Done with a two nighter. uff. And about a billion things to chat about. On the commute home I usually come up with one or two things I'd like to ruminate on here. Yet somehow by the time I get home, I forget most of them.
Today though I got to thinking a bit about taxes and the financial situation of our country and world. I have nothing new to add to the gripes and woes from folks who have already been heard. We've lived beyond our means, we've racked up debt, we have greedy people who know the game running the game and screwing the rest of us. Yada yada yada.
It seems like it's time for an actual change. A return to something logical and comprehensible by average mathematicians like me. I can't figure out the logic behind giving out tax refunds, then taxing them the next year. Or the fact that the tax code reads like legalese vomited from the heads of twenty completely insane lawyers.
In other news, the peppers are starting to come up! Very exciting. Only a month and a half until planting day, and I can hardly wait! If all goes well, I'll have peppers of the red, yellow, green, purple, chocolate and orange colors, from very sweet to very hot!
Good times, good times.
More Later
My Dog Shoba
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
My Second Birthday
Seventeen years ago today I woke up to a new world. It was the first day I could put an EGA on my dress blues, which I did. Then I dressed in those blues, along with 90 other freshly minted Marines, and we hit the parade ground for our final review and graduation.
It was a pretty awesome day. I still remember marching past the grandstand, seeing from the corner of my eye my parents and relatives. I had dropped about seventy pounds in those thirteen weeks, so they didn't recognize me at first.
I remember my Drill Instructor telling me that this wasn't the end, but only the beginning.
I remember saying goodbye to the friends I had made, none of whom I have seen since.
I remember feeling very mature at twenty years old, ready and able to take on the world.
It was just the beginning of a whole new adventure. Never again would I be treated like a child. Never again would I shy away from a challenge. And I really was forever changed by the training I went through. Not brainwashed as some had feared, but enhanced. My folks did a great job of instilling who I was, the Marines just polished it up a bit. Oh, and taught me a dozen ways to kill with just my bare hands and a pencil.
Of the skills I learned in the Corps, I use the honor, courage, integrity and commitment the most. Everything else was gravy.
Seventeen years ago this morning, I became a Marine. And though I've been out for almost a decade now, I will always be a Marine.
More Later
It was a pretty awesome day. I still remember marching past the grandstand, seeing from the corner of my eye my parents and relatives. I had dropped about seventy pounds in those thirteen weeks, so they didn't recognize me at first.
I remember my Drill Instructor telling me that this wasn't the end, but only the beginning.
I remember saying goodbye to the friends I had made, none of whom I have seen since.
I remember feeling very mature at twenty years old, ready and able to take on the world.
It was just the beginning of a whole new adventure. Never again would I be treated like a child. Never again would I shy away from a challenge. And I really was forever changed by the training I went through. Not brainwashed as some had feared, but enhanced. My folks did a great job of instilling who I was, the Marines just polished it up a bit. Oh, and taught me a dozen ways to kill with just my bare hands and a pencil.
Of the skills I learned in the Corps, I use the honor, courage, integrity and commitment the most. Everything else was gravy.
Seventeen years ago this morning, I became a Marine. And though I've been out for almost a decade now, I will always be a Marine.
More Later
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Hawkeye State, Seeing Clearly
Back on April 3rd, my home state of Iowa passed a law saying that gay and lesbian people have the right to be married. Now, I must admit first off that even though my cousin Kate and her partner Trish were literally at the tip of the spear for that legal fight, I didn't follow it too closely. Life was happening here, and in all reality I figured it would all go the way of proposition (h)8 out in California.
But then something amazing happened. Iowa is going to let all people have the right to be married!
What? I thought. What happened to those self-righteous twits who always seem to be able to jam their opinions onto everyone else? Where was the ever-present homophobia in the system? What about all those protesters with the signs saying that if gays are allowed to be married it would ruin the institution? Where, oh where was the fear mongering!?!
Could it be possible that common sense actually prevailed?
It has taken me this long to really get even a part of my brain around it. Because, you see, common sense rarely survives in bureaucracy. Common sense is often somehow misplaced the higher one seeks it in an institution. Common sense is often the first victim in a fight between religion and, well, almost anything else.
I am very proud to be a Christian. It took me a long time, and many years of study, to finally believe. But there are times when I wonder if many Christians understand what being a Christian means. As a group, we should be the most accepting, most loving and most forgiving people one could meet. But in reality, we can tend to be quite elitist. Most "Christian" communities I've experienced would probably exclude Jesus if He came to their church or organization.
As a Christian, I believe in the sacredness of the institution of marriage. That two people joined by God become something quite different than the two individuals that stood before Him just moments before. But I don't believe God sees gender. Just like I don't believe he sees color or nationality or even religion. God is bigger than all of that. God is bigger than the two that stand before Him. Bigger than the officiant who heads the service. Bigger than any single organized religion. And WAY bigger than any who cling to bias and hatred in His name. Wanna use the Lord's name in vain? Use it to espouse your homophobia. (Or your racism)
I know some gay and lesbian couples. Quite a few actually. When I stopped to think about just how many, I was a little surprised. (Mainly because I don't really care if they are gay or not. It just doesn't hit my radar) I wondered if I had them as actual neighbors, living right next door to me and my family, if somehow that would threaten my marriage, or somehow corrupt my children.
But what I know for a fact is that nobody can threaten my marriage except me or my wife. And there are about a billion things far more dangerous than a loving couple living next door that could corrupt my kids. And while there are some narrow minded folks out there that would condemn them for their "lifestyle", I know that I would much rather have Kate and Trish living next door to me than the guy who chops down my lilacs and sprays weed killer in my yard. Their "lifestyle" is about as innocuous as mine. Probably more so.
So congratulations Common Sense! You scored a victory in Iowa. May many more states follow. Congratulations Kate and Trish and Mike and Brett and Jake and Kevin and all of my other friends and acquaintances who just happen to be gay. 'Bout time you were given your rights. Rights that I swore to protect and defend as a US Marine.
But then something amazing happened. Iowa is going to let all people have the right to be married!
What? I thought. What happened to those self-righteous twits who always seem to be able to jam their opinions onto everyone else? Where was the ever-present homophobia in the system? What about all those protesters with the signs saying that if gays are allowed to be married it would ruin the institution? Where, oh where was the fear mongering!?!
Could it be possible that common sense actually prevailed?
It has taken me this long to really get even a part of my brain around it. Because, you see, common sense rarely survives in bureaucracy. Common sense is often somehow misplaced the higher one seeks it in an institution. Common sense is often the first victim in a fight between religion and, well, almost anything else.
I am very proud to be a Christian. It took me a long time, and many years of study, to finally believe. But there are times when I wonder if many Christians understand what being a Christian means. As a group, we should be the most accepting, most loving and most forgiving people one could meet. But in reality, we can tend to be quite elitist. Most "Christian" communities I've experienced would probably exclude Jesus if He came to their church or organization.
As a Christian, I believe in the sacredness of the institution of marriage. That two people joined by God become something quite different than the two individuals that stood before Him just moments before. But I don't believe God sees gender. Just like I don't believe he sees color or nationality or even religion. God is bigger than all of that. God is bigger than the two that stand before Him. Bigger than the officiant who heads the service. Bigger than any single organized religion. And WAY bigger than any who cling to bias and hatred in His name. Wanna use the Lord's name in vain? Use it to espouse your homophobia. (Or your racism)
I know some gay and lesbian couples. Quite a few actually. When I stopped to think about just how many, I was a little surprised. (Mainly because I don't really care if they are gay or not. It just doesn't hit my radar) I wondered if I had them as actual neighbors, living right next door to me and my family, if somehow that would threaten my marriage, or somehow corrupt my children.
But what I know for a fact is that nobody can threaten my marriage except me or my wife. And there are about a billion things far more dangerous than a loving couple living next door that could corrupt my kids. And while there are some narrow minded folks out there that would condemn them for their "lifestyle", I know that I would much rather have Kate and Trish living next door to me than the guy who chops down my lilacs and sprays weed killer in my yard. Their "lifestyle" is about as innocuous as mine. Probably more so.
So congratulations Common Sense! You scored a victory in Iowa. May many more states follow. Congratulations Kate and Trish and Mike and Brett and Jake and Kevin and all of my other friends and acquaintances who just happen to be gay. 'Bout time you were given your rights. Rights that I swore to protect and defend as a US Marine.
Here's a pie graph for those who need an illustration
If you are someone who shudders to think about two people of the same gender being married, someone who believes that "those type of sinners" have no place in society... Well, just try and remember two things. First, I'm pretty sure the Bible says someplace something about judge not lest ye be judged. Second, Jesus hung out with the undesirables of the time. Prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors, the poor. He loved them all the same and accepted them for who they were. So I ask you... What would Jesus do?
More Later
If you are someone who shudders to think about two people of the same gender being married, someone who believes that "those type of sinners" have no place in society... Well, just try and remember two things. First, I'm pretty sure the Bible says someplace something about judge not lest ye be judged. Second, Jesus hung out with the undesirables of the time. Prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors, the poor. He loved them all the same and accepted them for who they were. So I ask you... What would Jesus do?
More Later
Sunday, April 5, 2009
1776
So one of my favorite musicals is "1776". It's one of those that if it is ever done around here, I'd audition in a heartbeat.
Anyway, besides the great music and very obvious theme, the characters include many of my favorite people I'd like to meet someday but just won't in this lifetime. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Samuel Adams (not the beer), Caesar Rodney, and of course, Thomas Jefferson.
Amongst other things, Jefferson was a farmer, an architect, a writer (he did the Declaration of Independence as you probably know), a lawyer, a diplomat, an inventor, a Vice President and a President, and as the song from the musical says, he played the violin. The guy was a real renaissance man. He did a little bit of everything.
I have been interested in historical figures for a great many years now, which probably explains why I "want to leave a mark on the world", as I read about people like Jefferson, who had many of the same interests as I. I am actively pursuing becoming a renaissance man, but I don't know what has to happen to finally earn the title.
When I was in boot camp for the USMC, we were constantly being told that we were not Marines yet, we had not earned the title. And it wasn't like we could just title ourselves. That graduation day on April 10 of 1992 was life changing for me, as it was the first day I could wear the EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor, the symbol of the USMC) and really claim it as my own.
How does one do that to be a Renaissance Person? There is no symbol for it. No tests or degrees. Here's a list of things that I do. I'm a writer, a musician, a craftsman in stained glass, metal, wood, I'm a bowyer, a knifesmith, a blacksmith, a gardener, a pilot, and although I have no "formal" training (ie: no degree in the subjects) I have studied astronomy, architecture, botany, animals of various shapes and sizes - including how to fix them when they're broken, I've studied renewable energy like wind, solar, and biodiesel (and have a great idea for a little home based wind and sun powered generator) oh, and I'm a bit of an inventor too.
If I had lived back in 1776, I would probably have fit right in. These days it seems like you have to have the special paper from an accredited university to actually count for anything. Maybe I'll start a Renaissance University where people can submit examples of their works and studies and get a degree. Hmm. Gotta run, maybe it already exists!
More Later
Anyway, besides the great music and very obvious theme, the characters include many of my favorite people I'd like to meet someday but just won't in this lifetime. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Samuel Adams (not the beer), Caesar Rodney, and of course, Thomas Jefferson.
Amongst other things, Jefferson was a farmer, an architect, a writer (he did the Declaration of Independence as you probably know), a lawyer, a diplomat, an inventor, a Vice President and a President, and as the song from the musical says, he played the violin. The guy was a real renaissance man. He did a little bit of everything.
I have been interested in historical figures for a great many years now, which probably explains why I "want to leave a mark on the world", as I read about people like Jefferson, who had many of the same interests as I. I am actively pursuing becoming a renaissance man, but I don't know what has to happen to finally earn the title.
When I was in boot camp for the USMC, we were constantly being told that we were not Marines yet, we had not earned the title. And it wasn't like we could just title ourselves. That graduation day on April 10 of 1992 was life changing for me, as it was the first day I could wear the EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor, the symbol of the USMC) and really claim it as my own.
How does one do that to be a Renaissance Person? There is no symbol for it. No tests or degrees. Here's a list of things that I do. I'm a writer, a musician, a craftsman in stained glass, metal, wood, I'm a bowyer, a knifesmith, a blacksmith, a gardener, a pilot, and although I have no "formal" training (ie: no degree in the subjects) I have studied astronomy, architecture, botany, animals of various shapes and sizes - including how to fix them when they're broken, I've studied renewable energy like wind, solar, and biodiesel (and have a great idea for a little home based wind and sun powered generator) oh, and I'm a bit of an inventor too.
If I had lived back in 1776, I would probably have fit right in. These days it seems like you have to have the special paper from an accredited university to actually count for anything. Maybe I'll start a Renaissance University where people can submit examples of their works and studies and get a degree. Hmm. Gotta run, maybe it already exists!
More Later
Not So Oldies, but Still Goodies
My wife is a fan of 80's TV. Since we disconnected our cable back in 2003, we've relied on DVD's and videotape for our viewing pleasure. We have a pretty extensive video library in many a genre, and of course a goodly supply of "Baby Einstein" and "Clifford the Big Red Dog". Now my wife has discovered that our local library has on hand a great many videos of all shapes and sizes as well. Amongst them, "Remington Steele". That early 80's gumshoe classic with Pierce "I'll be James Bond Soon" Brosnan, and Stephanie "Not Going to be in Much Else" Zimbalist.
Unfortunately they are very addictive and fun to watch. They are also an obvious precursor to "Moonlighting" the Bruce Willis, Cybill Shepherd. Also addictive and fun to watch.
So, I'm up late, late, late. Watching Remington Steele and cleaning up after the two wild children. Sweet Pea is crawling. She's fast, and she knows exactly what to get into to create maximum chaos. The Boyo is the same. But he runs. In fact, he is so quick that we have actual pictures of empty spaces that he used to be occupying just moments before. Of course, we get very little done around here when those two are around. But they are a sheer delight to watch and play with. I don't think I giggle as much anywhere else or doing anything else as when I spend time with those two.
Anyway. Dishes are done. I think I'll unload those, solve the current mystery on RS and hit the hay.
More Later
Unfortunately they are very addictive and fun to watch. They are also an obvious precursor to "Moonlighting" the Bruce Willis, Cybill Shepherd. Also addictive and fun to watch.
So, I'm up late, late, late. Watching Remington Steele and cleaning up after the two wild children. Sweet Pea is crawling. She's fast, and she knows exactly what to get into to create maximum chaos. The Boyo is the same. But he runs. In fact, he is so quick that we have actual pictures of empty spaces that he used to be occupying just moments before. Of course, we get very little done around here when those two are around. But they are a sheer delight to watch and play with. I don't think I giggle as much anywhere else or doing anything else as when I spend time with those two.
Anyway. Dishes are done. I think I'll unload those, solve the current mystery on RS and hit the hay.
More Later
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sprouts
Amazing things can happen in one night. Last night as I slept (lots and lots, as I was coming off a couple of long night shifts) the wonderful mixture of seed, soil and my special see starting soil mix brought forth the first sprouts!
Here they are in all of their glory.
They aren't much to look at now. But give them a couple of months.
More Later
Here they are in all of their glory.
They aren't much to look at now. But give them a couple of months.More Later
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Seeds Are Started
Or were started a few days ago on the 28th. I couldn't find my cable to download pictures until today, but here they are.
The Boyo was a great helper, of course. Together we filled the little Cow Pots with my special dirt mix, then I labeled the Popsicle sticks and he helped me put those in. Then we planted the seeds and watered them and moved them to a warm spot to germinate.
We've got 40 peppers planted and 24 tomatoes. Each pot gets two seeds (one for a back up) and I'll weed them out as they sprout. When I first started gardening I used to re-pot all the seconds, because I felt bad just letting them die. But that just led to an overabundance of seedlings and not enough space in the garden for all the plants. So I've become a bit more of a realist, and I'm no longer afraid to "thin the herd".
I did plant a few varieties not on my master list. I figured that my Dad would want a Brandywine tomato for his garden, and I'll swap out a few peppers on the list with others if they all germinate.
Anyway, we are now waiting with great anticipation the arrival of the first little sprouts. Then it's out to the grow rack and under the lights until planting in the garden day arrives!
By the way - if anybody wants a plant or two, I can re-pot the seconds and send them along. Just let me know!
Here's the list of varieties...
Tomatoes
Amish Paste
Green Zebra
Gold Medal
Japanese Trifele Black
Nyagous
Roma
White Beauty
Peppers
Ancho Gigantea
Jalepeno
Marconi Red
Napolean Sweet
Orange Bell
Purple Beauty
Quadrato Asti Giallo
Wisconsin Lakes
The Boyo was a great helper, of course. Together we filled the little Cow Pots with my special dirt mix, then I labeled the Popsicle sticks and he helped me put those in. Then we planted the seeds and watered them and moved them to a warm spot to germinate.
We've got 40 peppers planted and 24 tomatoes. Each pot gets two seeds (one for a back up) and I'll weed them out as they sprout. When I first started gardening I used to re-pot all the seconds, because I felt bad just letting them die. But that just led to an overabundance of seedlings and not enough space in the garden for all the plants. So I've become a bit more of a realist, and I'm no longer afraid to "thin the herd".
I did plant a few varieties not on my master list. I figured that my Dad would want a Brandywine tomato for his garden, and I'll swap out a few peppers on the list with others if they all germinate.
Anyway, we are now waiting with great anticipation the arrival of the first little sprouts. Then it's out to the grow rack and under the lights until planting in the garden day arrives!
By the way - if anybody wants a plant or two, I can re-pot the seconds and send them along. Just let me know!
Here's the list of varieties...
Tomatoes
Amish Paste
Green Zebra
Gold Medal
Japanese Trifele Black
Nyagous
Roma
White Beauty
Peppers
Ancho Gigantea
Jalepeno
Marconi Red
Napolean Sweet
Orange Bell
Purple Beauty
Quadrato Asti Giallo
Wisconsin Lakes
The "spare varieties" are as follows;
For Tomatoes, Czech Bush, Italian Heirloom and the Brandywine.
For Peppers, Buran, Chervena Chushka, Chocolate Beauty, and Hot Portugal
Prayers for a good growing season!
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