Thursday, December 27, 2012

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Cheer up, the Mayans Could be Wrong!

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/maya-world-end.html

Plan Now for Office Snowstorm

I live in Minnesota, so it is just common sense to have a basic plan of what to do in a snow emergency. For instance, what would you do if you got stuck at work and the snow was too deep or the roads were impassable? A little planning now could prevent disaster!

It is good to make sure that you can sleep at your desk (or wherever your workspace is). I suggest practicing sleeping at work at least twice a week to be prepared. There is also the issue of food. If you happened to be stuck at work for a long period of time, it is possible that your food sources (i.e. the crackers in your desk drawer, etc.) could run out. That could spell disaster!

I suggest that you scout out your coworkers ahead of time--to see who may be suitable to eat if things really became desperate. When choosing a coworker to eat, I suggest not picking anyone too old. They will unfortunately, be tough--even though they may be less useful on the job than a younger, stronger coworker. It might seem logical then to pick the youngest; but remember, it may be good to have someone around who is less experienced, and strong--if you need to convince someone else to shovel your way out. A good choice is the office (or workplace) "unpleasant" person. This is the person who is mean and nasty--who no one will miss if they become dinner. Often times this might be your boss.

So remember, a little planning ahead of time could make for a much more enjoyable disaster--should the unfortunate event ever happen.

Happy Birthday Dear Grayson!

Happy Birthday to my baby boy! Your mommy and daddy love you!

Dumb People at the Top

One of my programmer friends put this 'comment' in his last release script as a joke to the other programmers. He didn't create the image; he just copied it in--to provide a little humor. It is clearly commented out to anyone who knows anything about programming.

That said, one of his (several) bosses has mistakenly decided that not only did this innocent joke waste time, but it also caused the release to be in error. So, she is now making a big deal out of it and wasting much time and causing much morale damage in the process.

So... why do dumb people end up in charge of things???



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Welcome Back Tony!

The band sounded extra good last evening with the bass guitar.

Monday, December 17, 2012

What Can we Learn from Connecticut Shooting?

Whether you believe in gun control or if you believe that more people (like armed teachers) having guns is the answer, everyone in America should be embarrassed that we live in a country where children are gunned down in their elementary school. This is completely unacceptable in a country where the general attitude is that we are somehow more civilized than much of the rest of the world.

The fact is, to many Americans, having guns without restrictions, is more important than if people (especially people they don't know) get killed. Politicians know that the issue of gun control can easily end their political careers because of the political power and financial backing of the National Rifle Association. If a fraction of that financial power could be used to increase security in our schools, how great would that be?

Most schools are "protected" by having only the front door unlocked and a sign that tells visitors that they must sign in at the office! Some may also have an unarmed person at the front door. Much of this gets down to how much money will be allocated to security--when statistically, the chances are that it really won't be needed anyway.

We as citizens of the USA should be asking what we collectively can do about preventing cowards with guns from going to schools, shopping malls, political rallies and such things--and killing innocent people. Will giving everyone a gun make us safer? Are our educators capable of taking on the role of armed security? If two people get into an argument on the street, is it really less likely that there will be deadly violence if both of them are armed? Who should have a gun and who shouldn't? Who makes sure the guns people buy are secure?

When do we as a nation worry about our children as much as we worry about having our guns? When do we say we've had enough of gun violence? Is it too much to ask that a gun owner should account for his gun(s) annually to their local law enforcement agency? Is there a reasonable limit to how many guns one person should be allowed to own? Is it so unreasonable that gun owners should be asked to be responsible and accountable?

The murders of the people... of the children in Connecticut last Friday, makes me ashamed of our stand on gun control in our country. I'm embarrassed that children were killed in their elementary school. I don't want to ever hear of such a thing again. I'm upset that the media sensationalizes it and gets the story wrong ten times along the way. I'm upset that the shooter is given publicity. I'm sad that those little children died and I want something to change so it doesn't happen again.

So am I just a bleeding-heart liberal? So be it! I wish we could protect our children. What could be more devastating than to bury your baby before the holidays because a filthy coward shot him or her?

-KJC

Friday, December 14, 2012

Can We Protect Our Children?

Fellow Americans,

We cannot continue to lose our children to madmen with guns. We need to know that our schools are safe. We need to find a way to stop the violence. Oh my God! Kindergarten children killed at school! I am very sad right now.

Sincerely,
Kevin J. Curtis

Cowards with Guns

To anyone who has ideas about shooting unarmed people (especially children) and then fooling yourself into thinking you're somebody special when you kill yourself like a filthy little wuss-ass coward, skip a step and just kill yourself and leave everyone else out of your warped fantasies. Has anyone else had enough of these cowards yet???

Snow Buffalo

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12/12/12

Today is 12/12/12.

"Latin America" an Andy Rooney Tribute

I miss Andy Rooney and his rants and observations. I thought of him when I was thinking about how no one in Latin America actually speaks Latin. They speak Spanish. Of course, modern people are very concerned about how easily offended everyone is. To call someone "Spanish" would be an insult to anyone whose ancestors were conquered by the Spanish; hundreds of years ago. Being a "dead" language that no one uses except scientists--to categorize and name everything, I suppose it was "safe" to call the people in Spanish speaking places (not in Spain) Latino. Confused? Yeah well it's totally worth it if we can avoid having history offend someone.



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Monday, December 10, 2012

Snow-tastic!

I took some photos of the snow during my lunch break today.


Snow!

The Twin Cities got over a foot of snow this weekend. By (this) Monday morning it was mostly plowed out. One has to be impressed at how quickly we can dig out.

Our snow blower (at home) didn't want to start and I hadn't gotten gas for it until Friday. Therefore it couldn't get it started until after I had shoveled the whole driveway by hand once. After I finally got it going, it has worked fine for me twice since.

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Too Close

As we contemplate the passing of one of our elders, I am unfortunately reminded of some horrific events from the past. The treachery of sadistic and jealous cousin(s) from long ago.

In an alternate history, my mind paints me a picture of my brother (who has become one of the finest men I know) and I impaled or horrifically disfigured from the pitchforks that were strategically placed beneath the cushion of hay below the bales we all jumped off of--in the old barn on the farm.

Had the younger of them not warned me, we may be dead or maimed right now. Would they think about the treacherous and murderous thing they had done (today)? Bad enough it was when they sabotaged the mini bike trail or when he made pinholes in my new toy so it would deflate later after they left our house. But how could he or they plot to kill us when we were just children playing in a barn?

Of course most of the adults refused to believe it at the time; and I would have gladly forgotten it myself--but the mere sight of them has brought back the horrors and left me wondering at the blackness in the hearts of children who could kill and torture animals out of their own fears and insecurities and then booby-trap the farm to kill their relatives and playmates.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Acting Chalant

Outwardly I was acting all chalant, but inside I was completely unconcerned that my pair-of-pants was actually only one pant.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

GoodBye Uncle Harry

Uncle Harry has made his last stand. So long and best wishes. I hope 'they' allow wood cutting in heaven!

Be Tall and Get a Good Job!

I've been noticing that the most important trait to getting ahead in the business world, seems to be: being tall! Seriously, checkout who is up on the 'corporate ladder.'

I'm 6' 12" when standing on a chair, so I'm just going to take a chair with me from now on and stand on it when I'm at the office or if I go on a job interview...

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Smoke Detector Batteries

Why do smoke detector batteries always die in the middle of the night? There I was at 2:00 AM on a ladder changing the battery because I couldn't stand the incessant 'chirping' of the detector--warning me that the battery was failing.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Rainbow... More Bait & Switch?

This is my second complaint to Rainbow Foods this month. I removed the blog entry for the first--after they made an effort to "make it right." I've received no reply from this latest email and will update if/when I do.

Hi Joe,

So do you really want to know what happened on my next trip to Rainbow? You should put me on the payroll as a consultant. Rainbow could take the lead if they could get their you-know-what together...

First, I checked the ad as I always do. $4.99 for Spanish Clementines! I'm all over that. Only when I got to the store, it was 'Cuties' from California! Huh, I thought, more bait & switch??? I'm not sure if you know, but California Clementines are not nearly as good as the ones from Spain! Instantly I'm disappointed again!

The service desk didn't know anything about it. She wanted to send me back to find a produce worker. She finally called someone back there who said "they sent us the wrong thing." So maybe this is a corporate problem and not the store. Just like last time when the "wrong labels" were used on the chicken legs telling me I couldn't get the sale price without a rewards card.

OK so I'm there and I have this $10 gift card from my previously disappointing visit--though I have this urge to go across the street to Cub. The ad also showed Grape Nuts cereal and Fritos on sale! However, I was unable to locate either of these items in the isles where the cereal and chips were located. Where was the sale stuff?

I'm still not that impressed Joe. A few of those sale items in the ad were able to get me into the store, but what is the point if I can't trust the ad?

Sincerely,
Kevin

Monday, November 26, 2012

Beer: An Annual Experience...

I finally bottled my lager Friday after Thanksgiving that I brewed last year the Friday after Thanksgiving. It's been a busy year and I had to make time to bottle even then. I drank that odd half a beer that was at the bottom of the carboy--and though it was flat and not yet bottle conditioned, it was remarkably tasty. Don't tell the "experts," because they will likely tell us that the beer will be spoiled after sitting in the carboy for a year. That was the first time it took me a whole year to make a beer! Having a baby and moving twice and switching jobs made me a little bit busy this year...

-KJC

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving!

THANKSGIVING... THE GREATEST HOLIDAY EVER!
UNLESS YOU ARE A TURKEY...


Happy nondenominational, nonpolitically charged holiday (i.e. Thanksgiving)!

Black Friday Deals

Why fight the crowds on Black Friday, when you can buy books online and have them delivered? Don't wait though! Order now to ensure delivery by Christmas!

Links to my novel, "Lapse of Humanity"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00992JMS6

https://www.createspace.com/3994656
----------------------------------------------------------
Links to my novel, "Cottonwood"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RJ9CIG

https://www.createspace.com/3585124
----------------------------------------------------------
Links to my book, "Beer Making: A Pictorial Guide"
http://www.amazon.com/Beer-Making-Pictorial-Guide-ebook/dp/B005FFO0NS

https://www.createspace.com/3665694

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Twinkie the Kid in Critical Condition


Twinkie the Kid in Critical Condition
November 20, 2012
UnAssociated Press


Twinkie the Kid has suffered a massive heart attack and is hospitalized in critical condition. Only a transfusion of outside money can save the cakey little cowboy now. Twinkie the Kid was said to have no natural expiration date and few natural ingredients. The Kid is thought to be 85.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Friday, November 16, 2012

Person Hole


These things were formerly called, "Woman Holes," because women would go down in them when they wanted a quiet place to think.

But now, because of political correctness they are referred to as, "Person Holes."

Data Donkey

There is a server I have to access remotely that is located in another state. I won't tell you what state, we'll just call it ND to be anonymous. The server is part of a government entity and it is so slow that I have started the rumor that it is so old that it is pulled by a donkey. I keep hoping that there might be oil money available to upgrade to a hyperactive ostrich. In the meantime, I sit at my desk--'reaching' through the network(s) trying to force data into the system as it spins 'round and 'round...

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

General Petraeus Scandal


General Petraeus Scandal
November 14, 2012
UnAssociated Press

New information suggests that General Petraeus resigned as head of the CIA for having an affair with his biographer; rather than with his Army issued mistress. No further interesting information is avialable at this time.

The First Time


My friend Dave with whom I've had a band with for... a really long time, thought I should put this video on YouTube. I made this goofy verse before I started hanging out with him so it is pretty old!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Rainbow Foods Does Bait & Switch

Years ago I stopped shopping at Rainbow Foods because when I bought something on sale I didn't get the sale price because I didn't have a rewards card. My response was that I stopped shopping at Rainbow for almost ten years--until about a year ago. Yesterday, I went to the Rainbow in Maplewood, MN to buy some chicken legs that were advertised at 98 cents per lb. and found that I could not get them at that price without a rewards card. Nothing in the advertisement said I needed to use the rewards card to get the price, but the deal was switched when I got to the store. I don't want a rewards card and to each his own--but when the sale price is contingent on me signing up for a card then I will stop shopping there again.

Friday, November 09, 2012

Fiscal Cliff

Apparently the USA is on a "fiscal cliff." Now that the election is over, maybe the politicians can work (together) on the finances...

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Election: So Glad it's Over...

The election results include that I'm sick of the election and politicians. Perhaps now I can answer my phone, get my mail, listen to the radio or watch TV, without hearing mostly negative political ads that have very little truth in them.

Friday, November 02, 2012

Political Campaigns

What if politicians ran on their own records instead of focusing on lies about their opponents? What if they stopped calling my cell phone when I was eating dinner or putting my baby to bed? What if they sent only one thing in the mail to me instead of one daily? What if they stopped ringing the doorbell and ignoring the 'no solicitors' sign?

Maybe if that happened I wouldn't think they all suck.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Have Gun Will Vote???


What does this bumper sticker mean anyway? It makes no sense to me. What does your gun have to do with voting?

Our Halloween Scare!

Late yesterday (Halloween) afternoon, our garage door broke. Apparently it came off the track and the opener kept going--making a twisted mess of metal. I think I might have said a few (hundred) swear words! On Halloween night, we were at risk of having our garage door stuck open!!!

After removing a few parts, I was able to free the door so I could lift it or close it manually. So we have yet another expensive thing to buy for the new house.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Sears... Your System Sucks...

I was trying to get an ice/water filter for the Kenmore refrigerator in my new house. I found on my own, online, that the part I need is discontinued and I found the replacement part number. So twice when I called the local Sears store that had the part, I was transferred to someone in some other geographical location (like California, China or maybe Nairobi). These people told me that the part was where I wanted to pick it up, because like me they went online to find it. I however, wanted to talk to a person at the store who could verify and put one aside for me before I made the trip in.

The second time I got transferred, I explained to the foreign sounding speaker that I needed to talk to someone at the local store in my own state. She insisted that she could help and asked what I needed. I responded that, ”I need you to go out into the store and find this filter and set it aside for me and I will come and pick it up.” She responded, “Sir, I already explained to you that I am not in that store.” My response came swiftly as I said, ”Exactly. I need to talk to someone in that store.” Finally, after traveling by phone all over the globe I finally got a person who was standing in the store that I originally called. Furthermore, Andy was able to find the filter I needed and have one for me when I got to the store. So why was it that when I called the local store to get the item I already researched and found, that I was connected to a computer that transferred me to India?

Sears… your system sucks…

Watch for Buses on Shoulder


I should say! If you weren't careful and a bus inadvertently parked on your shoulder, that would probably make a bruise!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Please Don't Let Children Play with Toys???


I always find antique shops to be filled with smelly, over-priced crap that was discarded long ago--and somehow became valuable with age. I understand the reason for this sign, but I couldn't help but think,

"What kind of heartless @#$^* would keep children from playing with toys???"

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Big Bird Leading in Polls!


Big Bird Leading in Polls!
UnAssociated Press
October 23, 2012

The numbers out after last night's presidential debate, shows that Sesame Street's Big Bird is clearly leading in the polls. Furthermore it is speculated that the 8'2" yellow bird is talking to CuTRis about being his running mate.

When asked, CuTRis had this to say. "I am interested," CuTRis said. "In fact, I don't think there has ever been a big, gay, yellow bird in the White House before!" The interviewer responded that he wasn't sure that Big Bird was gay. "He isn't?" replied CuTRis. "Oh... I guess that I thought he was... Not that there's anything wrong with that! Regardless," continued CuTRis, "I would consider it an honor if Big Bird asked me to be his running mate for the presidential election."

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Rewards Card...

I don't think much of 'rewards cards.' First of all, do I really want to have a roll-o-dex in my car to hold all of the rewards cards for each individual store/restaurant/business? Second, I had a rewards card for SuperAmerica, and then they changed it--so my 'rewards' disappeared and I would need to apply for a new card--if I wanted one. I also had an Ace Hardware card that one day, seemed not to recognize anything when they scanned it. Maybe I had 'rewards' and they disappeared! So let's talk about 'rewards.' What are they? Well, they are something like this. If you buy a (4 cent--including the cup) soda fountain drink for $1.99, you get 10 cents off! Wow! That is a great deal... for the store...

Rainbow foods used to charge three prices (actually I think more) depending on if you had a coupon and a rewards card. It got too confusing and I stopped shopping there. Only recently have I started going there again as I make Cub, Rainbow and Aldi 'compete' for my business. Rainbow still has a rewards card but I don’t have one.

If two stores had something I wanted at the same price, I would get it at the one that didn't have a rewards card every time. In fact, I no longer waste time with these cards. If you want my business, just give me the good price!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Hello Book Club!

I wanted to say hello to the Minneapolis book club that is currently reading, "Cottonwood." I've added a link to this blog entry (to the right under 'links' on the main page) so we can do a Question & Answer if anyone is interested. My email is listed there too. The book speeds along through a couple of centuries of history--so hang on to your hats!

Kevin J. Curtis

Friday, October 12, 2012

Cutris Wins Vice-Presidential Debate!


CuTRis Wins Vice-Presidential Debate!
UnAssociated Press
October 12, 2012

Apparently Cutris has done it again! Though he did not participate in last night's Vice-Presidential debate, he was proclaimed the 'clear winner,' by a number of political media sources. Just how is Cutris able to achieve these victories without even being present or speaking at the debates?

"The public seems to want him to run again," said one source who asked not to be identified by his real name of Jerald W. Johnson of Springfield, Massachusetts. "You have to remember that Cutris only lost by 12 votes in 2008; and a lot of people think he should run again."

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

$3.75

I saw gasoline for $3.75 per gallon this morning and stopped to fill my car. While thinking about a job I had many years ago that paid $3.75 per hour, I said to the man filling up across from me, "it's kind of sad when $3.75 per gallon gas looks like a good deal isn't it?"

He started to laugh and responded, "You must have been reading my mind!"

The Mark of a Bully

We may think of bullies in terms of adolescent boys, but over the years I've noticed that they can come in a variety of forms. One of these is the middle-aged woman with the nasty mouth. This person likes to make nasty comments and does it from some vantage point that feels safe. Often they look for positions with some kind of power; where they can satisfy their desire to make others uncomfortable. I'm fortunate to have nice bosses at my current job, but I did recently have a run-in with a bully from outside of work who exhibited 'classic' bully behavior.

The interesting thing I've found out about bullies over the years, is that they are rarely actually 'tough.' If you stand up to a bully, they frequently run and cry and pretend that they are the victim. This is very typical, or what I consider to be 'classic' bully behavior. They are only comfortable when their victim is unable or unwilling to fight back.

Often a bully who has been confronted will feel indignant because of his/her belief that he/she is smarter and more morally superior than the rest of the population. Perhaps it is a defense mechanism for dealing with their own insecurities. Whatever the reason, unless you are dealing with a psycho-gun-toting-bully, most bullies are uncomfortable if you point-blank tell them to please stop. If you are so inclined, give it a try. No one should have to be bullied.

--KJC

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Cutris Wins Presidential Debate


CuTris Wins Presidential Debate
UnAssociated Press
October 4, 2012

Though Cutris did not actually participate in last night’s debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, he has been deemed the ‘clear winner,’ by a number of polls. Cutris ran for President in the 2008 election, and was defeated by a narrow margin by current President, Barack Obama.

While not actually being present at the debate, most analysts think that Cutris was more believable, more poised, and more to-the-point than either the Republican challenger or the Democratic President.

When Cutris was asked about his apparent win, he seemed somewhat surprised (since he had not been at the debate), but then he said, “Yeah, I probably won. It sounds like something I would do.”

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Gruntled Workers


Gruntled Workers
UnAssociated Press
October 3, 2012

It was reported that a gruntled worker left his unloaded gun at home and went happily to work today. There was no violence and everyone had a pretty good time. When asked about their coworker, some employees said he was a 'pretty good guy.' One even said that last week, he brought cookies to work and shared them!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

No More Condo!

I took a loss due to the housing market crash, but I have sold my condo! I'm happy to be done with associations!

Free Negative Political Ad

Since those negative political ads seem so popular, I've written a generic one for use by any politician who needs it.

(insert opposition candidate's name) is such a bum! One night, I saw him walking his dog in my yard and (insert opposition candidate's name) took a dump on my lawn! Then his dog didn't even clean it up!

Then I found out from my friend's bookie, that
(insert opposition candidate's name) likes to eat live ponies for lunch!

(insert opposition candidate's name) is just wrong for (insert jurisdiction of office candidates are running for)!

Sea Gulls?

Why are Seagulls in the Cub foods parking lot? The ocean is a thousand miles away! There is no lake in the parking lot! I guess they must be finding food there. They got all excited when I took this picture. I think they thought I had french fries or something.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Unconditional Love

Perhaps never before have I understood Unconditional Love so well as I do now that I'm a father.
-KJC

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

How to get on a Freeway

I'm always amazed at how people drive. It seems that most people think that when you get onto a freeway where cars are traveling at 60 or more miles-per-hour, that you should enter the freeway at 30 miles-per-hour--and then drive for half a mile before finally pushing down the gas pedal and jumping to 70 MPH.

Doesn't it make more sense to get onto the freeway at nearly the same speed that traffic is flowing? Then all the other cars don't have to hit their brakes because the car that pulled into the lane is going half the speed of traffic.

The only time that this seems to backfire, is when one of those semi trucks pulling the second trailer comes up when you are trying to merge. You can run out of lane before those two trailers go by.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Book Blog

There are a lot of book blogs. How do you become an authority on books? I guess you just read a lot. Hopefully they will read Lapse of Humanity.

Peace Day & the Religious Rioters

On this "Peace Day," I would like to address the religious rioters in some countries. These would be primarily Muslims who are angry at America for 'disrespecting Islam.'

All around the Twin Cities where I live, I see mosques, Islamic centers and people dressed in clothing I would expect to see in the Mideast. They seem to be everywhere; living among the rest of us.

If someone, in your opinion, has disrespected your religion, that does not give you the right to kill people or kill American people. In fact, if you think you can commit murder because someone said something negative about your religion, there is either something seriously wrong with you, or something wrong with your religion--take your pick.

Personally, I believe in freedom of speech--even if I don't always like what is being said. Furthermore I don't believe that my God cares if some idiot calls 'him' a name. So my advice is to grow up and pretend like you're an adult.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Best Realtor

I've begun my sixth (do you believe it?) real estate transaction with Jeff Budzisz. I highly recommend him.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Child Abuse after 18

If "we" as a society grow our children up to adulthood (or age 18--whichever comes first) and then send them off to fight in a war where they get maimed or killed even though they had nothing to do with the original conflict, is this another form of child abuse?

Thursday, September 13, 2012

God's Gift

And God swept off the Earth and it was beautiful and clean; so he gave it to Man as a home. And Earth was filled with Plants and Animals and though Man was puny and weak compared to most of them, Man was Intelligent. In fact, Man was the most intelligent of the animals except perhaps for the whales and dolphins—who only had flippers and so could not manipulate their environment the way that Man could.

Using the combination of intelligence and dexterity, Man soon learned to manipulate the environment and subjugate the plants and animals for his own benefit. Man began to become greedy and so Man used, took, killed and even began killing his own kind. Soon Man began to use and throw away large quantities of things that began to pollute the Earth. Man’s greed prevented him from seeing his home as a fragile, interdependent web of life—and so Man continued to pillage the Earth.

Eventually, though Man had conquered many things, he was unable to conquer his own greed. And so, after a good long run on the Earth, Man died in his own filth and was replaced by the plants and animals that were able to survive in spite of Man’s interference.

—KJC

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Lapse of Humanity eBook!

My latest novel, "Lapse of Humanity" is available in eBook HERE.

In the Lapse of Humanity...


Was that a ghost on that ledge; or was the ledge in your mind?

"Lapse of Humanity" By Kevin J. Curtis is coming...

Monday, September 10, 2012

You're being followed!


A government trained killer is pursuing you through the wilderness. What happens when you confront him and you see yourself in his eyes?

Lapse of Humanity is coming!

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Thanks BP!

I want to thank British petroleum, also known as BP. You may have seen their commercial on TV about their commitment to the Gulf, where poor policies resulted in an explosion, dead oil platform workers and an environmental disaster.

Now, some ass clown is on TV telling me that the Gulf of Mexico is better than ever, since BP spilled all that oil in it. So thanks BP! Thank you for insulting my intelligence. Thanks for "making the gulf better than ever" by spilling oil into it! Maybe we should spill oil into all of our waterways to make them better!

Also, thanks for telling me how much money you're spending in the gulf to clean it up. Because gas prices are really high and I want to know that the profits that you and the other oil companies are making from hard working people are at least going to a good cause in cleaning up the mess you made. Thanks so much BP, you're the greatest.

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Aldi Checkout Girl

Sometimes I like to stop at Aldi to see what kind of deals they have. There is one store that has a particular young woman working the checkout who has a rather interesting look. While I am not normally fond of tattoos and lots of makeup, she has a retro look, reminiscent of the heavily made-up waitresses of years gone by--kind of like Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials.

The look is not what I would typically think of for a cashier. Perhaps by night she is in an all-girl Punk rock band! At any rate, I think the greatest appeal is that she seems to make it work; and more importantly, she doesn't look like everyone else.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Back To School

I used to get melancholy when school started because for so long I was either going back to school as a student or going back as an employee. Now it doesn't really matter to me because I don't go to school any more. Someday when I retire, this will be the time of year that I leave for vacation.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Cutris Wants New Stadium

Cutris Wants New Stadium
UnAssociated Press
August 31, 2012

Cutris says he is planning to move his team to LA unless he gets a new stadium. "It worked for the Twins, the Vikings and even the Gophers," said Cutris. "Everybody gets a new stadium and now I want one too. If I don't get a new stadium," Cutris continued, "I'll move my team to a place where I can get one."

It is unknown what team Cutris is talking about, but when he was asked about it he said, "Oh... I've got a team!"

Friday, August 24, 2012

Where Did the Summer Go?

School is about to start, the State Fair is going on... Where did the summer go? I guess moving twice kind of made it "evaporate."

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Why We Had To Paint...


To each his own, but here is an example of why we had to paint the inside of our new house.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Where can I see a Moose?

 
Word on the street is that several moose have been sighted here.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

When Adults Act Like Babies

I deal with a lot of people in my job--solving data issues. I must admit that most of these people are pretty nice and I enjoy working with them. Undoubtedly, however, there is a handful that are demanding and take up lots of time. Often they know less than they pretend to, and they rely on being nasty to get their way and direct blame at others.

Most people realize that fixing a problem takes some investigation and thinking. Other people don't care to be reasonable and they demand answers and immediate solutions. These people often rise up the ranks of the business world--in spite of behaving like babies.

I have a baby son, who is too young to wait patiently if he is hungry or has a dirty diaper. He wants immediate action--whether I am otherwise occupied or not. This is simply because he is less that a year old and cannot place the larger world and the needs of others into context with his own needs. Yet I work to help people who behave exactly the same way who are allegedly adults!

If a baby is reaching for a dangerous object, you have to intervene on their own behalf. "No baby, you must not pull on the accelerator handle of the dual combustion flame thrower! That is 'owie.'" This will result in the baby reaching for it until you move the flame thrower out of reach and then the baby will cry loudly.

The same happens with some adults. "No alleged adult, I cannot magically make your problem go away and take you ahead of all of the other people who had problems and reported them before you did!" This will also result in loud crying...

Monday, August 20, 2012

Did St. Paul Plumbing & Heating Tell the Truth?

We replaced our furnace and air conditioner on the word of St. Paul Plumbing & Heating. Somehow after talking on the phone with the guy I had the impression that the heat exchanger was cracked. The written work order says, "Dirty Blower Wheel, Blower Motor Leaking oil, Capacitor weak, Heat exchanger Rusty & Very stressed." I've included photos my wife took of the heat exchanger when this furnace was removed. If anyone knows about these things, maybe you can tell me if it looks rusty and very stressed.














8/30/2012 - Wayne from St. Paul Plumbing & Heating has asked to see more pictures of the heat exchanger so he can point out the rust. I've informed him that I've already put the rustiest pictures on this blog and told him that he can refund the $89 for the 'tune-up' (when we were told the furnace was beyond repair). Since he originally threatened legal action against me if I put untrue statements on my blog, I've invited him to include his attorney--as he did in our initial correspondence. Otherwise I have informed him that based on this recent experience and one prior at another residence where it cost $700 to fix the furnace, I am no longer going to use his company because I no longer trust them.

Friday, August 17, 2012

New HVAC

Today I'm buying a new furnace and air conditioner for our new house.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Sleeping in a Bed

After four months on an air mattress while we sold a house, moved to a condo and then bought a house and moved in, it is nice to sleep in a bed again.

Our baby boy thinks it is lots of fun to be carried up and down the stairs to his bedroom.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Transitions

Our baby son was asleep when we brought him home last night. It was the first night we all stayed in the new house. When he woke up from the car ride and found he was in an unfamiliar place, he looked at everything and then he cried. He was overly tired and knew he wasn't in the condo anymore. This morning he was still checking things out. I can't really explain it all to him because he doesn't talk yet. It must be strange for him, because it is strange for me and my wife too.

Friday, August 10, 2012

The Appeal of the Man-Cave

As I am working with my wife to outfit and decorate our new house, we have found that since we married late in life, we have two of everything. Mine has mostly been stored for four years, though I bought it new and it all matches. In spite of that, my wife prefers her pieces and we will likely be moving my furniture to the basement; even though I consider it worthy of the living room.

Men rarely win this battle as women generally assume they are better decorators than men. Most women, however, will defer to the abilities of a man only if they are not married to him and only if he would prefer to marry a man himself.

My personal opinion is that women are only better at decorating in the eyes of other women. Men have often claimed a portion of the house that women don't care for; such as the basement--and then they proceed to decorate it the way men like it. These spaces become the envy of other men who come to visit and the living room is largely ignored.

Your average adult human male does not care for artsy paintings of Victorian scenes. He wants to see engines, sports and guy stuff. A table with a pretty vase serves no purpose in a man's world and could easily be replaced by a Foosball table. Finally, furniture should actually be comfortable. It should look good, but comfort is the real reason we have furniture am I wrong?

So guys, don't believe you are inferior interior decorators even if you are straight. You just like guy stuff and that is because you're a guy.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

What AmeriSpec Missed!

We recently purchased a home and had AmeriSpec inspect the house--including the furnace before we purchased it. The inspector said there was higher than normal Carbon Monoxide levels and we should have it "tuned-up by a professional." Well the professional said the furnace should be replaced--as the heat exchanger is cracked. He also said the inspector should have shut it down. So... why did we pay for an inspection??? I'm not happy with AmeriSpec and have asked for a refund. If that happens I'll be surprised and I will update right here _____.

Update: Debbie from AmeriSpec called to tell me that they had called attention to the furnace and it was up to us to follow-up.

My advice is to find a company that does a more thorough inspection and then stands behind it.

***New information on this issue can be found here that may improve my view of this company.

What's in the News?

Of course the Olympics are in the news. The heat and drought. The Mars rover is pretty cool! And finally, all these tough guys who shoot unarmed people should be referred to as "asswipe from (fill in location)." They seem to want to get famous by killing innocent people. They should be wiped from history.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

North Korean Olympic Athletes

With all the talk of how athletes from North Korea are rewarded or punished for their performance at the Olympics, I have to wonder how much is true and how much is rumor? No doubt the country is strange and keeps their people on a "tight leash," but labor camps for losers? The "revered leader," Kim Jong-un looks like a puss--but then a weakling in power is often the worst kind of bully.

Friday, August 03, 2012

Why ACE is No Longer the Place

My wife and I just bought a house. We are trying to be careful with purchases because of this expense. Yet we wanted to paint and we priced paint at Frattallone’s ACE Hardware. Benjamin Moore paint was roughly $24-35 per gallon. We picked colors over the phone (during my lunch break) since I was working--me at the Arden Hills Store and her at Woodbury. She bought 2 gallons and was shocked that the price was over $100. I used the paint last night and it seemed like average paint to me. I found out about the price today and was not happy! I think the salesperson took advantage of my wife. Someone at the Woodbury store sold her $50 per gallon paint and she didn't think she could question it after it was mixed. Well guess what, I'm pretty mad and we will buy our paint and supplies at Home Depot or Menards from now on. --KJC

Update: I had originally delayed (by several days) posting this after Mike called from Frattallone’s ACE Hardware. I've been waiting for a week now, for the "gift card" Mike was sending me to make things right. If I get it, I'll update or remove this entry. 8/9/12

What is a K-9 Dog?

When the news people say "the police brought in a K-9 (short for canine) dog," what does that mean??? Isn't that like saying a dog dog? It is also like saying, a feline cat or a bovine cow...

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Sharp-shinned Hawk



Me and Larry saw this Sharp-shinned hawk today. It had a baby rabbit.

Cutris Invents 7-Pack

You're out for the evening and you have a 6-pack of beer to get you through. But what happens when a friend asks you if he can have one? That leaves you with only five beers! Well now, Cutris has come to the rescue with his revolutionary new 7-Pack! Never be short on beers again!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Sick Babies

Our baby boy is teething and not feeling so well. It is so hard to see your baby hurting! Please send your prayers to my nephew and his family as they go through his surgeries, etc. to help his special needs.

One positive note; my wife is amazing as she sings and rocks our baby boy to sleep when he is uncomfortable and crying. What a comfort it must be for him to have his mother close when he is upset or hurting. I love them both very much.

Working on the New House...

Friday, July 27, 2012

Cutris' Scandals May Ruin Presidential Bid

Cutris' Scandals May Ruin Presidential Bid
UnAssociated Press
July 27, 2012

If Cutris was considering another presidential bid, his continued scandals may get in the way. This photo appeared again yesterday--which clearly shows that Cutris cannot follow the rules!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

P. Allen Smith Impersonation

I like to impersonate P. Allen Smith for my baby son when it is time to change his diaper. It makes him laugh.
Note* That is not my real hair.


For the record, I have nothing against P. Allen Smith. I would like to visit his farm someday.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Penn State Controversy

In our crazy world where history is often changed to reflect political correctness, Penn State's winningest football coach's statue was pulled down and the football team's win record altered (among other things) for a crime committed by someone else. It's very sad.

Ford Fusion Brakes Defective

I like my 2008, Ford Fusion, except the rear disc brakes are defective. At 50,000 miles, I've already had the brakes wearout twice; get scored and last time--stick on one side. I'm told by my mechanic it is because of a poor design that incorporates the parking brake into the rear brake system. While there are other complaints on the WWW of this, Ford has merely noted my complaint and reacted to it by doing nothing.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Cutris and the Beanstalk


One day Cutris climbed up a giant beanstalk that his friend Chump grew from some magic beans—to see what was at the top. Once he arrived in the clouds at the top, he found a city!

It looked pretty nice up there, so Cutris decided to stay for awhile. He needed money, so he got a job at Sensual Burger. He didn't like it though. The people there all wore weird clothes—and they insisted that he wear a condiment at all times! It was too much to take, so Cutris quit.

As he left the restaurant wondering what to do next, he noticed a sign on a doorway that read, "Butt McKinley, Ass Detective." Cutris decided to knock on the door. A man answered and Cutris asked him what an "ass detective" was. The man looked annoyed, and told Cutris' that people lose their asses all the time and need someone to find them. Cutris got scared and ran away.

This place is weird, thought Cutris. I guess this is what happens when you climb up a magic beanstalk and your head is in the clouds. Then Cutris climbed back down to Earth.

Monday, July 16, 2012

A Likely Story

:One Possible Explanation for the Gold Guys

Once upon a time in the land of Usuck, there was a medium size boy; who had a large appetite for very small things. His collection of rodent cloth was unmatched anywhere in the land.

Soon rumors began to circulate among his peers, that he was about to land a huge contract with Rat International; in New York City. But these were just rumors and had nothing to do with reality. What was really going on was that the medium size boy named Aberdeen was plotting his escape from Usuck by planting false information among the populace.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s best friend, Butt McKinley was digging a hole through the center of the earth trying to escape from the land of Usuck. He and Aberdeen had a pact to escape from Usuck before Valentine’s Day—because they wanted to go on a double-date with Cindy Crawford. Sadly, neither boy seemed to realize that a double-date was generally two boys and two girls—rather than two boys with one girl.

Soon Sheriff Dingleberry found out through the town spies what the two boys were plotting to do; so he set out to stop them. When Sheriff Dingleberry approached the two boys, Aberdeen and Butt McKinley ran away like sissy girls. They ran so fast that they tripped and flew past the invisible fencing that surrounded the town of Usuck like a fortress that was impenetrable! Realizing that they were now outside of the town, they high-fived and ran off to find a phonebook to find Cindy Crawford’s phone number.

Because Dex knows, they were able to find Cindy Crawford’s number. But when they called her, she hung-up on them! Devastated, Butt McKinley and Aberdeen decided that they would become sandwich artists at a local Subway restaurant.

That was when their luck changed! It seemed that Aberdeen had a “gift” for making amazing new sandwiches! The only trouble was, none of them tasted very good.

While sandwich artistry was extremely lucrative, they decided that they would leave the business and buy and sell gold for a living. So they changed their names to Joe and Shane, and became “The Gold Guys.”

—KJC

Summer Cookout

I love cooking over charcoal...

Friday, July 13, 2012

Happy Bandiversary Rolling Stones!

Yesterday The Rolling Stones celebrated 50 years since their first concert. As bands come and go, this is a record that will be very hard to beat. Some bands have been around for decades, but if you go see them at one of their "casino gigs," they have one or maybe two original members. The Rolling Stones are unique in both their longevity, and the fact that they are still good! Out of the many things that I could wish for, just one of them would be to see the Stones perform live in a small club. To take my fantasy one step further would be to play one of my original songs with those guys. In my opinion, Mick Jagger is one of the best showmen ever. So congratulations to the Rolling Stones for fifty years of rockin'!

Kevin Costner has a Band?

So apparently Kevin Costner has a band called Adam West! So are they any good or are they "famous" because Costner is a movie actor? I guess if I ever start liking Country music, I'll try to find out.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Green Heron

It would have been really easy to miss this Green Heron yesterday; but I'm glad I didn't. It even let me take this picture!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Monday, July 02, 2012

Swimming for the First Time

We took our baby boy swimming yesterday. He wasn't sure what to think at first, but he had fun kicking his little legs in the water!

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Two Bucks!

So while I was walking the other day, I found these two White-tailed deer. I guess there are at least two bucks in the woods where I walk. You can see how their antlers have been growing since the first and second times I saw one of them.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Stop Shooting Children in North Minneapolis

As I watched the news story about a second (in six months) child shot while inside of his house in North Minneapolis, I could hear and feel the pain and frustration in those who spoke or tried to speak about the subject. The problem is, what can I do about it? I'm sure these angry, frustrated people don't want me to come into their neighborhood and tell them that they need to root out the people in gangs and those who kill and distribute drugs.

Why would this be a problem? Because these "bad" people live in the same neighborhoods and look like the sons, uncles, cousins, etc. of the people who are crying over the dead. The change has to come from within the groups who are harboring, producing and protecting the killers. If the shooter is someone from your family, you need to turn him in.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Minneapolis Morning

TQ's Pig Roast

I had fun at TQ2's pig roast over the weekend. The attendees were mostly developers (computer programmers). There were a lot of very smart nerds there; and I found it enjoyable that when I wove a small (sometimes they're very small) joke into the conversation that these people not only got the joke, but they interjected their own humor into it as well.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Goodbye Uncle Bob

My uncle Bob passed away on Saturday after a lengthy battle with kidney disease. As a couple of his boyhood friends had the same disease, it is the suspicion of many that the polution in the Vermillion River (where they swam) may have been responsible. Hopefully the practice of dumping is a thing of the past.

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Plastic Sword

My family is temporarily living in my condo while we're "between houses." Amongst our pile of "junk," from the previous house is a toy, plastic sword. Somehow, though we packed a storage container full of stuff from the house, this silly plastic sword did not make it inside. So now even though we are cramped for space, there is a stupid plastic sword sticking out of the pile of stuff. Periodically, I will get a semi-serious tone and ask my wife if while looking for anything, if she may have.... come across, a plastic sword, because I was looking for one. Of course we both bust out laughing, because it is just too ridiculous!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Déjà vu

Lately I have been experiencing Déjà vu; and for good reason. We have moved to my condo while we purchase a new home. For me it was interesting because everything is familiar; yet instead of living alone I have my wife and son with me. When I go to the store or visit a friend in the condo complex, it is like returning to a previous time in my life. I think it is a great experience to actually return to the same place where I spent several years of my life and revisit it--even if it is only temporary.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Some People Should Shut-up

Like the people who keep reporting that oil prices are falling and the price of gas is going down. All I have to do is look at the signs on the gas stations, to see that gas has been going up since they started saying this crap.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Louisville Swamp Mosquito Hike




I went hiking at Louisville Swamp yesterday.







The mosquitoes were really bad and the weather went from sunny to rain. The Jabs Farm crossing was flooded too.






Sill I saw some interesting things like the Indigo Bunting and the wildflowers like those in these photos I took.