tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29170417049870934382024-03-13T11:24:09.854-07:00Rod's BlogsI've decided that my blog will be about something after all. That is.... nothing in particular. But a whole bunch of unrelated things. They might not interest you but they do interest me.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-11954410788404748222012-05-23T15:35:00.002-07:002012-05-23T15:35:29.584-07:00Cashless Society Closer than You Think!In the eurozone plans are being laid to issue universal world wide web ID's to all users. The argument is that it will keep people from evading responsibility and will positively identify all of their internet actions. It is also hoped that it will lead to a cashless society where in there will be positive identification of business transactions, purchases, and payments. This is said to lead to much less fraud and will hold people responsible. It is also said that terrorist activities will also be able to be monitored and that, of course, will make the world safer.<br />
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This may have it's attributes and may sound reasonable, but it will be at the expense of personal freedoms. It will also mean that your every movement, purchase, and every web site you visit can be monitored. Big Brother will know your whereabouts at all times. Do you really want the government to know all of this?<br />
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Along with an internet ID there will also be a personal barcode. All the money you've hidden under the mattress will become worthless. I'm not sure how you will donate to the panhandlers of this world. Perhaps the government will issue each of them a scanner so they can take their electronic money to buy some real wine. Or, perhaps the panhandlers will just go away or resort to theft. Will it be those who refuse such a chip that will become the new panhandler?<br />
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What scares me the most is that they are actually talking about this and the technology is actually within reach to do this. With thousands of new laws being passed every year, it will be hard to tell whether you are a law breaker or not. Minor infringements may result only in a fine which some law will allow the government to just take it from your account. We do have to support the government, you know.<br />
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I don't mind being protected from terrorists. But who is going to protect me from the government? At what point do we lose our freedoms and become like Nazi Germany, or like the Russia of the 1960's? Back then people lived in fear of an enemy across the oceans. Will we be living in fear of our own government? Believe me, as long as you use your computer, carry your phone, or even drive your car.... there will be no place to hide.<br />
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Perhaps this is where we must all get our houses in order. How much of this will true Christians be spared? Some believe that God will evacuate the true believe from this earth before this all happens. Others believe that the Christian will endure it. But one thing is for sure, accept the mark and be lost forever. How fortunate are the Christians who have died in Christ before this time? We may soon find out?Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-78141353848549028412012-05-21T05:49:00.000-07:002012-05-21T05:49:29.048-07:00Hood-winkedOur President has hood-winked a lot of people and I am proud to say that I am not one of them. This deal with his place of birth is alive and well. We should have known and we've all seen it coming. He wasn't forthright in presenting his birth certificate in the beginning. It was only a year ago that Hawaii came up with a forgery. And now we have a biography of Obama that he seemingly endorsed that claims Kenya as his place of birth. If this is true, he is an illegal President and should never have been allowed to run for office to begin with.<br />
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This goes right to the heart of the man. It says something about his integrity. If there was nothing to hide why wasn't he forthright in the beginning. Coverups take time to plot and execute. Believe a lie if you wish, but I'm not buying in. After all, his grandmother should know where he was born and she claims its Kenya.<br />
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Happy elections!Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-21111985335615521152012-05-15T11:20:00.000-07:002012-05-15T11:20:25.767-07:00Too Much TechnologyAs I write this I am aware that many of you will disagree with me. But somewhere along the line we have passed the threshold of having enough computer technology to having too much. It is this very technology that gives us the ability to do many things today that we could not do a decade ago that will one day rob us of our freedoms. It already has. It will lead to a police state in which government will control you to a great degree. Part of that control is knowing where you are at all times. And another part is knowing all your business transactions.<br />
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All ready it is difficult to go to a place where no one can find you. If you carry a cell phone you can be located through a signal even if your cell phone is turned off. If you want to get away from it all.... better leave your cell phone home. While this technology may be good in tracking down criminals or finding someone who is lost in the woods, it also gives other powers the ability to know where you are at all times if they choose to do so.<br />
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It is now a practice by auto makers to install a chip in new cars that will enable the tracking of your car. In simple terms, you are being watched. You are no longer free to come and go as a private citizen.<br />
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Auto insurance companies are now asking clients to install chips in their vehicles that keeps track of your speed and miles that you drive. They offer lower insurance rates if you do this. However, drive over the speed limit and you may find yourself with no insurance at all.<br />
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We must always balance our securities against our freedoms. As for me, I would rather be free than secure. I don't like the government looking over my shoulder at all times. I don't believe that is what government was intended to do. The very government that is supposed to protect us and our freedoms is on the verge of robbing us of the very freedoms it is supposed to protect. That robbery will happen through technology.<br />
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<br />Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-36069984096606526792012-05-14T15:18:00.000-07:002012-05-14T15:18:44.012-07:00Feed the HungrySitting in a Mac Donald's today I looked out the window to see a young man walking from trash can to trash can looking for food. Bingo, he found some that someone else had discarded. I got to my feet and was headed out the door to offer him a sandwich. But before I got to the door another patron told me that he had already offered to buy him some food and the young man had turned him down. He was hungry but had too much pride to accept a helping hand. Perhaps he didn't trust us or was more comfortable with his life style than he was accepting help. But he was surviving. He didn't look ill or undernourished.<br />
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In Colorado they say not to feed the wild animals. The reason for this is that if you do they become dependent on humans and lose their instinct to hunt for themselves. In the wild they learn how to survive.<br />
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This may be equally important in the human species. Good hearts always want to help. There is a certain satisfaction to lifting up a brother. But at the same time we must be careful not to make the down and out more dependent than they are. This young man taught me a lesson today. Although I wanted to help him, he really didn't need or want my help. He had learned how to survive. Perhaps it's not the life that you or I would choose, but he seemed fine with it. He maintained his personal dignity by not accepting help.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-78308428968780474652012-05-10T15:15:00.001-07:002012-05-10T15:15:44.217-07:00Evolution Just Speeded UpEver since Junior High, that's middle school nowadays, evolution has been taught as fact by the educational system. I didn't buy it then, and I don't buy it now. God of the universe was here before the universe began and He is still here today. My blog is not about the seven day account of creation nor is it specifically about evolution. Darwinism is phony and unprovable but it is still taught as though it is fact.<br />
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However, according to the evolutionists the world and man evolved into what it is today over millions and possibly billions of years. But we now have a President who has redefined evolution. His stand on same sex marriage in a matter of four years has evolved from "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman" to "my position is still evolving" to a few days later, "I believe in same sex marriage." The quotes are not exact but the essence of the quotes is.<br />
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What this tells me is that we have a President who does not know how to tell the truth. The truth is.... he has always favored same sex marriage but has not felt free to state his position because America wasn't ready for it and that would somehow hinder his chances of being elected. But now America is ready.... so out it comes. The President has been deceptive but the American public is okay with that because that is what we have come to expect from Democrat leaders in our nation. If a Republican used the same tactics he'd be scorched by the news media. But instead, the news media is swooning over the Presidents "finished evolution."<br />
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Somehow this president claims to be a Christian. If he is one indeed, then he hasn't spent much time reading the Scriptures that Christianity is based upon. Over and over Scriptures define marriage as between a man and a woman and condemns homosexual activity. Many of you might not like me pointing this out, but then you must not like the Scriptures either.<br />
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Now don't go accusing me of being a hater of the homosexuals. Although I do not approve of that life style, and the Scriptures do not approve of the life style, I don't hate them. Neither does God hate them. I do feel they are misguided and disoriented, and so do the Scriptures. As far as them living together..... who cares? Concerning civil unions..... who cares? Concerning marriage..... let's not pervert the true meaning of marriage.<br />
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I really don't care whether President Obama evolved in four years or not. I do care whether our President has integrity. So far he is lacking.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-34001917415184139222012-05-09T06:15:00.000-07:002012-05-09T06:15:16.753-07:00Not As NiceCalifornia is nice...... but not as nice a Colorado. I did enjoy the cool breezes off the ocean, the tall redwoods, and the sights I saw. But even the Golden Gate Bridge doesn't compare to the majesty of the Colorado Rockies. Colorado has a beauty that cannot be overtaken by any other part of the USA. I admit that California has warmer winters, which at my age is very desirable. But even the Colorado winters in the Denver area are not bitter as in Minnesota, North Dakota, and the likes of those places.<br />
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I don't like all the stop lights in the Denver area traffic, but I like them less in California. It is nothing to sit four to five minutes at a stop light there before moving, and believe me, there are plenty of stop lights to wait for. I could easily live in California. It's a great place. But I already live in Colorado. We might be a long ways from everywhere. But with Denver International Airport being centrally located in the country we are closer to everywhere and anywhere else. So this is a good somewhere to live.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-55436079656423882652012-05-08T17:43:00.000-07:002012-05-08T17:43:34.286-07:00Home Again!I'm running the wheels off that new Ford Escape that I like so much. Last fall it was a trip to Phoenix, then to Michigan and Wisconsin. This past week I drove it to Jan Jose, and next week I am off to Michigan again. But I am home now.<br />
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I arrived home to see the house still standing, the lawn was also standing. Even before I got fully unpacked I had to mow. Tomorrow the car gets washed and hopefully the windshield replaced. The windshield was the price of the trip to the Golden Gate Bridge. That's the first time a motor cycle ever whacked me with a rock. I feel sorry for all the bugs I squashed on the trip. That reminds me that I need to go out and poison the ants.<br />
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It was great to see Audrey's apartment in San Jose. At home we have a king bed, there she has a double.... so we got reacquainted. We also took turns sitting in the one comfortable chair. We also took turns at the counter where the stool is. We also took turns plugging in our phones and ipads because someone dear to me forgot to bring his chargers. We also took turns at the coffee pot. She prefers decaf and I prefer coffee.<br />
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It was even greater spending time with Audrey. We don't very often get a whole week together because she flies out to San Jose almost every week for work. But we are thankful for the job and know that one day that life style will settle down. An interesting feature for Audrey is that she has now been in all but three states. I think I've been to only about 28 states.<br />
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Next week I head for Michigan which means that I need to go through Illinois. In Illinois the cops don't like Colorado people because a couple of years ago we legalized marijuana. I think our legislature and governor are retarded. But the upshot of this is that in Illinois they like to pull us over, take everything out of our cars because they are convinced that all Coloradans are now transporting marijuana. Frankly, I think they should spend more time arresting their own government officials.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-49494234688145992812012-05-05T17:02:00.002-07:002012-05-05T17:02:55.203-07:00Golden Gate BridgeDid you know that the Golden Gate Bridge is actually red? It is 1.7 miles long for those of us who are metric illiterate. You can actually walk across it as Audrey and I did today, but that is a 3.4 mile walk because you have to actually walk back to your car. Or you can ride a bike over it if you promise not to run over the pedestrians.<br />
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It is actually and awesome sight and an engineering marvel. It is six car lanes in width, has a concrete road bed, and is held up by cables as broad as your wrist, other cables as broad as your head, and two steel towers.<br />
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In the middle of the bridge are signs that tell you there is hope, and that you don't have to jump off the bridge. Although I am wondering if most of the jumping was due to jumping out of the way of bicyclists who more or less pretend pedestrians don't exist. Having said that, I didn't witness a single mishap or a single person falling into the water. The walk across and back was an awesome experience especially since I got two new knees three months ago and they didn't hurt at all!<br />
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I'm not sure why I expected the Golden Gate Bridge to be gold. Also, I never saw any golden gates. I guess the golden gates are reserved for those who go to heaven. Or am I thinking of pearly gates?Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-90956004559130389632012-05-05T16:43:00.001-07:002012-05-05T16:43:57.561-07:00BarkersNo, I didn't misspell bakers and I'm not talking about dogs. It's those people that stand at the kiosks in the malls that call out to you like you are at some county fair. I didn't want to see the bearded fat lady and I don't want to smell some new perfume. They always say "Hi!" "How are you?" "Do you like your phone service?" or something like that.<br />
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I am thinking of creating a new mall t-shirt that says, "Hi!" "I'm fine!" and "No, Thank You!" "I'm allergic to perfume" and "My phone works just fine!" I'm thinking of it being battery operated with flashing lights. I wonder if they will sell more phones or if I'll sell more t-shirts.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-82233810780605775092012-05-04T10:39:00.001-07:002012-05-04T10:39:36.555-07:00Sally RandSantana Row in San Jose makes the 16th Street Mall in Denver seem a little Plain Jane or Sally Rand. There are two avenues of upscale shops about three blocks long and a huge mall across the main street. Everything is beautiful, well manicured, and spotlessly clean. Security guards stand on the corners and everyone here is really well behaved.<br />
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Flower pots and hedges are all through the place. Palm trees line the streets as well as other trees. Buildings are meticulously maintained. The parking garage is free and even that is spotless. This could be a model for other large outdoor shopping malls.<br />
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The older generation remembers Sally Rand. She's that gal that danced behind a plume of feathers and nothing else. I remember a car dealer who once asked me if I wanted a car that was loaded or a Sally Rand. I had no clue what he meant. He explained that a Sally Rand was stripped. I like my car with amenities. I also like my malls loaded.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-11157535309035855122012-05-04T10:13:00.001-07:002012-05-04T22:11:25.535-07:00CalitaxiaWell, here I am in beautiful Calitaxia. This is the capitol of USA taxation among other things. So far the Bay Area is the most cosmopolitan place I have ever been. Cool. I like that. It proves once again that the USA is still the land of opportunity. There must be a housing shortage here because huge apartment complexes are going up all over the place. If you live in Des Moines, IA one small apartment rental in San Jose will make two huge house payments in Des Moines.<br />
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Here they have a "take out tax." I'm not sure what that is but they definitely take it out.<br />
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Here the stop lights last longer. Believe me, it would pay to own a hybrid. You could take a short nap before the light changes to green. I think some of the drivers do. Either that or they are still changing their baby's diaper when the light turns green.<br />
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A GPS is also handy.... even when you know where you are going.<br />
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The HOV lane is on the right instead of the left. That must be for those who don't know whether they are coming or going.<br />
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The speed limit on the express way is 45 mph which means cars go 55 mph and motorcycles go 15 mph faster as they split lanes between cars. Speed limits don't apply to motorcycles as they can't be caught anyway.<br />
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In California taxes are high, speeds are high, rent is high, immigration is high and a $1 cone at Mc Donald's is a $1.50 here plus "take out tax" whatever that is.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-89209323757180882662012-05-04T09:31:00.001-07:002012-05-04T09:31:41.203-07:00Harv's CarwashThis blog really isn't about Harv's Car wash and it's not really about Harv either. It's actually about Harv's parents whom I know nothing about except they had to have named their cute little baby "Harvey." I'm wondering what kind of parent would do a thing like that. I can imagine Harvey hating his name all through childhood. If he was an overweight kid (we used to call them fat or chubby) then he was probably nick named "Heavy Harvey." If I were him I would have changed my name to Harv, also.<br />
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Come to think of it. One of my childhood friend's name was Harvey. And, yes, he was chubby. He hated his name and so he changed it for the benefit of the rest of his friends. He decided to spell his name backwards which then became "Yevrah." His Last name was Ulm and so that became Mlu. "Yevrah Mlu! Yes sir, there is a respectable kid's name.<br />
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I thought that was a pretty good idea so I also decided to spell my name backwards, especially since my parents tormented me by calling me Rodney. So my name became Yendor. Yendor Deeps. Now that's cool. So we were Yendor and Yevrah. Nowadays it sounds a little Arabic or Jewish. But we never thought about that back then.<br />
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So back to Harv's Car Wash. Harv isn't so bad after all. But in modern times I just settle for "Rod." I suppose my cousin "Bradley" calls himself "Brad."<br />
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But if my wife and I had had a boy I would have been much smarter about naming him. I just love the name "Boaz."Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-47542226755420278292012-05-02T09:08:00.001-07:002012-05-02T09:13:56.542-07:00A Little IronicWell, folks, here I am in San Jose, CA. Not a whole lot of people look like me. I'm not expecting to see my twin (which I don't have). But I wasn't expecting to be a minority. In spite of the name "San Jose" which is spanish I also see very few Latinos. Most of the people here use a different kind of alphabet. It's largely Japanese, Chinese, or some other Asian dialect. That's okay, I like Asians.<br />
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Here is the irony. It's not the people who do look like me that smile as they pass by, or even say a friendly, "Hi!" In fact, these people walk by me like I am invisible. They stare straight ahead, keep their nose in the air, and keep on going.<br />
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It is the Asians that smile, say "Hi!" or say some other unintelligible think that I assume is the equivalent of "Hi!" At least they are smiling when they say it and their eyes meet mine as they pass by. Have the caucasians become a race of snobs? Well, probably not but a lot of them act that way.<br />
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I think I'll leave Starbucks now and find somebody to ignore. I'm just wondering if that will make me feel superior.Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-2756388500583964232011-12-16T06:17:00.000-08:002011-12-16T06:44:16.125-08:00Narrowing The FieldFox's Republican candidate debate took place last night. I thought it was a good debate that defined the positions of several of the candidates. I think that the Republicans have several candidates who would make a worthy president. There is only one that I would outright disqualify.... Ron Paul. And I feel that there were two clear winners last night: Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. There are two other candidates I like very well: Michelle Bachman and Rick Santorum. I feel that Perry and Huntsman are weak candidates, but could still make good presidents.<div><br /></div><div>Ron Paul, more or less disqualified himself with his stance on national defense. He is even weaker than Obama and Obama would like to give away the farm. One thing we must all remember, our nation was bought with blood, maintained by blood, kept free by blood, and it will require more blood to stay free. The best way to prevent bloodshed is through a very strong military. It must be the strongest in the world. The USA must chart it's own course and not be followers of the rest of the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Michelle Bachman did well, but she needs to stop attacking Newt because Newt is able to take care of himself and can turn the tables. I think she has great ideas and would have the resolve to be a good and disciplined president.</div><div><br /></div><div>Santorum was good in every way. He just didn't say anything that was rememberable. I think He would make an excellent president, but the key is to win the election. All good ideas are moot unless you win. He needs a little more fire. There appears to be no skeletons in his closet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perry could make a good president but can't win the election.</div><div><br /></div><div>Romney is the big pleasant surprise for me. He clarified several positions. He is also even tempered and well spoken and has a certain Charisma. He ranks very high on presidential credentials. I especially like his stance on foreign policy and national defense. I went from liking him but distrusting him to liking him more and trusting him more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Newt. Well, Newt is Newt. I didn't like him because of things I had heard and because of his personal life. He seems to have those things taken care of. But this man is brilliant. Obama could never effectively debate him because Newt has the ability to turn the tables. Also, this man is the greatest reason President Clinton was successful. He would make a great president.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have it narrowed to two probables: Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. I hope that who ever loses would consent to being vice president. A vice president with a more active roll. There is too much talent here to waste.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who is the Republicans worst enemy? Donald Trump and Ron Paul. Why? because they both have the ability to split the party and ensure that Obama gets re-elected. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's the way I see it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your coffee.</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-39159560964205438632011-12-12T02:11:00.000-08:002011-12-12T02:38:46.891-08:00Tebowing"Tebowing" is a new term and one day may make it into the dictionary. When a person "Tebows" it simply means that he is taking the pose that was made famous by Quarterback Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos. When Tebow Tebows it is sincere. He is simply on one knee thanking and praising God, or praying. Others may Tebow for a variety of reasons. Some people like it and some don't. <div><br /></div><div>I read an article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday about Tim Tebow. After reading this article I have had to conclude that Tim Tebow is genuine through and through. He is the same off the field as he is on the field. He is unabashedly a Christian. Like it or not, that is who he is. I prefer to like it. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is growing criticism made of Tebow's public prayer. It is a matter of discussion on talk shows around America. Many are claiming that there is no place for these public displays in the NFL where people can see it on national TV and are made uncomfortable. I disagree. First of all, the cameras do not have to zoom in on Tebow while he is Tebowing. They could just leave him alone and let him be who he is. Secondly, that feeling of discomfort may be the result of our own shortcomings. Mr. Tebows openess with his Christianity is an example of what other Christians should be doing, but are not doing, and therefore the sense of discomfort and guilt. I know that is true in my life. I should be doing more and should be more open with my faith. I haven't decided whether to "Tebow," but I have decided to be more forthright.</div><div><br /></div><div>The world will be watching Mr. Tebow for him to make his first mistake. When he does, or if he does, all hell will break loose. He will get labeled as a hypocrite and the world will take comfort in that. We will all feel better because he will join the rest of us hypocrites. Misery loves company.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I think I will "Tebow" right now and pray that Mr. Tebow will continue to be himself and that he will not fail those of us who need a shining example to make us feel uncomfortable so that we will get off our dead ends and do what we should also be doing. No, I'm not talking about "Tebowing". I'm talking about the Christian acts of faith and charity that makes Mr.s Tebow who he really is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Come on Timmy. I'm pulling for you.</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-29754340210941795352011-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T10:33:34.817-08:00The One PercentPresident Obama has for some reason set himself against the "one percent." That is the 1% of our population that makes up the wealthiest Americans. Of course, he and his cronies are excluded because for some reason they are the good guys while the rest of the wealthy are the bad guys. One thing is for sure, that when Obama is finished with his presidency, which I hope is soon, there will be fewer one percenters. America's wealth is diminishing.<div><br /></div><div> But not only will there be fewer one percenters, there will also be fewer in the middle class, whom he claims to champion. I believe that my wife and I fit in the middle class somewhere. But during Obama's presidency our financial position has not improved. Quite the contrary. Obama wants to tell the middle class that is is for them, but the stark reality is that his policies hurt them. Obama calls this fairness. </div><div><br /></div><div>What is fair? Well, to Obama it means that everyone should be financially equal. Therefore, tax the rich and give it to the poor. But, wait! the middle class is also getting taxed and their money is also being distributed to the poor. Who are the poor? Who's getting my money.... and yours?</div><div><br /></div><div>What seems fair to me is that those who educate themselves, invest in their careers, take risks for potential earnings, and who work at it everyday should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and investments. What does not seem fair is for their financial gain to be confiscated through taxation and given to those who have made no effort to educate themselves, invest in their future, or work hard to advance themselves. Does it seem fair to you that a man should own a business, make all the investment, take all the risk only to have those who work for him make the same money, or as in some cases, make even more. Yes, "the laborer is worthy his hire." But should the guy who employs the laborer we worthy of something, too?</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, it is the employer that Obama stands against. Does he think I own my own press to print money? The government may be able to to that but I think there are laws against counterfeiting. It just so happens that large corporations, small companies, and the one percent whom Obama hates are the ones who can provide the jobs that other American's need. So, while he is endeavoring to tax the H out of them, how does he think they will be able to provide jobs? He needs a class in Economics 101.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, this president is involved with class warfare, he is racist, he is endeavoring to divide Americans, and he is failing to uphold the constitution. He acts like a guy with an IQ of about 70. </div><div><br /></div><div>Electing someone else would make my Starbucks taste really good.</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-34520839004883320332011-12-07T14:51:00.000-08:002011-12-07T15:09:28.859-08:00RLSI know that it is debated, but RLS is a real disease. That's restless leg syndrome. I know because I have it, and today it was very obvious. <div><br /></div><div>Typically it manifests itself more in the evening and at night. Many nights I have tossed and turned due to jerking and aching legs. When this manifests itself there is no way to be comfortable. Sometimes painkillers relieve the ache and make it bearable, but that does not stop the sudden and unexpected jerking. Sometimes it is much worse than others and sometimes I have no symptoms at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today was one of those times that I was reminded once again that I have it. The MRI lasted thirty minutes. During that time my legs had to be absolutely still. I didn't think much about that until about halfway into it. Suddenly my legs wanted to move. I was going wild. It was a mental challenge to keep them still. The MRI is a $1,000 test and who wants to pay for it twice? I was so relieved when it was over. </div><div><br /></div><div>The tech, who is not qualified to read the MRI, told me that there is no new growth, and that it looks like the growth is very old.... which is good news. I hope the doctor has the same opinion. </div><div>Over the years I have had doctors say it is a cyst, others said it was calcification, a couple of doctors asked me when I broke my leg. My knee surgeon thought it might be a bone tumor. This is the first time they have really felt the need to take a look at it. I guess I'll find out in a few days what it really is. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, back to the subject. RLS is a real disorder. It is my hope that with the knee replacements there will be less pain and therefore the RLS will diminish. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's worth celebrating with a fresh cup of Starbucks. </div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-7766704321541100652011-12-06T06:09:00.000-08:002011-12-06T06:35:01.190-08:00SkeletonsJust about everyone has skeletons in the closet. This, of course, means that there are things in your life that you are not proud of that only you over very few others know about. And they are skeletons only if they are thinks you want to keep secret, or you don't want to have them published.<div><br /></div><div>Candidates running for president of the United States need to really think this through before they become candidates. I mean, there are some really smart people like Herman Cane, who may have done some really stupid things. Does this mean that he would not make a good president? Probably. And I say that because in the first place he is probably not electable based upon the skeletons he may or may not have. And secondly, because he would eventually lose the respect of Americans if he were president.</div><div><br /></div><div>I understand that one one is perfect. We have all done things that we later regret. So it depends on the seriousness of these skeletons whether someone should become a candidate for president.</div><div><br /></div><div>This doesn't mean that that a man or woman cant change their mind. Their rivals like to call this flip-flopping. All of us have changed our mind about something or other. It's a good thing we do or we may continue down a wrong path. All presidential candidates can be accused of a flop-flop or two. What they thought was good at one time they now think is wrong. So be it. I appreciate the fact they can admit to the error and move on. That's part of building integrity. But that is far different than a skeleton (some hidden sin). </div><div><br /></div><div>Obama has no skeletons that we know of. He has been fully vetted and we know what kind of crap comes out of this administration. Newt Gingrich has no skeletons because everything is out in the open. We just have to determine whether he is now genuine. He does have a few flip-flops. Mitt Romney has no skeletons that we know of, but does have a few flip-flops. Michelle Backman has no skeletons that we know of or flip-flops. Donald Trump may have skeletons as he has not been vetted and I know of no flip-flops. Ron Paul..... well, he's Ron Paul but will never be president. Richard Perry is an also ran so it doesn't make any difference. Herman Cane is out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I see the top Republican contenders as Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Michelle Backman, and Donald Trump. Ya, Ya, I know, Donald Trump is not a candidate! Don't kid yourself. He will run as an independent, which, in case you haven't noticed is the largest voting block in the country right now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your morning coffee!</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-83718093426119018112011-12-01T06:54:00.000-08:002011-12-01T07:09:21.415-08:00Do you like the Stock Market?Wow! yesterday was something! The DOW Jones surged 490 points. Hey, it's about time! Right? Well, ya, but don't hold your breath. A lot of money was made yesterday. But a lot will be lost again when they once again sound the alarm about the world economy. For the real players on the stock market, volatility is the name of the game. That's where the big money is made. That is also where your hard earned money is generally lost. That's because you have to play by different rules.<div><br /></div><div>The market makers can sell short and can also move the markets with option trading, and of course by distorting the news so you panic and they gain. In your 401K you probably cannot short sell or deal in options. You can only go long and are therefore destined to lose on the bad news days. Not fair!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's how it works: If you own 500 shares of a stock such as GE. Traders have the right to borrow your stock that you paid for and short sell it. This nearly guarantees a loss for you and a profit for them and they don't even own the shares. Once the stock runs down they buy to cover their shorts which can drive the stock back up. They win on both sides and your 401K only goes up and down like a yo-yo. </div><div><br /></div><div>If the SEC was serious about stabilizing the market they would ban the short selling of actual stock and restrict it to options trading only. After all, would you knowingly give someone permission to borrow your shares so they could sell it short and cause you to lose money? Probably not. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the surge while it lasts. It will change, and sooner than you think.</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-10504667700734219542011-11-30T06:25:00.000-08:002011-11-30T06:28:48.917-08:00Good Bye HermanHerman Cain may be a great businessman, but he has shown that he doesn't know much about world events and even less about family values. More important than family values is honesty. <div>He may be a nice guy in many ways, and a smart guy, but he is definitely not presidential material. So good bye Herman and good bye "9-9-9".</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-16919047639093508632011-11-30T06:17:00.000-08:002011-11-30T06:24:13.626-08:00Thanks!Well, after all, I'm 62. I don't really feel that old other than my knees. The surgeon will tell me tomorrow what will happen to them. I think he might suggest chopping my legs off above the knees and gluing titanium joints in their place. I must admit that I am not looking forward to that. <div><br /></div><div>But thanks for the birthday wishes. Next year at this time I will be 63 and my knees will be 1. We will both have about the same life expectancy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this is my message from Starbucks this morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, I like my coffee black.....very black.</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-22486131136908878532011-11-24T05:41:00.000-08:002011-11-24T06:00:30.278-08:00Newt IINewt Gingrich is the leader in the Iowa Republican primary for a good reason. He has shown that he is a superior debater, has experience in government, is level headed in not attacking his opponents, and offers a plan of action for the U.S. debt and for immigration. <div><br /></div><div>On the subject of immigration, all the other candidates want to expel all the illegals and close the borders to illegal immigrants. Closing the borders to them is a no brainer. But sending them all back might not be the right thing to do. Gingrich maintains that many of these immigrants have been in the United States for twenty-five years. They have married American Citizens, had children, worked jobs, and paid taxes. He says that to sent them back would break up their families and that is morally wrong. I tend to agree with him. Let's remember, we are a melting pot and a country of immigrants. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a way to do both. First, provide a legal path to citizenship for those who meet certain criteria. Expel those who don't. Tighten the borders against other illegals coming in. Criteria that should be met is that the immigrant should be married to an American Citizen, have a job, pay taxes, have health insurance, and stay out of trouble. That includes cleaning up their own kid's graffiti. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I know there is much more to it than that. But breaking up families and leaving children fatherless and possibly homeless is not the right thing to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, at this point I am leaning towards Newt. I just wish I could like him better.</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-55273032852473884612011-11-16T03:34:00.000-08:002011-11-16T03:55:26.557-08:00He Called Us LazyWell, I call him stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid. I am wondering how a guy who has never held a real job in his life can call the rest of us lazy. Does he live in the same world (nix that) universe as the rest of us. <div><br /></div><div>For years I've been up at 5:00 am each morning, I drove out to my jobs, I climbed up and down ladders, lifted heavy shingles, sheetrock, lumber and concrete. I've worked long hours on bad knees and come home dead tired. Then that yahoo in the White House accuses me of being lazy while he is out on some Hawaiian golf course spending my hard earned dollars. </div><div><br /></div><div>This president does not have the ability to think rationally. He doesn't even understand that you can't be in Hawaii playing golf while calling Americans lazy. He just doesn't get it. Can't the Democrats come up with somebody better than him to run for president......like maybe Mitt Romney. Oh, I forgot Mitt is a Republican.... or so he says.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I am greatly offended by this president who discounts the value of anyone who has an opposing view. Somehow he thinks he has helped our country, but in reality he has taken away from our country. He's not the savior he was elected to be. But he has further injured our economy, he has alienated our most important allies, he has bowed down to the Arabs, he has made us more energy dependent, he has..... well he has..... screwed up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now he has committed the cardinal sin. He told the whole world that I am lazy. Is that because I don't play golf with him?</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-81306394408826261892011-11-12T20:08:00.000-08:002011-11-12T20:29:44.009-08:00GingrichNewt Gingrich is rising from the dead. It seemed that at one time his political career was over because of his personal life and indiscretions that turned Americans away.... even those Republicans who strongly supported him. Most of us know the details of his personal life, and those I do not care to recount here. During this election campaign season Gingrich has slowly edged his way to third place and is currently gaining momentum. <div><br /></div><div>I have not been listening to the debates, but the word is that Gingrich is consistent and is by far the most knowledgeable and is the best spoken of all the candidates. I have heard several interviews with Gingrich and I must say that I do like what he is saying. And when I take a look at his record while Speaker of the House I have to think that he is most able to get things done. The "things done," of course is restoring our economy and reversing some very liberal pieces of legislation that have been passed over the past three years.... and longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing for sure is that Gingrich's character will e scrutinized. If he is, indeed, the Republican nominee the democrats and the liberal press will take aim at his past life and will pound away at it in the same manner they have been attacking Herman Cain.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Gingrich was asked about how he would handle this he gave this answer, (not verbatim) He said that he was sure that his past life would be scrutinized. But he also said that he had asked God's forgiveness. Then he added that it would be up to the people to decide. And he said these things with no panic or fear. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like his response. He made no effort to downplay his past or to cover it up. He just seemed to indicate that God had forgiven him and now it is up to the people.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is Gingrich's past flawed? Yes. Will it affect his election chances? Yes. But would he make a good president? I believe that once again the answer is yes? Will he be elected as president? Probably not. But I am glad he is there making sense of the Republican debates. </div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917041704987093438.post-11316544016108234232011-11-09T16:41:00.000-08:002011-11-09T17:26:31.421-08:00Herman, Herman, Herman!Where there is smoke there is usually fire.... but I am not sure in this case. Yet, having said that.... I'm still not sure in this case. <div><br /></div><div>Herman Cain is a guy I would like to support because he has all the right philosophies, ones which he has proven in his business world. I think he would make a good president, if not a great president. The allegations against him do cast a cloud over him. Nothing is provable and like I said, where there is smoke there is usually fire. However, in this case we also need to take into consideration the character of those making the allegations. </div><div><br /></div><div>I find it truly amazing that all the women coming forward are Democrats. I also find it interesting that some of them work for the democrat political machine and that these stories are breaking through Politico, which is an organization that truly hates Republicans and shows strong support for liberals and democrats alike (same thing). I wouldn't be surprised if money was changing hands in order to get these women to tell a story (like a book deal). They wanted money to not tell a story and I am betting that they want money to tell a story. Sorry, but that makes them pretty incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think the Obama Regime sees Herman Cain as their primary opponent. After all, a black Republican introduces a whole new concept to black voters. The democrats no longer have a monopoly on the blacks and that could spell trouble at election time. I know that the Obama camp is pretty thrilled over this breaking news. What is troubling is that there are also some Republican candidates that are equally as thrilled. But at this point Herman is holding his own.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that Americans regardless of race or political party are fed up with the smear campaigns that have been prevalent over the last several elections, and I think they see what is happening to Herman is a smear campaign. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that Herman Cain's Candidacy will falter in time as a result of what is happening now. These allegations will continue to dog him. The only people who know the truth are those making the allegations and Mr.s Cain, himself. And we don't know, and may never know who is really telling the truth. But, hey, to this point he may be more forthright than Mr. Clinton ever was, and Mr. Clinton's lies never seemed to bother the left. Why all the to do now?</div><div><br /></div><div>If Mr. Cain goes away, Newt Gingrich will be the benefactor. Think about that!</div>Rod Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06214434032354051889noreply@blogger.com0