The Analogy

Consider America as a household with bills to pay and a job. Say that home (America) has a set income. (taxes/revenue) At the same time, America has bills to pay like health insurance, (Social Security/Medicare) home mortgage & maintenance, (Infrastructure) electricity and gas, (Energy) student loans, (Education) groceries, (WIC) security monitoring, (defense) etc. All these bills add up to a little more than the household income. But wait, the wife (Republicans) bought a brand new car. (wars) The logical choice to be made is get another job to increase income (taxes)...right? It's called being fiscally responsible or paying your bills. But the wife (Republicans) insists that you cut your spending to pay for the new car. So you start looking at cutting costs but almost everything you are spending is essential for the health and well being of the household. It's stupid to cut out essentials rather than earn more money. That's why the Republican ideology is moronic.

On the other hand, the hubby (Democrats) would like to upgrade the groceries and health insurance and all the other bills while insisting that both members of the household work and earn more money. (higher taxes) The hubby also wants to keep the brand new car (wars) and maybe even get a big screen TV! (stimulus/bailouts) That's why Democratic ideology is stupid too!

So the bills come due and the wife (R) decides she won't write the checks to pay the bills, (debt ceiling crisis) and they get reported to the credit companies (S&P/Moody's) and their credit rating goes down costing them more in interest and making those same bills even more expensive.  Both parties bicker without giving an inch that each one is right until the household goes bankrupt and ends in divorce.

It really is time to clean house and shake up our government to end the deadlock and stop going further into debt. Americans won't enjoy the day the dollar fails. Mark my words, if we don't change things drastically, it's going to happen.

UFC 137 picks

The facebook prelims aren't even worth making picks. Tonight's fight card is pretty weak. I'm starting with the under card.


Tyson Griffin to outwork Bart Palaszewski.
X LOSER Palaszewski knocked out Griffin in round one!

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone will man-handle Dennis Siver.
√ WINNER Cerrone rocked Siver several times and choked him out at 2:22 of round one.

Hatsu Hioki over George Roop.
√ WINNER Hioki won 2 rounds and was awarded a decision victory.

Scott Jorgensen takes the nod in a close bout with Jeff Curran.
√ WINNER Jorgensen did as usual, drag the guy down and hold him down. Boring fight!

Roy "Big Country" Nelson will drag Mirko Crocop down and beat him until he taps. Mirko should call it quits.
√ WINNER Roy did exactly as predicted. He used that crucifix just like on Kimbo.

Matt Mitrione is going to surprise everyone again by knocking out Cheick Kongo.
X LOSER Kongo decidedly took the last round. Not much else happened.

Nick Diaz will pitter patter punch on BJ until Penn gets tired and he will finish him. BJ's only chance is to open a cut on Diaz over the eyes.
√ WINNER Diaz got cut but BJ got messed up more than usual. BJ ended up with a really swollen eye and mentioned retiring.

Be Prepared

"Occupy Wall Street" is finally beginning to get a little media coverage. It's growing more into a movement than a protest. Their downfall is that they never set a single goal. I'm glad that it is a peaceful protest and hasn't turned into an angry mob..yet.

We are in a difficult time where politicians are completely out of touch with the population they oversee. They are bought and sold by lobbyists every day. I never thought that I would say it but America has been corrupted. The corruption is rampant and it has got to stop. Greed and power are instrumental in bringing tyranny. Texas governor Rick Perry is a prime example of the privileged politicians. He lives in a palace that the state is paying $6000 per month for him to reside in until the governor's mansion is repaired after being firebombed.

Peaceful civil disobedience is definitely the best tool available to us. I know there is coming a day when the angry mob will rear its ugly head. America is desperately close to the tipping point. The day the dollar fails, it's going to get very ugly.

Americans are constantly barraged with propaganda. Mainstream media is a well oiled machine designed to keep the citizens dumb and out of touch with how Washington is being run. Every time that we are in a political crisis situation, they inundate us with a sensational story that is hyped to keep people from being outraged at Congress/Senate/President. A few months ago while Congress held our economy hostage, we had Casey Anthony's murder trial or discussion about it on every frigging channel. It's called a bait and switch and it's a con that has been used for centuries. Don't fall for their bullshit, get informed and hold them accountable for what they do!

Obama's decision to use a drone strike to kill an AMERICAN citizen is a big deal. I'm not defending the Islamic cleric at all. The problem I have is when our president can order an assassination of American citizens who are deemed to be an enemy of the state. Anyone who speaks out could fall into that category. Red flags should be raised all over about this incident.

Heed the warning signs and get ready because we are likely to see another revolution in this great country. Why should you listen to me? Because I'm right!

UFC 136 Picks

Steve Cantwell over Mike Massenzio
X LOSER Cantwell controlled round one but it was all Massenzio after that. 

Aaron Simpson over Eric Shafer
√ WINNER Shafer sucks, dumbest fighter I ever saw. Simpson just schooled him on their feet. Shafer never did more than throw a left hook once in awhile.

Tiequan Zhang over Darren Elkins
X LOSER Don't bother watching this one. Easy call, bell rings Elkins shoots, Zhang goes for guillotine, Elkins scrambles out and ends up on top roughing up Zhang. Repeat for 2 more rounds!

Stipe Miocic over Joey Beltran
√ WINNER Stand and bang, that's the story of this one. Beltran lasts all 3 rounds but Miocic got the best of it in every round.

Anthony Pettis over Jeremy Stephens
√ WINNER Stephens won the first round. Pettis controlled Stephens for the rest of the fight. Not the kind of fireworks I expected. Pettis wins by split decision.

Demian Maia over Jorge Santiago
√ WINNER Maia kept taking him down. Santiago was good enough on the ground to not get submitted. Typical Maia fight, mostly lay and pray! He won it easily though.

Nam Phan over Leonard Garcia
√ WINNER another barn burner between these two. Fun fight to watch.

Melvin Guillard over Joe Lauzon
X LOSER Lauzon caught Melvin with a chopping left hook, Guillard goes to the ground and Lauzon rolled him over and choked him for the tap.

Chael Sonnen over Brian Stann
√ WINNER Chael controlled it from the second the bell rang. Made it look easy! Afterward he called out Anderson Silva.."If I win, you leave the weight division..If you win, I'll leave the UFC!"

Kenny Florian over Jose Aldo
X LOSER Kenny came for a fight but it didn't happen. The fight went the distance and Kenny didn't pull anything effective. Boring fight.

Gray Maynard over Frankie Edgar
X LOSER 1st round, carbon copy of their last fight. Maynard had Edgar in trouble and let him off. Edgar gets his composure in the 2nd round and begins taking control again. 4th Round Edgar catches Maynard with a right hook and staggers him. Edgar pounces and finishes the fight. Nice job Frankie..That's why you're the champ!

UFC Live 6 Picks

I don't know all the fighters on this card so I'm only picking guys that I've seen fight.

Josh Neer over Keith Wisniewski
Neer has a ton of experience. I think he'll take it.
√ WINNER Neer cut him to pieces with elbows. Second round stoppage due to cuts. Gory fight.

Shane Roller over T.J. Grant
Roller is coming off a tough loss and I think he'll make up for it in this close fight.
X LOSER The ref stopped it without Roller tapping. Grant wins by submission due to an armbar. Grant looked to be the better fighter and looked great dropping down in weight.
 
Paul Sass to beat Michael Johnson
I continue to think Johnson is a one punch wonder, but we'll see after this one.
√ WINNER Sass heel-hooked Johnson and looked like he may have mangled Johnson's knee.

Yves Edwards over Oliveira
Edwards is tough as nails.
√ WINNER Edwards weathers an early storm by Oliveira, settled in and won the round. Edwards takes takes it to him in the second and knocks him out.

  
Matt Wiman over Mac Danzig
Early stoppage of the last fight but Danzig looked slower and not very focused.
√ WINNER Wiman bullied around on Danzig but this one goes the distance. It was a back and forth war and a very fun fight to watch. Wiman wins a unanimous decision 29-28.

Anthony Johnson over Charlie Brenneman
Brenneman may surprise me but I think Johnson's hands will finish this fight early.
√ WINNER Brenneman tried his trademark takedowns..to no avail. Johnson clocked him and had Brenneman rocked, he staggered to the fence and Johnson kicked him square in the face. Brenneman went down and the ref called it quits. Charlie could have continued but he didn't need anymore. Johnson was in beastmode.


Pat Barry over Stefan Struve
This is a tough pick, Struve could use his range and keep Barry at bay. I think Barry will use leg kicks until he's finally able to connect with a solid punch to finish.
X LOSER Slow fight, not much happening until Struve ends up pulling guard straight to a triangle choke. Barry lifts Struve over his head for the slam but Struve held on and tightened the triangle for the win.

Demetrius Johnson over Dominick Cruz
Mighty Mouse Johnson has amazed me with his speed and top control. Cruz doesn't get taken down often so I think this will be a barn burner. This should be a fun fight to watch.
X LOSER Cruz controlled the fight, dominating with his wrestling. Johnson was unable to secure a single takedown. Both guys are fast as lightning but Cruz definitely was the superior fighter. Johnson showed that he did deserve to be in this fight but he was overwhelmed by Cruz. Way to go Dominick!

Merchant Machine

Larry Merchant is an 80 year old boxing commentator whose latest confrontation with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a post fight interview proves himself to be antiquated and possibly senile. That interview ended with him saying, "If I was 50 years younger, I'd kick your ass!"

Larry has a long history of asking stupid, long-winded and irrelevant questions and asinine remarks. He's been touted as "The greatest television boxing analyst of all time" by ESPN Boxing analyst Dan Rafael. I completely disagree with that assessment. I actually mute the television when Larry is speaking. He has clashed with many announcers and fighters alike when they don't agree with him.

Merchant has had a long career milking the boxing community. He advocates boxers fighting for years to build up a big record to get their shot. Fighters do this until they have absorbed so many shots to the head, by the time they get to the big time, they are washed up! Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton were both very talented when they were young and could have beaten almost anyone. They were dragged through the ranks at such a slow pace that they weren't the same fighter when they got big fights. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is another example. 43-0-1 and he's never fought anyone that is worth a shit. Larry thinks that practice is "the way it's done" and it doesn't make sense.

Boxing is losing it's credibility with viewers. Promoters, Boxing associations, bad judges and state athletic commissions are slowly killing the sport. Oscar DeLaHoya improved boxing for a few years by starting GoldenBoy promotions and pushing Don King out of the picture. In order to beat a Don King fighter, you had to knock them out or lose a decision. It's been crooked for far too long.

It's time for HBO to let that dinosaur go. Larry has long outlived his usefulness as a commentator/analyst. He rambles on and on and makes very little sense. He is nothing short of being a bitter old man whose opinion means very little to the audience. I've endured having to listen to him for years. If they have a big HBO boxing match on PPV and the UFC has one at the same time..I'll always opt for UFC so that I don't have to listen to Larry's bullshit! HBO..do as the fighters are asking...FIRE LARRY MERCHANT!

UFC 135 picks

Romero over TeHuna.
X LOSER--TeHuna knocked out Romero with little effort in 47 seconds.

Mizugaki to beat Escovedo. Mizugaki has only lost to top notch talent. He's just the better fighter in this one.
√ WINNER--Mizugaki finishes with a nice KO in the 2nd round.

Yagin over Assuncao
X LOSER--Assuncao whooped his ass.

Boetsch will beat Ring. Tim Boetsch keeps improving and Nick Ring has never impressed me.
√ WINNER--Boetsch as usual out lasted and finished strong. Nearly snapped his arm at the end of the second round.

Remembrance

September 11, 2001 (time is in Central time zone)

06:45 I arrived at work, unlocked the shop and started getting ready for a day of production at Craftmasters Powdercoating Co. In Mexia Tx.

0700 Jose and I start powder coating and stacking tractor panels.

0745 James arrives and informs us that a plane has hit the WTC! I said, "Oh no, that poor guy!" James informed me that it was a jumbo jet, not a private plane.

GOP "Debate" California

I watched the debate last night, it was poorly run to say the least. MSNBC and Poltico asked a few decent questions. The candidates were allowed to talk over their time limits. I was very disappointed in Brian Williams and John Harris for centering most of the questions toward Romney and Perry.

First off, this wasn't a debate at all but more of a timed discussion. The moderators brought up these points: Immigration, health care, job creation, taxation and not much else.

Here's a breakdown of what I gathered from this debate from each candidate:

Exposure

Why does Hollywood seem to believe that they have to add a token gay/lesbian person to every show?

Personally, I don't care what you prefer in your bedroom.That's your business. Yes, I can accept that there are lots of gays...there's also lots of bikers but they don't put them on every show. My problem with it is the bombardment tactic, you can't flip through the channels without seeing at least one over the top gay person.  

Updating the Site

In order to streamline my sites, I'm incorporating page breaks which is just a break in a long article in order to display more of my content on the front page. You will notice a Read more button at the end of  some posts, that means there is more content than what is displayed on the cover page of my blog.

The "Cloud" Experiment

To anyone who knows much about emerging technology you have probably heard much hype about cloud computing. Amazon.com jumped on the bandwagon early as did VMware. Cloud computing sounds wonderful because there is no need for local storage, as in hard drives. Devices can be smaller and cheaper to produce. Tablets and laptops can be made without a real underlying operating system relying totally on cloud infrastructure. They boot much faster and need much less memory. Your personal data is stored in this magical mythical "cloud" environment. No matter where you are, your data is always there with you. Sounding awesome so far isn't it?

Amazon.com being an early adopter got it's first taste of cloud failure. Their cloud crashed and tons of people had no access to their data. It was a nightmare for Amazon. This sounded the alarm to many who were considering the jump into the "cloud."

VMware has put all it's eggs into the basket known as cloud computing, risky and in my opinion faulted. They have a great implementation with simple management and redundant controls that can move data seamlessly between servers with no down time. I like V-Sphere but again, I won't adopt it either.

UFC 133 Picks

Mike Thomas Brown will defeat Nam Phan easily.
√ WINNER

Hendricks over Pierce
√ WINNER

Menjivar beats Pace
√ WINNER

Matt Hamill over Gustafsson
X LOSER

Chad Mendes wipes the floor with Rani Yahya
√ WINNER

Mike Pyle outworking Rory MacDonald
X LOSER

Prediction Overview

Back on July 13th I wrote a post (The Scheme..In a Nutshell) describing my prediction of what was going to happen with the debt ceiling debacle. I was wrong on only one thing, they didn't allow the country to default.

Standard and Poor's has downgraded the country's credit rating which is going to raise interest rates on everything!

Strikeforce 7/30/11

Last night we witnessed a less than stellar Strikeforce card. Smith-Saffiedine, Woodley-Daley, Tate-Coenen, Kennedy-Lawlor and Fedor-Henderson.

Scott Smith took a good old fashioned ass whooping. It looked like he could have been finished at any time. It was almost painful to watch him get beat up like that.

Woodley took a win from Paul Daley. No fireworks, just a slow grinding fight with no action. Daley is almost as overrated as Dan Hardy. Woodley took a decision and proclaimed that he's the number one contender...maybe in the women's division. Personally I think Chris "Cyborg" Santos would kick his ass.

Layman's Terms

I got asked about the situation with our government today and the person just doesn't understand what's going on. Here's the shortest simplest explanation possible:

The entire uproar is about "Raising the debt ceiling" which is just another term for raising the government credit limit. This is NOT about balancing the budget! If we "default" it is the same as you not having enough money to pay your bill and it goes on your credit report. That's what is happening..if they can't pay government employees their credit score will go down, raising their interest rate. Which will only cost US a bunch more money for nothing! We are just trying to get a loan approved, that's all!

Reducing Costs

Everyone seems to be feeling the pinch of higher cost of living. Higher food, fuel, water, medicines, communications, and taxes are taking their toll on our finances. One area that has skyrocketed lately for us has been entertainment. Cutting back has been painful but we are getting by.

Addressing the higher food costs has been the most difficult so far. We had to start buying cheaper cuts of meat and figure ways to cook them to make them more palatable. Generic store brands are usually comparable to name brands so we eliminated buying most name brands unless they are on sale cheaper than store brands. We are trying to grow our own vegetables and some fruits.

Some Better Topics

Recently I know I've been ranting about politics. Obviously the situation is aggravating me. I wish more people were agitated and would take action.

I got an invite to Google Plus last week. First impression...pretty good. Not enough of my friends are on it for it to be exciting so far. Basically, the same problem I had with Google Wave. I like the control I have over who can see which content that I post. Setting up the profile and turning off all the notifications were the biggest time consumer. I'll definitely like it more when I have more of my friends on it. Anyone with a bandwidth cap is not going to be using the Hangout feature. It's a video chat conference basically but it uses a lot of bandwidth. I'm still experimenting with Sparks, but it doesn't seem all that exciting for me.

536 Jobs In Jeopardy!

The squabbling in Washington over their ideological thinking is ridiculous. The jobs that I'm referring to are the 100 Senate seats, 435 Congress seats and the one that resides in the white house.

Democrats are under the impression that we can fix their spending spree without touching Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. They don't want to offend seniors who are a large portion of their voting base.

The Scheme..in a nutshell

Here is what is about to happen in American politics. Our good old boy two party system is at it again. Democrats are demanding to close tax loopholes for the richest 1% of Americans. Republicans refuse saying it will stymie job creation. Republicans are demanding spending cuts. Democrats have offered to slash Medicare and Social Security benefits but not enough to suit the GOP.

Fail

Copyright issues are back in the news. We are again going backwards. The motion picture and music industries have once again bribed politicians into getting another bogus idea passed.

This time they have enlisted the help of internet service providers to police the internet. ISP's will begin sending notices if a customer is suspected of sharing copyrighted materials. After six notices they can slow your connection or discontinue your service. Sound fair to you?? This will put an end to hotspots. Libraries, internet cafes, open wifi..etc. will all definitely be shut down.

The logic behind this idea is to put the brakes on pirates. The main problem I see is that copyright holders need only claim infringement and you are suddenly marked as a pirate. What is funny is they will only be shooting themselves in the foot. No doubt that nobody in their right mind will pay $35 or higher for dial-up speeds. The ISP's will lose accounts. It won't be a major problem for ISP's that have a monopoly in an area where there is no competition, but in urban areas they will lose business.

So the movie and music industry plans to have ISP's do their dirty work AND lose customers. I don't see how they can expect the ISP's to bear the burden of loss of business unless they are on the payroll from the industry. If that is the case we have a huge conflict of interest going on here. You shouldn't have to prove innocence, they should prove guilt.

They don't seem to understand that people don't want to buy an entire CD because they want a single song. I haven't needed to download any song I wanted to listen to for several years. I don't own an ipod, I just listen online.

As for movies, I'm definitely not going to a theater and paying ten bucks to watch the crappy movies they keep releasing. I can wait until it's on Netflix or just simply pass on seeing them. Movies are ridiculously expensive to produce because everyone is blatantly overpaid. It isn't my fault if they paid Julia Roberts $20 million for another stupid romantic comedy. It's pretty simple, adapt to today's economy or be consumed by it.

It's entertainment and we can do without it. I suggest that we begin boycotts against the greedy bastards and hit them where it hurts, the pocketbook. If everyone were to start pirating content do you think the ISP's would turn off the net? That's not very likely.

Roger Clemens, Casey Anthony, et al VS. the USA

Roger Clemens is a liar and a cheat. Even his peers have come out and told us so. Sure he used steroids as did Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and most of the other modern day baseball greats. His big sin was lying to Congress about it. He's facing thirty years in prison for it.

Casey Anthony just got away with killing her own child. She's been in custody for over three years and will be sentenced for lying to officers today. She faces a max of 4 years for doing exactly as Clemens except she wasn't forced to testify.

Where is the big public outcry when the bank CEO's and big oil CEO's lie to Congress every time they are called to testify? Those people actually profit while doing it.

Congress is full of liars. Congressmen do it all the time, just ask Anthony (the boner) Weiner. Why are they not held to the same standards as professional athletes?

Face it, people deny wrongdoing, until they are caught. Lying to your friends or on camera, or in court or even before Congress is all the same. People are liars and it doesn't matter if they took an oath or swear on the bible.

UFC 132 Picks

Only a couple of people read my picks so I'm not going into detail.

Cruz, Silva, Bader, Condit, Siver, Roller, Sotiropoulis, Bowles, Simpson, Njokuani.

The first five fights start at 5:15 Central on facebook. The picture quality is outstanding.

Silva, Bader, Roller and Sotiropoulis all LOSERS.

Google+ Hysteria

Are you ready to see Google fail yet again? Just like they did with Google Wave, they have begun Google+ by invitation only. I was an early adopter for Wave and was extremely disappointed because I had a grand total of ONE friend who had it. That friend didn't particularly share much info with me either, so it was pretty useless. Wave had all these great possibilities but by the time they got around to releasing it to everyone, I was no longer interested.

Google again breaks out with what looks like it could be a facebook killer. It's a social network called Google+. It looks very much like facebook as well but it has some very interesting features that will no doubt be duplicated by facebook shortly. Since it is by invitation only, it will take time to actually build a network of your friends. Dumb move again Google! By the time you get it out for everyone to use, facebook will simply implement your ideas and be that much more ahead of you.

I'm a facebook user, but I despise their lack of privacy controls and constantly changing my settings. If another network becomes available, I'll gladly jump ship. Google has their head up their ass on this one. Just like Wave, if you get an invite and get onto their network...what will you do until your friends also are able to join up? Their strategy borders the line of insanity again. It actually pisses me off because I would love to move away from facebook. A better way to roll it out to a select group would be to offer it to loyal users like those who have a Google account! (hint)

I trust Google more than facebook. Personally, I've never had my account hijacked using any of Google's products. I think that Google+ is a step in the right direction in eradicating some of the security problems of social networking. Hopefully they won't drag their feet getting it started and useable for all. Get it right this time Google!

Science for Dummys

Most people don't really "get" math. I can relate because I didn't understand it either. When I was in high school, I thought only accountants really need to know math. I graduated high school only taking two courses of math, Intro to Algebra and Algebra 1. I didn't see a need to understand it, just get through the problems in order to be done with it. It didn't make sense to me at all. I could show my work and work a problem but I didn't see a reason to make sense of a + b = c. Math terminology still eludes me..variables, integers, whole numbers, whatever.

I simply thought that I didn't NEED math to go and earn a living. My Dad owned a tile and carpet store and I went to work for him. I discovered quickly that I could calculate square footage in my head faster than I could use a calculator...Mainly because I was too lazy to sit down and punch figures into a calculator. I came up with my own way of multiplying because I never really understood the way I was taught to multiply fractions. My way was much easier and it was always right, no scribbling or pounding numbers into a calculator. Squaring anything was easy. It just made sense to me.

While going to school in the Navy I had to quickly learn a bunch of math and physics. I was thirty two years old and had not really worked a math problem since 1982. I was fortunate to be friends with a kid named Jason Ramey. That kid was only 18 and he basically tutored me through my first 30 days of school. That 30 days probably had the biggest affect on my life than any other. At one point in school, I suddenly had an epiphany..everything can be explained with math. WHAT?? I just suddenly understood.

A whole other world opened up to me. Understanding electronics..computers, televisions and basic engineering. I still lack the logic process to do serious programming but I understand the principles of that now too. Combine that skill set with my Art classes and it gives me an advantage over millions of people. I've become pretty damned good at making things happen.

I have a friend who has slowly progressed through attaining his Architectural degree from the University of Houston. He's asked for help and every time I've participated and showed him how to get through a class..he's got an "A" in those classes. I never did his work for him, just helped steer him through so he understood it too. He's in his last two courses now and I feel like I've earned the degree WITH him. I couldn't afford the classes myself but I learned as much as he has just by coaching him through.

I'm not an Architect but I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night..lol Do they give honorary degrees to poor people? I doubt it!

Nanny State

I'm just wondering if anybody out there is capable of thinking for themselves. Seriously! Have we become a nation of do-gooders that have to control what everyone does? It's starting to sound like we aren't the land of the free anymore. It seems that everyone who pays taxes has been brainwashed into believing that they have a say in what others can and cannot do.

Health groups are suddenly screaming that kids drink too much sodas. Hello...parents, that's YOUR job! Take sodas out of schools and the kids will just bring their own from home. I'm glad they haven't made it where kids have no choice but to eat the crap in school prepared lunches. Although I'm sure it's on the agenda. If you ever ate lunch in a poor school district you know what I'm talking about.

If America has changed and become a nation of elites telling everyone what they can and cannot do. It's no longer a democracy. It isn't socialist either..it's dictatorial. Stop professing that everyone needs to do as you say. That's not liberty! Butt out!

There are some old song lyrics from Hank Williams Sr. that apply to America today. ♪♫ If you mind your own business then you won't be minding mine! ♫♪

Strikeforce 6/18/11

Tonight we have a couple of decent fights. Co-main events actually. I haven't seen any of the other fighters enough to make an educated prediction, so let's get to it!

Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers
Barnett has lots of experience with top notch fighters. His ground game is excellent and his stand up is decent. Rogers is a banger. He hits hard and is capable of ending any fight with a single punch. He's less experienced and I think he's going to be lost if the fight goes to the ground. Rogers always has a punchers chance, but my pick is Barnett by submission in the first round.
Barnett easily defeats Rogers by submission but he did it right after the start of round two.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Allistair Overeem
This is the one to watch! These two fought before and Werdum won before by submission. That was a long time ago and Overeem has gained about 40 pounds of muscle. Werdum is excellent if it goes to the mat, that's where his best chance lies. Overeem is an outstanding striker and is quite versed on the mat as well. Stand up battle will definitely go to Overeem. His Muy Thai is great and he has a great standing guillotine.
My pick is Overeem and here's how I think it will unfold. Start off with Overeem tagging Werdum in stand up and when Werdum gets tired of that, he'll try to take him down. Overeem will sprawl and go for the guillotine choke. Werdum to drop backwards with Overeem in top position. He's big enough now to keep Werdum pinned and ground and pound him out for the win. Werdum is very crafty and could take it, but Overeem looks to be a force in the heavyweight division to me. Overeem by knockout/referee stoppage in two rounds or less.
Overeem threw Werdum to the ground a few times but would not get into his guard. Allistair played it smart and stayed away from the ground game as much as he could, out powering him with punches. Not really an impressive win because he was worn out and unwilling to commit to finish Werdum. He won but not in impressive fashion at all!

Facebook Issues

It's been less than a year since I signed up on Facebook. After signing up and getting into it, I found many people whom I couldn't locate before FB. I've also had a few find me that I didn't care to communicate again.

After signing up, I went straight to my account settings and turned off ALL notifications so I wouldn't get a thousand emails in my inbox informing me of everything that happened on FB. I set my privacy settings to include only my friends, and I opted out of everything I could find. Each time FB makes another "improvement" I have to go back in and uncheck whatever they enabled WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!

I'm not a total privacy fanatic or anything, but they do that to a lot of people who have no idea how to turn it on/off. The facial recognition database is just taking things too far. I'll explain why in a minute. Tagging photos of other people without their consent should not be allowed either. I've done it without thinking of any consequences to my friends...one of the only arguments I ever had with my best friend.

Here's a scenario that could actually happen:
A creepy person takes a picture that includes you at a bar. It's not just a picture of you, so you don't think any more about it. That person goes home and uploads the picture to Facebook. When it asks him to tag the people, it gives suggestions...and based on pictures of yourself in their database, it gives your name. Every bit of info you've posted without setting privacy settings to "Friends Only" is available to the creep! Where you live, email address, websites...everything. This is a stalkers dream come true! The same is true of businesses and government officials. Have you ever had a friend who became an enemy?

Facebook is a privacy nightmare. We need an alternative, preferably open source. Freely available and controlled by the masses, not some jerk who is on a grab for power and money.

Suddenlink Sucks!

We have had cable television and internet now for more than 10 years with Suddenlink. Our bill started off at around $40 per month. We haven't added any channels or otherwise changed our service since the beginning. Our bill is now $104 per month. Basic cable and internet...that's freaking ridiculous! There are no other providers here so I can't just switch to someone else.

On top of that, sometimes I'll purchase a fight from UFC on demand over the internet. Now, everytime a show starts, my internet gets cut off instantly. No IP address...no communication with the cable company unless I reboot the cable modem and router. After reboot, every thing works fine until you start a show again and BOOM! If they keep this up, they will feel the wrath of a scorned customer. I'm tired of being screwed and I'm not just rolling over and taking it anymore.

Command and Control Bunker Upgrade

Entertainment goals

• Gaming console
• TV
• DVD
• VCR
• Projector
• Surround sound
  

Communications goals

• Land line phone
• VOIP phone
  
• Video phone
• Weather radio/scanner
  

Security goals

• Camera surveillance of yard
  
• Motion detectors and lighting
• Internet accessible camera in the bunker
• Alarm system

Workbench goals

• Soldering station
• Air Compressor
• Vice
• Silk screen equipment
• Airbrush
  
• Oscilloscope X
  
• Refrigerator (tasty cold adult beverages)
• Bench power supply

Computer lab goals

• Workbench
• Isolated network (wifi/wired)
• Multi-monitor setup
• Parts bin

All built into an area 8' x 20' which also houses my bed. All items marked with an X are still not done. Also added are 2 windows and a new A/C unit. Pictures to follow...Stay tuned!

UFC 130 Picks

Miguel Torres to submit Demetrious Johnson. Johnson has the skills to land take downs but I think Torres will have his number on the ground.
X LOSER this was an excellent fight but Johnson scored more take downs and eeked out a unanimous decision 29-28. Fun fight to watch!

Tim Boetsch to grind out a win over Kendall Grove. Grove is rangy but Boetsch should be able to man handle him.
√ WINNER exactly as I called it.

Tibau over Oliveira. Tibau is too big and strong for Oliveira. I think he'll take a decision.
√ WINNER Tibau ended up finishing Oliveira.

McDonald over Caraiso. This one may be a barn burner, both guys swing hard and repetitively. Taking McDonald because I've seen him more times..no other reason for this pick.
√ WINNER inconsistent judging, one guy had it 30-27 for Caraiso..I agreed with the other two judges who scored it 29-28 for McDonald.

I've never seen Barao or Escovedo so I'm not making a pick in this one.
BARAO won it.

Stann to defeat Santiago. Brian Stann has actually gotten much better lately, not just relying on a knockout punch. Santiago has been up and down in his career and I think he's due for a big loss.
√ WINNER Stann knocks out Santiago. Santiago clearly isn't as great in the UFC as other organizations, he loses too much in the UFC.

Stefan Struve made a believer out of me. He has a great chin and will fight through a beating to secure a win. Browne I think is over matched in this one and I think he'll gas too early.
X LOSER Struve got caught with a superman punch that was epic followed up with a couple of hammerfists. The punch bent him backwards in the air..should be highlight reel stuff! NICE!

I'm taking Rick Story to whip Thiago Alves. I think Alves is just too big to keep fighting at 170 lbs. Rick Story has a good chin and I think he can keep enough pressure on Alves to wear him out.
√ WINNER Alves was frustrated just as I predicted, Story stayed on him and kept dragging him down. I think Story would be a fun match to watch with Fitch.

Frank Mir will expose Roy Nelson again. Nelson doesn't have what it takes to be in the UFC. Sure, he could easily whip my butt...he's just too out of shape to be in the big show. Look for Nelson to try to score a take down and then lay and pray while holding Mir in position. Mir starts quick and if it goes the distance, he may gas as well. Mir by submission!
√ WINNER Nelson was worn out but shows that he's got the heart to give a top heavyweight a tough time. Mir won it for sure, but he was worn out at the end as well. If Nelson would just lose some weight, he may be able to give anyone a tough fight. I was surprised.

Rampage Jackson should easily defeat Matt Hamill. Hamill is another over rated fighter in my opinion. His stand up is sloppy and I haven't seen him take many people down for ground and pound. Quinton has better stand up, better take down defense and is just a better fighter in my opinion. Hamill got a gift when they gave him a win over Jon Jones from an illegal downward elbow. Jones was kicking his a$ good and he cried about it. Jackson had better have trained or he'll be in trouble again for taking someone lightly.
√ WINNER Jackson never got taken down, stuffed every attempt. Hamill looked like a confused old man. He never had much of a chance but Jackson didn't finish either...in order to get his title shot. Hamill displayed that he has a heck of a good chin but he's not even close to the bad boys.

2 Wrong..not bad again, seems I can pick the fights pretty well.

Change of Plans

Skipping the pool party @ Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the No-tell motel. I've got to cut back on costs. I don't really want much more sun either...Moody Gardens would have been fun too. I think I'll skip the bloody mary's also and head north (off the island) to see what other adventures I can find on the cheap!
Possibilities....hmmm

• Sam Houston National Forest-camping
• Home-watch the fights tonight
• Cabin in Leona TX-more camping
• Barbecue at Uncle Richard's house
  
• Suggestions??
  

Sounds like a plan..

Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary

Friday AM
Walk the beaches of Galveston in search of beached whales.
Buy Sunscreen but forget to apply it.

Friday noonish
Moped riding to Zorba the Greek for lunch.

Friday afternoon
Bungie jumping! (probably take all afternoon to get the courage to jump)

Friday night
Nursing my already sunburned body.
Cold bath in epsom salts and doused with Solarcaine and aloe lotion.
Bed by 9:30

Saturday AM
Bloody Mary's at the bar until lunchtime

Saturday noon
Skip eating to chase women at the pool.
Enjoy a few more cocktails basking in the conversation of my new found lady friends.

Saturday afternoon
Enjoy one of my new lady friends company back at the shack. *note to self..condoms!
Check into the clinic afterward to ensure no diseases were contracted.
Make predictions on tonight's UFC fights online.

Saturday night
Watch the fights while consuming copius amounts of beer.
Go online and rub it in that my predictions turned out just as planned.

Sunday AM
Go to church and pray for forgiveness.

Sunday lunch
Pack up for a road trip and eat a bologna sandwich.

Sunday afternoon
Hit the road

Sunday night
Spend the night in the car taking short naps and driving while hyped up on Mountain Dew.

Monday AM Memorial Day!
Arrive in Laredo Mexico.

Monday lunch
Eat the best tacos ever made at Fat Pancho's bar and grill!

Monday afternoon
Spend some time window shopping and sight seeing while wearing Hawaiian outfits.

Monday night
Get mugged and robbed of my remaining $22.
Wander the streets of Laredo wondering where my car was parked.
Find the car by day break.

Tuesday
Learn to live in Mexico without any ID or money.

OR, I could stay at home and drink beer and make up itineraries for you!

Facebook "friends"

I'm amazed by how many people have like 1000 friends on facebook. Most of the people they seem to know never have anything to say to them. Personally, I don't have time to read through 1000 people's worth of BS.

I like my friends and family. If I ever invited you as a friend..I consider it as a true friendship, not just an acquaintance. Real friendship carries a burden of putting up with another persons idiosyncrasies. Upon rare occasions I find myself wanting to extricate myself from a friendship. It's accomplished easily by hiding all of their posts or "unfriending" them.

I find it fascinating to read posts from the friends I've gathered over the years. We may not agree politically or religiously but I think we all have good intentions. I may not share your opinion, but I do respect it. Life is not the same for any of us, our common bond is we want life to be good for us, the ones we love and those around us.

If you are a friend to me on facebook, you made a difference in my life or I wouldn't accept you.

Navy SEAL craziness

While onboard the USS Kitty Hawk, We were graced with the presence of SEAL team 5. They came aboard with a container (like a train car container) that had all of their equipment inside. They checked and double checked all kinds of weapons in the hangar bay and mostly kept to themselves. There were the occasional meet your fellow sailor moments, but mostly they had a job on their mind and were completely focused while they got ready for their assignment.

I heard all kinds of stories that they ate spaghetti through their noses in the mess hall, threatened people with throwing them overboard..just a rowdy bunch that nobody seemed to control. I had respect for what they do, but they were just uncontrollable and didn't seem to answer to anyone.

While onboard the ship, they were completely destructive. Two guys seemingly plastered, tore up a bathroom on the ship. At the time I was responsible for my squadrons spaces and it was one of our bathrooms. I was notified that our head was being destroyed and I had to do something about it. Upon arrival I found two pissed off SEALs. I surely didn't try to be a badass, but I informed them they were destroying government property and somebody had to fix the mess they created. My exact words were, "You may not care, but you are ruining where we have to live." on that note, both guys apologized and left without incident. At the time, I was thinking either guy could just beat the hell outta me but they listened to a calm and collected voice. I did not want to enter that head but at the time it was my responsibility. I got shoved around a little bit and asked who was my CO (commanding officer) but they left without tearing any more stuff up. To this day, I don't remember which guy was my CO at the time, Bailey or Monger. I did end up getting an "attaboy" from the skipper for telling two SEALs to stop tearing up our head.

The next day, I saw them in the hangar deck as they were preparing to leave. I didn't say anything because I was still pissed off that they had screwed up the head. All of them were loaded to the hilt with weapons. One of those guys brought me a SEAL team 5 patch and handed it to me and gave me a wink. All he said was "Go Navy!"

I sent the patch home to my son, hopefully he still has it because I don't think he understands the pressure I was under for those guys to give it to me. Not fun, but definitely memorable.

Texas tax machine

Senator Eddie Lucio from Brownsville is proposing a new tax. One cent per ounce on sweetened soft drinks. His argument for this tax is the obesity problem needs addressed. Again, they are calling this a "sin" tax. Reminiscent of the taxes levied against smokers, they stand to gain almost 2 billion dollars per year as proposed by the Democrat from Brownsville. His argument is based upon the idea that everyone has to pay for the health care of obese individuals.

What Lucio fails to realize is that soft drinks don't make people obese or I would probably weigh 700 lbs. True obesity is caused by overeating and lack of exercise. If you overeat, drink only water and sit on your fat ass all the time, you will still be fat. Facts are facts...if your children are fat, you aren't making them get enough exercise. How about taxing parents for each pound their child is overweight? Tax, tax, tax...that's the war cry these days and I'm sick of it.

One of the major problems here is who we call obese. Measuring a person by the BMI (Body Mass Index) is totally stupid. For example, I got into body building and gained 30 lbs. of muscle at one time. I was lean and fit yet according to my BMI, I was overweight. Had I gained another 10 lbs..I would have been considered obese. Realizing this, I discovered that everyone who is very muscular is also considered obese. They claim that 25% of Americans are obese, go anywhere and actually look and see how many obese people you can count walking around. It is nowhere near 25%! Sure, there are overweight people but you wouldn't exactly call everyone who is overweight...OBESE!

My other major problem with this proposal is the nanny state. Back in the good old days this was a free country. Busy bodies weren't taxing us to get us to do their bidding. Why are we allowing our government the control that they have on us now? I cannot believe that Americans are just sitting on their hands and not doing anything to stop the steamrolling politicians. Personally, I don't need a bunch of do-gooders making my decisions for me.

Lastly, they claim that obesity and smoking is driving up the cost of health care. Yes, I know the dangers of smoking. Everyone who claims that they pay for my health care though, I would sincerely appreciate a check each month since you are paying for my health care. When I get a doctor bill I have to pay it, not you! So it really isn't costing you a thing, so quit your bitching. I can't afford health insurance so I haven't cost you a dime. All the taxes levied on my tobacco use haven't went toward paying for your health care either. Smokers aren't the enemy..it's the damn politicians! Rather than buying all the hype you hear from the media..try thinking things through before you jump on the bandwagon.

It's vital that we stop taxing to regulate any certain group of people. It's simply discrimination. I now understand why people from around the world think Americans are dumb, because we as a group definitely fit the mold.

Belton High School

I went to school with a bunch of pretty fantastic people. Me, I was a schmuck..but I'll get to that later. Finding them all on facebook has been a neat experience for me. Trying to remember everyone is quite challenging.

Mari Kaye Taylor was the hottest girl in school and she married her boyfriend Mike Coppin..which turned out to be a match made in heaven. (still to this day..and that's awesome!) My friend Kevin Brown married his sweetheart Janie Walker too. Both are beautiful couples. I think a lifetime bond is pretty cool.

Wesley Farr was one of the most genuine persons you could meet, he always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. David Roach, Shawn Jackson, Aric Hooverson were all very good friends of mine as well. Damn good people and fun to be around. Tommy Vaughn, Jimmy Gangloff, Mike Cast, William "Jabo" Robinson, Adam Canava, Ray Garcia, Brandon Reece, Carmen Sanchez, actually too many to mention, but all absolutely great people.

Lots of the girls stick in my mind. I went to senior prom with Vickie Roberts. Betty Hale, Vanessa Aunspaugh, Lisa Stubblefield, Anita Cock, (yes, that's her real name) Mimi Kelly, Darla Dixon, Dana Stark, Pam and Paula Lisenbe, Betsy Darden...all wonderful women.

I took Art class from Mr. Smith all the way through high school. We had some truly great artists in class too. Charles Street, Billy Perkins, B.K. Blair, Jerry Pate, Wayne Johnson and numerous others but these guys were pretty amazing. I have respect for each and every one for their talents. Street, Perkins and Johnson were freaking amazingly talented. Billy Perkins even showed us all how to screen print which was pretty cool. I wasn't exactly buddies with any of them but they did command respect for their talents, and it was well deserved.

I was an arrogant little prick. I graduated in 1982 and I was a year younger than almost all of my classmates. When I graduated, I was 4'11" tall and weighed 96 lbs. I was a national champ in motocross at 16 and graduated at 17. I thought that I had to be loud and tough just to get by. I reflect back and regret how ignorant I was and how idiotic I had to seem to my friends.

I'm very proud of the people with whom I attended school. We had a small town budget and so many have excelled. It makes me glad to claim Belton as my hometown. BHS baby!

Paul Harvey

When I was a kid, Paul Harvey was one of my heroes. He always told great stories. I would listen to his show religiously for more facts. He was a great radio personality that I will never forget.

His stories were always informing and also entertaining from his method of narration. His voice was instantly recognizable. I got a kick out of him finishing a story and moving on to "Page six!" It was like he could make anything he read interesting. I don't know if he researched every story or if he had a staff to do it for him, regardless...he could tell the story in an interesting way and it was fun to listen to him. He even had a knack for making it sound like he believed in every product that advertised on his show.

I wish that I was half the story teller as him, but that will never happen. This man had a talent that I haven't seen or heard anyone closely match for telling stories or emphasizing his point. I wondered each time he ended a story with "He would want us to mention his name" followed by silence...and then move on to the next story. It kept you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to hear his next words.

Paul Harvey is one of the great broadcasters of all time. Walter Cronkite is a distant second in my book. Don't forget his voice or his orator skills. It was truly a blessing to have experienced it.

Dangers of Facebook

Facebook is a serious threat if you don't take the site seriously. When you "ALLOW" an application access to your information, you are leaving your door wide open for intruders. Applications are the biggest threat to your computer too. Too many are riddled with viruses.

Applications that promise to be able to let you know who is peering at your profile are all bogus. Links that sound titillating are usually bogus too. Examples include "See what this girl did to be expelled from school" "Miley Cyrus, caught in the act!" "Dad walks in on daughter...EMBARRASSING!" or stuff like that, It's ALWAYS BULLSHIT!

It's kinda comical to see some of my elderly friends or devout Christian friends fall for and post that stuff. It means they were fooled into clicking on something bad. It really isn't a hack but more like a script kiddie trying to harvest accounts.

Back to the point...realize exactly how much info you are putting on facebook. Every picture you post now belongs to facebook, and they can sell your images. You agreed to it. Think about how easy it is now to track someone down with a little time and patience. What if you helped convict someone and they had revenge on their mind...would you be easy to find? Some of your information should be guarded because you never know what situation may arise. Think about what you post online. Your conversations are no longer private over telephone, cell phone, facebook, twitter, etc. We live in a new age and people had better start realizing how easily their lives can be interrupted by someone with intent to ruin them.

Just be careful, I'm not trying to cause fear, uncertainty and doubt. Simply be wary before you do something and READ THE FINE PRINT!

Strikeforce picks for 4/9/11

Mousasi over Jardine
I think he has too many tools for Keith, although Jardine shines when he's the underdog.
X LOSER they called it a majority draw. They took a point from Mousasi in the first round and I scored it 10-8 because Jardine basically won that round. Next two rounds were 10-9 for Mousasi so I scored it the same as the two judges that rendered the decision. Sucks because Mousasi should have won that fight.

Aoki submitting Beerbohm
Aoki has such a good ground game, hard to pick against him.
√ WINNER Aoki submitted him with a neck crank 1st round.

Melendez taking it to Kawajiri
I've watched both guys for a bunch of years. Like them both, but Gilbert outworks everybody.
√ WINNER Melendez systematically destroyed Kawajiri. 1st round TKO.

Nick Diaz picking apart Paul Daley
Daley is gonna land a few bombs but I don't see him as a serious threat to Diaz. Nick has a great chin and keeps coming at you. This one should be a no-brainer.
√ WINNER Diaz knocked him out at the end of the 1st round. Both fighters looked hurt at times. This was the best round I've witnessed for awhile. Fun fight to watch!

Interesting People

I have many interesting friends. Most are just normal folks, but a few are far from normal.

One of my most unique friends is Brandi Harline, she just joined a Roller Derby team....in 2011! Not only that but she also has a goose that is an online celebrity. Very cool person!

My best friend Rob Johnson is the right hand man for a billionaire. He got a police escort to go fix that guys generator during the height of hurricane Ike.(when several engineers couldn't figure it out) He's the hardest working "suit" I know. Too many amazing things about him to mention them all but he's an absolutely great person.

Abby Gatton is probably the most unusual of all. It's 2011 and she hasn't ever lived "on the grid." No electricity and farms almost everything she eats. She has ten kids and one of them is the best programmer I ever saw. 70 yrs old and still hauls her water from the creek!

Drew Brugal is another character that deserves mention. A former fighter pilot that has exceeded in everything he does. He's become one of my heroes over the years. A true gentleman that deserves respect from his peers.

Tom Tinner, yes my father is one of my favorite people of all time. In his heyday he's been the most interesting of all. At 77 he still is probably the best game player I've ever seen. He can kill you at dominoes, checkers, chess, craps, card games, cribbage and more. He is truly legendary! He actually was a one armed wall paper hanger. Nobody gets busier than that!

Joanne Tinner is probably the biggest influence on my life. I inherited her temper and passion for life. When I was a kid, she was the meanest son of a gun I knew. She never took crap off anybody. Mom has mellowed over the years but she's still fiery about her convictions. We are similar in so many respects that we have a hard time getting along. I'm sure she has no idea how much love and respect she's earned from me over the years...We're both too stubborn to admit anything. I love her dearly and she doesn't even realize it.

One of the other people that influenced me over the years is here! I miss them and would very much like to talk to them!

UFC buys Strikeforce

Dana White and Zuffa are on a mission to control all of MMA. First they bought Pride, then WEC, and now Strikeforce. I'm all for putting the best fighters together and see who really is the best. When they acquire an organization, take each champ and pit them together. Look how long they took to get Wanderlei Silva a fight in the UFC. He hasn't looked half as good as he did in Pride. Everybody wanted to see a match with him and Couture when they were each champions. Never happened.

The UFC is a great organization, but I've enjoyed seeing some of the up and coming fighters from other organizations. Jon Jones is proof that a fighter doesn't need to have 15 UFC fights before he's considered contender material. The UFC is very deep in talent for every weight class. If a fighter is injured there are plenty of guys who can step up. Chris Leben fought and won two fights in two weeks...proving that a fighter doesn't have to train for months to face a single opponent.

We are going to get to see some of the best from other organizations come in and test their mettle. Gilbert Melendez, Jacare Souza, and hopefully Shinya Aoki too. Fighters like Nick Diaz, Josh Barnett are quality fighters but they don't get along with Dana White so they both have moved to different organizations...only to be bought out by Dana and Company. It will be a shame if the UFC doesn't showcase their talents.

Hopefully with the new acquisition, television fans can finally get rid of Mauro Renallo as an announcer too. I would pay $50 to watch a pay per view of Joe Rogan vs Mauro Renallo!

Suddenstink Internet

Back when we got internet from our provider, their big sales point was UNLIMITED INTERNET. We even upgraded our package to include a faster (10MB) connection. We still just get normal basic analog cable with no box required for each TV. As of March 10th, they are forcing everyone to go to digital. We only have one television that is digital ready.

Yesterday, I also got a note from them to check my "internet usage" on their website. It seems that an average 10MB customer uses only 43 gigabytes per month. Anyone going over that amount of usage is now labeled an "excessive user." After I reach that point each month, they will begin throttling my connection speeds. So I register for their stupid email account (fuckyou@suddenlink.com) sign in and discover that I'm more than double their estimated average. By the way, that truly IS my email account with them.

Oh but guess what? I'm not as stupid as most of their customers because I have a linux router/firewall that logs my internet usage too! I've used less than half of what they claim. I can prove that they are full of shit! Suddenlink also blocks ports that can be routed to you so you cannot run a webserver from home. Fortunately they can't block every port so I can just go around them on that one.

The point of this rant is that we as consumers are already starting to get the shaft. The internet is going to be tiered just like satellite television with providers slowing down the sites that they don't want you to go, effectively forcing you to use their "preferred" content providers. Everybody should raise hell about it because the internet as we know it, is going away! Write your congressmen, the FCC and anyone else who will listen! Get informed and learn what is going on right under your nose!

Chuck Norris is a push-over!

Chuck has a ranch near Navasota Texas, The Lone Wolf Ranch. He has a big automated gate with an intercom and a white wooden fence around his property. Back in 1996, his fence was looking awful and badly needed a coat of paint and was falling into disrepair. I just lived a few miles away and passed his house daily. Lyle Lovett and Julia Roberts lived just a mile or two from Chuck's place.

Anyway, I got tanked at a little bar between their houses one night and decided I needed to alarm Chuck that his fence was looking like crap! I drove down and pulled up to his gate and hit the button. I sat there for a minute waiting and nobody answered. I rang the buzzer again and realized it was nearly midnight. Suddenly I heard "Hello, what do you want?" (In the familiar voice of Walker, Texas Ranger!) I yelled into the box, "Chuck your fence looks like shit and I would appreciate it if you didn't run down the neighborhood! Paint the damn thing..it looks awful!" I never heard an answer so I left.

Two days later the fence was fixed and getting a new coat of paint! Yeah, I told Chuck to paint his damn fence..and he obliged! Turns out he's actually a pretty good neighbor!

UFC Fight Night 24 3/26/11

I don't know all of the fighters tonight so it's tough to pick them. I'll stick to fights where I know at least one of the fighters.

Aaron Simpson over Mario Miranda
√ WINNER Simpson kept dragging him down. Tons of takedowns. Unanimous decision.

Hendricks over Waldburger
√ WINNER Hendricks knocked him out at 1:35 mark.

McCorkle over Morecraft
X LOSS Morecraft brutalized McCorkle, then choked him unconscious via standing guillotine!

McDonald over Figueroa
√ WINNER McDonald takes a hard fought victory..damn good fight! Figueroa hung in after a bunch of submission attempts and came on strong late.

Hathaway over McCray
√ WINNER Hathaway ground out a squeaker. McCray gets better every time I see him. Good fight again.

"Bruce Leroy" Caseres may submit Sermezier
X LOSER Bruce Leroy gets choked out easily.

Leonard Garcia should beat Chan Sung Jung
X LOSER Chan Sung Jung wraps up a "twister" lock on Garcia and Leonard taps with 1 second left in Round 2.

Sadollah over Johnson
√ WINNER Very close first round but all Sadollah from there!


Anthony Johnson will hand Dan Hardy a beatdown!
√ WINNER Anthony Johnson just kept dragging him down and kicking on his ass!

Nogueira wins over Davis
X LOSER I've gotta quit picking the Nog brothers..they are getting their asses whipped too much now. 3 rounds for Davis basically with just takedowns..no real offense to speak of at all!

Who is this guy?

Recent attention brought to the Libyan ruler has stirred up the debate again on a spelling for his name.

For the record, here's the official Library of Congress rundown on how to spell ol' whatsisname: (1) Muammar Qaddafi, (2) Mo'ammar Gadhafi, (3) Muammar Kaddafi, (4) Muammar Qadhafi, (5) Moammar El Kadhafi, (6) Muammar Gadafi, (7) Mu'ammar al-Qadafi, (8) Moamer El Kazzafi, (9) Moamar al-Gaddafi, (10) Mu'ammar Al Qathafi, (11) Muammar Al Qathafi, (12) Mo'ammar el-Gadhafi, (13) Moamar El Kadhafi, (14) Muammar al-Qadhafi, (15) Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi, (16) Mu'ammar Qadafi, (17) Moamar Gaddafi, (18) Mu'ammar Qadhdhafi, (19) Muammar Khaddafi, (20) Muammar al-Khaddafi, (21) Mu'amar al-Kadafi, (22) Muammar Ghaddafy, (23) Muammar Ghadafi, (24) Muammar Ghaddafi, (25) Muamar Kaddafi, (26) Muammar Quathafi, (27) Muammar Gheddafi, (28) Muamar Al-Kaddafi, (29) Moammar Khadafy, (30) Moammar Qudhafi, (31) Mu'ammar al-Qaddafi, (32) Mulazim Awwal Mu'ammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi.

OMG I think spell check just crashed! Anyway, my vote is we just refer to him as Saddam-my. (pronounced like sodomy)

To "any sailor"

When I was in the US Navy, Montel Williams had a show that was popular. He asked people to write letters addressed "to any sailor" onboard the USS Independence. We got tons of letters from good people who were interested and concerned for us. Some of the sailors were pretty disappointing and never responded to the letters they got. If I saw someone throwing away any of the letters, I would retrieve them and respond. I stayed up late trying to answer everyone who took time to write to us.

One letter was from a 5th grade girl who had limited mental capacity. Her name was Kaneisha. Her letters never included her last name and the return address was to a school. She wrote me 15 letters in all and each time they included a note from her teacher explaining that every letter returned to her was read in front of her classmates. Sometimes they weren't easy to decipher but I did manage with help from my shipmates. Every time I answered all of her questions. Her last letter included a photo of her and her classmates.

I also became friends with Dave and Patti Hammett from Portland Oregon. They sent me T-shirts and even came to see me while I was checking out of the Navy in Bangor Washington. They sent cookies which I shared with the guys from my squadron too. Patti was a huge Nascar fan...#3 Dale Earnhardt at the time. Damn fine people.

A kid that I worked with wasn't very bright...and he was getting letters from a woman in Connecticut. I helped him write letters to her and included one from me, I explained that he was just a young guy and he needed a little help. Samantha started writing to me as well. She sent a few pictures as well and damn if she wasn't a knockout! Samantha was well above my social class but we did have a lot in common. We exchanged letters for 3 years.

I corresponded with about 40 different people as a result of Montel's show. I got more mail from those people than I did from my own family. When you are out at sea and you don't have much to look forward to, other than more work...it's great to get mail! That's what "supporting the troops" is all about! It was an experience that will forever be close to my heart. Not everyone that received those letters responded, but if you did...you got to know some very good people!

UFC 128 Picks

Benevidez over Loveland
√ WINNER unanimous decision 30-27 all three judges

Tibau over Pellegrino
√ WINNER split decision for Tibau

Pyle over Almeida
√ WINNER unanimous decision

Barboza to DESTROY Njokuani
√ WINNER Barboza eeked out a victory, Njokuani was way better than I gave him credit. The spinning back kick with seconds in the fight was the clincher!

Marshall over Cane *UPDATE*..I'll take Cane instead, I thought it was Doug, "the Rhino" Marshall!
√ WINNER Changed the pick when I saw the fighters...and realized it wasn't Doug Marshall. It was a TKO in about 2 minutes.
No more changes...if you didn't see the update before the fight, I know it looks cheesy, but it was up before they started the fight.

Schaub handing Cro cop another defeat
√ WINNER Mirko suffers another brutal knockout! He looked pretty decent this time around until Schaub caught him mid-kick with a punch that dropped him like the Gonzaga knockout. Good fight!

Miller to squeak one out over Marquardt
X LOSER Marquardt looked great, you never know which Nate is going to show up..Miller threatened a few times via guillotine, but couldn't handle Nate. Good win against a very game opponent!

Shalorus may surprise and beat Miller
Damn, I got the two Miller brothers mixed up too.. I like Jim Miller but I'll stick to my pick.
X LOSER Yep, I had the two Miller brothers mixed up but Jim just knocked his ass out!

Faber over Wineland
√ WINNER Urijah took control from the 2nd round and had the speed to get takedowns and land good solid strikes. He wasn't even out of breath during the interview.

Jon Jones to brutalize Shogun Rua
√ WINNER Total destruction by Jones! Three rounds of just absolute beatdown...I don't think anybody is going to beat Jones for a long time. Only weakness I see is he might get submitted by a good jiu jitsu guy...not likely with his reach and unusual strikes. Let's see Anderson Silva move up to 205 against this kid...would get his ass stomped!

Good fights tonight! I loved it.

Sonny Good

My Uncle Sonny passed away this morning. He fought the good fight against cancer. I cannot express how deeply sorrowful I am for Aunt Barbara and their kids.

Sonny was one of the hardest working men I ever knew. He earned my respect and many others. He basically wore his body down laying tile for most of his life. On the jobsite, as well as his personal life, he could be fierce if the occasion arrived. Mostly he was a calm and caring gent that always tried to do the right thing.

He was a fun guy to be around too. I remember him playing guitar and singing old cowboy songs for us when we were kids at Christmas time. In his later years, he couldn't play guitar anymore from pain in his hands. I truly miss the funny songs that he could belt out. He had a love for country music and I'm not sure if everyone knew that about him.

His favorite thing to do was to read the newspaper daily while sipping coffee. Every day he read the paper cover to cover, it was like a ritual. The last time I stayed at their house, his hearing was getting bad. He left the television on all night with the volume at high levels. How he fell asleep like that simply amazed me. Reflecting back, I wouldn't trade that night for anything!

I loved you Uncle Sonny and I miss your smile! You were a shining example of how to be a man. I hope to one day be as good as you were!

Funeral service will be next Thursday March 24th @ 2:30pm. 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston,TX 77038

Earthquake/Tsunami 2011

CNN's coverage is ridiculous. They have great footage but their anchor Suzanne is an idiot. They keep mentioning no American lives lost..I'm glad to hear that but deeply saddened to see the loss of lives from any country. The images initially had me very worried for my friends still stationed over there. Thankfully I haven't heard that any of my friends even sustained injuries.

I was mortified by some of the video of people still inside cars that were floating away. Seeing the water engulf and overtake house after house was devastating. Those are good, hard working people who just lost everything in a few moments. Mother Nature can be quite a beast and there is NO taming her!

There will be crazies who blame this on the moon being so close, God having his revenge and I'm sure some will blame Obama. We live on a violent planet and sometimes people live very close to events that occur in nature. Earth has a way of telling us not to build too close to the water, or near volcanoes or polar caps.

Today was a terrible tragedy. Try to remember that disaster can strike anyone at any time. I wouldn't want it to happen to anyone, including enemies.

UFC 127 picks

Jewtuszko over Warburton
X decision for Warburton

Hunt over Tuscherer
√Hunt Knockout Rd. 2

Reinhardt over Zhang
X Zhang quickly chokes Reihardt unconscious

Perosh over Blackledge
√ Perosh by rear naked choke

Ring over Fukuda
√ Ring takes it but Fukuda should have won

Gustafsson over Te Huna
√ Gustafsson choked him out

Fisher over Pearson
X Pearson wins a great fight

Noke over Camozzi
√ Noke looked amazing

Lytle over Ebersole
X Ebersole embarassed Lytle

Sotiropoulos over Siver (maybe fight of the night)
X Siver wins looked awesome against the aussie

Michael Bisping beats Rivera
√ Rivera lost because he took an illegal knee not a great fight.
Bisping once again proved he has no class.

Fitch pounds out another three round winner over Penn
A DRAW!!! Again! Penn may have won the 1st 2 rounds but Fitch whooped his butt in rd 3.

Fight of the Night went to Ebersole-Lytle.
Knockout of the night to Mark Hunt.
Submission of the night to Kyle Noke.

Spring

The seasons of life are a rude awakening. Spring rolls through quicker than we realize.

I was a completely forgettable kid. At school they had little groups that stuck together and didn't associate with the other groups. We had the popular people, the heads, the smart people, the weirdos, the goat ropers, poor kids and the people who didn't fit in. I was lucky because I could morph into any group for a short time. In addition, I was younger than everyone in my class and looked about two years younger. I had to fight a lot because I was picked on daily, mainly because I was such a small guy. It made me tough and aggressive. I suffered from "little guy" syndrome. I would hit guys for just making rude comments. I got whipped sometimes, but I usually won a scrap.

I was a friend to the kids that everyone made jokes about. I truly didn't want them to feel left out or hopeless. It wasn't because I felt sorry for them, it was the fact that they had thoughts that mattered too. At some point, I realized that I was included in that bunch of misfits to everyone else too!

Rob Johnson and I became quick friends just after I turned 12. He's been my best friend since then. We've been through more than most and I wouldn't trade him for anyone else. Everyone should know what its like to have a friend as true as he's been!

When I began racing motocross, I thought it only took talent. Kevin Farmer taught me to be ruthless! In my very first race, he ran over me on purpose to take 1st place. Nobody ever did that to me again, I was the aggressor from that day on. I won a national championship because I refused to let anyone beat me. I would wreck anyone without mercy. I rode recklessly just like my heroes Bob Hannah and Danny "Magoo" Chandler. I left the spring of my life as a national champ and being a total arrogant ass!

Summer

Being a little guy..I didn't have a bunch of girlfriends. It made it harder to get the girls, but it was a priority for me. I always dated girls that were at least 2 years younger than me because they were more my size. I played pool all the time and made a job of it for a while.

I had hot rod cars and found a great little girlfriend in Rachel. Everything was going pretty good for me and suddenly my Dad's business fell apart. He moved to Houston and I acted like a lost puppy. I went to Houston to visit and Dad took me to play pool for money again. We made money and he asked me to move there to just play pool and make a ton of cash. I left my girl and moved to Houston. Promptly, I met Sheila while playing darts at a bar. She spent the night with me on my 21st birthday. Against everyone's advice, I married her. We had a son in 1988, and were divorced in early 1990.

I went apeshit crazy for six years until I joined the Navy. During that six years, I led a life that is mostly clouded by alcohol consumption. I met some wonderful people but also a bunch that weren't worth my time. Susan, Terry, Amber, all women that I loved and I enjoyed having their love for a while. Susan was one of the most genuine women I ever met, she never made any promise she couldn't keep! Jenny and I became close friends while I was dating Susan. I was a dumbass and didn't treat her with the respect and admiration that Susan deserved. I blew that one! Terry had constant issues and turned out to be as fake and one dimensional as Sheila. Amber was the real deal. I loved her but I had to get my life back on track.

Life rolled into Fall.

Fall

At 32, I turned over a new leaf and joined the Navy. I thought it was an opportunity to get an education. It turned out to be false promises. They kept you so busy working that school was not an option. I was frustrated by that and became an angry little grouch. I met some terrific people and learned that you bond with them very much like you would your family. It's hard to describe how you may not like someone as a person, but you would watch their back in dangerous situations. Everyone watches out for each other. The people that you do like..they become like a brother or sister to you.

While I was overseas, I came to appreciate my son Trey. I saved up all the time to buy him special things that probably don't matter to him now. At the time though, his eyes would sparkle when he got a great gift. Trey became my motivation. I nearly remarried a great gal named Sonoko at that time too. It didn't work out because I wouldn't move back to Japan and she wouldn't come to the states.

After my Navy days were complete, I moved back to Texas. I worked for about a year as a powdercoater and 9/11 happened. Shortly thereafter, I bought a house and moved to Illinois. I worked various jobs and struggled but I was happy. There I honed my computer skills and my friend Al, who opened my eyes to all the possibilities of computers. We brainstormed and came up with projects and made them happen. I had found my calling.

Dad's health began to falter after a few years and he asked me to move back to Texas. I came back and began installing floors again and doing general construction jobs. My knees were shot from my racing days and it was tough on my body. By now I was over 40 and I was constantly in some kind of pain. Dad's health continued to worsen and it became a requirement to stay home and take care of him. Trey and his girlfriend Wendi came to live with me for about 8 months and it brought me back to understanding how tough things are when you are young. He moved back to his mother's and began school, he should be graduating soon.

My Mom sold her house and moved here also to help with Dad. They remarried which surprised the heck out of me. Now Mom's health isn't great either. My only income is little jobs I can muster locally or fixing computers for people. If something happens to a relative, Mom drops everything and runs to their aid. She possesses a skill in that regard...I'm glad she's able to do that. It also places Dad's care squarely on my shoulders. My sister is here now and she helps a lot too. When a break is needed we take turns and step up for each other. Dad trusts me and my judgement so he normally wants me around when things get rough, and things are very rough right now.

My life has been shaped by the people around me and the attitudes they display. Financially, I'm not a big success..but I've becaome a pretty decent guy over the years. The things that really count...like love, truth and happiness...I have that in spades!

This is a rather condensed version of my life but I hope my friends and family will know me and understand me a little better now. Winter is coming and I'm dreading it.

Losing loved ones

I just want to express heartfelt condolences to Rusty Hill and his family. Nothing can be said that eases the pain of the loss of a loved one. Linda's memory will live on even though you don't have her physically, she lives on in the hearts of friends and family. Mourning your loss, Love you all!

Old Friends

Finding old friends or better yet, having them find you..is one of the most powerful things I've seen about social networking.

I've been in touch now with a woman that I wished I married. It brings me joy that she still loves to talk to me even though she's moved on with a family of her own. I lost touch for a long time and it bothered me immensely. Suddenly she found me on facebook and we talked like we never had been out of contact. We have a bond that I don't believe will ever be severed. We were great friends before we ever slept together. I miss her more everyday. I respect her family and don't want to screw up the life that she's built. She's probably the best woman I have met in my life.

It's weird as hell but I have another female friend who just two days ago contacted me. We've been great friends for even longer. Amazingly we are both interested in the same line of work, graphic art. I haven't spoken to her for 16 years but yet I feel like we just lost contact for a while. She's also one of the most fun persons I've ever been around. I missed her dearly too. I love her very much, never slept with her, never tried... and that's probably a good thing for both of us. I got to know her family well and they are some of the nicest people I ever met. In one day, all of them confirmed friend requests from me. Very good people indeed!

Life is strange and you never know what's going to happen. I say, live life to it's fullest and enjoy the people you know and love. Friends are treasures that you shouldn't lose over time. I'm grateful for my friends...male and female..because you've all made an impact in my life. Thanks for the wonderful ride that is life!

UFC 126 Picks

Paul Taylor over Gabe Ruediger
√ win by TKO

Kid Yamamoto over Demetrius Johnson
X lost by unanimous decision

Mendes over Omigawa
√ unanimous decision

Donald Cerrone beats Paul Kelly
√ rear naked choke

Torres destroys Banuelos
√ Torres 30-27 decision

Jon Jones to win over Ryan Bader
√ Jones by guillotine choke in round 2.

Forrest Griffin should outlast Rich Franklin
√ Unanimous decision for Griffin

Silva over Belfort
√ Silva head kick and finish 1st round again!

One loss out of eight..not bad.

Help a friend

Does anyone know about ways to get help for a person in a wheelchair? A friend, Larry has an accessible van, but it is beginning to deteriorate and his income can't pay for needed maintenance on his van. He recently lost his father and is severely depressed. His house is also needing work. I can do any labor needed but can't afford to help financially. My goal is to get him some much needed help.

Larry is a good guy and I can't stand to see him unable to take care of himself. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks!

Respect

A few days ago while I stood in line at the grocery store, a young man impatiently waited behind an older gentleman. The older man had white hair and was dressed rather nice. He looked to be in pretty good shape and stood straight and tall. The young fellow was about 18-20 dressed in over sized clothing with a ball cap that said "thug life."

The older man was writing a check while the cashier was scanning his groceries. The kid said, "Hurry up old man, I ain't got all day!" The old guy finished writing his check with a smile on his face. He turned to the kid and said, "Take it easy or life will pass you by." The young guy exclaimed "Don't be disrepectin me!" The old man gathered his groceries turned back and said, "You haven't done anything to earn my respect and you probably never will."

I finished checking out too and headed to my car in the parking lot. The old gent was loading his groceries into his trunk as I walked by. He closed the trunk and waved to me with a smile. I noticed on the back of his car were stickers..."United States Navy SEAL" and "Veterans of Foreign Wars" He also had license plates that declared him a purple heart recipient. Without ever saying a word to me, he earned my respect.

Days of lore from VF-154

Finding so many old friends from Facebook has me reminiscing about my Navy days. While in Atsugi we all worked hard and played hard. Typical work days were 12 hours, while on duty days you worked and also stood an 8 hour watch. It was particularly tough when gearing up for a maintenance inspection.

Yes maintaining a squadron of F-14's was difficult. On the other hand, we knew that we had the baddest bird in the sky. Nothing could see as far, lock on and kill from so far away. On missile shoot tests we were nearly 100% accurate. The only failures I witnessed were caused by faulty ordinance. Tomcats were finicky and parts supply was short, but we kept them flying and safeguarding Carrier Airwing Five.

In the air, a Tomcat is a thing of beauty with it wings folded back in a delta shape they appeared almost mystical. Aircrew had the best seats in the world. The ground personnel got literal peeks at what pictures the aircrew shared with us. When they did share, it felt like we made that bird DO that! The man hours expended to achieve those flights astounded me.

The time and effort that went into preparing for and hosting an airshow was well worth it. Everybody came to see the Tomcats from VF-154. The ground crew got to see our pilots work their magic as they would dance in unison all over the sky. Some of the maneuvers would make you hold your breath as you hoped and prayed that nothing go tragically wrong.

I consider each and every one who served in VF-154 my brothers and sisters. I'm proud of the blood sweat and tears that went into every sortie. We did great things together. Here's to all of you..a heartfelt salute from the Tinman. Thanks for your time, it IS greatly appreciated!