Onions Among Us

2009-11-11T12:51:00.015-05:00

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The Plains

Come live with me on The Plains

Amongst The Spirits of All Our Friends

Where We could walk together

on the dewy tousled grasses

And instead of picking petals

In the sun We can stand together

just lookin'

At The Prairie flowers blowin'

And with the stars in the sky as the cool wind settles in

We can gaze at the flushing glow of Our warm and flickering fire

And amidst the smoke and the heat, The Spirits rise with crackles

The whirling Embers of Our truly ardent desires

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An Ollie Original ©
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Congressman Mike Rogers

2009-08-30T01:53:00.002-04:00

When Men Were Free

2009-08-15T02:42:00.004-04:00

Ronald Reagan on Health Care Reform, 1961.

Caught in a Pickle

2009-08-13T14:28:00.005-04:00

The Progressive Left are the ones trying to steal Home and are now caught in a pickle.

They are stalling halfway between 3rd and Home. Even so, they will stop at nothing… They will say Anything.

These Progressives and their Media Lapdogs are really unbelievable. Have you heard that the word “Socialist” has now been suggested to be the new code for the “n” word? How absurd is that?

Seriously? Com’on now.

Yet, they still cast their aspersions as they backtrack in the run down by trying to make anything negative said against them off base.

Well, it is they who are off base and they know this, or at least, most of the Progressives do… the rest are either in denial or they are just sheeple.

They cannot misconstrue the manner in which the opposition speaks and or fabricate their own definitions to defend against what Good and Moral People legitimately know, feel and say about them. They cannot declare Everything off base. Eventually, these Progressives will have to own up to their responsibility. Why? That is because the base runner is always outnumbered in a pickle and they always tire out in the face of good defense.

Don’t allow them to steal Home. Keep Playing Good Defense.

Don’t let them take Your Voice away and We Will Prevail.

Jim Madison

2009-08-09T01:30:00.004-04:00

To: flag@whitehouse.gov

Greetings Mister Obama,

There is a man I feel I should report to you, but I’m not exactly sure where he can be found. His name is Jim Madison and you may be able to ascertain his whereabouts as he has written numerous Essays and Articles that are absolutely contrary to your Plans and Agenda including your Health Care Reform.

Obviously, this man, who I must confess appears to have been very wise, should be dealt with, but I imagine you will have trouble coping with the many things he has written.

Some of his subversive writings may be found in something called The Federalist Papers and many other Articles which may be found in a document that has been confounding Progressives since 1789. It is called The U.S. Constitution.

You may also wish too look into a couple of his co-conspirators. The names of those men: Alex Hamilton and Johnny Jay.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Citizen

Gyp The Cat- Cover

2009-08-03T03:22:00.001-04:00

The Impeachment Question

2009-08-01T16:44:00.004-04:00

The Precepts of the Case:

*****

The Constitution of the United States of America

Article II. Section II

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: — "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Article II. Section. 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Article III. Section. 3.

Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

Other Research:

The debate of the language:

Impeachable Offenses

The Convention came to its choice of words describing the grounds for impeachment after much deliberation, but the phrasing derived directly from the English practice. The framers early adopted, on June 2, a provision that the Executive should be removable by impeachment and conviction “of mal-practice or neglect of duty.”774 The Committee of Detail reported as grounds “Treason (or) Bribery or Corruption.”775 And the Committee of Eleven reduced the phrase to “Treason, or bribery.”776 On September 8, Mason objected to this limitation, observing that the term did not encompass all the conduct which should be grounds for removal; he therefore proposed to add “or maladministration” following “bribery.” Upon Madison’s objection that “[s]o vague a term will be equivalent to a tenure during pleasure of the Senate,” Mason suggested “other high crimes and misdemeanors,” which was adopted without further recorded debate.777
The phrase “high crimes and misdemeanors” in the context of impeachments has an ancient English history, first turning up in the impeachment of the Earl of Suffolk in 1388.778 Treason is defined in the Constitution.779 Bribery is not, but it had a clear common-law meaning and is now well covered by statute.780 “High crimes and misdemeanors,” however, is an undefined and indefinite phrase, which, in England, had comprehended conduct not constituting indictable offenses.781 Use of the word “other” to link “high crimes and misdemeanors” with “treason” and “bribery” is arguably indicative of the types and seriousness of conduct encompassed by “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Similarly, the word “high” apparently carried with it a restrictive meaning.782

774 1 M. Farrand, supra.

775 2 M. Farrand at 172, 186.

776 Id. at 499.

777 Id. at 550.

Debate prior to adoption of the phrase783 and comments thereafter in the ratifying conventions784 were to the effect that the President (all the debate was in terms of the President) should be removable by impeachment for commissions or omissions in office which were not criminally cognizable. And in the First Congress’ “removal” debate, Madison maintained that the wanton dismissal of meritorious officers would be an act of maladministration which would render the President subject to impeachment.785 Other comments, especially in the ratifying conventions, tend toward a limitation of the term to criminal, perhaps gross criminal, behavior.786 The scope of the power has been the subject of continuing debate.787

778 1 T. HOWELL, STATE TRIALS AND PROCEEDINGS FOR HIGH TREASON AND OTHER CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIMES 90, 91 (1809); A. SIMPSON, TREATISE ON FEDERAL IMPEACHMENTS 86 (1916).

779 Article III, § 3.

780 The use of a technical term known in the common law would require resort to the common law for its meaning, United States v. Palmer, 16 U.S. (3 Wheat.) 610, 630 (1818) (per Chief Justice Marshall); United States v. Jones, 26 Fed. Cas. 653, 655 (No. 15,494) (C.C.Pa. 1813) (per Justice Washington), leaving aside the issue of the cognizability of common law crimes in federal courts. See Act of April 30, 1790, § 21, 1 Stat. 117.

781 Berger, Impeachment for “High Crimes and Misdemeanors”, 44 S. CAL. L. REV. 395, 400-415 (1971).

782 The extradition provision reported by the Committee on Detail had provided for the delivering up of persons charged with “Treason, Felony or high Misdemeanors.” 2 M. Farrand, supra at 174. But the phrase “high Misdemeanors” was replaced with “other crimes” “in order to comprehend all proper cases: it being doubtful whether ‘high misdemeanor’ had not a technical meaning too limited.” Id. at 443.

783 See id. at 64-69, 550-51.

784 E.g., 3 J. ELLIOT, DEBATES IN THE SEVERAL STATE CONVENTIONS ON ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION 341, 498, 500, 528 (1836) (Madison); 4 id. at 276, 281 (C. C. Pinckney: Rutledge): 3 id. at 516 (Corbin): 4 id. at 263 (Pendleton). Cf. THE FEDERALIST, No. 65 (J. Cooke ed. 1961), 439-45 (Hamilton).

785 1 ANNALS OF CONG. 372-73 (1789).

786 4 J. Elliot, supra at 126 (Iredell); 2 id. at 478 (Wilson). For a good account of the debate at the Constitutional Convention and in the ratifying conventions, see Alex Simpson, Jr., Federal Impeachments, 64 U. PA. L. REV. 651, 676-95 (1916)

787 See generally CHARLES L. BLACK, IMPEACHMENT: A HANDBOOK (1974); RAOUL BERGER, IMPEACHMENT: THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROBLEMS (1973); MICHAEL J. GERHARDT, THE FEDERAL IMPEACHMENT PROCESS: A CONSTITUTIONAL AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS (2d ed. 2000); PETER CHARLES HOFFER AND N.E.H. HULL, IMPEACHMENT IN AMERICA, 1635-1805 (1984); JOHN R. LABOVITZ, PRESIDENTIAL IMPEACHMENT (1978); 3 DESCHLER’S PRECEDENTS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ch. 14, § 3 “Grounds for Impeachments,” H.R. Doc. No. 661, 94th Cong. 2d Sess. (1977); Charles Doyle, Impeachment Grounds: A Collection of Selected Materials, CRS Report for Congress 98-882A (1998); and Elizabeth B. Bazan, Impeachment: An Overview of Constitutional Provisions, Procedure, and Practice, CRS Report for Congress 98-186A (1998).
*****

The question before us here is this: Has BHO committed some type of act, crime or mal-administration so as to constitute an Impeachment proceeding to be brought against him?

In regards to the treasonous act of levying War against the United States, I believe the Framers meant to actually Bear Arms against the United States, however, I would like to know if there are any Constitutionalist out there that believe this could be expanded to include other more abstract measures of carrying out an attack against Our Country.

As for adhering to the enemy, (and by the way, what is the definition of Enemy- may they be Foreign or Domestic?) seems like BHO’s political adherence is contrary to the beliefs of the Good and Moral People of Our Country. He is obviously in step with the Progressive’s march toward the promised, but undeliverable Utopia. But, is that treasonous? Perhaps, perhaps not, but I certainly feel (know) that Our Constitution is under attack and that the Progressive Left, of which BHO is at the forefront, is the source of this besiegement. To me usurpation on The Constitution is no different than an attack on Our Country.
BHO took an Oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, but it is quite apparent his mission is in direct opposition of the words he misspoke on Inauguration Day.

The Framers knew what they meant and meant what they wrote. They were wise men. The purpose was to create Federal Government, yes, out of need for an entity, which could do that which the States could not. However, it is not the role of Federal Government to be all encompassing- To Do All. The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is very clear about the powers granted Federal Government and the rights the States exert and still do to this day.

X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Yet, BHO appears intent on grabbing power and making us dependents. Remember these tidbits from his Presidential Campaign?

"This is the greatest country in the world, now let's see what we can do to change it."

“We are 5 days away from Fundamentally transforming the United States of America.”*

People, you should let that sink in real good.

Intent is very important when determining a great many things including the path chosen, the following of Statutes and the handing down of sentences. Well, in regards to BHO his Intent is Obvious. He told us point blank what he was going to do; yet people followed him like lambs to slaughter.

Our country is not his to Ruin or Give Away.

If BHO hasn’t either committed an act of adhering to the Enemy, or some sort of High Crimes and Misdemeanor upon which he could be impeached, surely he must have broken his Oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Recently, I’ve heard a number of highly placed Conservatives not wanting to go there on the impeachment issue.

If BHO has not actually committed such an offense, we do know his Intent is certainly there.

People, we need to be thoroughly vigilant in these perilous times. Hopefully, someone of prominence can make the case before more damage is done.

Choose Liberty, Save Freedom

* "Fundamentally Transforming the United States of America"

The Preamble

2009-08-01T15:55:00.002-04:00

We the People of the United States of America...

Blue skies - Performed by Benny Goodman and his orchestra

2009-08-01T15:39:00.004-04:00

A new year... 2009

2009-01-01T20:40:00.008-05:00

Well, it's a new year and the President Elect has had some time since the election to make some plans and design some schemes.

I have to admit that so far I am not upset by the choices he's made for his appointments.

I'll never buy that "Hope and Change hullabaloo" and I'll never forget the delusional masses who think Obama will pay their mortgages and put gas in the car for them nor all those people who voted for him for all the wrong reasons. Some of those people may call me a racist for saying this but isn't is ignorant to vote for someone just because that candidate it black? Seriously, I know people who did and I saw people say it on TV. What in the freak are those people thinking?

I used to think if Colin Powell made a bid for the Presidency I would have voted for him although now I wouldn't vote for him because to me he got kinda flaky when he threw his support to Obama.

Anyhow, Obama does seem to be making good choices in personnel and coming more to the center.

Hopefully, it isn't just make believe. Lots of challenges and tough times ahead; we can't afford follies and fallacy.

Anyhow, good luck to Mr Obama and the USA.

P.S. Still been hearing Obamas citizenship is still in question and that the Supreme Court will hear it. hmmm... what a joy that could end up being.

Conway Twitty - It's only make believe

2008-12-27T19:43:00.002-05:00

What say you about this?

2008-10-28T12:49:00.007-04:00

Obama said, "This is the greatest country in the world, now let's see what we can do to change it."

Huh?

Sure, the USA isn't "perfect" but his idea of Hope and Change is downright scary.

Obama while admitting the Constitution is a remarkable document he still said that it is an imperfect document.

I too believe the Constitution is a remarkable document. Sure, as time stretches out further and further away from the date of the Framers original composition of this remarkable document I think that Amendments may need to be added to encompass the changes and advancements of our more modern world, of which the framers could not have foreseen. Obviously, these changes need to be entered prudently.

That being said, I do not believe that Obama will be true to the Constitution.

He preaches Hope and Change, Hope and Change but the change he offers is not what we need.

You know, when the President Elect is inaugurated that person takes an Oath.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

With his election, he will appoint Liberal Justices. He will destroy the Constitution.

How can the American people elect him knowing this and how can he shamelessly utter the Oath of Office, swearing or affirming to defend the Constitution when he actually intends to politically Murder "Our" remarkable document?!

So you wanna be a Socialist?

2008-10-28T03:23:00.013-04:00

If Obama is elected he will entrench Socialism in the USA.

Ya know, he used to just spread the Bull when he spoke... He says a lot and very smoothly, yet he says nothing at all of substance, except whatever the audience in front of him wishes to hear.

He flip flops, he smiles, he exclaims, "Hope and Change" and then the crowds cheer. Yikes. Doesn't really matter what he says today. Tomorrow is another day... and another chance for him to flip and or flop, whatever he needs to do to rally the people in front of him. Can't call him out on anything.

It was amazing (and nauseating) when his Liberal Propaganda Machine (the media) started rolling faster and faster and he got Bolder and Bolder and nothing negative could be said that could stick to this inexperienced but Teflon coated Senator from Illinois...

Until the day he met Joe the Plumber, thank goodness, where he really spilled the beans and spoke of his real plan, Spreading the Wealth.

Shameful how they tried to smear him, but thankfully the story got out.

Be careful my fellow comrades... *cough* I mean, my fellow Americans.

Okay, Okay... so maybe Obama is not a Communist...

2008-10-28T03:22:00.006-04:00

But, he is a a Socialist... And some say he is a Socialist with Marxist undertones. I can't argue there.

And Socialism... well, it's just a hop, skip and a jump or perhaps, a Potomac Two Step away from...

Communism.

So you wanna be a Communist?

2008-10-21T03:22:00.001-04:00

Well, then I guess you'll be voting for Obama.

Don't fall for Obama, people.

Or we will all be sorry!

And the VP Nominee is...

2008-08-29T12:52:00.017-04:00

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin!

Over the last weekend I was talking to my brother about her. A while back I had looked at her government web page; I thought she was quite an impressive woman then.

After hearing John McCain make his speech and Veep announcement from Dayton Ohio today and then listening to the Gov. Palin's speech I was emotionally moved.

This choice may surprise some but...

She is the right choice.

This is so exciting!

McCain Ad: 3 AM

2008-08-26T14:03:00.011-04:00

"I know Sen. McCain has a lifetime of experience that he will bring to the White House. And Sen. Obama has a speech he gave in 2002." - Hillary Clinton

(CNN's "Situation Room," 3/3/08)

NObama

2008-08-23T20:50:00.028-04:00

In this post I'll attempt to tackle an important issue with a few words.

I do not like Obama. I do not trust Obama. Before anyone jumps to any conclusions... no, it's not because he is a black man. I would have voted for Colin Powell had he wanted to run. I like Colin Powell. I trust Colin Powell.

John McCain, I feel, is WYSIWYG. Even Mrs Clinton is somewhat of a WYSIWYG. I mean, you know you what you are getting with her. She may not intend to fulfill the promises she makes but at least you know that and she doesn't pretend she is playing you straight up.

With Obama, he says whatever you want to hear, flip-flops, and smiles real big while he shovels you his "Snow". Then he pretends he is not trying to snow you.

What amazes me is how many people are falling for his act. He does have a great machine driving him. His staff, from what I've seen, seemingly misses very little. However, some of the political ads I've seen do not seem all that effective too me. For a while, I thought they were pretty good at blowing out the Hype, but they really blundered the Veep announcement.

Somehow, Obama, has overcome so much negative information which has come to light about him. How, I dunno.

Facts about his "Former Church and its former Vociferous Reverend" and I use the words church and reverend loosely in mentioning that association.

There is an alleged link between Obama and William Ayers, a person in a terrorist group called Weather Underground, a group responsible for a number of terrorist acts including a bombing at the Capitol building. It's been said that Obama's political career was hatched in cahoots with this "terrorist". Anyone, with confirmation of these allegations, I would love to know the real story.

Barack Obama, he is no Patriot to me. As far as trust goes, I am concerned far too many people will misplace theirs.

Perhaps, there isn't an ideal candidate in 2008 but, John McCain is capable. John McCain is trustworthy. John McCain is a Patriot.

Well, I guess, I couldn't do it in a few words.

How to Be Laid Back

2008-08-20T02:07:00.006-04:00

I just read this Wiki-How To.

Some people may say I don't need help to be laid back. hehe But, that really isn't true.

This poem was included. It says a lot, I think. So, I'll include the poem and the link to Wiki.

Some of your hurts you have cured,

And the sharpest you still have survived,

But what torments of grief you endured

From the evil which never arrived.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Laid-Back

Please check out Alex's Latest Video

2008-08-19T03:15:00.010-04:00

He is getting to sound sooo amazing... Oh... racey pictures, some peeps may wish to avert their eyes. *blush* hehe

The Way You Make Me Feel

Two Ton Boa

2008-08-18T03:11:00.006-04:00

Sherry Fraser - Beautiful, Edgy, Overlooked and Quite Possibly Misunderstood.

"Cash Machine"

Wendy's

2008-08-17T22:43:00.001-04:00

I love the new Buffalo Chicken Salad from Wendy's. mmmmmm.

IRL Caution Restart 8 9 2008 Sparta KY

2008-08-10T03:22:00.024-04:00

(Audio Slideshow)

Hello Y'all,

The Audio: We begin with the cars pacing past us, Danica's channel chatter, and then the restart with the cars racing towards us in Turn 1. It concludes as they fade off into Turns 3 and 4.

Sorry there aren't more quality pics, but all I had was my mobile phone and I ran outta memory.

I guess the results are OK for a cell... However, I'm very pleased with the audio it captured... even surprised. *smile*

Shadow Puppets

2008-07-22T03:22:00.002-04:00

This is Sooo Beautiful...

2008-07-06T03:22:00.007-04:00

Went to the Waterfront for dinner... Yum!

Jeff Ruby's Places... are The Best!

RUSH 2008

2008-06-30T03:22:00.012-04:00

Rush came back to Cincinnati to play Riverbend for the second time on their latest tour. They were, of course, Amazing. They Rock and they are musically perfect. Lil' Rush rocks too.. hehe

The Riverbend Pavillion

The sunset with the audience on the lawn

The Pavillion (again)

The silhouette of the dimly lit crowd

And Holy Cow... check out this video; The Band, the music, the freakin' insane crowd... the seething mass of humanity (YIKES!) at their show in Rio!!

YYZ is such an awesome instrumental... I think the band looked a little scared of the amazing crowd at one point... but they still nailed it. *smile*

The Cincinnati Skyline

2008-03-31T14:55:00.010-04:00

Reds Opening Day 2008

Taken from Kennedy St & Riverside Drive, Covington KY

$6 Milk... It was "Organic" though.

2008-02-07T00:55:00.005-05:00

Saw this milk in the Organic Section of Krogers... wondered what it tasted like. No way would I pay 6 bucks for milk though. I waited the manager out... when it got near the Sell by date the manager dropped the price by half... the price of the regular milk on the other side of the store. Still kinda high, huh...

But I thought, what the heck, here is my chance to give it a try.

It tasted a lot different... a lot.

It was sweet and kinda odd tasting. I didn't really get used to it. Mostly, I used it on cereal a few times, put it back in the fridge and kinda forgot about it.

Funny thing... (some time later), when I went back to the fridge I saw the milk jug sitting there and I thought, "Oh, that milk is gonna be bad."

Opening the container, I was quite surprised to find that it still looked and smelled good. Nope, I didn't taste it too see how good or bad it really was. hehe

Foggy Mid-Winter day on the Ohio River

2008-02-05T16:02:00.004-05:00

Lead Poker Chip Warning

2007-11-18T18:20:00.001-05:00

Hello there, all you poker players out there.

In case you haven't heard, there is a warning out about high levels of lead in poker chips. Check out the article for more info.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/08/ap/health/main3476077.shtml

In some places of the world, mud and clay can have naturally high levels of lead. Well, at least, from what I've heard about the clay in China that is the case.

Can't believe I was never concerned with this before... well, I haven't handled too many clay poker chips.

Stay safe and happy gaming.

I love Olives

2007-11-18T14:21:00.002-05:00

To those who have known me for a long time you will certainly be surprised.

For years and years and years I have resisting eating olives. Didn't like them. Didn't like them at all.

A while back... I dunno maybe a year or two I tried some Kalamata's and I kinda liked them. Haven't had them since but I did recently have some olives in a salad... lo and behold. I now freakin' love Olives.

Now I am not sure if I love all olives or just olives that are really good. hehe

Hello...

2007-11-18T14:12:00.003-05:00

Just wanted say that onionsamoungus has posted over at onionsamoungus - Finance.

Nothing much really.

Just an updated portfolio and a heads up to those of you having some questions about the Sub-prime mess that have had the markets in a twist lately.

http://onionsamoungus-finance.blogspot.com/

The Traditional Game of Faro

2007-10-01T02:07:00.001-04:00

Howdy Cowboys & or Cowgirls,

Wanna get a taste of the American Old West and the old game they used to play? A game called Faro or sometimes spelled Pharo. It's an interesting game which I can say that I had fun with.

You do? Well, alrighty then...

Hold your bets for the new dealer... and deal that soda card.

Wichita Faro: free Flash card game!

Enjoy your game. :0)

Wicked Fast!

2007-09-25T14:40:00.000-04:00

F-18 Fly By During Swim Call
"We had a swim call in the Gulf of Thailand on deployment and an F-18 from the Abe Lincoln flew right over us."

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a04_1188112290

Idiot Test

2007-09-19T02:41:00.000-04:00

Hey, I just took the Idiot Test on iGoogle.

It said I was "Brilliant".

Woohoo!

Idiot Test

Guaranteed amusement for at least 2 minutes.

hehe

:0)

Catch A Rising Star

2007-09-06T23:36:00.000-04:00

Hey there,

A little while back when I was on a YouTube kick I found some video's of a kid who I just think has so much talent.

So please, let me direct your attention to the following:

Catch A Rising Star

His latest video, "Empty Tables" is sooo good. Catch a rising star, if you please.

Enjoy.

3 Days Already?

2007-09-06T10:23:00.001-04:00

Has it really been 3 days since my last post here?

Hmmm... I'm not really sure if I have anything to write about at the present time but I thought I should at least send out something.

I can say that I has a really sore throat this morning.

Hopefully, I won't get too sick... but I think that I might. *sigh*

Sorry folks, I'm a little foggy this morning.

Maybe, I'll try to post something later on today.

For now, All the best...

Glenn Beck's Interview of Billy Ray Cyrus

2007-09-03T23:32:00.001-04:00

Just finished watching Glenn Beck interview Billy Ray Cyrus.

Ya know, I really didn't know too much about Billy Ray. I knew he was from Kentucky and that his father was a legislator here in the Commonwealth. And of course, I knew about his Achy Breaky Heart.

But, I really had no idea what he was like. The interview, I found to be quite entertaining and I have a new found respect for Billy Ray.

I didn't know what all he had to go through to make his way in the music business. His story, is probably a lot like many others who had gone before him to sing on a stage or pick a guitar. That was interesting to hear about.

What I liked about him is his positive attitude. He spoke of or about some powerfully motivating sayings and I'll try to quote him as best I can, well, let's just say I'll paraphrase and hopefully I won't lose any meaning:

"Can't ain't never done nothing."

And a reference to the scriptures. "In every adversity there is a seed to something better."

I may use them for one of my header sayings some day.

*smile*

The Moon: Eclipsed

2007-09-03T02:27:00.003-04:00

8-28-2007

Last week, I stayed up for the Lunar Eclipse. Almost ended up forgetting about it as I was busy blogging and we all know how one can get absorbed in their blogging.

All the sudden, it struck me, Yikes! The Moon!! So I tossed my laptop aside (well, I didn't really toss it) jumped up and ran to get my camera... but I had forgotten something else. Went to turn the camera on... Shoot... the battery was completely drained. So I gave it a quick charge.

Grabbed the tripod while the battery was plugged into the wall and attached my battery-less Panasonic FZ-50. Looked at the moon and thought oh darn I think missed it... but nope, as it was partially transcended, I was still in time to capture the celestial event.

Back into the house I went... snatched the battery off the wall and popped it into camera. Turned it on... not much of a charge, but it would have to do. Ran outside... In my camera lens, I lined up the lunar event and managed to capture a few shots.

I wish I had been more prepared. They aren't as good as I hoped but I got some I liked. But, I guess, it's the best I coulda hoped for, everything considered.

The pics are untouched. I plan on working on a couple of them a little. I might replace or add them later.

Hope you like them as is for now.

RUSH

2007-09-02T00:26:00.001-04:00

Me and my friend R, just got back from the RUSH concert at the Riverbend Pavillion.

Awesome show!!

They rocked the Ohio River bank from about 8pm to 9pm, took about a 25 minute break and then returned to the stage and played all the way up to 10:56pm. Two and half hours of masterful musicianship... Wow!

They were pretty tight and sounded so good. Amazingly professional performers, they played lots of their old hits along with some stuff off their newest musical effort, Snakes and Arrows.

Now, I gotta admit, I was not at all familiar with their new CD but from what I heard at the show, it sounds like it's a pretty good CD.

It was a very nice night with comfortable temperatures and a beautiful sky. And the music played as the sunset over the hills of Kentucky just across the river. When Venus appeared in the sky and the stars came out; there were then stars all around, both on stage and skyward as well.

A nice night indeed.

Oh... and P.S. We went to O'Charleys before the show. My first time to go there... It was good... and I had the best Onion Rings I've ever had in my life! hehe

The Five Factor Personality Test

2007-09-01T15:37:00.000-04:00

...Seems fairly accurate...

The Five Factor Personality Test

Extroversion:
You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people.

Conscientiousness:
You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. *uh huh*

*although, I rate my conscientiousness a bit higher*

Agreeableness:
You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. *Absolutely*

Neuroticism:
You have high neuroticism. It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed. You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully. You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. You are either flying very high or feeling very low.

*Google's phone number of nearest Pyschologist*

Openness to experience:
Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

*a little wackiness is always welcome*

The Five Factor Personality Test

Zecco

2007-08-28T01:08:00.002-04:00

Featured Post from CCCXXII - Finance

Have you ever heard of Zecco Trading?

They are a newer stock broker... not much over a year old or so.

I have an IRA account with them.

To be honest, since they are so new, they have had some technical issues but nothing that has been so bad that it has bothered me.

What's to get bothered about? They offer free stock trades. And a pleasant surprise was the price improvement in their order execution system. While ya can't get price improvements all the time there are times (especially during market volatility) when your order gets executed at a better price than what you specified... i.e. you receive bigger proceeds from a sale or have to invest less on a buy.

So, overall, I've been pretty happy with them.

They do have fees for certain things like most brokers do. IRA fee $30.

Here is the commission schedule:

Minimum Balance	Equity Trades	Options Trades
$2,500 or above	10 free trades/month, $4.50 thereafter	$4.50 per trade + 50 cents per contract
Below $2,500	$4.50 per trade	$4.50 per trade + 50 cents per contract

That's a pretty low cost for trading or investing and with pricing like that you can easily build a diversified, liquid portfolio.

As of today, I've made 146 stock trades without a commission since May 2007. With my other broker that would have costed $2,182.70. But with Zecco my trading costs were Zero.*

Over the long term, just imagine how saving on trading costs will benefit you in retirement by compounding your savings at just a modest interest rate over 20 years... Let's see, $2k saved per year compounded for 20 years at say 4% = $130,015... that'll stuff your piggy bank. :0)

Zecco Trading... free stock trades

Update: 10-1-2007

*146 trades were made before changes in the commission schedule while the broker offered up to 40 free trades per month.

Smart Google!

2007-08-27T13:04:00.000-04:00

Watching the Google Ad's adjust to my blog posts is both amazing and amusing.

Google Bot... you're awesome!

*smile*

IRL cars: Going Green... or Lavender

2007-08-27T12:47:00.001-04:00

The Beginning

Untitled Inversion

Untitled Inversion II

Got this email 3 times today... perhaps, that is a sign to share it.

2007-08-26T19:20:00.000-04:00

A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"

After the service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie, and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God ... If you will speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

"Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, " Turn down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the inter-section. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will."

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi commercial area of town. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed, and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep.

He started to open the car door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad, and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give them the milk.

Finally, he opened the car door. "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door, and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face, and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you."

The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month, and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I asked him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put it in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.

Unsigned - Anonymous

awww...*teary*

First Correct Comment Contest #1

2007-08-26T05:32:00.000-04:00

First person to correctly answer gets $5.00

What movie is the following quote from?

"Girls don't pay - guys pay!"

Rainbow

2007-08-25T19:02:00.001-04:00

Just got back from eating out at Hoggy's where I dined on a Pull Pork Dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, fancy green beans and corn bread! Yum!! Oh and sweet tea. :0)

On the way out there were the biggest fluffiest clouds in the sky that I can recall in quite some time.

There was blue sky and big fluffy white clouds. One cloud in particular was sooo big and soooo fluffy that it filled the sky from the ground to way up high. So much so, and in such a shape that it almost looked like a mountain.

There were also some darker clouds... but nothing too ominous.

BTW, It's been pretty hot here lately with the temp hanging around 100 degrees F.

When we came out from enjoying our meals we found that it was just barely sprinkling. Not much precipitation at all really.

Approaching home, there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky. How pretty.

It hadn't really rained much. The streets were kinda wet, but the clouds hadn't really given too much of a soak, at least, not yet. However, it was surely a lot cooler... surprisingly so. So, we have some relief from the heat and the promise of a rainbow.

:0)

IRL

2007-08-25T13:12:00.002-04:00

ZOOOOOOOOOM!

On August 11, 2007 the Indy Racing League came to Sparta, KY to go fast and turn left. My nephew is on a mailing list linked to Penske Racing and they send him passes every year. And so, for the past 3 years he has invited me to go.

This was my 4th Indy race. It was a pretty good race. I took my digital camera for the first time to this event. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to capture these amazingly fast cars all the while missing a fair part of the race.

These cars are soooo fast... I can't tell you how many pictures had empty frames from where the cars just passed by too fast and were gone before the lag time of my camera had passed. But I got some shots that I like and we saw some good racing.

Actually, there were two races that night the Indy Pro Series ran a 67 lap race after the IRL cars were done. I've seen Busch Series racing and Indy racing at the Speedway. It's a pretty place to race nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky.

Cars entering pit row.

Cars racing off pit row.

The conclusion of Dario's wheels up in the air crash.

I was able to get a pic of the cars crashing into the wall, with sparks and pieces flying. Just a second before that Dario was flying past me at the level of the top of the catch fence... right before my eyes. Stuff happens sooooo fast at 200 mph. I said "holy freakin' cow" and barely had time to utter that before I placed my shutter down the track where they were already into the wall with a flash and a crash.

Later, I watched the sports news and Dario said he didn't know the race was over. Yikes... so he didn't lift when everyone else did and he raced right over the car in front him which launched him up in the air, the second time in 2 weekends of racing in which he took to flight. A wicked wreck it was... Everyone was OK though.

Earlier, in the race, Danika spun in Turn 2 after a tire blew out. A spin that really had me worried as she was spinning and heading towards a safety vehicle that was rolling down the back stretch.

To see video of Danika's spin and Dario's Flight I've found a link to ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=1&id=2970488

Sorry folks, the story is still there but the video stream from the Disney server no longer streams.

Kicks

2007-08-24T14:23:00.000-04:00

Recently, I've been on a YouTube Kick. hehe

Kicks... I go on kicks on a fairly regularly basis.

For a while now it has been Starbucks CoFfEe... *jitters* This kick has lasted for some time now... hmmm... Perhaps, I'm hooked. hehe

And as of late, I've also been on a dessert kick and going to the bake shop with great frequency... Pies and cakes... cakes and pies. *smile*

Red Velvet cake, Lemon Meringue and Coconut Meringue pies have been my kicks craving.

Yum!

P.S. Never had Double Cherry Pie... sounds like it could be good though.

Like Double Cherry Pie?

2007-08-24T02:38:00.002-04:00

Recently, I was listening to a local station on the FM dial. Man, they played a song I hadn't heard in forever. I'd even forgotten who the artist was and about their musical contribution and cover tune "Comin' Up From Behind" to the movie Cruel Intentions... Sorry guys. You freakin' rock!

"Yeah Momma this must be my dream."

Check it out, Marcy Playground, if you please...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDAXltfj8-Y

"Sex and Candy" * **

"Comin' Up From Behind" **

"Sherry Fraser" **

*Slightly risque lyrics.

**onionsamoungus, me, we... whatever you want to call us is not responsible for content on linked to sites.

Photo Archive ~presently empty~

2005-12-27T19:05:00.000-05:00