Here is where my "fans" separate the wheat from the chaff (me). I normally don't talk to God, even though I believe in God. I used to think God hates me, but understand now his love is unconditional.
About five years ago I had my first ever dream about an angel. I was in my office back in Michigan, surrounded by what I called the "Office Christians". Standing at my desk was "Gabriel", the Archangel. White outfit, white wings, seven feet tall, the whole nine yards, so to speak. We talked for quite awhile, yet none of the "Office Christians" could see him, only me. Then he whispered things to me and told me they were secrets for me to know. What were they? Beats me, they were secrets. I still don't know.
So last night I was watching a PBS show about the Blitz in London, on December 29, 1940. It was very interesting, shocking, with interviews from several survivors and their haunting stories. At the end it was stated that 40,000 were killed, all that damage to London, etc. I suddenly asked God, why and how that could happen. The answer, whispered to my mind:
"The Cleansing"
"Invite your enemies to dine on a cup of malice and a cold plate of revenge!"
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Here is a Thought
I'll admit it, sometimes I watch "The 700 Club" with Pat Robertson. They have good world news and insights. So watching today made me think of something I've never seen in PDX.
PDX is home to more "homeless" (bums, transients, dirt bag druggies), and a few actual homeless due to the recession, than any city in America! These people gather in groups, pan handle, and get high, most have pit bull dogs and dress in almost a costume. Sad, very sad...but to them it's a "lifestyle".
What I've never seen in PDX is Evangelical Christians going person to person trying to save them, and have them meet Jesus Christ. Perhaps this is done unseen by my eyes, but something makes me think it doesn't happen at all. There are over 400 non-profits here, more I am sure than even down-trodden Detroit, so that the thinking is "others are saving them". I also imagine that being saved is mostly rejected by these folks.
One feeling I have, is that the real hardcore street scum are the spawns of SATAN! Just a thought.
PDX is home to more "homeless" (bums, transients, dirt bag druggies), and a few actual homeless due to the recession, than any city in America! These people gather in groups, pan handle, and get high, most have pit bull dogs and dress in almost a costume. Sad, very sad...but to them it's a "lifestyle".
What I've never seen in PDX is Evangelical Christians going person to person trying to save them, and have them meet Jesus Christ. Perhaps this is done unseen by my eyes, but something makes me think it doesn't happen at all. There are over 400 non-profits here, more I am sure than even down-trodden Detroit, so that the thinking is "others are saving them". I also imagine that being saved is mostly rejected by these folks.
One feeling I have, is that the real hardcore street scum are the spawns of SATAN! Just a thought.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
More Random Thoughts
A man can't get an erection in a fish market.
Who surrendered in the "War on Drugs"?
"DIY Plastic Surgery", now that is a niche market!
The rights of the many outweigh the rights of a few.
A bad decision is better than no decision.
Beer and Vodka are part of the FDA Food Pyramid!
Who surrendered in the "War on Drugs"?
"DIY Plastic Surgery", now that is a niche market!
The rights of the many outweigh the rights of a few.
A bad decision is better than no decision.
Beer and Vodka are part of the FDA Food Pyramid!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
"Memoirs of an Abused Toddler"
An acquaintance that I know, is visiting Mongolia for the summer as a paid volunteer...she pays to volunteer. She is a retired college professor and is writing her "memoirs", as is a mutual friend in my building. I have never thought of such a writing project, but if I did, mine would be titled "Memoirs of an Abused Toddler" or some such title.
I have already made a short video on "You-Tube" called "Black Obscurity" dedicated to my abusing and mostly evil mother.
I was an only child until I was three years old, then my sister was born. I have zero fond memories of my preschool years. When my mother got tired of my toddle boy antics, she locked me in the empty attic or rat infested basement for hours! That I remember. She killed my pets and called the deaths "accidents". I doubt that I'll be writing about all that, because then I'll have to include the UFO incident of 1967 and 1971...I don't want to go there!
I have already made a short video on "You-Tube" called "Black Obscurity" dedicated to my abusing and mostly evil mother.
I was an only child until I was three years old, then my sister was born. I have zero fond memories of my preschool years. When my mother got tired of my toddle boy antics, she locked me in the empty attic or rat infested basement for hours! That I remember. She killed my pets and called the deaths "accidents". I doubt that I'll be writing about all that, because then I'll have to include the UFO incident of 1967 and 1971...I don't want to go there!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Random Thoughts
Here are few random thoughts of the day, and yes, I am sitting:
Old people smell...they smell of piss, decay, B.O., mildew, and generally rank!
Liberals are insane...they have no values, moral compass, or ethics.
Many folks who use computers, should not!
What do volunteers think they are proving? Who could be that bored?
Bank robberies, murders, muggings, shootings, home invasions, and fires happen more everyday, yet police claim crime is on the decrease! Uh huh!
Racism is alive and well, mostly among minorities!
Bailout banks, auto companies, real estate, etc. What about bailing out the "people"?
Is hypochondria a disease?
Powered wheelchairs and scooters are a huge scam!
Is happiness merely the absence of sadness?
Old people smell...they smell of piss, decay, B.O., mildew, and generally rank!
Liberals are insane...they have no values, moral compass, or ethics.
Many folks who use computers, should not!
What do volunteers think they are proving? Who could be that bored?
Bank robberies, murders, muggings, shootings, home invasions, and fires happen more everyday, yet police claim crime is on the decrease! Uh huh!
Racism is alive and well, mostly among minorities!
Bailout banks, auto companies, real estate, etc. What about bailing out the "people"?
Is hypochondria a disease?
Powered wheelchairs and scooters are a huge scam!
Is happiness merely the absence of sadness?
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 2009.....I'm Still Here
July 2009.......still trapped in PDX, the most boring, diverse, dirty, and rude city I have ever lived in! The news everyday has murders, house fires, home invasions, etc. It is worse than Detroit....yeah I've lived there, or rather in the Metro area!
Portland has no culture, too many people under 40 yrs old who think its still the 1970's and they are "hippies". More homeless than can fit in a major sports arena and 75% of which are not even from Oregon. They are "transients" on an adventure and too lazy to work, even if anyone would ever give them a job! Like Colorado, Oregon is the land of the $8 to $9 per hour jobs! Yet it is the most expensive state I've lived in and makes Colorado, another low wage state, look like a bargain!
In thirteen months, in October of 2010, I am so out of here!
Portland has no culture, too many people under 40 yrs old who think its still the 1970's and they are "hippies". More homeless than can fit in a major sports arena and 75% of which are not even from Oregon. They are "transients" on an adventure and too lazy to work, even if anyone would ever give them a job! Like Colorado, Oregon is the land of the $8 to $9 per hour jobs! Yet it is the most expensive state I've lived in and makes Colorado, another low wage state, look like a bargain!
In thirteen months, in October of 2010, I am so out of here!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Retirement Without Money....No Problem
I remember when I worked, before my forced retirement in 2005, all the stories about how much money one needed to have stashed away for retirement!
Yes, you need millions if you want that $750,000 home in a gated golf course community with a $5000 mortgage payment, a new BMW and a Lexus for that trophy wife. But you don't need that to "live" or survive.
As I blog this, it has been almost two years since I have had any money, income or assets. I'm not old enough for SS and my SSDI was denied twice. I had a "survival job for one year, working for $7.49/hr, but with %525 rent, utilities, food, and bills was worse off than with nothing!
As previous blogs mention, I was living on the street in two different states for six months, than five months in homeless shelters. It's not great eating in soup kitchens or living in a dorm with 95 other guys. I thought of it as "Camp".
But it is better than being a wage slave, not knowing if your soon to be laid off, to lose you home and car, and be responsible for feeding two kids and a wife who blames you for all that is wrong! Suicide is better than that, which is why more folks take that route!
Am I happy? My counselor probably will say no. But I am surviving, until that first SS check arrives in October 2010. Life has given me lemons and I made Margaritas!
Yes, you need millions if you want that $750,000 home in a gated golf course community with a $5000 mortgage payment, a new BMW and a Lexus for that trophy wife. But you don't need that to "live" or survive.
As I blog this, it has been almost two years since I have had any money, income or assets. I'm not old enough for SS and my SSDI was denied twice. I had a "survival job for one year, working for $7.49/hr, but with %525 rent, utilities, food, and bills was worse off than with nothing!
As previous blogs mention, I was living on the street in two different states for six months, than five months in homeless shelters. It's not great eating in soup kitchens or living in a dorm with 95 other guys. I thought of it as "Camp".
But it is better than being a wage slave, not knowing if your soon to be laid off, to lose you home and car, and be responsible for feeding two kids and a wife who blames you for all that is wrong! Suicide is better than that, which is why more folks take that route!
Am I happy? My counselor probably will say no. But I am surviving, until that first SS check arrives in October 2010. Life has given me lemons and I made Margaritas!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Universal Health Care, A Myth?
Universal Health Care is a topic of dissention by almost everyone. Do we need it? Do we want it? Can we afford trillion dollar plus costs? These questions arise daily, from the media talk shows, newspaper editorials, blogs and other venues of discussion.
To those of a conservative nature, the cost alone seems to erase all benefits. Many shout from time to time, that the billions of dollars spent on the Space program could better be spent on social programs like health care. The billions spent on war and defense could feed cloth and shelter everyone in America. While somewhat true, is a Utopia the goal of any nation? If everyone’s basic needs are taken care of, is there any reason to strive to better ones self? These are moral, ethical, and financial questions that are difficult to answer.
Aside from the extreme of “Logan’s Run”, that Sci-Fi movie of years ago when everyone turning 30 was killed to make room on the crowded Earth, I think limits on health care and expense past a certain age say 80 yrs old makes sense. Why do expensive care such as organ transplants, invasive surgeries, etc. on someone 80+ years old, only to prolong their existence a few years. That infinite care and expense could better serve a much younger individual, with productive years ahead.
Universal Health Care has no easy answers or solutions, perhaps the concept is a myth.
To those of a conservative nature, the cost alone seems to erase all benefits. Many shout from time to time, that the billions of dollars spent on the Space program could better be spent on social programs like health care. The billions spent on war and defense could feed cloth and shelter everyone in America. While somewhat true, is a Utopia the goal of any nation? If everyone’s basic needs are taken care of, is there any reason to strive to better ones self? These are moral, ethical, and financial questions that are difficult to answer.
Aside from the extreme of “Logan’s Run”, that Sci-Fi movie of years ago when everyone turning 30 was killed to make room on the crowded Earth, I think limits on health care and expense past a certain age say 80 yrs old makes sense. Why do expensive care such as organ transplants, invasive surgeries, etc. on someone 80+ years old, only to prolong their existence a few years. That infinite care and expense could better serve a much younger individual, with productive years ahead.
Universal Health Care has no easy answers or solutions, perhaps the concept is a myth.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Beginner’s Guide To Medieval Weapons
I like to insert an occasional, relevent (to me) article. I think everyone should be prepared, at least in a modest way, for the coming dark times. I recently found a nice home for sale, with a seperate studio & guest house, plus a 1000 sq ft concrete bunker! I'd buy that in a minute if I won the Lotto (House=$850,000)! Not everyone can buy huge stocks of firearms and ammo. At some point even that will run out. Home made "medieval weapons" may be a necessary choice".
Technological conditions and nature of availability of raw materials form the basis of any culture's arsenal at any point of time in the history of mankind. Prehistoric human race, often better known as the Stone Age civilization were known for their intelligent usage of grinding tools, stone and shaping axes, and creating arrows and spears as weapons for survival strategies. But these implements improved over the years as the technological skills of these cultures improved.
The development of the metallic tools, implements and weapons that persisted through the Middle Ages were actually originated during the Bronze and Iron Ages and following that, these implements have dramatically altered over time. Eventually, with the appearance of gunpowder in Europe in the early 14th century most of these weapon were rendered useless and the castle too took a backseat to the extent of becoming redundant.
The castle was considered to be one of the most formidable weapons of medieval warfare while if we consider the smaller weapons, there were also a lot of lethal ones, the ones that were movable and capable of wreaking havoc and death of an opponent. Thus despite having played a key role in the deaths of many people during the Middle Ages, it is a category of its own and hence will be kept out the following discussion on medieval weaponry.
The Middle Ages witnessed the dominance of double edged swords, metal-headed spears and axes among weapons while arrows and short bows were also in vogue. A very interesting fact that is pretty well known in this regard is that the Saxons valued swords very highly to the extent of considering the value of a sword to be equivalent to the value of 120 oxen or 15 male slaves and thus according great importance and status to a man possessing a sword. Because of these weapons being simple to construct and easy to wield, throughout the Middle Ages these weapons remained popular.
In spite of the three weapons of the sword, the spear (or lance) and the battle-axe being very prevalent during the 12th century, yet the crossbow quickly gained popularity. Compounded with the rapidly rising popularity of the horse warfare that supposedly made movement easy and allowed a benefit to its martial riders who held spears and the beginning of massive siege engines, eventually these hand-held weapons helped invaders like the Normans to overpower these less technologically advanced people.
Technological conditions and nature of availability of raw materials form the basis of any culture's arsenal at any point of time in the history of mankind. Prehistoric human race, often better known as the Stone Age civilization were known for their intelligent usage of grinding tools, stone and shaping axes, and creating arrows and spears as weapons for survival strategies. But these implements improved over the years as the technological skills of these cultures improved.
The development of the metallic tools, implements and weapons that persisted through the Middle Ages were actually originated during the Bronze and Iron Ages and following that, these implements have dramatically altered over time. Eventually, with the appearance of gunpowder in Europe in the early 14th century most of these weapon were rendered useless and the castle too took a backseat to the extent of becoming redundant.
The castle was considered to be one of the most formidable weapons of medieval warfare while if we consider the smaller weapons, there were also a lot of lethal ones, the ones that were movable and capable of wreaking havoc and death of an opponent. Thus despite having played a key role in the deaths of many people during the Middle Ages, it is a category of its own and hence will be kept out the following discussion on medieval weaponry.
The Middle Ages witnessed the dominance of double edged swords, metal-headed spears and axes among weapons while arrows and short bows were also in vogue. A very interesting fact that is pretty well known in this regard is that the Saxons valued swords very highly to the extent of considering the value of a sword to be equivalent to the value of 120 oxen or 15 male slaves and thus according great importance and status to a man possessing a sword. Because of these weapons being simple to construct and easy to wield, throughout the Middle Ages these weapons remained popular.
In spite of the three weapons of the sword, the spear (or lance) and the battle-axe being very prevalent during the 12th century, yet the crossbow quickly gained popularity. Compounded with the rapidly rising popularity of the horse warfare that supposedly made movement easy and allowed a benefit to its martial riders who held spears and the beginning of massive siege engines, eventually these hand-held weapons helped invaders like the Normans to overpower these less technologically advanced people.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Call 666, The Rudeness Police
Three people walking abreast on a four foot wide sidewalk, slacker homeless spit on sidewalks, trash everywhere, no one says "excuse me", pushing to get first in line, etc. People are just rude!
I've blogged about this before, but the trend grows worse. Gang bangers whine about being disrespected. How about "normal people" disrespecting everyone! Mindless robots waddle down the streets tuned out to the real world with iPod earphones on, or cell phones glued to their ears, bump into folks and keep going like zombies. It's not just rude, it's a sad state of affairs.
I don't remember being raised to be polite per say, it just feels like the correct thing to do, "Golden Rule" and all that. So in my reclining years, I've decided to become the rudeness police and call offenders on it. What are they going to do to a 60 year old man, kill me?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Protest or Revolution?
I have been blogging and tweeting about the Iran unrest. It reminds me of “letters to the editor” I wrote back in the mid 1960’s in regards to the anti-war protestors and hippies swarming over the college campus.
Unlike the mindless scum that protested the war in Vietnam, those pawns of Communism and the Soviet Union, the protestors in Iran appear to be self-evolving, rather than the puppets of outside agitators. As the killing of unarmed Iranians continues and perhaps intensifies, the evil that are the Ayatollahs and their oppressive regime become more evident.
From western eyes the ayatollahs are far worse that the Shah that they replaced and a good example to westerners of the rationale of separating religion and politics. I know I don’t want my life, thoughts, actions, and beliefs micromanaged.
Unlike the mindless scum that protested the war in Vietnam, those pawns of Communism and the Soviet Union, the protestors in Iran appear to be self-evolving, rather than the puppets of outside agitators. As the killing of unarmed Iranians continues and perhaps intensifies, the evil that are the Ayatollahs and their oppressive regime become more evident.
From western eyes the ayatollahs are far worse that the Shah that they replaced and a good example to westerners of the rationale of separating religion and politics. I know I don’t want my life, thoughts, actions, and beliefs micromanaged.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Old Farts Fighting
Before I became old, I never realized that old guys were so aggressive. Whether on the street, the Senior Center, or here at the “Home”, aggression among the oldsters runs rampart. Perhaps it is because 50% are ex-cons, uneducated, or going through some kind of elderly hormonal crisis for men. It reminds me of elementary school.
Two guys, well maybe four, here have gotten into a few scuffles so that the police were called yesterday. Most of it was talk, but some of these guys are on meds, and yes some even have guns! Today they are filing complaints against each other with the senior agency that runs the building.
I’ll walk three blocks to the Senior Center soon, probably pass a few oldsters arguing on the street, and of course during lunch, will witness a verbal altercation or two. Upon reflection I think it is more due to the socio-economic background of the guys that makes them aggressive. I’d be amazed if the elderly in Beverly Hills or on Park Ave in NYC resort to such shenanigans. It is kind of funny to watch though, basically free entertainment!
06-19-09 Update:
A local Radio commercial states that aggression in the elderly is a sign of Alzheimer's! If so then, it is a pandemic!
Two guys, well maybe four, here have gotten into a few scuffles so that the police were called yesterday. Most of it was talk, but some of these guys are on meds, and yes some even have guns! Today they are filing complaints against each other with the senior agency that runs the building.
I’ll walk three blocks to the Senior Center soon, probably pass a few oldsters arguing on the street, and of course during lunch, will witness a verbal altercation or two. Upon reflection I think it is more due to the socio-economic background of the guys that makes them aggressive. I’d be amazed if the elderly in Beverly Hills or on Park Ave in NYC resort to such shenanigans. It is kind of funny to watch though, basically free entertainment!
06-19-09 Update:
A local Radio commercial states that aggression in the elderly is a sign of Alzheimer's! If so then, it is a pandemic!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Evaluation, Judgement and Authority
OK, as the title suggests, I don't like to be evaluated nor judged. It goes back to my father and childhood. If I got a report card with 4 "B"s, 1 "C", and an "A"..he would yell at me to get all "A"s, like I was retarded or a slacker. It didn't take a lot of effort to get "B"s...and really not that much to get all "A"s. Who cares? What does it get you...in my case, nothing!
I never liked being reviewed for raises, promotions, or hell even job interviews! I know what I am capable of, why should I have to always prove it! OK, I also hate competition. Being above average in most things, greatness was mostly constant practice at one thing. I never cared enough to practice nor to prove anything to anyone! I finished graduate school with a 4.0 GPA in my program: am 4 courses short of an MBA with a 3.75 GPA...I started and finished graduate school in my early 50's. I have never gotten a job based on my college degrees, nor a raise. What I got was unemployed and homeless!
Today, I have to prove to the Apartment Manager that I have no income or assets! That is more difficult than you may think. What forms can you show to prove you have nothing? The entire process makes me go ....DUH! Fortunately, medication helps!
PS:
I went round and round over my bank statement of 5 months ($12 balance all 5 months).....she wants another month to "prove" I have no assets! Shoot me now!
I never liked being reviewed for raises, promotions, or hell even job interviews! I know what I am capable of, why should I have to always prove it! OK, I also hate competition. Being above average in most things, greatness was mostly constant practice at one thing. I never cared enough to practice nor to prove anything to anyone! I finished graduate school with a 4.0 GPA in my program: am 4 courses short of an MBA with a 3.75 GPA...I started and finished graduate school in my early 50's. I have never gotten a job based on my college degrees, nor a raise. What I got was unemployed and homeless!
Today, I have to prove to the Apartment Manager that I have no income or assets! That is more difficult than you may think. What forms can you show to prove you have nothing? The entire process makes me go ....DUH! Fortunately, medication helps!
PS:
I went round and round over my bank statement of 5 months ($12 balance all 5 months).....she wants another month to "prove" I have no assets! Shoot me now!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
PDX Update…Day 385!
I never planned to live here for 385 days. When I left Colorado Springs, I wanted to go someplace new & different. A place I had never been before, without memories and assorted baggage. Never in my now 60 + years did I ever think of living on the west coast. Now I know why...PDX was voted the “Most boring city in America”…. months of rain instead of snow, the rudest people I have ever met, hundreds of bums, and walking insane.
On the positive side, I am not currently sleeping in a dry doorway (which wasn’t that bad), don’t have to wander throughout the city looking for free meals, eating with street trash, addicts, and ex-cons! I have a nice studio apartment, a computer, TV, etc. Materially, I am about at the same level of “success” as when I worked almost full time at a chain bookstore, getting paid 50% less than I got on unemployment in another state! Actually, I think I am better off now!
While I get bored on occasion, I manage to stay busy with a marginal daily routine. I read several books per week, chat with neighbors, write my Blogs and Tweet on the internet, cook meals from scratch, watch news and selected shows on TV, listen to jazz and blues, and ponder the mysteries of life.
When I get my first Social Security check on 10-10-10, I am so out here! I’ll head back east to the upper part of Michigan or perhaps NE Minnesota or NE Wisconsin, find some land and live out my life as a hermit.
On the positive side, I am not currently sleeping in a dry doorway (which wasn’t that bad), don’t have to wander throughout the city looking for free meals, eating with street trash, addicts, and ex-cons! I have a nice studio apartment, a computer, TV, etc. Materially, I am about at the same level of “success” as when I worked almost full time at a chain bookstore, getting paid 50% less than I got on unemployment in another state! Actually, I think I am better off now!
While I get bored on occasion, I manage to stay busy with a marginal daily routine. I read several books per week, chat with neighbors, write my Blogs and Tweet on the internet, cook meals from scratch, watch news and selected shows on TV, listen to jazz and blues, and ponder the mysteries of life.
When I get my first Social Security check on 10-10-10, I am so out here! I’ll head back east to the upper part of Michigan or perhaps NE Minnesota or NE Wisconsin, find some land and live out my life as a hermit.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Getting Stuff........Luck, or Blessing?
Like Charlie on "Two and a Half Men", sometimes things just come to me without effort. Things I need, like a comfy chair or even money. I wonder....is it just luck, taking advantage of an opportunity, or a blessing from God? Unlike Charlie however, cute, nubile, 30 yr old sex partners don't seem to appear!
I am now maxed out on space in my 360 sq ft studio apartment. Still have room for some more pictures and some plants, my first I'll get today! Some days, retirement is good!
"Today's" segment on Credit made me laugh. FICA Scores, credit reports, loan payments and credit card debt only matter if you play that "game"...and it is a game. I have never played it, cared to play it and have never won....or lost that game! Cash....ever head of it? If you can't pay cash, you don't need it or can't afford it. Our Grandparents didn't use credit back in the 1930's. Presently we are paying the price of living on future earnings....there aren't any. You lost your job, can't find a new one more than minimum wage, and spent your $50,000 IRA. Wait your me! Welcome to the "Golden Years"!
I am now maxed out on space in my 360 sq ft studio apartment. Still have room for some more pictures and some plants, my first I'll get today! Some days, retirement is good!
"Today's" segment on Credit made me laugh. FICA Scores, credit reports, loan payments and credit card debt only matter if you play that "game"...and it is a game. I have never played it, cared to play it and have never won....or lost that game! Cash....ever head of it? If you can't pay cash, you don't need it or can't afford it. Our Grandparents didn't use credit back in the 1930's. Presently we are paying the price of living on future earnings....there aren't any. You lost your job, can't find a new one more than minimum wage, and spent your $50,000 IRA. Wait your me! Welcome to the "Golden Years"!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What to Put in Your Cooler – 5 of the Best Beers You've Never Tried
by: Kavin Yardly
America's big-name beers are great, but if you've been drinking them as long as we have, you just might be in the mood for something different. Also, Americans tend to drink a lot of lager and light beers, which, while cool and refreshing, can lack that bite that you need sometimes in a beer. Here we present 5 beers that you've never tried that you can stock your cooler with next game day:
1) Duvel
Duvel is the flagship beer of Duvel Moortgat Brewery in Belgium, and it's available all over the world. Duvel is a golden ale with a lot of flavor. It's great served lightly chilled straight out of the bottle. Be careful though, because Duvel has a high alcohol content of 8.5%, hence the name Duvel, which means 'devil' in Brabantian!. Duvel tastes best when consumed refrigerated. Duvel can be refrigerated through diversity like counter top fridge, portable mini fridge and sport coolers.
2) Miller Genuine Draft
Miller make Miller Genuine Draft using a special process that prevents some of the beer's flavour from being lost like it is on many mainstream beers. It has won a couple of awards at the World Beer Cup and has a sweet aroma and a mild bitterness.
3) Stella Artois
This is a lager, again from Belgium, but one with a stronger taste than most American brewed mainstream lagers. It has a 'sparkling' appearance and a nice level of bitterness. It’s taste increases if it is consumed chilled with the help of various refrigerating techniques like portable ice maker, rolling cooler, backpack coolers. If you like lagers but want a bit more taste, give Stella Artois a try!
4) Trumer Pils
This one is an Austrian pilsner. Pilsners tend to have a very light color and a distinctive smell and flavour. Trumer is full-bodied and has a loooong aftertaste as well, so it's perfect for washing out the bad taste in your mouth caused by your team losing on game day!
5) Becks
Reportedly a favorite of David Beckham's, Becks is a German pilsner with a pleasing nutty flavor. It's a beer with a crisp flavour and an easy drinkability which is great on a hot day. It also combines well with BBQ food – perfect for game day!
About The Author
Kavin Yardly
Site Representative
Online Retailer for Rolling Cooler & Sports Cooler-http://www.Superfancoolers.com
America's big-name beers are great, but if you've been drinking them as long as we have, you just might be in the mood for something different. Also, Americans tend to drink a lot of lager and light beers, which, while cool and refreshing, can lack that bite that you need sometimes in a beer. Here we present 5 beers that you've never tried that you can stock your cooler with next game day:
1) Duvel
Duvel is the flagship beer of Duvel Moortgat Brewery in Belgium, and it's available all over the world. Duvel is a golden ale with a lot of flavor. It's great served lightly chilled straight out of the bottle. Be careful though, because Duvel has a high alcohol content of 8.5%, hence the name Duvel, which means 'devil' in Brabantian!. Duvel tastes best when consumed refrigerated. Duvel can be refrigerated through diversity like counter top fridge, portable mini fridge and sport coolers.
2) Miller Genuine Draft
Miller make Miller Genuine Draft using a special process that prevents some of the beer's flavour from being lost like it is on many mainstream beers. It has won a couple of awards at the World Beer Cup and has a sweet aroma and a mild bitterness.
3) Stella Artois
This is a lager, again from Belgium, but one with a stronger taste than most American brewed mainstream lagers. It has a 'sparkling' appearance and a nice level of bitterness. It’s taste increases if it is consumed chilled with the help of various refrigerating techniques like portable ice maker, rolling cooler, backpack coolers. If you like lagers but want a bit more taste, give Stella Artois a try!
4) Trumer Pils
This one is an Austrian pilsner. Pilsners tend to have a very light color and a distinctive smell and flavour. Trumer is full-bodied and has a loooong aftertaste as well, so it's perfect for washing out the bad taste in your mouth caused by your team losing on game day!
5) Becks
Reportedly a favorite of David Beckham's, Becks is a German pilsner with a pleasing nutty flavor. It's a beer with a crisp flavour and an easy drinkability which is great on a hot day. It also combines well with BBQ food – perfect for game day!
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
PBR vs. Micro Brew Swill
PBR has been part of my life since the 1950’s. Back then, I remember the TV commercials in glorious B&W during the Friday Night Fights. In the early 1980’s when I was part of a management team at a major retailer, PBR was the company’s “un-official” beer after long hours on the job. Where I lived, determined availability. In Michigan and NY, it was difficult to find. The mountain west provided 99 cent, 24 0z Tall Boys, in abundance. But then, upon moving to PDX, PBR became nirvana. It is the norm of bar beers, signs and taps are abundant, and it is inexpensive. A cold PBR is one of god’s treasures, a compliment to a burger or a slice of pizza. It is clean, real beer, with no perfume scent or lingering after taste of flowers, feet, or honey!
Micro Brews on the other hand, are also everywhere. Something about them…. un-dissolved yeast, flavorings like “cherry wheat”, etc just make me sick. I get headaches, like drinking a Hamm’s or Olympia beer at 10,000 feet. I want beer that tastes like beer, not bread. Of course the “beer snobs”, like their wine counterparts, look down their patrician noses at PBR, as they pay 100% more to drink their swill. “Oyo, numb nuts, try filtering that crud!” I laugh at this city’s call to glory as “Beer City USA”, a label which could not possibly measure number of brew pubs or beer sold vs. population. Regardless, it is a “Yuppie” measure of success, like a $300,000 studio condo or a BMW. Swill is still swill.
Micro Brews on the other hand, are also everywhere. Something about them…. un-dissolved yeast, flavorings like “cherry wheat”, etc just make me sick. I get headaches, like drinking a Hamm’s or Olympia beer at 10,000 feet. I want beer that tastes like beer, not bread. Of course the “beer snobs”, like their wine counterparts, look down their patrician noses at PBR, as they pay 100% more to drink their swill. “Oyo, numb nuts, try filtering that crud!” I laugh at this city’s call to glory as “Beer City USA”, a label which could not possibly measure number of brew pubs or beer sold vs. population. Regardless, it is a “Yuppie” measure of success, like a $300,000 studio condo or a BMW. Swill is still swill.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Bum Hierarchy in the Land of Bumdom
Formerly homeless myself, for about six months,in two different states, I have experienced this on a personal basis. My story is elsewhere on this blog. The NW is inundated by bums looking for handouts and is one of the top 5 states for homelessness (Bumdom). Being homeless does not mean you have to be a “bum”.
Among the homeless and down trodden of society, there exists a class hierarchy. It is as apparent to see, as the difference between a coal miner in West Virginia, and a stockbroker on Wall Street.
“In the land of bums, a bum with $1 is king!”
I believe it is recognized both within the Bumdom and to those in “normal” society. Picture the “food pyramid” and beginning from top to bottom, the levels of Bumdom follow:
On top are the recently homeless…from job loss, foreclosure, etc. Normal folks, educated, moral, but without money. They don’t think of themselves as bums, more a victim of economic events….and a temporary situation.
Next are those who have been on the streets for a while. They include recent ex-cons, divorced, former military, etc. They are willing to seek and desire Government Services and help. They follow procedures and hope to better themselves.
The third level is the wandering mentally ill. They number in the hundreds in any given city, thanks to Ronald Reagan’s policies closing the Mental Hospitals in the US. Many have no clue of even who they are, wandering aimlessly, arguing with pigeons and invisible opponents. They deserve to be in a safe, warm institution, not living on the streets.
Fourth will include the tweakers, alcoholics, and IV drug users, who prey on each other and steal to supply their addictive habits. Pupils the size of pin heads, manic laughter, twitching, nervous behavior are very evident. At least 50% of all social services are aimed at ‘saving” this group. Friggen Liberals.
The fifth level of the hierarchy of bums is reserved for the “gutter punks”, 15- 22 yr old run aways, school drop outs, hippie wannabees, who dress in black with old army clothes, have numerous piercing and tattoos, trade sex for drugs, pan handle, and run scams. They usually have a pet Pit Bull, dragging along. They are the most violent and one of the largest groups. Punks are rude and generally disgusting.
Finally at the bottom of the bum barrel are the chronic homeless, the professional bum. They live on the street by choice, many for decades. They answer to no one, hate all authority and rules. Many stink from few washings, urine, feces, puke, etc. They couldn't’t get in a homeless shelter even if they wanted to, and they don’t want to. They are the worst of the worst and include all of the above groups. They can’t and don’t want to be “saved”.
This is the hierarchy of bums in the Bumdom. Millions may exist in the USA, in every major city and lost in the wilderness. The true numbers are down played by the Government, perhaps by as much as 50%. Services are limited and severely under funded. As the economy worsens, the numbers will explode. Here in the NW, there is already a 50% increase over last year. In the downtown core, the homeless sometimes out number the normal citizens who shop and work there.
Among the homeless and down trodden of society, there exists a class hierarchy. It is as apparent to see, as the difference between a coal miner in West Virginia, and a stockbroker on Wall Street.
“In the land of bums, a bum with $1 is king!”
I believe it is recognized both within the Bumdom and to those in “normal” society. Picture the “food pyramid” and beginning from top to bottom, the levels of Bumdom follow:
On top are the recently homeless…from job loss, foreclosure, etc. Normal folks, educated, moral, but without money. They don’t think of themselves as bums, more a victim of economic events….and a temporary situation.
Next are those who have been on the streets for a while. They include recent ex-cons, divorced, former military, etc. They are willing to seek and desire Government Services and help. They follow procedures and hope to better themselves.
The third level is the wandering mentally ill. They number in the hundreds in any given city, thanks to Ronald Reagan’s policies closing the Mental Hospitals in the US. Many have no clue of even who they are, wandering aimlessly, arguing with pigeons and invisible opponents. They deserve to be in a safe, warm institution, not living on the streets.
Fourth will include the tweakers, alcoholics, and IV drug users, who prey on each other and steal to supply their addictive habits. Pupils the size of pin heads, manic laughter, twitching, nervous behavior are very evident. At least 50% of all social services are aimed at ‘saving” this group. Friggen Liberals.
The fifth level of the hierarchy of bums is reserved for the “gutter punks”, 15- 22 yr old run aways, school drop outs, hippie wannabees, who dress in black with old army clothes, have numerous piercing and tattoos, trade sex for drugs, pan handle, and run scams. They usually have a pet Pit Bull, dragging along. They are the most violent and one of the largest groups. Punks are rude and generally disgusting.
Finally at the bottom of the bum barrel are the chronic homeless, the professional bum. They live on the street by choice, many for decades. They answer to no one, hate all authority and rules. Many stink from few washings, urine, feces, puke, etc. They couldn't’t get in a homeless shelter even if they wanted to, and they don’t want to. They are the worst of the worst and include all of the above groups. They can’t and don’t want to be “saved”.
This is the hierarchy of bums in the Bumdom. Millions may exist in the USA, in every major city and lost in the wilderness. The true numbers are down played by the Government, perhaps by as much as 50%. Services are limited and severely under funded. As the economy worsens, the numbers will explode. Here in the NW, there is already a 50% increase over last year. In the downtown core, the homeless sometimes out number the normal citizens who shop and work there.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, not Monday
NW and life update: I think, therefore I offend. No really, I listen to the old folks at the "Home" tell their stories about previous wealth and social position, yet all are now on Section 8, and suffer from numerous health problems. What's the point?
They sound like the Portland Trail Blazers, making excuses for being "beaten like a circus monkey" last night. Waaaaaaaaaa, NBA wannabees!
Sunny and nice for a few days, except for the tree pollen which seems to annoy me, that and a few blood sucking bed bugs. They don't hurt when they bite, but my bed sheets look like I've been bedding virgins! When pigs fly!
Very quiet today actually, where do the bums go on Sunday? They sleeping in? It's 12:00 noon.....hello? Nothing on TV, except those damn "paid programs". When did that crap start? I remember back in the 1950's and 60's they had old movies on in the afternoon. Chill, order a pizza with a quart bottle of red cream soda and veg. That is when I wasn't out in the woods building forts, man traps, and bombs with black gunpowder. Dang, those where the good old days!
Nothing more to report, will head to the river on the streetcar, and watch mega yachts tied to the docks, they never leave.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Birth of the Special Forces
Today concepts like unconventional warfare and covert operations are universally known and are a common site on the news in hot spots like Afghanistan. Every branch of the military has elite units of troops to handle highly dangerous and specialized operations. Politicians have grown to rely on them to handle sensitive matters quickly and discretely. There have always been elite fighting units. This idea of specially trained troops being used for special missions has is origins in World War II when the Allies needed a new breed of warriors to wage a clandestine war against the Axis powers. The man who spearheaded this effort was Aaron Bank. He would build Special Forces from the ground up and the face of modern warfare forever.
When World War II broke out Aaron Bank was in his forties and considered to be old for combat duty, so in order to get in on the action he joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) the United States intelligence agency that would later become the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Since he had traveled in Europe, spoke several languages and was a skilled athlete he was just the type of man they needed. The problem was that the OSS had no experienced guerilla warfare experts, so Bank and other recruits went to train in Scotland along side experienced British instructors who had fought in Yugoslavia, Greece, and France. They learned many things included communications, sabotage, and most importantly close combat techniques. Martial arts expert William E. Fairbairn taught the Americans everything he knew about hand-to-hand combat including real world self defense techniques and sentry removal using knives and other weapons.
Once his training was complete Bank parachuted into Nazi occupied France with other commandos to aid French in their guerilla war against the Germans. Along with fighting the enemy he had to coordinate between the two resistance groups. With blades, bullets, and bravery the commandos terrorized the Germans day and night until the Allies invaded in force. He would even recruit a company-size unit of anti-Nazi Germans for a mission to capture Hitler. Bank and other OSS operatives supported, trained and fought along side allied partisans in Europe and Asia and let them know they weren't alone in their fight. They were teachers and warriors who made difference.
Were they effective? General Dwight D. Eisenhower said that in France the OSS and the French resistance did the equivalent of 15 divisions and the OSS had similar results in other areas of the war. Even though OSS other Special Forces units were successful it still took Bank years to convince the Army to create a permanent branch of Special Forces for future conflicts. Eventually Army Secretary Frank Pace gave him the green light to begin organizing and recruiting. Since all Special Forces units had been disbanded after the war Bank had his choice of recruits from units like, the First Special Service Force, Merrill's Marauders and even former guerilla fighters from Europe. Highly trained, battle tested and experts in martial arts and close combat these men would be the first Green Berets.
Aaron Bank retired from the military in 1958, but continued to be an advocate for Special Forces troops arguing that a few well trained soldiers fighting along side indigenous fighters could make more of an impact than conventional forces. In the 1970's he fought to improve security as nuclear power plants and was openly critical of how Special Forces troops were used in several conflicts. In 1995 Congress declared Bank "The Father of the Green Berets," and in 2002 the year the great warrior celebrated his 100th birthday President George W. Bush thanked him for developing the unconventional warfare programs that are still in use today against terrorists. He proved that with the right training, equipment, and most importantly the right mindset that a handful of soldiers could make a big difference in combat. Like the cadence says, "When there is trouble in the world today count on the men in the Green Beret."
Types of martial arts & martial arts styles
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Pehush
When World War II broke out Aaron Bank was in his forties and considered to be old for combat duty, so in order to get in on the action he joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) the United States intelligence agency that would later become the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Since he had traveled in Europe, spoke several languages and was a skilled athlete he was just the type of man they needed. The problem was that the OSS had no experienced guerilla warfare experts, so Bank and other recruits went to train in Scotland along side experienced British instructors who had fought in Yugoslavia, Greece, and France. They learned many things included communications, sabotage, and most importantly close combat techniques. Martial arts expert William E. Fairbairn taught the Americans everything he knew about hand-to-hand combat including real world self defense techniques and sentry removal using knives and other weapons.
Once his training was complete Bank parachuted into Nazi occupied France with other commandos to aid French in their guerilla war against the Germans. Along with fighting the enemy he had to coordinate between the two resistance groups. With blades, bullets, and bravery the commandos terrorized the Germans day and night until the Allies invaded in force. He would even recruit a company-size unit of anti-Nazi Germans for a mission to capture Hitler. Bank and other OSS operatives supported, trained and fought along side allied partisans in Europe and Asia and let them know they weren't alone in their fight. They were teachers and warriors who made difference.
Were they effective? General Dwight D. Eisenhower said that in France the OSS and the French resistance did the equivalent of 15 divisions and the OSS had similar results in other areas of the war. Even though OSS other Special Forces units were successful it still took Bank years to convince the Army to create a permanent branch of Special Forces for future conflicts. Eventually Army Secretary Frank Pace gave him the green light to begin organizing and recruiting. Since all Special Forces units had been disbanded after the war Bank had his choice of recruits from units like, the First Special Service Force, Merrill's Marauders and even former guerilla fighters from Europe. Highly trained, battle tested and experts in martial arts and close combat these men would be the first Green Berets.
Aaron Bank retired from the military in 1958, but continued to be an advocate for Special Forces troops arguing that a few well trained soldiers fighting along side indigenous fighters could make more of an impact than conventional forces. In the 1970's he fought to improve security as nuclear power plants and was openly critical of how Special Forces troops were used in several conflicts. In 1995 Congress declared Bank "The Father of the Green Berets," and in 2002 the year the great warrior celebrated his 100th birthday President George W. Bush thanked him for developing the unconventional warfare programs that are still in use today against terrorists. He proved that with the right training, equipment, and most importantly the right mindset that a handful of soldiers could make a big difference in combat. Like the cadence says, "When there is trouble in the world today count on the men in the Green Beret."
Types of martial arts & martial arts styles
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Pehush
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