“THE FRIDAY NIGHT RAMBLINGS”

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of February 5, 2010.  I love Walmart. I bought my glasses there after getting checked out by their ophthalmologist. While “instant messaging” on Facebook with my Dear Lady Friend Susan R last night, chatting about issues that impact Solo and Small Firm lawyers, the “Dissolution Kits” available on-line, and the “Modification Kits” available on-line, this June  …  I was struck by a thought:  Walmart setting up “legal clinics”, to help folks fill out the forms supplied by our Supreme Court and Secretary of State. They have to be accepted by our judges since they are Supreme Court approved forms.  Manned by Walmart trained “paralegals”.  Wills, trusts and other estate planning forms.  Incorporation and business forms, (available for download from the Secretary of State’s Website.) And perhaps, although forms are not available YET, forms on how to deal with PI claims. Not the unauthorized practice of law is it?  Just providing a service, helping folks fill out forms. And if anybody complains  …  who would listen?  Who would care? Oh!  Wait!!  “Legalzoom” already does that!! “Save time and money on common legal matters! Created by top attorneys, LegalZoom helps you make reliable legal documents from your home or office. Simply answer a few questions online and your documents will be created within 48 hours. We even review your answers and guarantee your satisfaction.”  So they ask you questions, and based on the answers, prepare the document you need.  Only a question of time before you see a Kiosk in Walmart  …  isn’t it?  Share with me again, why lawyers need to be licensed?  Why I paid my Bar dues?

So, there is a renewed debate about the  “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy adopted by President Clinton in 1993, to deal with gay service members in our military, (10 U.S.C. � 654).   As a society, we have come a long way since 1993.  But we still have a ways to go:  NEW YORK — Gay dating site’s Super Bowl ad rejected by CBS. “Super Bowl network CBS rejected an ad Friday from ManCrunch.com, a gay dating Web site. “After reviewing the ad, which is entirely commercial in nature, our standards and practices department decided not to accept this particular spot,” said CBS spokeswoman Shannon Jacobs. “We are always open to working with a client on alternative submissions.” CBS said it turned down the ad partly for financial reasons, but ManCrunch believes that there’s more to it than that.  “It’s straight-up discrimination,” said Elissa Buchter, spokeswoman for the Toronto-based dating site.”  Interesting study to read:  “Is Homophobia Associated With Homosexual Arousal?” , Henry E. Adams, Lester W. Wright, Jr., and Bethany A. Lohr,  Journal of Abnormal Psychology Copyright 1996, Vol. 105, No. 3,440–445.  The study’s conclusion?  “Only the homophobic men showed an increase in penile erection to male homosexual stimuli. The groups did not differ in aggression. Homophobia is apparently associated with homosexual arousal that the homophobic individual is either unaware of or denies.  As for the denied ad?  I didn’t care for it.  The ad has been viewed on “YouTube” 23,162 times   …  kind of wonder if 23,000 of those views, weren’t by the Fred Phelps family. 

And in the “Does anybody really care?” news   –  (PEOPLE.com) — ‘N.J. Housewife’: ‘I’m a born-again virgin’.  “Danielle Staub, the polarizing star of “The Real Housewives Of New Jersey,” is turning over a new leaf: She’s abstaining from all sexual activity until she’s married. “I’m abstinent now,” she told PEOPLE. “I realized that with abstinence, if you really, really believe in yourself like I do, you discover your own self-worth. Abstinence means you refrain from any sex — thinking about it, doing it — even to yourself! I’m a born-again virgin.” In fact, Staub said it’s been “over a year-and-a-half” since she’s had sex.” My, oh my. A “celebrity” that might actually become a role model for our children.  What a novel idea.  So I wonder   …  will Mr. Edwards re-virginate as well?  (CNN) — Judge orders ex-Edwards aide to turn over sex tape.  “A judge ordered an ex-aide to former Sen. John Edwards on Friday to turn over a sex tape said to depict Edwards and his former mistress, an official in a North Carolina court said. Judge Abraham Penn Jones found former Edwards aide Andrew Young and his wife, Cheri, in civil contempt of court, said Tammy Keshler, a judicial assistant in Chatham County Superior Court.  He ordered them to give the court the tape and other materials they may have by 2 p.m. Wednesday, she said. The judge said he could jail the Youngs if they do not comply, she said.”  I seem to vaguely remember something called   …  “fornication“.  Used to be something called a “sin”.  Used to be against the law, a crime once, as well.  I suppose criminalizing smoking in bars, or texting while driving is more of a societal priority now.

So, you wonder why there is a “Tea Party” movement/convention?  Why there are a bunch of folks willing to pay $549.00 to attend?  They are angry, afraid and sick of our elected representatives in Washington.  Why?  BBC NEWS –  US economy bail-out goals ‘not met’.  “The US economic bail-out programme has done little to ensure that financial crises do not occur in the future, a key watchdog report has said. While conceding that “some aspects of the financial system are more stable”, it said that a number of the bail-out’s key goals “have simply not been met”. Most notably, banks are still too big and lending has not increased  …  “Even if Tarp saved our financial system from driving off a cliff back in 2008,” he warned, in the absence of “meaningful reform, we are still driving on the same winding mountain road, but this time in a faster car”. Mr Barofsky said some US banks remained “too big to fail”, while investors were more convinced than ever that the government would step in to save them in the event of another crisis. There was little incentive, therefore, for banks to curtail risky trading activities, he argued.”  And of course, he is correct.  How else could you explain this?  WASHINGTON � A.I.G. Planning Huge Bonuses After $170 Billion Bailout.  “The American International Group, which has received more than $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, plans to pay about $165 million in bonuses by Sunday to executives in the same business unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year.” Some of my Republican and Democrat friends describe “Tea Party” folks as “wingnuts”. No doubt, some are  …  even if all are,  there appears to be a bunch of “wingnuts” willing to lay down $549.00 to learn how to organize politically at the local level.  Something I have not seen since Ross Perot’s Presidential campaigns in 1992 and 1996.

Topeka, Kansas  — Alcohol laws debated.  “Liquor stores that hold the monopoly on strong beers are fighting for the exclusive right to keep the tap flowing.  Lawmakers are considering a bill that would push open the door to allow convenience stores and grocery stores to sell stronger beer. Currently, those cereal malt beverage vendors are capped at selling 3.2 beer, but the bill would allow the sale of beer with 4 percent alcohol by weight. The bill also would put Alcoholic Beverage Control in charge of cereal malt beverage vendors.”  Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Utah limit beer sales to 3.2 % in convenience stores, (Click “HERE” for the liquor laws in all States).  I have never understood the distinction nor rational for limiting the alcohol content at such levels   …   I am told it is a public welfare issue.  3.2% vs. 4% - 6%?  So you can’t drink two cans to get the same buzz?  I’m sure my very Dear Friend Dan Ryan would have a rational explanation, since he is a home brewer and beer aficionado!  No doubt, history teaches beer is the most efficient storage mechanism for grain and the reason we stopped living in trees, (hard to hold on to a branch, while holding a bottle of beer.) And the most efficient mechanism for storing beer, (short term)?  A bladder.  The only explanation for 3.2% beer, in my mind?  An unusually strong latrine lobby in those states have such laws. 

And in the news from “Down Under”,  (CNN) — Judge says Men at Work’s ‘Down Under‘ mimics nursery rhyme. “A judge has ruled that the famous flute riff in Men at Work’s Australian rock anthem “Down Under” plagiarized a popular nursery rhyme about a Kookaburra written in 1932. Thursday’s ruling marks the end of a three-year legal battle that started with a trivia question on Australian quiz show “Spicks & Specks   …   “There’s a lot more to ‘Down Under’ than that flute melody. It’s not the main melody and not the main hook and I suppose that in the end will mean that it will be a minor share of the royalties that this publisher can claim now,”" So what is a Kookaburra?  “Kookaburras (genus Dacelo) are large to very large (total length 28�42 cm/11-17 in) terrestrial kingfishers native to Australia and New Guinea  …  Kookaburras are best known for their unmistakable call, which is uncannily like loud, echoing human laughter � good-natured, but rather hysterical, merriment in the case of the well-known Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae); and maniacal cackling in the case of the slightly smaller Blue-winged Kookaburra (D. leachii).”  These should not be confused with “Kaakaburra”,  the little piles left by Koala Bears.

Sitting here editing these Ramblings, the “Editorial Staff” running around playing, (except my L’il Buddy  —  he’s laying snuggled up behind me.).  On the local evening news, Kansas City didn’t get hit that badly  –  the snow storm swung southeast.  Here in Holden, we got about 5 inches.  The office is normally closed on Fridays for case management, billing,  and 3 day weekends.  We have a centralized number, so clients can get ahold of me 24/7.  Ft Timmerman has about 7,000 square feet, with 1/3 of that being the office.  We have 3 furnaces, one for the office, one for the living area and the third for the living room/bedroom area.  We turn the office furnace down to 50 degrees and keep the other two furnaces set at 60 degrees, with most of the heat coming from the pellet stove insert.  Quite toasty at Ft Timmerman.  On the national news, Toyota’s CEO, bowed several times and apologized.  Toyota hired a new PR firm in Washington today as well, (with heavy ties to both the Democrat and Republican leadership in the house.)  Business as usual, isn’t it?  Reminds me of the old McDonalds Commercial,  cause Ford and GM are “Lovin It“.  Also the Tea Party Convention  …  “Obama’s a Socialist!“  …  folks that voted for him,  “illiterate“.  The good news, I suppose   …  No one violated “Godwin’s Law (also known as Godwin’s Rule of Nazi Analogies) is an adage formulated by Mike Godwin in 1990. The law states:  “As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.” And finally the “Directors Guild of America” named a woman it’s director of the year, (the first in 91 years).  Kathyn Bigalow,  for “The Hurt Locker“.  The weather here?  Freezing fog and continued snow flurries.  The folks on the east coast?  Up to 30 inches of snow.  Time to post these Ramblings.  We are not going anywhere, just a quiet evening at home, hunkered down, with me doing a Photoshop Tutorial and Susan making some “Stamping Up“, cards, (she is a dealer).  We are all, safe and warm.  Later, as I drift off the sleep, I will say a prayer of thanks for the many blessings Susan and I enjoy, and for Susan to share my life with.  As I do every night, I will also say a pray for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well, you will also sleep safe and warm this evening, while too many those who ensure you can,  won’t.  If my post offends, I apologize  –  that is not my intent.  As always  …
A Warm Brotherly Hug
KarlT (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri and the “Editorial Staff”, Willie, Karly, Dinker, my L’il Buddy  …  and Floyd, the copy boy.)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of January 29, 2010.   Remarkable!! The Haitian Relief special was on all local broadcast channels, all of the major networks, and just about every cable channel, last Friday night.  Made my heart sing.  MY America, united, leading the charge, World Wide, in an effort to provide relief for Haitian earthquake victims.  The hungry, the homeless and those needing medical care. Share with me  …  where else on this, God’s Creation, any nation, any people, could pull together such an exercise in compassion?  Not the government, but the American people. All segments, artistic and technical, pulling it together, with how much notice!!  In how much time? Course, do a “google” on “Haitian Relief” and note the number of Websites that have sprung up, soliciting funds.  I wonder how many are scams?  And the legitimate efforts  …  make me wonder,  “What about the suffering here, in my America?“  Don’t we also have children/people going to bed hungry?  Aren’t there also homeless Americans?  Aren’t there also Americans needing medical treatment?  Who is mobilizing an “American Relief” effort?  Without a doubt, history teaches, Americans as a people,  are among the most generous on earth, opening their hearts and wallets for every natural disaster worldwide. And not just for natural disasters. In 2006, we spent $22.8 billion dollars on Foreign Aid, up from $14.8 Billion in 2001. The two largest recipients?  Israel, $2.5 Billion  …  and Egypt, $1.7 Billion.  Israel and Egypt?  Why?  In 2008, the American people voted for change.  Perhaps part of that change is a review of the way we view ourselves in the world community?  Stop trying to be the world’s “policeman”?  Stop trying to export/impose our sense of justice or social order on the rest of the world? Instead, focus and use that $22.8 Billion dollars to reduce our budget deficit and provide relief to the “least of us”, here, in our America?  Charity begins at home, doesn’t it?

New York (CNN) –   Software executive admits affair after mistress’ billboard campaign.  “The former mistress of a married man has taken their relationship public in a big way — a series of giant billboards of the happy couple erected in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. New Yorkers passing through midtown Manhattan this week saw the smiling faces of “Charles and YaVaughnie” beaming down upon them from one of two billboards in the city with the caption reading, “You are my soulmate forever! - cep.”  …  Phillips, 50, the co-president of Oracle Corp., admitted the affair with Wilkins, 42, in a statement released by his spokeswoman Friday.” Well, perhaps this “software” executive should have exercised better control over his “hardware”    …   consulted an “oracle” about whether this “lady” really was his “soulmate”.  And this “lady” feels stepped on, after screwing around with a man she knew was married, when he dumped her?  Like she had no clue “fidelity” was not his strong card? We decriminalized “adultery” years ago and criminalized “bestiality”   …   I wonder,  does the prohibition against “bestiality” apply to two legged bitches?

(PEOPLE.com) –  Elin Nordegren hopes to save marriage.  “Elin Nordegren is hoping to save her marriage to Tiger Woods because she doesn’t want to raise their two children without a father. “Elin wants a solid family life,” a Florida source told PEOPLE. “She was a child of divorce and felt her dad slighted her. She absolutely does not want that to happen to Sam and Charlie. So she wants to keep her family together even if she and Tiger live together as friends instead of lovers.” During the past week, Nordegren, 30, reportedly visited her husband at the Gentle Path sexual addiction clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he has been getting treatment. During the middle of the six-week counseling session, a patient’s spouse is invited to visit for about a week, according to a former patient of the alcohol addiction section of the Hattiesburg clinic.”  So “conjugal visits” are part of the treatment at a sex addiction clinic?  Wouldn’t they just be a reminder, why you were screwing around on your spouse to start off with? 

Queensland, Australia –  Man in court over Simpsons porn.  “AN IPSWICH man has admitted downloading graphic cartoon porn images featuring child characters from The Simpsons and The Powerpuff Girls TV shows. The 28-year-old is now a registered sex offender and will have to report to police after pleading guilty in Ipswich District Court to having the bizarre images on his computer  …  Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough said his client did not get any sexual gratification from the cartoons.” It would be a crime here as well:  18 U.S. Code � 1466A,  ” … defines obscene child pornography as �a visual depiction of any kind, including a drawing, cartoon, sculpture, or painting,� that depicts (i) a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene (� 1466A(a)(1) and � 1466A(b)(1))”  [See US v Whorley: ” The Virginia Employment Commission maintains a public resource room in Richmond, Virginia, where job seekers may use Commission copiers, computers, and printers for employment-related purposes. On March 30, 2004, a woman in the resource room informed a Commission employee that Dwight Whorley was viewing what appeared to be child pornography on a Commission computer. In response, the office manager and two supervisors went to the resource room and saw Whorley standing in front of the printer with papers in his hand. Upon request, Whorley showed the supervisor the documents, which depicted Japanese anime-style cartoons of children  … “  Mr. Whorley was sentenced to 20 years in prison.]  I’m certainly not in favor of any form of porn:  have no interest in it   …   but share with me, does it really make sense to sentence a person to 20 years in prison for looking at cartoons, while the penalty for armed criminal action, is 10 years?

BBC NEWS  –  New Zealand jails German underwear gecko smuggler.  “A German man who tried to smuggle 44 live geckos and skinks out of New Zealand in his underwear has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail. The Christchurch court heard Hans Kurt Kubus, 58, had sewn pouches into his clothing to hide the protected animals as he had gone through the airport.”  You have to ask yourself,  what kind of  fool would pack 44 live, carnivorous reptiles in his shorts?  That’s 176 little hoofies tap dancing on your cojones.  Certainly raises “kinky” to a new level.

Beijing, China (CNN) –   China’s super-rich look for love online. “In China it can be hard for millionaires to find love. Just ask Xu Tianli. “These people are very excellent themselves, which leads to their high standards for partners,” Xu said. “And those who can meet those standards are few.” Xu is the founder of Golden Bachelor, an online dating site catering to an expanding class of super-wealthy Chinese singletons who have it all except for one thing: a bride. So they pay, a lot, to find one. The Golden Bachelor “Diamond Love” membership goes for 300,000 Yuan ($44,000).”  I guess the Beatles were wrong:  money can buy you love.  But if not, for $44,000.00, I’m sure you can rent it.

BBC NEWS — Movie made by chimpanzees to be broadcast on television. “The world’s first film shot entirely by chimpanzees is to be broadcast by the BBC as part of a natural history documentary. The apes created the movie using a specially designed chimp-proof camera given to them by primatologists. The film-making exercise is part of a scientific study into how chimpanzees perceive the world and each other. It will be screened within the Natural World program “Chimpcam” shown on BBC Two at 2000GMT on Wednesday 27 January.”  The chimps have hired an agent and are currently negotiating with CBS for a new “reality show” series, “Are You Smarter Than A Chimp?”  If current programing is any indication, most aren’t, so it will probably be a hit.

(CNN) –  Activist Roeder convicted of abortion provider’s murder.  “A Kansas jury deliberated just 37 minutes before convicting an anti-abortion activist of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of an abortion provider. The jury found Scott Roeder, 51, guilty of gunning down Dr. George Tiller, who operated a clinic in Wichita where late-term abortions were performed. Roeder, 51, faces life in prison when he is sentenced on March 9.”  The part I find amazing remains, that there are people who actually believe shooting Dr. Tiller, as he worshiped in church, was justifiable.  Only reinforces the statement, “Play it safe.  Never turn your back on a Christian.”

Sitting here finishing off and editing these Ramblings, the Editorial Staff hunkered down or playing.  It is cold and snowing outside, a good night to stay home.  The pellet stove is cranking out heat:  it is nice and warm, here, at Ft Timmerman.  I watched President Obama answer questions at the Republican Caucus on CNN today. Unprecedented, (no pun nor play on words, intended).  Good news, in that the economic recovery seems to be taking hold:  a 5.7% increase in the GNP for the 4th quarter.  Scott Brown, (who replaced Sen. Kennedy), and President Obama are 10th cousins.  I wonder how many other people President Obama is related to?  I will get on-line this evening and research recipes for Cornish Game Hens, (thanks to those of you who shared yours), for “Lunch and A Movie” on Sunday.  The movie?  Haven’t selected one yet.  Later I hit the sack and settle in and as I drift off to sleep, I’ll say a prayer of thanks for the many blessings in my life, Susan to share them with   …  and for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well, the best there is, is walking the walk,  so you can.  If these Ramblings offend, I apologize, that is not my intent.  As always  …
A Warm Brotherly Hug
KarlT (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri and the “Editorial Staff”, Willie, Karly, Dinker, my L’il Buddy   …  and Floyd, the copy boy.  “Smarticus” and “Farticus” were too busy playing!!)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of January 22, 2010.  Life has it’s ironies.   27 days after the US Senate passed a sweeping health insurance reform bill,  something Senator Ted Kennedy, (February 22, 1932 � August 25, 2009),  championed and labored on his whole senate career   …   now appears doomed, or significantly scaled back, because of the election of his replacement. Washington (CNN) –  Scott Brown: From pinup to pickup-driving populist.  “The morning after winning the Massachusetts Senate special election on Tuesday, Scott Brown was still trying to take it all in. “If you would have told me growing up [that] a guy whose mom is on welfare and parents had some marital troubles — and I had some issues growing up … would be standing before you right now, going to Washington D.C.? Are you kidding me?” Brown said at a news conference Wednesday.” Brown is an interesting guy, (read the link!)  Put in perspective,  he is one of 5 Republican Senators in the 40 member Massachusetts Senate.  “When told that different people labeled him a conservative, moderate and a liberal Republican, he responded �I�m a Scott Brown Republican   …   “I’m Scott Brown, I’m from Wrentham, I drive a truck, and I am nobody’s senator but yours.”"  Of course my Democrat friends claim he won because his opponent ran a very poor campaign  …  and my Republican friends claim, it is a public rebuke of Obama. As for me?  I’m just struck by the irony:  the original “Boston Tea Party” signaled a populist revolt.  “For the 2010 Senate race, Brown was supported by the Greater Boston Tea Party group, which organized a January 2, 2010 fundraising breakfast for him in Boston, which he attended.” Republicans and Democrats consider the “Tea Party” folks a bunch of “wingnuts”.  On December 16, 1773, so did the British.  I think incumbents are in for a rude awakening.

And in the review of a death penalty Federal Habeas Corpus case,  handed down by the Supreme Court of the United States this week:  “Petitioner Marcus Wellons was convicted in Georgia state court of rape and murder and sentenced to death.  Although the trial looked typical, there were unusual events going on behind the scenes. Only after the trial did defense counsel learn that there had been unreported ex parte contacts between the jury and the judge, that jurors and a bailiff had planned a reunion, and that �either during or immediately following the penalty phase, some jury members gave the trial judge chocolate shaped as male genitalia and the bailiff chocolate shaped as female breasts,� 554 F. 3d 923, 930 (CA11 2009). The judge had not reported any of this to the defense.”  see  Wellons v. Hall, (click on the link).  The issue in this case is not whether Mr. Wellons is guilty   …  he may or may not be.  The issue is whether he has the ability/right to have a hearing about whether or not he received a fair trial, given the disclosures made after trial. Our Supremos ordered he should, given the facts of this case.  They declined to deal with the really important issues. Was it white or dark chocolate?  What size were the male genitalia chocolates?  (From “Blazing Saddles“,  “It’s twoo, it’s twoo!“)  Did the bailiff munch on the chocolate shaped “female breasts“?  Did the “female breasts” appear to be the breasts of a female of appropriate age?  Is the bailiff a potential child molester, if the chocolate breasts appear to be those of a female less than 18 years of age? No doubt, a pervert.  Maybe, the jury is as well!  A jury of perverts, sentencing some pilgrim to death!!  Fair trial? Look,  the death penalty is like putting a Band-Aid on a syphilitic chancre.  It’s an “Easy Button”, no less so than the “Zero Tolerance” policies our schools have adopted.  It costs more to put a person to death, then keep him/her confined for life.  It is not a deterrence.  And in my world view, the taking of human life is immoral under any circumstance, but justifiable to preserve human life.  As a veteran, I’m comfortable with that.

ABC NEWS –  ‘Small Smiles Centers’ Company to Pay $24 Million.  “A dental management company that serves low-income children insured by Medicaid will pay $24 million to settle allegations that it provided medically unnecessary and substandard services, the Justice Department announced Wednesday   …  Carrying out unnecessary and often painful procedures on children is “pretty disgusting; it doesn’t get much more disgusting than that,” Tony West, the assistant attorney general in charge of the Justice Department’s civil division, told a news conference  …  In a statement, FORBA said the settlement “encourages us to continue to focus on vital, high-quality dental care for children in America’s low-income communities.”  Justice Department civil division?  Where are the criminal prosecutions?

HOUSTON –  Attorney Stole Dead Dad’s Checks. “A Houston-area attorney who stole tens of thousands of dollars from his deceased father’s Social Security account is headed to prison, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.  Carlos Correa was accused of cashing his father’s Social Security checks for 12 years after his father died. Investigators said he took more than $100,000. Jurors found him guilty of one charge of theft. It took the panel 20 minutes to reach the verdict   … Correa’s father died in 1996, but no one told the Social Security Administration. Correa’s attorney said that should not have happened  …  The state bar has suspended him twice. Once he is released from prison, Correa will not be able to practice law again.” There’s good news and bad news. The good news?  He will not be able to regain his license to practice law.  The bad news?  He is moving to Missouri, opening a storefront and will help folks fill out the forms provided by our Court Administrator. I suppose in a way, that is also good news:  will provide additional advertising revenue for “Craig’s List” and the “Pennysaver”.

BBC NEWS  — Pretty women ‘anger more easily’.  “Attractive women may have the competitive edge by letting their temper flare more, research suggests. Researchers found women who rated themselves as pretty displayed a war-like streak when fighting battles to get their own way  …  In the study, the women who believed they were good looking were more likely to respond angrily in disputes than those who rated themselves as less attractive. Attractive women also had higher expectations of what they deserved.” Reminds me of Jimmy Soul’s song, (1963), “If You Wanna Be Happy.“  “If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life/  Never make a pretty woman your wife/  So from my personal point of view/ Get an ugly girl to marry you.”  Jimmy Soul was a two hit wonder.  His other hit, (1962), was “Twisting Matilda“.  He died of a heart attack in 1988, at the age of 45.

BBC NEWS –  Sexy sparrow exposed as world’s most promiscuous bird.  “A bird living on the coast of the US is the world’s most promiscuous bird, say scientists. The saltmarsh sparrow, a bird that lives in the marshes of Connecticut, was found to have extreme levels of multiple mating. The researchers found that 95% of females mated with more than one male during each nesting period  …  We found that nearly every clutch of eggs was the product of more than one father, and that within broods it was extremely common for any two siblings to have different fathers,” says Professor Chris Elphick from the University of Connecticut.”  Male and female saltmarsh sparrows do not form pairs nor do the males play any role in caring for chicks.  Sounds like some people I know.  Course, that begs the question, “Why didn’t the other 5%?”  Perhaps, it’s because they are ugly and found a male to nest with them?  Help raise the chicks? Maybe some birds are smarter than their human counterparts, (humming Jimmy Soul’s song!)

Sitting here editing these Ramblings, “Smarticus” and “Farticus” are playing on the floor, while the “Editorial Staff” is asleep in their chair.  We will have some “Lunch and a Movie” guests Sunday.  Cheese mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, beef garlic pot roast and French Silk Chocolate pie for dessert. The movie?   “Inglorious Bastards“  Time to post these Ramblings, then do a Photoshop Tutorial about “Alien Skin Bokeh“.  Then, chat a bit on “Facebook” and later hit the sack.  As I always do, I will say a prayer for the folks on my “prayer list”, a thank you for the many blessings in my life, especially Susan  …  and a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well, the best there is, is walking the walk so you can.  If my post offends, I apologize  –  that is not my intent. As always  …
A Warm Brotherly Hug
KarlT (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri, and the “Editorial Staff”, Willie, Dinker, Karly, my ‘Lil Buddy  …  and “Floyd” the copy boy.  “Smarticus” and Farticus” get no credit, since they didn’t contribute.)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of January 15, 2010.  I celebrate my 62nd birthday, today.  Dr. Martin Luther King and I have only two things in common.  We were both born the same day, he, January 15, 1929 and me, January 15, 1948  …  and we both had a dream.  His, much more worthy than mine.  He, to liberate us all from the cancer of racism.  Make our America live up to the promises contained in our Constitution   …  become the promised land. As for me?  Just become like an “Atticus Finch“:  a small town lawyer, representing real people, with real problems. That’s what I am, and that’s what I do.  I suppose in our own way, we have both realized our dreams.  He championed the cause against “racism”, equality, color blindness   …  and succeeded.  We have an African American President.  Racism still exists, of course,  but legally, our America has, indeed, become the promised land.  Yet, as a society, we are not yet “color blind”, when “race” remains a selection factor,  in the name of “diversity”.  Bigots remain bigots   …  both black and white.  I kind of wonder though  …  whether   …  there aren’t more Black bigots playing the race card, than White bigots?  Share with me?  How does a white bigot play the race card?  Certainly not on “Prime Time”.  Seems to me, Black Bigots own that venue. White bigots snipe in the background  …  spewing venom when and where they can.  There will always be bigots, (both Black and White), but they will only have something to hang their hats on until we as a society become completely “color blind”.  Until we focus on the real discrimination issue: economic disparity.  Although “race” may be one to the factors of  “diversity”  …  socioeconomic standing and cultural background, in my mind, remain the most important factors.  A fact Dr. King realized:  “In 1968, King and the SCLC organized the “Poor People’s Campaign” to address issues of economic justice. The campaign culminated in a march on Washington, D.C. demanding economic aid to the poorest communities of the United States. King traveled the country to assemble “a multiracial army of the poor” that would march on Washington to engage in nonviolent civil disobedience at the Capitol until Congress created a bill of rights for poor Americans.”  He was assassinated April 4, 1968. 

And in the “some lawyer will no doubt come up with a new cause of action and sue” category:  (CNN) –  Audiences experience ‘Avatar’ blues.  “James Cameron’s completely immersive spectacle “Avatar” may have been a little too real for some fans who say they have experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after seeing the film because they long to enjoy the beauty of the alien world Pandora.”  A new “wrongful death” action, perhaps?  I guess this means they will have to put a disclaimer at the beginning of the Movie:  “WARNING:  The scenes and scenery in this movie will bum you out if you lack the ability to see the beauty in your life, assuming you have one, which we doubt, since you just spent a bunch of money to escape it.”  Give me a break.  Is this the fallout from a 3D experience?  It’s so real, you become lost in it?  Easy enough to cure  –  join a new virtual reality game site, like “EverQuest” or
“Second Life“.  Course, if you lack the social skills to have a life in this reality,  can you really do any better in a virtual reality?  I doubt it.

BBC NEWS –  China faces growing gender imbalance.  “More than 24 million Chinese men of marrying age could find themselves without spouses by 2020, says the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The gender imbalance among newborns is the most serious demographic problem for the country’s population of 1.3 billion, says the academy  …  The academy says gender selection abortions are “extremely common”  …  The latest figures show that for every 100 girls born in China, 119 boys are born, the academy says in a new book.”   Now that’s a comforting thought:  24 million horny Chinese men in their late teens and early 20’s driven by a biological/hormonal need for female companionship?  Absent a war to kill off excess males,  I’m sure “polyandry” may become the norm for future Chinese families   …   really makes sense, if you think about it.  If the primary evolutionary goal, survival of the species, rests in providing for offspring,  what would be better than having 2 - 3 males providing the resources, (food, shelter, Nintendo, etc.).   Frankly, after doing the research, I don’t understand why there are so many Chinese.  According to the Durex Survey (2003):  “The countries with the lowest frequency of sex are Japan (37 times per), Malaysia (62) and China (69).”  If you do the math, that is an amorous evening about once a week.  So if a woman was encouraged to marry 3 men, each would have the ability to enjoy a couple of evenings per week with “his” wife, sit around, eat some Chinese and watch propaganda TV  …  and she would still have one quiet evening per week to be by herself, while the 3 “husbands” watch the children   …   and each of the 3 “husbands” would have at least 3 evenings per week to hang out with their “buds”.  Share with me   …  what women or man wouldn’t enjoy such a lifestyle?  The more I think about it, the more elegant a solution it appears to be.
 
BBC NEWS –  Having a big bum, hips and thighs ‘is healthy’.  “Carrying extra weight on your hips, bum and thighs is good for your health, protecting against heart and metabolic problems, UK experts have said.  Hip fat mops up harmful fatty acids and contains a natural anti-inflammatory agent that stops arteries clogging, a Nature publication has reported.  Big behinds are preferable to extra fat around the waistline, which gives no such protection, the authors said.”  That certainly explains why Americans are living longer!  Take a look around.  How many people can you see that don’t have fat *sses?  Sheesh!  And here we thought having an enlarged derriere and fat thighs was a bad thing.  No doubt a conspiracy by the clothing industry and fashion magazines,  pushing the “thin is healthy” agenda. Obviously, it takes less cloth to cover a thin butt:  resulting in a larger profit margin!!  Also explains why corpulent women were considered the most beautiful and desirable in the middle ages. I guess unclogged arteries have their charm.

Horrible tragedy in Haiti this week.  A 7 point earthquake devastated the country.  Projected death toll?  Well over 180,000.  According to the CIA Factbook,  Haiti and the Dominican Republic share an island in the Caribbean.  Haiti’s population?  9,035,536.  Ethnic Breakdown? 95% Black, 5% Mulatto and White.  Religion?  Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%   …   and roughly half of the population practices voodoo).  GNP?  $11.53 billion (2008 est.)  Dominican Republic’s population? 9,650,054, (July 2009 estimate).  Ethnic breakdown? 11% Black, 73% Mulatto, 16% White. Religion?  Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%.  GNP? $78.19 billion (2008 est.)  Haiti was devastated, the Dominican Republic was not.  Why?  Interesting article gives a good explanation:  Guardian.Co.UK  –  A divided island: the forces working against Haiti.  “Why did the political, economic and ecological histories of the Dominican Republic and Haiti  two countries that share the same island � unfold so differently?”  Part of the answer?  Haiti was a French Colony while the Dominican Republic was a Spanish Colony.  The French relied on slave labor while the Spanish did not.  “A second social and political factor is that the Dominican Republic with its Spanish-speaking population of predominantly European ancestry was both more receptive and more attractive to European immigrants and investors than was Haiti with its Creole-speaking population composed overwhelmingly of black former slaves.”  Read that to mean an industry based culture instead of an agrarian based culture.

Sitting here finishing off these Ramblings, the Editorial Staff scampering around, playing.  “Smarticus” and “Farticus”, asleep on their pillow.  I’m watching the evening news video feeds out of Haiti.  As densely populated as Port-au-Prince is,  the death toll will ultimately be much, much higher than the 180,000 projected.  Not from the earthquake per se, but from the lack of food, water and medical attention.  Societal unrest will be difficult to deal with when you have no food and water distribution infrastructure and providing security for aid workers will be near to impossible. Protecting Haiti’s 9 million civilians from each other will also be impossible.  Thugs will rule the streets.  For my birthday, Susan bought me a set of TV Ears.  Her ears are a lot younger than mine and also have not been subjected to gunfire, so she has no hearing loss.  Read that to mean she can actually watch and hear the TV, at a volume level that requires me to read lips!!  Kind of an interesting device.  A two piece unit:  a base that recharges the batteries in the headset and plugs into the audio out of the TV,  which also relays the audio, wirelessly, to a headset you wear. It works really, really well.  You can control the Bass and Treble settings and the overall volume level.  I would recommend it.  Time to post these Ramblings, and to all of you who Emailed birthday wishes to me:  Thank You.  My Dear Friend Bryan S, Dawn and their daughter will be coming to Ft Timmerman Sunday for a photo shoot.  I love shooting portraits, so should be a really good time.  I will spend the rest of this evening working on some images, then hit the sack   …  and as I drift off to sleep, pray for the folks in Haiti, (they truly need it), a pray of thanks for my greatest blessing, having Susan to share my birthday with  …  and a prayer for the relief workers in Haiti and our men and women in uniform:  I pray they all come home safe and soon, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well,  take a look around at what you have in this life and be thankful. Many have nothing, not even the basic necessities, nor their health.  You are safe, warm and have eatin today.  If my post offends, I apologize, that is not my intent.  As always  …
A Warm Brotherly Hug
KarlT (the dumb 62 year old, country lawyer from Holden, Missouri   …  and the Editorial Staff, Karly, Willie, Dinker, my ‘Lil Buddy   …   and Floyd, the copy boy, (Smarticus and Farticus are crashed  …  so they didn’t contribute anything to these Ramblings  …  other than being adorable!!)

Greets and Huggers!  Posted the evening of January 8, 2009.  Is it just me,  does anyone have any interest in watching what the major networks present as entertainment now-a-days?  ABC, CBS, NBC were  the networks I grew up watching.  What happened to them?  I remember a time when the evening news was about sharing what was happening in the world.  Just the facts, information reported in an unbiased manner.  Editorial opinion was clearly labeled “Editorial”.  Now, the evening news is about entertainment.  There were great westerns, like “Bonanza”, “Have Gun Will Travel”, (I can still hear the opening theme song, “Ballad of Paladin”, in my mind!!), “The Rifleman” and “Kung Fu”, to name several.  Comedy shows like, “Three’s Company”,  “Bob Newhart” and of course, the classic “All In The Family”.  Who could forget “Archie Bunker”?  Lawyer drama’s like “Perry Mason”,  “Matlock”, “L A Law” and of course “Ally McBeal”. Whole genre’s of shows with characters who were heros our children could emulate. Some shows rising to the level of  a “Morality Play”.  Now, what characters on network TV would you want your child to regard as a hero?  Frankly, I really have no desire to have my children want to emulate “Denny Crane”.  I suppose now, due to cable, we have more choices.  More channels.  More information.  And, of course, the Internet,  for those who wish to know, have up to date data, to form an opinion. As for the big networks?  A couple of good shows, from September through December, then re-runs and shows like “Dancing with the Stars”, “Survivor” and “American Idol”.  So share with me  …  can you name a character currently on network TV, that you believe would be a good role model for your child?  How about “Simon Cowell” from “American Idol”?

And in the Russian Government’s version of a “bailout”:  BBC NEWS  –  Russia ‘plans to stop asteroid’.  “The head of Russia’s federal space agency has said it will work to divert an asteroid which will make several passes near the Earth from 2029. Anatoly Perminov told the Voice of Russia radio service that the agency’s science council would hold a closed meeting to discuss the issue   …  Any eventual plan is likely to be an international collaboration, he said.  The US space agency said in October that there is a one-in-250,000 chance of Apophis hitting Earth in 2036  …  “People’s lives are at stake,” Mr Perminov reportedly told the radio service Golos Rossii (Voice of Russia)  …  “We should pay several hundred million dollars and build a system that would allow us to prevent a collision, rather than sit and wait for it to happen and kill hundreds of thousands of people.”  Honestly, 2029?  Hasn’t he watched the History Channel?  Everyone knows the world will end December 21, 2012.  Why spend the money for that? I think the money would be better spent on a Russian “Cash for Clunkers” program,  reviving the “Y ugo”.  Ok, Ok,  …  after watching the commercial, I thought of buying one, (some of my friends actually did!  Although most will now deny it!!).
 
( CNN) — Scientists discover oldest footprints on Earth.  “Scientists have found the oldest fossilized footprints made by a four-legged creature forcing a rethink on when fish first crawled out of water and onto land.  The discovery of the footprints in a former quarry in the Holy Cross Mountains in south-eastern Poland are thought to be 395-million years old — 18 million years older th(an the earliest tetrapod (a vertebrate with limbs rather than fins) body fossils.  The report published Thursday in the science journal Nature says the footprints of the tetrapod measure up to 26 (10 inches) centimeters wide, which scientists say is indicative of an animal around 2.5 (7.5 feet) meters in length.”  Wow.  I didn’t know there were Polish dinosaurs.  Does that mean Polish folks are descended from lizards, instead of apes? Not that it matters:  I still love kielbasa.  As an aside, Mel Brooks’, (Melvin “Mel” Kaminsky),  petrified baby shoes were also found there.

And in the latest “Global Warming” news  –  BBC NEWS — Germany prepares to face blizzard.  “German households have been advised to stock up on food, medicines and drinking water as the nation braces for a blizzard that is heading its way. Germany’s Civil Protection Office (BBK) says heavy snowfalls expected on Saturday could trigger local power cuts and severely disrupt public transport.” I don’t know if the science behind “Global Warming” is credible or not.  Whether rising global temperatures are just part of a natural cycle, or not.  There is a vigorous ongoing debate,  so I guess, reasonable, knowledgeable people can form differing opinions. Climatology:  Perhaps the earliest person to hypothesize the concept of climate change was the medieval Chinese scientist Shen Kuo (1031-1095 AD). Shen Kuo theorized that climates naturally shifted over an enormous span of time, after observing petrified bamboos found underground near Yanzhou (modern day Yan’an, Shaanxi province), a dry climate area unsuitable for the growth of bamboo. Early climate researchers include Edmund Halley, who published a map of the trade winds in 1686, after a voyage to the southern hemisphere. Benjamin Franklin, in the 18th century, was the first to map the course of the Gulf Stream for use in sending mail overseas from the United States to Europe. Francis Galton invented the term anticyclone. Helmut Landsberg led to statistical analysis being used in climatology, which led to its evolution into a physical science.  Well, the temperature in Holden these past couple weeks sure don’t support “Global Warming”.  Currently, the “wind chill” is -18 degrees and the projected low this evening is -8 degrees, with a wind chill of -30 degrees.

BBC NEWS –  Surprise rise in US job losses.  “US employers unexpectedly cut 85,000 jobs in December, but the unemployment rate held steady at 10%, official figures have shown.  The number of job losses was surprising, particularly after November’s figures had been revised. The US Labor Department had initially estimated that 11,000 jobs were cut in November, but now says that the economy had in fact added 4,000 jobs.”  We have spent how many trillion dollars in 2009?  The National Debt on 09/30/2000 was $5,674,178,209,886.86 and on  09/30/2006 it was $8,506,973,899,215.23.  So during the 6 years the Republicans were on watch, it increased by $2.8 Trillian.   In 2006, Democrats took the congressional wheel.  On their watch, these past 3 years, it has increased by $3.4 Trillion to $11,909,829,003,511.75. Almost $2 Trillian was spent in 2009.  Look,  I don’t acknowledge any difference between Blue Pigs and Red Pigs:  pigs is pigs.  But $2 Trillian dollars spent and there were 85,000 jobs lost last December alone?  Share with me  …  where is the money going?  It sure isn’t trickling down to main street.  I don’t know if the “Tea Party” movement will become a viable political force. I hope they do.  As of today, I will not support anybody in office in Washington. As contained in the title of Carrie Underwood song, ” Jesus take the wheel”,  I pray HE does,  because the Pigs in Washington are so wrapped up in their respective opposing political agendas, don’t believe anyone is holding it now.  Even a fool can see our America is trucking down the road at 90 miles an hour and  the bridge is out. 

Sitting here editing these Ramblings  …  it is so cold outside, the Editorial Staff is hunkered down before the space heater in Susan’s office and a couple even put on sweaters.  I’m watching the “Hitler Channel” because there is nothing else worth watching. Doesn’t look like —  my mouse disappeared.  I’m finishing these Ramblings in “Safe Mode”.  Oh well, always something.  I’m going to post these Ramblings, then try to figure out why my mouse disappeared.  Been putting off upgrading to WIN 7, have it installed on another disk but have not figured out how to run it in the WIN XP theme and don’t have the time to figure out the nuances.  I want to post these Ramblings.  Susan and her babies are asleep and looks like I’m going to spend an interesting evening  …  at the end of which, hopefully my system will be back up and running   …  and will say a prayer of thanks and a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well, please keep our men and women in uniform in your thoughts/prayers   …  and I’m hitting the send button.  Huggers
KarlT

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of January 1, 2010.  Today is the evening of the first day of another decennial/year.  I remember watching, with Susan, 2000 roll in with all the “end of the world” hype. Didn’t happen. Yesterday, Susan sent in the check for our “property taxes” and a check for “Quarterly Income Taxes”.  I won’t share the amounts  …  but SURE made us bleed. And I wonder, was it worth it?  Tempered by watching folks on CNN, in Iran, take to the streets  …  seek THEIR voice in their government,  social justice and security   …   reminds me   …  in our America, due to the Second Amendment  …  I have the RIGHT and the ability, to have enough weaponry at Ft Timmerman to hold off the Chinese Communist Army for a couple of hours, should they desire to invade.  Break into my home?  Do so at your own risk, I can rely on the “Castle Doctrine“.   Should a local cop, or the local political powers that are, target me for dissenting  …  I have recourse in our courts, the third branch of our government. History teaches, they will lose.  I can walk the streets and feel safe in my home because we remain a nation of laws, enforced by our men and women in uniform, (civil and military)  …  funded, for the most part, not by graft  …  but the taxes you and I pay.  And that begs the question, who will pay?  Simple. Due to choices made this year, our children and their children  …   and for now,  those of us who toiled in the fields, this past year.  We spent years learning how to hold the hoe, work the row, sacrificed for our families, paid student loan debts, and made enough money to trigger an income tax liability.  Accumulated enough, to owe substantial property taxes.  Some did not   …  because, perhaps, they had no desire or need to do so  …  [one of the most contentious debates ever on the SFIG was about the “Ants and Grasshopper” Fable!!]  For the past few years, some grasshoppers played in the fields,  and survived due to mild winters.  But this year, with a tough economic winter coming,  facing death  … some demanded ants share what they had worked hard to store, suggested ants have a moral obligation to share, so that grasshoppers can survive.  Is there a moral obligation to do so?  Grasshoppers have a great lobby in Washington. So do the owners of the fields they played in.  Some voted themselves obscene bonuses.  Some ants lived on what they stored because they could not find a row to hoe, (unemployment remains at unacceptably high levels.)  So share with me  …  do ants have a lobby/representation in Washington? All said and done?  I don’t mind writing a check to provide funds to protect me and mine, fund our government, if that government is limited, and focused on protecting me and mine from social, economic and physical predators. As for grasshoppers?  Let them reap as they sow.  History teaches, that saving grasshoppers only results in more grasshoppers.

Debates/posts on the SFIG this past year, were relatively mild, perhaps because it was not an election year.  Even the vigorous discussion of “Health Care Reform”, by SFIG standards, was civil. SFIG “family” members, for the most part, adhered to the Nettiquette Haiku.  And I remain puzzled by some of the posts from members of our little “Family” this past year.   Someone commenting about me being able to afford upgrading to a D700  …  while they vacationed in Mexico.  Another sharing  …  they didn’t need a “Vacation Rule” because they have a deal worked out with another Solo which allows them to take off whenever they wish  …  and suggested a “Vacation Rule” may limit their ability to take a vacation.  Share with me how having the ability to designate a time for you and your family to take time off, would in any way limit your ability, to do so? Share with me how creating/expanding/codifying an ability you already have, into a “right”,  could/would decrease or limit that ability? Instead, wouldn’t it be a way of encouraging our “Puppy Sharks” to take time off and refocus on what is important in the practice of law   …  and life in general? 

Somalia’s gross national product in 2008 was 2.6 billion dollars.  It has a population of approximately 9.8 million people, who have an average yearly income of $600.00, with a life expectancy of 49 years, (the median age being 17.8).  It does not have a viable government:  just clans and “Warlords”.  Last year, Somali Pirates attacked 214 vessels and successfully hijacked 47.  As of today, there are 12 ships with 263 crews members being held for ransom.  The average ransom amount is $2 million dollars.  35 ships and their crew were released after the ransom was paid.  (CNN) — Hijacked ships released off Somalia.  “A Singapore-flagged container ship hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia was released Monday, according to the European Union Naval Force Somalia.  The Kota Wajar, with a crew of 21, was the second hijacked ship released in as many days. A Chinese bulk carrier, the De Xin Hai, and its crew of 25 were released on Sunday, NAVFOR said. Both ships were hijacked in October.”  …  and, at the same time  …  (CNN) –  Somali pirates seize two ships.  “Somali pirates have seized two vessels, the International Maritime Bureau said Tuesday. The UK-flagged chemical tanker St. James Park, with 23 crew members aboard, was attacked at 14:49 UTC Monday (9:49 a.m. ET), said Michael Howlett, spokesman for the Maritime Bureau  …  A second vessel, the Navios Apollon bulk carrier, sailing under Panamanian flag and carrying 19 crew members, was attacked at 18:47 UTC Monday (1:47 p.m. ET).”  The United Nations has authorized the pursuit of pirates on land as well as the sea:   MANAMA (Reuters) –  Gates says U.S. lacks intelligence to fight Somalia pirates.  “The United States lacks the intelligence needed to pursue the fight against pirates on Somali soil, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Saturday.  His comments came days after the U.S. delegation at the United Nations circulated a draft resolution that would give countries the right to pursue pirates on land as well as at sea. Analysts say that pursuing pirates on land is crucial to any military response to attacks that have targeted dozens of ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean in recent months. “With the level of information we have at the moment, we’re not in a position to do that kind of land-based operation,”  Gates told a regional security conference in Bahrain. “Our first need is intelligence, (to know) who is behind it.”  Referring to media reports that “two to three clans or extended families” were behind the pirate attacks on ships off the Somali coast, Gates said: “If we can identify who those clans are then we can operate on land under the auspices of the United Nations and seek out ways to minimize collateral damage.”   There is difficulty in identifying the pirates?  The pirates home base is the port city of Eyl, Somalia,  (NOTE:  the link is to an interesting BBC article from September 18, 2008),  on the eastern coast of Africa. “Fancy houses are being built, expensive cars are being bought - all of this in a country that has not had a functioning central government for nearly 20 years.”   Gee, would it be a logical leap to assume some guy driving around in a late model Mercedes or Landcruiser in Somalia is somehow affiliated with the pirates, if indeed he was not one himself?  Do the words “Predator” and “Hellfire” ring a bell? 

BBC NEWS –  Scientists discover how wild mushroom cancer drug works.  “Scientists have discovered how a promising cancer drug, first discovered in a wild mushroom, works.  The University of Nottingham team believe their work could help make the drug more effective, and useful for treating a wider range of cancers. Cordycepin, commonly used in Chinese medicine, was originally extracted from a rare kind of parasitic mushroom that grows on caterpillars.”  Now, you have to ask yourself  …  who was the person in ancient China, that figured out that the mushrooms growing on a caterpillar have medicinal value?  What’s the Chinese word for “serendipity”?

BBC NEWS — Montana paves way for assisted suicide. “The Supreme Court in Montana has ruled that nothing in the state’s law prevents patients from seeking medical assistance to commit suicide. The ruling paves the way for Montana to become the third US state alongside Washington and Oregon to allow patients to seek the procedure  …  Doctors will now be able to prescribe the necessary drugs to the terminally ill without fear of prosecution.”   I have no doubt, given “Health Care Reform”,  patients will be given the option of seeking medical assistance for end of life issues.  It is a most cost effective solution, isn’t it? I also have no doubt, medical care will, at some point, have to be rationed because “Health Care Reform” doesn’t address the real underlying problem:  cost.  An answer is contingent on the question asked. At some point the question shifted from “How do we reduce cost so more people can afford health insurance?“  …  to  …  “How do we insure more people?”
 
Sitting here editing the Ramblings, the “Editorial Staff” hunkered down, (it is REALLY cold outside!!)  We held a “7 Bells Sanctuary” board meeting today, (by telephone conference).  The news? We incorporated, applied for and recieved 501(c)(3) status and  received our sales tax exemption from the State of Missouri, this past year.  We rescued 312 dogs, adopting out 102!! In a couple of weeks, on January 15th, I will celebrate my 62nd birthday, (never thought, I would live this long!!)  My daughter shared this past week, she is engaged to be married, to a really nice young man, (I have NO desire to kill him, and she does love him  …  doesn’t get any better than that  …  does it?)  Also, in another couple of weeks, our Board of Governors will meet to plan MoBar’s long term objectives.  The last long term plan included an “access to the courts” goal.  That resulted in the “Pro Se Commission”. which resulted in “Dissolution Kits” being made available on-line.  I remain opposed to providing the means for folks to harm themselves.  If the purpose for lawyers being licensed is to protect the public, why would we encourage folks to harm themselves  …  and why isn’t our Bar actively lobbying for tougher sanctions for the unauthorized practice of law?  I would encourage our BOG to highlight that as a goal.  Time to post these Ramblings and spend the rest of this evening working on some images.  Later as I drift off to sleep, I will say a prayer of thanks for having had a good year to share with Susan.  And a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well, the best there is, is walking the walk so you can.  If my post offends, I apologize  …  that is not my intent.  Susan and I want to wish you and yours a Happy and Prosperous New Year  …  and offer you all, a warm brotherly Hug!
KarlT (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri  …  and the Editorial Staff, Willie, Dinker, Karly, my ‘Lil Buddy   …  and Floyd the copy boy!)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of  December 25, 2009.   Susan and the “furry babies” are asleep.  Where is the “Editorial Staff” when you need them?  Sucking up heat from the pellet stove insert, no doubt.  We are on the back end of a “Winter Storm” …  Holden is iced up.  More snow projected for tomorrow.  As for me, just got done working on and posting some pics from the Vigil Mass we attended Christmas Eve. Susan and I had the honor of being Lectors, something we both really enjoy.  After Mass, I had to chip ice from the windshield of Susan’s van.  Even though St Patrick’s is only 6 blocks away from Ft Timmerman, it was still dicey driving home.  Last night, after Mass,  Susan opened two presents   …  presents she hinted she wanted:  a Craftsman “Multitool” and a Craftsman “AutoHammer“.  Go figure.  No frilly female stuff? Tools?  Tools I CAN USE AS WELL!!  Care to check out the vapor trail   … I left making it to Sears??  We spent today together, cooking 1/2 a turkey, eating and cleaning up afterward, hunkered down.  Warm and safe, with time to think about the meaning of Christmas.  Holidays like Christmas are a form of narcotic, an escape from the  responsibilities and obligations we have in life and perhaps a way to avoid looking at the bigger picture,  our role in the human condition.   I suppose most of us, myself included, focus on the fluff.  Minutia.  In my case, me and my life with Susan.  Part of the joy of Christmas is having the ability to do so.  And almost enough to forget the reason we celebrate.  A birth which, (many of us believe), resulted in the redemption of the divine spark in each of us. The ultimate sacrifice to remove the stain of original sin.  The promise of a new beginning with everlasting life.  And a mandate: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35.  A simple premise set by the example we celebrate Easter.  Under the “New Covenant”,  there is no need to make sacrifices to God:  your redemption is assured by real interpersonal sacrifice to one another based on acceptance of salvation through Christ.

It is interesting to realize that “real interpersonal sacrifice to one another” is a common theme in all religions.  Perhaps a religious construct/codification of an evolved basic human survival mechanism.  Ideally, social order is based on sacrifice, the willingness of all to take less, work together, so all will benefit and distribute resources, “each according to his/her need.“  Unfortunately, history teaches that a social order based on “each according to his need“, is not workable.  It goes against human nature and has not worked as a governmental construct, although is does work on a private level within a small/limited group of homogenous individuals, like churches, local welfare organizations, communes and “kibbutzim“.  The function of government is to protect society/individuals from predators, physical, (as in maintaining military, police and fire protection), and economic, (as in maintaining and regulating commerce, banking, investment and the infrastructure that mandates).  It is not the function of government to protect an individual from themselves by criminalizing bad choices   …  nor indemnify individuals for the bad life choices they have made. “Vices are those acts by which a man harms himself or his property.  Crimes are those acts by which one man harms the person or property of another.” Lysander Spooner, (1808 � 1887).

Washington (CNN) –  A Democrat’s view from the House: Senate bill isn’t health reform. “The Senate health care bill is not worthy of the historic vote that the House took a month ago. Even though the House version is far from perfect, it at least represents a step toward our goal of giving 36 million Americans decent health coverage. But under the Senate plan, millions of Americans will be forced into private insurance company plans, which will be subsidized by taxpayers. That alternative will do almost nothing to reform health care but will be a windfall for insurance companies. Is it any surprise that stock prices for some of those insurers are up recently?   …  The House bill would cover 96 percent of legal residents, while the Senate covers 94 percent. Compared with the House bill, the Senate’s bill makes it much easier for employers to avoid the responsibility of providing insurance for their workers.”  So, share with me   …  when did it become the responsibility of employers to provide health insurance?  Is this an extension of unemployment insurance or Workman’s Compensation Insurance?  Will ALL employers be subject to that mandate?  Or will there be some artificial criteria, like size, (Work Comp Laws) and/or revenues?  Frankly, I just don’t understand this mindset.  So I open a business:  I have this really great widget, I believe, everyone will want.  I mortgage my house to get the funds for the equipment I need to manufacture it.  Start doing so in my garage.  Can’t make enough alone, so I hire a couple of folks: 6.  When I do, I get a letter mandating the minimum wage I can pay.  I HAVE to buy Work Comp Insurance and I have to pay unemployment insurance.  And now, I also have to provide health insurance?  All at a time where small business are dying on the vine?  I am a small employer making less than $200,000 per year, with two employees.  Does that mean the government will now subsidize Susan and I’s health insurance premium?  Who is going to pay for it?  I suppose the same folks who will subsidize my welfare check, when I go bankrupt.

The UCMJ:   The Uniform Code of Military Justice, (if you have the time, read it, do!  An eye opening view of the law, our men and women subject themselves to, when they enlist!!)  The rule of law which EVERY member of our military subjects themselves to, in times past, when they were drafted  …  and today, enlist.  A code, not hampered by our “Bill of Rights”.  Some argue, for obvious reasons:  don’t want a legal proceeding or have a judge decide whether, when, some trooper is ordered to throw a grenade at folks shooting at them  … getting killed trying to do so, is prudent or violates a constitutional right. Different rules and different laws.  Washington (CNN) — Pregnant soldiers won’t be court-martialed, commander says.  “The commander who instituted a policy cracking down on pregnancy among soldiers defended it Tuesday as necessary to maintain troop strength, but said no soldier would ever be court-martialed for violating the directive.  The policy — which would punish soldiers who get pregnant or impregnate another soldier — was included in Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo’s orders to troops regarding conduct while deployed under his command in northern Iraq.”  I suppose that begs the question  …  if we are a nation of laws, why are there different laws  …  one set governed by our Bill of Rights  …  and another set for our men and women in uniform? Look, I unequivocally support our man and women in uniform. Period.  I also look long and hard at the folks commanding them   …  being a veteran, I am somewhat familiar with the “Peter Principle“.  But this rule I agree with.  I don’t think “Due Process” should be a factor while engaged in a firefight. Our troops are supposed to be there screwing the enemy,  not eachother. And in an update,  after a public outcry:  Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) –  U.S. military drops ban on soldiers getting pregnant.  “The U.S. military has dropped a controversial rule that called for punishing soldiers in northern Iraq for becoming pregnant or impregnating another soldier. The updated policy “does not include a pregnancy provision,” said Maj. Joe Scrocca, spokesman for U.S. Forces-Iraq.”  Not reported in the news?  The Pentagon has announced a new MOS, (Military Occupational Specialty):  69B.  Sex education and Pregnancy Avoidance Specialist.  Additionally, some “items” were also added to their “duffel bags”   …  (softly humming the old “Firestone” commercial, I searched for it but could not find it on “YouTube”.)

(CNN) –  HP looking into claim Webcam’s can’t see African-Americans. “Can Hewlett-Packard’s motion-tracking webcams see African-Americans? It’s a question posed on a now-viral YouTube video and the company says it’s looking into it. In the video, two co-workers take turns in front of the camera — the webcam appears to follow the white employee as she sways in front of the screen and stays still as the African-American man moves about.”  Well, sheesh!!  Maybe they should switch to a color camera/Webcam? You … think?

Sitting here finishing off these Ramblings.  No doubt, time to post them.  I’m still stuffed from the meal we had today   …  and so thankful for the many blessings in my life.  So grateful, (in my belief structure), that my God loved me, (and all of us),  enough to send his only begotten Son as the ultimate sacrifice for my redemption.  The only Mitzvah required of me, (unlike the 620 required in the Jewish Faith), to love and for sacrifice my fellow beings.  As I drift off the sleep, I will say a prayer of thanks for having Susan, (and her furry babies), to share this life with  …  and a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join my this Christmas Day?)  Be and sleep well, the best there is, is walking the walk   …  “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13  …  for you and I.  If my post offends, I apologize  –  it is a bit more “religious” than my normal Ramblings.  But this is Christmas Day.  As always  …
A Warm Brotherly Holiday Hug
KarlT  (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri  …  and the sleeping, heat sucking, Editorial Staff!!)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of December 18, 2009. I am a product of the 60’s.  Graduated High School in 1966 and had a scholarship to attend Capitol University Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, (the pre-seminary program for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA))  Columbus, Ohio is also the home of Ohio State University.  For those of you who lived through these times, you will remember the surging anti-war movement in 1966-67, and OSU was certainly one of it’s hubs.   The anti-war movement was also the catalyst behind the “sexual revolution“.  “Make love, not war!!”   A revolt against the stodgy morality and social values of the “Greatest Generation”.  A “sexual revolution” which has evolved and has now manifested itself in our social core:   New York (CNN) –  University considers ‘gender-neutral’ housing.  “When Columbia University student Sean Udell Manning enters his senior year next fall, he wants to share a one-bedroom apartment with one of his closest friends. His friend just happens to be female. Manning’s wish may become a reality if Columbia University becomes one of the latest universities to adopt co-ed rooming  …  “We have seen this tremendous increase among college institutions in the past two to three years moving toward gender-neutral housing,” Chang said.” Ah yes.  “Gender-Neutral“?  I guess this appears to be the mantra of the “politically correct”.  In some jurisdictions, marriage has become “Gender-Neutral”.  I suppose it is just a matter of time before we have “Gender-Neutral” restrooms   …  and “Gender-Neutral” locker rooms.  Funny, I seem to remember a time where two folks of the opposite sex, living together, was “Shacking Up”.  Frowned on.  Course, what we used to call “promiscuity” or “fornication”  …  is now called, “dating”.  Now, (from what I understand), the issue is not whether you will have sex, but how many “dates” you have before you do.  We now, have “Cougars”, older women seeking sexual liaisons with younger men  …  politically correct equality with older men seeking sexual liaisons with younger women.  Sorry! In my world view, both equally immoral.    I don’t understand why, as a society, we have allowed ourselves to become so focused on sex.  I understand sex is one of the 3 primal drives:  food and shelter being the other two.  It is because the vast majority of us have adequate food and shelter and therefore focus on sex?  As for “gender-neutral” housing?  At one point, we used to draft 18 year olds.  Why?  Because they were a couple of years short of coming out of “pubescent psychosis”, a few years short of becoming rational human beings when their hormones finally stabilize.  It is really a socially wise decision to house two teenagers, of the opposite sex, in the same one bedroom apartment?
 
And we are not the only nation dealing with sex issues:   Salzkotten, Germany, (WorldNetDailey) — Christian fathers put in jail for shunning explicit sex ed.  “An international human rights organization today announced it will pursue a civil lawsuit on behalf of parents who want to control their children’s education and withhold them from explicit sex education and play-acting classes required by the German government.  Joel Thornton of the International Human Rights Group told WND the government in Salzkotten, Germany, is sending the fathers of the children to jail for terms of one week because they have refused to turn their children over to school officials for mandated sex classes   …  The students who are being held out of sex education classes also are not being allowed by their parents to participate in a play-acting program called “My Body Belongs to Me,” which essentially teaches children how to engage in sex, the report said.”  So share with me  …  should it be the State that decides when it is time to have “that talk” with your child?  Or should it be a parent who decides?  From a political standpoint:  “Germany has one of the lowest birth rates in the world. In 2007 its national fertility rate was 1.45 children per woman, up slightly from the 2002 rate (1.31), but still well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. (By contrast, the United States had a fertility rate of 2.09 in 2006). At the same time, Germans are living longer, with a life expectancy of 75.6 for men and 81.3 for women. This demographic shift is already straining the country’s social welfare structures and will produce further economic and social problems in the future.”  But we don’t have to worry.  We have enough illegal immigration to more than make up for any shortfall, (assuming of course, illegals pay into the Social Security system   …  I don’t know?  Do they?)

 BBC NEWS — Testosterone link to aggression ‘all in the mind’.  “Giving women more of the male hormone testosterone can turn them into fairer and more amiable game players, according to tests. A single dose of testosterone was enough to have this effect, European scientists found, but only if the woman was oblivious to the treatment. If she realized she had received the hormone and not a dummy drug, she turned to greed and selfishness.”  Interesting.  Who funds this kind of research?  What they didn’t report?  The women who had recieved the testosterone shot were “fairer and more amiable game players”   … but were 4 times as likely to kill their opponent if they lost.  Additionally,  the German women that participated, were 3 times as likely to express a desire to invade Poland.

BBC NEWS –  Alzheimer’s risk linked to level of appetite hormone.  “High levels of a hormone that controls appetite appear to be linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, US research suggests. The 12-year-study of 200 volunteers found those with the lowest levels of leptin were more likely to develop the disease than those with the highest.” Ok, so you have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimers, if you eat well?  So where is the causal nexus? Low levels of leptin make you feel hungry, so you eat cr*p that is not good for you? Could that be harmful to your health?  Cause you to be more likely to come down with Alzheimers?

Bartow, Florida (CNN) — After 35 years, freedom in sight for Florida man exonerated by DNA evidence.  “After more than three decades in prison, James Bain is eager to be able to help his wheelchair-bound mother.  If all goes as planned in a Florida courtroom Thursday, Bain, 54, will be allowed to go home for the first time in 35 years — free from his life sentence thanks to a DNA test that showed he was not the man who took a 9-year-old Lake Wales, Florida, boy from his bed in 1974 and raped him   …   Of the 245 people in the United States who have been exonerated by DNA testing, none has spent more time behind bars than Bain, according to the Innocence Project, a national organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing.”  I remain opposed to the death penalty.  It is not a deterrent,  it is prohibitively expensive to carry out, (given the legal process involved) and costs more than a “life sentence without parole”.  Moreover, the taking of a human life is immoral, period.  But it is justifiable to preserve/protect human life.  Ask any of our men and women in uniform, both military and civilian.  We have an imperfect legal system, that does make mistakes:   you can’t fix   …  dead. 

Sitting here finishing off these Ramblings.  The “Editorial Staff” is already asleep, after their “evening treats”.  Susan is also in bed watching TV, surrounded by some of her “furry babies”.  Nothing good on TV this evening, not even on the “Hitler Channel”.  This past week, I had a friend crawl up on the roof and close the master vent:  there was a time I would have done so.  But I have become very aware of the difference between what my brain thinks my body can do  …  and what it actually, safely, can.  Seems each year, the difference between the two gets larger!!  Tomorrow, I will shoot a family portrait for a friend:  her mother is dying of cancer and the whole family is gathering for Christmas.  Tonight, to get ready, I will watch several “speed light” tutorials to “bone up” on my flash technique.  “Family Portraits” are difficult to shoot well, if you have many people and little room with poor light.  I’ll probable bring my Nikon 20mm, F2.8, 28mm, F2.8, 50mm, F1.4,  85mm, F1.8 and 105mm F2.8 prime lenses.  I have excellent zoom lenses, my Tamron 28-105mm, F2.8 being one of the sharpest lenses I have  …  but it lacks the Bokeh of a prime and for portraits, good Bokeh is critical, (although, frankly, you can alter the Bokeh in Photoshop using a plugin like Alien Skin Bokeh). Time to post these Ramblings and settle in for a quiet, warm evening at Ft Timmerman. Later, say a prayer of thanks for the many blessings in my life, the foremost being Susan  …  and a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?) Be and sleep well, the best there is, is walking the walk, so you can.  If my post offends, I apologize  –  that is not my intent.  As always   …
A Warm Brotherly Hug.
KarlT  (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri   …  and the sleeping Editorial Staff, Willie, Karly, Dinker, my ‘Lil Buddy   …  and Floyd, the copy boy.)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of December 11, 2009.  The 2009 MoBar Economic Survey is online.  It is an interesting read.  Out of the 28,000 lawyers currently licensed to practice law in Missouri,  5,000 were selected as being a “representative sample” and asked to participate in the survey.  Of the 5,000 asked to participate,  I was 1 of only 2,000 who actually responded.  Of the 2,000, 348 survey respondents stated they are sole practitioners, 274 in full-time private practice.  Of these 348, 335 answered the income question.  The results?  “Survey respondents reported income ranging from $0 up to $10,750,000, although incomes $3,000,000 and greater were not included in the means (averages) in order to avoid positively skewing these statistics  …  The mean (average) annual net income for all full-time practitioners answering the survey was reported at $177,840 in 2008. The mean (average) income is considerably higher because the computation of the mean includes 15 respondents in private practice with incomes reported between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 and three respondents with an income of $2,000,000   …  Full-time sole practitioners answering the survey realized an overall mean (average) income in 2008 of $104,504 …”   $104,504???  Well, I suppose if you make $104,504 a year, you have the time to participate in the survey.  I would venture to guess that the real average income for Solo and Small Firm lawyers in Missouri is in the 40 -70K range, or lower. The only real use that I can see for this survey is to entice folks to go to Law School. I can hear the guidance councilors now: “Yeah.  Really.  If you want to make a 100K a year go to Law School.  It will take you no time to pay off that 150K student loan debt.”  Look, if you really want to gather reasonably accurate data about our Bar membership  …   how about you allocate some of that $5 million held in reserve, (I’m still trying to figure out why there needs to be that much??),  and print the questions you want answered, on the back of  the license renewal form/dues statement mailed out to all 28,000 lawyers each year?  Have them check a box to opt in or not  …  then, wouldn’t you get more than 2,000 responses?  Have, perhaps, a more reliable database?

And in the “I think I’ll pass on this one” news  –  (CNN) –  Singles group makes history with first ‘cougar cruise’. “It’s a trip that would make Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher blush. On Friday, the Carnival cruise ship Elation, sponsored by the world’s largest nonprofit singles travel group, will make history by hosting the world’s first International Cougar Cruise, and we don’t mean the animal. Defined by the Urban Dictionary, a cougar is “an older woman who frequents clubs in order to score with a much younger man.” It can be anyone from “an overly surgically altered wind tunnel victim, to an absolute sad and bloated old horn-meister.”   …  The ship, which sets sail from San Diego, California, to Ensenada, Mexico, for three nights, is booked for 300 guests and even has a waiting list  …  “There’s at least four or five options a day for people to get together on the cruise. We’re doing lots of activities; dancing, dining, Jacuzzi parties, Karaoke for two hours. And starting at $125 a ticket, it’s a great price,” Thomas said.”   Rumor has it the three best selling items in the ships store are Depends, support hose and for the men?  Paper bags.  Reminds me of the three degrees of “Cyote Ugly“.  1st degree?  You wake up after an amorous night and discover you are holding the ugliest person you have ever seen   …  so you gnaw your arm off to avoid waking them up.  2nd degree?  Same as the first, but you notice you are wearing your brand new Rolex watch  …  and gnaw your arm off anyway.  3rd degree?  Same as the first two, but as your running across the parking lot to your car, it dawns on you this person will be looking for a one armed man   …  so you gnaw your other arm off.  I’m curious.  What do they call men who are interested in dating much younger women? Governor? Congressman? Senator?

Los Angeles, California (CNN) –  Judge delays arguments on Joe Jackson’s allowance request.  “Michael Jackson’s father will have to wait until next month before a judge decides whether he’ll get a monthly allowance from the pop star’s estate.  Joe Jackson, who was not included in his son’s will, is asking for as much as $20,000 a month  …  Beckloff also threw out a petition by a British woman who claims she was married to Michael Jackson when he died and is the mother of his three children.”  This morning I noticed a flock of large birds heading west  …  I thought they were Canada Geese.  I guess they were really vultures flocking to Los Angeles.

And in the “how stupid is” this news  –  (CNN) –  ‘New Moon’ taping may put woman in prison.  “A birthday celebration that culminated in a trip to catch the blockbuster movie “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” could land 22-year-old Samantha Tumpach in prison for three years. The Chicago, Illinois-area woman captured three minutes of the film on her video camera while taping part of her sister’s surprise party at a Muvico theater in Rosemont. Theater managers contacted police, who arrested Tumpach. She spent two days in jail. Now she faces a felony charge of illegally copying a movie.” The “Motion Picture Association of America”, (MPAA),  lobbied congress to enact the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, (DMCA).  I don’t do copyright law:  does the DCMA require a culpable mens rea?  Or is it a malum prohibidum offense?  In either case, bringing charges in this instance for “three minutes of the film on her video camera while taping part of her sister’s surprise party” is just flat out stupid.  What was the prosecutor thinking?  The motion picture industry needs to rethink it’s business model. It is far too easy to get on torrent sites, (”google” “torrent” for a list of sites), and download movies, some not even playing in theaters yet.  I think the future lies in 3D movies like “Avatar” that provide an experience only available in theaters.

Sitting here editing these Ramblings, the pellet stove cranking out enough heat to keep the furnaces from firing on.  The Editorial Staff, asleep at my feet.  Tonight begins the first day of Hanukkah.  Susan and I would like to wish all of our Jewish brothers and sisters, especially the Alans, Les, the Davids and of course, my Dear Friend Rabbi Jacques …  a most festive and Happy Hanukkah!! May the following 8 days rekindle your faith as you bask in the light cast by family, neighbors and friends. On the evening news?  Our congress is set to pass an appropriations bill containing 2 BILLION dollars in entitlements.  So much for deficit reduction.  The Holden Chamber of Commerce is hosting an “Artists Walk” tomorrow, so I will put some of my work on display.  Time to post these Ramblings and settle in for a quiet evening at home printing and matting some of my images, (just posted a T-Shirt Graphic).  Later I’ll drift off to sleep while saying a prayer of thanks for having Susan to walk this walk with, and of course, a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?)  Be and sleep well, the best there is is walking the walk so you can.  If my post offends, I apologize  –  that is not my intent.  As always   ….
A Warm Brotherly Hug
KarlT  (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri and the Editorial Staff, Karly, Willie, Dinker, my ‘Lil Buddy   …  and Floyd the copy boy.  We have two new little miniature Daschund rescues:  Smarticus and Farticus)

Greets and Huggers.  Posted the evening of December 4, 2009.  Watched President Obama define our commitment in Afghanistan Tuesday evening.  A 35 minute speech.  30,000 more troops will deploy to Afghanistan next year, (with the hope that our “allies” will deploy others.)  Shared, how this is not another Vietnam.  An exit strategy for 2011.  There is no doubt, our President is a GIFTED orator/speaker. I LOVE watching him talk the talk!!  To me, he seems like a really good guy, with values, which, for the most part,  I espouse.  But,  is he correct about the threat to our and Europe’s security?  Without a doubt, he is.  Look,  this part of the world, the southern part of Afghanistan and the boarder regions of Pakistan, is a cesspool generating cancers that can affect the world body.  Whether sending in additional troops will solve that problem is another issue.  After 8 years of fighting   …  “On his arrival in power in March 1985, the new Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev expressed his impatience with the Afghan conflict. He demanded that a solution be found before a one-year deadline. As a result, the size of the LCOSF (Limited Contingent of Soviet Forces) was increased to 108,800 and fighting increased throughout the country, making 1985 the bloodiest year of the war. However, despite suffering heavily, the mujahideen were able to remain in the field and continue resisting the Soviets.”  Ultimately, the Russians declared a victory and moved out, creating a power vacuum that lead to the rise of the Taliban.  The big difference between the Russian occupation and the current multinational occupation, is that the Russian occupation was a proxy war, with the west supporting and funding the Muhajadeen in their fight against the Russians.  Currently the Muhajadeen only have the support of fundamentalist Islamic splinter groups, (mostly Sunni). [Note:  from what I understand, there are two branches in Islam:  Shia and Sunni. In terms of structure/organization,  the Shia are akin to the Catholic Church in that they have a centralized clergy hierarchy claiming direct lineage to Mohamed, while the Sunni are akin to Protestants in that each mosque has it’s own Iman who may be affiliated with other mosques in the region.]  Share with me  …  if 108,800 Russian troops on the ground could not defeat the Muhajadeen,  what makes us think we can?  Perhaps a better solution would be to put more boots on the ground here in the form of police officers and strengthen our boarders.

BBC NEWS  –  Thirsty camels get the hump in Australia water search.  “A remote Australian outback town is under siege from thousands of feral camels hunting for water as drought continues to grip parts of the country. The thirsty dromedaries smashed water mains and invaded the local airstrip in Docker River, leaving residents too scared to venture outside.”  Obviously it was not straw that broke the camels back.  (Shuddering)   …  Frankly, I would not care to get between a thirsty camel and water.   I wonder if they get sagging humps?

BBC NEWS  –  Australian aims to breed ‘green’ sheep that burp less.  “Australian scientists have said they are hoping to breed sheep that burp less as part of efforts to tackle climate change. The scientists have been trying to identify a genetic link that causes some sheep to belch less than others. Burping is a far greater cause of emissions in sheep than flatulence, they say.”   Sheep put out more gas from the front, than the back?  How do you get data to reach such a conclusion?  And belching is a genetic thing?  I could never sell that to Susan!  I suppose if they were serious about reducing gas, they should stop feeding the sheep beer.  Or when they do, also feed them some “Beano“.

BBC NEWS  –  Germany to draw up ‘values contract’ for new immigrants.  “Germany is drawing up a new contract to bind new immigrants to the country’s values, officials say. Newcomers should learn German and uphold values such as freedom of speech and sexual equality, said Commissioner for Immigration Maria Boehmer. In return, immigrants could expect “help and support”, Dr Boehmer said   …  “In those contracts will be set out what they can expect in terms of support and help. But they will also set out what we can expect from immigrants.”  Them Germans have some strange ideas   … don’t they?  Can you picture the uproar if we tried to do something like that, here?  But then, in Germany, you don’t have to select a language should you call for tech support. 

BBC NEWS  –  Sweden woman’s ‘murder’ committed by elk not husband.  “A Swedish man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife has been cleared, after police decided she was probably killed by an elk.  Ingemar Westlund, aged 68, found the dead body of his wife Agneta, 63, by a lake close to the village of Loftahammer in September 2008. He was immediately arrested and held in police custody for 10 days. Now the case has been dropped after forensic analysis found elk hair and saliva on his wife’s clothes.”  Woah!! “Killer Elk on the loose!”  No doubt a “made for TV” movie in Sweden.  I can picture defence counsel in his closing argument:  “If the horns don’t fit, you must acquit!!“  Kind of makes you wonder what this poor woman died of?  What would make her husband a suspect?  Did they find him wandering around wearing Elk horns?  Or faux Elk hoofies?

(CNN) –  Brain of world’s best-known amnesiac mapped.  “Henry Molaison, known as H.M. in scientific literature, was perhaps the most famous patient in all of brain science in the 20th century.  “My daddy’s family came from the South and moved North, they came from Thibodaux Louisiana, and moved north,” Molaison would say. “My mother’s family came from the North and moved South.” Within 15 minutes he might repeat this exact statement twice more, unable to remember that he’d already said it. Scientists studied him for most of his adult life   …  A camera is taking a picture of each individual slice, and these pictures will also be made available on the Web. The goals are to map the human brain in new ways and correlate individual structures with specific functions such as memory.”  I do that alot.  Can’t seem to remember things like I used to.  I just figured that was part of hitting 60!!  Did I say I do that alot?  And what’s with putting pictures of the brain slices on the Internet?  I guess they just want to give you piece of mind.

Sitting here editing these Ramblings watching the “Hitler Channel”, (that’s what Susan calls the “History Channel“  –  since much of their programing involves Nazis).  The “Senior Editors” are crashed at my feet.   We have an adopter coming to pick up “Rafferty” and bring him to his new “Fur-ever” home.  Part of the adoption fee is a $25.00 contribution in canned good for St Patricks Food Pantry.  The “Pellet Stove” is cranking out heat  –  we are toasty warm even though the furnaces have not kicked in yet.  Last year, we lowered our heating costs from an average of $320.00/month to $150.00/month.  Sutherlands is having a special on them.  Time to post these Ramblings and settle in for a quiet evening at home, working on one of my image projects.  Later, I’ll hit the sack, say a prayer for the many blessings in my life, especially Susan   …  and of course, a prayer for the safe and soon return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?).  Be and sleep well, soon, some of the best our America has to offer will go in harms way, so you can.  I pray their deployment will not be in vain.  If my post offends, I apologize  –  that is not my intent.  As always  …
A Warm Brotherly Hug
KarlT (the dumb old country lawyer from Holden, Missouri   …  and the Editorial Staff, Willie, Karly, Dinker, my ‘Lil Buddy  …  and Floyd, the copy boy.)