Jim Hightower | By axing parks, politicos are stealing the people’s property
Get used to this. The boys are only getting warmed up. They'll take everything we got, if we let them. The rich need to pay their fair share. Corporations need to pay their fair share. Wars need to end. The military needs to be downsized. Taxbreaks and subsidies for the rich need to end. When you are done with all that, then you can ask us for a buck or two.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Quote of the Day
“The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves
miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.”
― Carlos Castaneda
― Carlos Castaneda
Our Climate Future and the Doha Summit
To make a long story short: We are committing suicide and the U.S. is supplying the hangman's noose.
Most credible climate scientists are saying we are about out of time. Listen to some right-wing yo-yo or a scientist who has spent his or her entire life trying to understand this. Don't be a fool!
Ending Violence Against Women and Children (for men)
- Examine the ways we legitimize male violence.
- Teach children how to settle conflicts peacefully.
- Understand that love does not involve control or ownership.
- Recognize that the availability of guns increases lethal violence.
- Lay off the booze and drugs. Both can lead to increased violence against women and kids.
- Just because your father was violent and dominating does not mean you have to be.
- We all need to be role models. Be nurturing, loving, caring, nonviolent, compromising. Give up the male dominance crap. In the end, you'll feel better about yourself.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
You Might Have Lost Touch With Reality If:
- most of what's currently happening in the world makes sense to you.
- you think people are after your money, in spite of the fact that you have none.
- you thought Romney would win the election. He didn't have a prayer. Not even a Mormon one.
- you think joining the military is a good deal.
- the guy or gal sitting next to you, who really isn't there, is starting to look good to you.
- while driving, you have a sudden attack of courtesy.
- you understand someone who is talking in tongues. This also applies to understanding politicians and most ministers.
- you think all that plastic surgery is going to make you younger. It only makes you a freak of nature. Or actually, a freak of a doctors making.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
A Continuing Look at Hot Springs Village
First the good news: We have a lot of lakes, nine golf courses, numerous activities of every sort, and a bunch of well groomed walking trails. Add to that some great scenery, and this is a pretty good place to retire.
On a more downward trend, many of the people in The Village are rich, which I suppose in-and-of-itself isn't so bad, if it weren't for the fact that they feel so entitled. They worry about entitlement programs for the poor being too much of a burden on them. It's hard to tell them otherwise, but they are much more burdensome on the national budget than the poor. You don't win many brownie points trying to explain that. Along with this entitlement attitude is the fact that 98% of the residents are right-wing Republicans. And wouldn't you know it, I'm just the opposite. Oh well, maybe this is preparing me for hell.
We had an egotistical, Jackass sort of general manager that is now gone. Unfortunately, the directors will probably pick out another just about the same. They have absolutely no diversity on the board, making them pretty predictable. A surprise would be nice, but highly unlikely.
We do have a pretty good work force who do their best to keep things up. The golf course workers did a super great job this summer. I'm ashamed that we pay them so poorly, but the rich do like to keep their money. We have a lot of retired management people. The last thing they have on their mind is to pay people a living wage. That thought never occurs to them.
The state legislature went Republican for the fist time since reconstruction, which is not a good sign for Arkansas. With so many poor people, I can't believe they've been duped so badly. We do rank third for lack of education, which helps explain this terrible trend.
We now have Tom Cotton representing us in Congress. He's a Harvard educated lawyer who volunteered for Afghanistan so he could come home and run on his heroic record. You can tell the guys a lawyer, although he must not be a very good one if he can't make a living at it. What a charmer.
It is about horse racing season. We love the horse races. The Oaklawn track is great. I get a kick out of the Baptists endorsing horse racing but not casinos. (By the way, the casino there is a gaming room, not a casino). I thought horse racing was gambling, but I guess maybe it's not. Probably says something about that in the Bible somewhere.
Anyway, looking forward to Christmas. Hope everyone has a merry one.
On a more downward trend, many of the people in The Village are rich, which I suppose in-and-of-itself isn't so bad, if it weren't for the fact that they feel so entitled. They worry about entitlement programs for the poor being too much of a burden on them. It's hard to tell them otherwise, but they are much more burdensome on the national budget than the poor. You don't win many brownie points trying to explain that. Along with this entitlement attitude is the fact that 98% of the residents are right-wing Republicans. And wouldn't you know it, I'm just the opposite. Oh well, maybe this is preparing me for hell.
We had an egotistical, Jackass sort of general manager that is now gone. Unfortunately, the directors will probably pick out another just about the same. They have absolutely no diversity on the board, making them pretty predictable. A surprise would be nice, but highly unlikely.
We do have a pretty good work force who do their best to keep things up. The golf course workers did a super great job this summer. I'm ashamed that we pay them so poorly, but the rich do like to keep their money. We have a lot of retired management people. The last thing they have on their mind is to pay people a living wage. That thought never occurs to them.
The state legislature went Republican for the fist time since reconstruction, which is not a good sign for Arkansas. With so many poor people, I can't believe they've been duped so badly. We do rank third for lack of education, which helps explain this terrible trend.
We now have Tom Cotton representing us in Congress. He's a Harvard educated lawyer who volunteered for Afghanistan so he could come home and run on his heroic record. You can tell the guys a lawyer, although he must not be a very good one if he can't make a living at it. What a charmer.
It is about horse racing season. We love the horse races. The Oaklawn track is great. I get a kick out of the Baptists endorsing horse racing but not casinos. (By the way, the casino there is a gaming room, not a casino). I thought horse racing was gambling, but I guess maybe it's not. Probably says something about that in the Bible somewhere.
Anyway, looking forward to Christmas. Hope everyone has a merry one.
HAPPINESS:
- is a life well lived.
- has to do with our capacity to give and the sense of self we get in doing so.
- does not come from money or possessions.
- has nothing to do with sex, but has everything to do with the intimate dance played out around it.
- is wearing a hat that fits you and socks that match.
- means never having to apologize for being you.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
WHAT IF:
- the right-wing got its wish and everyone turned White? Who would they hate?
- it were discovered Jesus was a homosexual? What a mess that would make.
- one and one unds up not being two? My first grade teacher would have to apologize to me.
- someone said they were you and could prove it? If someone said they were me, they'd be nuts.
- you wanted to die but no one would let you?
- you went to the hospital to get better but didn't?
- someone said they hated you because of your color? Or disability? Or social status? Or because they think you're a witch?
- we no longer needed the military? Would they still make bombs?
- everyone quit smoking? Would they still make cigarettes?
- they discovered sex to be a fatal disease? Would we still.....oh, forget it.
Monday, November 26, 2012
GATES
I've been giving some thought to the gates at each end of the Village. I've come to the conclusion that they are not there to keep people out, but to keep us in. Between all the old people who continue to drive, and all the Republicans who feel a strong sense of entitlement to whatever they want, I am betting that the local people helped build the gates to keep us in. I really couldn't blame them. On a trip to the West Gate today, I got behind someone willing to go at least 20 miles per hour, generally only when going down hill. When the person finally decided to turn off, they of course did not use a blinker, which appears to be a Village law. About one in ten people use a blinker. I got behind a cop the other day, and guess what: No blinker. Anyway, when I finally got to Walgreens, my prescription was not ready. So I went to get a haircut. Five people were sitting there. (I'm considering becoming a barber). Leaving the barber, a fellow was laying in the parking lot who had just fell. He was ok, but it scared him and his wife. We suggested he stop by prompt care to be checked out. All in all, it was an exciting day at the worlds largest gated nursing home.
They're Doing Us Wrong | Common Dreams
Brave little rascals, those boys in blue. Doing Wal-Marts dirty work for them.
Workers Strike Blow Against Walmart | Common Dreams
Workers Strike Blow Against Walmart | Common Dreams
The mainline press don't have much to say about this. So here it is.
The mainline press don't have much to say about this. So here it is.
Answering The E-mail
*Mr. Peever: Do you really think man evolved from the apes? John
Dear John: Find a mirror. Look in it. Need I say more.
*Dear Peever: You seem to slant everything toward the left. Are we to believe everything you say? Ann
Dear Ann: Yes
*Dear Mr. Peever: What do you have against Christians? Jane
Dear Jane: Nothing. I'm just wondering what's wrong with most of them.
*Peever: Do you think the world is going to Hell in a hand basket? Mark
Dear Mark: Some days it sure seems like it. At other times, I'm certain of it.
*Dear Bruce: Why are you living behind closed gates? Robert
Dear Robert: You're thinking these gates are to keep people out. I only recently figured out that the gates keep us in. Interesting.
Dear Mr. Peever: I sure do like your writing. You seem very smart. Unknown
Dear Mom: Thanks for writing. I'll see you soon.
Dear John: Find a mirror. Look in it. Need I say more.
*Dear Peever: You seem to slant everything toward the left. Are we to believe everything you say? Ann
Dear Ann: Yes
*Dear Mr. Peever: What do you have against Christians? Jane
Dear Jane: Nothing. I'm just wondering what's wrong with most of them.
*Peever: Do you think the world is going to Hell in a hand basket? Mark
Dear Mark: Some days it sure seems like it. At other times, I'm certain of it.
*Dear Bruce: Why are you living behind closed gates? Robert
Dear Robert: You're thinking these gates are to keep people out. I only recently figured out that the gates keep us in. Interesting.
Dear Mr. Peever: I sure do like your writing. You seem very smart. Unknown
Dear Mom: Thanks for writing. I'll see you soon.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Art of Counseling
* Normal means
never having to say, “I shot him.”
* At the heart
of all listening lurks the payment.
* Helping
others is a noble profession. Of course, so is emptying septic tanks.
* Seeing has
nothing to do with understanding.
* It is far
better to live in silence than it is to live in spoken nonsense.
* Money cannot
buy you happiness. Nor, for that matter, can antidepressants.
* When taking a
look at yourself, be prepared to throw up.
* If someone
comes up to you saying they want to tell you the truth, run.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Some Things I've Learned Hanging Around Older People
- I've never heard of some of these illnesses.
- The memories of sex seems to linger on.
- These folks get up early, go to bed early, and are always late.
- Older and wiser don't necessarily mix.
- The last birthday you want to celebrate appears to be 65. You finally get that evil, socialistic Medicare. I'm sure all the right-wing Republicans don't sign up.
- If I had my choice of sitting with a group of younger people under age 25, or a group of older people over as 65, I'd stay at home.
- You come to understand that age doesn't make a whole lot of difference, but living the life you were given does. The happiest people seem to be the people who give it their best shot.
Subtle Ways to Make a Difference
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Say "Thank you" at least twice per day.
- Mow the neighbor's lawn.
- Visit a shut-in or someone alone in the hospital.
- Give $20 to someone you know who could use it.
- Volunteer.
- Write a letter to the editor about an issue that moves you.
- Get involved with something. Anything. Try to make a difference.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Black Friday
Thursday, November 22, 2012
THANKSGIVING DAY QUOTE
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
and your pies take the prize,
and may your Thanksgiving dinner
stay off your thighs!
–Unknown
Things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving
- I'm thankful I wasn't one of the Native Americans the pilgrims poisoned.
- I'm thankful the American public is finally paying attention to who they elect to Congress.
- I'm glad I'm not a turkey.
- I'm thankful for my family and friends.
- I'm thankful that I learned somewhere along the line that killing your enemy is not the way to find peace. It only pisses them off.
- I would be extra thankful if people would start using their brains to think for themselves rather than listening the "talking heads" or irresponsible politicians.
- I"m grateful I was raised as a Democrat. Otherwise, I'd have killed myself by now.
- It would really be something to be thankful for if George Jr., Dick Cheney, and Karl Rove were put on trial for crimes against humanity.
- It would be a wonderfully thankful Thanksgiving if our troops returned home this holiday season. Alive.
- I'm thankful Obama won the election. Life with Mitt would not have been on my thankful list.
- I'm thankful I didn't die 12 years ago from staph infection in my chest. Otherwise, I'd be dead now.
- I'm thankful for our new home and new friends. I only wish some of them were liberal, progressive, Democrats. I guess you can't have everything.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Ten Ways to Know You're Alive
- Just because you have a heart beat and pulse doesn't mean a thing.
- Are you raising some kind of hell?
- Somehow, somewhere in your heart, do you realize that killing people is not going to produce peace?
- Do you wake up in the morning grateful for the opportunity to make life better for someone other than yourself?
- Have you ever felt, maybe just for a brief moment, that you are connected to everything?
- Do you say you're sorry when you need to?
- Have you helped someone without expecting anything in return? Daily?
- Do you believe it is possible to not have any enemies?
- Can you accept the fact that you may be wrong and someone else right?
- Blood pressure, heart beat, pulse, breathing, all have something to do with life, but little to do with living it.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Quote of the Day
“The real division is not between conservatives and revolutionaries but between authoritarians and libertarians.”
George Orwell, A Life in Letters
George Orwell, A Life in Letters
Confusion Based Pollicies
I see the POA is making the dog park supporters raise money to help with the costs of the park. I assume they are doing so because not all residents own dogs, therefore they should cover some of the costs. This sets a precedence for anyone asking for POA, or our, money, to help on a project that not every resident will be interested in. For instance, the same thing should have happened with the Woodland Auditorium sound system. Since not everyone goes to the auditorium, they should have been made to raise the necessary money. Now we will have to watch them. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Or however that goes.
Peever Law #54
Vulture capitalism — not unions — killed Twinkies
Vulture capitalism — not unions — killed Twinkies
The mainstream media generally misses the real story. Of course, they are all owned by large corporations.
The mainstream media generally misses the real story. Of course, they are all owned by large corporations.
Monday, November 19, 2012
What is an Epiphany?
- When you realize the rich are always going to screw the poor. That is an epiphany.
- When you realize that they have been lying to when they say things will be better in heaven, just you wait. That it's all a line of crap to keep you in order. Keep you bowing at the alter. That moment of realization will be an epiphany.
- When you realize employees have to unionize in order to protect themselves against management. That is an epiphany.
- When you realize it really doesn't matter who is President of the United States. The rich will keep getting richer and the poor poorer. That is an epiphany.
- When you realize the world will go on without you, as unlikely as that may seem to you. That is an epiphany.
- When you come to understand that right-wing, Republican, Christians are anything but Christian. That is an epiphany.
- When you realize that men do not have the right to tell women what to do with their bodies. That is an epiphany.
- And finally, when you realize that your way is not the only way, that, my friend, is an epiphany.
Some Stupid Things I Have Done
- I once peed over the edge of the Grand Canyon. The height was not near as bad as the fine.
- I once ate a dog treat by mistake. It looked like jerky. It wasn't really bad.
- I have run for public office.
- A buddy and I went into a gay bar by mistake one time. Interesting.
- I did pay a guy to do some work before he did it. He never did it.
- I have gone the wrong way down a one-way street. I claimed my wife was pregnant and about to give birth, but the officer clearly saw through that explanation, particularly since I was the only one in the car.
- I did play a golf course backwards. It didn't help my score.
- One thing I do know: Drinking tequila makes you stupider than usual.
Some Stupid Things I Have Never Done
- I've never peed on an electric fence.
- I've never bought a boat.
- I've never ridden one of those mechanical bulls.
- I've never gone anywhere early or late because of the time change.
- I've never at more than one whole pie at a sitting.
- I've never watched a soap opera.
- I've never read Enquirer, or other grocery store tabloids.
- Ive never bought a gun thinking it would make me safer.
- I've never gone into a restaurant, ate, and walked out without paying. At least not knowingly.
- One thing I'm proud to say I've never done: I've never voted Republican.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Quote of the Day
Cheap Advice for Republicans
Republicans are suddenly waking up to the fact that they may never again win a Presidential election unless they make some dramatic changes. I have a few suggestions:
- Turn Democratic
- Get rid of the Tea and start drinking beer.
- Try to remember this: Your way is not the only way. I realize this will be difficult for you. You are used to getting your way. It's not going to work anymore. We got your number.
- Try to understand that not everyone is rich and stupid.
- Voter suppression is not going to work. If you can't win honestly, your not going to win at all. No more Ohio or Florida bullshit. People will stand in line for 48 hrs. if they have to. Your days of cheating us are over.
- You need to dump all the advisers you hired for this election, particularly Rove. Send him out to pasture, where he can rove around with the other has-been jackasses.
- You keep pushing the poor into the ground, you're going to wish you hadn't.
- The way you want to treat females, it's kind of a Dark Ages kind-of-thing. I can't get over how completely arrogant you guys are. I bet your wives end up voting Democratic. That would be really funny.
- You want to have religion and be Christian, that's fine. Nobody cares, and it's probably an alright thing, except for other Christians. But none-the-less, be what you want to be and shut the hell up about it. But most importantly, keep it out of your politics. Most people do not want Church and State to walk hand and hand down the isle.
- If none of these appeal to you, or you think they're too hard, go back to number one.
MIND GAMES
It's hard to get over
thinking that my way, or in your case, your way, is the only way. Each of our
brains harbor within it the belief that we know the right way of doing things.
Anything. Everything. We tend to believe we know "the truth." We fuss and fight
and name-call in a vain attempt to see to it that our way becomes the way
things are done. That our way becomes the conventional wisdom. When all else
fails, we pout. Or start a war. Or call the other guy a lunatic.
Getting over this is no easy matter, and
is one of life's biggest challenges. As difficult as it is to believe, there
are many roads leading to the same destination. Some of the roads are unpaved
and have dangerous curves, and for that reason they are not as congested as the
freeways. Leaders, in particular,
have a hard time with this notion. They think they know the way. Our political, military,
and religious leaders get mired down in this muck. But sooner or later, the
proclaimers of "the truth," or "the
way," will end up ridiculed and humiliated for not recognizing and attempting
to understand other options. Surprisingly, they never learn one of life's more
difficult lessons: One's beliefs may be the shortest distance to a particular
point or solution, but not necessarily the best or the only.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
On Twinkies, Ho Hos, Hedge Funds and Greed | Common Dreams
On Twinkies, Ho Hos, Hedge Funds and Greed | Common Dreams
It appears management were both Twinkies and Ding Dongs. "Twinkie Dongs." But hey, it had to be the union, the only organization in America that stands up for workers rights. Isn't this India? Or China?
It appears management were both Twinkies and Ding Dongs. "Twinkie Dongs." But hey, it had to be the union, the only organization in America that stands up for workers rights. Isn't this India? Or China?
Ten Ways to Tell if You're a Right-Wing, Republican, Christian
- You picture God as a white, male, about 68 years old.
- You take everything in the bible literally, except the part about not killing.
- If anyone suggests there might be other relevant religions, you turn homicidal.
- You get Moses and Charlton Heston confused.
- You think Rush Limbaugh is a prophet.
- You figure the American flag might well have been the original Shroud.
- Anyone who does not think like you is the enemy.
- Liberalism has this hopeful, compassionate, caring quality that you despise.
- You're good at maintaining a position of ignorance and close-mindedness.
- Look in a mirror. If it doesn't cast a reflection, don't say I didn't warn you.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Wise Thoughts on a Little Bit of Everything
- Life is sexually transmitted.
- Men have two emotions: hunger and horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.
- All of us should learn a lesson from Mother Nature: She doesn't give a damn what we do or think.
- It wouldn 't hurt if about half of everyone on Earth went somewhere else.
- I guess religion is ok. It beats sitting around having nothing to talk about.
- If you give a person a fish, they'll eat it. If you teach them to fish, you'll never see them again.
- The average cost of raising a dog to age 15: $12,000. The average cost of raising a child to age 18: $170,460. Score one for the dogs.
- You can try to lick your elbow, but it won't work.
- When it's time to retire, you'll know it. Your job will no longer make cents.
- In life, there are way too many things to remember. To help you out, I narrowed it down to this:
A Fair, But Not Entirely Impartial, View of Hot Springs Village
Hot Springs Village is a nice place, but kind of suburgatory like. There are a lot of great people, but I'm not used to being around people who have so much money. Rich doesn't settle very well with me, although I suppose my wife and I would be considered rich in many circles. Rich is pretty subjective, depending on who you are being compared to.
Along with rich must come a sense of entitlement, a word most resident toss around quite freely, in the wrong direction. The Village is full of Republicans, many of them right-wingers. They don't want their tax dollars going to help others. They would prefer that those dollars stay with them. Oh, they'll give a twenty or even a hundred to whatever benevolent cause is going around, but I often feel it is given with a subliminal message: These people should be taking care of themselves, if only they would get a job. Maybe it's just me being cynical.
A lot of people, mainly men, had very important and prestigious jobs. Unfortunately, most never got over it. A lot of know-it-all's. If you question them, they get really uptight. I don't suppose many have ever been challenged, for fear the person doing so would lose their job. Seeing I don't have a job, and tend to be pretty conflict oriented, I don't let them get away with much. It's not that these people are not nice people. I like about everyone I've met. It's just that most have not been exposed to life "out there," or they forgot it.
Anyway, I take Hot Springs Village for what it is: A lot of nice, interesting people who prefer right-wing Republican politics and don't like anyone challenging them. With that in mind, I doubt I'll ever get "resident of the month."
(Stay tuned. This impartial view is to be continued).
Along with rich must come a sense of entitlement, a word most resident toss around quite freely, in the wrong direction. The Village is full of Republicans, many of them right-wingers. They don't want their tax dollars going to help others. They would prefer that those dollars stay with them. Oh, they'll give a twenty or even a hundred to whatever benevolent cause is going around, but I often feel it is given with a subliminal message: These people should be taking care of themselves, if only they would get a job. Maybe it's just me being cynical.
A lot of people, mainly men, had very important and prestigious jobs. Unfortunately, most never got over it. A lot of know-it-all's. If you question them, they get really uptight. I don't suppose many have ever been challenged, for fear the person doing so would lose their job. Seeing I don't have a job, and tend to be pretty conflict oriented, I don't let them get away with much. It's not that these people are not nice people. I like about everyone I've met. It's just that most have not been exposed to life "out there," or they forgot it.
Anyway, I take Hot Springs Village for what it is: A lot of nice, interesting people who prefer right-wing Republican politics and don't like anyone challenging them. With that in mind, I doubt I'll ever get "resident of the month."
(Stay tuned. This impartial view is to be continued).
Peever Law #42
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Growing Global Movement Against Austerity | Common Dreams
The Growing Global Movement Against Austerity | Common Dreams
Look up Rolling Jubilee. A great idea.
Look up Rolling Jubilee. A great idea.
Cheap Advice That Would Have Cost You $100 an Hour in My Former Life
- Never say anything you mean. You'll only live to regret it.
- The single most important thing in marriages that last is not love, but a strong need to always be wrong.
- Insanity is nothing more than a minority view of reality.
- Fear cripples many a healthy person. Remember this wise old saying: The only thing we have to fear is---the guy hiding behind the couch.
- Talking is way overrated. Try listening.
- There is a mental health diagnosis for every human problem. This in itself is insane.
- There is a medication for every human dilemma. This is what is commonly referred to as the profit motive.
- Never take advice from a counselor whose life is more screwed up than your own.
Some Proposed New Labels for Alcohol
- Consumption of alcohol may cause stupidity.
- The result of drinking this product may be pregnancy.
- Consuming this product may make you believe you are Superman. Please, do not leap off a tall building or take on a locomotive or pick a fight with anyone named Bubba.
- Use of this product by minors may cause them to act like adults.
- Consumption of this product may make you believe four inches is actually ten.
- Excessive use of alcohol may make you pee your pants.
- Before drinking, remember, the life you destroy drinking to excess may not be just your own.
Peever Law #20
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Speaking of Life's Lesser Joys
- Loud Motorcycles.
- Watching and/or listening to a Mitt Romney speech.
- Thinking you have to fart when you have diarrhea.
- Wal-Mart
- Cold french fries.
- Right-wing Republicans.
- Warm beer.
- Stay-off-the-grass signs.
- Lint on socks.
- Going to a proctologist.
Some Stupid Things
- Piercing, pennies, and political conventions.
- Fat-free, no sugar ice cream, non-alcoholic beer, and holes in donuts.
- The federal government, state government, and local government.
- Gambling, gossip, and gadgets.
- Lawyers, meteorologists, and proctologists.
- Brussels sprouts, liver, and Limburger cheese.
- Reality TV, soap operas, and talk shows.
- Sun roofs, spoilers, and 4-wheel drive.
- Push-up bras, spiked heels, and edible underwear.
- Right-wing, Republican, Christians.
Quote of the Day
“Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask, "Is life a multiple
choice test or is it a true or false test?" ...Then a voice comes to me
out of the dark and says, "We hate to tell you this but life is a
thousand word essay.”
― Charles M. Schulz
― Charles M. Schulz
To My Right-Wing, Republican Friends: More Books to Read
- The Sixties; I Think I Was There. Vague recollections of various protests, concerts, and happening I attended.
- The Bush League: How to Avoid the Draft and Still Become Commander-In-Chief. Remember George? I caught him at his best.
- One-Hundred Way's to Fix Chicken. It even includes how to make factory chicken taste like chicken. And as a bonus, I expose the Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, for you grease lovers.
- Fifty Way's to Get Rid of That Booger on the End of Your Finger .A little something for everyone. Never once do I suggest eating it.
- How to Get a Job: Writing a resume' in Spanish and Chinese. Self-explanatory.
- And my latest, Forty-two Different Sexual Positions with an Inflatable Doll. This is particularly relevant for the elderly.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
For My Right-Wing, Republican Friends
A week after the election, I'm sure you have come to the realization
that your right-wing ideology is not going to work very well in a
national election. You can fool people in less educated states, but that
just is not going to cut it. So I'm here to help you. Here is a list of
the best books you can read when you consider becoming a liberal. I
realize it will be tough for you in the beginning, but you will soon
catch on: Instead of right you will be left; instead of anti-choice, you
will be pro-choice; instead of retrogressive you will be progressive;
instead of racist, you will be inclusive; instead of hawks you will be
doves; and so on and so forth. You'll eventually get it. The list:
- A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn
- Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich
- The Gnostic Gospels, by Elaine Pagels
- Working, and Race, by Studs Terkel
- Intellectual Origin of American Radicalism, by Staughton Lynd
- Labor's Untold Story, by Richard Boyer and Herbert Morais
- Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
- Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson
- The Liberal Imagination, by Lionel Trilling
- The Affluent Society, by Jjohn Kenneth Galbraith
Post Election News
Here's some good info. Of the top ten states ranked highest for educational achievement, all ten voted for Obama. Of the bottom ten ranked states in education, of which Arkansas is ranked number three, nine out of ten voted for Romney. This helps to prove that it is relatively easy to dupe the uneducated, which is exactly what the right-wing Republicans are doing. They were quite successful in Arkansas, electing a bunch of right-wing Republicans. STAY IN SCHOOL, OR GO BACK. HELP SAVE THE COUNTRY.
Quote of the Day
Peever Law #76
Quote of the Day
“Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
― Benjamin Franklin
― Benjamin Franklin
Making Sense Out of Nonsense
I see one of our committees in the Village is hard at work raising money for our POA employees. Now let me try to figure this out: We pay our employees a pathetic wage and then take up a collection to help them make ends meet. I'm sure it's to show our appreciation. Rather than to go to all that trouble, why not suggest that they be payed a living wage? Then we could throw them a dinner for our appreciation, rather than helping them make ends meet.
Pickin' on Cotton
I see Cotton is my new representative. That's just great. An attorney who volunteers for Afghanistan, comes home, and runs for Congress on his record. Oh brother.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Dear Pat:
Pat Robertson is back talking to God. Most people that claim God talks to them end up in a mental ward somewhere. He ends up being a spokesman for right-wing Republicans. Go figure.
Evolution Is A Thing, and Other Real Facts In A Real Country Rick Perry or Scott Will Not Save Even If They Tilt So Far Right They Fall Off the (Warming) Planet | Common Dreams
These guys have a hard time with the facts. They prefer to make them up. It's called The Science of Right-Wing Stupidity.
Peever's Tidbits of Information
- I get all my information from The Naked Dancing Llama.
- A little effort and fortitude are sometimes as good as praying.
- Never hire a surgeon named Bubba.
- When you are down and out and can't seem to be able to get anything right, become a politician.
- The further down on the scale of humanity humans go, the more religious they become.
- Never bend over in front of a lawyer.
- The more money people have, the less civil they become.
- If you want to look good in an election, hire a pollster. And give them a list of people they should call.
Presidential Polls Were All Skewed Toward Romney
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Lesser of Two Evils
- A prostitute on the street corner or a pretty little thing that steals someone's husband?
- A bank robber or the CEO of a company who bankrupts the retirement fund?
- A killer or the state appointed executioner?
- The enemy or the liberator?
- A well known for writing scripts doctor or a drug dealer?
- A right-wing, Christian, male, Supreme Court Justice or a lobotomy?
- A politician or a used care salesman?
- A minister or a snake oil salesman?
- Romney and Ryan or any two of the three stooges.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Too Many Ministers, Not Enough Doers
Truth and Justice
Why is it those who are fighting for truth and justice
are often assassinated? People begin to think that evil is prevailing. Often,
those fighting for justice, equal rights, freedom, are killed for their
efforts. Look at Christ, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Bobby Kennedy, Che
Guevara, Benazir Bhutto. Evil shot them down. One gets the notion that evil
triumphs over good. But that's not so. If the liberators of the world
retaliated, then evil wins. You have to hold yourself up, stay out of the
quicksand of killing, guns, revenge. I had a guy e-mail me about my advocating
non-violence. He said if l wasn't man enough to defend myself and my family, he
would be willing to kill anyone trying to hurt us, as something of a favor. I
said no thanks. He just doesn't get it.
Quote of the Day
“When politicians start talking about large groups of their fellow
Americans as 'enemies,' it's time for a quiet stir of alertness.
Polarizing people is a good way to win an election, and also a good way
to wreck a country.”
― Molly Ivins
― Molly Ivins
Friday, November 9, 2012
How to Make The Most Out of a Bad Situation
- If you get caught with your pants down, blame it on your tailor. If you don't have one, get one, quick.
- If someone fingers you while you're driving, blow them some kisses, in a happy, gay kind of way.
- If you get diarrhea, consider doing a stain removal commercial.
- If you get in the wrong line at the funeral home, tell the relatives of the deceased you're that long-lost cousin from Kentucky. The one who married his sister.
- If you're being held up, ask for a receipt. You can report it as a gambling expense. You took a chance on mankind and lost.
- If your preacher's giving you hell for sinning, ask him why the choir director's kid looks just like him.
- If all else fails, join the military. Travel to new places. Meet new people. Kill them.
Republicans Can See Color
“We owe Clint Eastwood a debt of thanks. Not only because it was
truly a hilarious twelve minutes of improvised "awesome" in a week of
scripted "blah".
But because it advanced our understanding.
This president has issues, and there are very legitimate debates about his policies and actions, and successes and or failures as president - I mean, tune in next week. But I could never wrap my head around why the world, and the president republicans describe, bears so little resemblance to the world and the president that I experience. And now I know why :
There is a president Obama that only republicans can see”
― Jon Stewart, Miscellaneous Writings
But because it advanced our understanding.
This president has issues, and there are very legitimate debates about his policies and actions, and successes and or failures as president - I mean, tune in next week. But I could never wrap my head around why the world, and the president republicans describe, bears so little resemblance to the world and the president that I experience. And now I know why :
There is a president Obama that only republicans can see”
― Jon Stewart, Miscellaneous Writings
Thursday, November 8, 2012
MEMORIES
I read Tim
Russert's book, "Big Russ and Me," some time ago. His next book, "Wisdom of Our
Fathers," contained letters from sons and daughters sent to Russert in response
to his first book. Here was my letter:
Big Orval and Me:
My father died two weeks before I graduated from high school, in 1966. He was
46. A sudden heart attack. Forty-six seemed pretty old to an eighteen year old.
I've come to understand just how young it really was.
By most counts,
my father was an everyday kind of guy. He graduated from high school, went into
the service during WWII for four years, got out alive, married when he hit U.S.
soil, in Virginia Beach, had one child, me, went to trade school and became a
plumber, became president of the plumbers and pipefitter's union, was commander
of the local Legion post, served on the city council, and held the 100 yard
dash record at the local high school for some twenty years. He drank a little
too much, liked spending time with his male friends bowling, shooting pool, and
playing golf. He loved to play softball, which he did the night before he died.
He was a big Democrat, not into church-going, loved cigars, and always wore
what we called a cat hat.
The evening he
died I had just returned home from a baseball game. I was eager to tell him we
had won the district championship and I had driven in the winning run. I never
got the chance. My mother called asking me to come to the hospital, that my
father had suffered a heart attack. She didn't want to tell me he had died
until I got there. "I'm sorry, Dad died. It was quick, they couldn't save him."
Hard words for her to say, and for an 18 year old to comprehend. Words you're
never prepared for.
Eighteen years is
not a long time. Still, my father taught me some things that remain with me to
this day. One of the things he taught me was to have respect for others,
particularly anyone older than myself. The lesson came while we were shopping
for a new ball glove. I ran through the door at the store, bolting in front of
an older couple. When I turned around, half-way to the sporting goods section,
no dad. I went back outside, there he was talking to this couple. He was apologizing,
not just for me for cutting them off, but for himself as well. He was sorry for
the inconsideration, as though it were both of us who had stepped in front of
them. I was all of 8 or 9. He told them, and me, that he hoped that would never
happen again. It hasn't.
One of the things
my father and I did together was go to the tavern on Sunday morning after I was
out of Sunday school. While this wouldn't be highly thought of today, it was a
tradition in a German town in 1959. Boys had to learn what a tavern was. One
particular Sunday morning, I recall a black man, probably 60–65, coming
in to get a six-pack, on his way to the creek to do some fishing. He got the
beer from the cooler, and walked up to the bar to pay. Some of the guys at the
bar told the bartender to not sell any beer to a "nigger." As though it were
yesterday, I see my father getting up and paying for the old man's beer and
escorting him out. When he returned, no one said a word, including my father.
He never said anything to me, or his friends, or made anything of the incident.
But I got the point.
Since I have
limited space, one more story. I was probably 6 or 7. We were living in an
apartment at the time that had a shared bathroom with another apartment, and no
shower. I can remember my father and I going down to the power plant, where
they had public showers. Those trips were a special time with my father. I
don't remember any special stories or lessons to go along with them, only that
they stand out in my memory as a special time, when my father and I, naked as
jaybirds, enjoyed a shower together.
Since May 10,
1966,I have missed my father. I often wonder how things would have been between
us, how our relationship would have developed, what he would think of me? How
he would have dealt with a daughter-in-law and two grandkid's? Anyway, sitting here on the back deck, thinking about it, tears run down my
cheek. I suppose some would say I should get over it, but I prefer not to.
Somehow those tears keep alive the memories.
I almost died
myself at age 52. Now I realize just exactly how young he really was. My father
never laid a hand on me, never yelled at me, never called me crazy names. He
taught me to be responsible, to be respectful, and to accept others who may be
different than myself. He tried to help others when he could. I made a career
out of it.
Emotions were not
freely expressed in a German community. I suppose they fancied themselves as
tough. I remember seeing my father cry twice in those 18 years, once at the death
of a friend, and another time at his father's death. I don't remember him
saying he loved me or I saying that I loved him. It was shown, but not talked
about. I waited too long to say, Dad, I love you. Thanks.
“Politics is not about big money or power games; it's about the improvement of people's lives”
― Paul Wellstone
― Paul Wellstone
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
“Republicans stand for raw, unbridled evil and greed and ignorance smothered in balloons and ribbons.”
― Frank Zappa
― Frank Zappa
Speaking of Love
- Love comes in a variety of flavors, none of them violent.
- Love has been misused and abused so much that it is hard to tell the real deal from make-believe.
- Love means having to say you're sorry, probably numerous times.
- Never get married just for love, cause it can wear awful thin, awful quick.
- They say love makes the world go round. I say it's gravy.
- Love can take you a long way. Unfortunately, sometimes it's down the wrong road.
- Still, if I have to choose between love and hate, I'd take love. I hate hate.
Some Simple Tips to Help You Get Through Life
- God has nothing to do with the follies of man. He or She set us free.
- Drink some coffee, have a few beers, eaat a good steak every once in a while. Remember, don't do anything in excess.
- If someone tells you they know the truth, run.
- Remember, kids make mistakes. So did you.
- If you want to change the way people behave, become a therapist. Otherwise, forget it. What you see is likely what you get.
- Don't go looking for a mate at the bar.
- Look for something greater than yourself to believe in. If all you believe in is humans, you're in for a life of despair.
- Read as much as you can.
- Every day, try to do something for someone else.
- Remember, money can't buy you love. Or elections.
Election Failures
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Wisdom of Joseph Campbell
- You become mature when you become the authority of your own life.
- We are all Christ's and don't realize it.
- Hell is life drying up.
- Follow your bliss.
- Work begins when you don't like what you're doing.
- To refuse the call means stagnation.
- What is your religion telling you? How to be a Catholic? A Jew? Or how to be a human being?
- We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.
- The Kingdom of the Father is not going to come through expectation. We bring it about in our own hearts.
- Marriage is not a love affair, it's an ordeal. It is a religious exercise, a sacrament, the grace of participating in another life.
- You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs.
Peever Law #71
Quote of the Day
Will Rogers
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Election Results
Unless a whole lot of cheating takes place, which I wouldn't count out, it's Obama for another 4 years. Praise the Lord.
Signs You're Developing a Drinking Problem
- You can't remember which sex you are.
- The toilet seat keeps hitting you in the head.
- Mitt Romney makes sense to you.
- Your mail starts arriving at your favorite bar.
- Your favorite beer is Any.
- You wake up in the morning and wonder who the person is sleeping next to you.
- All your friends are bar friends.
- You think bartenders are really smart.
- You're certain the sun comes up in the West.
Editorial
Reference E-Blast notifying of Scott Randall’s
departure. I feel this is a good move
for HSV and that the Board acted in the member’s best interest.
Scott never seemed to understand whom he worked for. This is a member owned and funded community
and it is incumbent upon any employee, especially the GM, to understand this
and respect members and their elected Board members.
I hope the Board will learn from the errors in the process
in hiring Scott and ensure that any candidate has some business background,
preferably in non-profit or city organizations, but most importantly
understands what their roll in our community.
Candidates should be thoroughly vetted through prior employers to ensure
HSV gets a GM interested in the growth and success of our community controlling
costs to the members while preserving our investment. Additionally, a candidate should be impressed that HSV is not a
city environment and that a member owned community is very different from a
city.
A GM manages our community under the oversight of the
elected Board of Directors and should make recommendations and manage in the
members best interest, both financially and protecting our investment.
A GM’s performance appraisal should contain a factor
concerning how well the GM conducts the POA business within current revenue
structure, without assumption of automatic fee increases year over year, and
receive extra merit for controlling/reducing member costs while maintaining
services and investment value. Another
important element of the GM’s position is to create an environment to encourage
resident growth, and promote property investment and values to keep
non-resident property owners in good standing.
Larry Frazer
A concerned Property Owner
Our ex-General Manager
Anyone who couldn't figure out that this guy was in it for himself would have had to been blind, deaf, and/or dumb. Now we need to eliminate who hired him.
The Tale of the Naked Dancing Llama
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Ten Signs of Depression
- You haven't gotten out of bed for a month and a half.
- Taking a bath or a shower is no longer on your list.
- The only person you smile at is the pharmacist.
- Winning the lotto would only make you worry more about what you were going to do with all that money.
- You feel sorry for people who are happy.
- Sunshine makes you cry.
- Sleep is better than sex.
- The only thing you get dressed up for is a psychiatric appointment.
- Choosing between a toothache and a party would be no contest.
- You're not sure who is President, Obama or Romney. Either way, you're still depressed.
Learned Sayings From The Naked Dancing LLama
- It takes a Village to raise a stink.
- Money is at the heart of all politicians.
- Nature is capable of enormous blunders. Take a look in the mirror.
- Trying to keep people from using drugs is not for the faint of heart.
- In the spring, things begin to grow. We can only hope.
- I could have danced all night, providing you with but a glimpse of the miracles endowed on The Naked Dancing Llama.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Why a Woman Would Chose a Vibrator Over a Man
- A vibrator has a guarantee.
- Vibrators last longer.
- Vibrators don't talk back.
- A good vibrator don't whine.
- Vibrators don't make excuses.
- You don't have to feed and clothe a vibrator.
- Vibrators come in specific lengths. No fantasy is involved.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Inspirational Messages From The Naked Dancing LLama
- Sleeping is better than sex. At least you don't feel guilty about doing it alone.
- Silence does not always need to be filled.
- They say clothes make the man. I say clothes allows him to hide behind lies.
- Be careful whose toes you step on. They may be connected to the butt you have to kiss tomorrow.
- The higher you travel up the road to financial success, the further you get away from yourself.
- If you are going to dance, don't mess around with the polka.
- Study very carefully anyone who wants to make you money.
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