Hi, Folks. This just came in this afternoon, from Frank Barron. It may interest many of you.
"Western Maine Street Rods is having their fall foliage weekend next Saturday and Sunday in Dixfield out on Weld Street at the Camp ground
It usually is a good time for a last get together before we go into hibernation
It's All Free
Gather for lunch - They Cook
Poker run in the Afternoon and dinner and dance they provide on Saturday Evening
Foliage Cruise on Sunday "
Sounds like a heckuva good time.
As a side note to Mainiacs going to the Stratham show tomorrow, remember they are using a different entrance this year - Jack Rabbit Lane. As you go past the park on rte 33, go PAST the main entrance. Around the bend, Jack Rabbit Lane is on the left.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Life Is Good
TODAY'S SHIRT: Struggling Hair Farmer
Ah-h-h. What a beautiful day! The kind of sunny, crisp day that makes a man want to get out and split some wood. Of course, I have no intention of doing that.
I am considering the possibility of putting up the outside Christmas lights, though. I prefer doing that before the weather gets so cold it numbs the fingers. But I have noticed that the older I get, the closer to ground level the lights get strung. I stopped doing the roofline about 15 years ago. Then I gave up on the lower eaves. And I no longer do the taller trees - instead, I string the shrubs.
After last winter, I am considering the option of buying a small, electric snowblower to park up on the roof of my workshop. That would make it easier for an old-timer (my wife) to keep the shed from caving in. I figure I would also leave a ladder leaning up against the shed, so it can freeze in place. Last year, however, I did not need a ladder - I was able to climb the snowbank right to the top of the roof. Seriously!
It's also time to play musical vehicles. Some, like the motorhome, have to get stored down back, out of the way. Others must be kept up front, while still others need to be kept accessible. You'd be surprised at the amount of planning required for something like this, because of how it affects plowing. Whew! I think I need a coffee break already.
Funny thing, how you get smarter when you get older - mostly out of necessity. I used to rake leaves. Now I just mow 'em with a mulching mower. Feeds the soil, too. And I used to cook individual meals. Now I cook very large meals, and use any leftovers to make our own "TV Dinners" to freeze. Saves a lot of energy, time and work. Now when the girls go off to a concert, leaving me to fend for myself, I just grab a home-cooked frozen dinner, pop it in the microwave and I'm all set.
Well, tomorrow is the Stratham Hill car show, put on by the Boy Scouts. We like this show. But it's not without its shortcomings, as mentioned in an earlier post. In case you missed it, if you go to this show, do not expect much equality in the class structure. Otherwise, it should be a fun show, and we are looking forward to it (even though we are going to get stuck in "Kit Cars", believe it or not - there is no class for 90's-Present, and Special Interest is combined with Kit Cars). It's hard to compete with those Kit Cobras.
Remember - if you have ordered a shirt, or a Car Show book, and you are going to Stratham, be sure to get hold of me. But come unarmed, please.
See ya!
Ah-h-h. What a beautiful day! The kind of sunny, crisp day that makes a man want to get out and split some wood. Of course, I have no intention of doing that.
I am considering the possibility of putting up the outside Christmas lights, though. I prefer doing that before the weather gets so cold it numbs the fingers. But I have noticed that the older I get, the closer to ground level the lights get strung. I stopped doing the roofline about 15 years ago. Then I gave up on the lower eaves. And I no longer do the taller trees - instead, I string the shrubs.
After last winter, I am considering the option of buying a small, electric snowblower to park up on the roof of my workshop. That would make it easier for an old-timer (my wife) to keep the shed from caving in. I figure I would also leave a ladder leaning up against the shed, so it can freeze in place. Last year, however, I did not need a ladder - I was able to climb the snowbank right to the top of the roof. Seriously!
It's also time to play musical vehicles. Some, like the motorhome, have to get stored down back, out of the way. Others must be kept up front, while still others need to be kept accessible. You'd be surprised at the amount of planning required for something like this, because of how it affects plowing. Whew! I think I need a coffee break already.
Funny thing, how you get smarter when you get older - mostly out of necessity. I used to rake leaves. Now I just mow 'em with a mulching mower. Feeds the soil, too. And I used to cook individual meals. Now I cook very large meals, and use any leftovers to make our own "TV Dinners" to freeze. Saves a lot of energy, time and work. Now when the girls go off to a concert, leaving me to fend for myself, I just grab a home-cooked frozen dinner, pop it in the microwave and I'm all set.
Well, tomorrow is the Stratham Hill car show, put on by the Boy Scouts. We like this show. But it's not without its shortcomings, as mentioned in an earlier post. In case you missed it, if you go to this show, do not expect much equality in the class structure. Otherwise, it should be a fun show, and we are looking forward to it (even though we are going to get stuck in "Kit Cars", believe it or not - there is no class for 90's-Present, and Special Interest is combined with Kit Cars). It's hard to compete with those Kit Cobras.
Remember - if you have ordered a shirt, or a Car Show book, and you are going to Stratham, be sure to get hold of me. But come unarmed, please.
See ya!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Difference of Perspective
Someone wrote in:
"I know you believe that Fox is "fair and balanced" (because you probably only watch that cable channel), but there is a whole world outside of Fox and their "8-1 in favor of Palin" world. Some of us want to hear ANSWERS to the questions posed. Some of us don't think "cute & Folksey" is what this country needs right now. She is running for Vice President of the entire country; not Miss Alaska!This is why the polls say Biden won. "
With all due respect, the only polls showing Biden the winner are those by the left-wing media, like CNN, who have already stated they are for Obama. That's fine. But most legitimate polls say otherwise.
In checking facts as opposed to what was actually said in the debates, it has been shown that Mr. Biden's "facts" and assertions were absolutely false in 11 instances. And these are things he stated as facts. And, while Gov. Palin is a bit too folksy for my taste, she did answer the questions - at least, those that were not set-ups. She said at the outset that she would answer questions as she saw fit, and not necessarily as Ms Ifill wanted. Biden did the same thing.
I watched every minute of the debate. No one made up my mind for me, and no one else's "second-hand opinion" has been used in forming my own. Biden did very well, So did Palin. Biden did as well as expected; Palin did better than expected. A novice vs a 35 year veteran, and she held her own.
She did not allow either Biden or Ifill to bamboozle her into any traps, like those set by Curic and Gibson.
Despite her obvious conflict of interest, Ifill did a very good job as moderator, and I laud her for her efforts. But credit should be given where due. I have heard the position, "she didn't answer the questions" too often already. I watched the debates, and there were two questions she did not answer directly. But there were also two questions that Biden did not answer directly.
She answered the important questions, like "What changes would you make if something happened and you had to take over the Presidency?" And she answered on what her positions were on energy, climate change and gay marriage. For those who had an open mind, and listened, they heard answers. Closed minds would not hear them.
And when both nominees were asked. "What promises did you have to change in order to fall in line with your party's candidate and his policies", Biden would not answer at all. Palin simply - and honestly - said, "I've only been in this for 5 weeks. I don't have to change anything because I have made no promises." That is an accurate and truthful answer to the question. I'm still waiting for Mr. Biden to answer....but there is a hint, below, showing serious shifts on the part of Biden.
If anyone doubts that Palin won the debate, simply watch over the next few days to see if McCain gets any kind of "bump" in the polls, or if Obama does. And if neither gets a bump, then the debate was a tie.
Having watched the debate, I expect McCain will get a bump. But knowing McCain, I doubt he will be able to keep it. Palin does her part. It's McCain that's asleep at the wheel.
As for the uncalled for, typical liberal smear remarks about "Miss Alaska" and other such comments, I would remind people that Ms Palin is the governor of our largest state. And I have a brother who has lived in Alaska since the 70's, and he tells me that she has gotten rid of a tremendous amount of corruption - in BOTH parties. And he verified that the majority of Alaskans - 82% - are solidly behind her as governor. She has the highest approval rating of any politician in America today. You just do not get that kind of support because you're "cute and folksie". You get that kind of support by doing the job, and doing it well!
Biden is a fine man, though far too partisan for my taste. His own approval rating is not much higher than Bush's. He is the same man who, in his own campaign, said Obama was not qualified. He is the same man who, just 4 months ago, said he would never consider being vice president, if Obama offered it. He is the same man who, just a year ago, said Obama was wrong in his votes against the war in Iraq. So I have difficulty finding credibility in his position now.
Ms Palin has never changed her position except on the "bridge to nowhere". She only changed that because Alaskans asked her to. She listened. Frankly, I think that is a good quality, not a bad one. Especially since it was Alaska's Congressman - not Palin - who requested that pork.
So, who really won the debate? It doesn't really matter, because vice presidential debates do not make any real difference. But if you did not see the debate for yourself, you can get the answer by watching to see which candidate gets a little bump in the polls over the next few days.
Don't be surprised if the bump goes to McCain.
And I won't be surprised when McCain blows it away...
ADDED: Anyone who took the time to watch New Hampshire's own Carl Cameron interview Sarah Palin today would no longer have any doubt that the lady is everything she and McCain claim she is. And for the record, even liberal AOL has posted the following:
"I know you believe that Fox is "fair and balanced" (because you probably only watch that cable channel), but there is a whole world outside of Fox and their "8-1 in favor of Palin" world. Some of us want to hear ANSWERS to the questions posed. Some of us don't think "cute & Folksey" is what this country needs right now. She is running for Vice President of the entire country; not Miss Alaska!This is why the polls say Biden won. "
With all due respect, the only polls showing Biden the winner are those by the left-wing media, like CNN, who have already stated they are for Obama. That's fine. But most legitimate polls say otherwise.
In checking facts as opposed to what was actually said in the debates, it has been shown that Mr. Biden's "facts" and assertions were absolutely false in 11 instances. And these are things he stated as facts. And, while Gov. Palin is a bit too folksy for my taste, she did answer the questions - at least, those that were not set-ups. She said at the outset that she would answer questions as she saw fit, and not necessarily as Ms Ifill wanted. Biden did the same thing.
I watched every minute of the debate. No one made up my mind for me, and no one else's "second-hand opinion" has been used in forming my own. Biden did very well, So did Palin. Biden did as well as expected; Palin did better than expected. A novice vs a 35 year veteran, and she held her own.
She did not allow either Biden or Ifill to bamboozle her into any traps, like those set by Curic and Gibson.
Despite her obvious conflict of interest, Ifill did a very good job as moderator, and I laud her for her efforts. But credit should be given where due. I have heard the position, "she didn't answer the questions" too often already. I watched the debates, and there were two questions she did not answer directly. But there were also two questions that Biden did not answer directly.
She answered the important questions, like "What changes would you make if something happened and you had to take over the Presidency?" And she answered on what her positions were on energy, climate change and gay marriage. For those who had an open mind, and listened, they heard answers. Closed minds would not hear them.
And when both nominees were asked. "What promises did you have to change in order to fall in line with your party's candidate and his policies", Biden would not answer at all. Palin simply - and honestly - said, "I've only been in this for 5 weeks. I don't have to change anything because I have made no promises." That is an accurate and truthful answer to the question. I'm still waiting for Mr. Biden to answer....but there is a hint, below, showing serious shifts on the part of Biden.
If anyone doubts that Palin won the debate, simply watch over the next few days to see if McCain gets any kind of "bump" in the polls, or if Obama does. And if neither gets a bump, then the debate was a tie.
Having watched the debate, I expect McCain will get a bump. But knowing McCain, I doubt he will be able to keep it. Palin does her part. It's McCain that's asleep at the wheel.
As for the uncalled for, typical liberal smear remarks about "Miss Alaska" and other such comments, I would remind people that Ms Palin is the governor of our largest state. And I have a brother who has lived in Alaska since the 70's, and he tells me that she has gotten rid of a tremendous amount of corruption - in BOTH parties. And he verified that the majority of Alaskans - 82% - are solidly behind her as governor. She has the highest approval rating of any politician in America today. You just do not get that kind of support because you're "cute and folksie". You get that kind of support by doing the job, and doing it well!
Biden is a fine man, though far too partisan for my taste. His own approval rating is not much higher than Bush's. He is the same man who, in his own campaign, said Obama was not qualified. He is the same man who, just 4 months ago, said he would never consider being vice president, if Obama offered it. He is the same man who, just a year ago, said Obama was wrong in his votes against the war in Iraq. So I have difficulty finding credibility in his position now.
Ms Palin has never changed her position except on the "bridge to nowhere". She only changed that because Alaskans asked her to. She listened. Frankly, I think that is a good quality, not a bad one. Especially since it was Alaska's Congressman - not Palin - who requested that pork.
So, who really won the debate? It doesn't really matter, because vice presidential debates do not make any real difference. But if you did not see the debate for yourself, you can get the answer by watching to see which candidate gets a little bump in the polls over the next few days.
Don't be surprised if the bump goes to McCain.
And I won't be surprised when McCain blows it away...
ADDED: Anyone who took the time to watch New Hampshire's own Carl Cameron interview Sarah Palin today would no longer have any doubt that the lady is everything she and McCain claim she is. And for the record, even liberal AOL has posted the following:
Who debated the best?
Sarah Palin
47%
Joe Biden
27%
Barack Obama
20%
John McCain
6%
Sarah Palin
47%
Joe Biden
27%
Barack Obama
20%
John McCain
6%
That's just about the way HotKarz pegged it, as you may recall.
As a follow-up to an earlier post about investors, the market, and the bailout bill, I think todays activity says it all. By noon, the market was up almost 200 points. By 4, it closed 174 points down - right after the House announced they passed the bailout bill. So, as I stated, the downturn in the market is not predicated simply upon the economy. It is reacting to bad decisions from Congress, and what the investors think this means for tomorrow. Investors do not care about yesterday. Their playground is "tomorrow".
Why We Must Defeat Rule 80K
Some folks (not car folks) have asked why they should sign our petition, because they are not involved in restoring cars. To those people, I respond as follows:
Throughout America, in liberal states like MA, CA, CT and NY for example, communities are using a similar rule of civil procedure to strip property owners of any and all rights. They start with land use issues that most residents will not object to, such as "automotive junkyards". They then expand that to include parts we use in our hobby. But they do not stop there - liberals want to rule over every aspect of our lives - they are the "keepers of the flame" for the Nanny State.
In some communities, they have now made it illegal to let your grass grow taller than 1.5 inches. You can be fined if your grass gets taller. They fine you for putting up a fence, or because your fence is 2" over "their" limit. They fine you for putting up a sign for a month that says you have pumpkins for sale, or berries, or whatever. One community even has an ordinance against flying an American flag that exceeds a certain size.
Get this straight - the only reason people pass such ordinances is to gain power over you, the people. So ask yourself - if that is their plan, what makes you think they will stop with YOUR hobby? What makes anyone believe they will not become a victim?
Any Maine resident who does not want to sign a petition to stop this madness should remember that old poem:
And when they finally came for me,there was no one left to speak out."
'Nuff said! Let's everyone make at LEAST one copy of this petition, get it FILLED with signatures, and returned to me ASAP.
Thank you.
Throughout America, in liberal states like MA, CA, CT and NY for example, communities are using a similar rule of civil procedure to strip property owners of any and all rights. They start with land use issues that most residents will not object to, such as "automotive junkyards". They then expand that to include parts we use in our hobby. But they do not stop there - liberals want to rule over every aspect of our lives - they are the "keepers of the flame" for the Nanny State.
In some communities, they have now made it illegal to let your grass grow taller than 1.5 inches. You can be fined if your grass gets taller. They fine you for putting up a fence, or because your fence is 2" over "their" limit. They fine you for putting up a sign for a month that says you have pumpkins for sale, or berries, or whatever. One community even has an ordinance against flying an American flag that exceeds a certain size.
Get this straight - the only reason people pass such ordinances is to gain power over you, the people. So ask yourself - if that is their plan, what makes you think they will stop with YOUR hobby? What makes anyone believe they will not become a victim?
Any Maine resident who does not want to sign a petition to stop this madness should remember that old poem:
"When the Nazis came for the communists,I remained silent;I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,I remained silent;I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,I did not speak out;I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,I remained silent;I wasn't a Jew.
When they locked up the social democrats,I remained silent;I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,I did not speak out;I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,I remained silent;I wasn't a Jew.
And when they finally came for me,there was no one left to speak out."
'Nuff said! Let's everyone make at LEAST one copy of this petition, get it FILLED with signatures, and returned to me ASAP.
Thank you.
Must Be A Joke
TODAY'S SHIRT: In America anyone can become president. That's the problem.
The liberal media really amazes me! Every national poll by real pollsters indicate that Palin won last evening's debate, hands down. Even many Democrats ceded the point (though they don't say "hands down").
But to listen to the liberal media, Biden was the clear winner. Even a text message poll showed 8-1 in favor of Palin, but many in the media are saying that Biden was "the man".
And on AOL, a group of 15 college students from an elitist, liberal college - kids who never had to support a family, work a full-time job or face the real world - all concluded that Biden won. No contest, they said. Wow! Does that really surprise anyone?
Look, it matters little who wins a VICE presidential debate. It's nothing more than lite entertainment, at best. It will never affect a presidential race to any degree. So the media can at least give credit where credit is due. But in today's world, if a Republican were to walk on water, the liberals would accuse that person of being too stupid to know how to swim. If a conservative were to find a cure for cancer, the liberals would scream that the "Bush Administration" has cheated drug companies and hospitals out of billions of dollars in needed profits, and put many people in the medical profession out of work.
This is called " the liberal spin machine", developed by FDR during the depression. It was needed, then, to try and uplift the spirits of Americans affected by the long depression. But it was later turned into a weapon against conservatives.
We do not need spin. We need the unvarnished truth, good or bad. But we do not get it from the mainstream media, because they have an elitist agenda. They know they have the power to fool the fools who depend on them, and use that to push an agenda that most people who know the facts would never accept.
We need to stop electing people who put party before country. And we need to ignore the partisan hacks who call themselves pundits, and make them as irrelevant as they really are. And we need to stop supporting the media outlets that have decided to choose up sides, rather than report the facts.
If we do those three things, then we can have our country back. And then we can work on the lawyers...
This just in - House approves bailout bill. Look out, folks - we're in for a ride!
The liberal media really amazes me! Every national poll by real pollsters indicate that Palin won last evening's debate, hands down. Even many Democrats ceded the point (though they don't say "hands down").
But to listen to the liberal media, Biden was the clear winner. Even a text message poll showed 8-1 in favor of Palin, but many in the media are saying that Biden was "the man".
And on AOL, a group of 15 college students from an elitist, liberal college - kids who never had to support a family, work a full-time job or face the real world - all concluded that Biden won. No contest, they said. Wow! Does that really surprise anyone?
Look, it matters little who wins a VICE presidential debate. It's nothing more than lite entertainment, at best. It will never affect a presidential race to any degree. So the media can at least give credit where credit is due. But in today's world, if a Republican were to walk on water, the liberals would accuse that person of being too stupid to know how to swim. If a conservative were to find a cure for cancer, the liberals would scream that the "Bush Administration" has cheated drug companies and hospitals out of billions of dollars in needed profits, and put many people in the medical profession out of work.
This is called " the liberal spin machine", developed by FDR during the depression. It was needed, then, to try and uplift the spirits of Americans affected by the long depression. But it was later turned into a weapon against conservatives.
We do not need spin. We need the unvarnished truth, good or bad. But we do not get it from the mainstream media, because they have an elitist agenda. They know they have the power to fool the fools who depend on them, and use that to push an agenda that most people who know the facts would never accept.
We need to stop electing people who put party before country. And we need to ignore the partisan hacks who call themselves pundits, and make them as irrelevant as they really are. And we need to stop supporting the media outlets that have decided to choose up sides, rather than report the facts.
If we do those three things, then we can have our country back. And then we can work on the lawyers...
This just in - House approves bailout bill. Look out, folks - we're in for a ride!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Curious
Has anyone else noticed?
On Monday, when the House began looking at the first bailout bill, the stock market dropped 777 points. On Tuesday, after it failed, the market rallied. On Wednesday, the market was only 20 points off, which, in the market, is not unusual. Now on Thursday, when the House is looking at the second bailout bill, the market dropped another 348 points.
Call me crazy, but it looks like investors, themselves, do not want any bailout bill. So, what's going on here?
The pundits would have us believe the downturn on Monday was caused by the economy. But that would not explain the downturn today. And while it is possible that it is coincidence, it looks to me like it is not the economy that brought on these downturns - it was the fact that the proposed solution - our fate - is in the hands of an incompetent House. After all, the economy turned sour about 2 weeks ago. Yet, the market did not take a dive UNTIL the House began working on a "solution". Think about this: investors, by necessity, must make choices based on what WILL happen, not what HAS happened. They are gamblers by nature. When the market tanks, it is because investors see a problem with tomorrow, not with yesterday. The whole idea of investing is to try and guess the future.
So, when the market tanked, twice, and did so just prior to a House vote on a bailout bill, that tells you the tanking was caused by the bailout bill, and not the economy.
I still believe that we, the people would be better served if our lawmakers would drop the partisan BS and offer a REAL solution, like the one put forth by Gingrich, Forbes and, if I may say so, the solution I suggested here, even before the bailout bill was first proposed.
It just strikes me that if the investors, themselves, don't like this bailout idea, and its their money that is at risk, then perhaps we should take notice, and take a second look.
But that will never happen - the House is far too partisan. Pelosi even insulted all Republicans at a time when she should have tried embracing them, for a bipartisan effort. Frankly, Pelosi, Reid, Frank and the others who control Congress have no intention of offering any plan that might make the people happy, as it would then be attributed to a success of the "Bush Administration". And this close to an election, they simply cannot allow the Republicans to get credit for anything. They would rather harm themselves - and America - than help the Republicans, or do anything that might make the administration look good. That kind of partisanship is dangerous and unpatriotic.
Sadly, that is the state of our leadership. And it will remain that way until we, the people, stand up, and vote those clowns out of office. Hard-core partisans of either party have GOT to go! We need people who care more about the country than they do about any party. Country first, party second.
As most of you know, I am no fan of Susan Collins - she is more like a Democrat in Republican clothing. But I have watched Tom Allen closely, and he is so far to the left that he makes Kennedy look like a Republican. So, I will have to vote for Collins this time - at least she has shown the ability to cross the aisle, when she feels it necessary. Allen has shown he would never even consider that. He is just another partisan hack - and we already have far too many of those in Congress.
TODAY'S SHIRT: Pissin' off the whole planet, one person at a time
I can relate to that...
On Monday, when the House began looking at the first bailout bill, the stock market dropped 777 points. On Tuesday, after it failed, the market rallied. On Wednesday, the market was only 20 points off, which, in the market, is not unusual. Now on Thursday, when the House is looking at the second bailout bill, the market dropped another 348 points.
Call me crazy, but it looks like investors, themselves, do not want any bailout bill. So, what's going on here?
The pundits would have us believe the downturn on Monday was caused by the economy. But that would not explain the downturn today. And while it is possible that it is coincidence, it looks to me like it is not the economy that brought on these downturns - it was the fact that the proposed solution - our fate - is in the hands of an incompetent House. After all, the economy turned sour about 2 weeks ago. Yet, the market did not take a dive UNTIL the House began working on a "solution". Think about this: investors, by necessity, must make choices based on what WILL happen, not what HAS happened. They are gamblers by nature. When the market tanks, it is because investors see a problem with tomorrow, not with yesterday. The whole idea of investing is to try and guess the future.
So, when the market tanked, twice, and did so just prior to a House vote on a bailout bill, that tells you the tanking was caused by the bailout bill, and not the economy.
I still believe that we, the people would be better served if our lawmakers would drop the partisan BS and offer a REAL solution, like the one put forth by Gingrich, Forbes and, if I may say so, the solution I suggested here, even before the bailout bill was first proposed.
It just strikes me that if the investors, themselves, don't like this bailout idea, and its their money that is at risk, then perhaps we should take notice, and take a second look.
But that will never happen - the House is far too partisan. Pelosi even insulted all Republicans at a time when she should have tried embracing them, for a bipartisan effort. Frankly, Pelosi, Reid, Frank and the others who control Congress have no intention of offering any plan that might make the people happy, as it would then be attributed to a success of the "Bush Administration". And this close to an election, they simply cannot allow the Republicans to get credit for anything. They would rather harm themselves - and America - than help the Republicans, or do anything that might make the administration look good. That kind of partisanship is dangerous and unpatriotic.
Sadly, that is the state of our leadership. And it will remain that way until we, the people, stand up, and vote those clowns out of office. Hard-core partisans of either party have GOT to go! We need people who care more about the country than they do about any party. Country first, party second.
As most of you know, I am no fan of Susan Collins - she is more like a Democrat in Republican clothing. But I have watched Tom Allen closely, and he is so far to the left that he makes Kennedy look like a Republican. So, I will have to vote for Collins this time - at least she has shown the ability to cross the aisle, when she feels it necessary. Allen has shown he would never even consider that. He is just another partisan hack - and we already have far too many of those in Congress.
TODAY'S SHIRT: Pissin' off the whole planet, one person at a time
I can relate to that...
HotKarz Shirts
For those of you who already ordered or reserved HotKarz T-shirts, they are now in. I will have them with me at the Stratham show if you want to pick them up. I will also bring extras in case others decide they may want one.
If you reserved a shirt but cannot make it to Stratham, I will bring them with me to the New Gloucester show. And if we still do not connect, I will mail them to you.
I will also bring hard copies of "The Complete Car Show" for those of you who requested them. Don't forget to see me about them - because I just might forget who ordered them :o) Remember - I'm the guy who keeps forgetting his teeth when he goes out to eat!
Here's a challenge - anyone who prints out this online petition and gets at least 50 signatures of adult Maine residents, and gets them back to me, I will send you a free HotKarz shirt, a size of your choice (up to 2XL). Get 100 signatures, I'll send (2) shirts. While supplies last, so get your relatives, friends, associates, customers - everyone - signed up. We really do need to stand and be counted on this issue, or forever lose yet another one of our rights. And if we lose, we'll have no one to blame but ourselves. If we do not fight to preserve our rights, who will?
TRIVIA: Did you know we were only one vote away from speaking German as our national language? At the Continental Congress in 1776, a vote was held to decide if America would adopt English or German as the national language. The vote was a tie. The tie was broken when a German was asked to vote - and he voted for English!
If you reserved a shirt but cannot make it to Stratham, I will bring them with me to the New Gloucester show. And if we still do not connect, I will mail them to you.
I will also bring hard copies of "The Complete Car Show" for those of you who requested them. Don't forget to see me about them - because I just might forget who ordered them :o) Remember - I'm the guy who keeps forgetting his teeth when he goes out to eat!
Here's a challenge - anyone who prints out this online petition and gets at least 50 signatures of adult Maine residents, and gets them back to me, I will send you a free HotKarz shirt, a size of your choice (up to 2XL). Get 100 signatures, I'll send (2) shirts. While supplies last, so get your relatives, friends, associates, customers - everyone - signed up. We really do need to stand and be counted on this issue, or forever lose yet another one of our rights. And if we lose, we'll have no one to blame but ourselves. If we do not fight to preserve our rights, who will?
TRIVIA: Did you know we were only one vote away from speaking German as our national language? At the Continental Congress in 1776, a vote was held to decide if America would adopt English or German as the national language. The vote was a tie. The tie was broken when a German was asked to vote - and he voted for English!
Apology
When HotKarz created the online petition mentioned earlier, we were unaware that the company that hosted it would require "donations" from signers. They did not request that from us, when we signed, nor did they divulge the practice when we created the petition - it is something they apparently do on the sly to anyone who did not create the petition.
HotKarz was unaware of this obvious ploy on the part of ipetitions.com, and we apologize to all of you who may have found themselves making a donation to them.
We have ended our association with ipetitions, and request that those of you who signed the online version (which has been discontinued) will sign one of the paper versions being distributed. Anyone who signed the online petition may, at their option, request a refund by emailing me directly at ptwoodycrew@aol.com.
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered, and we especially thank Frank Svatek for bringing this to our attention. That ipetitions forces donations was unknown to us, and was not indicated in their terms of service. Therefore, HotKarz is filing a complaint about ipetitions to the FTC for failure to disclose.
Meanwhile, I would encourage those of you who have a printer to print out copies of the petition on HotKarz (found here) and get them signed, or pass them around. We need all the names we can get. If your computer is unable to read .DOC files, let me know and I will email you a text file of the petition. All signed petitions should be returned to me as sson as possible. Return to:
Bill Vaughn
5 North Road
Limington ME 04049
Thank you.
Bill
HotKarz was unaware of this obvious ploy on the part of ipetitions.com, and we apologize to all of you who may have found themselves making a donation to them.
We have ended our association with ipetitions, and request that those of you who signed the online version (which has been discontinued) will sign one of the paper versions being distributed. Anyone who signed the online petition may, at their option, request a refund by emailing me directly at ptwoodycrew@aol.com.
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered, and we especially thank Frank Svatek for bringing this to our attention. That ipetitions forces donations was unknown to us, and was not indicated in their terms of service. Therefore, HotKarz is filing a complaint about ipetitions to the FTC for failure to disclose.
Meanwhile, I would encourage those of you who have a printer to print out copies of the petition on HotKarz (found here) and get them signed, or pass them around. We need all the names we can get. If your computer is unable to read .DOC files, let me know and I will email you a text file of the petition. All signed petitions should be returned to me as sson as possible. Return to:
Bill Vaughn
5 North Road
Limington ME 04049
Thank you.
Bill
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Stratham Hill Show
Today's Shirt: Happily married for 14 years - 14 out of 32 isn't bad
It is most unusual to start receiving negative letters about a show that hasn't even started yet, but that has been happening with the Stratham show. But before I proceed, please note that the Stratham show is otherwise a good show - at least it was last year.
But I have to tell you that I have already received several letters from folks who seem discontented with the crazy, out-dated and unfair system of classing that these folks are using. And I, too, see the problem. MUSTANGS cover almost 45 years - and still have to compete with COUGARS, as well. That is bound to be a HUGE class. Meanwhile, there is a class specifically for Fiero's. And I doubt they will get more than one or two. So the unfairness is blatantly obvious, to say the least.
There is a class for STOCK 60's - 10 years. And a class for STOCK - 70's to PRESENT, which is almost 40 years. No classes for many newer vehicles that are not stock. Meanwhile there is a class for STREET MACINES, and other classes for STREET RODS and MUSCLE CARS. Seems like overkill, and a serious overlapping problem.
HotKarz is not suggesting folks not go to Stratham - on the contrary, we hope you will go. But you do need to be aware, up front, of the inconsistencies and the total absence of fairness/equality when it comes to classes. We do not want you to get caught by surprise, and end up with you being angry. So, just be prepared.
Meanwhile, HotKarz has provided the organizers with a free courtesy copy of "The Complete Car Show", in the hopes they will use it to put together a more effective show next year, with classes that make sense.
Time to "Pay The Piper"
As with anything we cherish, whether freedom, family, God or funnel cakes, we are sometimes called upon to stand and fight. And it appears that time has come for those of us who are involved in the auto entusiast hobby.
Communities around the state are beginning to punish restorers and other hobbyists by taking away their right to have the parts and unrestored vehicles anywhere on their property, even though state law allows it. There have already been several cases. The short take: communities are using Rule 80K to declare anyone who has an old, unregistered vehicle, or parts on their property as having an automotive junkyard, in violation of land use ordinances. They have opted to not differentiate between someone who simply has a junkyard, and someone who restores autos, which appears to be contrary to state law. They do this knowing that the average person does not have the funds to fight it through the courts, to the state level.
If you like this hobby, and wish for it to be preserved, then you have an obligation to contact and pressure your legislators to protect your hobby, and prevent communities from destroying your rights.
Here are some emails from those who have been "punished", and more info on what you can do to help fight this.
HotKarz.com is here to help - we have created a petition that you are requested to "sign". As soon as we get enough signatures, we will mail (both by snail mail AND email) copies of the petition and signatures to all Maine Representatives. We will remind them that this petition represents enough voter support to make a real difference in the next election!
In addition, I will also pass out paper copies at the Stratham show, the New Gloucester show and the York show. I hope some of you will help get them signed (but only by MAINE residents, folks you know). And I will ask you to bring a couple home, to get friends, associates and families to sign on. This only works if YOU work to make it happen.
I would also ask each of you to contact your car friends further north, who don't get down this way very often, and have them print copies of the petition found here, and get them signed and have them return them to me at this address as soon as possible:
Bill Vaughn
5 North Road
Limington ME 04049
And ask them to pass the word to their own friends, even further north. We really need to get names, and lots of them.
If each of us fails to stand and be counted, then we deserve to lose.
Roxy adds: "I did not know this was all over the State of Maine. Ron M___, a guy working on my vehicle, had a lot of parts in Uncle Henry's. I called him about a part I needed, and he said he has a piece of property way out back on a wooded lot with a few donor cars he needed. He was ordered by the Town of So. Paris to get rid of everything or go to court. He said he did not have the money to fight them in court, so he was trying to sell and get rid of vehicles and parts as quickly as possible."
It is happening all over the state, folks. And if you or your friends restore vehicles, sooner or later you will find yourself on the wrong end of this - unless we put a stop to it right now!
Sign the petition. Get others to sign. Contact all friends and relatives throughout Maine. Either that, or we lose the right to restore vehicles - or even BUY them, since no one will be able to restore them and offer them for resale.
Communities around the state are beginning to punish restorers and other hobbyists by taking away their right to have the parts and unrestored vehicles anywhere on their property, even though state law allows it. There have already been several cases. The short take: communities are using Rule 80K to declare anyone who has an old, unregistered vehicle, or parts on their property as having an automotive junkyard, in violation of land use ordinances. They have opted to not differentiate between someone who simply has a junkyard, and someone who restores autos, which appears to be contrary to state law. They do this knowing that the average person does not have the funds to fight it through the courts, to the state level.
If you like this hobby, and wish for it to be preserved, then you have an obligation to contact and pressure your legislators to protect your hobby, and prevent communities from destroying your rights.
Here are some emails from those who have been "punished", and more info on what you can do to help fight this.
HotKarz.com is here to help - we have created a petition that you are requested to "sign". As soon as we get enough signatures, we will mail (both by snail mail AND email) copies of the petition and signatures to all Maine Representatives. We will remind them that this petition represents enough voter support to make a real difference in the next election!
In addition, I will also pass out paper copies at the Stratham show, the New Gloucester show and the York show. I hope some of you will help get them signed (but only by MAINE residents, folks you know). And I will ask you to bring a couple home, to get friends, associates and families to sign on. This only works if YOU work to make it happen.
I would also ask each of you to contact your car friends further north, who don't get down this way very often, and have them print copies of the petition found here, and get them signed and have them return them to me at this address as soon as possible:
Bill Vaughn
5 North Road
Limington ME 04049
And ask them to pass the word to their own friends, even further north. We really need to get names, and lots of them.
If each of us fails to stand and be counted, then we deserve to lose.
Roxy adds: "I did not know this was all over the State of Maine. Ron M___, a guy working on my vehicle, had a lot of parts in Uncle Henry's. I called him about a part I needed, and he said he has a piece of property way out back on a wooded lot with a few donor cars he needed. He was ordered by the Town of So. Paris to get rid of everything or go to court. He said he did not have the money to fight them in court, so he was trying to sell and get rid of vehicles and parts as quickly as possible."
It is happening all over the state, folks. And if you or your friends restore vehicles, sooner or later you will find yourself on the wrong end of this - unless we put a stop to it right now!
Sign the petition. Get others to sign. Contact all friends and relatives throughout Maine. Either that, or we lose the right to restore vehicles - or even BUY them, since no one will be able to restore them and offer them for resale.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Funnel Cake
Today's Shirt: I'm retired - but I work part-time as a pain in the ass
Read the title and you know where I've been :o)
Well, for me the "fair season" is just about over. But I have to wonder about the complete lack of business sense of so many folks working the Fryeburg Fair. Almost every other fair has numerous booths that sell funnel cakes - the Fryeburg Fair only had 4. What is worse: not one of them has a clue how to get the customers. Not a single funnel cake stand had any toppings except sugar and cinnamon. But most folks like their funnel cakes with some maple syrup. So, we went to the SugarHouse and shelled out almost $7.00 for a 1/2 pint of maple syrup for our funnel cakes.
Had a good time, though. The only fair that I like better (and it is MUCH bigger) is the Deerfield (NH) Fair, which we never miss. And THEY sell funnel cakes with all kinds of toppings available - including maple syrup.
Just in case the booths at the New Glouster Fair do not have syrup, please make a note that I will have some, so feel free to stop by and goop up your dough. Assuming, of course, that funnel cakes are even available at that fair.
A lot of you folks have been requesting free copies of "The Complete Car Show". And even hard copies are flying out of here - I'm having a time trying to keep up with them. Please let me know what you think of it. And feel free to offer suggestions on making it even better.
Hope to see y'all in Stratham this weekend. And remember, we may still have some HotKarz shirts available.
If This Were A Movie...
...it would be a dark comedy.
Everyone is in an uproar about this financial "crisis", and everyone is blaming everyone else. But there are some stark truths that are purposely being totally ignored.
Let's begin with how this happened.
Americans are spoiled, and tend to want everything, and they want it now. That is no secret - and it is one of the reasons the Islamists hate us so much - it has created a breach in our moral fabric. But putting that aside...
Our desire for the best led us to elect people who would help us get it. In the '90's, Bill Clinton signed into law a bill that would make it easier for just about anyone to get a home, and credit - even if they were a bad risk! He did this because it got those people solidly behind the Democrats, to help insure their eventual rise back into power. Democrats provide entitlements to the poor, so the poor must vote Democrat to keep those entitlements coming. This is very smart on the part of Democrats, but it harms the nation as a whole.
At any rate, Bill's bill allowed lenders to make very risky loans, for the sake of more profits - in fact, the bill forced lenders to do this. The greed of "the folks" who wanted more home than they could afford, plasma TV's etc. was coupled with the greed of the lenders, who extended credit to those who were a bigger risk. Greed, greed, greed. Yours, mine, theirs. And the politicians who wanted to strengthen their hold because of it.
Now comes McCain (R), Gregg (R) and other Republicans in 2005, who sponsored a bill that would regulate these banks, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. They saw a huge problem rolling on down the road toward us. But Barney Frank (D), along with his team-mates shot down the bill. They did not want regulation because that would put a harness on credit, which would hurt them politically with the poorer voters who desperately wanted that credit, so they could have what everyone else had. Can't blame them for that - but we can certainly blame those who made it possible for them to get in way over their heads.
And that is the actual history, much of which is purposely overlooked by the media, and by the politicians who want to sell us this bill of goods called a "bailout plan".
I would have to ask, "Why THIS bailout plan? Why are they pushing it so hard and fast, without any review?"
The answer is rather clear - it is a BAD plan, designed to benefit and protect the very people who brought this problem home to us. This is the bill they want, even though there are other, more effective ways to deal with this that would not put such a hole in the taxpayer's pocket. And, as I predicted in an earlier entry when I said JP Morgan would get WaMu for about 2 billion and make $100 billion profit - well, JP bought WaMu for 1.9 billion. I was close.
First, eliminate the capital gains tax altogether, for 5 years. Every economist knows this would result in an immediate influx of tens of billions into Wall Street, which would help prop it up. The taxpayer would be investing - and would receive the eventual profits from those investments, while saving money on taxes.
Second, invest taxpayer money NOT into bailing out those banks, but into alternative energy sources like nuclear and wind farms. This would keep billions of dollars from going to people who hate us, would generate tens of thousands of jobs, and would bolster the economy, even while the energy, itself, is not yet available.
Third, dump the stupid "mark to market" system of accounting, which is directly responsible for at least 2/3 of the problem. This can be dumped without any action by Congress, but only if the President has enough sense to DO it. But I won't hold my breath.
Allow those banks that are troubled to "go under". Yeah, it will hurt, but every economic cycle, by nature, must have its downturns. Let's get it over with so we can start rebuilding. And in the process, let those who CAUSED this mess be the ones to pay the heaviest price. I fail to see the logic behind, "Look, you guys screwed us for years, and caused this mess, so we're gonna punish you by forcing you to take $700 billion in taxpayer money. That'll teach ya!" And the Dems said last night that by proposing this bill, it should help the stock market in the morning. But as I write this, it IS morning, and the Dow has dropped another 300 points...
I sincerely hope that enough people (probably Republicans) are wise enough to keep this bailout bill from getting passed. Then perhaps we can get on with putting together a more sensible bill that will actually HELP us more than it hurts us. Bear in mind - this bailout bill was proposed by Bush. When was the last time HE was right???? But it is the Democrats who are pushing this so hard.
TODAY'S SHIRT: Their symbol is a JACKASS. Any questions?
Everyone is in an uproar about this financial "crisis", and everyone is blaming everyone else. But there are some stark truths that are purposely being totally ignored.
Let's begin with how this happened.
Americans are spoiled, and tend to want everything, and they want it now. That is no secret - and it is one of the reasons the Islamists hate us so much - it has created a breach in our moral fabric. But putting that aside...
Our desire for the best led us to elect people who would help us get it. In the '90's, Bill Clinton signed into law a bill that would make it easier for just about anyone to get a home, and credit - even if they were a bad risk! He did this because it got those people solidly behind the Democrats, to help insure their eventual rise back into power. Democrats provide entitlements to the poor, so the poor must vote Democrat to keep those entitlements coming. This is very smart on the part of Democrats, but it harms the nation as a whole.
At any rate, Bill's bill allowed lenders to make very risky loans, for the sake of more profits - in fact, the bill forced lenders to do this. The greed of "the folks" who wanted more home than they could afford, plasma TV's etc. was coupled with the greed of the lenders, who extended credit to those who were a bigger risk. Greed, greed, greed. Yours, mine, theirs. And the politicians who wanted to strengthen their hold because of it.
Now comes McCain (R), Gregg (R) and other Republicans in 2005, who sponsored a bill that would regulate these banks, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. They saw a huge problem rolling on down the road toward us. But Barney Frank (D), along with his team-mates shot down the bill. They did not want regulation because that would put a harness on credit, which would hurt them politically with the poorer voters who desperately wanted that credit, so they could have what everyone else had. Can't blame them for that - but we can certainly blame those who made it possible for them to get in way over their heads.
And that is the actual history, much of which is purposely overlooked by the media, and by the politicians who want to sell us this bill of goods called a "bailout plan".
I would have to ask, "Why THIS bailout plan? Why are they pushing it so hard and fast, without any review?"
The answer is rather clear - it is a BAD plan, designed to benefit and protect the very people who brought this problem home to us. This is the bill they want, even though there are other, more effective ways to deal with this that would not put such a hole in the taxpayer's pocket. And, as I predicted in an earlier entry when I said JP Morgan would get WaMu for about 2 billion and make $100 billion profit - well, JP bought WaMu for 1.9 billion. I was close.
First, eliminate the capital gains tax altogether, for 5 years. Every economist knows this would result in an immediate influx of tens of billions into Wall Street, which would help prop it up. The taxpayer would be investing - and would receive the eventual profits from those investments, while saving money on taxes.
Second, invest taxpayer money NOT into bailing out those banks, but into alternative energy sources like nuclear and wind farms. This would keep billions of dollars from going to people who hate us, would generate tens of thousands of jobs, and would bolster the economy, even while the energy, itself, is not yet available.
Third, dump the stupid "mark to market" system of accounting, which is directly responsible for at least 2/3 of the problem. This can be dumped without any action by Congress, but only if the President has enough sense to DO it. But I won't hold my breath.
Allow those banks that are troubled to "go under". Yeah, it will hurt, but every economic cycle, by nature, must have its downturns. Let's get it over with so we can start rebuilding. And in the process, let those who CAUSED this mess be the ones to pay the heaviest price. I fail to see the logic behind, "Look, you guys screwed us for years, and caused this mess, so we're gonna punish you by forcing you to take $700 billion in taxpayer money. That'll teach ya!" And the Dems said last night that by proposing this bill, it should help the stock market in the morning. But as I write this, it IS morning, and the Dow has dropped another 300 points...
I sincerely hope that enough people (probably Republicans) are wise enough to keep this bailout bill from getting passed. Then perhaps we can get on with putting together a more sensible bill that will actually HELP us more than it hurts us. Bear in mind - this bailout bill was proposed by Bush. When was the last time HE was right???? But it is the Democrats who are pushing this so hard.
TODAY'S SHIRT: Their symbol is a JACKASS. Any questions?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
"The Complete Car Show"
Today's Shirt: "Natural source of methane"
HotKarz.com has finished "The Complete Car Show" a book on organizing, planning, judging and winning a car show. This book is available to all in a PDF file at no cost - that means it is free, folks! Check out the book, and its contents here, along with orderiung instructions.
This book was created with the assistance of organizers, promoters, judges and car organizations from across the country. It makes the organizing of a great show a lot easier, and more
profitable.
Please note: this ebook is free only to car organizers, judges and car buffs residing in Maine and New Hampshire, the area serviced by HotKarz. All other will be required to pay for it.
Organizers should order this immediately - it's never too early to begin planning for next year.
HotKarz.com has finished "The Complete Car Show" a book on organizing, planning, judging and winning a car show. This book is available to all in a PDF file at no cost - that means it is free, folks! Check out the book, and its contents here, along with orderiung instructions.
This book was created with the assistance of organizers, promoters, judges and car organizations from across the country. It makes the organizing of a great show a lot easier, and more
profitable.
Please note: this ebook is free only to car organizers, judges and car buffs residing in Maine and New Hampshire, the area serviced by HotKarz. All other will be required to pay for it.
Organizers should order this immediately - it's never too early to begin planning for next year.
REAL "Health Care", Cheap
Today's Shirt: West Virginia - 1 million people, only 15 last names
My doctor doesn't understand. He says emphysema is a progressive disease, and once it begins, there is no way to stop it. And he simply is confused that my own case of emphysema has not progressed at all in the last 6 years.
But I told him. He doesn't hear me. He keeps looking for some "other" way to explain it.
Some of you, I am sure, are likely facing some sort of health challenge. The rest of you would probably be interested in learning how to prevent your loved ones from facing any unnecessary health challenge - or at least reduce the chances for it. So, allow me to tell you what I told my (ex) doctor.
We need to stop looking for ways to fight illness, and look for ways to prevent them. We have become a society that seeks only the "quick and easy" solution to things. Solutions that usually involve medicinal drugs. It has become easy to ignore healthy life choices, and deal with the consequences with a prescription.
When I was first diagnosed with emphysema, and told it would be fatal, I decided to be the exception to the rule. And, while my condition has not gotten noticeably better in those 6 six years, neither has it gotten worse, as predicted. Here is what I did.
First, I decided to use "positive affirmations". A lot like prayer (which I also use), PA is a method of convincing your subconcious (via the power of belief) that you will be this or that. In my case, I used PA to strengthen a belief that the disease would not progress.
The second thing I did was to eliminate all chemicals, pesticides and hormones from my food, and eliminate as many as possible from my immediate environment. My meats are purchased from an all-natural farm right here in Maine - no chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or pesticides. All other food I consume is as natural and organic as possible. And NO "white" carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta etc.
Then I added fiber to my diet - I added about 10-15 grams a day. And fish oil capsules (since I do not like fish, but the oil is rich in Omega-3's, which are critical to good health). And I eat at least two eggs every day - the myth that eggs are bad for you is just that - a myth. Cholesterol that you consume does NOT become cholesterol in the body. And eggs have a lot of protein and Omega-3's. And then I added REAL fat to my diet - not the man-made poison, but real, healthy fats. Our bodies require fats for good health. And, contrary to belief, fats you consume do not become fat in the body. For the most part, it is carbohydrates that become fat. So, I won't touch margarine (a chemical that even flies will not touch), and replaced it with real butter. And the only oil I use for cooking or consumption is either olive oil or coconut oil.
I also subscribe to moderate exercise daily - sometimes I give myself a workout on the Bowflex, but mostly aerobic style exercise, such as walking, working in the gardens etc. You rarely see me sitting during a 7 hour car show.
There are other lesser steps I take, as well. But the crux of my "therapy" is based on one, simple premise: live the way we were intended to live. Man was created to spend most of his day foraging for food - NATURAL food. And mostly RAW food, and FRESH. The act of foraging is the "moderate exercise" on a daily basis.
But today, we do not have to spend the day on the hunt for food. And our food is no longer food - it is nothing more than chemically preseved man-made foodstuffs designed to feed too many people at the lowest cost and highest profit margin possible.
For those of you with health difficulties, or those who wish to avoid them, the only secret is to live as we were meant to. Moderate daily exercise. Good, natural, fresh foods. A healthy environment. A good, healthy attitude and strong belief structure. In short, "live like a cave man", in the ways that are conducive to maintaining health. And ditch the attitude that you can eat all the crap you want, and if a problem develops, just get a prescription or a tummy tuck.
If all Americans were to follow this simple method, "health care" in this country would not be a problem because we simply would not need it very often.
My doctor doesn't understand. He says emphysema is a progressive disease, and once it begins, there is no way to stop it. And he simply is confused that my own case of emphysema has not progressed at all in the last 6 years.
But I told him. He doesn't hear me. He keeps looking for some "other" way to explain it.
Some of you, I am sure, are likely facing some sort of health challenge. The rest of you would probably be interested in learning how to prevent your loved ones from facing any unnecessary health challenge - or at least reduce the chances for it. So, allow me to tell you what I told my (ex) doctor.
We need to stop looking for ways to fight illness, and look for ways to prevent them. We have become a society that seeks only the "quick and easy" solution to things. Solutions that usually involve medicinal drugs. It has become easy to ignore healthy life choices, and deal with the consequences with a prescription.
When I was first diagnosed with emphysema, and told it would be fatal, I decided to be the exception to the rule. And, while my condition has not gotten noticeably better in those 6 six years, neither has it gotten worse, as predicted. Here is what I did.
First, I decided to use "positive affirmations". A lot like prayer (which I also use), PA is a method of convincing your subconcious (via the power of belief) that you will be this or that. In my case, I used PA to strengthen a belief that the disease would not progress.
The second thing I did was to eliminate all chemicals, pesticides and hormones from my food, and eliminate as many as possible from my immediate environment. My meats are purchased from an all-natural farm right here in Maine - no chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or pesticides. All other food I consume is as natural and organic as possible. And NO "white" carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta etc.
Then I added fiber to my diet - I added about 10-15 grams a day. And fish oil capsules (since I do not like fish, but the oil is rich in Omega-3's, which are critical to good health). And I eat at least two eggs every day - the myth that eggs are bad for you is just that - a myth. Cholesterol that you consume does NOT become cholesterol in the body. And eggs have a lot of protein and Omega-3's. And then I added REAL fat to my diet - not the man-made poison, but real, healthy fats. Our bodies require fats for good health. And, contrary to belief, fats you consume do not become fat in the body. For the most part, it is carbohydrates that become fat. So, I won't touch margarine (a chemical that even flies will not touch), and replaced it with real butter. And the only oil I use for cooking or consumption is either olive oil or coconut oil.
I also subscribe to moderate exercise daily - sometimes I give myself a workout on the Bowflex, but mostly aerobic style exercise, such as walking, working in the gardens etc. You rarely see me sitting during a 7 hour car show.
There are other lesser steps I take, as well. But the crux of my "therapy" is based on one, simple premise: live the way we were intended to live. Man was created to spend most of his day foraging for food - NATURAL food. And mostly RAW food, and FRESH. The act of foraging is the "moderate exercise" on a daily basis.
But today, we do not have to spend the day on the hunt for food. And our food is no longer food - it is nothing more than chemically preseved man-made foodstuffs designed to feed too many people at the lowest cost and highest profit margin possible.
For those of you with health difficulties, or those who wish to avoid them, the only secret is to live as we were meant to. Moderate daily exercise. Good, natural, fresh foods. A healthy environment. A good, healthy attitude and strong belief structure. In short, "live like a cave man", in the ways that are conducive to maintaining health. And ditch the attitude that you can eat all the crap you want, and if a problem develops, just get a prescription or a tummy tuck.
If all Americans were to follow this simple method, "health care" in this country would not be a problem because we simply would not need it very often.
Xmas Shopping
Today's Shirt: I'd give you a beer, but I only have 48 left
This is exactly why men don't shop early. It's exactly the reason men wait until the last minutes to do Christmas shopping.
I thought I would start Christmas shopping early for a change, to get it over with. So, I ordered some great stuff for Robin & Christi. And it just came in the mail.
And I got to thinking how much my girls would enjoy those things. In fact, they would enjoy them so much, I just couldn't wait until Christmas to let them start enjoying them. So, they have their gifts. And now I am going to have to buy MORE Christmas gifts later, so they will have presents to open on Christmas.
That's the trouble with us "tough, insensitive guys." We love our families so much, we just can't stand to deprive them. And that's why we wait to do our shopping. So, ladies, go ahead and make fun of how we do our shopping at 6pm on December 24th. But know that it is only because you are so very special. That bracelet in the closet belongs on your wrist, not in the closet. It should be putting a smile on your face today, not 3 months from now. Tomorrow may never come - be happy today.
Reminds me of my Mom. My Dad once bought her "special" dinnerware and silver for those "special" times. So, Mom used them every day. Dad said, "But these are for SPECIAL occassions." And my Mom said, "Every meal with my family is a special occassion. What, or who, is more special?" And when she passed away, the truth of her words hit home. If you don't use those "special" things for those you love, when will you use them?
Too many of us overlook the true "special times" while we wait for "special times". Here's a hint: the most special time you will ever have is right now. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come. Enjoy today to the hilt. If you have "good" dishes, "special" silver, or "best" linens, use them. Who deserves them more?
This is exactly why men don't shop early. It's exactly the reason men wait until the last minutes to do Christmas shopping.
I thought I would start Christmas shopping early for a change, to get it over with. So, I ordered some great stuff for Robin & Christi. And it just came in the mail.
And I got to thinking how much my girls would enjoy those things. In fact, they would enjoy them so much, I just couldn't wait until Christmas to let them start enjoying them. So, they have their gifts. And now I am going to have to buy MORE Christmas gifts later, so they will have presents to open on Christmas.
That's the trouble with us "tough, insensitive guys." We love our families so much, we just can't stand to deprive them. And that's why we wait to do our shopping. So, ladies, go ahead and make fun of how we do our shopping at 6pm on December 24th. But know that it is only because you are so very special. That bracelet in the closet belongs on your wrist, not in the closet. It should be putting a smile on your face today, not 3 months from now. Tomorrow may never come - be happy today.
Reminds me of my Mom. My Dad once bought her "special" dinnerware and silver for those "special" times. So, Mom used them every day. Dad said, "But these are for SPECIAL occassions." And my Mom said, "Every meal with my family is a special occassion. What, or who, is more special?" And when she passed away, the truth of her words hit home. If you don't use those "special" things for those you love, when will you use them?
Too many of us overlook the true "special times" while we wait for "special times". Here's a hint: the most special time you will ever have is right now. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come. Enjoy today to the hilt. If you have "good" dishes, "special" silver, or "best" linens, use them. Who deserves them more?
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