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November 6, 2019
Patrick Daniel Tillman
Corporal Patrick Daniel Tillman
Patrick Daniel Tillman
November 6, 1976 – April 22, 2004
    

Now I have never been a football fan. No, I believe I have watched a total of one (1) football game in my life ...

And that was because I was visiting friends and would never dare to interfere with their planned entertainment.

However, I am well acquainted with the backstories of American heros. Pat Tillman's story is just such a tail of duty and valor and profound tragedy.

Pat Tillman was an American footballer in the National Football League (NFL) who enlisted in the United States Army in June 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks after departing a promising sports career.

He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was killed by friendly fire.

He was posthumously promoted from specialist to corporal and was also awarded posthumous Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.

This is one of those times when a person's patriotism wasn't brought to a clear and conscise publicity in the name of protecting the military.
 

Tags: weapons, people, places, things, endings
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November 5, 2019
Bank Transfer Day 2019
    Happy Bank Transfer Day
Credit Unions. Some people love them others hate them. I've only had experience with three of them and it was quite enough for me.

My first credit union was the one at Richland Hospital back in the early 1970s. It was there I first heard the bane of my existence, CUNA Mutual.

That second experience with credit unions involved the Navy Federal Credit Union while I was on active duty. I never experienced a problem with them and they never held my "less than optimal" credit report against me.

The last (and final) experience with credit unions was at Columbia Teachers credit union while I was at the State Paper and later teaching at Midlands Tech. It started out "merely okay" but devolved to a micro managing mess of morons deciding what I would and would not do as a matter of their holier than thou whim.

So now, I'm with a "real" bank and have fared much better overall. They understand who I am, what I earn, and most importantly have a grasp of my credit worthiness as evidenced by the extensive lines they have opened for me on my behalf.

If I need something they try to effect it rather than allow some poor balding idiot to make a decision deterimental to my existence and I have never been declined anything from them.

Needless to say, I know where I need to be and it's not the stupid credit union run by those unsuitable to serve my needs.

Today is Bank Transfer Day — originally a day of consumer activism calling for citizens to "voluntary switch" from commercial banks to not-for-profit credit unions by November 5, 2011.

Be all of this as it may, I personally prefer not to switch to a "lesser entity" in the world of finance having seen businesses turn down credit union checks as grossly bad fiscal affairs.

If they only know the full suck as nature of business with a credit union. It's primarily for the uninitiated low earners of the world.

Tags: ecommerce, people, places, things
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November 4, 2019
Letting Go
alone    
It was inevitable I suppose. Yet another hopeful encounter is relegated to the "never be, never was" file not to be disturbed further.

Friends are nice but it's simply a place to which I decline to be relegated.

The "friend zone" is merely a respite for those simple enough to accept it all and I'm far too old to ever go there again. Perhaps two score back in time feasibility may have rang true.

So those bachelor days remain and though I'm satisfied with them it's disappointing that I simply am not good enough yet again.

However, when you reach a certain age you learn to take hold of reality with a firmness and finality those younger simply cannot grasp in all their hopes and dreams for the future.

Here I am yet again. This time to stay.

Alone

I was a midnight rider on a cloud of smoke
I could make a woman hang on every single stroke
I was an iron man
I had a master plan
But I was alone

I could hear you breathing
With a sigh of the wind
I remember how your body started trembling
Oh, what's a night it's been
And for the state I'm in
I'm still alone

And all the wonders made for the Earth
And all the hearts in all creation
Somehow I always end up alone
Always end up alone

So I play, I'll wait
Cause you know that love takes time
We came so far
Just the beat of a lonely heart
And it's mine
I don't want to be alone

Well, since I got no message on your answer phone
And since you're busy every minute
I just stay at home
I make believe you care
I feel you everywhere
But I'm still alone

I'm on a wheel of fortune with a twist of fate
Cause I know it isn't heaven, is it love or hate
Am I the subject of the pain
Am I the stranger in the rain
I am alone

And if there glory there to behold
Maybe it's my imagination
Another story there to be told

So I play, I'll wait
And I pray it's not too late
We came so far
Just a beat of a lonely heart
And it's mine
I don't want to be alone

And all the wonders made for the Earth
And all the hearts in all creation
Another story there to be told

So I play, I'll wait
And I pray it's not too late
We came so far
Just a beat of a lonely heart
And it's mine
I don't want to be alone

Gone, but not out of sight
Im caught in the rain and there's no one home
Face the heat of the night
The one that you loves got a heart that's made of stone

Shine and search for the light
And sooner or later you'll be cruising on your ocean

And clean out of sight
I'm caught in the rain and there's no one home

Songwriters Barry Gibb, Maurice Ernest Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb
Alone lyrics
© Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC




Tags: people, things
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November 3, 2019
Bite as a Metaphor
    teeth

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. These represent or symbolize abstract concepts which are actually something else entirely.

When utilizing devices like figurative phraseology such as hyperbole, simile, irony, and other tools of the wordsmith it is important that the receiver of these attempts to toy are able to paraphrase them adequately in context lest misunderstandings ensue.

Those rhetorical effects may otherwise obscure the intent to indicate similarities between two ideas resulting in sometimes profoundly misconstrued interpretations.

Expect to be misunderstood.

Tags: things
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November 2, 2019
All Souls Day 2019
All Souls Day    
All Souls Day is observed by some Christian denominations. Being a non denominational Christian I recognize the day personally; but decline to be a part of the separation imposed by these so-called "denominations" which are in effect simply traditions of men imparted upon the worship of the one true God.

The day is for remembering deceased relatives but those tenets vary among those aforementioned denominational sects.

I try to remember my passed relatives as well as I can. I try to remember them in my prayers and when I speak to God I ask Him to pass along my various thoughts ... like how I wish I had been a better son. Like how I have done many things I should not have. Like I miss those who have departed and feel as though I never said things which should have been said.

Regardless, we do the best we can and toward that end I recognize All Souls Day.

It is typically held after All Saints Day (which was yesterday, that day which follows All Hallows Eve, or Halloween).

Tags: scripture, things
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November 1, 2019
World Vegan Day 2019
    porterhouse steak

I am a carnivore ... a member of the People Eating Tasty Animals. Yes, a medium rare steak, a bottle of A-1 and thou are about all I need to make me happy anymore.

There is a contingent of humans upon the earth who beg to differ with my tastes in nourishment. These are the vegans who consume vegetable sustenance as a rule and today is their day ...

World Vegan Day a yearly celebration by vegans around the world each November first.

They tout those benefits to be had from a life of veganism for humans and as they cascade through various non-human animals as well as the environment.

This event is the brainchild of one Louise Wallis and was first marked in 1994 during her tenure as Chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom commemorating the 50th anniversary of that organization's founding.

The terms "vegan" and "veganism" are specifically celebrated.
 

Tags: people, food
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November 1, 2019
All Saints Day 2019
All Saints Day aka Hallowmas, All Hallows Day, or the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints is a Christian festival celebrated in honour of all the saints, known and unknown.

It's roots are in denominational religion with minor variance in the celebratory dates.

As usual, I go with the one I choose as well which is the day after All Hallows Eve, or Halloween — which was yesterday.

The actual date is either of germanic or celtic derivation as I interpret the literature.

So those who have overcome the 'second death' and reside in Heaven as "the Elect" at this point in time ... to ultimately exist in the eternity have a bond with we who remain on Earth.

That spiritual bond manifests itself in All Saints Day.

So here's to Grandma and Grandma and daddy and John and Dewitt and Sambo and Dennis and Henry and those who now exist in the presence of God.

I remain here and await my turn if indeed I am worthy enough in the end.

All Saints Day

Tags: scripture, things
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October 31, 2019
Happy Halloween 2019
Happy Halloween !

Tags: holidays
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October 29, 2019
Who cares if your Halloween costume is offensive
I just saw a typical moronic CNN pussification puff piece on evaluating whether your Halloween costume might be offensive.

First of all, if your Halloween costume offends, congratulations for not falling for the ridiculous passe PC mess CNN still touts as relevant.

Among those Good Housekeeping says are "offensive" include:

1.Holocaust victim
2.Anything including blackface
3.Transphobic getups
4.Refugees
5.Body shaming and objectifying costumes
6.Culturally stereotypical costumes
7.Terrorist costumes
8.Recent deceased celebrities as Zombies
9.An eating disorder
10.Animal cruelty
11.OJ Simpson and Nicole Simpson
12.The mentally ill
13.Representations of sexual harassment
14.The homeless
15.Any element of national tragedy

masks    
Now then, let's see ...

With a holocaust victim the bad taste is obvious and I would think that the market for this type costume to be the purview of neo nazis, muslims, and other anti israeli or perhaps someone particularly angry with gypsies or homosexuals.

Blackface really doesn't offend me. These PC types may beg to differ but if you came to my door you'd still get a candy bar.

Transphobic costumes are not only funny, but shed light on the ridiculous nature of thinking your genes don't control your sex.

Refugees are becoming more and more subject to ridicule when you consider how these interlopers ended up getting removed from their original places of habitation.

Being a big fat blivet myself, body shaming doesn't faze me personally. Those sensitive types who get all depressive when they're called on their lack of maintenance might take note of the situation more than the person calling attention to it.

Cultural stereotypes may skirt the realm of bad taste but hey, if you can be offensive you may as well learn to tolerate offense yourself.

Terrorist costumes are relevant and proper on Halloween in the spirit of horror which is part of that being celebrated. What a bunch of wussies.

Recently departed celebrities would likely not mind being represented as zombie costumes ... you know, another fleeting 15 minutes of fame.

Eating disorders can have fun poked at them as well. There's nothing more thrilling as covering yourself with a sheet, painting your face red and spitting mayonnaise all over people as you proclaim you're a pimple.

Animal cruelty may be skirting the edge but we have so many exotic food animals in places like China that seeing a nice rare piece of dog on a plate might even be appetizing for some of the asians in the crowd.

OJ and Nicole are a bit rough for costume characters until you recognize the fact that Nicole's daddy got a Hertz dealership out of the deal.

A mentally ill costume is really one of those figments as there are so many crazies walking the streets anymore that all too many of us can just be ourselves.

The notion of representing some sexually harassing topic in a costume remains a bit vague on a night when all the little girls are being offered some candy anyway.

Representing the homeless likewise is quite bad taste but pulling it off so that people "know" what they're seeing is a feat all it's own.

Any element of national tragedy represented as a halloween costume runs the risk of being poorly received and so you take your chances. I personally prefer not to get my ass whupped on Halloween if you don't mind.

Tags: holidays, people, things
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October 28, 2019
Joaquin Phoenix Birthday
    Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker
The career of Joaquin Phoenix has spanned film and television.

Some of his performances have been really memorable for me personally. Some of his extracurricular antics have been borderline 'wierd' in my mind ...

But I have grown to attribute these to that schtick sometimes displayed in public as publicity stunts and to generate press.

In his earlier work he was billed as 'Leaf Phoenix.

This is in keeping with those names imparted to him and his siblings by his parents who struck me as rather unconventional to the point of being eccentric.

His late brother River Phoenix was a bright star on the rise who died tragically.

Two of my most favorite portrayals include the evil Commodus from the film Gladiator in 2000 as well as the soft spoken attentive uncle Merril Hess in Mel Gibson's Signs in 2002.

I have yet to see him play Joker which is said to be quite the "over the top" character as well.

Regardless, I look forward to more of his work and today is his birthday. Happy birthday to you !

Tags: people, things
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October 27, 2019
Navy Day 2019
Jim Williamson Jr MMCM (Ret)    
I was in the Navy. My father was career Navy. Both of my brothers were in the Navy as well. My nephew is in the Navy and just made Chief. You might say that we are a legacy Navy family, though I must admit to not fulfilling my potential nor really trying at all.

You might say I was a Master Skate of the Navy.

When I was a child, one of the highlights of my life was going to the various places of mooring and seeing the ships upon which my father worked.

Later, I became somewhat jaded with disdain ... my father would refer to naval ships as "multimillion dollar yachts" while I called them "floating gray prisons".

I tried to lose this attitude over time, however because I came to realize just how difficult my father's career path was and in his decline I wanted nothing but warm feelings for him and everything he was.

Today is Navy Day. Here in the United States it was first held under the auspices of the Navy League on October 27 but was changed by Elmo Zumwalt (a rather controversial leader in the Navy) who changed the day to October 13.

Needless to say, many of we who served continue to observe the original day.

So I take the day to consider my shortcomings as a sailor — seeing how there were SO many of them. I try to adjust my attitudes toward the world in general. I try to remember my late father who would be most proud of his grandson who just made Chief Quartermaster.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) November 25, 1961 - February 3, 2017


Tags: people, things, world
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October 26, 2019
Hillary Clinton, Ambition, and You
    Hillary Rodham Clinton
Politics can be a particularly slimy world. It is populated with individuals who will use the tax payer's dollar for their own wicked ends and monetize public office opting to kill the taxpayer if they don't like it.

Organizations like "The Majestic 12" and other "deep state" and "shadow government" entities typically come to mind but even your common run of the mill dirtbag politicians seeking public office via the voting booth are in this mix and have amassed great fortunes at the expense of the United States taxpayers. Even some of them will kill you if you end up "knowing too much".

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a an American politician who has seen better days in her career. I personally think that she has been a crook and murderer in the name of monetizing public office in the form of influence payola and contributions to "The Clinton Foundation" which has not maintained proper documentation at any level and the body count allegedly associated with her politics is steadily rising.

Who creates these monsters who prey on society as though they are some diety to which we "underlings" are to do nothing aside from pay monies and homage to their graven images on CNN.

Like her, some of these scumbags ascend to the highest levels of government and an entire political party has corrupted itself in her image. The democrats and progressives have stooped to the level of bottom feeding and attempt to "steal the country" with an electorate so stupid as to vote for them regardless of appearances, allegations, and facts.

We, who have suffered a public education system which has devolved into this leftist indoctrination vehicle where developing minds is not a priority and brainwashing is remains the deep seeded cause for all of this horror show which has descended upon The Republic.

All I can say in response is that I'm glad I am armed to the teeth and intend to remain so. I am ashamed of the democrats who populate my local area in particular for the stupid insipid inbread southerners they all appear.

Tags: people, politics, weapons
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October 24, 2019
United Nations Day 2019
The United Nations began on October 24, 1945. For 74 years it has been a thorn in the ass of the world and has needed disbanding ever since their first meddling day.

In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly declared the 24th of October which happens to be the anniversary their Charter as a day for their self aggrandizement and bragging rights.

It further stated that this "United Nations Day" is supposed to be an international observance and/or holiday and that it should be a public holiday by all member states.

Well ... now that we are aware of Agenda 21 and Agenda 2030 and their surreptitious wish to run the entirety of the world as well as kill a number of us all in the name of "sustainability" I think marking the day is in order.

Get US out of the UN

Tags: politics, weapons
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October 23, 2019
I don't go after children
Greta Thunberg    

I never will pursue a child. I might have some comment on their behavior or marvel at just how deep they might dig their hole in the eyes of the law ...

But by and large children are by definition not mature and when you take the trouble to fill them with much in the way of false information in the public schools then loose them on the world such as that to be had by the leftist indoctrination imposed in the United States public schools — then you pretty much deserve the stupid mess you acquire.

This is why I have chosen to remain quiet regarding this particular individual for such an extended period. Were she an adult I would have been upon her immediately like stink on poop.

The angry little Swedish teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg has been in the threads since addressing the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference with her haughty child "how dare you" statements casting aspersions on the world due to her decidedly slanted global view.

Stating that she 'will never forgive' them for failing on climate change she has pretty much pursued her petty little self righteousness in the name of what she believes will happen to the world in 12 years from climate change secondary to her distorted world view. Her leftist imparted tainted science likely acquired as the result of a diminished intellectual capacity in the Swedish school systems leaves me nothing but embarrassed for her and her parents as she continues this tack of parroting that which she's been taught. I feel she acquired this all too honestly.

When those who explain the world to a child are less steeped in fact than sensationalist fiction the child will likely carry those faulty notions a long way. When there are organizations willing to exploit these points for their own ends then voila, you get children like little Greta Thunberg who should simply stay home and keep quiet rather than embarrass herself in the annals of history.

Climate has a cyclic record of change. There are practicalities involved in changing the way the world operates that cannot be implemented as a matter of fact immediate change out. Cow patties and carbon foot prints are less important when you attribute them to the minority causing their production. She should have addressed those nations such as China who are the real culprets rather than assail the lesser culprets in the equation.

I'm not saying that the hoopla does not have elements of correctness. I'm saying that it does not take into consideration far too many aspects in it's simplistic approach much like the "new green deal" fallacy presented elsewhere.

It is far better to remain quiet and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt. I prefer to consider her efforts somewhat sophomoric. At any rate, she should save the drama for her Mama. Climate change is not for the uniniated nor should it be the propaganda it has largely become.
 

Tags: people, weather, world
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