.
I finally got through to Donnie over at Cadillac Tight, and kinda got in the back way from him.
A copy of an actual letter I sent to Schneider Trucklines last night

Hi,

Just an opinion from someone who shares the road with you people.
Your drivers really should be more image consious. I was entering I-10 westbount just east of San Antonio from Cr1518 at about 4:00Pm when over the overpass on I-10 came one of your trucks. This truck had NO other vehicles (exept me) withing at least half a mile. I saw him as I was comming up thew ramp, and unless he was blind, he saw me. I had to slam on my brakes and drive onto the grass to avoid him.
I used to drive for Arrow Trucking (maybe you've heard of them?) and I know it's not required to move for an onramp. Most truckers will move if there is room, however- this is general courtiousness (and good company PR- stops letters like this).
The driver of truck #33342 pulling trailer #549010 should be reminded about driver responsibility in avoiding preventable mishaps.

Thank you for allowing me to have my say.



Yep, ol' mother trucker had the entire interstate to himself, and couldn't move one lane over.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Take a guess at which Socialist country this is from:

Initiative Measure No. 907 concerns energy conservation in homes.

This measure would require residents of cities with a population of 500,000 or more, in homes with three or more bedrooms, to refrain from heating at least one bedroom from October to February.

Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would require energy conservation by residents of cities with a population of 500,000 or more, whose homes have three or more bedrooms. Such residents would be required not to heat at least one bedroom (at least two for homes with five or more bedrooms) between October 21 and February 21 of each year, and to seal off such rooms from the rest of the residence. Violators could be fined $10,000 per month.



WRONG, it's the socialist state of Washington.
If you thought that was gov't intruding on civil liberties on this one, you should see the rest of the ballot initiatives over there.

The media is always talking about Conservatives telling people how to live. Think about it, aren't the Conservatives just reacting to what the Liberals are always trying to shove down our throat? Talk about government intruding into bedrooms- Conservatives try to stay out of them, but you keep forcing attention to what goes on in there. The more preverted, the more you want to legalize it.

H/T to Rob
This is wrong in a funny morally wrong way

A group of German teenagers disguised as policemen to frisk the attendants of a beer festival in Munich. The teenagers pretended to be looking for weapons in the crowd of tourists, who came for Octoberfest in the capital of Bavaria.

They sighted the women they liked and gave a manual going-over. One of the victims of sex-swindlers complained to the police station on “a too intimate frisk” in the street.

After that, the real policemen figured out the teenagers and arrested them. Now all the three hooligans face the punishment for sexual harassment, indecent behavior and a pretension of being the personnel of law-enforcement agencies.


That was the entire article.

Ohh, yes- how awful that these juvenile delinquents would do this to those innocent women too bad I didn't think of it when I was that age, that's just entirly too much authority abuse, and sexual predation.
That is just WRONG

There are questionable things and so-so things, but carbonated yogurt just sounds gross.

For those who've never tried carbonated yogurt, here's what you can expect:

It's a little tart and a little sweet, and bubbles lightly with fruity flavor as it hits your tongue. People who like regular yogurt will probably find it tasty and also slightly weird, given that we usually associate carbonation with the fizzy bite of a cold soda.


Sorry--YUK!

Monday, October 03, 2005

Oh, look the French are throwing another strike

I guess the Socialists in Gaul are running up against the invetable human lazyness/greed.
They keep giving more goodies for less work and people are da-m well going to take it.

Well the gov't can't support the dead weight so much any more and is thinking about privatizing some of their industries.

French rail services face widespread disruption from Monday night as trade unions prepare for a one-day national public sector strike on Tuesday.

The strikers oppose government economic policies, including plans to privatise state firms, and complain that their purchasing power is being eroded.



Remember last week? Well maybe not, it DID happen in France:

Plans to sell off the SNCM ferry firm have already led to a week of unrest in the southern port of Marseille.

Company staff have gone on strike and other workers at the port came out in sympathy, stranding thousands of tourists on the island of Corsica for several days.

The government says SNCM is debt-ridden and on the brink of collapse, but it has already modified its privatisation proposals and now intends to retain a 25% stake.


Apparently tommorrow, they will take another mid week vacation have a transportation strike. It'll be Tuesday, so most Frenchmen shouldn't be too affected, since they only work two days a week anyway.
Everyone else is weighing in on Harriet Miers

I guess I'll put in my two cents.

I'm hearing about her lack of judicial experience- so? Does that mean she won't uphold the Constitution?
I'm hearing about her lack of any kind of "history"- doesn't bother me.

She's a fundamental Christian- good we need more of them.

What bothers me is what Bush's people are saying. "Just trust him"

TRUST HIM???? Are you nuts? Every time the Left starts jumping and foaming- he rolls over and gives them what they want. The only thing I trust George W. Bush to stand firm on is the G.W.T. Everything else is nothing but Left leaning Libera Appeasement.

Trust him- chit.

Trust him- my tax bill.

Trust him- to expand Medicare by the Rx drug scam.

Trust him- to cave on Soc Sec reform.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

I was just over at E-Bay Motors


Looking at motorcycles, and decided to look at econo-boxes since I can get a car with A/C for about the same price as a bike. Looks like the twin hurricanes have affected the offerings over at E-Bay. I could probably count the non truck/SUV's that are within 200 mi. of ZIP 78861 on one hand.

The whole reason I'm looking is the 100 mi. daily round trip. I want something economical; that's why I was looking at a bike. Makes sense, right- good milage and all. Exept that I'd be the only one that could drive it, and if wifes truck had to go in, she'd be S.O.L.
That and the fact that if I'm on my bike at work, and the teens (who will be getting their licenses' to drive) will probably need something. That something will NOT be my Dodge, OR moms 2005 Montero Sport(that we still owe 50+ months on).

I looked at the S.A. Express classifieds, and have alot of choice there, it's just dealing with the denizens of the Alamo City that is kinda worrying.
Well, the girls though we had ghosts

Maybe they're poltergiests.

The 14yr-old has been seeing a green patch on her ceiling sometimes at night. We put it down to somekind of reflection off the security light up the hill.

I guess we were wrong



I guess not only is he a ghostly eating machine, he's a terrible driver also.

The only licensed drivers in the house are myself and Mrs. Trainwreck. I don't drive the Montero because I don't particularly like it. She said didn't get too close to anything when she parked, and I don't remember seeing the NEW hicky yesterday. Our 17yr-old "would never think" of taking the keys in the middle of the night for a joyride.

Soooo, I guess Slimer got too close to the roof support post, and almost cracked the headlite housing along with scraping off the paint from the bumper (to)past the plastic fender flair. And, yes the white paint deposited on the truck matches the black mark on the white 4x4 post.

The 17yr-old isn't up yet, so we'll see if anything's admitted. But I just KNOW it was Slimer.

(I'd post a pic, but the cams batteries are dead, and we don't have any spare AAAs around.)

(UPDATE- When mom asked 17yr-old to come out and see something, she didn't look suprized at all- even though denying she'd done anything. The keys will now be stowed in our room.)
Microsoft looses Explorer patent case

I just thought I'd throw out this link for those that it might affect.

It may even affect me, but I'm no techno geek AND I run Firefox.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

This could be scary

Imagine, mice that can replace missing parts.

If they find out what enables them to do that, then they'll be able to translate it into human consumption. No one needs to die anymore. People can regrow damaged organs and limbs. Think about how it will be when you have people in their hundereds (age wize). Population explosion, financial trouble, insurance? I don't want to think of the potential problems that would (in my opinion) outweigh the good.
This guy was worth a look as a possible vote getter

He's running as an independent for the 2008 presidential ticket.
I went to his website to take a better look. He says he's a centrist, and after looking at his issues page, I'll take a pass. I agree with some, but disagree with most of his ideas.

I'm a Conservative, I believe that people should be responsible for themselves. Let me keep MY retirement money. As far as abortion, it should be between the woman, her conscience and her Dr.- but it shouldn't be legal to have a partial birth abortion because mom can't fit into her prom dress. In dealing with other countries Teddy Roosevelt said it right, "talk softly and carry a big stick"(also be ready to cancel foreign aid). I want to see line item vetoes for ANY President. Although I'm a non-practicing Christian, I'd like to see more (positive)references to God, and less anti-social promotion. As far as Iraq and the mideast, we'll get out when it's stable enough- not on somekind of calendar date (it helps keep the enemy off balance).
As far as energy and reliance on foreign fuel- DRILL, build refineries and pipelines- THEN we can ease the red tape of the obstructionist environmentalists.

Ok, the rant is done.
I'll keep looking for someone I can vote for with a good conscience- whatever party, or color they are.
We just sent the 14yr-old off somewhere

We still don't know where; it's "a High School that sounds like
it's a college, kinda close to Castroville." said she

Me: Incarnet Word?
Her: No, that doesn't sound like it.

Me: It's a H.S. on the south side?
Her: yes,,, but I'm not sure where.
Me: Kennedy?
Her: No,,,,
Me: San Antonio Academy?
Her: Ummm,,,, almost, but I forgot to write it down when she told me.
(note- we've been trying to find out since Tues. where she's going)

Me: Ok, next time have her print out a flier so we know Who, What,
When and Where.
She: She doesn't have time, she teaches (something) in middle school!
Me: She can't get to a COMPUTER- with WORD- at a HIGH SCHOOL??????
Me: and print it out???
She: Well,,,, I think she may be low on paper, , ,
Me: A***, I Know how much money that School District has, they are
NOT hurting for supplies.

Me: Tell her, next time she has one of these hairbrained ideas, to
print out a flier so that parents ACUALLY know where the
so-called adults are taking you kids. She is SUPPOSED to be a
professional, with some kind of college degree, and a
responsible adult.
Me: Tell her next time we don't have something in writing- you're
not going!
Her: I can't tell her THAT! I'm 14, she's a teacher.

ummmm. . .

Me: Ok, you're right. Thanks for reminding me. I'll send something
to the Principle.
Her: Can I have the $10 for lunch? I'll bring back change.


What's griping me about this, is that ever since she got into this
colorguard/band thing they've been Nickle and Diming us to death.
First it's uniforms- ok they need that, then

* shoes
* black spagetti strap top
* sports bra
* gloves
* pants
* color coordinated make-up, , , with glitter
* every away game a present for her "secret friend" (the
teachers idea) and food money
* gym shorts
* I can't remember what else- actually, it's something "else"
every week

I and her mother don't mind so much- it's just that we want her to
have some kind of ADULT supervision.

(This was originally ready to post at 9:30AM---But Blogger being Blogger -they said they were down for scheduled maintenance from 4:30-5:30PM PST)

Friday, September 30, 2005

I was doing a little news-surfing


when this article reminded me of the funniest thing I'd heard all week.

See, I leave for work about 5:35AM and listen to talk radio (or classic rock), and the morning guy was talking to an insurance industry spokesflack.

He was telling how, and what people should do if they ever need to file a claim.
The topic of the two hurricanes came up, and this guy said, we are only interested in getting the victims the help they need.

The morning guy asked about the expected premium increase, and the spokesflack said "I haven't heard anyone even mention raising rates. It hasn't even crossed anyones mind."


.



.



.



BWAAAHAAahhhaaahhaaa!
I've been tagged

And the fifth sentence (or line anyway) is:

BAD!

Ok now Here is the 23rd post that it came from.



, , , and no, I won't tag anyone else.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Every time I LOOK at a gas station the price has increased

I know, the two hurricanes did a number on the energy industry.
I was going to post on prices going up more now- a week after Rita than they did right after Kate, wich was a worse storm.

I searched for Gasoline price increase refineries, and didn't get anything up to date. I then tried gasoline price increase refinery damage and finally got this anyway.

The hurricane damage to the oil production and refinery infrastructure in the southern states bordering the Gulf of Mexico – a region responsible for a third of all the petroleum imported and processed in the U.S. – is causing a sharp spike in both gasoline and diesel fuel prices across the country.

However, there remains deep division as to whether these price hikes are a short- or long-term phenomenon.


Nobody knows how long this spike will last. The price of crude is falling, BTW- the excuse now is "the refinery damage". THAT'S why Valaro is having record profits and is offering a stock split.

“Another challenge we face is that the downed pipelines are causing the need to transport gasoline to needed markets by ship [but] under current law, shipping between American ports can only take place on American ships -- and there are currently not enough American ships to move the oil and gasoline to where it’s needed,” the President said. That requirement is being temporarily waived so foreign ships can also help distribute oil and gasoline to where it’s needed, he noted.

While the President characterized the price spikes as temporary, others fear the impact will be felt much longer.

“The devastation of Hurricane Katrina makes us painfully aware of our nation’s vulnerability to oil and gasoline supply disruptions and of the pressing need to become as energy efficient as possible to curb demand and reduce high energy prices,” said Brian Castelli, executive vp & COO of the Alliance to Save Energy, a coalition of business, government, and environmental organizations. “Deploying energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to extend our nation's energy supplies and bring down prices.”

No, Mr. Caselli- the fastest way to extend our energy supplies is to DRILL where YOU ban it, and build the refineries and pipelines that you fight against. Then we can look at Nukes, and your renuable energy.
We've got a little bit of hype over here

See, N'awlins got it'self all flooded out, and the Superdome isn't able to host any NFL games for a while.
So, San Antonio is going to try to show the NFL that it's a big enough dog to have it's own team. They volunteered to host the Saints for their home games. Yep, the San Antonio Saints.
Problem is that Paul Tagliabue pisses all over S.A. when they first asked about hosting a team. Then the Alamo City provided practice facilities for the NFL refugees.
Mr. Tagliabue sent a letter of "thanks" to San Antonio, which ticked alot of sportsfans off.

Last I heard the Saints first San Antonio home game is like 14,000 tickets shy of even beating the local blackout -and not even close to a sellout. But the NFL in all their maganimity is going to show all three games here.

If I were some kind of capitalist, I'd be trying to capitalize on this season in souvenirs. But I don't have the contacts to get something going. SIGGgghhhhh.
I hate to admit it, but Hammas and I agree on one thing

Rap sucks!

While many young Palestinians are embracing hip-hop, not everyone in the Gaza Strip sees rap as a welcome addition.

A recent rally to celebrate the end of Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip, held amid the rubble of Israel's largest settlement, came to an abrupt end when supporters of the Islamic group Hamas stoned a young rap group on the stage.


And I have to admit that I'm kinda suprized that it took this long for the palestinians to embrace that dehumanising, voilent shouting. I mean it seems like it would be right up their alley, , , not that it's bad growing up treating woman worse than dogs, and settling any disagreement with violence and advocating crime as a way of life depending on if you're a moslem- it's just your religion, or a black ghetto dweller it's just the way you weren't taught how to act.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Help wanted-

Looking for a personal representative in an important position.

This person should be of sound morals, and remember who he's there to represent. The Ideal cadidate must be able to produce a budget and stick with it. The position involves being sure that laws are enforced equally for all, not just those who tend to slip you "bonuses".
The idea that our country must come before "politics-as-usual" will almost assure re-employment (as hard as that is for you to believe). Also for this employer, the term conservative must actually mean something besides a political tagline.

Relocation will be required, since none now in the position need apply again, I've seen what your priorities are. Thank you very much!
The location and associations leave quite a bit to be desired. The physical location uased to be a swamp. The social interactions would probably be best described as petty and vindictive, then there are your political foes...

- - - - - - - - - - -
OK, I'm getting tired of what's going on in DC.
The Republicans may just as well be Democratic lite, just like "Compassionate Conservatism"is a codeword for Liberal Lite.
I want to find someone- no alot of people- who will stand tall and say I want to do what's best for America. The ones up there now are only concerned with the next election. Period.
They've increased the size and cost of federal government in a way that would make Slick Willy, , , ummmm- well,,,, drool over a chunky chick with big hair.

It seems to me that the only thing that differentiates the Democrats and Republicans is their outlook on the war on terrorism. I can't say National defense, because our borders are wide open- and the guy in charge has no plans on doing anything about it.
Spending is out of control, with no end in sight- the leaders say there is nothing to cut.
Bush has never seen a spending plan, no- he's never seen ANY over the top law or spending plan that was worth picking up the veto pen.

PLEASE, let there be someone I can vote for to go up to DC and clean house.
I don't care what party they're from, I want a red blodded conservative that has the idea that "America- my country, right or wrong"- and means it.
Zel Miller(D) are you thinking of making a run?
Ok, it just hit me on the way home,

I didn't need to go through all the trouble and effort of making a new eye in our rope.

I bet if we unroll the winch, we can have a brand new factory-made eye, and an almost brand new rope!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Well, I got the eye made

I wanted to do it right, but didn't have close to the tools or experience to resplice an eye in 1 1/2" sinnet braided rope, with a chaffing sleeve.

I got the inner sinnet (the strong rope) about a foot up inside the standing end (the long side) and couldn't get anymore. I wormed the outer covering overwith stranded #14 wire, since I couldn't even get it started backtracking it's self.

I'd take a picture, but it looks like cr@p, and I don't need OSHA seeing it either- if you know what I mean.

I tested it on a 100cfm Ingersol-Rand Compressor and after the slack worked out it held when I jerked it around, so I guess it's safe to set light poles. I wouldn't use it for hanging 100KVA transformers anymore, though.
I wonder how much this study cost?

If you had any doubts, ya know all those chemicals they use to make new cars?
Well it turns out that they are Hazardous Chemicals.

According to a recent study, that pleasurable scent has been linked to harmful chemicals--volatile organic compound or VOC--which releases chemicals from glues, paints, and vinyl.

The smell inside the cabin of the car can trigger headaches, sore throats, and drowsiness. Japanese manufacturers have been the first to respond by reducing the chemical levels within government guidelines.


Gawd, who wouldda thunk that manufacturing chemicals might not be good for you?

Next time your significant other wants a new car, tell them "No, I'm concerned about your health."

Monday, September 26, 2005

If the Govimment wants to know where Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is

why not ask Iowa Hawk?

As a matter of fact, he has him as a contributing writer.

Right now he's giving the lowdown on their ongoing efforts of recruiting.

Case in point: after taking in the nards in Tel Afar last week, let's just say the martyr recruiting has gone a little slow. And speaking of 'a little slow,' can we talk about this latest busload of asswipes from Damascus? Jeez, I thought the Saudis were stupid, but these Syrians take the fucking baclava. Send one of these choads on a simple martydom operation against a Bagdhad collaborator elementary school, and they're like, "Durrrr, a thousand pardons effendi, I got lost! Doyyyy, can I have a martyrdom car with OnStar?" Then you end up having to print out MapQuest directions for them, which totally chews up printer cartridges, and they end up smeared along some desert freeway because they mistook the detonator button for cruise control.

Just between us, it was almost a relief when Team Satan and their Iraqi puppets greased a couple hundred of my lovable losers last week. 'Thinning the herd,' if you know what I mean, and I suppose it probably raised our average insurgent IQ ten points. To 67, maybe.


Go have a read about the inner workings of our terrorist adversaries.