I am CuTRis

One of the replaced output tubes from my 1965 Fender amp. https://www.facebook.com/GoodGuysProAudio/

My favorite "Far Side"

The Good Guys are done with my 1965 Fender Showman tube amplifier. Lots of cleaning and replaced some expensive tubes all at $80 per hour. Mark Dopkins (owner) also installed a power cord I supplied to eliminate the cat chewage on the old one (that was replaced once before for wear). He said that soon there will be components that need changing that have been cleaned over and over. Those old tube amps sound good but they have a tendency to burn and arc over time. Mark is getting on toward retirement too. I don't know if too many guys fix that old stuff anymore. I may need to buy an amp for practice and save this one for... hmmm... maybe I should just play it. If I let the museum have it nobody will ever play it again. That is a little bit sad. I think I've had it serviced 4 times at the Good Guys over the 33 years I've owned it.

My wife and I celebrated our 9 Year Anniversary yesterday!

Meenu was completely worthless. I kept asking for someone else. Two agents later, Rajesh knew exactly how to solve the issue. It only took an hour to get to Rajesh. I'm exhausted now.

"Airborne & Space Vehicle Digital Computer", manufactured by Control Data Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1962. http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/display.php?irn=10335143

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8A9Y1Dq_cQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBVnKYOvWcs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALcdFAAojt4

June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016

Como Zoo

I believe in equal rights; and even though I offered my wife the opportunity, I still was the one who had to fix the toilet.

I told my wife that sometime soon it would be good if our preschool-age son had a cabinet to store his treasures. It would be exclusively his to put whatever he wanted in it. So she came home from IKEA with a cabinet and once it was assembled, he chose his Thomas Mini Trains, his Dr. Seuss clock, Chapstick, four books (Animal Alphabet, Little Pea, Little Hoot, Little Oink), some Legos, two die cast Thomas trains, the Disney airplane "Dusty," and a toy truck. I think his choices are outstanding!

Because of the nature of the service and the security measures involved, airlines have long been able to treat their customers poorly, get away with it and still turn a profit. When United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz praised his staff for "removing a belligerent passenger," the view from his "ivory tower" apparently didn't afford him the realization that public opinion would overwhelmingly be against him. In fact, this is why most companies hire a public relations/communications person—to do the speaking for them. In my own work history, I had occasion (years ago) to write for a division director because in spite of his advanced degree, he wrote only slightly better than my preschool-age son. So after the airlines caused the problem by overbooking the flight (which is standard operating procedure for airlines in the U.S.A.), a man who clearly didn't want to miss his flight was forcibly removed and bloodied in the process. It is accepted by authorities, ...

I managed to catch a couple of episodes of one of my favorite TV shows . It was a Decades Kung Fu Weekend !

We took our preschool age son to see Lego Batman yesterday and it was very funny. If you love Batman and/or Legos, you will like this movie.

CuTRis Talks About His New Prince Book UnAssociated Press April 6, 2017 CuTRis' new tell-all book about not knowing Prince, is now the number one seller worldwide! In his book, "Here in Minnesota: My Life Not Knowing Prince," CuTRis candidly tells about living 35 miles away from Prince and never having met him. "I'm not sure that most people can relate to someone like me who doesn't know a lot of celebrities—including Prince—even though we only lived 35 miles away from each other," said CuTRis during a recent TMZ interview. If that is true, it only lends even more credibility to CuTRis' new book.

CuTRis Gives a Guy a Pepsi - Everyone is Mad UnAssociated Press April 6, 2017 CuTRis is in the news again; and this time it is for the biggest scandal yet! Video gone viral shows that he has given a guy a Pepsi! Apparently CuTRis for whatever reason, was walking down the street carrying two cans of Pepsi . He saw a guy who looked thirsty and he gave him one. Cell phone video of the horrific incident soon went viral and civil rights groups, politicians, protesters and whiners of all kinds are calling for CuTRis' resignation from humanity . When reporters asked CuTRis about his miserable deed, he allegedly began handing out Pepsi's from a case he bought at a local convenience store! CuTRis then disappeared before police arrived.

I love the original Star Trek , but due to the age of the shows, the " special effects " are not always realistic—by today's standards. That makes it OK for watching with my preschool age son, because the "scary" things are usually just funny. Our favorite "funny" episode might be, Annihilate! Me and my son laugh about it because Spock was attacked by a pancake ! You can watch it HERE ; but there may be a "warning" that it might not be suitable for younger viewers (who may have fears of being attacked by flying breakfast food)! "I'm a doctor not a short order cook! Nurse! I need a spatula!"

Because I thought about it... and just like you I realized that Tom Selleck would never need a reverse mortgage ! So why is he getting all serious and telling other people that they should sign over the equity of their house to a bank? Probably because he's a rich puke who wants to make more money. I used to like Tom Selleck, but after watching his Liberty Ridge Commercials I've lost all respect for him. https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVjTIGtxYiOcAopInnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=Tom+Selleck+Reverse+Mortgage&fr=yhs-mozilla-003&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-003#id=1&vid=effd1ca3fab287339f8068ab6796794d&a mp;action= view

I took this photo of downtown St. Paul this morning. The clouds were lit up purple and pink by the rising Sun and I found that no edits or "touching" could improve this captured moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk7RVw3I8eg Outstanding...

Little known Children's folklore figures... ...And once every week, Garbage Man travels through the neighborhood in his flying garbage truck — to leave bags of garbage to all of the bad little boys and girls along his route...

President Donald Trump continues to make embarrassing allegations, insinuations, plans, ideas and comments—without seeming to learn from his previous controversies and bad judgements. But, despite the lack of moral character, the stock market appears to approve. Since money "talks," we can probably expect more of the same. As I have often cited on this blog, our leaders are frequently lacking in many fundamentally important ways. Though some of us find this an embarrassing reality, others will pull their guns and shoot into the air in celebration. There seems to be a shortage of "middle ground."

Recently while talking to our son, I overheard my wife say, "Because I'm crabby in the morning." Trying to be helpful, I said, "That's not true; you're crabby lots of other times too!"

I took this photo of The Cathedral of St. Paul this morning.

Minnesota needs to hurry and get the Real ID issue settled so Minnesotans can travel by air without needing a passport. But Democrats (so I hear) are holding up the progress because of a concern that undocumented immigrants won't be able to get a drivers license. What??? Why are illegal immigrants allowed to get drivers licenses in the first place? The drivers license gives you a "status" of legitimacy. If you are here illegally, why should you have one? Yes, this is a real security threat and to hold up the remedy is idiotic. http://www.twincities.com/2017/01/18/minnesota-real-id-measure-moves-forward-with-controversy/

Many Men in Favor of A Day Without Women Unassociated Press March 9, 2017 Following yesterday's protests for A Day Without Women , most men who were asked, said they were in total support of having one day without women. In spite of the expected economic decline, March 8 showed an unexpected rise in business at golf courses, pool halls, bowling alleys, bars, liquor stores and motorcycle shops!

I grilled this salmon and venison over charcoal a couple of days ago. I had poured a generous shot of vodka over the venison chops during preparation. The result was perhaps, the best venison I have ever tasted. My preschool age son said he loved it!

I took this photo of St. Paul from a rooftop yesterday.

CuTRis Completes Wall between Minnesota and Wisconsin Unassociated Press March 6, 2017 The wall that CuTRis said he would build between Minnesota and Wisconsin has been completed. Witnesses said that CuTRis built it in 7 minutes out of a matchbook and a piece of string. The solid brick wall extends across the entire border between Minnesota and Wisconsin ; and has halted traffic where it crosses roadways. CuTRis has now demanded that Wisconsin pay for the wall. Wisconsin has responded by stopping shipments of cheese and beer from crossing into Minnesota. Minnesota countered by not allowing hundreds of people (from Wisconsin) to commute daily to their jobs in Minnesota. It appears that building the wall was a poorly thought-out idea.

Diamond Reynolds Wants Justice Unassociated Press March 6, 2017 Diamond Reynolds, who after live-streaming the shooting death of her boyfriend by police, wants justice. Being the sensitive, caring person, who broke down crying after the whole unfortunate ordeal, she has again stood up for justice by ganging up on a woman (with two other women) and allegedly hitting her in the head with a hammer. How can one person be involved in so many just causes? Certainly (if you filter out all the swear words), her testimony (whether or not she is incarcerated at the time) in the upcoming trial of the police officer who shot her boyfriend will surely only contain the desire for justice !

https://www.peoplematters.in/article/employee-engagement/why-do-employees-quit-2352??utm_source=peoplematters&utm_medium=interstitial&utm_campaign=learnings-of-the-day    http://www.thetentruths.com.au/Downloads/First_break_all_the_rules_exec_summary.pdf

This is the city... For me, photography is not about a big camera and getting everything just right. It is about a fleeting moment that is captured and a few seconds when it is just perfect. —KJC

Late yesterday my brain was apparently running on autopilot —when I boarded the elevator bound for the 4th Floor. Except my brain was so used to going down to the basement, that is the button I pushed. Nothing happened so I pushed it a couple of more times before my brain re-engaged and I (finally) realized that the elevator knew it was on Floor B, but I did not... Although slightly embarrassing —since there were "witness es" to the incident, I soon found it quite amusing because it was, after all, so silly! That was when I shared it with everyone I talked to the rest of the evening.

Click phot to enlarge: Click "back" to go back.

This is a great piece located at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. Unfortunately, I know someone with a severe work allergy who while he considers himself an "artist," probably won't understand this particular piece of art.

CuTRis Seen Wearing Tom Brady's Jersey at Anti-Trump Townhall Meeting UnAssociated Press February 23, 2017 At one of the many Anti-Trump Townhall meetings that have been going on across the nation lately, CuTRis was apparently seen wearing Tom Brady's stolen Super Bowl jersey . CuTRis was taken into custody by St. Paul police and later released when it was found that he had purchased the replica jersey for $1.14 on Amazon .com. CuTRis denied knowing where the real jersey is and said he only bought the replica as a “painting shirt.”

That morning as the father was talking to his young son about rest, drinking lots of liquids and eating good food (so he could get over his cold), the young boy mentioned that his uncle eats hot dogs and candy almost everyday. So the father took that opportunity to tell his son that lots of things that his uncle does are not good for you. Eating hot dogs and candy, sleeping half the day and playing on the computer instead of working are not how you should try to live your life if you want to be successful and happy. The father let him know that this is why his uncle doesn't have his own house and lives with grandpa and grandma. Then when they went into grandpa and grandma's house, the young son quickly noticed his uncle's "stuff" was still out in the living room. He was apparently making "flowers" from colored paper last night before retiring to his room —because he is an "artist ." That wa...

The irony of the Dakota Pipeline Protest , is that it has created an environmental disaster in the process. The protesters have left behind enormous piles of garbage . When the original idea was to "save the environment," it seems that this mountain of trash is jeopardizing the environment instead. Fracking can become an environmental hazard when it allows "brine" to escape into waterways—but economic gains are often placed ahead of the environmental risks. Transporting oil by rail is dangerous, and pipelines have issues too. So while the battle goes on, the protesters have created an environmental disaster in the process. Looking in from the outside, it all seems so insane. There has to be a better way to handle these disputes.

Trotsky! If you are not careful, the masses will rise up against you like the naked penguin that you are!

Certainly having a young child has made this Valentine's Day much more enjoyable. His drawings and cards are a joy to see!

Where Urban Meets Wilderness Where Winter Brings Death Where the Past Still Shows

Even though I have been setup to fail, I will become great at this.

Charlie Brown Valentine Shows are on tonight 7PM Central. If you don't like Charlie Brown, you might be a blockhead!

It was a bit dusty and some things could have been put away; but I don't think I would call it a disaster area ...

We had a great time at the Mill City Museum on Saturday!

To the Atlanta Falcons , Please beat the New England Patriots on Sunday. But remember, even though the Patriots are very good, they might cheat anyway. So be ready for anything and play your best. Thanks, CuTRis

I have at times, considered that the leadership of certain countries (and companies) was bad, not very intelligent or simply malevolent and egotistical and self-serving. But it seems that such leadership is much closer to home than ever before. It is a sad statement that such a selection was made; but in my opinion it is the backlash from the lack of truth and the dysfunction of political correctness in recent history. It is also a sad fact that before society can reach a "middle-ground," it is often "necessary" for the "pendulum" to swing to the opposing side first. Hopefully, in the process, not too much damage is done and the opportunity to learn from mistakes is not too costly. -KJC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day My son asked me about "Whistlepig Day." I think he was checking to see if I knew as much as Curious George does... http://www.megacartoons.net/cartoons/6109/whistlepig-wednesday

CuTRis Wants Wall Between Minnesota & Wisconsin UnAssociated Press January 27, 2017 Citing an influx of cars with Wisconsin license plates driving in the St. Paul area, CuTRis told reporters this morning that he is tired of seeing Green Bay Packers bumper stickers while driving on Minnesota highways. "We're going to build a wall!" said CuTRis , "And Wisconsin is going to pay for it!" Speaking on behalf of Wisconsin, Aaron Rodgers said that the idea of a wall between the two states is an insult and Wisconsin will never pay for it. When asked about the response, CuTRis merely shrugged and said, "Of course they will!"

When I had the song, "Space Lord," by Monster Magnet in my head, my 9-year-old niece said it sounded "like an 'old man' song." If that's true, thank God I'm an old man. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dscfeQOMuGw At the time of this posting, this version of this song has 7,969,583 views on YouTube. There must be a lot of old men who agree with me.

My son asked me who was on the shirt I was wearing. I told him it was the Tasmanian Devil dressed as a lumberjack. Then I asked him if he knew what lumberjacks do? He said 'no,' so I told him they cut down trees! "What else do they do?" he asked. "They eat their lunch," I replied. "What else?" he asked again. "He cuts down trees, he eats his lunch, he goes to the lavatory," I answered... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgaRd4d8hOY

America's Favorite Crayon Color Unassociated Press January 19, 2017 Just one day until the Inauguration of Donald Trump as 45th President of the United States, Americans have also chosen their favorite color of crayon! "Poop Color" has won the electoral vote; although it appears that perhaps "Sky Blue" won the popular vote. Regardless, Poop Color has won the coveted favorite color prize!

CuTRis Becomes Comic Character UnAssociated Press January 17, 2017 CuTRis has apparently become a comic book character. CuTRis was unavailable to comment about this new situation.

If you are worried that an approaching ice storm will knockout power and affect your communications equipment, here are some steps you should take to prevent this from happening. 1. Open weather.gov and find your local forecast. 2. Find section about ice storm warning. 3. Use mouse to highlight this section. 4. Press delete key.

It seems to snow daily lately. Last week was cold. I guess winter has finally come.

-9 Fahrenheit right now with a -24 windchill.

"What if everyone in the world all farted at the same time?" http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/category/watch-listen/wcco-tv-shows/good-question/ Note* My preschool age son has been asking "what if everyone in the world" questions lately and so he gave me this idea. Thanks buddy. I owe you one.

One 9-volt in smoke detector "popped" and the detector started "chirping." Two AAA in the programmable thermostat failed the first night and I woke up at 4:00 AM to a house that was 59 degrees F. Both times the batteries were new and had dates well into the future (the AAA's were 2025). There is apparently no quality control. They are made in China. https://www.duracell.com/en-us/product/coppertop-battery/