Don't ever say I can't get in trouble all by myself! When I got done with lunch the fire was not working as well as I wanted. So I opened up the door on the front of the stove just to get a little draft. That worked Well. It worked too Well. In no time at all I had a chimney fire! I shut down the stove completely. This included the little draft door that Lori has always maintained caused the fire in the stove to go out. Nope! Fire in the stove did die down, but the fire in the chimney was roaring along very nicely. I made a couple of trips out to check the top of the chimney. That looked nasty with black smoke rolling out, but no flames shooting out. I came in...fire in chimney is Still roaring along. I decided to go up on the roof and cover the chimney outlet with something, anything. So I did that. Even with Ginger's dog dish driven onto the chimney I still was getting smoke! Where there is smoke there is fire. Finally I took the dog dish off the chimney. Only a little smoke, whew. I came back down and checked the house inside. No flames in the chimney. I have been out again a couple of times. There is no excess smoke coming out from anywhere. I think I dodged the bullet, this time! Just last week I cleaned the chimney. Somehow we managed to make a lot of creosote in about 10 days. The fire got rid of a lot of creosote on the bottom of the chimney...but I noticed when I was on the roof, that the top of the chimney is real bad again.
Lori has maintained ever since I caught the hillside on fire, (another story) that I should not mess around with fire... maybe she is right. It is amazing how quick things can get out of control.
And to think I was having a pretty quiet day at home...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
King Corn
I saw a movie yesterday called "King Corn". It was a docudrama that followed the planting, spraying and harvesting of one acre of corn. It was also concerned with where that corn ended up. A docudrama is a dramatized version of a documentary. While the people in the movie were the real people, they were not necessarily filmed at the time that events were happening. Like the old song says...'it ain't necessarily so'. To be fair 'it ain't necessarily Not so' either. Let's just say there is room for providing for a particular point of view in a docudrama.
That being said...it was a pretty complete movie. The two young guys were intent on their premise. To follow an acre of corn from the beginning, before the seed was even planted, to the end, where it would end up. I expected to find glaring inconsistencies in the movie. The two people had never even been on a farm in their life, and had not even a beginning of an idea of farming or farm life. They were willing to learn, however. It appeared that they were respectful to all the people involved in their project. That is a definite plus. In my own life, I can remember not being particularly respectful of persons (older of course) that didn't share the view I had determined was correct. I applaud them in that.
Was it balanced? No, but then hardly anything ever is. Did it provide hard scientific proof... no, it did not. It did however raise a lot of questions. In this day and age asking questions is sometimes considered wrong. The 'establishment' (and that changes from time to time), does not like questions.
I think the questions need to be asked. I believe that the questions need to be answered. I feel that they need to be considered seriously and answered seriously. No name calling, no snotty disregard for the questioner allowed. It does not necessarily mean that someone does not share your point of view just because they are questioning that point of view. Defensiveness causes people to want to disregard your answers. And in the case of "King Corn" the questions raised need answers. The one question I want answered especially is "Is Cheap food worth the cost?" And yes, corn is cheap food, IMNSHO.
I believe that Cheap food has contributed to many of the things that have gone wrong in America today. There are way too many overweight people in this country. I believe this can be attributed to 'cheap' calories, starch in the diet. I have noticed that the people who seem to have the least wherewithal are the people with the biggest problem with obesity. I will admit that I have not done the research to prove my point of view. It is an observation, I have made. Obesity alone is the cause of a whole plethora of other problems. Knee and joint problems, diabetes, and heart problems to name a few. There are more as well.
I think that the movie raises legitimate questions and deserves real answers. I farmed for over 30 years. I like planting and producing crops, corn included. I felt the movie was doing it's job pretty well.
It is food for thought.
That being said...it was a pretty complete movie. The two young guys were intent on their premise. To follow an acre of corn from the beginning, before the seed was even planted, to the end, where it would end up. I expected to find glaring inconsistencies in the movie. The two people had never even been on a farm in their life, and had not even a beginning of an idea of farming or farm life. They were willing to learn, however. It appeared that they were respectful to all the people involved in their project. That is a definite plus. In my own life, I can remember not being particularly respectful of persons (older of course) that didn't share the view I had determined was correct. I applaud them in that.
Was it balanced? No, but then hardly anything ever is. Did it provide hard scientific proof... no, it did not. It did however raise a lot of questions. In this day and age asking questions is sometimes considered wrong. The 'establishment' (and that changes from time to time), does not like questions.
I think the questions need to be asked. I believe that the questions need to be answered. I feel that they need to be considered seriously and answered seriously. No name calling, no snotty disregard for the questioner allowed. It does not necessarily mean that someone does not share your point of view just because they are questioning that point of view. Defensiveness causes people to want to disregard your answers. And in the case of "King Corn" the questions raised need answers. The one question I want answered especially is "Is Cheap food worth the cost?" And yes, corn is cheap food, IMNSHO.
I believe that Cheap food has contributed to many of the things that have gone wrong in America today. There are way too many overweight people in this country. I believe this can be attributed to 'cheap' calories, starch in the diet. I have noticed that the people who seem to have the least wherewithal are the people with the biggest problem with obesity. I will admit that I have not done the research to prove my point of view. It is an observation, I have made. Obesity alone is the cause of a whole plethora of other problems. Knee and joint problems, diabetes, and heart problems to name a few. There are more as well.
I think that the movie raises legitimate questions and deserves real answers. I farmed for over 30 years. I like planting and producing crops, corn included. I felt the movie was doing it's job pretty well.
It is food for thought.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Stimulus
The stimulus package has passed both houses of congress. ( I refuse to capitalize either houses or congress.) Mr Obama will sign it into law. It will become law. Sad.
It appears that 'politics as usual' has reared it's ugly head again. I had hoped that there would be bipartisanism in congress. I was doubtful, but I had hoped. No Republicans in the house voted for the package...and only three in the senate. The three in the senate that voted for the bill were instrumental in how the final version of the bill would read/be. In order to get the bill through the senate compromises had to be made. So the bill got changed from one that Mr Obama proposed to one more like what the Republicans wanted.
Like most compromises, it actually offers practically nothing of substance. $400 tax credit for working people. $250 tax credit for people on Social Security now. (2008 taxes) A tax cut of an average of $13 per week for wage earners (2009 taxes).
Unlike a stimulus check, the tax credit will do little to increase spending. It will not be tangible money. It will cost us the taxpayers the same amount of money, but will not put real money in our hands. $13 dollars per week will barely pay for one familiy's meal at McDonald's. It would amount to 676 dollars if given all at one time. It could be argued that 676 dollars is 676 dollars no matter how it is distributed. I maintain however, that to stimulate the economy 676 dollars in one lump sum would be more beneficial. It could be used to buy a computer, a tv, or even to go on a weekend vacation somewhere. $13 per week will just get used for whatever. It might stimulate McDonald's a little, or maybe Walmart. It isn't enough to save. It isn't enough to do any real good. It isn't enough period.
Tax credits get 'watered' down. One has to make a certain amount of money to get the full tax credit. Like the tax credits that were in place for renewable energy, the whole amount is available but not if one is not in the right tax bracket, one cannot fully use the benefit. Once again, the money is not in the hands of the people who could spend it. So this stimulus package is the result of 'politics as usual'. We lose again.
The Republicans and the Democrats must, MUST stop thinking of 'what is good for my party' and start thinking of what is good for America. This time it was the Republicans wielding the big stick, to get what that party wanted. The Democrats have done it as well, and I am sure will do it again. If congressmen would rather represent the party they are affliated with than the people of their districts they need to be not returned to congress. When there are just Republicans and Democrats in congress there are no Americans. There are no statesmen. There is no thinking. This has been the case for such a long time. I had hoped that there could be a new attitude in congress. I see that there is not, and will not be.
Sad
It appears that 'politics as usual' has reared it's ugly head again. I had hoped that there would be bipartisanism in congress. I was doubtful, but I had hoped. No Republicans in the house voted for the package...and only three in the senate. The three in the senate that voted for the bill were instrumental in how the final version of the bill would read/be. In order to get the bill through the senate compromises had to be made. So the bill got changed from one that Mr Obama proposed to one more like what the Republicans wanted.
Like most compromises, it actually offers practically nothing of substance. $400 tax credit for working people. $250 tax credit for people on Social Security now. (2008 taxes) A tax cut of an average of $13 per week for wage earners (2009 taxes).
Unlike a stimulus check, the tax credit will do little to increase spending. It will not be tangible money. It will cost us the taxpayers the same amount of money, but will not put real money in our hands. $13 dollars per week will barely pay for one familiy's meal at McDonald's. It would amount to 676 dollars if given all at one time. It could be argued that 676 dollars is 676 dollars no matter how it is distributed. I maintain however, that to stimulate the economy 676 dollars in one lump sum would be more beneficial. It could be used to buy a computer, a tv, or even to go on a weekend vacation somewhere. $13 per week will just get used for whatever. It might stimulate McDonald's a little, or maybe Walmart. It isn't enough to save. It isn't enough to do any real good. It isn't enough period.
Tax credits get 'watered' down. One has to make a certain amount of money to get the full tax credit. Like the tax credits that were in place for renewable energy, the whole amount is available but not if one is not in the right tax bracket, one cannot fully use the benefit. Once again, the money is not in the hands of the people who could spend it. So this stimulus package is the result of 'politics as usual'. We lose again.
The Republicans and the Democrats must, MUST stop thinking of 'what is good for my party' and start thinking of what is good for America. This time it was the Republicans wielding the big stick, to get what that party wanted. The Democrats have done it as well, and I am sure will do it again. If congressmen would rather represent the party they are affliated with than the people of their districts they need to be not returned to congress. When there are just Republicans and Democrats in congress there are no Americans. There are no statesmen. There is no thinking. This has been the case for such a long time. I had hoped that there could be a new attitude in congress. I see that there is not, and will not be.
Sad
Monday, February 9, 2009
Religion????
I have a whole bunch of questions about religion...or maybe Christianity is what I have questions about. Christianity is the religion I know most about. It stands to reason then that would be the religion I have the most questions about.
I have had to attend several funerals in the last few weeks. People I have known have departed toward the great Unknown. In every case, the minister preached about what Paul had to say about what Jesus supposedly said. This seems like going the long way around. Why not just quote Jesus? So Question #1....Who was Paul? I asked that question of Lori, and she indicated that she was unhappy about much of what Paul had to say. She also said she didn't want to argue with me about it.
Do I argue? No that is not Question #2.
Question #2...How did Paul get to be such an expert on what Jesus said?
Question #3...Why were Paul's sermons remembered more than someone else's writings or ideas?
#4....Were Paul's beliefs Gospel...or weighty opinions?
#5...Why do both the Catholics and the Protestants both seem to revere Paul so highly?
#6...Is it possible to be a Christian and not believe in Paul?
There that is the beginning of my list of questions...I actually don't expect answers...but maybe I will get some opinions...
Please do not try to figure out what my beliefs are from my questions. Questions and beliefs are not the same thing...OK? In other words, don't beat me up because I am asking questions. If you feel the need to beat me up, maybe you should start a list of questions of your own.
I have had to attend several funerals in the last few weeks. People I have known have departed toward the great Unknown. In every case, the minister preached about what Paul had to say about what Jesus supposedly said. This seems like going the long way around. Why not just quote Jesus? So Question #1....Who was Paul? I asked that question of Lori, and she indicated that she was unhappy about much of what Paul had to say. She also said she didn't want to argue with me about it.
Do I argue? No that is not Question #2.
Question #2...How did Paul get to be such an expert on what Jesus said?
Question #3...Why were Paul's sermons remembered more than someone else's writings or ideas?
#4....Were Paul's beliefs Gospel...or weighty opinions?
#5...Why do both the Catholics and the Protestants both seem to revere Paul so highly?
#6...Is it possible to be a Christian and not believe in Paul?
There that is the beginning of my list of questions...I actually don't expect answers...but maybe I will get some opinions...
Please do not try to figure out what my beliefs are from my questions. Questions and beliefs are not the same thing...OK? In other words, don't beat me up because I am asking questions. If you feel the need to beat me up, maybe you should start a list of questions of your own.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Stimulating the economy
From 'Incoming' http://johnwphipps.blogspot.com/
It may just be my perception, but the folks who are not crazy about stimulus spending compared to tax cuts have a large overlap with folks who say Americans need to save more. Isn't this counterproductive or mildly hypocritical? The only thing worse than poorly spent stimulus money is unspent stimulus money. A tax cut right now would, like the last stimulus effort, likely be mostly tucked away in anxious consumer savings or paying down debt, I think. In essence, tax-cutters are counting on consumers' ignoring their own counsel. In fact, ask yourself what you would do with an extra $1000.
I agree with the above statement. I have noticed that tax cuts don't translate well in the real world. A something or other billion dollar tax cut becomes about 50 dollars or less by the time I get my taxes done. Admittedly, I don't pay as much taxes as some. (Although it seems that there are plenty of people who should have paid a lot of tax that 'slipped my mind'.) Tax cuts would benefit mostly those who pay the most taxes. I understand the rationale, those people would be the ones doing the hiring, and manufacturing. The benefits would 'trickle down' to the little person. A tax cut however, would benefit the few more than the many.
It would seem to me, that in order to get this economy moving again, we need to get the money into the hands of the many. I don't think we have to worry about them not spending it. More and more people every day are needing money to spend on staples. Our percentage of unemployment is the highest in 35 years according to Paul Harvey News and Comments, with over 600,000 workers unemployed. If the money were in the hands of the many it would likely get spent. The money would 'trickle up'. I think this would be the best way for a stimulus package to work.
One concern has been the inefficiency of the government in providing jobs, infrastructure, and in public works. The government is for sure inefficient. That is a given. I don't believe it would be more efficient however to put the money in the hands of the best paid people. Recent events would indicate that would only allow the money to aggregate in the hands of those same people. Aggregating the money would be far more inefficient that letting the government 'waste' it. Government spending is often considered a waste when that spending is happening in some other area. It seems like a better deal when the money is spent in our locality, where ever that may be.
I am hopeful that the Congress will be able to work together and pass a stimulus package that the President can sign. One that will start this economy moving again. I do have my doubts however. So far indications are that in Washington, politics as usual is the rule. Voting has been along party lines just like it always has been. I fear we did not trim enough of the dead wood out in the last election.
But maybe I am just being cynical...
It may just be my perception, but the folks who are not crazy about stimulus spending compared to tax cuts have a large overlap with folks who say Americans need to save more. Isn't this counterproductive or mildly hypocritical? The only thing worse than poorly spent stimulus money is unspent stimulus money. A tax cut right now would, like the last stimulus effort, likely be mostly tucked away in anxious consumer savings or paying down debt, I think. In essence, tax-cutters are counting on consumers' ignoring their own counsel. In fact, ask yourself what you would do with an extra $1000.
I agree with the above statement. I have noticed that tax cuts don't translate well in the real world. A something or other billion dollar tax cut becomes about 50 dollars or less by the time I get my taxes done. Admittedly, I don't pay as much taxes as some. (Although it seems that there are plenty of people who should have paid a lot of tax that 'slipped my mind'.) Tax cuts would benefit mostly those who pay the most taxes. I understand the rationale, those people would be the ones doing the hiring, and manufacturing. The benefits would 'trickle down' to the little person. A tax cut however, would benefit the few more than the many.
It would seem to me, that in order to get this economy moving again, we need to get the money into the hands of the many. I don't think we have to worry about them not spending it. More and more people every day are needing money to spend on staples. Our percentage of unemployment is the highest in 35 years according to Paul Harvey News and Comments, with over 600,000 workers unemployed. If the money were in the hands of the many it would likely get spent. The money would 'trickle up'. I think this would be the best way for a stimulus package to work.
One concern has been the inefficiency of the government in providing jobs, infrastructure, and in public works. The government is for sure inefficient. That is a given. I don't believe it would be more efficient however to put the money in the hands of the best paid people. Recent events would indicate that would only allow the money to aggregate in the hands of those same people. Aggregating the money would be far more inefficient that letting the government 'waste' it. Government spending is often considered a waste when that spending is happening in some other area. It seems like a better deal when the money is spent in our locality, where ever that may be.
I am hopeful that the Congress will be able to work together and pass a stimulus package that the President can sign. One that will start this economy moving again. I do have my doubts however. So far indications are that in Washington, politics as usual is the rule. Voting has been along party lines just like it always has been. I fear we did not trim enough of the dead wood out in the last election.
But maybe I am just being cynical...
Monday, February 2, 2009
Time Flys
Time flys when your having fun! It has been awhile since last I blogged. I was busy having fun... that's no excuse really, it is a reason. It is the reason.
I have been having fun harassing my fellow 'old f.... uh, guys' at McDonald's in the mornings. We cover so many topics each day it is hard to keep up. But we manage, somehow. I am getting to know the people and their personalities. I am trying to keep them from discovering my personality as well. I hide behind smart comments and wise sayings. That is fun! Even though I am hiding out in plain sight. I guess that would make me both wise and smart. Some of the others are beginning to catch on. Evidently they are smarter than I had thought. Still I am having fun.
Lori and I are having fun playing music for ourselves and others. Tomorrow (Tues Feb 3) we will play music at Thornapple Manor, which is a senior citizen housing establishment. The patients seem to enjoy our playing and we sure enjoy doing it. Once again... Fun!
The weather has moderated a bit here in MI...the last couple of days it has almost reached freezing (32). I have fun walking the dog...she has fun walking me. I especially enjoy the fact that I am getting exercise without spending big bucks at the fitness centers in town. I walk a couple of miles a day for Free! (As an aside...So far I have restrained from rubbing that fact in to a couple of guys at McD's who are paying to exercise... It has been difficult!)
If the snow would melt, I would be having fun watching it happen. It has not, so I am not...but it is fun to contemplate the idea of thawing weather. I know, I am reaching here...stretching the idea a little. Reaching and stretching are supposedly good...so I will.
I have been having fun doing some cooking! Yeah, me! Who'd a thunk? I am good at making white bean chili, with chicken. I have messed, uh, adjusted the recipe a couple of times to get it spicy enough. But it is good and Fun. I can bake pumpkin pie as well...what more can there be?
Well, I guess I will go have fun listening to Paul Harvey now...and having pizza for lunch! How about that?
I have been having fun harassing my fellow 'old f.... uh, guys' at McDonald's in the mornings. We cover so many topics each day it is hard to keep up. But we manage, somehow. I am getting to know the people and their personalities. I am trying to keep them from discovering my personality as well. I hide behind smart comments and wise sayings. That is fun! Even though I am hiding out in plain sight. I guess that would make me both wise and smart. Some of the others are beginning to catch on. Evidently they are smarter than I had thought. Still I am having fun.
Lori and I are having fun playing music for ourselves and others. Tomorrow (Tues Feb 3) we will play music at Thornapple Manor, which is a senior citizen housing establishment. The patients seem to enjoy our playing and we sure enjoy doing it. Once again... Fun!
The weather has moderated a bit here in MI...the last couple of days it has almost reached freezing (32). I have fun walking the dog...she has fun walking me. I especially enjoy the fact that I am getting exercise without spending big bucks at the fitness centers in town. I walk a couple of miles a day for Free! (As an aside...So far I have restrained from rubbing that fact in to a couple of guys at McD's who are paying to exercise... It has been difficult!)
If the snow would melt, I would be having fun watching it happen. It has not, so I am not...but it is fun to contemplate the idea of thawing weather. I know, I am reaching here...stretching the idea a little. Reaching and stretching are supposedly good...so I will.
I have been having fun doing some cooking! Yeah, me! Who'd a thunk? I am good at making white bean chili, with chicken. I have messed, uh, adjusted the recipe a couple of times to get it spicy enough. But it is good and Fun. I can bake pumpkin pie as well...what more can there be?
Well, I guess I will go have fun listening to Paul Harvey now...and having pizza for lunch! How about that?
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