musing

It wasn't that long ago that I thought that 2015 would mark mankind's great expansion to the outer planets in the solar system. That hasn't happened. After the space race, what need was there to explore? Like many, the three letters are sounded by me: WTF.

Politics continue to run the show. Now that the monetary system is failing, the "major" powers are doing their damnedest to re-ignite the Cold War. I use capitalization intentionally because it seems their hope is for a carbon-copy repeat. ...but will Putin allow the historical result?

Their real fear is the unknown. Recently, the powers-at-be have seen millions go their own ways. This frightens them. A wandering individual is worse than any number of ready-to-launch missiles at the command of a dictator. I can only laugh and cheer these individuals!

Site updates

Finally, I have finished the latest trip page. And what a trip it was! Mike went out of his way to make my time out west awesome. Not that I can forget Carley's kind sacrifices either.

I can only offer thanks and present my modest account of the event:
www.billsuniverse.com/trips/canyonlands2014/canyonlands2014_trip.html

and for our mobile users:
http://www.billsuniverse.com/trips/canyonlands2014/m_canyonlands2014_trip.html

PLEASE let me know if you find anything wrong. You know how to reach me! And if you forgot, please use the "Technical Problems" form below. Thank you!

Site updates

I've added six movies and a TV program to the database.

I also added a notable quote:

[Lucifer], you know him?
Nah, I've never heard of him. Sounds like a professional from back east.
Hmmph, when this Lucifer, or whatever, shows up, you tell him to go to hell.
Trinity Is Still My Name

The trip page is slowly coming along. I'm also working on a new look for the entire web site. Both should be coming soon!

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database. Enjoy!

Trip page

I'm working on the latest trip page. It should be up soon.

Back!

I'm back from a great trip in the Southwest. A trip page will be forthcoming.

Site updates

I've added eight movies to the database. Enjoy!

Site updates

I've added a movie & a TV program to the database. Enjoy!

I also added three funny photos:

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database.

Vehicles

I've started disassembling the MG so that I can remove the engine and gearbox. I figure if I can get it out before winter, then I can work on it during warm days. I need to replace the original oil seals to reduce the oil leaks. So much for new & costly sealing ideas.

The Mazda is regularly returning better than 40 mpg. And with fuel prices dropping, I've been filling the tank with less than thirty dollars!

I'll see to the truck in the spring.

Health "care" costs

I recently received the first quarterly report while under the new "affordable" health care act. Past readers will recall that I wrote that my premium doubled in September. I expected that a 100% increase would command extra coverage. I was wrong.

My quarterly report from April to the end of June listed my annual out-of-pocket maximum expense as 5K/10K (in-network/out of network) & an annual deductible of 5K. That's what I signed up for several years ago. The so-called catastrophic insurance plan.

The same numbers on my quarterly report from July 'til the end of September are 6.35K/0 & 6K. That's right: my in-network maximum rate increased by 27% and my out of network maximum coverage went away! So, I pay twice as much for less than half the coverage.

Oh, but my neighbor who birthed a kid as a teenager probably now has even better coverage. A potential good aspect is that this bum will have more disposable income, and thus should be out shopping more than at home slamming doors... (of course I probably won't notice because I'll have to work more to pay for it.)

In reality, I am paying for the bums. Listed on every bill is a 4% tax to support the state exchange--read redistribution of wealth--system. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that the "affordable" health care act is a way to punish the working and reward to bums.

B.O., the smartest man?

Many say that B.O. is a failure. I disagree. He succeeded very well by "leveling the playing field" with regards to health coverage. Like western Europe, we've a socialized health system. Next stop on the mass transit system: tax highly-paid doctors and surgeons until they leave the market.

You didn't expect talent with the higher premium, right? The supermarket butcher knows anatomy: he's plenty qualified to remove your appendix. And he's a lot cheaper. It doesn't matter that he works on dead animals: the anatomy doesn't change after death.

I'm not against helping others. What pisses me off is being forced to help them. I'm like many Americans and donate to charities. But those charity dollars are being sucked up by the government to be given to those who are lazy.

The effect and true cause

I'm not the only one to be feeling the squeeze, as I continuously get e-mail messages from vendors trying to entice me back to spend money. They must be struggling if they send out mass messages with 10% off and free shipping! The fact is that the money isn't available. It's already taken by the state for redistributing to the bums.

Let's step back and look at the forest for a minute. I'll admit that despite the government bureaucrats taking their cut, health costs are high. Why? Pharmaceutical companies are driving prices. That new designer drug for high blood pressure with milder side effects costs a bit of money to develop.

Of course, I am not against business making profit. That's why they go into business. I'm merely pointing out the true culprit behind high health insurance costs. However, I have yet to see anyone point this out on a public media.

Hate the oil companies? Maybe it's time to re-direct that hate to "big pharm"? They are, after all, the old petro-chemical companies. Yes, the folks that helped to bring you the Love Canal birth defects, after they'd moved out of western New York, are now "curing" people.

Only it will cost you. I can only stand in admiration of their business plan. Create the problem and then offer a solution for a price. Brilliant. If I had no scruples, I'd have invested in the petro-chemical--I mean, pharmaceutical--companies long ago.

Think about it. Why do we never hear about drug companies in the news? Why is their power only hinted at in clever TV sitcoms as The Big Bang Theory? The truth is that they are the new Standard Oil. I wouldn't be surprised that, in twenty years time, the current world power will start a war for a material necessary for "big pharm".

The future

OIl is passé. The next big thing is drugs to try and make people live longer. Of course, the drug companies will just try to succeed in undoing the problems that they helped to create. All the while they will profit, and profit beyond any dreams we can imagine.

The only potential hiccup is China. The "People's Republic of China" is locked into a system of strong centralized control. Unless Western drugs are recognized and perceived to have any effect by the Orient, some wealth will remain circulating in the West.

So maybe voting for those-who-live-in-the-past isn't quite a bad thing? Unfortunately, it is unlikely that we can rebuild this nation. Maybe clinging to a bit of our past is, sadly, the only way to slow the "progress" that we're now seeing.

Site updates

I've added eight movies to the database. All have full GRS ratings, too!

Vehicles

The MG is now put away. The poor bugger sprang another leak and, well, I had a feeling that it was time. I've learned to trust my instincts because they have never led me astray. That additional leak could have saved my life as there are several careless motorists who blindly sought it twice a day, every day.

"Yeah? Well, I was on the phone..." Read: does it really matter that I ran over a small car and its occupant?

I'm Uncle Buck

The other day I felt like Uncle Buck. Unfortunately, I don't have a cool 'coon hat "that angers some people." Sad, I know. (But it's a potential Christmas gift!) No, I instead have a vehicle that reminds me of UB's iconic car.

Yes, my old American truck has a nasty habit of backfiring. (Damn right, I say, as I set down my light beer and burp.) This was rather a scene of indignity for me. A persistent minor problem has developed into a major problem. I was too inexperienced to see it coming.

The story is this: a past Friday--I had taken the day off from work--I had packed my truck full of camping and woodcutting gear with the aspirations of further making my plot of land a home.

As I entered the town before that would be my future hometown, the truck backfired with such a voracity that a woman on foot ducked for cover! Ashamed, I could only cower behind the suicide ball on the steering wheel as she scowled at me. It did sound like a small caliper gunshot.

I was unaccustomed to any vehicle of mine doing such an uncivilized thing. I will admit that I am new to largish engines and my only experience with Chevrolet engines is a Chevette. (That "economy" car is largely known as the "shove-it" and was never a major noisemaker.)

Continuing with the story, I didn't stop and stand with joy at my machine's gunshot-like report. No, I cautiously beat feet. I began to wonder if I should take something from the ancient Japanese and impale myself upon the small bit of plastic affixed to the steering wheel.

Instead, I did what Americans do. I left the town center and then stopped in the next open parking lot. At that time I realized that my fate was sealed, because upon popping the hood, I found the engine purring like a kitten with only a very occasional cough.

Maybe it was the cat who had just swallowed the mouse? But in reality, I knew it couldn't be so. There was something quite amiss with my "little" Stovebolt-powered pick-up truck. This problem went far beyond carburetion! Of course, I didn't realize this fact--or maybe I was just too stubborn--until I hit a 55+ mph road leading to my future hometown.

As I pondered the real cause, while mistakenly adjusting the mixture and revving up the engine and listening, many motorists sped by. I wondered what I could do to make it run long enough to return home.

Just then, a woman stopped to see if I wanted help. I learned that her husband had had a truck just like mine, as she yelled between passing cars. (This evoked memories of my first years with the MG, albeit with opposite pronouns.) I thanked her and relieved her of any guilt, sending her along her way.

To be honest, at that time I was still wondering what the trouble was, and if I would make it back to the apartment. But, I saw a decent lady with little or no experience with engines who was just looking to say hello to a fellow "lover" of old Chevys. And because, I already have made a bit of a name in my small future hometown, I didn't want to breed any misgivings. Word travels fast in a small town.

I managed to get that flexible old six-cylinder running. I had to change my driving style to accomodate the narrow driving speeds afforded by the diminished engine torque band and three forward gears. But I made it back to my apartment.

There were a few motorists who may have questioned my conviction. Ahem, they learned quickly as my purple monstrosity bore down on them when they taunted the injured beast.

No doubt I scared a few motorists in smaller cars, and a few modern trucks. That's too bad. I ask, "Why don't you try to drive a nearly two-ton truck with unassisted drum brakes and an engine that won't run at low revs?"

As of late, I believe that the problem is a worn-out timing geartrain. This would explain the loud noise coming from the front of the engine shortly after I arrived home and also the bizarre engine behavior. (A good driver doesn't need proper cam or ignition timing, right?)

Site updates

I've added seven movies to the database. Enjoy!

Misc.

Time for autumn!

I didn't go to the British Invasion car show. I was just too tired to make the drive.

Site updates

I've added seven movies to the database. Enjoy!

I also added a new quote:

There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes.
Doctor Who

Misc.

The MG continues to perform well. I slowed one engine-oil leak. By classic British car standards, the leak is now solved! Next...

I kept up with a Volkswagen 4R32 from a standstill to 60 mph, which is when we stopped accelerating. That's not too bad considering that this particular people's car has more than 200 horsepower and a redline only somewhat lower than my engine's.

That does seem to be the trouble with modern vehicles. They're weighed down with safety features and creatures comforts, and as such need powerful engines. Of course, if I'm hit by a modern car in my Spartan sports car, then I will most probably die. (Needless to say, I am--ironically-- a "defensive" driver.) Fortunately, most other motorists seem to understand this fact and give me plenty of space.

Site updates

I've added five movies to the database. Enjoy!

I also added a new quote:

Foot: An device for finding objects in the dark.
Chinese fortune

Misc.

I've put nearly 900 miles on the MG. It's been running very well. The only major fault is a dramatic oil leak from the front of the gearbox. I installed a new front cover with a conventional oil seal. Evidently, it doesn't work!

A large SUV tried to pass me in the right turn lane the other day. I quickly outran him. 20 to 60 mph takes less than ten seconds. The car may not be quick off the line, unless revved up; but once going it's very quick.

On the commute back home I go under a wide bridge. Whenever possible I punch it. Sure, it's a bit childish to make a lot of noise. That doesn't make it any less fun!

I spoke with a friend of a friend about felling three large oak trees. (They're in the way of my proposed driveway.) I can't do the job myself because they're dangling over the power lines and roadway. It'll be good to have that done in October.

I'm planning to have a brush fire after the snowfall. That way I can clean up the lot, instead of just pushing it off and letting it rot.

Weather permitting, I'm planning to drive up one day to see The British Invasion . Maybe you will go also?

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database, and all are fives. Enjoy!

Misc.

With the good weather upon us (surprisingly good for August), I have got the MG ready for commuting. It'll take a good bit of time longer, as I will have to avoid the highway; however, it will be worth it. It's running very strongly.

I just paid my September health insurance bill. The premium has doubled. I guess the coverage is better, but I didn't need it.

Job is going well. Easy and stress-free. The lengthy commute is the only con.

My new Mazda has been returning better than 40 mpg! The EPA rated it at a maximum of 35. Perhaps I drive more smoothly than their test drivers? Regardless, it is a very good economy car. And no batteries that require destructive mining operations.

The truck is running well. I don't use it too much because it gobbles up fuel like there's no tomorrow. I'm planning to camp on the land over Labor Day weekend. I need to do some tree work and wood sawing, so it'll get out then.

Site updates

I've added five movies & one TV program to the database. Enjoy!

Misc.

A curious thing happened today. In the mail, I received a small refund check from my health insurance company. According to them, if they spend in the state in which they operate, less than 80% of the total premium charged, then refunds must be sent to plan holders. This is the "80/20 rule" of Obamacare.

Of course, my insurance premium is still going to double in September. A check for 33% of a single month's--current rate--premium is really only a drop in the bucket. It's much like a mafioso offering a finger after he cuts off your hand. "What? Not enough?!"

Evidently, movie-ticket sales were down for Independence Day weekend. Could that be caused by the crappy selection of movies? Nah, people love shit films like "Tammy". Or maybe people are just scraping by and have no money for the cinema? Perhaps, I'm being too logical?

I did go to see a movie over the weekend, and I enjoyed it a lot. Though, it didn't open in July.

I found it hilarious that this article states the following as a reason for the lackluster sales:

Contrino agrees. "There's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Sex Tape, Lucy, Guardians of the Galaxy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which could do great with families."

Ahem. I wouldn't bring my children to any of the "Apes" movies, despite having enjoyed them myself. And, isn't "Lucy" the film where Scarlett Johansson wanders around naked? (Oh yeah, definitely going to that one!) It gets worse: how can "Sex Tape" be a family film?

One has to laugh to stop the tears! What has happened to the American family? How can violence, nudity, and sex be good family-film material?

source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-whats-behind-summers-716853

Site updates

I've added four movies to the database.

MG

I was warned last year that the front wheel bearings had play. So I purchased a new set and wheel seals. When I went to change them, I found the hub nut was only finger tight! The torque specification is 46 ft-lbs. Now, I've got no hub play and spare parts.

I did find that the upper fulcrum bolt was stripped. I'll have to grind it off and fit a new one. I also changed some leaking gaskets and replaced the felt vibrational dampers for the steering column. This is the second set since I've owned the car.

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database. Enjoy!

Site updates

I've added four movies & one TV program to the database. Enjoy!

Other stuff

The new contract is going well. I have impressed my supervisor until now, my second week. Like many places, (and many people can say the same) they underestimate what I can really do. However, it's good to be able to pay bills without thinking: will I have enough left to buy food this week?

During the week, I sanded and applied polyurethane to a piece of unfinished pine furniture. It's good to finally do this job, as I have been meaning to do it for several years. I have three more pieces to do.

Working with wood is actually quite peaceful. No machines are necessary. And, perhaps, more importantly no gloves, goggles, or ear muffs separate the individual from the wood. The calm of the wood really can be felt. It's such a sharp contrast to working with metal!

Metal is cold and unforgiving. But it goes beyond that. Working with metal usually requires one or more "personal safety devices". It also requires great strength and attention. When that angle grinder goes off target, it doesn't care that it's chewing up a finger. (I speak from experience, as any amateur metal worker will.)

Wood work encourages finesse and care. To use an allusion: metal working is the working truck and wood working is the sports car. Unbridled feel is the key of a real sports car. One can be numb to drive a truck!

Talking of trucks: I forgot to upload photos of the re-painted truck wheels. It really helps to break up the purple! ("Huh-iii, boys and girls!")

Site updates

I've added two movies & two TV programs to the database. Enjoy!

Other stuff

The new carburetor on the truck makes the vehicle driveable. The Holley allows much more power to be developed from the engine. It ran so well that it spun a hubcap off a rear wheel.

I took this as a sign. I removed the three remaining 'caps and painted the wheels grey with black hubs. They look pretty good.

I woke up the MG. What a joy to drive! Quick and nimble. I'm looking forward to getting it back on the road. I need to replace the wheel bearings and, potentially, the front dampers. Last year, it was more unsettled than normal by potholes.

I start work on Monday.

Site updates

I've added three movies & two TV programs to the database.

Other stuff

I have installed the Holley carburetor on the truck. The manifold adaptor needed a fair bit of grinding to make clearance. That took a day to accomplish. The throttle is actuated by a linkage, not a cable as I had thought. I fabricated a part from sheet aluminum to link it and the carburetor swivel. It works surprisingly well and seems durable.

The choke cable works better with this carburetor. I guess the more torturous path is beneficial. Today is start-up & adjustment day. Hopefully, I won't have to purchase different jets. Complete with a Mr. Gasket air cleaner, this system sits lower than the Rochester unit.

I should be starting work next week. It'll be good to be back. I've run out of cheap things to accomplish. The income will be much appreciated.

Site updates

I've added five movies to the database.

Other stuff

What a beautiful day! I took a four-mile hike through the woods. The wind kept the bugs at bay. That is, until the wind was blocked by the trees. It was worth the additional mosquito bites!

The truck carburetor sealed up well. I was excited that half a tube of Seal-All had fixed it. The engine ran well and stayed in tune. The snag occurred when I needed the power circuit. I discovered the fault when trying to drive up a hill. The accelerator pump should kick in, and it doesn't. Instead the engine stumbles, coughing through the carb.

I have no way to fix this, since I sealed up the carburetor. (I had tried to address this notorious Rochester carb problem in the past with no success.) Fortunately, the truck moves and is driveable, as long as I plan ahead. Yesterday, I got it inspected. The mechanic knows me and my vehicles so he just put a sticker on it. He said that nothing could have gone wrong in the 100 miles that I drove it since his last inspection. Good guy.

I ordered a Holley two-barrel carburetor and adaptor plate from Summit Racing. This will allow me to use the existing intake manifold. I only need to figure out how to connect the throttle and choke cables. The vacuum advance take-off and gas line won't be a problem.

I attempted to chainsaw a dead limb hanging over the driveway. The crotch to the limb is about eight feet off the ground. I had been hacking at it with hand saws. I broke out the chainsaw but got a bad feeling. I stopped, deciding it was better than being decapitated. I'll have to use my climbing gear and purchase an electric chainsaw to cut this limb. That's the safe solution.

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database.

I've also added one funny photo. It's in the Animals section of this page.

Other stuff

I have accepted a long-term contract. It's with a laboratory that has impressed me so I was happy to accept. I should be starting in a couple of weeks. They are running an extensive background check on me now.

I have graded the driveway. I got to run a Bobcat skid steer. I was amazed by the power it has. I accidentally knocked over a couple of trees! Perhaps more impressive is the fact that it has a heater, air conditioning, and a radio. Next step is to have the three tall oaks downed. (They're too tall and dangling above the power lines and the road for me to attempt.) Then, I can grade those areas. Last steps are to tamp the subsurface and spread the stone dust.

I'm sealing the truck carburetor. It's time-consuming because I have to apply the goop and wait for it to cure. I am sealing any possible external leak (including screw threads and heads). If this doesn't work, then I'll purchase a new two-barrel and fabricate an adaptor plate to interface with my new single-barrel intake manifold.

All the wood piles still stand. The wood is drying well. Soon, I need to summon up the guts to down the dead limb hanging over the garage area. I worked at it with a hand saw. I preferred this work to applying the chainsaw because the bottom of the limb is more than six feet off the ground. So I'm standing on blocks of wood sawing a limb that rises another forty feet. It's large enough to kill. Maybe I weakened it enough for the wind to finish the job?

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database.

Other stuff

The previously-mentioned phone interview resulted in a face-to-face interview. That was successful because they invited me back for another interview with another person. The other place, which is near where I used to work, says that I'm still in the running for the job. This second position is more desirable.

The damned carburetor on the truck is a mess. I purchased a remanufactured one from Autozone. The replacement started leaking air & fuel and nearly stranded me. A second replacement did the same exact thing. I returned it and got my money back. Next step is to permanently seal the leaking gasket on my original unit. If that doesn't work, a new intake system will be needed.

I've become more creative with the wood piles. I have three piles that are nearly as tall as me stacked between pairs of trees. Even the wind storm of a few days ago hasn't knocked them over!

I tried to down a dead limb that is about twenty to thirty feet off the ground. A Connecticut company makes a chain saw with ropes attached. The idea is to throw one end over and then saw the branch from the ground. It may work for small branches but wouldn't even work on a large branch with me standing right under it. The chainsaw will have to awaken early this year. I have a Bobcat reserved for an entire work-week. That should be enough time for me to grade the driveway.

Site updates

I've added six movies to the database.

Other stuff

Now that the snow is melted off my property, I was able to re-locate a wood pile. I'm going to reserve an earthmover to grade the driveway in early May. I already have two quotes.

Yesterday, I had an interview, which went well. I know this place and it's next to a place where I worked for five years. That was a good place, hence why I stayed so long. We'll see what comes of this new opening.

I also have a phone interview tomorrow morning. I don't know this company but they were interested when I submitted my resume. Now that spring is here I'm hoping to not be offered a position until I can finish my land work.

Vehicles

The truck is almost ready for work. I've got to figure out the carburetor and then replace a leaking gasket & a seal. Over the winter, I installed a Class III hitch, electronic trailer brake controller, and wiring.

I could have purchased a Class IV hitch, but I figured that was unnecessary. Pulling a 10,000-lb trailer with a 1/2-ton pick-up with non-assisted drum brakes at all four corners is not reasonable.

The all-season tires are back on the Mazda. The snow tires still have plenty of life. (So much for Dad saying that a set will only last one season!) I cleaned the snow wheels, and they held up very well.

Land for curtailing expenses

To eliminate my largest bill, the apartment rent, and to leave the door-slamming, pot-smoking moronic neighbor behind, I'm set on moving to the land this summer. So I have to either finish the driveway in its entirety--including downing two large oak trees--or just make a rudimentary driving path. It all depends on whether or not I can get back to work.

Job hunt

I've a few interested employers. The front-runner is a direct position about twenty minutes from the apartment. I have met most of the group at this place. I know that I impressed them personally and professionally, so it may be only a matter of time.

This week another potential employer stopped accepting resumes. The next step is reviewing resumes and selecting candidates for interviewing. This job, a long-term contract, sounds awesome. The job is maintaining and supporting scientists at an astrodome. The 'dome will be employed for commercial space ventures like SpaceX.

What would I do?

The other day I saw a headline that read something to effect of: now that the health industry is sorted out, we can move on to the job market. After I stopped shaking my head, I thought about the way to solve the root of the problem with the lack of jobs.

OK, so we all know that the central reason why jobs are disappearing in this country: it's difficult to compete with the Indian service market and Chinese manufacturing industry. The high-rate-of-pay required by Americans to live and the expensive benefits demanded by the labor unions are the reason why we're expensive to employ.

During 1860-1890 a protective tariff was exacted on key imports. This protected American products from cheaper foreign imports. This tariff had its roots in the Industrial Revolution when the burgeoning American textile mills attempted to compete with the established British mills.

So that's what we need: a tariff on key imports. What they should be is open to debate. One that springs to mind is clothing. The American clothing industry has been decimated by the Central American nations & the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) nations. I know because I have been going out of my way to find and support American clothing factories. Most blue jeans (a symbol of the West) are produced overseas!

Another import that I would levy a tariff against is food. This nation used to be the world's largest producer of wheat, corn, and cotton. It's true that this was largely due to the massive scale of virgin land that was ready for tilling. However, the land is still arable and is of better quality than Chinese fields. Maybe agriculture can bring California out of their perpetual indebtedness?

The effects

The effects of a tariff would be profound. Immediately, consumers would rail against it. The cheap products, which Americans have become used to, would cost the same as the American products. This would encourage reduced consumption and enlarge the black markets.

It would also reduce the GDP of the nation because, as we know, consumption is a sizeable part of our Gross-Domestic-"Product". If the tariff is too sizeable or expansive, it could even trigger riots. This is where economists and politicians would be wise to slowly introduce the tariff. No more passing a law without knowing exactly what it includes!

Once through a period of turbulence, the tariff would start to pay off the national debt. American businesses would grow exponentially. There would be demand for labor. Crime would drop. The middle class would rebuild. People could afford to purchase houses. Eventually, they would also start businesses of their own.

A tariff would be a bitter pill to swallow. The central stumbling block is the short-term outlook of American business, which influences government policy. Until business can have a long-term plan, like they used to, a tariff will never be possible.

Site updates

I've uploaded four films to the database.

Site updates

I've uploaded seven films to the database. I'm getting through my Netflix queue! See, unemployment isn't all bad.

Site updates

I've uploaded seven films to the database. Enjoy!

Site updates

I've uploaded five movies & a single TV program to the database.

I also uploaded a quote:

How many birds [women] does it take to change a light bulb?
Two: one to run around screaming and the other to shag the bloody electrician!
Gene Hunt in Ashes to Ashes

Site updates

Since I've been kept in by the cold temperatures, I've been watching films. I've just uploaded six movies & a single TV program to the database. Enjoy!

Site updates

I've uploaded seven movies to the database. Enjoy!

Snow

OK. So, I was wrong.

Site updates

I've uploaded five movies & one TV program to the database. Enjoy!

Crippling snow

Uh huh, yeah right. This evening we had a beautiful sunset that signaled clear weather for tomorrow. Yes, I know I dare to challenge the meterologists with their computer models. Nature brings the snow and also brings us the sunsets. Don't take my word: take a look:

In love!

I saw a new Alfa Romeo on Top Gear. What a thing of beauty!

Site updates

I've uploaded seven movies to the database. Enjoy!

Site updates

Five new movies are uploaded to the database. Netflix is still being hampered by the Postal Service. The rate is about 75% of the previous rate.

This just in!

To better serve you, the IRS will now be taxing state income refunds! Yes, this new source of revenue will be proudly employed to ensure you have qualifying health insurance. (Please refrain from "egging" the Washington offices because this does not constitute exercise, and is frequently performed with contraband.)

This is the truth. I have been working on my tax forms. The tax code has gotten out of control, so I now employ TurboTax. I was taken a bit aback when the program asked if I received any "income" tax refund from a state last year. "This could be taxable" was the justification cited for prying into state records. As confirmation, I received a 1099-G from the state who issued the refund last year.

OK, let me understand this idea. Too much money is taken from my paychecks and when I finally receive the funds, which could have been used to fund private enterprise, I am notified that the amount could be taxed by the feds.

Talk about government gone wild. This is a taxman's, or high comrade's--I mean elected politician's--wet dream. Even the banks haven't been this brazen. Well, not yet.

Have you read about the cash withdrawal restrictions in Britain from HSBC? Probably not. This bank is restricting the amount of money that depositors may withdraw from their accounts. ( link) They even have the audacity to challenge patrons for a valid reason! Oh, and paying-off a loan is not good enough.

Before I go on a tirade, I'll return to the original subject. So the federal government is going to tax state taxes. How long before the feds start demanding our local tax bills?

Of course, it'll be for your own security. The feds wouldn't want a "terrorist" to obtain these records. Really, this isn't much different than the Domesday Book. Unfamiliar? This book was a record of all property in England, as demanded by the Norman William the Conqueror after he took Britain from the Anglo-Saxons.

From this document, blossomed a feudal system of property holding, which to this day has largely been untouched. This centralization of property ownership compelled many immigrants to board ships and emigrate to the British New World. They came seeking property rights, in addition to religious freedom and fortune. You may find that things haven't changed in Britain. ( here)

So beware of the taxman and his collusion with the G-men. As many Anti-Federalists warned in America of the 1780s, centralized government just "cannot work for a nation of our size." And that was back when there were only thirteen States.

Site updates

It seems that Netflix is slowly coming back up to speed. Seven more movies are in the database. Enjoy!

Site updates

The slow Netflix shipping has caused me to seek other options. So, I've been using Redbox & Youtube. That's why this batch of additions is unusual. I hope you enjoy them!

GRS database.

Netflix shipping

OK, I've figured out why for the second week in a row my Netflix discs aren't returning. A federal court has ruled that Netflix has an unfair advantage over other shippers, like GameFly. I guess it's time that I re-think my subscription to Netflix.

sources: Huffington Post & Afterdawn

Site updates

Four new movies are uploaded to the database. There would have been more, however, the postal service didn't return Netflix movies for a few days.