What if real life were like television?

I am crushing walnuts and almond slices for my breakfast gruel, health food, boring but healthy. I stopped buying Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, and moved to Ralston - just cheaper and my body will never know what the mind can. As I crush the nuts I am waiting for my energy on the game I am playing to come back up, and I am watching a subtitled Korean drama (soap opera). I tell my wife that she is lucky I didn't see Korean Soap Operas before we got married, but then I had seen American Soap Operas and Peyton Place so maybe I knew how badly American life could become. Sure enough, it did. Never watched Desperate Housewives, the title turned me off and I would never understand the humor, kind of dark bitterness when compared to the people I have met in the world. And since real writing isn't filling of all the space on television/cablevision/satellite well, there is the Reality (none reality really) television, sigh.

Also there is the effect of news and politics bought and paid for by smokey mysterious people in the background. No one ever holds up their target in politics like the Riflemen do at Appleseeds, or the competitors in other sports not needing steriods for performance. Yes, the wrestling in the WWE is fake, a performance and we know it - foolishly we hope the performance during elections have meaning in Washington, DC, and it never sinks in that it could be fake, too.

Media has always played a part in how we view ourselves and the world, from bards of King Arthur's court, to Dickens writing serials in the newspapers about the ways of life in England, and Kipling the larger Empire. I win my battle only losing an infantry unit and a Red Tiger tank. The crushed nuts are in a plastic jar for dipping toppings from in the future. The soap opera is done for the day and it is time to go for a walk, a heart walk. My sister invited me to Florida where I could walk on sidewalks instead of the side of the road - I am just happy to be able to walk. Have a nice day, and I hope you get to play for sixty minutes.

I know I am disappearing fast...

In my email yesterday, was the letter from the fine folks of FarmVille, they miss me. Seems my crops have withered, although I haven't planted anything, and the cows have been suffering because no one is milking them. They just never took the game in my direction, although I built a rifle range and had a magic mirror to shoot into, they would only allow me a barbarian sword to sling upon my back.
They did finally allow me to have some dogs, so I had two.
I had a pub and a farm in England, no shooting range there and I had rabbits but no dog. All in all, it was okay but they kept interrupting me, kind of like the salesman that won't allow you to dream while sitting in the new automobile - the manager/supervisor that wants you to work harder and faster - but with very little point since you already work harder and faster than everyone needs.
It was a virtual playground for me, and a profit making enterprise for FarmVille - not that they made much money from me - I was willing to work long and hard, to forgive them the interruptions, and support all my neighbors, but then they just kept adding more opportunity to make them much more money. Good-bye, FarmVille!

Since there is only so much time...

My problems with education establishment made me write some things that my youngest sister decided to comment upon. She has been a teacher for many years in the public and now in the Catholic schools.

She told me to read "Teacher Man" by Frank McCourt, and I have just finished it. Now will return to trying to be a better me. It was worth the time and the thought, and I liked much of what he did as a teacher, without thinking I have to drink a pint or two to get with his life.

I would have liked to write about my teaching experience but it wouldn't be the same - since I only took what the education system had prepared and then worked them into something we could go beat up our enemies with... the pointy end of the spear.

Face your fears and know you aren't prepared...

Aside from not being young and lovely (I always started my teenage shaving years with a serious look in the mirror and telling myself I was ugly), I have had to address my failing health, attitude and qualifications - and I am just not too big to fail, nor so poor I am pitiful.

Ever since the last hijacking of my computer and loss of all my data, from years and years of entering every transaction, all the investments and borrowing and such (which I highly recommend to Congress) I have ducked updating my Quicken program, although I did get the 2010 edition to install on my computers, it is only on two of them. But I went into early retirement, shock, depression and fled from reality and have delayed for two years getting in control of what I have done with the dollars. Yesterday I finished updating and now I know, worth more dead than alive. Blood is no good, body parts questionable, enough fat to light some lamps in China if needed. But it is done and I can start working on the future, although there is so much more to life than how much money I have squirreled away. I do have responsibilities to family to build a bit.

Surprising how little except attitude I had when I got married, what we were paying for things when my son was born, how much I spent on the bowling league while in Korea, until I started putting into bits and bytes, I used paper and pen, or clay tablets and stylus. Okay, I never used clay tablets - not quite that old.

The next step is to find our goals, and look at the time remaining and do the best we can. I think we will do okay, I didn't buy land - but it would have been a good investment (not on the beach in the Carolinas) although I have shared owning a home with the banks several times. Most of my investments have been in mutual funds, stocks - not bonds (just not smart enough for bonds). In the old days I even had US Savings bonds and bank savings accounts. Just too fluid to flirt with long term association. Now? cash and carry. Hope I don't out live the promises of the government to pay me, but it could happen.

Investments that have paid off in my life best? One girl friend to long time wife, one son, education as I could afford it and which went in my direction, doing stuff that I wasn't ready for but grew into, belief I could do better, trust in God and His blessings.

Movies to watch, not have to live through...

War Horse, seems there is a story waiting to be told. And will be released Christmas at theaters everywhere. If you can't wait, the library is always available and maybe they have the story.

This is how one does it with puppets. War Horse

I couldn't find the book at my library, but the audio disc is available.

Important point to make...

The ability to give information with fewer characters is important for typists. So we have NFL (No Fire Line or National Football League), one is for saving lives and the other is entertainment. Do you know some others that quickly share information? Of course you do.

Recently (last forty years?) this shorthand, short cut has been abused. Instead of using "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Too many people say "The Second Amendment" and EVERYBODY KNOWS what it is and that means. I don't think they really do, nine justices on the Supreme Court and they have their staff and aides reading, writing and whithering around the words and intent of that amendment. Every time we use the shorthand version, the light grows dimmer. The nine justices cannot read the simple statement the same way. We have a better education system in the Twenty-first Century than they did in the Eighteenth?

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. (Early note not the final version)

Of course, if your intent is to destroy a free State - then disarming the People by infringing on their right is a good step. Yes it is...

From my brother with the beautiful newer bike...

Subject: Invitation to shoot?
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:52:11 -0600
To: wmearl2@hotmail.com

I'm betting that there are no takers because it would be more fun to be invited to play Canasta or poker. (I'd like it better.) Shooting isn't fun for most people. If you're going to own a gun, it's a good skill to have, but even those who defend the Supreme Court's interpretation of the 2nd amendment, don't always own guns or shoot at the range. You're probably right that the police can't get there in time to rescue you in a crisis. I'm suggesting that owning and carrying a gun won't always help you in a crisis either. You might actually have more opportunities to use CPR in real life.

and on..... with other concerns.

I answered:
Shooting isn't fun for most people? And why is that? Not taught in school, doesn't immediately lead to romantic encounters, is a serious sport?

The Supreme Court's interpretation of "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." is certainly the same American English language that I can read and understand without their help. I would be surprised if you couldn't read the same as I do. You may wish it said something else but it doesn't.

For the record, I have used emergency medical procedures, I have been carrying a firearm and several knives at the time.

And my brother has a really nice motorcycle for a younger old guy.

Seriously, serving and those running for office...

I invite you to comment, write or call me and we can get together and shoot some firearms at a local range. If it is your range, in Western Washington, I will meet you, if it is to be mine - since the government doesn't build many for citizens, it will be Saturday on Range 16 at Joint Base Lewis McChord or Castle Rock at Wades for an Appleseed weekend of Marksmanship and Heritage.

Now why don't I believe I will have lots of takers?

1 Not enough people read my blog.

2 Politicians don't do in public things they fear will affect frightened voters.

3 Politicians and their handlers are closer to the Left side of foolish than most of America.


Such a negative post, sigh, there will be a decided lack of response. I had best get to real letter writing to get a real answer for my request to shoot together. I could tell the NRA, and other pro-gun organizations to increase the invitation level to learn how to shoot, to shoot safely and to enjoy being with people of the Gun not just voting blocks and campaign contributors.

Hey, RWVA, have there been any serving political representatives that have held up a cleaned Red Coat?

Religion and Politics, over coffee or beer...

During the service yesterday they flashed the picture and short biographies of the two final candidates for Pastor of the English Language Ministry. This has been a very long dry spell for those Americans that want the Truth and the Way. Surrounded in a sea of Koreans, they want a real American Bible Thumper to keep them on the path of Righteousness for His Name's sake. The first picture was of a typical American looking couple with about four Korean children around them. The certification and schooling were of fundamental Southern Baptist and Oklahoma regions. They live in Washington state now. Okay, looks okay. Now I normally wouldn't care where he went to school, if his resume was excellent or his Bible came over in the ship before the Mayflower. I would want to hear him speak, a Sermon and his plans for walking with the Lord. Then the second candidate shows up, and his name is Lee, born in Korea and raised in South America since the age of two, graduated from a University in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Both will serve one Saturday morning Prayer and an English Language Service on Sunday. Can't wait to hear them, it will be a good change. The last good preacher was Billy King, born in this church, raised same, ordained and wed to my favorite Praise Sing drummer, but he is in the Army as a Chaplain and serving in Fort Hood since his return from Afghanistan. A very moving young man.

Over coffee the men were discussing the two choices. First the Korean, Lee, was already sliding downhill, because he was Korean which gave the men an uncomfortable stereotype to put their discomfort in and wrap around him. One man who has heard both of them says that the Korean speaks four languages and speaks better English than the other. The other, seems to have an Oklahoman twang, yep, that won't bother another American listening. I came away convinced of two things, I will wait until I hear them preach to pick the one that speaks to me. I also know that the Korean, who may be more comfortable in South America will be expected to be a REAL Korean by all those that are Real Koreans in this church. That isn't fair to Lee, but that is the way it is. And he didn't go to a Korean University, and wasn't ordained in Korea, and maybe his children aren't being raised right, or he doesn't have children, or a wife... there are so many potential problems without the American men wanting a pastor that speaks to them. Which is why there hasn't been a replacement for the last Pastor since June.

I don't personally care, am not a Southern Baptist, nor a member of this church (I am just hanging out with my wife getting ready for the Lord). She has enough troubles with the Korean Ladies, the Korean minister wanting more money (as the congregation gets smaller?). Still one of the men says it is all a conspiracy to get another position for a Korean in this church. One of the Pastors in this church looks Korean (since he is of that ethnic heritage) but he is American, speaks nor reads no Korean (but the Koreans shake their head in that he doesn't measure up to a real Korean). He is a fine minister, a very caring man, husband and father. Aren't racial or ethnic stereotypes the pits? Yes, they are. Several of the American men have gone looking for the Lord in other places, they should look inside. The picking a candidate process brought up the coming elections for President Obama and his rival(s). Which one do I like, I was asked.

Being an almost Anarchist, no government owns me! I am for Ron Paul --- immediately I am not concerned enough about Iran. No, I am not. If they get a bomb that they might use, I would nuke them till they glow. I don't think they are stupid enough to build a bomb they might use, but having one isn't the end of my world. My world with all its potential crumpled after NASA stopped going to the Moon, and the Federal government declared War on Poverty and didn't declare War on North Vietnam. We have had flashes of brilliance since, but really we are not getting better when this planet goes - it is all over for Humanity and the Human Species. I have just seen "Waiting for Superman" and the real reason America is in decline is the unions are in charge of public education -- and they are proving they have no reason to be teachers except to make their Union Bosses fat, rich and powerful along with their favorite politicians. Remember union workers, your bosses are part of the 1% in charge of America, skimming the cream and the excess from your pockets. What will happen is in about twenty years over eighty percent of the scientists, engineers and skilled workers the American Economy must have - will be from China, Japan and India. Real Americans, unless from Private Schools, Home Schools or self educated will not have the mathematics nor science skills needed. And as our Hispanic Illegal Aliens have shown us, the real Americans may not know how to WORK for a living, so many of us are getting old and dying off. I remember mowing other peoples yards as a teenager, which is why I have to finish mine today.

I do expect that Mitt Romney will be the Republican Candidate for President. And President Obama has a real problem - (since there aren't enough rich to tax, just enough to get contributions for his beautiful media campaign which has no bearing on reality) - the problem is America is getting accustomed to holding their nose and picking the lesser of two smelly evils - Obama has to go to the Left for masses, and the Center for some thoughtful support and a bit right for some military heroism (NO, He didn't shoot Bin Laden, he gave approval - the shooter would have killed him without approval anyway once he was in the same room.) One man pointed out that Obama had ducked the putting a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for his first two years. I shake my head, a politician will kiss babies, but not change their diapers.

Well, here comes an idea, I should invite the incoming ministers to go shooting with me on Saturday afternoon. Yep. I should definitely bring it to the want to be elected or re-elected folks before next November. Much better than waiting for the NRA (which sometimes looks like a union operation) to tell me which one votes which way. I want to see his or her target, I would like to see how they handle a pistol, revolver or rifle - do they hand it off to a gun bearer for its care? Yeah, all the important points of my values... sure would mean a bit more.

Hmm, should have visitors with children more often...

But only have one son and daughter-in-law it won't happen, but it was a great week. Spent most of it watching my grandson work himself into this new house. He tested most of the limits, finding that his mother had the same rules and goals for his performance, but the old people would allow him to jump from furniture, climb as high as he wanted. I was pleased to have sticking, heavy drawers that couldn't be opened by boys without more leverage or muscle mass. For being just bite-sized he is pretty strong, and growing.

The son is older and more mature - which comes from being older? and responsible for others! He spent much of his time during his living here in 1995, skate boarding all over Tacoma and places within reach, and they didn't do skate parks in those days, but they have them now. Of course he was just finishing high school and thinking of life after being a teenager... with no prospects. Now if the government gets it together or just gets out of the way, the sky is the limit. Same for the whole nation isn't it? He did well packing out to leave yesterday, but then it is a family and that helps, working together. We dropped them off and I won't tell you that my wife cried, but she watched until the last moment she could see them in the TSA screening area - I remember days where we watched my grandparents making circles with a handkerchief in the windows of the aircraft they were leaving in... no TSA, no barriers or full body scanners. When we got back from the departure we noticed something that shouldn't be there in the garage... my son's skateboard, best get it out in the mail, before he feels he has to replace it. Priorities change over time, don't they?

Went to see Real Steel... loved it!

Needless to say, it was fun, predictible and without heavy overtones of bad behavior. Had to love the International Truck, the Boxing Gym, the old girl friend and Charlie - although I am sure Atom and Max were supposed to steal the show.

Sun is not up yet, but grandson is...

I find that television viewing is different, for they have other interests from mine. The rains let up just enough for a short walk on the street.

I once impressed my father by being chased by telephone calls from my gaining unit, now I am impressed since my son and daughter-in-law have talked to people about household good delivery (next Thursday), meeting the Childcare provider with their son, and other connecting things that I just always waited to arrive at my next assignment. I think I was too accustomed to the Army only being able to pick a country for me, and hoping I would get something I would like when I arrived. Improvements in the smaller military community, now? Or the Navy takes care of its own? Moving every two to four years is stressful, and add to the mix that even if you don't move, there are people coming and going in your units and operations continue to change. If they wanted you to have a family they would have issued you one...

Interesting use of laptop with Google mapping and satellite map to show my son how to find the unit on Joint Base Lewis McChord (only a heartless military could make such ugly terms to note a place -- JBLM). Zoomed right into the roads, check points and structures looked for. I expect that he will find the place with little trouble.

Others are getting up now, time to revert to myself. My wife has been working and preparing all the best meals she can, in abundance, and I shake my head at my weight gain to be noted after they leave, and shovel the fine food in because it really tastes fine. There are ways to become a Great grandmother, and she found the best one.

Just to comment on things that I don't trust in...

Iran, from the time of the Shah to the present has been playing badly in the World sandbox, the Israelis have problems with Iranian supported terrorist groups for years in Lebanon, development of potential nuclear arms - and now the United States (with White House and Justice Department assisting the Main Stream Media) is supposed quiver in fear, but not to the point of declaring WAR. Sorry, nothing the above players have done makes me think they are telling the whole truth, doing anything for my well being or anything that I should pay attention to... remember that the Attorney General has already lied to Congress, caught on tape so it must be fact. I have still a desire to see the press releases and time lines on the NEWS that American was the source of weapons for Mexican Drug cartels, and the Justice Department's Fast and Furious operation to supply the truth to the story about how the Mexicans got the guns.

Look, I believe that using a weapon (to attack, destroy or disfigure something) in a crime against people, animals or property should be a crime. Owning a weapon should not be a crime! Having a ton of some drug shouldn't be a crime, dropping the ton of drugs upon the postal worker should be a crime. So, I want all the laws against keeping and bearing arms taken out of the legal code. Then start demanding prosecution for armed criminals. It isn't going to happen, it makes sense. If the border between nations cannot stop the flow of people, drugs and ideas - then how can the same border stop the flow of technology or weapons? Oh, you passed a new law, added a new tax? Thanks but no thanks, stop the traffic, please.

I want to thank Top Shot for making shooting skills a fine piece of entertainment for the Reality Show generation. I stopped at Blackfork and watched his video of the LEG matches, so there seem to be a healthy number of real shooters in the country, doing a fine job of hitting the target. I haven't expanded to watching the other video presentations of firearms, but you can see some of the same things that made Orange County Choppers... didn't change the joy of riding the Trusty Triumph in the pouring pelting rains for me, and NO, I don't really like most of the Choppers I have seen in life.

One other thing I don't believe in, that the political process in America is worth watching and participating in. The original TEA Party, before the MSM and the Republican Party started claiming knowledge of its intent --- well, the original TEA Party was because the political parties didn't care to address the issues of the American Citizens, clean up their act and get back to business. And the Main Stream Media is only Mainstream because it has lots of FLOW - not because it has answers, content that is drinkable or enough volume to float a boat.

Well, time for breakfast, morning walk and another day with the family. Take care out there, God loves you even if your government doesn't believe in same (God, love or you).

One of the best things about company...

Is that my world is ruffled, and different things become something new. My son and daughter-in-law are looking at the world so differently than my wife and I. Making plans for their future and their children's. The bold little boy hasn't plans yet, just actions and the time is now. The knights from the Korean chess set have disappeared into his train and toy truck piles and parades across the hearth. They may have defined 'Horse power', the Grandfather clock has been stopped, I started it again, but now it is a place to hide the horses, he prefers the black ones, he will share the white ones with me. Too young to know how powerful the Queen is, or important the King, just wants to play with the horses.

We did the Tacoma Children's Museum, which from adult eyes isn't neat enough, but from their eyes, at their height - it is cool with lots of stuff.

I would love to tell you that he will grow up a runner and a parachutist - he jumps from every piece of furniture making pretty good landings, and he still hasn't slowed down going from one end of this house to the other. The big thing is that he keeps growing and learning to share his power gently - for the meek will inherit the Earth. He is not ready for that concept yet, but hope I am still here to demonstrate it one day.

Time so short, home so small, love so big...

Says it all in the title. Take care out there and enjoy the moments and the building of memories.

Been busy trying go get out from under...

There are days I am sure we are next for a video production team to drop in for recording the new episode of the Hoarders. But it is mostly shredded, trashed, packed and out of the ways now. Almost feel light.

I am up early to use the computer, record the moment.

My son, his wife and grandson are visiting, they are on the way to the next duty assignment. The grandson is still a little confused by the flight, new sights and vehicles. BUT - he runs fast from one end of the home to the other, laughing and making childish noises - about time someone beside me made those noises. I am now ancient, and I smile.

The grandson likes the digital slide show in the frame, lots of pictures of him, and others he knows.

My wife bought Kona Coffee, and I will drink it all - for I have been there riding a motorcycle.

The Problem was not so simple...

One tiny room, the Computer Cave, and I get mired down in moving, dusting, cleaning, throwing away, moving, packing, moving, throwing away. Pictures to look at (often with a magnifying glass), poetry to read and wonder -- too much stuff. I received a letter from my Senator, they both are my Senators - but only one writes me back. Mostly a form response, but her staff could never be as smart as she is, and I wanted the BAFTE eliminated as a fine first step in the proper direction. Has been mentioned that starting Ruby Ridge and the confrontation with David Koresh, wasn't as bad as handing the mess to the FBI, which calmly killed them all to have God sort them out. No one is suggesting eliminating the FBI, yet. The CIA would be first thrown overboard after the BAFTE. Hmm, am I comparing my poor showing on keeping one little room with books, computers and guns and ammunition organized and useful -- and responding the need for clean up with the Federal Government's too many agencies and areas of expertise and its difficulty to clean it up and eliminate waste fraud and abuse?

Don Quixote loved reading about Chivalry, and he believed it was a much better and simpler time. Bold Knights saving beautiful ladies, he really believed, but to save him from his dreams the Priest, barber and maid decided to remove all his books that told tales they knew were part of his problem... I am still certain, that Don Quixote's world was much better than the one they wanted to box him into - and our world? I think we do need more Don Quixotes - but then the media would call in experts, and conduct polls to find out if we favor him.

Enough about my failures, my wife is almost back in the United States, she slept a straight eight hours last night, midnight to eight something. It is never jet lag, your dreams are just not as easy to pack up as your suitcases, and they do get left behind as you gently scream across the skies trying to avoid bird strike. And I had better get back to cleaning and organizing, the garbage can is full and more remains!

Good solid rains and the grass is green. My wife and her car are totally in sync. She is still on Asian time, and didn't really want to go to work, and the car likes just hiding in the garage and wouldn't start, plenty of battery just wasn't hitting - something about fuel evaporates? It got started and she is off. I am washing dishes, shredding paper and getting the Computer cave up to some kind of better standard. Or when she comes back she might HELP me.

A Ladyseed has happened in Washington State. Glad that they are able to step up and pick up the task of teaching Marksmanship and honoring the Heritage, looks like they had a good time in the rain and cool.

What is going on? too much news worthy...

Gun control news, NOT.

There is only some truth to most things, criminals haven't changed, they are not as smart as they think they are. So I doubt gun crime has changed that much - immediately as the sides of the discussion would like you to believe.

Media, including the bloggers, will report on NEWS or Thoughts that support their idea of what should or is happening. I am writing this because I don't believe that everyone ran out and purchased or started carrying or had more guns than they did the day before the decision to honor the 2nd Amendment's limitation on government over reach. There certainly were no efforts from government or the firearms industry to increase firearms in Chicago or Washington, DC - the only efforts to increase lack of gun control to cause crimes seem to have been in the Southwest by the BAFTE. I do believe that criminals that aren't drunk or on drugs might consider that other people might be armed and dangerous. The ones that aren't too smart, or are mentally impaired by drugs, alcohol or a superiority complex will be as dangerous as ever - most of them don't have excellent gun handling skills or target engagement (when do they practice, where?).

Carrying a firearm and knowing how to use it leave only the decision that a situation is worth firing a round with the intent to kill. Since most people won't kill unless they are directly threatened there won't be much increase in deaths by firearms. Too many movies where pointing a pistol means that everyone is going to obey the holder of the gun. The entertainment industry, from MGM to Playboy Club, are responsible for much of the fool thoughts about what is proper and lawful.

Take the idea that the government has the RIGHT and DUTY to kill its enemies, I read James Bond when I was a teenager - exciting idea, "licensed to kill". Now we have Presidents that have lots of kills on film, Heavens! they even fight off terrorists on Air Force One. The truth is that mostly we don't see the enemies that the Government kills. But we are now killing terrorist (a good idea) and everyone around them ( a VERY BAD IDEA) - and posting it on media as a lesson? a method to incite more terror? or justification for TSA? or helping us pick a future candidate for political office? Do you remember who died in President Reagan's attack on Libya? All the guilty parties? No. I am sure that God has sorted them all out.

Just like the Death Penalty, the only reason to kill a terrorist (outside the law of the land) is that when they are dead they never repeat the crime. Part of the problem with the Media celebration is there are people that think the government is wrong. There were the wonderful domestic terrorists of the Sixties, and most FBI agents weren't as good undercover as Serpico. If we had only had satellites and drones.