Musings and Thoughts (2)

Merry Christmas 2008

December 24th, 2008

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful…” OK, yes, you are very lucky your not in ear shot but I can’t help singing during the holidays! This time of year always brings families and friends closer together. It is really the only time of year you send cards to people you may not have seen or heard from in months!

I challenge you this holiday season pick up the phone and call someone, call that old friend from high school or a family member you haven’t seen in ages. Share the spirit of Christmas! Since I don’t have all your phone numbers (almost had a million people visit NavyCS this year ) – from my family to yours – please have a safe, happy holiday and may God bless!

Where is my eggnog?!! (Read the rest of the story…)

Relax and Watch the Panda

November 13th, 2008

My oldest son visited the Memphis Zoo and took this video of a panda eating some bamboo. Watching it seems to relax me almost as much as the panda seems to enjoy eating. Enjoy

(Read the rest of the story…)

End of Tuition Assistance?

November 6th, 2008

Just throwing this out there, anyone else concerned about this?

The new GI-Bill will become effective August 1, 2009. The new GI-Bill will essentially pay the cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education (paid to school) while your serving on active duty.

For honorably discharged veterans who qualify (not those still serving to complete their obligated service) the New GI-Bill will pay the cost of tuition and fees AND (Read the rest of the story…)

Out and About

October 27th, 2008

Sorry for the lack of posts the last few days. Wife and I are doing a little traveling around and seeing some family. This week were are back at the ol’ home town, Crystal River, Florida. Next week it is back to Disney, we’ll be staying at the Shades Of Green and I look forward to regale you with stories of our trip to the Mouse’s House.

Time Capsule

Today I had to get some work done on our vehicle, dang u-joints needed to be replaced… anyway, when I was in town I decided to drop by my old middle school. Crystal River Middle School has a fasad you would expect from an institution of learning. All brick and even has the pillars out front.

When I was walking to the main entrance I noticed some writing on the sidewalk and the memory came to me like a bolt of lightening to a sinner – I remember Mr. Beckwith (hope that’s how it is spelled… (Read the rest of the story…)

Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire

October 21st, 2008

Below is a security questionnaire each applicant must complete before they can enlist in the armed forces of the United States.

Should not each person seeking a political office which could be exposed to sensitive, potentially classified material have to answer and affirm the same questions? Should the answers to these questions be made available to the general public? (Read the rest of the story…)

Weekend Wonder Three

October 18th, 2008

Congress put together a commission after 9-11 to determine our weaknesses and to put together recommendations. How come there isn’t a congressional cry for a commission to determine our weaknesses and to put together recommendations for our current financial crisis?

Are Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) good buys at about $1 (Read the rest of the story…)

Iraq War, How I see It

October 17th, 2008

In a nut shell, we went into Iraq not for revenge of 9-11 but because the UN had passed numerous resolutions which the Iraqi government ignored and violated. This occurred over a 10 year period of time until a final resolution was passed basically stating, comply with the resolutions and let arms inspectors into your country to finish the job or we will enter with force.

The Iraqi government decided they would ignore that resolution too, so a coalition of UN forces lead by the US entered into Iraq.

After a few months into the Iraq War Al Queda (AQ) started (Read the rest of the story…)

Another Weekend Wonder

October 12th, 2008

It is likely that the next President of the United Sates will have to replace as many as 4 Supreme Court justices – how come nobody is asking about this during the debates?

Why is there outrage over CEOs making millions but no similar outcry about professional athletes making the big money?

How many voters are deciding who they will vote for based on how much extra they may receive beyond what they earn?

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) really might be more successful as a travel (Read the rest of the story…)

Weekend Wonder

September 21st, 2008

This post isn’t really a rant more than just some questions and talking points. Yea, some come from way out in left field but fun to consider none the less.

Should human resource spending be legislated and packaged completely separate from project spending? Oh, what am I thinking, how would anything get approved if they can’t put a face on it… thoughts?

Minimum wage went up playing a part in weakening the dollar forcing investors to place assets into commodities (oil), driving up the price, making it more expensive (Read the rest of the story…)

Congressional Pawns

September 16th, 2008

Laurie Kellman of the Associated Press wrote today that the Senate did a test vote to see is the FY 2009 defense bill had a chance of passing if brought to a real vote… It did. The real vote is scheduled for 17 September in the PM.

Why was everyone concerned if it would pass? In the 2009 Defense bill an additional $5 Billion in pork spending, Senators “Pet projects”, has been added.

And with a politics as usual approach, if any Senator disagrees with the bill’s passage that Senator would be labeled as anti-troops.  By voting against the bill the Senator would be voting against the pay raise – that is what some members of Congress want you to think.

Look, I am all for a pay raise, it should be much higher than the proposed 3.9% – Lord (Read the rest of the story…)