After 30 years in public education, I've retired! I am now the President of AARP Chapter #1, in Youngtown, Az. - the 1st Chapter ever 'to Serve, not to be Served!' I offer important information, challenging opinions, and inane humor.
Please spread the word about this blog-site, so that others may avail themselves of my assistance. I will do my best to provide a voice - even if it is only MY voice! This is Az I See It....if you can handle the TRUTH!
Az I see it....for those who can handle the TRUTH!
Az I Play It....
Are you a golfer? Doesn't matter how good(or bad!) Become a member of Team Titleist and receive great offers, information, and insights from the leader in the consumer and professional golf industries. Today, I was invited to play a FREE round of golf at Legend Trails Golf Club, in Scottsdale, Az., and only had to use six test-prototype golf balls, white and yellow varieties available, provided by Titleist.
In preparation, I received six of the same prototypes golf balls to use prior to participation in the test event. All FREE! During the round, a videographer captured many of our drives, fairway shots, pitches, chips and putts, so that Titleist may see how golfers of many abilities(or not) are able to benefit from this particular product. They promised me that the clips would not be provided to Bloopers and Practical Jokes! A box lunch was also provided, followed by a short, videotaped interview, which is intended to assist Titleist in completing production specifications, and then marketing this particular golf ball.
Sound great? It was - and it was all FREE! And you could enjoy experiences like this, too! If you would like to become a member of Team Titleist, log-on to, and then register at: www.teamtitleist.com/teamtitleist And this is not limited to Arizona, as Titleist stages seasonally-timed events nationwide. They may not necessarily improve your game(they might), but they will certainly improve your golfing experiences and assist Titleist in making the game of golf more enjoyable and successful for everyone! Become a member of Team Titleist today. Fore!
In preparation, I received six of the same prototypes golf balls to use prior to participation in the test event. All FREE! During the round, a videographer captured many of our drives, fairway shots, pitches, chips and putts, so that Titleist may see how golfers of many abilities(or not) are able to benefit from this particular product. They promised me that the clips would not be provided to Bloopers and Practical Jokes! A box lunch was also provided, followed by a short, videotaped interview, which is intended to assist Titleist in completing production specifications, and then marketing this particular golf ball.
Sound great? It was - and it was all FREE! And you could enjoy experiences like this, too! If you would like to become a member of Team Titleist, log-on to, and then register at: www.teamtitleist.com/teamtitleist And this is not limited to Arizona, as Titleist stages seasonally-timed events nationwide. They may not necessarily improve your game(they might), but they will certainly improve your golfing experiences and assist Titleist in making the game of golf more enjoyable and successful for everyone! Become a member of Team Titleist today. Fore!
Az I Sing It....
My Christmas Gift to those who live, or have lived, in climates not fit for human survival:
Log-on to www.youtube.com and search for Arizona Christmas.MP4
Log-on to www.youtube.com and search for Arizona Christmas.MP4
Adz I Need It....
Enjoy....Catering - 13650 N. 94th Drive, in Peoria, Az @ 623-875-1411(formerly Fratello's Cafe & Catering)
Well, for the first time since 1884 we had neither son home for Thanksgiving Day dinner, one being in an Army Fort in Afghanistan, and the other on tour as the center-stage camera man for Rihanna's European concert tour. Just us two! So, we decided, we did not want to go to a restaurant for a stressed-out, over-priced, ordinary meal - and decided to have Amy Mangione, from Enjoy....Catering, provide some of her back-east-style fixin's.
We didn't know what we would be in for, when she said, "You don't need anything but a table cloth and flowers on the table." I arrived at the former location of Fratello's Cafe at the pre-determined time, and Jennifer(super-assistant) and Amy set to loading my vehicle. There was, of course, roasted turkey breast, followed by candied yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, baked ham with pineapple slices, bread rolls & butter, dinner salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, a vegetable side dish, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and apple pie - two servings each, and whipped-cream - adorned with kiwi slices. Everything but a tablecloth and flowers! SO much more than two could possibly eat(made for great leftovers!) And ALL of it was DELICIOUS!
I won't tell you how much it cost, because I don't want to offend those who dined-out this year, but I am almost certain that YOU may have had stressed-out service, over-paid, and received just an ordinary meal. Next time, just Enjoy....Catering!
Well, for the first time since 1884 we had neither son home for Thanksgiving Day dinner, one being in an Army Fort in Afghanistan, and the other on tour as the center-stage camera man for Rihanna's European concert tour. Just us two! So, we decided, we did not want to go to a restaurant for a stressed-out, over-priced, ordinary meal - and decided to have Amy Mangione, from Enjoy....Catering, provide some of her back-east-style fixin's.
We didn't know what we would be in for, when she said, "You don't need anything but a table cloth and flowers on the table." I arrived at the former location of Fratello's Cafe at the pre-determined time, and Jennifer(super-assistant) and Amy set to loading my vehicle. There was, of course, roasted turkey breast, followed by candied yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, baked ham with pineapple slices, bread rolls & butter, dinner salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, a vegetable side dish, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and apple pie - two servings each, and whipped-cream - adorned with kiwi slices. Everything but a tablecloth and flowers! SO much more than two could possibly eat(made for great leftovers!) And ALL of it was DELICIOUS!
I won't tell you how much it cost, because I don't want to offend those who dined-out this year, but I am almost certain that YOU may have had stressed-out service, over-paid, and received just an ordinary meal. Next time, just Enjoy....Catering!
Az I Laugh At It....
- A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street. "But officer." the man began, "I can explain." "Just be quiet," snapped the officer. "I'm going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back..." "But officer, I just wanted to say...." "And I said to keep quiet! You're going to jail!" A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, "Lucky for you that the chief is at his daughter's wedding. He'll be in a good mood when he gets back." "Don't count on it," answered the fellow in the cell. "I'm the groom."
Mom: Where were you last night?
Son: Studying with my friends...
Mom: Don't lie!
Son: Alright, I was at a stripper club.
Mom: Did you see anything there that you were not supposed to see?
Son: Yeah....I saw dad!
- Four guys are driving across country together: one from Idaho, one from Nebraska, one from Florida, and one from New York. A short way down the road, the man from Idaho starts to pull potatoes from his bag and throws them out the window. The man from Iowa turns to him and asks, "What the heck are you doing?" The man from Idaho says, "We have so many of these things in Idaho, they're lying around on the ground. I'm sick of looking at them!" A few miles down the road, the man from Nebraska begins pulling ears of corn from his bag and throwing them out the window.
The man from Florida asks, "What are you doing that for?" The Nebraskan replies, "We have so many of these things in Nebraska, I'm sick of looking at them!" Inspired by the others, the man from Florida opens the car door and pushes the New Yorker out.
- A football coach walked into the locker room before a game, looked over to his star player and said,
"I'm not supposed to let you play since you failed math, but we need you in there. So, what I have to do is ask you a math question, and if you get it right, you can play." The player agreed, so coach looked into his eyes intently and asked, "Okay, now concentrate hard and tell me the answer
to this. What is two plus two?" The player thought for a moment and then answered, "4?" "Did you say 4?" the coach exclaimed, excited that he had got it right. Suddenly all the other players on the team began screaming..., "Come on coach, give him another chance!"
- A young man decided to join the police force. As a recruit, he was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" He answered, "Call for backup!"
They came from a land far away
To be able to choose 'whom to pray
then killed those who'd naught
want to live as they taught
Just to celebrate Thanksgiving Day!
Happy Thanksgiving Day, anyway!
Mom: Where were you last night?
Son: Studying with my friends...
Mom: Don't lie!
Son: Alright, I was at a stripper club.
Mom: Did you see anything there that you were not supposed to see?
Son: Yeah....I saw dad!
- Four guys are driving across country together: one from Idaho, one from Nebraska, one from Florida, and one from New York. A short way down the road, the man from Idaho starts to pull potatoes from his bag and throws them out the window. The man from Iowa turns to him and asks, "What the heck are you doing?" The man from Idaho says, "We have so many of these things in Idaho, they're lying around on the ground. I'm sick of looking at them!" A few miles down the road, the man from Nebraska begins pulling ears of corn from his bag and throwing them out the window.
The man from Florida asks, "What are you doing that for?" The Nebraskan replies, "We have so many of these things in Nebraska, I'm sick of looking at them!" Inspired by the others, the man from Florida opens the car door and pushes the New Yorker out.
- A football coach walked into the locker room before a game, looked over to his star player and said,
"I'm not supposed to let you play since you failed math, but we need you in there. So, what I have to do is ask you a math question, and if you get it right, you can play." The player agreed, so coach looked into his eyes intently and asked, "Okay, now concentrate hard and tell me the answer
to this. What is two plus two?" The player thought for a moment and then answered, "4?" "Did you say 4?" the coach exclaimed, excited that he had got it right. Suddenly all the other players on the team began screaming..., "Come on coach, give him another chance!"
- A young man decided to join the police force. As a recruit, he was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" He answered, "Call for backup!"
They came from a land far away
To be able to choose 'whom to pray
then killed those who'd naught
want to live as they taught
Just to celebrate Thanksgiving Day!
Happy Thanksgiving Day, anyway!
Az I Eat It....
The Rokerij - 6335 N. 16th St., in Phoenix, Az
One of the Richardson trio of restaurants, this one specializes in European/American cuisine. And when I say 'specializes, I mean 'It 'specially sucks!' Over-priced, under-portioned, and did I mention over-priced?(but our waitress, Heather, was 'hot!') And the male servers(servants?) kept serving the wrong meals to the wrong people - and twice they were not even our meals!
It was Guy's Night Out, and out of ten of us, only two had meals that they claimed to be 'Good.' Wayne had a dinner salad and a beer and it cost him $13.00. Others chose the $13.00 burger, drank water, and owed $18.00 each, including tax and tip! Several said that they would not return, and of the two who recommended this restaurant, one said he would not order his selection again(Pasta Heidi - angel hair pasta with $$$ mixed in, I guess!) I had the Fish Trio(swordfish, Mahi Mahi, and Salmon, with corn as my chosen side dish. There was more corn than all three fish combined!
The highlight of my meal was the Creme Brulee, fresh and beautifully presented, with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. But at $10.00? Kelly tried the Chocolate something or other, also $10.00. Also good, but too steep for a return to that dessert bar! When Nick was leaving, he pointed out that he & Kelly had sat near the cozy fireplace when they last visited. I told him that sounded 'special!'
Highlights of the night? My cousin Bobby attended for the first time in several years, as did Wayne - a longtime good friend and colleague. And when someone joked about having sex more often than most, we reminded him that George gets screwed more often than anyone - yeah - THAT George(sorry, George!)
It was great to break bread with men I have known for many years(including Howie, Steve, Pete, Joel), and to wish each other a very Happy Thanksgiving, when departing. It has been more than ten years(April 2004) since this monthly tradition began, and it gets better each time. Those who attend have fun. And for those who do not attend - well, those are the ones we talk about! Next month - Twisted Italian. Mangia & Ciao!
One of the Richardson trio of restaurants, this one specializes in European/American cuisine. And when I say 'specializes, I mean 'It 'specially sucks!' Over-priced, under-portioned, and did I mention over-priced?(but our waitress, Heather, was 'hot!') And the male servers(servants?) kept serving the wrong meals to the wrong people - and twice they were not even our meals!
It was Guy's Night Out, and out of ten of us, only two had meals that they claimed to be 'Good.' Wayne had a dinner salad and a beer and it cost him $13.00. Others chose the $13.00 burger, drank water, and owed $18.00 each, including tax and tip! Several said that they would not return, and of the two who recommended this restaurant, one said he would not order his selection again(Pasta Heidi - angel hair pasta with $$$ mixed in, I guess!) I had the Fish Trio(swordfish, Mahi Mahi, and Salmon, with corn as my chosen side dish. There was more corn than all three fish combined!
The highlight of my meal was the Creme Brulee, fresh and beautifully presented, with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. But at $10.00? Kelly tried the Chocolate something or other, also $10.00. Also good, but too steep for a return to that dessert bar! When Nick was leaving, he pointed out that he & Kelly had sat near the cozy fireplace when they last visited. I told him that sounded 'special!'
Highlights of the night? My cousin Bobby attended for the first time in several years, as did Wayne - a longtime good friend and colleague. And when someone joked about having sex more often than most, we reminded him that George gets screwed more often than anyone - yeah - THAT George(sorry, George!)
It was great to break bread with men I have known for many years(including Howie, Steve, Pete, Joel), and to wish each other a very Happy Thanksgiving, when departing. It has been more than ten years(April 2004) since this monthly tradition began, and it gets better each time. Those who attend have fun. And for those who do not attend - well, those are the ones we talk about! Next month - Twisted Italian. Mangia & Ciao!
The Reel Deal
Three of the WORST films of 2011:
'The Rum Diary,' starring Johnny Depp - I don't care if it was biographical of 'Gonzo'(Hunter Thompson) - how he became a journalistic legend. Might have even made for a good book(I didn't read it), but it made for a lousy and boring film.
'Jack & Jill,' starring Adam Sandler & every former & present cast member of SNL - idiotic, schtick comedy that wasn't funny. Save your money and watch re-runs of bad SNL sketches!
'Twilight Saga: Breaking Wind, part I' - starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, among other tweenage heartthrobs. No, I didn't see it, but I just wanted to write 'Breaking Wind!' Can't wait for 'part II - Running Loose!'
'The Rum Diary,' starring Johnny Depp - I don't care if it was biographical of 'Gonzo'(Hunter Thompson) - how he became a journalistic legend. Might have even made for a good book(I didn't read it), but it made for a lousy and boring film.
'Jack & Jill,' starring Adam Sandler & every former & present cast member of SNL - idiotic, schtick comedy that wasn't funny. Save your money and watch re-runs of bad SNL sketches!
'Twilight Saga: Breaking Wind, part I' - starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, among other tweenage heartthrobs. No, I didn't see it, but I just wanted to write 'Breaking Wind!' Can't wait for 'part II - Running Loose!'
Az I See It....
The '24th Annual Operation Freedom Bird - A Healing Journey' is in the bag, and it was another exhilarating and otherwise emotional event. For those who do not know what OFB is, it is a program created by the Arizona Vet Centers, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, and supported by the friends and families of U.S. military veterans who have experienced difficulties, since their return from combat in the Viet Nam, Iraqi and Afghanistan wars - more than 1,100 since its inception!
The vets are counseled intensively, culminating in their return to the Viet Nam Memorial, in Washington, D.C., marching in the Annual Veteran's Day Parade, and triumphantly returning to Phoenix Sky Harbor to the tumultuous 'Welcome Home' from friends, family, and community dignitaries, which for most is a first-time experience.
This year, several hundred supporters filled the Southwest Airlines Maintenance Hangar, as Jesse McGuire performed his superb renditions of our National Anthem, to open the ceremonies(9th time), and TAPS to close them. Southwest employee Scott Worth belted out Lee Greenwood's 'Proud to be an American' for the 6th time, as many wept in approval.
Thank you, to all at Southwest Airlines, especially Jackie Thompson, and to Pat Lynch(OFB founder), and his main volunteers, ie, Joe Little, Ted Murphree, and so many others, and to Chandler Councilman Matt Orlando, whose support is integral for this event to be successful.
For information on how you can become involved, or to contribute to Operation Freedom Bird, log-on to: www.operationfreedombird.org And, again, thank you - to every U.S. military service person, past and present!
The vets are counseled intensively, culminating in their return to the Viet Nam Memorial, in Washington, D.C., marching in the Annual Veteran's Day Parade, and triumphantly returning to Phoenix Sky Harbor to the tumultuous 'Welcome Home' from friends, family, and community dignitaries, which for most is a first-time experience.
This year, several hundred supporters filled the Southwest Airlines Maintenance Hangar, as Jesse McGuire performed his superb renditions of our National Anthem, to open the ceremonies(9th time), and TAPS to close them. Southwest employee Scott Worth belted out Lee Greenwood's 'Proud to be an American' for the 6th time, as many wept in approval.
Thank you, to all at Southwest Airlines, especially Jackie Thompson, and to Pat Lynch(OFB founder), and his main volunteers, ie, Joe Little, Ted Murphree, and so many others, and to Chandler Councilman Matt Orlando, whose support is integral for this event to be successful.
For information on how you can become involved, or to contribute to Operation Freedom Bird, log-on to: www.operationfreedombird.org And, again, thank you - to every U.S. military service person, past and present!
Az I Eat It....
Twisted Italian - 9940 W. Happy Valley Rd., Suite #1040(nw corner Lake Pleasant Rd & Happy Valley)
A new addition to the north Peoria area, I found myself attracted by the name, if nothing else. The wifemate was away for the evening, so I decided to try what I had only seen in local mailers. I passed on the appetizers(probably shouldn't have), going straight to the bread, and pasta entree - which was is a Wednesday night special @ $5.99. The rub here was that the bread, though tastily spiced, was served at room temperature. I had to request that my second helping be warmed - and that was even better!
I selected the Garden Salad($3.00 extra)instead of Caesar, and the tasty greens, etc., was accompanied by a strawberry-vinegarette dressing - strawberry - Twisted, huh? Well, it too, was very tasty! Then, the pasta special arrived - a bountiful bowl of regular spaghetti, piping hot, with two large, tasty meatballs, all swimming in a tasty, spicy sauce.(There's that 'tasty' again and again!) Grated cheese was also available, and made the meal complete. After-the-fact, I inquired as to whether or not I could have asked for angel hair pasta, and was told that a spaghettini was available. Not that there was anything wrong with the regular, but I wish I had known(personal preference.)
When it was time to consider dessert, I was told they offered tiramasu, chocolate mousse cake, creme broulee cheesecake, and ice cream. They had me at creme brouleee! It tasted more like cheesecake than creme broulee, but it was goo-ood! And they serve Coca Cola products! Okay - the entire bill came to less than $20, including tax, but not including tip. The other menu items are very reasonably priced from $10 to $17, and the service was great, too!
Some tips for the owner(Mike): NEVER have bread served other than piping hot; join the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, for customer growth opportunities; and offer a dessert sampler item, consisting of all four items - you should call it 'The Twister.'(I coined that for him!)
And they serve beer and wine, and offer a varied lunch menu with great prices. Hey, if you don't believe me, log on to: www.eattwisted.com You'll love it, so as Chubby Checkers says - "let's Twisted Italian again!"
A new addition to the north Peoria area, I found myself attracted by the name, if nothing else. The wifemate was away for the evening, so I decided to try what I had only seen in local mailers. I passed on the appetizers(probably shouldn't have), going straight to the bread, and pasta entree - which was is a Wednesday night special @ $5.99. The rub here was that the bread, though tastily spiced, was served at room temperature. I had to request that my second helping be warmed - and that was even better!
I selected the Garden Salad($3.00 extra)instead of Caesar, and the tasty greens, etc., was accompanied by a strawberry-vinegarette dressing - strawberry - Twisted, huh? Well, it too, was very tasty! Then, the pasta special arrived - a bountiful bowl of regular spaghetti, piping hot, with two large, tasty meatballs, all swimming in a tasty, spicy sauce.(There's that 'tasty' again and again!) Grated cheese was also available, and made the meal complete. After-the-fact, I inquired as to whether or not I could have asked for angel hair pasta, and was told that a spaghettini was available. Not that there was anything wrong with the regular, but I wish I had known(personal preference.)
When it was time to consider dessert, I was told they offered tiramasu, chocolate mousse cake, creme broulee cheesecake, and ice cream. They had me at creme brouleee! It tasted more like cheesecake than creme broulee, but it was goo-ood! And they serve Coca Cola products! Okay - the entire bill came to less than $20, including tax, but not including tip. The other menu items are very reasonably priced from $10 to $17, and the service was great, too!
Some tips for the owner(Mike): NEVER have bread served other than piping hot; join the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, for customer growth opportunities; and offer a dessert sampler item, consisting of all four items - you should call it 'The Twister.'(I coined that for him!)
And they serve beer and wine, and offer a varied lunch menu with great prices. Hey, if you don't believe me, log on to: www.eattwisted.com You'll love it, so as Chubby Checkers says - "let's Twisted Italian again!"
Az I Laugh At It....
- A drunken cowboy lay sprawled across three entire seats in the posh Amarillo Theater. When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the cowboy, "Sorry, sir, but you're only allowed one seat." The cowboy groaned but didn't budge. The usher became more impatient: "Sir, if you don't get up from there I'm going to have to call the manager." Once again, the cowboy just groaned. The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment he returned with the manager. Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the cowboy, but with no success. Finally they summoned the police. The Texas Ranger surveyed the situation briefly then asked, "All right buddy, what's your name?" "Fred," the cowboy moaned. "Where ya from, Fred?" asked the Ranger. With terrible pain in his voice, and without moving a muscle, Fred replied, "THE BALCONY!"
- Two women were put together as partners in the club tournament and met on the putting green for the first time. After introductions, the first golfer asked, "What's your handicap?" "Oh, I'm a scratch golfer," the other replied. "Really!" exclaimed the first woman, suitably impressed that she was paired up with her. "Yes, I write down all my good scores and scratch out the bad ones!"
- Little Nicky was one of those holy terrors. His dad was surprised when Nicky's mom suggested that they buy him a bike for his birthday. "Do you really believe that'll help improve his behavior ?" he asked. "Well, no," she admitted, "But it will spread it over a wider area."
- Golf is like marriage: If you take yourself too seriously, it won't work, and both are expensive.
- Sharon roared, "What do you mean by coming home half drunk?" George replied, "It's not my fault...I ran out of money!"
- Two women were put together as partners in the club tournament and met on the putting green for the first time. After introductions, the first golfer asked, "What's your handicap?" "Oh, I'm a scratch golfer," the other replied. "Really!" exclaimed the first woman, suitably impressed that she was paired up with her. "Yes, I write down all my good scores and scratch out the bad ones!"
- Little Nicky was one of those holy terrors. His dad was surprised when Nicky's mom suggested that they buy him a bike for his birthday. "Do you really believe that'll help improve his behavior ?" he asked. "Well, no," she admitted, "But it will spread it over a wider area."
- Golf is like marriage: If you take yourself too seriously, it won't work, and both are expensive.
- Sharon roared, "What do you mean by coming home half drunk?" George replied, "It's not my fault...I ran out of money!"
Az I See It....
More from the October 22nd Town Hall with U.S.-HOR Trent Franks: He stated that he was proud that he had signed on to the Grover Norquist pledge - the Tea Party mandate - which promises(with a blood vow) that Republicans will NOT accept ANY tax increases on the wealthy!....Franks calls for less government, but stated that his own staff was larger than the more than 100 attendees at this event! We really do not necessarily want less government - only less-expensive and more competent government. Just sayin'!....Although Glendale citizens attested that they were in favor of a Tohono O'odham casino/resort on tribe-owned land which is encompassed by the City of Glendale, Franks claims that it will not offer jobs - only shift them from one casino to another. And any income produced would simply be from the locals, and not from outside sources. Oh, and I thought tourism was alive and well, in Arizona. You know - Super Bowl, other NFL games, NHL, conventions, weather considerations, golf, etc. - no one ever has a reason to come to Arizona! And the locals are flush with cash to spend frivolously - because of all the jobs! He knows what's best for them, assuring the spokesperson that their view was misguided - he said so!....Franks specifically cited the break-up of Ma Bell, in the early 1980s, as an example of corporations creating jobs when the government is not regulating themminute today - and that cellphone technologies are a direct result. And, NO, he did NOT mention or thank Steve Jobs - actually, he made NO mention of any jobs - except his!....Franks made it clear that it is a dog-eat-dog world, and that Republicans are the top dogs - morally and otherwise!...."A society is measured by the way in which it treats the less fortunate among them"(variously stated by Winston Churchill, Pope John Paul II, President Harry S. Truman, and Dostoyevsky)....After listening to Mr. Franks, it is clear that the most dangerous, terroristic threats to American citizens are the 'Gang of 289' - the Republican members of the U.S. Congress!....Oh - and how do you know when a U.S.-HORS Representative from Arizona is lying to you? His lips are moving!
Az I See It....
I just returned from a Town Hall event, with Trent Franks - one of Arizona's representatives to the U.S.-HORS. It began with an inappropriate invocation from his brother, continuing with a self-introduction which expounded on his religious ties to serving the people, and wondering aloud how he has gotten to represent Arizona for nine years. Well, we wondered the same!
He also spent quite a few minutes to let us know how his religious experiences have helped to make him the legislator he is - even reflected in his voting on issues of governmental matters. Ever heard of Separation of Church and State? Remember this, when you hear Mitt Romney and Rick Perry say that their religion is unimportant in their presidential campaigns - they LIE!
After incoherently attempting to read the first question card, from the attendees, his aide took the helm and paraphrased the remainder of the questions - almost all obviously submitted by his supporters. And they certainly out-numbered his detractors. I can see why! Why waste one's time? Answers were evasive, self-serving, and bordering on slanderous towards President Obama(not once did he refer to the Commander-in-Chief as anything but 'Obama') He even lauded former President George W. Bush, and denigrated Presidents Carter and Clinton, too! His diatribes included rants about Korea, Iran, the Nazis, the U.S. Senate, and anything that wasn't elitist-Republican.
When it was opened to questions from the floor, he evaded any answer from his detractors, but took extra time in explaining the most nonsensical and outlandish gushings of his supporters - and made every effort to let everyone know it! At one point, he commented as to how it was so nice to see a group of Americans who could meet like this and be so civil to each other - including him. That's when all Hell broke loose, with two elderly ladies almost coming to blows - REALLY!
As the arguments and tauntings became more intense and personal(after all, if it affects one's life, it IS personal), we were informed that there was time for just two more questions. The first was another pro-Franks plaudit. The last question, from a veteran of the Korean War, that remains as unanswered as so many others: "What will you do to ensure that soldiers, returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, get the help they need for mental and physical distresses from their service." Franks' response: "I fully support helping them." Huh?
Mr. Franks - I attended because I wanted you to NEVER be able to say that no one had ever asked my question of you. You may say it, but again, you would be lying! My question was: "Since ten years of the Bush Administration tax cuts for corporations has resulted in the highest sustained unemployment rate in decades, why are you in favor of additional tax breaks that are not directly linked to employment increases. but you prefer delaying, diminishing, and/or eliminating earned benefits from seniors and the middle-class." He gave a short, evasive answer about corporations creating jobs when taxes are lower(Huh, again? I just reminded you of the Bush tax cuts!), and quickly dismissed the question. At least the attending Democrats applauded my question. The obviously wealthy Republicans simply glared at me and were glad he didn't answer!
Oh, and the Town Hall was publicized as being from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. It actually began with the inappropriate prayer at 2:10pm and ended at only 3:45pm. I'm sure we could have gotten in at least two more questions!
He also spent quite a few minutes to let us know how his religious experiences have helped to make him the legislator he is - even reflected in his voting on issues of governmental matters. Ever heard of Separation of Church and State? Remember this, when you hear Mitt Romney and Rick Perry say that their religion is unimportant in their presidential campaigns - they LIE!
After incoherently attempting to read the first question card, from the attendees, his aide took the helm and paraphrased the remainder of the questions - almost all obviously submitted by his supporters. And they certainly out-numbered his detractors. I can see why! Why waste one's time? Answers were evasive, self-serving, and bordering on slanderous towards President Obama(not once did he refer to the Commander-in-Chief as anything but 'Obama') He even lauded former President George W. Bush, and denigrated Presidents Carter and Clinton, too! His diatribes included rants about Korea, Iran, the Nazis, the U.S. Senate, and anything that wasn't elitist-Republican.
When it was opened to questions from the floor, he evaded any answer from his detractors, but took extra time in explaining the most nonsensical and outlandish gushings of his supporters - and made every effort to let everyone know it! At one point, he commented as to how it was so nice to see a group of Americans who could meet like this and be so civil to each other - including him. That's when all Hell broke loose, with two elderly ladies almost coming to blows - REALLY!
As the arguments and tauntings became more intense and personal(after all, if it affects one's life, it IS personal), we were informed that there was time for just two more questions. The first was another pro-Franks plaudit. The last question, from a veteran of the Korean War, that remains as unanswered as so many others: "What will you do to ensure that soldiers, returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, get the help they need for mental and physical distresses from their service." Franks' response: "I fully support helping them." Huh?
Mr. Franks - I attended because I wanted you to NEVER be able to say that no one had ever asked my question of you. You may say it, but again, you would be lying! My question was: "Since ten years of the Bush Administration tax cuts for corporations has resulted in the highest sustained unemployment rate in decades, why are you in favor of additional tax breaks that are not directly linked to employment increases. but you prefer delaying, diminishing, and/or eliminating earned benefits from seniors and the middle-class." He gave a short, evasive answer about corporations creating jobs when taxes are lower(Huh, again? I just reminded you of the Bush tax cuts!), and quickly dismissed the question. At least the attending Democrats applauded my question. The obviously wealthy Republicans simply glared at me and were glad he didn't answer!
Oh, and the Town Hall was publicized as being from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. It actually began with the inappropriate prayer at 2:10pm and ended at only 3:45pm. I'm sure we could have gotten in at least two more questions!
Az I See It....
Prologue: "The people who cast the votes don't decide the election. The people who count the votes do!" - Joseph Stalin
International: Sen. John McCain(R-Az.) wants to 'step-up' aid to the less fortunate. No - NOT Americans - Libyans! While he has assisted in the bankruptcy of Arizona(declining federal monies that Arizonans have contributed to), and is adamant in the Republican assault on the middle- and lower-classes(insisting on budget cuts, and lower taxation only for corporations and the wealthy), he is now demanding that President Obama spend many more billions to assist in the Libyan freedom fight. Hey, John - where will the funds come from? Oh - from eliminating the IRS home mortgage deduction that non-wealthy Americans depend upon. It's a good thing that Libya is flush with oil reserves, or Americans wouldn't believe your generosity was so altruistic!....Israel has traded more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for only ONE Israeli citizen, who was held hostage for more than five years. Hamas is claiming a victory, but it seems to confirm a long-held axiom as to the value of each!....Mexican officials are upset that our government is deporting thousands of Mexican nationals who commit serious crimes in the U.S., instead of prosecuting and imprisoning them here. Huh?....Poor Fred Armisen. The master SNL impersonator has lost the public spotlight of former N.Y Gov. John Patterson, and now Mohammar Gadhafy. Good thing he'll have President Obama until 2016!....Russia and China have vetoed a U.N. resolution which would have sanctioned Syria for its deadly crackdown on civilian protesters, saying, 'It is a government's right to kill its own people.'(see Stalin quote above!)....Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of Viking Chief Hagar the Horrible, estimated to be about 1,000-years old, on a remote Scottish peninsula. Lucky Eddie's remains have not been found!
National: October 22nd is National Make a Difference Day! What will you do to make a difference?....U.S. Representative David Schweikert(R-Az.) is proposing to discontinue the one-dollar bill, estimating it will save the federal government more than $5B over thirty years in production costs. Really? REALLY? It will cost the American consumer MUCH more, ie., transporting the heavier coins will cost more; millions of vending machines will have to be re-tooled(who will pay for that cost? - consumers, that's who!); and can you also imagine inserting a $5 bill into a machine for a can of soda and receiving four dollar coins to 'pocket?'(you'll need a man-purse) Oh, that's right - soda would be raised to $4 to cover the conversion cost. Wouldn't it save the government much more money, if the people just eliminated the absurd, life-long pensions and benefits for the 535 self-serving, incompetent, elitist Congressional legislators?....Four mentally disabled persons were found to have been locked in a Philadelphia basement, suffering from malnutrition. A bit further down the road, in Washington, D.C., six mentally disabled persons were found locked in a room with six Democrats, arguing over their proposed tax cuts for the wealthy, to solve the nation's debt-ceiling crisis!....A report by the Non-partisan Congressional Research Service concludes that 1-in-4 millionaires pay a lesser percentage of income taxes than the middle-class!....Here's a thought - why not link corporate tax cuts directly to their employment increases? Just sayin'!....At least two ATF operations under the George Bush Administration allowed weapons to 'walk' into the hands of criminals, both foreign and domestic. When confronted, Republican leaders blamed them on Obama!....When will it end? Catholic Bishop Robert Finn(Kansas City, Mo.), has been charged with hiding hundreds of child-porn images that were stored on a local priest's computer. And now more allegations of child-sexual abuse abuse have surfaced against Fr. Jack Spaulding, in Arizona, and are supposedly credible. He baptized my sons!....As the many thousands of Americans protest, stemming from 'Occupy Wall Street,' in an effort to obtain jobs and economic assistance, Republican leaders have labeled them as 'slackers with nothing better to do.' Interestingly, the protesters describe the Republican members of Congress exactly the same!
State/Local: Young ladies from Gilbert High School are told they will be seriously disciplined if they wear t-shirts, in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month(October), with the text "Feel for Lumps, Save Your Bumps!" Seriously? Where is there a pro bono attorney when you need one?!....More Arizona motorcyclists are needlessly dying, and ALL a direct result of them NOT wearing helmets when they are involved in collisions with automobiles. Some of my cyclist friends speculate that it is better than living with possible life-altering injuries. So sad!
Epilogue: "The trouble with quotes on the internet is that it is difficult to determine whether or not they are genuine." - Abraham Lincoln
International: Sen. John McCain(R-Az.) wants to 'step-up' aid to the less fortunate. No - NOT Americans - Libyans! While he has assisted in the bankruptcy of Arizona(declining federal monies that Arizonans have contributed to), and is adamant in the Republican assault on the middle- and lower-classes(insisting on budget cuts, and lower taxation only for corporations and the wealthy), he is now demanding that President Obama spend many more billions to assist in the Libyan freedom fight. Hey, John - where will the funds come from? Oh - from eliminating the IRS home mortgage deduction that non-wealthy Americans depend upon. It's a good thing that Libya is flush with oil reserves, or Americans wouldn't believe your generosity was so altruistic!....Israel has traded more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for only ONE Israeli citizen, who was held hostage for more than five years. Hamas is claiming a victory, but it seems to confirm a long-held axiom as to the value of each!....Mexican officials are upset that our government is deporting thousands of Mexican nationals who commit serious crimes in the U.S., instead of prosecuting and imprisoning them here. Huh?....Poor Fred Armisen. The master SNL impersonator has lost the public spotlight of former N.Y Gov. John Patterson, and now Mohammar Gadhafy. Good thing he'll have President Obama until 2016!....Russia and China have vetoed a U.N. resolution which would have sanctioned Syria for its deadly crackdown on civilian protesters, saying, 'It is a government's right to kill its own people.'(see Stalin quote above!)....Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of Viking Chief Hagar the Horrible, estimated to be about 1,000-years old, on a remote Scottish peninsula. Lucky Eddie's remains have not been found!
National: October 22nd is National Make a Difference Day! What will you do to make a difference?....U.S. Representative David Schweikert(R-Az.) is proposing to discontinue the one-dollar bill, estimating it will save the federal government more than $5B over thirty years in production costs. Really? REALLY? It will cost the American consumer MUCH more, ie., transporting the heavier coins will cost more; millions of vending machines will have to be re-tooled(who will pay for that cost? - consumers, that's who!); and can you also imagine inserting a $5 bill into a machine for a can of soda and receiving four dollar coins to 'pocket?'(you'll need a man-purse) Oh, that's right - soda would be raised to $4 to cover the conversion cost. Wouldn't it save the government much more money, if the people just eliminated the absurd, life-long pensions and benefits for the 535 self-serving, incompetent, elitist Congressional legislators?....Four mentally disabled persons were found to have been locked in a Philadelphia basement, suffering from malnutrition. A bit further down the road, in Washington, D.C., six mentally disabled persons were found locked in a room with six Democrats, arguing over their proposed tax cuts for the wealthy, to solve the nation's debt-ceiling crisis!....A report by the Non-partisan Congressional Research Service concludes that 1-in-4 millionaires pay a lesser percentage of income taxes than the middle-class!....Here's a thought - why not link corporate tax cuts directly to their employment increases? Just sayin'!....At least two ATF operations under the George Bush Administration allowed weapons to 'walk' into the hands of criminals, both foreign and domestic. When confronted, Republican leaders blamed them on Obama!....When will it end? Catholic Bishop Robert Finn(Kansas City, Mo.), has been charged with hiding hundreds of child-porn images that were stored on a local priest's computer. And now more allegations of child-sexual abuse abuse have surfaced against Fr. Jack Spaulding, in Arizona, and are supposedly credible. He baptized my sons!....As the many thousands of Americans protest, stemming from 'Occupy Wall Street,' in an effort to obtain jobs and economic assistance, Republican leaders have labeled them as 'slackers with nothing better to do.' Interestingly, the protesters describe the Republican members of Congress exactly the same!
State/Local: Young ladies from Gilbert High School are told they will be seriously disciplined if they wear t-shirts, in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month(October), with the text "Feel for Lumps, Save Your Bumps!" Seriously? Where is there a pro bono attorney when you need one?!....More Arizona motorcyclists are needlessly dying, and ALL a direct result of them NOT wearing helmets when they are involved in collisions with automobiles. Some of my cyclist friends speculate that it is better than living with possible life-altering injuries. So sad!
Epilogue: "The trouble with quotes on the internet is that it is difficult to determine whether or not they are genuine." - Abraham Lincoln
Az I See It....
TOP TEN REASONS REPUBLICANS WILL VOTE FOR AZ. GOVERNOR JAN BREWER, IF SHE WAS RUNNING AS A VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE:
10. She slashed aid to public schools by almost $500M - and she's not finished.
9. She eliminated Medicaid benefits for more than 200,000 vulnerable Arizonans.
8. She is against a woman's right to determine her own reproductive health.
7. She is against ALL abortions.
6. She is pro-business, and anti-worker and consumer.
5. She is as incompetent as Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann.
4. She allowed the state legislature to decline FREE federal funding for extended long-term unemployment benefits, causing many more foreclosures and bankruptcies, and longer lines at the food banks.
3. No number 3. They're out voting for Vice-president Brewer.
2. She smells of elitism - but it's a dry smell!
And - the number 1 reason Republicans will vote for Az. Governor Jan Brewer, if she was running as a vice-presidential candidate: They're IDIOTS!
10. She slashed aid to public schools by almost $500M - and she's not finished.
9. She eliminated Medicaid benefits for more than 200,000 vulnerable Arizonans.
8. She is against a woman's right to determine her own reproductive health.
7. She is against ALL abortions.
6. She is pro-business, and anti-worker and consumer.
5. She is as incompetent as Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann.
4. She allowed the state legislature to decline FREE federal funding for extended long-term unemployment benefits, causing many more foreclosures and bankruptcies, and longer lines at the food banks.
3. No number 3. They're out voting for Vice-president Brewer.
2. She smells of elitism - but it's a dry smell!
And - the number 1 reason Republicans will vote for Az. Governor Jan Brewer, if she was running as a vice-presidential candidate: They're IDIOTS!
Az I Laugh At It....
- Sharon was lounging in her backyard, when her neighbor, Phyllis, poked her head over the fence and said, "I don't like being the one to have to tell you this Sharon, but there's a rumor going around that your husband George is chasing the women." "So what?" said Sharon. "But at his age!" said Phyllis, "He's over 65 isn't he?" "Yes, so he's 66, so what?" replied Sharon. "Let him chase girls. Dogs chase cars, but when they catch one, can they drive it?"
- Just been to the gym. They've got a new machine. Could only use it for half an hour, as I started to feel sick. It's great though. It provides me with everything I need - Kit Kats, Mars Bars, Snickers, Potato Crisps...."
- Nick: "My doctor says if I don't give up sex, I'll be dead in a week."
Bernie: "Why is that?"
Nick: "I've been screwing his wife."
- Survey Question - Are there too many immigrants in Britain? 17% answered, "Yes" 11% replied, "No" 72% said, "I am not understanding the question, please."
- This is the story of the poor blonde, flying in a two-seater airplane with just the pilot. He has a heart attack and dies. She frantically called, "May Day! May Day! Help me! Help me! My pilot had a heart attack and is dead. And I don't know how to fly. Help me! Please help me!" All of a sudden she heard a voice over the radio: "The is the tower. I have received your message and I will talk you through it. I've had a lot of experience with this kind of problem. Now, just relax. Everything will be fine! Now give me your height and position." She replied, "I'm 5'4" and I'm in the front seat." "O.K." said the voice from the tower. "Repeat after me: Our Father....Who art in Heaven...."
- Just been to the gym. They've got a new machine. Could only use it for half an hour, as I started to feel sick. It's great though. It provides me with everything I need - Kit Kats, Mars Bars, Snickers, Potato Crisps...."
- Nick: "My doctor says if I don't give up sex, I'll be dead in a week."
Bernie: "Why is that?"
Nick: "I've been screwing his wife."
- Survey Question - Are there too many immigrants in Britain? 17% answered, "Yes" 11% replied, "No" 72% said, "I am not understanding the question, please."
- This is the story of the poor blonde, flying in a two-seater airplane with just the pilot. He has a heart attack and dies. She frantically called, "May Day! May Day! Help me! Help me! My pilot had a heart attack and is dead. And I don't know how to fly. Help me! Please help me!" All of a sudden she heard a voice over the radio: "The is the tower. I have received your message and I will talk you through it. I've had a lot of experience with this kind of problem. Now, just relax. Everything will be fine! Now give me your height and position." She replied, "I'm 5'4" and I'm in the front seat." "O.K." said the voice from the tower. "Repeat after me: Our Father....Who art in Heaven...."
The Reel Deal
The Ides of March(rated R), directed by and starring George Clooney. Also, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti, and Marisa Tomei.
Steve(Gosling), is a young, over-achieving political campaign expert who is caught up in a critical Ohio Democratic presidential primary for Gov. Mike Morris(Clooney), when he experiences the seedier side of politics. Drawing on many parallels from current and soon-to-be political events, everyone is scrambling to survive and thrive - at any cost to themselves, or at the expense of others.
This film had the audience right where it wanted them to be - and then the plot shifted to a Bill Clinton-like scandal that left me wondering why it was the only option for the ensuing intrigue. Anyway, the acting is very good - expect Hoffman to be nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar - and Wood delivered as she usually does(ie., Thirteen, The Wrestler, Once and Again, and HBO's True Blood.) Good film, not a great film, so if some one tries to laud over it, just beware the Ides of March!
Steve(Gosling), is a young, over-achieving political campaign expert who is caught up in a critical Ohio Democratic presidential primary for Gov. Mike Morris(Clooney), when he experiences the seedier side of politics. Drawing on many parallels from current and soon-to-be political events, everyone is scrambling to survive and thrive - at any cost to themselves, or at the expense of others.
This film had the audience right where it wanted them to be - and then the plot shifted to a Bill Clinton-like scandal that left me wondering why it was the only option for the ensuing intrigue. Anyway, the acting is very good - expect Hoffman to be nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar - and Wood delivered as she usually does(ie., Thirteen, The Wrestler, Once and Again, and HBO's True Blood.) Good film, not a great film, so if some one tries to laud over it, just beware the Ides of March!
The Reel Deal
The Way(rated PG-13), starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, and Deborah Kara Unger, with an interesting supporting cast!
*I had the opportunity to attend a special preview of 'The Way' at the 2011 AARP National Convention, in Los Angeles, Ca., on Sept. 23rd. It is coming soon to select cities, and I can only hope that your city has been selected!
Tom(Sheen) must travel to Europe to retrieve the body of his estranged son, Daniel(Estevez), after he died in an accidental fall, while attempting a France to Spain 'El Camino de Santiago' trek, or 'The Way.' While Tom is seeking answers to this estrangement, he is also seeking to find peace in his own life, and begrudgingly decides to complete the trek himself. He meets many along the way, and seems to have his judgments imposed on each. Through the difficulties he encounters, as well as seeming communication with Daniel, his life is transformed.
This film will not win any Academy Awards. There is just something that is not meant for this artwork to accomplish. It will win the hearts of all who invest whatever money it costs to see and hear it. Sheen is transcendent, Estevez is simply good, and the dialogue - though sometimes seemingly trite and displaced, or even disjointed - is integral and wrapped to deliver the message that Estevez intends. After all, he also wrote and directed the film, so he must have known The Way!
Editor's note: Upon completion of this film, Estevez and Sheen actually did complete The Way!
*I had the opportunity to attend a special preview of 'The Way' at the 2011 AARP National Convention, in Los Angeles, Ca., on Sept. 23rd. It is coming soon to select cities, and I can only hope that your city has been selected!
Tom(Sheen) must travel to Europe to retrieve the body of his estranged son, Daniel(Estevez), after he died in an accidental fall, while attempting a France to Spain 'El Camino de Santiago' trek, or 'The Way.' While Tom is seeking answers to this estrangement, he is also seeking to find peace in his own life, and begrudgingly decides to complete the trek himself. He meets many along the way, and seems to have his judgments imposed on each. Through the difficulties he encounters, as well as seeming communication with Daniel, his life is transformed.
This film will not win any Academy Awards. There is just something that is not meant for this artwork to accomplish. It will win the hearts of all who invest whatever money it costs to see and hear it. Sheen is transcendent, Estevez is simply good, and the dialogue - though sometimes seemingly trite and displaced, or even disjointed - is integral and wrapped to deliver the message that Estevez intends. After all, he also wrote and directed the film, so he must have known The Way!
Editor's note: Upon completion of this film, Estevez and Sheen actually did complete The Way!
Az I Laugh At It....
- At a golf course, four men approached the sixteenth tee. The straight fairway ran along a road and bike path fenced off on the left. Bernie teed off and hooked the ball in that direction. The ball went over the fence and bounced off the bike path onto the road, where it hit the tire of a moving bus and was knocked back on to the fairway. As they all stood in amazement, Jeff asked him, "How on earth did you do that?" Bernie shrugged his shoulders and said, "You have to know the bus schedule."
- A man walked into a bar and took a seat next to a very attractive woman. He gave her a quick glance and casually looked at his watch for a moment. The woman noticed this and asked, "Is your date running late?" "No," he replied, "I just got this state-of the-art watch and I was just testing it." The intrigued woman queried, "A state-of-the-art watch? What's so special about it?" The man explained, "It uses alpha waves to talk to me telepathically." The lady asked, "What's it telling you now?" "Well, it says that you're not wearing any panties," replied the man. The woman giggled, and exclaimed, "Well it must be broken because I am wearing panties!" The man smiled, tapped his watch and said, "Damn thing's an hour fast!"
- Have you heard about poor George, whose wife(Sharon) and mother-in-law insisted he take them on a hunting trip? He finally gave in. One evening, after yet another uneventful hunt, he called it a day and started towards the camp, intending to collect the women from their stands on the way back. As his mother-in-law was climbing down from her stand, they heard Sharon scream. Rushing towards the sound, they rounded a clearing and came upon a chilling sight: Sharon was backed up against a tree and a large bear stood facing her. The mother-in-law cried, "What are we going to do?" "Be still..." said George. "That bear got himself into this mess, let him get himself out of it!"
- A man walked into a bar and took a seat next to a very attractive woman. He gave her a quick glance and casually looked at his watch for a moment. The woman noticed this and asked, "Is your date running late?" "No," he replied, "I just got this state-of the-art watch and I was just testing it." The intrigued woman queried, "A state-of-the-art watch? What's so special about it?" The man explained, "It uses alpha waves to talk to me telepathically." The lady asked, "What's it telling you now?" "Well, it says that you're not wearing any panties," replied the man. The woman giggled, and exclaimed, "Well it must be broken because I am wearing panties!" The man smiled, tapped his watch and said, "Damn thing's an hour fast!"
- Have you heard about poor George, whose wife(Sharon) and mother-in-law insisted he take them on a hunting trip? He finally gave in. One evening, after yet another uneventful hunt, he called it a day and started towards the camp, intending to collect the women from their stands on the way back. As his mother-in-law was climbing down from her stand, they heard Sharon scream. Rushing towards the sound, they rounded a clearing and came upon a chilling sight: Sharon was backed up against a tree and a large bear stood facing her. The mother-in-law cried, "What are we going to do?" "Be still..." said George. "That bear got himself into this mess, let him get himself out of it!"
Az I See It....
Prologue: "It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little." - Sydney Smith
International: Why is it President Obama's fault that Israel and the Palestinians cannot find the peace that previous presidents have not been able to attain?....Mexican gunmen halted traffic to dump 35 executed organized crime victims into the street, protecting millions of dollars for their drug cartel, as horrified motorists watched. Meanwhile, in Arizona, the bodies of hundreds of thousands of good citizens will soon amass into the streets, as state AHCCCS cuts for the vulnerable and indigent save millions of dollars for the Legislative Cartel!....Scientific research indicates that the Hamza River is more than two miles below the surface of the earth, and directly below the Amazon River and rain forest. In order to confirm the Hamza's existence, it may be necessary to drill down, re-exposing the Mole Men creatures that Superman protected from society, more than 50 years ago!
National: Age 65+ is the fastest-growing segment of the population declaring bankruptcy. Why, then, do they support the Republicans who want to make more drastic cuts to their Medicare and Social Security programs?....Social Security benefits were never meant to be anything more than a supplemental retirement income, and NOT a primary income source, as so many seniors hoped that it would be!....Almost one million young adults now have health insurance that they previously could not eith afford or qualify for, thanks to the federal Affordable Care Act(ObamaCare!)....Let's trade. Tea Party members - who are determined to outlaw elective abortions - to Mexico, where elective abortions are illegal, for....well....just keep them!....Presidential candidate Ron Paul(R-Texas) has spoken out against Obama's decision to target and kill a dangerous, U.S.-born Islamic terrorist. Seems that republicans have no concern for real American citizens. No? Then why is it okay to target and kill future Medicare and Social Security recipients, by taking their medical and financial lifeblood away?....New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is intent on revitalizing corporate America with more tax cuts for the wealthy, at the expense of the American consumer, has insisted he will not run for president, because of family considerations. Now, this morbidly obese food addict says he will reconsider. It seems his advisers told him the position is all-you-can-eat!....The U.S. Energy Department has approved more than $1B in loans for corporate solar projects in Nevada and Arizona, but will no longer fund subsidies for the American consumer to affordably convert to solar. Congress has the power!....Don't ask, don't tell is now obsolete in the U.S. Armed Forces, but spousal medical benefits for same-sex couples are still to be denied. New rule: Don't lie, and you'll die!....Illinois'; skunk population has soared more than 46% since 2009. And that's just in the political arena!....Alabama's recent federal court victories strengthen its tougher-than-Arizona anti-illegal immigrant laws, and have resulted in a mass exodus of illegals. They're not coming back to Arizona, so maybe the wealthy in Washington, D.C. and Virginia will welcome them!
State: Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon received a prestigious award from Mexico, for appreciated efforts to protect Mexicans living illegally in Arizona. Sheesh - the next election can't come soon enough!
Misc: Faith Hill is the best thing about NBC's and the NFL's Sunday Night Football!....Martina McBride's latest single, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," is one of the best releases - from anyone - in years!
Epilogue: There are two kinds of friends - those who are around when you need them, and those who are around when they need you.
International: Why is it President Obama's fault that Israel and the Palestinians cannot find the peace that previous presidents have not been able to attain?....Mexican gunmen halted traffic to dump 35 executed organized crime victims into the street, protecting millions of dollars for their drug cartel, as horrified motorists watched. Meanwhile, in Arizona, the bodies of hundreds of thousands of good citizens will soon amass into the streets, as state AHCCCS cuts for the vulnerable and indigent save millions of dollars for the Legislative Cartel!....Scientific research indicates that the Hamza River is more than two miles below the surface of the earth, and directly below the Amazon River and rain forest. In order to confirm the Hamza's existence, it may be necessary to drill down, re-exposing the Mole Men creatures that Superman protected from society, more than 50 years ago!
National: Age 65+ is the fastest-growing segment of the population declaring bankruptcy. Why, then, do they support the Republicans who want to make more drastic cuts to their Medicare and Social Security programs?....Social Security benefits were never meant to be anything more than a supplemental retirement income, and NOT a primary income source, as so many seniors hoped that it would be!....Almost one million young adults now have health insurance that they previously could not eith afford or qualify for, thanks to the federal Affordable Care Act(ObamaCare!)....Let's trade. Tea Party members - who are determined to outlaw elective abortions - to Mexico, where elective abortions are illegal, for....well....just keep them!....Presidential candidate Ron Paul(R-Texas) has spoken out against Obama's decision to target and kill a dangerous, U.S.-born Islamic terrorist. Seems that republicans have no concern for real American citizens. No? Then why is it okay to target and kill future Medicare and Social Security recipients, by taking their medical and financial lifeblood away?....New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is intent on revitalizing corporate America with more tax cuts for the wealthy, at the expense of the American consumer, has insisted he will not run for president, because of family considerations. Now, this morbidly obese food addict says he will reconsider. It seems his advisers told him the position is all-you-can-eat!....The U.S. Energy Department has approved more than $1B in loans for corporate solar projects in Nevada and Arizona, but will no longer fund subsidies for the American consumer to affordably convert to solar. Congress has the power!....Don't ask, don't tell is now obsolete in the U.S. Armed Forces, but spousal medical benefits for same-sex couples are still to be denied. New rule: Don't lie, and you'll die!....Illinois'; skunk population has soared more than 46% since 2009. And that's just in the political arena!....Alabama's recent federal court victories strengthen its tougher-than-Arizona anti-illegal immigrant laws, and have resulted in a mass exodus of illegals. They're not coming back to Arizona, so maybe the wealthy in Washington, D.C. and Virginia will welcome them!
State: Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon received a prestigious award from Mexico, for appreciated efforts to protect Mexicans living illegally in Arizona. Sheesh - the next election can't come soon enough!
Misc: Faith Hill is the best thing about NBC's and the NFL's Sunday Night Football!....Martina McBride's latest single, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," is one of the best releases - from anyone - in years!
Epilogue: There are two kinds of friends - those who are around when you need them, and those who are around when they need you.
Az I Laugh At It....
- A poodle and a collie were walking down the street. The poodle turned to the collie and complained, "My life is a mess. My owner is mean, my girlfriend is having an affair with a German shepherd, and I'm nervous as a cat." "Why don't you go see a psychiatrist?" asked the collie. "I can't," replied the poodle. "I'm not allowed on the couch."(double-groan!)
- "I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks." - Nick
- Women will never be equal to men, until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
- "There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away." - Kelly
- To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit 'the target.'
Phil: "Do you remember first meeting your wife?"
Paul: "Sure, I found her lying face down in the gutter. I lifted her to her feet and promised her that if she agreed to marry me, she would begin a new life and I'd never allow her near the gutter again."
Phil: "Wow, I hope she appreciates what you did for her."
Paul: "No, not really. She hated to give up bowling."
- When you drink Vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure.
When you drink Rum over ice, it can give you liver failure.
When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems.
When you drink Gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.
Apparently, ice is really bad for you!
- "I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks." - Nick
- Women will never be equal to men, until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
- "There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away." - Kelly
- To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit 'the target.'
Phil: "Do you remember first meeting your wife?"
Paul: "Sure, I found her lying face down in the gutter. I lifted her to her feet and promised her that if she agreed to marry me, she would begin a new life and I'd never allow her near the gutter again."
Phil: "Wow, I hope she appreciates what you did for her."
Paul: "No, not really. She hated to give up bowling."
- When you drink Vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure.
When you drink Rum over ice, it can give you liver failure.
When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems.
When you drink Gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.
Apparently, ice is really bad for you!
Az I Eat It....
Carrabba's Italian Grill - 5646 W. Bell Rd, Glendale , Az(with multiple locations throughout the United States)
So, my wife returns from a 3-week journey, and her first request off the plane is to stop at Carrabba's for our favorite entree - the Minestrone Soup($4 Cup/$6 Bowl), and I had received a Gift Card for a Complimentary Dessert or Appetizer.
Well, the appetizers were not what we were interested in, but one of the 'seasonal' desserts - the Mixed Berry Crostata - sounded exceptional. 'A light and crispy open-faced berry tart baked in our wood-fired oven and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream $6.90' OMG!
Made with raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries(they were all in there), I literally had to fight her spoon away from my half! If there were to be a dessert contest in the Valley, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen's Creme Brulee' and Carrabba's Mixed Berry Crostata would fight it out for the win. It's that good! Aside from Carrabba's exceptional regular menu, this temporary dessert makes them worthy of your dining dollars! Oh, and the Minestrone was excellent, as usual. Aye, Carrabba!
So, my wife returns from a 3-week journey, and her first request off the plane is to stop at Carrabba's for our favorite entree - the Minestrone Soup($4 Cup/$6 Bowl), and I had received a Gift Card for a Complimentary Dessert or Appetizer.
Well, the appetizers were not what we were interested in, but one of the 'seasonal' desserts - the Mixed Berry Crostata - sounded exceptional. 'A light and crispy open-faced berry tart baked in our wood-fired oven and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream $6.90' OMG!
Made with raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries(they were all in there), I literally had to fight her spoon away from my half! If there were to be a dessert contest in the Valley, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen's Creme Brulee' and Carrabba's Mixed Berry Crostata would fight it out for the win. It's that good! Aside from Carrabba's exceptional regular menu, this temporary dessert makes them worthy of your dining dollars! Oh, and the Minestrone was excellent, as usual. Aye, Carrabba!
Az I Laugh At It....
- A man walked into the local Chamber of Commerce of a small town, obviously desperate. Seeing a man at the counter, the stranger asked, "Is there a criminal lawyer in town?" To which the man behind the counter immediately quipped, "Yes, but we haven't been able to prove it yet!"
- Jewish Modesty: A Catholic, a Protestant, a Muslim, and a Jew were in a discussion during a dinner. The Catholic said, “I have a large fortune...I am going to buy Citibank!” The Protestant offered, “I am very wealthy and will buy General Motors!” The Muslim countered, “I am a fabulously rich prince...I intend to purchase Microsoft!” They then all waited for the Jew to speak. The Jew stirred his coffee, placed the spoon neatly on the table, took a sip of his coffee, looked at them, and casually said, “I'm not selling!”
- Joan had invited her younger, unmarried sister, Nancy, to leave her country home and come to the city for a weekend visit, with her and her husband, John, and to see how the urban half lived. She then arranged for a friend of hers, named Bill, to take Nancy out for a night on the town. After a pleasant dinner and a show, Bill and Nancy went to Bill's apartment for a nightcap. They talked and listened to soft music for a pleasant interlude. Then Bill suggested they retire to the bedroom for some love making. "Oh, no," Nancy protested. "I don't think my sister would like it." "Nonsense," said Bill, as he gently took her arm. "She loves it."
- Due to different landmass dispersal, Earth's gravitational pull is actually inconsistent. So, it's NOT my bathroom scale?
- Jewish Modesty: A Catholic, a Protestant, a Muslim, and a Jew were in a discussion during a dinner. The Catholic said, “I have a large fortune...I am going to buy Citibank!” The Protestant offered, “I am very wealthy and will buy General Motors!” The Muslim countered, “I am a fabulously rich prince...I intend to purchase Microsoft!” They then all waited for the Jew to speak. The Jew stirred his coffee, placed the spoon neatly on the table, took a sip of his coffee, looked at them, and casually said, “I'm not selling!”
- Joan had invited her younger, unmarried sister, Nancy, to leave her country home and come to the city for a weekend visit, with her and her husband, John, and to see how the urban half lived. She then arranged for a friend of hers, named Bill, to take Nancy out for a night on the town. After a pleasant dinner and a show, Bill and Nancy went to Bill's apartment for a nightcap. They talked and listened to soft music for a pleasant interlude. Then Bill suggested they retire to the bedroom for some love making. "Oh, no," Nancy protested. "I don't think my sister would like it." "Nonsense," said Bill, as he gently took her arm. "She loves it."
- Due to different landmass dispersal, Earth's gravitational pull is actually inconsistent. So, it's NOT my bathroom scale?
Az I See It....
Prologue: "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Ghandi
International: The two American hikers being held in Iran for more than two years as spies, simply because they crossed into Iranian territory, will soon be released, as Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, heads to New York City to speak before the United Nations. How great would it be if he was arrested as an Iranian spy/terrorist, and imprisoned for two years, because he dared to enter U.S. territory?
National: As the U.S. poverty rate hit a 17-year high, Speaker of the US-HORS, John Boehner(R - Ohio) is adamant that the wealthy will NOT share the burden of any proposed revenue increases(who is left?) He demands that the federal deficit and all other fiscal imbalances will be achieved through tax cuts for the wealthy, as well as delayed, reduced, and eliminated entitlement programs - which were created for the 'working man' - who is now unemployed, without health care, and looking for shelter, since being foreclosed from his home(that's who is left!)....In related news, Americans formerly disenfranchised with Congress, but supportive of their own representatives(the reason incumbents are so often re-elected) are now reporting that they are also dissatisfied with their own. Yeah, right. The votes are being counted, aaaaand....nope - incumbents win again!....Do you think corporations, which stand to gain even more than they did with the Bush tax cuts, are attempting to stonewall President Obama and the American workforce, in favor of Republicans, who promise them more tax cuts? Well, wait to see if they gain the presidency, in 2012. They will have the legal AND moral authority to hoard their wealth, with unemployment rising ever higher!....September 19th - 25th is the first-ever National Health Week - a promotion designed to make you want to remain healthy, because you have no health care coverage!....For bilking Medicare of more than $205M, a 49-year old Miami, Florida man was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He will be eligible for Medicare in 16 years!
State: The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 19% of Arizonans are living below the federal poverty level - 5th highest in the nation. Washington, D.C. fared even worse - shame on the ever-wealthy Congress for ignoring the people they represent - and those that live in squalor around them!....That same 19% have no health care coverage. Between unemployment and the State's cuts to AHCCCS patients, how dare the Republicans fight Obamacare. And for those who want the government to stay out of health care, please remember that Medicare, TRICARE, and the Veteran's Administration, are federally-managed health care programs. Don't begrudge others what you have - or you'll be just like the Congress that you are dissatisfied with!....A new study reports that 18-year old drivers now have a higher fatality rate than 16-year old drivers. While the assumption is that states with stricter licensing requirements/age restrictions give less practice to the 'new,' 18-year old driver, I would suggest that the 18-year old drivers are much more into texting and other fatal distractions. Someone should check it out, before Arizona reverts to 14-year old driving eligibility!
Local: Mitt Romney visited the Valley, in his hopefully final attempt to lose the presidency, and assured Sun Lakes retirees that he will salvage Social Security. What he didn't say was that he would demand that the wealthy contribute their fair share - which they have NEVER done, or that he would strengthen the program - only that he would salvage it. Yeah - and I've got a car with a 'Salvage Certificate' that you can buy real cheap. Unlike Romney, I guarantee it will not run!....And then there is Trent Franks(R- 2nd Dist.), who will introduce legislation to bar the proposed Tohono O'odham Indian casino, on land that they legally own within the boundaries of Glendale. While the enterprise has many solid qualities, ie., jobs, tourism, and other revenue streams, Franks is with Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, who would rather gamble on the Phoenix Coyotes NHL franchise, having already turned away an offer of $240M for the team, in lieu of the $50M she has committed to pay to keep this money-losing, pro sports business in the desert! And the Tohono O'odham tribe has already won in every court that has heard this sob-story. More lawsuits, more unnecessary expense coming. Roll 'em!
Epilogue: "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein
International: The two American hikers being held in Iran for more than two years as spies, simply because they crossed into Iranian territory, will soon be released, as Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, heads to New York City to speak before the United Nations. How great would it be if he was arrested as an Iranian spy/terrorist, and imprisoned for two years, because he dared to enter U.S. territory?
National: As the U.S. poverty rate hit a 17-year high, Speaker of the US-HORS, John Boehner(R - Ohio) is adamant that the wealthy will NOT share the burden of any proposed revenue increases(who is left?) He demands that the federal deficit and all other fiscal imbalances will be achieved through tax cuts for the wealthy, as well as delayed, reduced, and eliminated entitlement programs - which were created for the 'working man' - who is now unemployed, without health care, and looking for shelter, since being foreclosed from his home(that's who is left!)....In related news, Americans formerly disenfranchised with Congress, but supportive of their own representatives(the reason incumbents are so often re-elected) are now reporting that they are also dissatisfied with their own. Yeah, right. The votes are being counted, aaaaand....nope - incumbents win again!....Do you think corporations, which stand to gain even more than they did with the Bush tax cuts, are attempting to stonewall President Obama and the American workforce, in favor of Republicans, who promise them more tax cuts? Well, wait to see if they gain the presidency, in 2012. They will have the legal AND moral authority to hoard their wealth, with unemployment rising ever higher!....September 19th - 25th is the first-ever National Health Week - a promotion designed to make you want to remain healthy, because you have no health care coverage!....For bilking Medicare of more than $205M, a 49-year old Miami, Florida man was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He will be eligible for Medicare in 16 years!
State: The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 19% of Arizonans are living below the federal poverty level - 5th highest in the nation. Washington, D.C. fared even worse - shame on the ever-wealthy Congress for ignoring the people they represent - and those that live in squalor around them!....That same 19% have no health care coverage. Between unemployment and the State's cuts to AHCCCS patients, how dare the Republicans fight Obamacare. And for those who want the government to stay out of health care, please remember that Medicare, TRICARE, and the Veteran's Administration, are federally-managed health care programs. Don't begrudge others what you have - or you'll be just like the Congress that you are dissatisfied with!....A new study reports that 18-year old drivers now have a higher fatality rate than 16-year old drivers. While the assumption is that states with stricter licensing requirements/age restrictions give less practice to the 'new,' 18-year old driver, I would suggest that the 18-year old drivers are much more into texting and other fatal distractions. Someone should check it out, before Arizona reverts to 14-year old driving eligibility!
Local: Mitt Romney visited the Valley, in his hopefully final attempt to lose the presidency, and assured Sun Lakes retirees that he will salvage Social Security. What he didn't say was that he would demand that the wealthy contribute their fair share - which they have NEVER done, or that he would strengthen the program - only that he would salvage it. Yeah - and I've got a car with a 'Salvage Certificate' that you can buy real cheap. Unlike Romney, I guarantee it will not run!....And then there is Trent Franks(R- 2nd Dist.), who will introduce legislation to bar the proposed Tohono O'odham Indian casino, on land that they legally own within the boundaries of Glendale. While the enterprise has many solid qualities, ie., jobs, tourism, and other revenue streams, Franks is with Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, who would rather gamble on the Phoenix Coyotes NHL franchise, having already turned away an offer of $240M for the team, in lieu of the $50M she has committed to pay to keep this money-losing, pro sports business in the desert! And the Tohono O'odham tribe has already won in every court that has heard this sob-story. More lawsuits, more unnecessary expense coming. Roll 'em!
Epilogue: "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein
Az I See It....
Where is Jeff Foxworthy, when you need him? You might be a redneck, if....certainly comes to mind:
Okay, so I am at the monthly meeting of the All Arizona School Retirees Association(AASRA - Westside, which is the NRTA branch of AARP), and the featured speaker - scheduled for about two months - is Az. Atty. General Tom Horne. Now, I am NOT a fan, but I expected better than we received.
As meeting time approached, it was clear that Horne had sent an oboe in his place(no Horne, get it?) Anyway, the topics are to be Elder Abuse Awareness, Scams, Fraud, Identity theft, etc. Asst. Atty. General Mike Flynn began by speaking of the Task Force Against Senior Abuse(TASA) - there is no F in TASA(remember that joke?) The Force is comprised of members of organizations which maintain the best interests of seniors. No 'regular citizens' are on the TASA board.
Mr. Flynn gave several anecdotes, attempting to impress the audience, and concluded with the data that possibly billions of dollars remain uncollected, when it was awarded by his offices efforts. His successes are of the very few that ended with the perpetrators receiving jail sentences and the courts demanding(uncollectible) restitution. He even made an off-the-cuff remark about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - you know, the one where Horne spent most of his time playing Rhapsody in Blue, instead of addressing the issues?!
When it was Q & A time, I asked how I could become involved in TASA, and was immediately reminded that it was NOT for 'regular citizens,' but only for leaders of organizations that deal with senior issues. I then told Mr. Flynn of my affiliations - as an Executive Board Member of AASRA, as well as President of AARP Chapter #1. After a short 'hem-and-haw,' he said that he would give my information to 'someone' who would contact me about being included in the TASA Board. We'll see! Hey - and why NOT 'regular citizens?' They are the ones needing the protection, and who knows better as to what protections they need?
As for Horne - again, we were reminded of his 'concert pianist' status. His staff must be instructed to include that info in every introduction. Well, I've heard him play, and he admits to being a bit deaf, so I guess he's a 'Legend-in-his-own-mind!' He's certainly deaf to the needs of seniors. When is Tom Horne not telling the truth? When his lips are moving! So, there was no F in Horne, and we did receive just what we should have expected!
Okay, so I am at the monthly meeting of the All Arizona School Retirees Association(AASRA - Westside, which is the NRTA branch of AARP), and the featured speaker - scheduled for about two months - is Az. Atty. General Tom Horne. Now, I am NOT a fan, but I expected better than we received.
As meeting time approached, it was clear that Horne had sent an oboe in his place(no Horne, get it?) Anyway, the topics are to be Elder Abuse Awareness, Scams, Fraud, Identity theft, etc. Asst. Atty. General Mike Flynn began by speaking of the Task Force Against Senior Abuse(TASA) - there is no F in TASA(remember that joke?) The Force is comprised of members of organizations which maintain the best interests of seniors. No 'regular citizens' are on the TASA board.
Mr. Flynn gave several anecdotes, attempting to impress the audience, and concluded with the data that possibly billions of dollars remain uncollected, when it was awarded by his offices efforts. His successes are of the very few that ended with the perpetrators receiving jail sentences and the courts demanding(uncollectible) restitution. He even made an off-the-cuff remark about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - you know, the one where Horne spent most of his time playing Rhapsody in Blue, instead of addressing the issues?!
When it was Q & A time, I asked how I could become involved in TASA, and was immediately reminded that it was NOT for 'regular citizens,' but only for leaders of organizations that deal with senior issues. I then told Mr. Flynn of my affiliations - as an Executive Board Member of AASRA, as well as President of AARP Chapter #1. After a short 'hem-and-haw,' he said that he would give my information to 'someone' who would contact me about being included in the TASA Board. We'll see! Hey - and why NOT 'regular citizens?' They are the ones needing the protection, and who knows better as to what protections they need?
As for Horne - again, we were reminded of his 'concert pianist' status. His staff must be instructed to include that info in every introduction. Well, I've heard him play, and he admits to being a bit deaf, so I guess he's a 'Legend-in-his-own-mind!' He's certainly deaf to the needs of seniors. When is Tom Horne not telling the truth? When his lips are moving! So, there was no F in Horne, and we did receive just what we should have expected!
Az I Laugh At It....
- George went out to dinner with Sharon, to celebrate her 65th birthday. He asked, "So what would you like, Sharon? A diamond ring? A sable coat? A Rolls-Royce?" Sharon said, "George, I want a divorce." George replied, "I wasn't planning on spending that much."
- Two lawyers were walking along, negotiating a case. "Look," said one to the other, "Let's be honest with each other." "Okay, you first." replied the other. That was the end of the discussion!
- Three preachers are sitting in front of the Pearly Gates, waiting to be let in, when a truck driver walks up and walks right on through. One of the preachers asked St. Peter, "How come that truck driver walked right through, while us three men of the cloth have to sit here and wait?" St. Peter replied, "That truck driver scared more Hell out of people in thirty seconds than you three did in a lifetime."
- A dying granny told her granddaughter, "I want to leave you my farm. That includes the villa, the tractor and other equipment, the farmhouse, and $22,398,750.78 in cash." The granddaughter, about to become rich, compassionately whispered, "Oh Granny, you are so generous. I didn't even know you had a farm. Where is it?" With her last breath, Granny whispered, "Facebook!"
The Letter:
Dear Dad, $chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can`t think of anything I need. $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you. Love, Your $on
The Reply:
Dear Son, I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh. Love, Dad
- Two lawyers were walking along, negotiating a case. "Look," said one to the other, "Let's be honest with each other." "Okay, you first." replied the other. That was the end of the discussion!
- Three preachers are sitting in front of the Pearly Gates, waiting to be let in, when a truck driver walks up and walks right on through. One of the preachers asked St. Peter, "How come that truck driver walked right through, while us three men of the cloth have to sit here and wait?" St. Peter replied, "That truck driver scared more Hell out of people in thirty seconds than you three did in a lifetime."
- A dying granny told her granddaughter, "I want to leave you my farm. That includes the villa, the tractor and other equipment, the farmhouse, and $22,398,750.78 in cash." The granddaughter, about to become rich, compassionately whispered, "Oh Granny, you are so generous. I didn't even know you had a farm. Where is it?" With her last breath, Granny whispered, "Facebook!"
The Letter:
Dear Dad, $chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can`t think of anything I need. $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you. Love, Your $on
The Reply:
Dear Son, I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh. Love, Dad
Az I Laugh At It....
- Bernie asked Nick, "What is your son taking in college?" Nick answered, "He's taking everything we have!"
- Greeting cards - when you care enough to send the very best wishes, but not enough to actually write something!
- "To err is human. To forgive is highly unlikely!" - Maxine
- The butler came running into his Master's office. "Sir! Sir!" he gasped. "There's a ghost in the corridor! What shall I do with him?" Without looking up from his desk, the Master replied, "Tell hm I can't see him."(groan!)
- "For its 40th Anniversary, Starbucks has a new drink premiering. It's sugar-free, fat-free, and has no whipped cream. It's called coffee!" - Penn Jillette
All joking aside, we pause to remember and reflect upon the September 11, 2001 attack, the heroes of that day - and to pray for them, the lost souls, and the heroes of today who protect our great nation!
- Greeting cards - when you care enough to send the very best wishes, but not enough to actually write something!
- "To err is human. To forgive is highly unlikely!" - Maxine
- The butler came running into his Master's office. "Sir! Sir!" he gasped. "There's a ghost in the corridor! What shall I do with him?" Without looking up from his desk, the Master replied, "Tell hm I can't see him."(groan!)
- "For its 40th Anniversary, Starbucks has a new drink premiering. It's sugar-free, fat-free, and has no whipped cream. It's called coffee!" - Penn Jillette
All joking aside, we pause to remember and reflect upon the September 11, 2001 attack, the heroes of that day - and to pray for them, the lost souls, and the heroes of today who protect our great nation!
Az I See It....
Log-on to: www.facebook.com/172infantrybrigade and scroll a bit to the recent You Tube clip about Combat Outpost Margah, the discovery of a cache of IEDs, and the capture/arrest of some of the insurgents. This is C Company 2-28 Infantry - the men serving with and under 1st Lt. Archangel Muscato. 1SG Richard Mitchell narrates some of it. He is Arky2's First Sergeant. Intriguing and exasperating!
Az I Laugh At It....
- "I don't do drugs. I get the same effect from standing up!" - The Greek
- Little Alec is caught swearing, by his teacher. The teacher admonished, "Alec, you shouldn't use that kind of language. Where on earth did you hear such talk?" "My daddy said it," Alec replied. "Well, that doesn't matter," explained the teacher, "you don't even know what it means." "Yes, I do," said Alec. "It means the car won't start!"
- Sharon told George, "Go to the store for me and buy one gallon of milk, and if they have eggs, get six." A short time later, George returned from the store with six gallons of milk. Sharon asked, Why did you buy six gallons of milk?" George replied, "They had eggs!"
- Howie was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet. "I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, then eat regularly again for two days, then skip a day....and repeat this regimen for two weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least 5 pounds," said the doctor. When Howie returned, he shocked the doctor, having lost nearly 30 pounds! "Why, that's amazing," said the doctor. "Did you follow my instructions?" "I did," said Howie, "but I thought I was going to die by the second rotation." "From the hunger?" asked the doctor. "No," said Howie. "From all that skipping!"
- A Purdue University Political Science student was adamant that the law mandating a U.S. President being a 'natural-born citizen should be unconstitutional. Her reasoning? "What makes a natural-born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than someone born by C-section?" Yeah - and you're worried about Obama being from Kenya?
Thanks, Hoagy!
- Little Alec is caught swearing, by his teacher. The teacher admonished, "Alec, you shouldn't use that kind of language. Where on earth did you hear such talk?" "My daddy said it," Alec replied. "Well, that doesn't matter," explained the teacher, "you don't even know what it means." "Yes, I do," said Alec. "It means the car won't start!"
- Sharon told George, "Go to the store for me and buy one gallon of milk, and if they have eggs, get six." A short time later, George returned from the store with six gallons of milk. Sharon asked, Why did you buy six gallons of milk?" George replied, "They had eggs!"
- Howie was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet. "I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, then eat regularly again for two days, then skip a day....and repeat this regimen for two weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least 5 pounds," said the doctor. When Howie returned, he shocked the doctor, having lost nearly 30 pounds! "Why, that's amazing," said the doctor. "Did you follow my instructions?" "I did," said Howie, "but I thought I was going to die by the second rotation." "From the hunger?" asked the doctor. "No," said Howie. "From all that skipping!"
- A Purdue University Political Science student was adamant that the law mandating a U.S. President being a 'natural-born citizen should be unconstitutional. Her reasoning? "What makes a natural-born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than someone born by C-section?" Yeah - and you're worried about Obama being from Kenya?
Thanks, Hoagy!
Az I See It....
Prologue: "To cool a hot attitude, apply nice. To melt a cold attitude, address warmly." - Unknown
International: More than 12,000 Iraqis have died violently since 2003. Homicides, poisonings and DUIs account for more than 50,000 deaths, annually, in the United States!....More than 24,000 Afghani soldiers have deserted their posts, during just the first half of 2011. It's time the U.S. Armed Forces left, too!
National: Supposedly unrelated to the numerous scandals involving high school student pages, the U.S. House of Representatives(US-HORS) is ending their 200-year old program, saving taxpayers at least $5M annually. The Senate page program will continue, however, because as one senator offered, 'None of us have been caught yet!'.... Vice President Joe Biden has a book coming out. He blasts President Obama for ordering the invasion of Iraq to search for WMDs; invading Afghanistan to search for Osama bin Laden, who was hiding in Pakistan; draining the record U.S. Treasury surplus in record time; and implementing fiscal policies that led to record national unemployment and poverty. OOPS! that is actually a book by former Vice President Richard 'Big Dick' Cheney, George W. Bush presidency. Never mind!
Local: Maricopa County property tax collections will decrease, if you believe the lying bastards. In fact, the tax rate has increased, however, your bill will decrease because your property values have fallen to record low assessments. While officials call the 'underlying factors' insignificant, should property values ever increase, your tax bill will begin to soar, if not re-adjusted to compensate for the difference! Think of it as paying the same price at the grocery store for a container of ice cream that used to be 1/2 gallon, but is now only one-quart and one pint!
Epilogue: "I have never been especially impressed by the heroics of people who are convinced they are about to change the world. I am more awed by those who struggle to make one small difference after another." - Ellen Goodman
International: More than 12,000 Iraqis have died violently since 2003. Homicides, poisonings and DUIs account for more than 50,000 deaths, annually, in the United States!....More than 24,000 Afghani soldiers have deserted their posts, during just the first half of 2011. It's time the U.S. Armed Forces left, too!
National: Supposedly unrelated to the numerous scandals involving high school student pages, the U.S. House of Representatives(US-HORS) is ending their 200-year old program, saving taxpayers at least $5M annually. The Senate page program will continue, however, because as one senator offered, 'None of us have been caught yet!'.... Vice President Joe Biden has a book coming out. He blasts President Obama for ordering the invasion of Iraq to search for WMDs; invading Afghanistan to search for Osama bin Laden, who was hiding in Pakistan; draining the record U.S. Treasury surplus in record time; and implementing fiscal policies that led to record national unemployment and poverty. OOPS! that is actually a book by former Vice President Richard 'Big Dick' Cheney, George W. Bush presidency. Never mind!
Local: Maricopa County property tax collections will decrease, if you believe the lying bastards. In fact, the tax rate has increased, however, your bill will decrease because your property values have fallen to record low assessments. While officials call the 'underlying factors' insignificant, should property values ever increase, your tax bill will begin to soar, if not re-adjusted to compensate for the difference! Think of it as paying the same price at the grocery store for a container of ice cream that used to be 1/2 gallon, but is now only one-quart and one pint!
Epilogue: "I have never been especially impressed by the heroics of people who are convinced they are about to change the world. I am more awed by those who struggle to make one small difference after another." - Ellen Goodman
Az I Eat It....
Floyd's Kitchen - on Tatum, just north of Cactus - in the Sprouts Market Plaza - just left of Sprouts(trust me, this is easier than giving you an address)
Can you imagine a restaurant named after a dog? Well, Floyd's is rather small, but has a full bar, an HD LCD-TV, with a full slate of sports channels - but it is a bit far away from tables to properly enjoy. Okay, if you're at the bar....lonely....maybe trying to....oh, never mind! It's a Mom & Pop-type place - not a chain restaurant.
Anyway, I arrived early, as did Phil - it was the monthly Guy's Night Out event(since April 2004), and we ordered Diet Coke(no Pepsi, thank God!) Too bad - it tasted flat - more CO2 needed, and they were on their last tank, they apologized. Phil had initially wanted a draught beer, but wasn't very thrilled with the selections available. As the guys began arriving, we asked that the TV be changed to the NFL Network, instead of ASU Classic Football. The waitress wasn't sure how to do it, but her supervisor took care of it, promptly.
It was time to order, as all that were coming had arrived. Those that don't attend - those are the ones we talk about! Okay, so I was the only one to order an appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail. Came almost immediately from the kitchen - and tasted like it - very fast, just not very fresh. Cocktail sauce was poor, also. Not a good sign - flat Coke and blah shrimp. Maybe because it was $2-off for Happy Hour? Didn't make me very happy!
On to the entrees - Mama's Meatloaf, Chicken Picatta, Reuben Sandwich, French Dip Sandwich, and the Salmon Dinner - all came with sides of garlic mashed potatoes, which was not too heavy on the garlic, and steamed veggies, with seasoned dipping butter. I gotta say, the meals were delicious, to a man! Plentiful and reasonably priced, Floyd's will surprise you with their numerous selections, service, etc. I'd go back. Named after a dog? Here, Boy!
Can you imagine a restaurant named after a dog? Well, Floyd's is rather small, but has a full bar, an HD LCD-TV, with a full slate of sports channels - but it is a bit far away from tables to properly enjoy. Okay, if you're at the bar....lonely....maybe trying to....oh, never mind! It's a Mom & Pop-type place - not a chain restaurant.
Anyway, I arrived early, as did Phil - it was the monthly Guy's Night Out event(since April 2004), and we ordered Diet Coke(no Pepsi, thank God!) Too bad - it tasted flat - more CO2 needed, and they were on their last tank, they apologized. Phil had initially wanted a draught beer, but wasn't very thrilled with the selections available. As the guys began arriving, we asked that the TV be changed to the NFL Network, instead of ASU Classic Football. The waitress wasn't sure how to do it, but her supervisor took care of it, promptly.
It was time to order, as all that were coming had arrived. Those that don't attend - those are the ones we talk about! Okay, so I was the only one to order an appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail. Came almost immediately from the kitchen - and tasted like it - very fast, just not very fresh. Cocktail sauce was poor, also. Not a good sign - flat Coke and blah shrimp. Maybe because it was $2-off for Happy Hour? Didn't make me very happy!
On to the entrees - Mama's Meatloaf, Chicken Picatta, Reuben Sandwich, French Dip Sandwich, and the Salmon Dinner - all came with sides of garlic mashed potatoes, which was not too heavy on the garlic, and steamed veggies, with seasoned dipping butter. I gotta say, the meals were delicious, to a man! Plentiful and reasonably priced, Floyd's will surprise you with their numerous selections, service, etc. I'd go back. Named after a dog? Here, Boy!
Extra - Editorial Reply
Special submission, by Michael Archangel:
Michael Vick just signed a 6-year, $100M contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick now joins Alex Rodriguez and Shaquille O'Neal as the only three players in sports history to sign multiple $100M deals. Fellow athletes and commentators are lauding over Vick and his "story," how this is a country built on second chances, and the ability for a person to vindicate themselves. There is an added sense of racial vindication as well......am I missing something?
Let's put aside the varying views on Vick's crimes, that cost him 18 months in prison. Let's put aside race. If we just look at the facts, this comes as one of the most mind-boggling deals in sports history. This time last year, Michael Vick was not even the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon Kevin Kolb's injury, Vick stepped in - and while he played well, here are some stats for you to chew on: 10th in completion percentage, 20th in total passing yards, 16th in TD's, and 9th in yards-per-game. Respectable numbers? Yes. $100M numbers? Not a chance!
A year ago, it was all about re-acclimating Vick back into the "real world" and giving him the chance to prove himself, both on and off the field. What happened to that? Sure he had a good season, but aren't $100M contracts ($40M guaranteed) earned over more than 7/8 of a season?! Aren't great second chance stories saved for those who overcome a major obstacle, such as a wounded soldier, a cancer survivor, or a fallen star that beats addiction? Is a man who was 'given it all,' who brutally mutilated and killed dogs in an illegal dog-fighting ring and then went to prison....is that really a great second chance story? Better yet, wasn't the fact that the NFL even gave Vick the opportunity to be reinstated second chance enough? Something that perhaps over a few years of great work on and off the field could lead to not only having his image restored but also a financial security once again? This contract is skeptical to say the least. In the city of "Brotherly Love," I hope taxpayers enjoy showing love to lucky number 7.
Michael Vick just signed a 6-year, $100M contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick now joins Alex Rodriguez and Shaquille O'Neal as the only three players in sports history to sign multiple $100M deals. Fellow athletes and commentators are lauding over Vick and his "story," how this is a country built on second chances, and the ability for a person to vindicate themselves. There is an added sense of racial vindication as well......am I missing something?
Let's put aside the varying views on Vick's crimes, that cost him 18 months in prison. Let's put aside race. If we just look at the facts, this comes as one of the most mind-boggling deals in sports history. This time last year, Michael Vick was not even the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon Kevin Kolb's injury, Vick stepped in - and while he played well, here are some stats for you to chew on: 10th in completion percentage, 20th in total passing yards, 16th in TD's, and 9th in yards-per-game. Respectable numbers? Yes. $100M numbers? Not a chance!
A year ago, it was all about re-acclimating Vick back into the "real world" and giving him the chance to prove himself, both on and off the field. What happened to that? Sure he had a good season, but aren't $100M contracts ($40M guaranteed) earned over more than 7/8 of a season?! Aren't great second chance stories saved for those who overcome a major obstacle, such as a wounded soldier, a cancer survivor, or a fallen star that beats addiction? Is a man who was 'given it all,' who brutally mutilated and killed dogs in an illegal dog-fighting ring and then went to prison....is that really a great second chance story? Better yet, wasn't the fact that the NFL even gave Vick the opportunity to be reinstated second chance enough? Something that perhaps over a few years of great work on and off the field could lead to not only having his image restored but also a financial security once again? This contract is skeptical to say the least. In the city of "Brotherly Love," I hope taxpayers enjoy showing love to lucky number 7.
Az I See It....
- Prologue: "Whomever said that 'money can't buy happiness' didn't know where to shop!" - Sharon
National: A new poll reports that almost half - not even HALF - of American-resident muslims believe that their 'leaders' should condemn extremists. More than 20% of respondents are supportive of their terrorism!...."Forgive your enemies, but remember their names!" - JFK
State/Local: The average Phoenix job pays almost 5% less than the national average. What's more, there are many more of those low-paying jobs than there are nationally - and it is worse in the outlying areas of the state!....Shame on Glendale! They have begun to string Christmas lights - 1.5 million of them - in preparation for Glendale Glitters & Glow events, which begin immediately after Thanksgiving Day. This will entail the use of many employees and consume countless thousands of taxpayer-paid man-hours, in a city with extreme debt obligations and above-average citizen unemployment. Why not hire new, or ask for volunteers? Shame on Glendale!...."Help a man when he is in trouble and he will remember you when he is in trouble again." - Unknown(must have been a Republican, though!)
Sports: Whomever said that professional sports have 'gone to the dogs' was not mis-barking. The Philadelphia Eagles have rewarded ex-con, QB Michael Vick(convicted of heinous crimes involving dogs and dog fighting) with a $100M contract. Arf! Arf!
Epilogue: "Arguing with your boss is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while, you realize that while you're getting dirty, the pig is actually enjoying it!" - Could be anyone's quote!
National: A new poll reports that almost half - not even HALF - of American-resident muslims believe that their 'leaders' should condemn extremists. More than 20% of respondents are supportive of their terrorism!...."Forgive your enemies, but remember their names!" - JFK
State/Local: The average Phoenix job pays almost 5% less than the national average. What's more, there are many more of those low-paying jobs than there are nationally - and it is worse in the outlying areas of the state!....Shame on Glendale! They have begun to string Christmas lights - 1.5 million of them - in preparation for Glendale Glitters & Glow events, which begin immediately after Thanksgiving Day. This will entail the use of many employees and consume countless thousands of taxpayer-paid man-hours, in a city with extreme debt obligations and above-average citizen unemployment. Why not hire new, or ask for volunteers? Shame on Glendale!...."Help a man when he is in trouble and he will remember you when he is in trouble again." - Unknown(must have been a Republican, though!)
Sports: Whomever said that professional sports have 'gone to the dogs' was not mis-barking. The Philadelphia Eagles have rewarded ex-con, QB Michael Vick(convicted of heinous crimes involving dogs and dog fighting) with a $100M contract. Arf! Arf!
Epilogue: "Arguing with your boss is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while, you realize that while you're getting dirty, the pig is actually enjoying it!" - Could be anyone's quote!
Az I See It....
Prologue: Why does a slight tax increase cost you $800.00, and a substantial tax cut save you only $30.00?
International: The U.S. Armed Forces are engaged in, or 'consultant' to, wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, etc., to prevent their governments(and rebel forces) from killing their own people. Meanwhile, the highest rates of citizen deaths in the world are in Mexico and the United States!
National: More GREED! 9/11 charities - many, if not most - have either misspent or not spent the monies donated to them for the purposes intended. Concerned citizens beware - MOST fundraising fronts spend the majority of money supporting their own administrative efforts, with little if any of the donations actually being used as stated in their 'intent.' Give from your heart, but only to direct causes - not some far-fetched idealism!....With all of the activities commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, remember that Grandparents' Day is September 11th. Without your grandparents, there would be no YOU!(at least, I think that's how it works!)....Why do so many students on free or reduced-price school lunches have iPhones(or the equivalent.) The monthly required data package for these products would more than pay for the cost of their meals for the month!
State: Accused, and someday-to-be-convicted, killer Jared Loughner is on 'suicide watch.' Arizonans are clamoring to get tickets to the show!....Rapper and repeat-idiot DMX, aka Earl Simmons, will be prosecuted for criminal speeding - 105mph in a 65 mph zone. Arizona courts will not, however, continue to prosecute minor, illegal immigrant crimes, such as entering the country illegally, stealing(and using) someone's Social Security Number/identity, or cutting anyone's grass too short!
Sports: Brandon Davies - Brigham Young University's basketball star, is receiving a second chance. Suspended from the team last year for violating the agreed upon Code of Ethics(he had premarital sex with a girlfriend), the suspension was lifted when new evidence was submitted. Seems that Davies contends the sex was not with HIS girlfriend, but another teammate's - and that Jimmer Fredette - last year's BYU star - had jumped early to the NBA!
Epilogue: "There's something intrinsically therapeutic about choosing to spend your time in a wide-open, park-like setting that non-golfers can never truly understand!" - Charles Rosin
International: The U.S. Armed Forces are engaged in, or 'consultant' to, wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, etc., to prevent their governments(and rebel forces) from killing their own people. Meanwhile, the highest rates of citizen deaths in the world are in Mexico and the United States!
National: More GREED! 9/11 charities - many, if not most - have either misspent or not spent the monies donated to them for the purposes intended. Concerned citizens beware - MOST fundraising fronts spend the majority of money supporting their own administrative efforts, with little if any of the donations actually being used as stated in their 'intent.' Give from your heart, but only to direct causes - not some far-fetched idealism!....With all of the activities commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, remember that Grandparents' Day is September 11th. Without your grandparents, there would be no YOU!(at least, I think that's how it works!)....Why do so many students on free or reduced-price school lunches have iPhones(or the equivalent.) The monthly required data package for these products would more than pay for the cost of their meals for the month!
State: Accused, and someday-to-be-convicted, killer Jared Loughner is on 'suicide watch.' Arizonans are clamoring to get tickets to the show!....Rapper and repeat-idiot DMX, aka Earl Simmons, will be prosecuted for criminal speeding - 105mph in a 65 mph zone. Arizona courts will not, however, continue to prosecute minor, illegal immigrant crimes, such as entering the country illegally, stealing(and using) someone's Social Security Number/identity, or cutting anyone's grass too short!
Sports: Brandon Davies - Brigham Young University's basketball star, is receiving a second chance. Suspended from the team last year for violating the agreed upon Code of Ethics(he had premarital sex with a girlfriend), the suspension was lifted when new evidence was submitted. Seems that Davies contends the sex was not with HIS girlfriend, but another teammate's - and that Jimmer Fredette - last year's BYU star - had jumped early to the NBA!
Epilogue: "There's something intrinsically therapeutic about choosing to spend your time in a wide-open, park-like setting that non-golfers can never truly understand!" - Charles Rosin
Az I Laugh At It....
- Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and preceded to the checkout counter. The man at the counter asked the older boy, "Son, how old are you?" "Eight," the boy replied. The man continued, "do you know what these are used for?" The boy replied, "not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim and ride a bike. Right now, he can't do either!"
- Nick and Bernie were playing golf, when they came to the 9th tee, where there is a rest area overlooking a lake. Nick looked at Bernie, and said, "Hey, Bernie, check out those two idiots fishing in the rain!"
- "I need a raise," Mike said to his boss. "There are three other companies after me." "Is that so?" asked the boss. "What other companies are after you?" Mike replied, "The electric company, the gas company, and the phone company!"
- Phyllis asked Sharon, "What do you use for washing dishes?" "Oh, I tried many things, but found that George is the best!"
- Good health is the slowest possible rate at which one can die!
- Proverb: Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years!
- Observation: Half of our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save!
- Nick and Bernie were playing golf, when they came to the 9th tee, where there is a rest area overlooking a lake. Nick looked at Bernie, and said, "Hey, Bernie, check out those two idiots fishing in the rain!"
- "I need a raise," Mike said to his boss. "There are three other companies after me." "Is that so?" asked the boss. "What other companies are after you?" Mike replied, "The electric company, the gas company, and the phone company!"
- Phyllis asked Sharon, "What do you use for washing dishes?" "Oh, I tried many things, but found that George is the best!"
- Good health is the slowest possible rate at which one can die!
- Proverb: Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years!
- Observation: Half of our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save!
Az I Laugh At It....
- Rene brought her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. They were appalled by his haircut, his tattoos, his piercings. Later, Rene's mom said, "Dear, he doesn't seem to be a very nice boy." "Oh, please, Mom!" said Rene. "If he wasn't nice, would he be doing 500 hours of community service?"
- I should have figured it out sooner. It's the shampoo I use in the shower. When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body. Printed very clearly on the shampoo label it reads, "FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY." I have gotten rid of the shampoo and I am going to start using Dawn dish detergent. Its label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE." Problem solved! Geez! It sure pays to read the label!
- Did you hear about the terrorists who took a whole courtroom full of lawyers hostage? They threatened to release one every hour until their demands where met!
- How many lawyer jokes are there? Only three. The rest are true stories!
- At the banquet of their 25th wedding anniversary, PJ was asked to give his friends a brief account of the benefits of a marriage of such long duration. "Tell us, PJ, just what is it you have learned from all those wonderful years with your wife?" PJ replied, "Well, I've learned that marriage is the best teacher of all. It teaches you loyalty, forbearance, meekness, self-restraint, forgiveness and a great many other qualities you wouldn't have needed if you'd stayed single."
- George went to the doctor, complaining of insomnia. After careful examination, the determined that nothing was physically wrong, and said, "Look George, you've got to stop taking your troubles to bed with you." George replied, "I can't do that, Doc. Sharon refuses to sleep alone!"
- I should have figured it out sooner. It's the shampoo I use in the shower. When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body. Printed very clearly on the shampoo label it reads, "FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY." I have gotten rid of the shampoo and I am going to start using Dawn dish detergent. Its label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE." Problem solved! Geez! It sure pays to read the label!
- Did you hear about the terrorists who took a whole courtroom full of lawyers hostage? They threatened to release one every hour until their demands where met!
- How many lawyer jokes are there? Only three. The rest are true stories!
- At the banquet of their 25th wedding anniversary, PJ was asked to give his friends a brief account of the benefits of a marriage of such long duration. "Tell us, PJ, just what is it you have learned from all those wonderful years with your wife?" PJ replied, "Well, I've learned that marriage is the best teacher of all. It teaches you loyalty, forbearance, meekness, self-restraint, forgiveness and a great many other qualities you wouldn't have needed if you'd stayed single."
- George went to the doctor, complaining of insomnia. After careful examination, the determined that nothing was physically wrong, and said, "Look George, you've got to stop taking your troubles to bed with you." George replied, "I can't do that, Doc. Sharon refuses to sleep alone!"
Az I See It....
Prologue: The number one cause of computer problems is computer solutions.
International: In a recent speech near Madrid, Pope Benedict XVI lamented the 'dwindling of the faith,' referring to loss of Catholic membership in Spain. Coincidentally, pedophile, sex-abusing priests are not harbored in Spain!
National: Again, major corporations are declaring record profits, while unemployment rises ever higher. Many of these companies also sponsor major sporting events, etc., where sometimes thousands of volunteers are invited to participate - it's supposed to fun and an honor to do so!....Nationally, volunteerism is down for non-profit organizations, but at record levels for for-profit companies and events!....Payroll taxes will soon rise to previously mandated levels, as Obama-sponsored decreases will be allowed to expire. Republicans say it is better to tax the poor than to tax the rich - because the poor don't have jobs that the wealthy were supposed to have created - the purpose of the 10-plus years of Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. As Donald Trump has reiterated on many occasions, "A poor man never gave me a job." Well, Mr. Trump, a wealthy man never gave me a job, either!....Michele Bachmann - what a sweetie - coerced a small crowd of Iowans to sing 'Happy Birthday' to commemorate the August 16th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Why not a tea party?!....In 2008, Hurricane Ike hit mainland USA , causing $10B in damages. If Hurricane Irene hits the east coast with the same expected force, damages could reach $5B, considering the economy's effect on property values!....Director of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, announced that her department will no longer deport illegal immigrants, unless they are guilty of crimes other than entering the county illegally, stealing one's Social Security Number or identity, or taking a job that would otherwise be available for legal citizens!....In related news, Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that he would seek to balance the next budget by deporting senior citizens, who would otherwise receive Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits!
State: Arizona legislators balance the budget by slashing funds to education, Medicaid, other social services, and then drained almost all of the legally established(supposedly protected) citizen Recovery Funds, paid into by contractors - not the state!....Eight Arizona doctors have written nearly half of the 10,000 medical marijuana prescriptions issued to date, while almost never following legal protocol. When asked to comment on their alleged criminal and ethical violations, they declined, saying that they would rather take the high road!
Local: Worst TV sports coverage? Phoenix, Arizona - any and every station. The weather reports receive much more airtime. Really? Don't know the weather? Open your window blinds, or step outside!....Saints Simon and Jude Church has ended the practice of allowing 5th through 8th grade girls to participate in altar duties during Catholic masses. The reason given was that altar duties are to prepare boys for the priesthood, but numbers show no correlation to sexually abused altar boys wanting to become priests!
Epilogue: "You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find the humor in anything, you can survive it." - Bill Cosby
International: In a recent speech near Madrid, Pope Benedict XVI lamented the 'dwindling of the faith,' referring to loss of Catholic membership in Spain. Coincidentally, pedophile, sex-abusing priests are not harbored in Spain!
National: Again, major corporations are declaring record profits, while unemployment rises ever higher. Many of these companies also sponsor major sporting events, etc., where sometimes thousands of volunteers are invited to participate - it's supposed to fun and an honor to do so!....Nationally, volunteerism is down for non-profit organizations, but at record levels for for-profit companies and events!....Payroll taxes will soon rise to previously mandated levels, as Obama-sponsored decreases will be allowed to expire. Republicans say it is better to tax the poor than to tax the rich - because the poor don't have jobs that the wealthy were supposed to have created - the purpose of the 10-plus years of Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. As Donald Trump has reiterated on many occasions, "A poor man never gave me a job." Well, Mr. Trump, a wealthy man never gave me a job, either!....Michele Bachmann - what a sweetie - coerced a small crowd of Iowans to sing 'Happy Birthday' to commemorate the August 16th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Why not a tea party?!....In 2008, Hurricane Ike hit mainland USA , causing $10B in damages. If Hurricane Irene hits the east coast with the same expected force, damages could reach $5B, considering the economy's effect on property values!....Director of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, announced that her department will no longer deport illegal immigrants, unless they are guilty of crimes other than entering the county illegally, stealing one's Social Security Number or identity, or taking a job that would otherwise be available for legal citizens!....In related news, Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that he would seek to balance the next budget by deporting senior citizens, who would otherwise receive Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits!
State: Arizona legislators balance the budget by slashing funds to education, Medicaid, other social services, and then drained almost all of the legally established(supposedly protected) citizen Recovery Funds, paid into by contractors - not the state!....Eight Arizona doctors have written nearly half of the 10,000 medical marijuana prescriptions issued to date, while almost never following legal protocol. When asked to comment on their alleged criminal and ethical violations, they declined, saying that they would rather take the high road!
Local: Worst TV sports coverage? Phoenix, Arizona - any and every station. The weather reports receive much more airtime. Really? Don't know the weather? Open your window blinds, or step outside!....Saints Simon and Jude Church has ended the practice of allowing 5th through 8th grade girls to participate in altar duties during Catholic masses. The reason given was that altar duties are to prepare boys for the priesthood, but numbers show no correlation to sexually abused altar boys wanting to become priests!
Epilogue: "You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find the humor in anything, you can survive it." - Bill Cosby
Az I Play It....
As a former professional athlete and life long sports fan, it is getting more and more insulting each time a new sports scandal breaks. Whether it be a coach, a team, a player, a commissioner, or all of the above; enough is enough. Do you think the University of Miami is the only school who participated in the newly-alleged NCAA steroid violations? Do you really believe that both the commissioners of the NFL and MLB would be totally unaware of steroid use, despite astronomical increases in player size and statistics? Let’s be realistic.
The issues at hand here are not the violations but rather how to deal with the violations. Reggie Bush was stripped of everything he accomplished for USC, and USC has forfeited games and been put on probation. What was Coach Pete Carol’s punishment? Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens and others were hunted by the media. Yet Jim Thome hit his 600th home run without a whisper or doubt from the media, despite playing on the same teams as steroid-positive testers and putting up steroidal numbers over the same time span. Why?
Now with the Miami Hurricanes, we again are looking to punish many of those student athletes who did not partake in any illegal activity. Multiple players and coaches have long come and gone without recourse only to be interviewed saying, “....how sorry and tragic this is for their respective universities.” Give me a break! It would be refreshing to hear an athlete come out and say they aren’t sorry for using their university - in the same way they got used by their university.
Like many of us who face the daily grind, if we cheat, steal, connive, lie, or break rules and/or regulations set forth for us…..we get fired. Here is a simple solution - in terms we all can relate to:
1) If a player or coach breaks certain codes of conduct, they should be released immediately just as we would in the workplace.
2) Each school is assigned an investigation committee throughout each year so that violations come with immediate action rather than future discipline.
3) The NCAA quits abusing the talents of athletes bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Pay the players! And no - a payment equal to the cost of attendance is not good enough . $5,000 or $6,000 is not a legitimate amount when coaches are making millions per year.
4) Performance enhancing drugs are used for cheating. Plain and simple. If you get caught in any league, whether it be professional or amateur, you should be suspended without pay for that entire season in which you tested positive. Repeat offenses should come with a ban.
With the negativity surrounding lockouts, performance enhancements, rule violations and many other scandals, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to draw from the positive examples we see everyday - from the likes of CEO’s , Congress, government officials, and Superstar athletes………oh. Guess it’s back to the drawing board!
Special submission by Michael Muscato
The issues at hand here are not the violations but rather how to deal with the violations. Reggie Bush was stripped of everything he accomplished for USC, and USC has forfeited games and been put on probation. What was Coach Pete Carol’s punishment? Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens and others were hunted by the media. Yet Jim Thome hit his 600th home run without a whisper or doubt from the media, despite playing on the same teams as steroid-positive testers and putting up steroidal numbers over the same time span. Why?
Now with the Miami Hurricanes, we again are looking to punish many of those student athletes who did not partake in any illegal activity. Multiple players and coaches have long come and gone without recourse only to be interviewed saying, “....how sorry and tragic this is for their respective universities.” Give me a break! It would be refreshing to hear an athlete come out and say they aren’t sorry for using their university - in the same way they got used by their university.
Like many of us who face the daily grind, if we cheat, steal, connive, lie, or break rules and/or regulations set forth for us…..we get fired. Here is a simple solution - in terms we all can relate to:
1) If a player or coach breaks certain codes of conduct, they should be released immediately just as we would in the workplace.
2) Each school is assigned an investigation committee throughout each year so that violations come with immediate action rather than future discipline.
3) The NCAA quits abusing the talents of athletes bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Pay the players! And no - a payment equal to the cost of attendance is not good enough . $5,000 or $6,000 is not a legitimate amount when coaches are making millions per year.
4) Performance enhancing drugs are used for cheating. Plain and simple. If you get caught in any league, whether it be professional or amateur, you should be suspended without pay for that entire season in which you tested positive. Repeat offenses should come with a ban.
With the negativity surrounding lockouts, performance enhancements, rule violations and many other scandals, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to draw from the positive examples we see everyday - from the likes of CEO’s , Congress, government officials, and Superstar athletes………oh. Guess it’s back to the drawing board!
Special submission by Michael Muscato
Az I See It....
Prologue: Doesn't 'expecting the unexpected' make the unexpected expected?
National: Texas Gov. Rick 'Pray with me' Perry, in announcing his bid for the presidency, actually said the following: "We are not defined by class in the United States." "I will end Obamacare!" 'Obama is responsible for the bailouts.'(Not Bush?) "I am proud that I balanced Texas' budget." He did it by eliminating many social services for the most vulnerable of his constituents. None were voting Republicans. He 'regrets the recent loss of life of our 'special operators.' He even sounds like GWB! "I will lower taxes!"(for the wealthy and for corporations) He does NOT mean lowering income taxes for the middle or lower-classes. Oh, I'm sorry - we are not defined by class in the United States!....When Republicans vow 'low taxes,' keep in mind(Michele Bachmann) - the already TEN years of Bush tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans have correlated into the highest unemployment rate in many decades. They kept the money!....Political polls consistently show that voters are greatly dissatisfied with Congress, however almost 90% are happy with their own representatives. The only way to elect a non-incumbent is to have them retire, or to resign in disgrace!....The six Republican appointees to the debt-ceiling Super Committee are all men - and no minorities!....Congress has now decided that the present U.S. Military retirement program is no longer affordable(military pay is among the lowest compensation compared to most careers.) It seems only the Congressional retirement program is still affordable!....Republicans are 'inflicting' Christianity in their campaigns. We do not need to acknowledge their religious affiliations. We need them to act like Christians and assist those who need assistance - even if it means sharing(Bah! Humbug!)
State: Arizona now offers a 2-year high school diploma program, in an attempt to decrease its nation-leading freshman-year dropout statistics. One year, two years, four years - under any Arizona program, students still come away with at least two years less education than other more reputable public education systems!....Arizona politicians, and other public 'leaders,' are aghast at the recent spate of brutal child abuse cases across the state. Really? REALLY? Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery was quoted, "Ultimately, the degree to which we call ourselves a civilized society is directly related to how we stand up for the defenseless and innocent among us." In the same Arizona Republic newspaper edition that reported this, it was also reported that a Maricopa County Superior Court judge approved massive cuts to AHCCCS(Medicaid); state politicians were stone-walling the voter-approved medical marijuana laws; the state legislature denies the acceptance of federal money to extend long-term unemployment benefits, saying, 'Let them eat cake!' - and an Arizona Supreme Court judge has allowed unconstitutional, anti-abortion restrictions to stand - at least until the U.S. Supreme Court strikes them down!
Sports: The NL West D'Backs lead their division in victories, but trail the league in attendance. To what extent will the owners go to put fans in the seats? Well, Charlie Sheen was taking batting practice, preparing for his upcoming role in Major League 3. But what price for WINNING?....Keegan Bradley won more than $1.4M for his PGA Championship victory. Inexplicably, he gave half of it to the former Mrs. Tiger Woods!
Epilogue: A man will pay two dollars for a one-dollar item he wants. A woman will pay two-dollars for a one-dollar item she doesn't want!
National: Texas Gov. Rick 'Pray with me' Perry, in announcing his bid for the presidency, actually said the following: "We are not defined by class in the United States." "I will end Obamacare!" 'Obama is responsible for the bailouts.'(Not Bush?) "I am proud that I balanced Texas' budget." He did it by eliminating many social services for the most vulnerable of his constituents. None were voting Republicans. He 'regrets the recent loss of life of our 'special operators.' He even sounds like GWB! "I will lower taxes!"(for the wealthy and for corporations) He does NOT mean lowering income taxes for the middle or lower-classes. Oh, I'm sorry - we are not defined by class in the United States!....When Republicans vow 'low taxes,' keep in mind(Michele Bachmann) - the already TEN years of Bush tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans have correlated into the highest unemployment rate in many decades. They kept the money!....Political polls consistently show that voters are greatly dissatisfied with Congress, however almost 90% are happy with their own representatives. The only way to elect a non-incumbent is to have them retire, or to resign in disgrace!....The six Republican appointees to the debt-ceiling Super Committee are all men - and no minorities!....Congress has now decided that the present U.S. Military retirement program is no longer affordable(military pay is among the lowest compensation compared to most careers.) It seems only the Congressional retirement program is still affordable!....Republicans are 'inflicting' Christianity in their campaigns. We do not need to acknowledge their religious affiliations. We need them to act like Christians and assist those who need assistance - even if it means sharing(Bah! Humbug!)
State: Arizona now offers a 2-year high school diploma program, in an attempt to decrease its nation-leading freshman-year dropout statistics. One year, two years, four years - under any Arizona program, students still come away with at least two years less education than other more reputable public education systems!....Arizona politicians, and other public 'leaders,' are aghast at the recent spate of brutal child abuse cases across the state. Really? REALLY? Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery was quoted, "Ultimately, the degree to which we call ourselves a civilized society is directly related to how we stand up for the defenseless and innocent among us." In the same Arizona Republic newspaper edition that reported this, it was also reported that a Maricopa County Superior Court judge approved massive cuts to AHCCCS(Medicaid); state politicians were stone-walling the voter-approved medical marijuana laws; the state legislature denies the acceptance of federal money to extend long-term unemployment benefits, saying, 'Let them eat cake!' - and an Arizona Supreme Court judge has allowed unconstitutional, anti-abortion restrictions to stand - at least until the U.S. Supreme Court strikes them down!
Sports: The NL West D'Backs lead their division in victories, but trail the league in attendance. To what extent will the owners go to put fans in the seats? Well, Charlie Sheen was taking batting practice, preparing for his upcoming role in Major League 3. But what price for WINNING?....Keegan Bradley won more than $1.4M for his PGA Championship victory. Inexplicably, he gave half of it to the former Mrs. Tiger Woods!
Epilogue: A man will pay two dollars for a one-dollar item he wants. A woman will pay two-dollars for a one-dollar item she doesn't want!
Az I Laugh At It....
- "I never knew what real happiness was until I got married, and by then, it was too late." - PJ
- Frankie asked his grandfather, "How much does it cost to get married?' His grandfather replied, "I don't know son, I'm still paying."
- A bus, on a busy street, struck a Catholic man. He was lying near death, on the sidewalk, as a crowd gathered. "A priest. Somebody get me a priest!" the man gasped. Long seconds dragged on, but no one stepped out of the crowd. A policeman checked the crowd and finally yelled, "A PRIEST, PLEASE! Isn't there a priest in this crowd to give this man his Last Rites?" Finally, out of the crowd stepped a little old Jewish man in his 80s. "Mr. Policeman," said the man, "I'm not a priest. I'm not even a Christian. But for 50 years now, I'm living behind the Catholic Church on Second Avenue , and every night I'm overhearing their services. I can recall a lot of it, and maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor old man." The policeman agreed, and cleared the crowd so the man could get through to where the injured man lay. The old Jewish man knelt down, leaned over the man, and in a solemn voice said, "B-5 .... I-19 ... N-38 ... G-54 .... O-72...."
- Frankie asked his grandfather, "How much does it cost to get married?' His grandfather replied, "I don't know son, I'm still paying."
- A bus, on a busy street, struck a Catholic man. He was lying near death, on the sidewalk, as a crowd gathered. "A priest. Somebody get me a priest!" the man gasped. Long seconds dragged on, but no one stepped out of the crowd. A policeman checked the crowd and finally yelled, "A PRIEST, PLEASE! Isn't there a priest in this crowd to give this man his Last Rites?" Finally, out of the crowd stepped a little old Jewish man in his 80s. "Mr. Policeman," said the man, "I'm not a priest. I'm not even a Christian. But for 50 years now, I'm living behind the Catholic Church on Second Avenue , and every night I'm overhearing their services. I can recall a lot of it, and maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor old man." The policeman agreed, and cleared the crowd so the man could get through to where the injured man lay. The old Jewish man knelt down, leaned over the man, and in a solemn voice said, "B-5 .... I-19 ... N-38 ... G-54 .... O-72...."
The Reel Deal
The Help(rated PG-13) - starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, and Jessica Chastain - along with a superb supporting cast!
This film is a docudrama of sorts - a riveting story of racial bias, strife and unrest in Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s, as well as the birth of Tea Party Republicanism. Those attending this movie will not see themselves here, though, as they are like Hillie(Howard), and oblivious to who and what they are.
The Black hired-help(maid/nanny-slaves, actually) are inspired by their dire circumstances, evolving social mores, and local journalist Skeeter Phelan(Stone) to assist in writing a book about their lives, from their own point of view. The twisted path taken is only too sad to be the truth that it is, but they remain strong, and the book is eventually published.
This film will be nominated for many Academy Awards - including Best Picture, Best Adaptation, and Best Director. And the certain winner for Best Supporting Actress will be either Viola Davis(Abilene Clark) or Octavia Spencer(Minnie Jackson.)
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll rejoice - and if you're a Tea Partier you'll think of the social services wasted on an undeserving public, but if you have any money that the Tea Party hasn't yet taken from you, use it to see this film. I'm just sayin' - 'cause it doesn't need my Help!
This film is a docudrama of sorts - a riveting story of racial bias, strife and unrest in Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s, as well as the birth of Tea Party Republicanism. Those attending this movie will not see themselves here, though, as they are like Hillie(Howard), and oblivious to who and what they are.
The Black hired-help(maid/nanny-slaves, actually) are inspired by their dire circumstances, evolving social mores, and local journalist Skeeter Phelan(Stone) to assist in writing a book about their lives, from their own point of view. The twisted path taken is only too sad to be the truth that it is, but they remain strong, and the book is eventually published.
This film will be nominated for many Academy Awards - including Best Picture, Best Adaptation, and Best Director. And the certain winner for Best Supporting Actress will be either Viola Davis(Abilene Clark) or Octavia Spencer(Minnie Jackson.)
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll rejoice - and if you're a Tea Partier you'll think of the social services wasted on an undeserving public, but if you have any money that the Tea Party hasn't yet taken from you, use it to see this film. I'm just sayin' - 'cause it doesn't need my Help!
Az I Use It....
Prologue: Nobody knows everything - nor should they. Sometimes you just gotta make up some stuff!
- It has been suggested that charitable donations for the wealthy will be next on the Congressional agenda, so that they will be able to hire employees that will then support the retirement lifestyles to which they would like to become accustomed. Bush administration tax cuts were not enough!
- Do you own a car? Doesn't matter which make, model, or year - it is being recalled for something!
- A recent scientific study proves that ALL food is bad for you!
- Beware of merchandise carousels, when checking out at retail stores. It is a common occurrence for the plastic bags to not completely be cycled around, and consumers leave behind some of the purchased products. Turn the carousel yourself, checking for additional merchandise, so that you know you are not short-changed!
- WATCH OUT! Whew - that hybrid auto in the parking lot almost hit me when it was backing out of its parking spot! This is now a common cause of unnecessary auto/pedestrian accidents. The engines of most hybrids do not immediately engage, when in reverse, so you will not hear the typical sounds. If you are not fully attentive, you could be hit. The driver may be aware of the vehicle's motion, but it may be too late for the pedestrian(yeah - YOU, with the iPod and earbuds!)
Epilogue: A complex system that does not work is invariably found to have evolved from a simpler system that worked just fine!
- It has been suggested that charitable donations for the wealthy will be next on the Congressional agenda, so that they will be able to hire employees that will then support the retirement lifestyles to which they would like to become accustomed. Bush administration tax cuts were not enough!
- Do you own a car? Doesn't matter which make, model, or year - it is being recalled for something!
- A recent scientific study proves that ALL food is bad for you!
- Beware of merchandise carousels, when checking out at retail stores. It is a common occurrence for the plastic bags to not completely be cycled around, and consumers leave behind some of the purchased products. Turn the carousel yourself, checking for additional merchandise, so that you know you are not short-changed!
- WATCH OUT! Whew - that hybrid auto in the parking lot almost hit me when it was backing out of its parking spot! This is now a common cause of unnecessary auto/pedestrian accidents. The engines of most hybrids do not immediately engage, when in reverse, so you will not hear the typical sounds. If you are not fully attentive, you could be hit. The driver may be aware of the vehicle's motion, but it may be too late for the pedestrian(yeah - YOU, with the iPod and earbuds!)
Epilogue: A complex system that does not work is invariably found to have evolved from a simpler system that worked just fine!
Az I See It....
How the economy really works:
A wealthy man's limousine pulled into a small, economically-destitute town. The man sauntered up the steps of the town's run-down hotel, threw a $100 bill on the counter and told the desk clerk that he wanted a room - but first, he wanted to go upstairs to decide if the rooms were to his liking.
As soon as the man ascended the stairs, the clerk raced the $100 bill to the grocer, whom he owed $100, for his weekly food tab. The grocer immediately ran the $100 to the farmer, whom he owed $100, for his grocery and produce stock. The farmer immediately gave the C-note to the town prostitute, whom he owed $100, for recent 'services rendered.' The prostitute immediately took the money to the hotel, reimbursing the clerk the $100 that she owed for her recent room rental.
Shortly thereafter, the wealthy man descended the stairway, announced that he had decided not to stay at this 'dump' after-all, picked up his $100 bill and drove away in his limo - leaving the townspeople debt-free, without ever having to actually providing further products or services.
Moral of the story? You decide!
A wealthy man's limousine pulled into a small, economically-destitute town. The man sauntered up the steps of the town's run-down hotel, threw a $100 bill on the counter and told the desk clerk that he wanted a room - but first, he wanted to go upstairs to decide if the rooms were to his liking.
As soon as the man ascended the stairs, the clerk raced the $100 bill to the grocer, whom he owed $100, for his weekly food tab. The grocer immediately ran the $100 to the farmer, whom he owed $100, for his grocery and produce stock. The farmer immediately gave the C-note to the town prostitute, whom he owed $100, for recent 'services rendered.' The prostitute immediately took the money to the hotel, reimbursing the clerk the $100 that she owed for her recent room rental.
Shortly thereafter, the wealthy man descended the stairway, announced that he had decided not to stay at this 'dump' after-all, picked up his $100 bill and drove away in his limo - leaving the townspeople debt-free, without ever having to actually providing further products or services.
Moral of the story? You decide!
Az I See It....
Prologue: The older one gets, the more difficult it is to accept the death of one's friends!
International: Pakistan-trained islamist terrorists recently attacked China. If anyone does not believe that WW3 has already begun, they are naive, as most of the industrialized world is presently at war with someone, and each other - some intent on world domination and/or destruction; some simply for greed, or in the name or God!
National: US-HORS Tea Party Republicans were asked if Washington was 'living in the real world,' as the recent debt-ceiling deal does not address spending cuts or revenue increases. The response was, "No, in the real world you don't spend more than you have." Begging to differ, you elitist asses - in the real world, perpetuated by unforgiving, uncompassionate politicians, people actually must spend more than they have, in order to feed and house their families - while the Tea Party members point their pinkies!....Why is delaying, eliminating, or decreasing social service benefits NOT considered to be a tax on the poor, but raising or eliminating the Social Security income contributions cap considered to be a tax on the wealthy?....People do not want a hand out - they want a job!....The feds are now suing Alabama over their new anti-illegal immigrant laws. It seems that nothing illegals do is illegal afterall, so the next federal coping plan will be to release the names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of American citizens to the Mexican government, allowing for expedited distribution to Mexicans wanting to relocate to the USA!....
State: The Arizona Cardinals will open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers, whose new QB is last year's Cardinals hoped-for cure-all Derek Anderson!....Governor Brewer's portrait will now hang in the state Capitol, along with those of her predecessors. She says she would like to be remembered as "...kind, compassionate, and fair." In the 'real world' she will be remembered as mean-spirited, uncaring, and an elitist!
Misc. - Short on money? Prioritize! Do you smoke cigarettes at more than $4 per pack? Do you have a smart phone that costs at least $30 per month more than basic phone service? Food expenses going through the roof? Well, if you prepare meals at home, instead of ding out several or more times per week, the savings will be 'through the roof!' I will certainly not judge others' lifestyle or financial status, but don't 'cry poor,' if your luxuries are inhibiting your judgement!
Epilogue: "If you do not already have a retirement account, you will soon be in trouble. If you do have a retirement account, you are already in trouble!" - A. Muscato
International: Pakistan-trained islamist terrorists recently attacked China. If anyone does not believe that WW3 has already begun, they are naive, as most of the industrialized world is presently at war with someone, and each other - some intent on world domination and/or destruction; some simply for greed, or in the name or God!
National: US-HORS Tea Party Republicans were asked if Washington was 'living in the real world,' as the recent debt-ceiling deal does not address spending cuts or revenue increases. The response was, "No, in the real world you don't spend more than you have." Begging to differ, you elitist asses - in the real world, perpetuated by unforgiving, uncompassionate politicians, people actually must spend more than they have, in order to feed and house their families - while the Tea Party members point their pinkies!....Why is delaying, eliminating, or decreasing social service benefits NOT considered to be a tax on the poor, but raising or eliminating the Social Security income contributions cap considered to be a tax on the wealthy?....People do not want a hand out - they want a job!....The feds are now suing Alabama over their new anti-illegal immigrant laws. It seems that nothing illegals do is illegal afterall, so the next federal coping plan will be to release the names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of American citizens to the Mexican government, allowing for expedited distribution to Mexicans wanting to relocate to the USA!....
State: The Arizona Cardinals will open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers, whose new QB is last year's Cardinals hoped-for cure-all Derek Anderson!....Governor Brewer's portrait will now hang in the state Capitol, along with those of her predecessors. She says she would like to be remembered as "...kind, compassionate, and fair." In the 'real world' she will be remembered as mean-spirited, uncaring, and an elitist!
Misc. - Short on money? Prioritize! Do you smoke cigarettes at more than $4 per pack? Do you have a smart phone that costs at least $30 per month more than basic phone service? Food expenses going through the roof? Well, if you prepare meals at home, instead of ding out several or more times per week, the savings will be 'through the roof!' I will certainly not judge others' lifestyle or financial status, but don't 'cry poor,' if your luxuries are inhibiting your judgement!
Epilogue: "If you do not already have a retirement account, you will soon be in trouble. If you do have a retirement account, you are already in trouble!" - A. Muscato
Az I Laugh At It....
- Late one night, a masked mugger jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. "Give me your money," he demanded. Indignant, the affluent man replied, "You can't do this – I am a United States Congressman!" "In that case," replied the mugger, "give me MY money!"
- She met a sexy man by the lake. There was an instant spark between them and he fell at her feet. As they laid there, making love, she thought to herself, ''These Tasers are well worth the money!''
- During my uncle's physical exam, his doctor mentioned that he was slightly overweight. "Do you get any exercise?" the physician asked. "Well, I used to have an exercise bike in the TV room," my uncle began. "Used to!" the doctor said. "Where is it now?" "I had to store it in the basement," my uncle confessed, "because it got in the way of my snack trays!"
- An genie emerged from an old lantern that PJ found at the beach. It said that in gratitude for releasing him from his capture, he would reward PJ with a choice of infinite wealth, or infinite wisdom. Without hesitating, PJ selected infinite wisdom. "Done!" said the genie, and disappeared in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Then all heads turned toward PJ, who sat surrounded by a faint halo of light. He seemed stunned and shocked, as a cloud of silence encompassed the room. Finally, I leaned over and whispered to him, "What do have to say, now that you are filled with infinite wisdom?" PJ sighed, and said, "I should have taken the money!"
- She met a sexy man by the lake. There was an instant spark between them and he fell at her feet. As they laid there, making love, she thought to herself, ''These Tasers are well worth the money!''
- During my uncle's physical exam, his doctor mentioned that he was slightly overweight. "Do you get any exercise?" the physician asked. "Well, I used to have an exercise bike in the TV room," my uncle began. "Used to!" the doctor said. "Where is it now?" "I had to store it in the basement," my uncle confessed, "because it got in the way of my snack trays!"
- An genie emerged from an old lantern that PJ found at the beach. It said that in gratitude for releasing him from his capture, he would reward PJ with a choice of infinite wealth, or infinite wisdom. Without hesitating, PJ selected infinite wisdom. "Done!" said the genie, and disappeared in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Then all heads turned toward PJ, who sat surrounded by a faint halo of light. He seemed stunned and shocked, as a cloud of silence encompassed the room. Finally, I leaned over and whispered to him, "What do have to say, now that you are filled with infinite wisdom?" PJ sighed, and said, "I should have taken the money!"
Az I Use It....
- FREE gas? Fry's(Kroger's) supermarkets advertises up to $1.00-off per gallon, when using their fuel points system from grocery purchases. I recently filled up with a $.30 per gallon discount, and together with my Discover Card(5% rebate on gas), I will pay less than $3.00 per gallon. Great deal, right? Except that my car got (40) miles per tank LESS than it usually gets! I thought maybe it was time to check my tire pressure, but that was not the problem. So I tried again - and again about (40) miles less per tank. At more than $3.00 per gallon, I figure I'm out about $2.00! I then filled up at Costco, where I don't receive the Fry's discount, but I still get a 4% rebate from my AMEX card. This time it was about (25) miles less than typical. What was going on?! I have since returned to using the other filling stations in my area - Valero, QT, and Chevron - and guess what? My vehicle is getting the same mileage that it supposed to get - about (300) miles before refill - approximately (20) miles per gallon! My conclusion, if you want free gas, eat beans!
- Deepak Chopra, on relationships - Instead of 'looking for the right person,' become the right person. Remember the "Three A's" - Attention(deep listening); Affection(deep caring); and Appreciation(find something you like about the other person, and tell them!)
- A million people can do the wrong thing and it still a wrong thing! - Anonymous
- It is illegal in 49 states - all except Arizona - to sell a vehicle to a person who cannot see over the steering wheel!
- The cost of raising a medium-sized dog to age eleven is approximately $16,400!
- While honey is the only food that doesn't spoil, most men will realize it is best to try to spoil their honey!
- Drinking water at certain times maximizes its effectiveness on the body:
(2) glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs
(1) glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
(1) glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
(1) glass of water before going to bed - helps prevent stroke or heart attack
- Parents and students are complaining about the costs of higher education. Books are more expensive and tuition is ever-increasing! Oh, and part-time jobs to pay for automobile expenses and cellphones, as well as the life-experience partying would simply be a major inconvenience! People, people - you can well afford a quality education, if you work part-time(gasp!), give up your 'smart-phone'(use a basic phone - gasp!), study, instead of party(double-gasp!!), and live at home, instead of in a dorm or off-campus rental housing(triple-gasp!!!) No? Well, you get what you pay for! Someone has to serve me, when I eat at McDonald's or Burger King!
- Deepak Chopra, on relationships - Instead of 'looking for the right person,' become the right person. Remember the "Three A's" - Attention(deep listening); Affection(deep caring); and Appreciation(find something you like about the other person, and tell them!)
- A million people can do the wrong thing and it still a wrong thing! - Anonymous
- It is illegal in 49 states - all except Arizona - to sell a vehicle to a person who cannot see over the steering wheel!
- The cost of raising a medium-sized dog to age eleven is approximately $16,400!
- While honey is the only food that doesn't spoil, most men will realize it is best to try to spoil their honey!
- Drinking water at certain times maximizes its effectiveness on the body:
(2) glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs
(1) glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
(1) glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
(1) glass of water before going to bed - helps prevent stroke or heart attack
- Parents and students are complaining about the costs of higher education. Books are more expensive and tuition is ever-increasing! Oh, and part-time jobs to pay for automobile expenses and cellphones, as well as the life-experience partying would simply be a major inconvenience! People, people - you can well afford a quality education, if you work part-time(gasp!), give up your 'smart-phone'(use a basic phone - gasp!), study, instead of party(double-gasp!!), and live at home, instead of in a dorm or off-campus rental housing(triple-gasp!!!) No? Well, you get what you pay for! Someone has to serve me, when I eat at McDonald's or Burger King!
Az I Laugh At It....
- Now that they are older, Howie and Phyllis are discussing all aspects of their future. "What will you do if I die before you do?" Howie asked Phyllis. After some thought, she said that she'd probably
look for a house-sharing situation with three other single or widowed women who might be a little
younger than herself, since she is so active for her age. Then she asked Howie, "What will you do if I die first?" He replied, "Probably the same thing."
- Nick was waiting nervously in the examination room of a famous specialist. "So who did you see before coming to me?" asked the doctor. "My local General Practitioner." "Your GP?" scoffed the doctor. "What a waste of time. Tell me, what sort of useless advice did he give you?" Nick replied, "He told me to come and see you."
- Sharon: "I had to marry you to find out how stupid you are."
George: "You should have known it the minute I asked you to marry me."
- Susan’s Diary for Saturday: Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong; He said, "Nothing." I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep; I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.
Bernie's Diary for Saturday: A four putt. Who the hell four putts?
look for a house-sharing situation with three other single or widowed women who might be a little
younger than herself, since she is so active for her age. Then she asked Howie, "What will you do if I die first?" He replied, "Probably the same thing."
- Nick was waiting nervously in the examination room of a famous specialist. "So who did you see before coming to me?" asked the doctor. "My local General Practitioner." "Your GP?" scoffed the doctor. "What a waste of time. Tell me, what sort of useless advice did he give you?" Nick replied, "He told me to come and see you."
- Sharon: "I had to marry you to find out how stupid you are."
George: "You should have known it the minute I asked you to marry me."
- Susan’s Diary for Saturday: Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong; He said, "Nothing." I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep; I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.
Bernie's Diary for Saturday: A four putt. Who the hell four putts?
The Reel Deal
Crazy, Stupid, Love(rated PG-13) - starring Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Kevin Bacon; directed by Glen Ficarra and John Requa; written by Dan Fogelman
There are also many othercast members who make this film shine - a classic date movie for the 2010s decade. The tale of a worn-out marriage and the relationships it both spawns and exacerbates. Cleverly written, beautifully directed, and superbly acted. Carell and Moore sharp and true. Gosling and Stone are hot! Tomei and Bacon are perfect in supporting roles.
Predictable? Yeah - you think so - from the outset, but as emotions evolve, predictability is anything but predictable. This is the best romantic comedy of the summer, and worth the price of two tickets in any city. Crazy, Stupid, Love It!
There are also many othercast members who make this film shine - a classic date movie for the 2010s decade. The tale of a worn-out marriage and the relationships it both spawns and exacerbates. Cleverly written, beautifully directed, and superbly acted. Carell and Moore sharp and true. Gosling and Stone are hot! Tomei and Bacon are perfect in supporting roles.
Predictable? Yeah - you think so - from the outset, but as emotions evolve, predictability is anything but predictable. This is the best romantic comedy of the summer, and worth the price of two tickets in any city. Crazy, Stupid, Love It!
Just News
Prologue: There is no such thing as a 'self-made' person. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success." - George Matthew Adams
National: NBC news anchor Brian Williams is one of the best late-night talk show guests. Funny, insightful....and did I mention funny?....Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives(US-HORS) John Boehner(R-Ohio) recent quotes, commenting on the impending debt ceiling-increase fight strategy of the Republican Party: First - "We'll stop Washington from spending!" Well, this is NOT about spending. It is about paying only for what has ALREADY been spent. Second - "If taxes increase for the wealthy, jobs will be lost!" Really? REALLY? We have the highest unemployment in decades - and the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy have been in place for TEN years! He means HIS job will be lost, if Congress increases taxes for those earning more than $250K(do you make that much? I sure don't!)....An impending agreement will allow the debt ceiling to be raised, as long as spending cuts are included in the deal. What cuts? Well, a committee will be formed to determine them at a later date. What does this mean? They have accomplished nothing in Washington, except scaring the general public, and costing citizens billions of dollars in stock market(paper) losses - including 401K accounts. I still say we are their employers, and we should lock them out, until an acceptable deal is reached! No salary, benefits, or perks. It worked in the NFL. And wasn't it Marie Antoinette who once said, 'Let them drink tea!' So let's drink it until the Tea Party is all gone!....We just did this in Arizona - the state legislature needed to change only TWO words, in order to extend federally-funded, long-term unemployment benefits. Republicans said, "NO!" - Not unless deep social services cuts would be made - on one the poorest citizenry in the nation! After all this - no actual deal on the debt ceiling will be made - and all that needed to be said was, "YES!"....A 5-year study finds no correlation between brain cancer and under age-20 cellphone users(insert your own joke!) After a recent expose' of Mitt Romney, it is now suggested that he either may have been born in Mexico, can be connected to Mexican drug cartels, or simply prefers Mexican food to American fare. Either way - can he be trusted?....Good news: Phoenix, Az. is rated as the #1 city in the nation for single women. Criteria included access to fast-food employment opportunities, unoccupied houses available for squatting, and ability for men to commit sex crimes and get away with them(well, that last one was actually for the men!)
State: Arizona experiences huge dust storms during the monsoon season. Some are now using the Arabic word 'haboob,' insulting those who are sick of the drain of Americana. Another great Arabic word that is 'taking the state by storm' is 'habeeb.' It is a being which has no legs, thus must use its hands to swing itself around, and if it catches you, it will eat you! You can look it up!
Epilogue: If your employer ever says to you, "Just be lucky you have a job," remind them about all the time and money you spent for college and making their lives easier, and politely reply, "F%&K YOU" - then get another job! - Michael Archangel
National: NBC news anchor Brian Williams is one of the best late-night talk show guests. Funny, insightful....and did I mention funny?....Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives(US-HORS) John Boehner(R-Ohio) recent quotes, commenting on the impending debt ceiling-increase fight strategy of the Republican Party: First - "We'll stop Washington from spending!" Well, this is NOT about spending. It is about paying only for what has ALREADY been spent. Second - "If taxes increase for the wealthy, jobs will be lost!" Really? REALLY? We have the highest unemployment in decades - and the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy have been in place for TEN years! He means HIS job will be lost, if Congress increases taxes for those earning more than $250K(do you make that much? I sure don't!)....An impending agreement will allow the debt ceiling to be raised, as long as spending cuts are included in the deal. What cuts? Well, a committee will be formed to determine them at a later date. What does this mean? They have accomplished nothing in Washington, except scaring the general public, and costing citizens billions of dollars in stock market(paper) losses - including 401K accounts. I still say we are their employers, and we should lock them out, until an acceptable deal is reached! No salary, benefits, or perks. It worked in the NFL. And wasn't it Marie Antoinette who once said, 'Let them drink tea!' So let's drink it until the Tea Party is all gone!....We just did this in Arizona - the state legislature needed to change only TWO words, in order to extend federally-funded, long-term unemployment benefits. Republicans said, "NO!" - Not unless deep social services cuts would be made - on one the poorest citizenry in the nation! After all this - no actual deal on the debt ceiling will be made - and all that needed to be said was, "YES!"....A 5-year study finds no correlation between brain cancer and under age-20 cellphone users(insert your own joke!) After a recent expose' of Mitt Romney, it is now suggested that he either may have been born in Mexico, can be connected to Mexican drug cartels, or simply prefers Mexican food to American fare. Either way - can he be trusted?....Good news: Phoenix, Az. is rated as the #1 city in the nation for single women. Criteria included access to fast-food employment opportunities, unoccupied houses available for squatting, and ability for men to commit sex crimes and get away with them(well, that last one was actually for the men!)
State: Arizona experiences huge dust storms during the monsoon season. Some are now using the Arabic word 'haboob,' insulting those who are sick of the drain of Americana. Another great Arabic word that is 'taking the state by storm' is 'habeeb.' It is a being which has no legs, thus must use its hands to swing itself around, and if it catches you, it will eat you! You can look it up!
Epilogue: If your employer ever says to you, "Just be lucky you have a job," remind them about all the time and money you spent for college and making their lives easier, and politely reply, "F%&K YOU" - then get another job! - Michael Archangel
Az I Eat It....
Fratello's Cafe & Catering - 13560 N. 94th Dr., just south of Thunderbird - in Peoria, Az
Okay, so we've been here before, because Fratello's has great breakfast and lunch menus(7:00am to 3:00pm Mon. thru Fri.) Owner Amy Mangione, coming from Buffalo, NY, in Spring 2010, decided she could no longer go without offering an eastern-style Friday Fish Fry - but who wants a fish fry for breakfast? And lunch-only hardly seems worth it.
Solution? Fratello's will be open on Friday's until 8:00pm. That began today - and WOW! Here's what you get: a more-than generous serving of codfish, rolled in Amy's Special Recipe coating, deep-fried to perfection. My codfish was tender, moist and tasty. The coating was a just-right golden-brown. Let's not stop there - french fries, cole slaw, and homemade marble-rye bread completes the meal.
Aww! Can't have gluten products? Then try the Baked Cod instead. Comes with a side of diced lettuce, tomato, and herb salad; plus a side of peppers, onions, and zucchini - like you would find on an Italian sausage sandwich. MMMMM! And, yeah - I tried them both! Each complete meal for only $11.95.
What, you want it to be all-you-can-eat? Nope! But it will be all-you-can-handle. You may even have to take some home! Still not enough? How about live entertainment from 6:00pm to 8:00pm? This week it was Amy's brother-in-law Bobby Perez with his mellow voice and haunting folk guitar. If that's not enough, try a McDonald's Fish Sandwich - you're too fussy!
Okay, so we've been here before, because Fratello's has great breakfast and lunch menus(7:00am to 3:00pm Mon. thru Fri.) Owner Amy Mangione, coming from Buffalo, NY, in Spring 2010, decided she could no longer go without offering an eastern-style Friday Fish Fry - but who wants a fish fry for breakfast? And lunch-only hardly seems worth it.
Solution? Fratello's will be open on Friday's until 8:00pm. That began today - and WOW! Here's what you get: a more-than generous serving of codfish, rolled in Amy's Special Recipe coating, deep-fried to perfection. My codfish was tender, moist and tasty. The coating was a just-right golden-brown. Let's not stop there - french fries, cole slaw, and homemade marble-rye bread completes the meal.
Aww! Can't have gluten products? Then try the Baked Cod instead. Comes with a side of diced lettuce, tomato, and herb salad; plus a side of peppers, onions, and zucchini - like you would find on an Italian sausage sandwich. MMMMM! And, yeah - I tried them both! Each complete meal for only $11.95.
What, you want it to be all-you-can-eat? Nope! But it will be all-you-can-handle. You may even have to take some home! Still not enough? How about live entertainment from 6:00pm to 8:00pm? This week it was Amy's brother-in-law Bobby Perez with his mellow voice and haunting folk guitar. If that's not enough, try a McDonald's Fish Sandwich - you're too fussy!
Extra - Editorial Reply
Letter to the Editor of the Arizona Republic(7/26/2011):
Lock them out! All of Congress should be denied access to their offices, staff, and other government facilities to which they are privileged. No per diem, no salary, no access to medical benefits, no transportation - NO taxpayer-funded perks. We may end the lockout when our representatives agree to a debt-ceiling increase that protects our most vulnerable citizens from cuts to earned 'entitlement' programs, and themselves being included in such programs, ie., Medicare and Social Security. This is
NOT about controlling spending, as House Speaker John Boehner would have us believe. It IS about paying for what has already been spent. To hold Americans hostage for political gain is unconscionable. It worked for the NFL. It will work for this game, too!
Lock them out! All of Congress should be denied access to their offices, staff, and other government facilities to which they are privileged. No per diem, no salary, no access to medical benefits, no transportation - NO taxpayer-funded perks. We may end the lockout when our representatives agree to a debt-ceiling increase that protects our most vulnerable citizens from cuts to earned 'entitlement' programs, and themselves being included in such programs, ie., Medicare and Social Security. This is
NOT about controlling spending, as House Speaker John Boehner would have us believe. It IS about paying for what has already been spent. To hold Americans hostage for political gain is unconscionable. It worked for the NFL. It will work for this game, too!
Az I See It....
Prologue: "I never attend funerals - or weddings. They're both the same!" - K. Phipps
International: The Vatican, again under fire - this time for hiding sex-abusing priests in Philadelphia, Pa. - has now established diplomatic relations with Malaysia, ensuring a fresh, new source for Catholic priests to access altar boys!
National: Michelle Bachmann(R - Minn) claims her sometimes severe migraine headaches will not impede her ability to be President of the United States. Most agree - it will be her incompetence that will prevent her from ever being elected to the presidency!....Catch 22? Corporations financially support politicians who look out for their economic well-being. These politicians have, in payback, adamantly refused to require higher taxes from these corporations. Result? Lower tax revenues to the U.S. Treasury, high unemployment, therefore increased government-funded social services - as well as decreased social service programs. Solution? Corporations must re-hire at previous levels, since profits are all-time highs. Increased employment equates to increased tax revenues, hence less taxes needed from corporations. Deal-breaker? Increased hiring equates to less profit, which equates to increased taxes on the corporations. To place the burden on the poor is the equivalent of imposing a tax on them. Catch 22? Yeah - I caught that!
State/Local: Monetary donations to the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix are at a 12-year low. Meanwhile, attorney's fees and court costs to defend priests accused of sexual abuse of altar boys are at an all-time high!. Coincidence?
Epilogue: You can't have your cake and eat it, too! But you can get more cake!
International: The Vatican, again under fire - this time for hiding sex-abusing priests in Philadelphia, Pa. - has now established diplomatic relations with Malaysia, ensuring a fresh, new source for Catholic priests to access altar boys!
National: Michelle Bachmann(R - Minn) claims her sometimes severe migraine headaches will not impede her ability to be President of the United States. Most agree - it will be her incompetence that will prevent her from ever being elected to the presidency!....Catch 22? Corporations financially support politicians who look out for their economic well-being. These politicians have, in payback, adamantly refused to require higher taxes from these corporations. Result? Lower tax revenues to the U.S. Treasury, high unemployment, therefore increased government-funded social services - as well as decreased social service programs. Solution? Corporations must re-hire at previous levels, since profits are all-time highs. Increased employment equates to increased tax revenues, hence less taxes needed from corporations. Deal-breaker? Increased hiring equates to less profit, which equates to increased taxes on the corporations. To place the burden on the poor is the equivalent of imposing a tax on them. Catch 22? Yeah - I caught that!
State/Local: Monetary donations to the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix are at a 12-year low. Meanwhile, attorney's fees and court costs to defend priests accused of sexual abuse of altar boys are at an all-time high!. Coincidence?
Epilogue: You can't have your cake and eat it, too! But you can get more cake!