I am CuTRis

Robot Spiders UnAssociated Press December 22, 2017 This video was recently obtained by the UnAssociated Press, and clearly shows that the Earth is being invaded by Robot Spiders from outer space. Some scientists claim that there is little danger at present, because the spiders seem to only eat AA batteries. If you see one of these monsters, simply pick it up and slide the on/off switch to the "off" position. It could save your life.

http://kstp.com/sports/vikings-xavier-rhodes-masonic-childrens-hospital-holiday-cheer/4713932/?cat=7 My niece Jiena with Xavier Rhodes !

I went on the tour of the Alexander Ramsey House yesterday, and it was great. I would have posted photos if I could, but photography is not allowed inside the house. http://www.mnhs.org/ramseyhouse

This morning I told my wife and son that Mr. Rogers ' Sweater is at the Minnesota History Museum for the 1968 exhibit (opening Dec. 23). My 5-year-old son said, "What? The Packers ???"

If you read my blog last month, I had a lengthy issue involving my Sprint Phone . Basically they changed my plan without my consent and started charging me more. After the lengthy and frustrating process to put everything back the way it was, it happened all over again yesterday. Sprint , you suck! Update: And yet again, after another month went by Sprint "lost" my MERSC discount and so the price went up again and I have to reapply. Are all phone companies so crooked? The reviews by the public say, "yes."

While it may be good to expose abuses and "call out" those responsible, we should never forget that it is "Due Process" that is supposed to be the foundation of our legal system. That means allegations should be substantiated prior to passing judgment.

Today, on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2017 , the Al Franken Decade has ended. http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/politics/speech-al-franken-transcript/index.html

Santa Accused of Sexual Misconduct UnAssociated Press December 4, 2017 Several women who wish to remain anonymous have recently come forward (though not public) to accuse Santa Clause of inappropriate sexual behavior. The allegations include coming down chimneys while they were asleep and sneaking around inside of their houses. There has also been allegations that he touched some women inappropriately during the taking of photos. Though the jolly old elf has denied these allegation and though there is no substantial proof, Santa has been fired and Christmas will be cancelled and replaced with a new holiday yet to be named.

WARNING: I went to see the movie IT , and "it" has nothing to do with IT (Information Technology) !

"Excuse me, I think there might be a bug on you."

With political views that do not follow any party lines, I can at times, get people upset with me who are on the far right (conservative) or far left (liberal) end of the spectrum in equal numbers. What I have noticed (though maybe I know more liberals than conservatives), is that liberal people seem to get much angrier over even minute disagreements than conservatives do. I have wondered about that and I might have an answer as to why this happens. It is my opinion that liberal minded issues generally have little hard science or data supporting them, and rely primarily on emotion. Any discussion (or disagreement) should be a process of understanding and using evidence to support your opinion. If there is no actual science, the person using conjecture and emotion is likely to get frustrated and angry. Whether they have science backing them or not, a conservative can often point to the Bible and say, "Look, it's right here. God wrote it."

Alas poor R2D2 . I knew him...

Even though I'm involved with an organization that has the mission to preserve history, that mandate gets kind of blurry when politics are involved. What I mean is, that history seems to reflect the attitudes that are force-fed to the population through the media. This “free media” being the same one that was forced to shutdown a breaking story 14 years ago when I worked for the county and an individual placed into a position to help vulnerable people was arrested and the (political) policies were shown extremely poorly as a result. History, is often a partial truth. Our “politically correct” society has no stomach for the entirety of truth—as it does not fulfill the “popular” misconceptions that we are all supposed to believe. Yet, most people are fine perpetuating these partial truths for the sake of looking good . One other historical fact that is conveniently forgotten as “we” show how accepting we are of all of the lifestyles and hybridized family units, is that most “great ...

I have to think that God has made better decisions as to where my life should go than I would have alone. In other words, often the disappointments evolve into something great.

This will be the 396th Thanksgiving (1621). http://www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org/thanksgiving.htm

After working in a school, I learned a trick that I have since used many times. If you have a sticky (wired) computer keyboard, you can usually fix it by running it under warm water and then drying it (by letting it sit) for a day or two. Nothing else I can think of in the world of technology can handle a "bath," but so far my luck with "unsticking" keyboards is nearly 100%.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gphiFVVtUI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT9hvyDvKHA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFXN2kgh9u0

While it might sound nice to be told that you are “special,” it is often a curse for someone inexperienced and impressionable. That is if the implication is that because you are special, you don’t need to “try” to be great. Whether the person is a favored child, or part of a protected group, if you are given a line of entitlement, it is almost always a curse. Often, it is the person who is told early on that life is not fair; so you must try harder than most people—who will ultimately be better off. Nothing is so sad as someone who gives up because they believe that they are already at the top and cannot excel any farther. Too often that person is doomed to living off the welfare of others' work and being unfulfilled. Those who are showing their “higher morality” by perpetuating such thinking are as guilty as those who allow themselves to fail because of it.

And while all the people were yelling about their trifles , the (only)-overweight, underachiever from across the 38th parallel was plotting to incinerate large portions of the world and the "leader" of the free-world was busy tweeting petty hatreds while balancing precariously on top of his oversized wallet.

Sexual Misconduct UnAssociated Press November 16, 2017 BREAKING NEWS! EVERYONE has just been accused of sexual misconduct! We apologize.

Why are they called " Essential Oils" if I don't really need them?

I understand that I'm a " dinosaur " because (even though I am employed in Information Technology) I don't succumb to every new (and not so new) technological trend. My wife and I have cell phones and I get a good price on my plan because I've had it for a long time and we don't have any extras. Our phones are just phones. They are not portable computers that have voice/calling as one of the apps. So when Sprint emailed me that I had changed my plan a couple of weeks ago, I immediately called customer service to find out what was going on. The people at customer service asked for verification of who I was by a code word established years ago. I gave the person the word and she was unable to " authenticate it." Though I was calling on the phone in question about a change that had obviously been made, I was forced to go to a Sprint store. At the store, I was able to use my ID to establish a PIN and to find out that my plan had been changed to Unlimi...

It was exciting to get back into the Wilkie Unit on Friday. It had been awhile and it had changed in many ways and yet it was still the same. I immediately found the remnants of an owl off the edge of the trail. Then I saw a lot of Bald Eagles and even more swans over Blue Lake. The river had geese and Mergansers and I found the large tracks of the hind foot of a beaver in the dried mud. When I was on the trail beneath the highway bridge, it should have been easy but the trail was washed out and I had to leap across. I'm getting kind of old for that but I made it. On the way out I met a hunter searching for the blood trail of the deer he hit almost four hours earlier. My 2-hour hike in the windy, 22 degrees (F) was exhilarating to say the least. I wish I had more opportunities to enjoy the places I used to frequent almost daily. Owl flight feathers have soft edges for silence. 2 Bald Eagles Eagles above swans Swans Flood Remnants Minnesota R...

When Veterans Day is prefaced by a quick, methodical and somewhat impersonal military funeral ceremony, it drives home the reality of what it all means; and also what it doesn't mean.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978045468/

Dear John, A long time ago, we were best friends. I met you in seventh grade on the football field. When I was 24, it was you who accompanied me on the premier adventure of my life—when we flew to Alaska and hired a bush pilot to drop us off on Admiralty Island for most of a week. We drank a lot of beers together and every Thursday was taco night. Later, we drifted apart. I left the bar stool and life changed. We began to socialize in different circles. We lost touch. Yesterday I heard that you had died. I tried in vain to find an obituary. Your landline is disconnected. So, I have to believe you have left the Earth just as sure as we felt like we had left the planet when we arrived in Alaska in a storm with all of those brown bears roaming around. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Take Care Old Friend, Kevin

"Without Life, there would be no Death. Without Death, Life would have no meaning." -Kevin J. Curtis 1982

When Liberals call you a Conservative, and Conservatives call you a Liberal, what do you suppose that means?

As we move toward another weekend, I've been reflecting on the shooting deaths of two black men in St. Paul last weekend. Why didn't these murders spark the outrage and protests that occur when a black man is shot by police? http://www.startribune.com/17-people-shot-two-fatally-in-minneapolis-and-st-paul-since-last-week/452630183/ The answer appears to be political. There is nothing to be gained by protesting black against black violence; or is there? Why should only a few shootings be politicized? Why do some lives seem to matter more? What needs to be asked, is why people are out in the world shooting guns at one another? What is the root cause? Blaming the issues on police is, pardon the pun, a "cop out." If need be, compare successful individuals within any demographic with those who are caught shooting guns, committing crime and murdering people. What is the difference between the two groups? Is it influenced by economics? Is it absentee fathers? Is it ...

The Republican Party has a serious problem. It is called, Donald Trump . Many people, including some leading Republicans, are simply unable to pretend that Trump is an effective leader; as opposed to a spoiled, immature, rich brat like his Tweets have so effectively demonstrated. Yet the party faithful have given the ultimatum that if you are a Republican, you must support Trump or "get out." Some are choosing to leave as the only alternative that is logical and intelligent. Others will "follow the emperor; even though he has no clothes."

The carrot crop was good. It was possibly the only thing that the deer didn't eat on. It's good that deer don't have shovels...

Kinstone is amazing! http://www.kinstonecircle.com/

We stayed all the way up at the top in the Coopers Hawk Cottage. https://www.hawksview.net/

If you like beets like I do, but your family doesn't like them, like mine doesn't, you can still enjoy this wonderfully healthy food. The absolute easiest way to make them that I have found, is to bake them in foil like a baked potato. I also like to double wrap them in foil and bake them on hot coals. Nothing more is needed. Simply unwrap, peel and eat!

When I see my otherwise intelligent and happy child touch every surface around him as he navigates a public area; and then touch his face or eat with his hands, it is no mystery why children come down with colds and transmittable illness so easily. And while he will whine about his nose or his throat and act miserable, and while I can so easily teach him almost everything else, including hand washing, it is virtually impossible to make him understand that touching everything and then touching his face or eating with his hands is going to significantly increase the likelihood of his getting sick. I think that touching things is hardwired as a part of learning—but it really is hard for a parent to helplessly see his kid "playing Russian roulette" with germs and viruses.

Everyone Needs 10 to 46 Assault Rifles UnAssociated Press October 4, 2017 If the tragic shooting deaths of 59 Americans (and hundreds more wounded) in Las Vegas shows us anything, it is that more guns, and particularly more assault rifles are desperately needed in the United States of America. No one can be truly safe, until everyone in America is heavily armed and toting an assault rife. Every American home should have 10 to 46 assault rifles loaded, and at the ready. While democrats are calling for stricter gun laws, Republicans are saying that reducing the number of guns will not stop anyone from being shot as long as there are people running around with guns. "The answer is more guns," said an NRA spokesman. "Until we can get at least one assault rifle into the hands of every man, woman and child in the United States, no one will be safe! Only a madman would be unable to see the logic in (everyone) walking around with numerous high capacity weapons! Indeed,...

http://www.mnhs.org/kelleyfarm

OK I have to admit that I don't find the "locking arms" thing during the national anthem to be particularly disrespectful. I still don't like the "taking a knee" or holding up a fist. It seems the locking arms players were still being respectful. Of course, one could argue that to take a knee, a person may be showing subordination--such as how one might greet royalty. I guess holding up a fist could somehow show support for a strong nation as well. Maybe the players should wear tutu s and dance if they want to make their point.

If the NFL players would really like to make a positive difference in society, they could start by reducing the number of babies that they are "fathering" that they have no intention of being "dads" too. Because becoming a father to a lot of children without taking responsibility for teaching them, making sure they do good in school, making sure they don't join gangs, or do drugs, or carry guns is irresponsible. It is also irresponsible to blame police for a problem that is largely the result of children growing up without good role models and learning how to be successful and responsible. A DAD invests time and effort in his children. A DAD cries sometimes because his kid is sick and he is up late at night with him/her. A DAD hugs his kids and tells them he loves them. It might be easier to blame the police and the country and everyone else rather than to take responsibility for your own actions, but in the end it solves nothing.

Are all parents mean? No of course not. Are all police killers? No of course not. Are all non-white people innocent and blameless because they are non-white? No of course not. While I certainly don't agree with racial discrimination, I find it troubling that race is being used in our country to promote a social battle. Instead of focusing on how far "we've" come as a society, we are dwelling on real and/or perceived injustices. Some people might think parents are "mean" because they enforce necessary rules for their children's own good. On occasion, some parents might actually be mean; but hopefully there are far fewer of these than the "nice" parents. There can also be "bad" cops. Hopefully, there are far more "good" cops than bad ones. For someone, say someone who has already decided that children are always right because they are children and they never have to learn to be responsible for their own actions, they would al...

As a protest, I will now stop watching any football game (or sporting event) if the players "take a knee" or otherwise behave disrespectfully toward the country that has enabled them to become millionaires by playing a game. This is my right as a free American citizen. This has nothing to do with supporting Trump. He has lost my support already. Now it's time to see if professional sports can do without me too.

I'm a fan of Aldi prices, but recently the customer service (minimal to begin with) has taken a serious downturn (at lease at one St. Paul location). The issue has occurred 3 of the last 4 times I've shopped there. The price signs are different than the price at the register. For whatever reason, it appears to be beyond the abilities of the staff to remedy this and at least one manager likes to make it seem like it is my fault! So yesterday I received a phone call from an Aldi customer service representative who told me that they have a disclaimer on their website and flyers stating that they can change the prices at any time without notice. I told him that it is illegal to "bait and switch" and he continued to defend their unethical ways. That was when I decided to end the call. If you choose to shop at Aldi, make sure to review your receipt and make them refund any overcharges! I know it is difficult to get a refund when customers are lined up but they should ...

Likely New North Korean Leader Unassociated Press September 15, 2017 Since North Korea , under the leadership of Kim Jong-un , keeps on firing missiles in a dangerous disregard for life and diplomacy, it is possible that he, or North Korea could be destroyed if the threat continues. This brings up the question that if Kim Jong-un was killed, who would succeed him as supreme leader of North Korea? Since the previous ruler was Kim Jong-il and before that Kim Il-sung , the likely successor is widely thought to be Same-dang Kim .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcTAZ8V3SyM

The single best thing you can do for the world is to spend time with your children and teach them how to be respectful and successful.

Yesterday afternoon I found myself waiting in my car, at an intersection in downtown St. Paul (MN) while a group of police officers helped direct traffic so that a large group of people (it looked like students and teachers) were able to safely leave the Excel Energy Center. In the three or four minutes that I waited, the officers very professionally did their jobs while taking abuse from a number of people who drove past in vehicles and at least one who walked past. Every single person who I saw, who was swearing at the police officers and being openly and loudly disrespectful, was an African-American. At least one of the cars with people exhibiting this outrageously disrespectful behavior, had children in the car to witness it. So that left me with a number of questions for these individuals. 1. Who taught you that this behavior is acceptable? 2. Do you believe that your disrespectful behavior is helpful to the perception that police are unfair to black people (i.e. Black Lives Ma...

Somehow, even though the Saints now have Adrian Peterson, they lost! Dalvin Cook, who is the new, rookie running back for the Vikings rushed for 127 yards on 22 carries; along with 10 receiving yards—in his first game for Minnesota in its 29-19 victory against the New Orleans Saints. It was a new record for rushing yards by a Vikings' rookie in his (first game) debut ever. That record was previously held by Adrian Peterson who had 103 yards on 19 carries in his first game playing for Minnesota. Peterson got to see the record get broken since he now plays for the New Orleans Saints. It's still early in the season, but it seems that so far, the Vikings may be able to win even without Peterson!

How do you make a pork roast in 20 minutes? I sliced mine and grilled it over charcoal. I was short on time and it was quick and tasted amazing!

To the woman who drove through the red light and came within a second of killing me as I was walking in the crosswalk in downtown St. Paul this afternoon—your lack of attention/consideration, almost cost my family to lose "Dad." Slow down and obey the traffic rules!

Apparently "Hurricane Season" comes with a deadly, 1, 2, 3 punch this year. I hope it calms down soon! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Atlantic_hurricane_season

Why does North Korea (i.e. Kim Jong-Un) want war? I think the answer to this encompasses more than simply North Korea. It could also explain what has been termed, "Radical Islam" as well. Essentially, there have been no updates—in... forever. The program runs, but it is weak and it desperately wants to show that it is strong. By firing missiles and rhetoric toward its longtime "enemy," the USA, it (i.e. Kim Jong-Un ) thinks that he is showing strength. What he is really showing, however, is stupidity and a ridiculous disregard for life. You could compare it to a "karate guy" who is threatening an entire platoon of highly trained army rangers. The rangers watch as the karate guy jumps around and when he finally threatens too close, they shoot and he is dead. So why do China and Russia support North Korea? Because they are all Communist countries—which means they are like family. North Korea is the oddball, mentally challenged brother, and they can only t...

After being in the first generation in my family to graduate college, and after paying for the entirety of my college education by working, and after graduating having been offered an interview by the only all black newspaper in the Twin Cities—until I showed up for said interview being an unexpected color, and having worked in situations where I was in the minority in multiple ways and sometimes treated very badly by people who said they were being treated unfairly; or by ultra-liberal people who practiced their own reverse brand of racism, I have naturally developed a skepticism for people who try to turn every issue, into a racial disparity issue. So if you really and truly believe that you succeeded because of a thing called "white privilege," and that you owe everything to an unfair system, then yes, I agree with you that you should give your house and your car to someone who is poor. Personally, after working to pay for my education that I worked hard to study for,...

I dropped my kindergartener off at his grandparents house and talked to him for a few minutes and then said I had to leave. So he said, "OK bye dad! Keep in touch!"

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/frogs_toads/treefrogs/gray.html

If you can be deceased, can you also be ceased? Mark Moore and I liked to contemplate such issues as we worked together doing Government TV. While we didn't always agree, we did always respect each other — and Mark grew the program into something we are all proud of. Goodbye Mark. I enjoyed our time together.

R. Rosicky’s in the USA! By Kevin J. Curtis Rock Rosicky was tough as nails. He had disappeared in enemy territory during his third tour of duty in one of the most dangerous places on Earth. There was little hope of his return now—some 14 days after he missed his extraction date. Losing an operative such as Rock was not unheard of, but it was also not something that Major Schlitz liked dealing with. He knew Rocky personally and it was not only a huge loss to the Special Forces unit, but also a deeply personal one. Sadly, Major Schlitz was contemplating closing the entire project down and pulling all of his resources and operations out of the country. It wasn’t that he was too afraid that Rock would talk if he was captured; or even that he had any really critical information to give if he was broken during torture. It was more that the whole project was now severely undermined and the idea that it was still a secret to the enemy forces was both in jeopardy and in doubt. As ...

Trump Says Both Sides at Fault Unassociated Press August 29, 2017 Refusing to take the side of the chickens, President Trump said that both the chickens and the sheep were in the wrong during a farmyard protest yesterday that turned violent. Poultry groups were incensed by the President's lack of condemnation of the sheep. The grand wizard of the sheep said Trump's views are basically the same as his.