Watching in the wrong direction... aren't they?

Maybe we all are looking in the wrong direction, and that is when something to really fear jumps out and gets you... cougars anyone?

Looking at my last morning post and seeing the cheering over the breaking the 10,000 point barrier on Wall Street - one would think all those investors had read what I wrote and went out and spent wildly trying to get those big bonuses that Congress is worried about. I know that the market is only displaying the price offered and accepted by the buyer and the seller. I am glad there is a resurgence of confidence in the Economy, and if you really know what that means and what I meant you are going to make money.

Congress is worried about big bonuses in high finance - they are looking in the wrong direction - they have a taxing power, which I think they abuse, but they can fix the big bonuses quickly - tax them away. But they are looking in the wrong direction, the government is bleeding in money being thrown around, debt climbing and money printed in excess of good sense (that last is way too easy for Congress to overlook). If their books were my family finances I would throw up my hands and go a little more crazy. I am responsible and wonder why Congress isn't, they do look like pigs at the feed, but that says bad things about the pigs and that wouldn't be nice of me. They are looking in the wrong direction.

Just sit there long enough and it will pass by...

There is a bench somewhere in New York City, where if you sit on it long enough the World will pass you by. Or that is just New Yorker's urban myth. But yesterday I was at the Institutional Library Services Quarterly Conference with the Gang of 3 (Managerial Supervisors) and the library keepers of all the different branches of the Washington State Library in service to those patrons in the institutions. And the State Librarian was there to brief us on the larger library world, the truth about budgets in State government and her hopes for the future, and of course, our future. I will have a post about that later, but she did something surprising, she called me up and presented me with my Ten Year Service Certificate and pin, the certificate signed by our Secretary of State, Sam Reed, a fine man - personal hero and protector of the Washington State Library - having saved us from the evil Governor Locke that hated us and wanted to save dollars instead of minds.

That will be a bit much, may have to edit that later because Governor Locke wasn't evil, just didn't wield an ax well, and this is timber country - and ax wielding should be right up there with other Scandinavian skills. Back to me.

Ten years ago, hired full time, to function in an institutional library, working with a librarian and another assistant librarian (working on associate status), with four inmate library clerks. Ten years later I am a Library Archival Paraprofessional level 5, working with four inmate library clerks - and one of the original clerks is still in the institution driving a fork lift in the compound. Now I was exiled, by budget, to the State Library for a couple of years, but eight years have been riding the ferry to work and home, five days a week and taking care of library business, and if my Scanner weren't sitting broken beside this computer I would have included the certificate. I am amazed that I haven't won the Lotto and gone off to golfing (which I am not going to ever do) or some other retired pursuit, but very satisfied that I do the job where I seem to be the most needed, and except for Earl slips in compliance and policy paying attention - I am very in line with the objective mission of the Organization.


Mission Statement -- With spirit and fortitude, ILS branch staff enhances the quality of life for unique populations by providing a welcoming, neutral and secure place where informational, educational and recreational needs are met.

The last Debate...

Okay, time is up, get your ballots and vote. Thank you very much for participating in Democracy in the United States of America. United? well, we should be... States, mostly ignored except in historical reference and coloring currently Red or Blue - no White States, that would be racist. America, chosen for a more Politically Correct map making explorer, than Columbus. Don't put your choices and ballot off until the fifth of November - that would be a like a Dollar short.

Speaking of choices and the Fifth of November I left the Debate at 6 PM PDST and watched the Masked Man and Natalie Portman in "V for Vendetta". Good to be reminded that the Government isn't always the solution, that often it becomes the problem. I have noticed that among the blogs I follow, their choices are clear and most of them are back into their lives and such, or their choices aren't any of our business. Since I want government at all levels to roll back all of the prohibitions and infringements on my rights and self inflicted fool choices - I haven't got a party, a platform nor much hope of change that will suit me. I wouldn't have voted for buying into the banking system, although I did deposit $26 like everyone else should have. Take care out there, and go gently.

I am proudly stealing this to share... I am so shameless.

I was out visiting today, when I happened to stop for a rest at Airman Mom's place. I was there for a while as she has some wonderful reads. The one below I have reposted here with her blessing.

Before you read, grab some tissues. I was a sobbing, sniffling mess as I left her a comment, requesting my 'steal'.

Next week, I'm heading up to Dayton to catch a flight to the Sunshine State. I think I might take some extra cash with me. Just in case I happen to see a few or a dozen of "Our Guys".

Who knows, it might be her son...


Day after day, we are blanketed by news of our failing economy, we are sickened by the political advertisements, and some days it seems as though the only news we hear is negative.



This story was posted on the "Blue Star Mothers" site.



Please enjoy these uplifting words.





The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. "I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap," I thought.


Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. "Where are you headed?" I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

"Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq ."

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. "No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago."

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. "Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. "My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him."

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like best - beef or chicken?"

"Chicken," I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. "This is your thanks."

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, "I want to shake your hand."

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot." I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word.

Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. "It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You."

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

The above story stolen without any permission from anyone - From Little Drops
it is time for Atonement, but not over this one...

You have been selected by...

I have received my summons: Jury Summons, You have been selected for Jury Duty! Official Court Document -- Do Not Discard

Yep, on the 15th of September, 2008 Year of Our Lord, I will be reporting to the Courthouse for Jury Duty. Should I carry a pistol so I can lock it up as I go through the disarming process at the entry? No, I shouldn't make bother, take some good books to read while waiting and see what they have for me to do in Judgment and Justice - I will do my best.

Fourteen and a half minutes to go...

Well, The News Tribune article about the Library I keep open showed up this morning. I am not a real librarian (MLS) to those that know, but am to those that want one and only get me. Nice picture, Mister Lui Kit Wong, you are even better than I anticipated - made me wish I was that nice looking guy in the picture. Brian Everstine hit the right note, and wasn't jarring in his report, you the readers may make up your mind about what could be done. My sister asked if I thought it would get more money from the legislature and I had to say no. There isn't more money, and the priority will go to more police and laws, I will keep working on one better reader at a time...

Since my last blog about reporting on me and my work will disappear when this gets posted I will note it again, since their site has been updated. From my telephone interview with Ms. Mudd -- a PDF file of an article in the OCLC "Western Trek" magazine. I mentioned being interviewed and page eight and nine are the result. One nice lady at church this morning actually wanted me to sign my picture, I got a good laugh out of that, only fourteen and a half minutes of fame to go, best get back to work on it.

I'd introduce you but...

You get an offensive but interesting blogger - self-centered, profane and vulgar but very smart and often amusing - that writes something about a young boy dressed and expressed and then distressed. And you follow a fellow that looks at the world, repeats his view graphically in four panels, that really does know the why of the young kid above and wouldn't trash him for his minor flaws in talent and technique. They do need to meet each other, but they won't, for diamonds in the rough cling to grease and clay, not each other. And I am very cautious about sponsoring the meeting of a person to another - in Korea you assume all kinds of responsibility for their future contacts when you do that.

Updated as I went for the morning heart jog, I thought about drawing a picture of a skateboarder poised on the top of a chalkboard, below which stood a formal, nose in the air, school marm with her mouth open into which was dropping some black ink - from the skater's pen and ink bottle in his hand. In my mind it was a perfect picture of many things, for I think both of these bloggers are self-centered - her because she is smarter and shows her superiority so well, except for the cute character flaw of cussin' (and America forgives that so well). And him, the skater that knows where his center of balance is as he flys through the air at all times, otherwise he will not have that skateboard to cushion his arrival at solids in conjunction with the reality of gravity and physics. But by the time my jog was finished I realized that all bloggers are self centered, we really do think what we have to say is worthy and I am always hurt by how little my family pays attention to my wonderful mind on these pages (but I will get over it, honest). When I get back and am still sweating gently, I read that I have been read and was graciously noticed, which like most of my blessings I don't deserve but get anyway. Thank you very much.

About the skaters, I still believe that they are there for our opportunity to live in space in zero g's, but what do I know? The picture is my son when I was off "Saving Saudis from Saddam".

Response to Responsibility to Remembering...

The Roman Empire fell, and although it gave Shakespeare and much of Hollywood a living retelling the stories of toga parties before the frats went wild. Which is a fool way to start a blog about where Western Civilization is going to fall apart again. I think the Romans failed to respond to the changing threats, they wanted someone else to bear the burden. They stopped requiring everyone to serve, they hired the people with little future and sent them out and promised them a retirement in twenty or more years, in far flung borderlands of Latin speakers. If as we get ready to replace the nation's executive leadership in a multi-billion dollar media blitz it is clear the nation is made up of people that don't know there is a war on - somewhere, who our allies are, what our goals are and how we are treating the wounded and maimed and soon to be missing (returning veterans that will zone completely out). But then I know, and lots of others (none in charge it seems) do know, and I care.

One of my links left this mark and it fits my time left. My uncle and father are gone across that river, European Theater and Pacific Theater respectfully and respectively. My mother wrote a poem about being nineteen, her most wonderful year - marriage and first son's birth, and my father said he never was nineteen - which says a lot about his war and where he went.

Anyway, Citizens and well wishers, Memorial Day - the day dedicated to REMEMBERING THE DEAD, is coming. It isn't about the veterans, it isn't about the currently serving (that was Armed Forces Day and you might have missed it - Congress didn't give us a Monday holiday for it). It is about the Dead, the departed, those gone on. If you are in Washington DC, walk in Arlington, visit the graves, markers standing row on row, those mark the passing of a piece of history - our country's history, a little slice. But I would bet, where ever in the world one is, there is a graveyard with a few people sent by their country to do good work, and they did and they died. Go and visit them, talk to the ghosts and spirits, or just think about them - I suspect they live in memory only when we take that time to spend with them.

Just a guy in awe of Mother's and their days...

I have (for the umpteenth time since my son was born) seen the truly great thing about being a mother. Today Hayden rode his bike without training wheels! He didn't just ride it; he braked, he stood up to pedal, he took his feet off the pedals to coast. We've known he was ready; he's been riding the pocket rocket (a tiny 2-wheeled, battery-powered motorcycle) with no feet for about 6 months, but as soon as we put him on something bigger he got scared. Then last night I caught him riding the neighbor's bike across the grass, so I decided to take the training wheels off his old bike that was lower to the ground. Sure enough, he took off with no starting/stopping, hesitation, or any problems. I'm so proud--I look at pictures of when he was born and wonder, who would have thought this little baby would ride a big-boy bike one day? My little man, moments like this make everything worth it.

Sherry

 For Mother's Day
Do we woman all want to be mothers? No, many decide they don't want to, their
carerr is too important, they know it would be lots of work, and on and on. And
I wonder, with my inward heart, why? I always wanted children, life without at
least one child would be very empty, unless God decided we would not have
children. But even then I would have adopted. One of my grandsons is adopted,
and more loved he couldn't be! So why do some people think a world without
children would be better. I hear that in Los Angeles there are apartment houses
not allowing any children. How incredibly sad! In this nursing home I'm in right
now, there is sheer joy when a child comes in, be them children of the staff or
someone's great grandchild; it always makes us happy to see another little one,
a gift of God, a child of God!
   Melba Dungey                       May 5, 2008

Sherry is a neice, and Melba is my mother - doesn't that make me a very lucky man? Well, I think I am blest.

RULES? well, Gravity Rules... all other is pretense.

the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
2. Find page 123.
3. Find the first five sentences.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people

1. Picked up
2. Found
3. Found first five
4. Posted:
"I did not see how this was possible but did not challenge Ali's claim. If anything, I encouraged him to increase his boasting as the pool shot up to positively astronomical sums. A kind of fever gripped the division."
from "Matches" by Alan Kaufman, from the McNeil Island Corrections Center Library branch.
5. Tag five people, sigh, I am not that kind of a guy - I could in good conscience recommend the book to those thinking about military life, the Israeli-Arab question and where are all the good men gone. But I hardly know five people on the internet to tag. But here are five that would benefit from the reading: Toy Soldier, Ka-BOOM!, Iraq: The Purgatorium, Rogue Gunner, They should have asked. A finer bunch of people would be difficult to find and they have their own reading and writing to do. Anyone else thinking this is a good thing may hop on and blame Breda for trying to make me a joiner... time to go get some fighting knives to save, sharpen and shoot.

11B becomes an 11C, change is good...

Suspect sometimes sings to me, I went from well trained 11B to 13B because the Army needed me there and this week they are teaching me new tricks. Not the Army, the Washington State Library wants me to cover the absent vacationing Library Keeper at the Western State Hospital.
So from Tuesday through Friday I am working in a 1940's style library, where the largest circulation is in CD and DVD and VHS. There are books but not used so much and they have been weeded well and I am in awe of the space remaining on their shelves - can't get that much room in McNeil Islands library shelving.
The library software is different and linked into the Statelibrary and I have used it before and adjust easily. I haven't figured out the ILL codes so I can work on OCLC but will try to find that information today. The security set up is different going through the DSHS instead of the DOC and I can't do some searches and such on the work stations, but can from the public access terminals (different security set ups).
The other major change is in the patrons, I get patients and staff and they are certainly not like the guys at MICC. I get to be a charming old fellow and don't have to put on my "Tougher Than Thou" persona. So you aren't getting the real me because most of the patrons are very nice, will wait for their turn, actually say 'hello' and mean it when they ask how you are and what is your name. They will remember my name and I promptly forget theirs - bad habit from years of everyone with a rank and name tape. One lost college student, returned to the proper direction to find the local college library with the proper staff and much material. One staff preparing a training conference looking for citations for support in current treatments, sent away with less than she needed since I had lack of skills in online data base search, or she didn't know the real titles of the publications. I also have to talk to women MUCH more than normal - I will recover next week from that shock. I had better, or they might decide I need to work at WCCW and I have avoided that so well over ten years.
So I get to stretch and learn some new skills, solve puzzles and work around barriers, meet and talk to new folks that would like to have their normal librarian back (we aren't really librarians, lacking the MLS). I assure them that she will be back Monday but I will try to help now, a nice harmless ol' fellow.