Chicken Gumbo

That's what I'm fixing to do; make a chicken and sausage gumbo. If you don't know what that is, look it up on the internet and let your mouth water.

Yum!

Writing and Struggling

I had an idea for a story this afternoon. I started; with an entire plot, but writing the story is leading in a different direction. I don't know where it's going and hope it won't end up in the electronic trash can.

BSOD - Part 2

So, I go through the fix process. An important file in the system 32 folder was either encrypted, or fubared to the point it couldn't be copied and a repair file placed instead. I continued, managed to boot the computer and found some strange errors, including network problems. I managed to get the network up and running, connect to the internet and found a new problem: Avast, my antivirus software, won't load. To add insult to injury, it's now apparent my computer is infected, since I can't even download a fresh copy for use. Otherwise, somebody downloaded something with my computer; probably while checking their #$%damned email, or checking their @#%damned Facebook horseshit, while they used my computer to print, or some other task they thought was important.

Am I pissed? You're damn right I am. Now, I'll have to hot patch the computer, or slave the drive and hope I can eliminate the virus remotely. In a more perfect world, spammers, virus code writers, people that shouldn't be on my computer and anyone else that pisses me off would be beat with sticks for screwing up my day.

Crap, crap and more crap.

BSOD

If you've ever tinkered with a computer that has one of those before Windows ever loads....and it tells you of a corrupted registry.....you know you're having a bad day at work.

I found the fix, but it's just another task that I really don't have time to do.

Bleh

Pathway to Citizenship

Personally, I believe the pathway to U.S. citizenship shouldn't begin along the path of illegal entry, lying, stealing from taxpayers and living a life below the radar by working for cash for criminals that hire illegal aliens.

So? What do we do? It's simple for most illegal immigrants. Make valid, current identification mandatory for any transaction involving rent, or the purchase of a home. Add to this a mandatory $2500 fine for anyone that knowingly violates the rule and allows someone to bypass this guideline. That's for the first offense. After that, make the offense a felony.

I know this sounds harsh, but it's not getting better and the drain on resources is not acceptable.

But....but...but who will do all the jobs that these people do? With the huge number of unemployment  and public assistance recipients, I'm thinking there are a few around that could use the jobs.

But...but...but those jobs don't pay very much. Mine doesn't either and pays less every day; thanks to out of control spending for what I consider bullshit. As my boss used to say: "I can feel for you, but I just can't reach you."

Bozo Parade

I coined that term this afternoon, while driving down the interstate. Traffic was terrible; mostly because there were some lane closures, which were well marked, had plenty of advance warning messages, but the bozo drivers didn't pay attention and rode all the way to the barrels in the wrong lane.

Meanwhile, drivers allowed these bozos in, so they became part of the parade. Me? I found an exit and went another way. I don't like bozo parades; they have too many dumbasses involved.

Beans and Cornbread

We ate beans and cornbread when I was being raised. It was part of the process of a ham dinner. The ham was eaten until there was only enough for my father's lunches. The bone was then boiled with navy beans and the huge pot was consumed with green onions for garnish and cornbread. It was, and still is, damned good eating and inexpensive. While it was necessary for my parents to keep within their food budget, it was a fine effort by both and we ate well.

Debbie Wasserman Shultz is worried about her staffers starving. Their $60,000 to $160,000 yearly salaries are not enough. She blames the sequester, which is becoming a source of angry amusement by U.S. citizens who have suffered for a long time due to the piss-poor management by Congress of the economy. It's hard to convince people the government is in need of money when the President, and Biden, piss off millions to travel for no real reason.

I say they get some beans and a crock pot. That way, they can cook dinner while they work and bring leftovers for lunch....like the people that pay their salaries. There is no sympathy and their whining is becoming annoying.

Advice

I don't use Google Plus. Not that I'm not open to the idea, but I'm wary of anything shiny and new....look what happened to the Indians that sold Manhattan Island.

I'm looking for expert advice. Is it a good idea? According to Google, everything  will become much better. I don't believe them, since I'm a grouchy, cynical old fart with a bad elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and a knee that has a tendency to go out every now and then.

Spring

We've had tastes of spring for weeks. The redbuds and azaleas started blooming; clover and dandelions appeared. The cold weather, which is never really that cold is disappearing. It's been over 80 degrees a few days this week.

I cut my mothers yard this evening. It was mostly to even out the odd clumps of different annoyance ground cover plants, but it required a complete pass with the lawnmower. The mowing season is starting, which will soon lead to the weekly cutting, or cussing because the grass is too tall. I don't relish it, but it's part of not having to fight ice and snow all winter. If it wasn't for hurricanes, it would be a paradise for some.

From talking with someone that was raised in Minnesota, the last few days compare to a summer day in that part of the country. If so, I can see where summer is a wonderful time of year and I would relish each day.

Oh Really?

I saw a sign on a building on the way home:

WARNING! THESE PREMISES ARE PROTECTED BY ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE!

....and all this time I thought the building was protected by rabid weasels with binoculars.

Modern Gizmos

I remember when disc brakes were first introduced on mass produced automobiles. The rumors were they were complicated, were hard to repair and shade tree mechanics would not like them.

I believed that, until necessity demanded I work on the front disc brakes on my pickup. Even with the learning curve, when I finished, I was amazed at the simplicity and ease of replacing components.

Today, I changed all four sets of pads on my wife's car. It took two hours, including the time to gather the tools and put them away. In the past, changing shoes would have taken much longer and the system with drums was far less efficient.

You really can't call disc brakes modern gizmos, unless you're getting to be an old fart like me. I'm still impressed and glad they came along.

Lyrics From the Past

At one time, I played in some bands, which had their pitfalls and politics. Nothing ever panned out. The most likely to succeed was invited to play at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin two weeks after the band broke up.

That was a long time ago. Two band members are now dead and, from what I've heard, the other surviving member, besides me, is not far from his demise.

Anyway, I've written a few songs over time and the lyrics will resurface in my thoughts. These are some from a song I never gave a title:

When I was a young boy and the world was new to me.
The future was a day or two; at the most a week.
Then I started growing and looking for my dreams
But like the sun on a cloudy day, there was nothing for me to see. 

And I found it's true, that no matter what I do
Rain will wash away granite, and the sky won't always be blue.
There are some things I can do, to make life better for me and you
Well, these things I have to do, though other's may not want me to.

Manhood came like a summer rain; it was time to leave my home.
So, I packed up my bags and moved out in the world; unsure and all alone.
I found the answers to some of my questions, but I never could find my dreams.
And I found that age doesn't always bring wisdom and the blind can sometimes see. 


And I found it's true, that no matter what I do
Rain will wash away granite, and the sky won't always be blue.
There are some things I can do, to make life better for me and you
Well, these things I have to do, though other's may not want me to.

I love the feel of cool autumn evenings; with the wood smoke in the air. 

It's time like that I know I'm blessed with the love we sometimes share.

I miss my father's gentle wisdom and ever patient love.

He's gone now, but I know somehow, he's with the Lord up above. 

And I found it's true, that no matter what I do
Rain will wash away granite, and the sky won't always be blue.
There are some things I can do, to make life better for me and you
Well, these things I have to do, though other's may not want me to.

When I was a young boy, and the world was new to me...

Pink Cornflakes with Toasted Edges

That's one hell of a title, right? It makes no sense, but bots love that kind of crap. I'm setting a trap, so I can catch a few. My mother's lawn needs cutting and I don't feel like it.

While We're On The Subject of Bots

We weren't but we are now.

I have no idea what promotes bot agenda, but I can imagine some programmer - stoned on pot - inventing search code that borders on insanity. There's no perceivable method and the bots scamper through the internet in search of madness.

The Perception of Deception

According to the mice, seekers of truth, effective public servants, Congress members investigating the murder of four U.S. citizens in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, there's an effort to prevent survivors from being interviewed by members of the current President's administration.

They could cut through this crap, if they'd impeach one of the department heads involved. Start with John Kerry. He's either going to play ball, or not. Whatever his choice, it won't take long to find out what it is. I'm betting he'd furnish the tar and feathers for Hillary Clinton if it meant his career is compromised.

Unresolved Resolution

This is from a CNS new article:

"...House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said he would not include language to defund Obamacare in the continuing resolution bill when it returns to the House, stating, “our goal” is “not to shut down the government.”..."

Otherwise, the bill would have no teeth.

To add insult to injury, this was also said:

"...I believe that trying to put Obamacare on this vehicle risks shutting down the government,” Boehner said. “That’s not what our goal is. Our goal here is to reduce spending....”

Unless Boehner has been away to Mars, he should realize the government will not cut spending, unless it's forced to shut down. All the supposed bipartisan efforts are a waste and yield more disrespect for Congress.

If it takes a government shut-down, then so be it. The waste and frivolous spending is damn near horrifying and will stop, whether they control it, or they destroy the economy and it stops due to economic death.

Boehner's position is of leadership. Leading means making the tough decisions and standing firm when the results of bad decisions only make things worse. He's failing at this task, the Republicans are becoming useless as tits on a boar and the out of control government is risking the entire nation's ability to survive. It's time for this to stop.

There's a New Sheriff

Not really. There's a new Pope. I'm not Catholic, so the new Pope has different implications.

There's quite a few politicians that hang their supposed Catholic faith as a lure to potential voters. That's typical politics, although I don't consider it ethical, if they're not willing to put their politics aside and follow their faith.

I'm hoping this new Pope will tell some of political opportunists where to get off. Even better: excommunicate a few just for shits and grins. Those that proclaim their belief and then promote behavior that contradicts the faith can be kicked out, find a new religion and go after another group of society that believes the same. I'm thinking they'll find few, if any, religions that promote the destruction of core family beliefs and abortion.

While some people ridicule the Christian faith, they fail to see the basic good things that are taught to preserve society and keep it healthy. If they don't believe in God, that's fine, but at least believe in the fact that people are people and most need some guidance to be a productive part of a healthy society. It's part of our heritage and has nothing to do with religion. We're much better as a society when we work together, teach that a family is important and expect nothing more from others than what we expect from ourselves.

It's Not Voter Fraud...

...if you're voting for somebody else. That works for me. I'm sure about two dozen dead relatives, some friends and my dog would vote just as I would, so I can just cast a ballot to insure their vote is counted. Fair is fair.

I Despise Daylight Saving Time

Why? Because it's the epitome of nanny political horse manure. If it's so important to need to change the hours of school, work, or any other activity that benefits from extended daylight hours, then anyone that feels that's necessary can change the hours of such activity. Beside that, I lose an hour of sleep, my sleep cycle is fubared for a long time and I detest going to sleep with the sky still light outside.

Bleh.

I Guess They Were Bored

It was a typical summer day: hot, with temperatures in the nineties and a light breeze from the southeast. The light wind gave the Gulf a small chop, which gave the emerald water a chiseled appearance.

We’d lost some gas, so the production site on the bank called to let us know. A quick glance at the board indicated which well had shut in, so we only had to call the boat and go for a look.

The boat was tied to the main platform, so the skipper only needed to fire the engines, back the boat and the deckhand to remove the ropes. We were on board within a few minutes, heading toward the satellite platform.

As we approached the platform, I examined the drilling rig they’d placed next to the well structure. It was a submersible rig, which was best for the relatively shallow water at our location. Around 500 feet long and 150 feet wide, it sat on the flat bottom. I never figured out how they leveled the platform and never asked.

We tied to the small, four legged well structure, which was connected to the single leg production structure by a short catwalk. As the boat was tied, I looked up at the rig. The rail at the drilling floor was lined with curious hands that stared as we went to work.

Climbing the ladder to the well deck, I started my job, which was to close the gate valve that was on the production pipe. We always closed it first, in case the automatic valve was re-pressured and the well opened up too fast. 

Below the seabed was a valve in the tubing, which would close if the volume of gas was too high. It was designed in case a boat hit the platform. An uncontrolled well was not something anybody wanted, especially if there was a wrecked boat, with ignition source, either caught on the structure or in the immediate vicinity. At thousands of pounds of pressure, the gas, when ignited, would melt steel like butter. Opening the well too fast caused the valve to close, also. That was frowned upon, since it required bringing the big work boat to the platform and using back pressure to reopen the valve. If that didn’t work, an expensive wireline barge was brought on site.

While I closed the valve, the pumper-gauger crossed the catwalk, climbed the ladder and went about looking for a problem. I stayed, in case the problem was minor and I could start putting the well back on line.

I looked at the CRBBM relay after I closed the valve. It was hooked to the fire loop and the pilot manifold. If the plastic line melted, the control pressure was released and the automatic valve on the well head was closed. The same thing happened if the high or low pressure pilot released the pressure due to pressures beyond the settings. It was closed, so I manually pulled the relay. If the problem was intermittent, pulling the handle would leave the relay in the open position and the control pressure would have opened the automatic valve. It didn’t, so I placed a tagged wire through the hole in the stem. This allowed the system to be pressurized again, when the problem was fixed. After that, it was just a matter of pulling the wire, getting back on the boat and going to the next task.

Within a few minutes, the pressure returned to the control system and the automatic valve opened. The pumper-gauger appeared at the upper rail and told me to start bringing the well back on line.

I cracked the valve, which caused an immediate loud hiss. This well had pressure of over 5000 psi, and high volume, so I was slow in opening the valve. Usually, this took about five minutes. I’d open the valve a little, allow the pressure to equalize, and open it some more.

“Splat”

That was a sound I wasn’t used to. It wasn’t loud, but it was very unusual. I looked up to the work platform, but the pumper-gauger was off doing something else. Before I could really think about it, I smelled something even more unusual: ripe banana.

I looked down and found a pulverized banana about two inches from my right boot. Instantly, I knew where it came from. It came from about 60 feet above and was launched by one of the rig workers.

Looking up, I found the spectators that lined the rail had disappeared. The drill stem was still turning, and not making much progress. I figured they were drilling rock and waiting for the bit to become dull. Considering how much pipe was in the racks a few days before, the task of tripping pipe and attaching a new bit was soon to come. The rig hands, caught up and bored, decided I was fair game and tried to hit me with the banana.

I kept looking up at the drill floor as I opened the valve. Eventually the well was completely back on line and the system  working as designed.

I looked toward the production platform and found the pumper-gauger was climbing down the ladder. I asked: “Are we good?” He gave a quick thumbs up and I pulled my tagged wire from the relay, with occasional glances up toward the drill floor. The rail was still empty, but that didn’t mean they weren’t planning another attack.

We were soon on the boat, and the skipper slowly backed from the platform. I made one glance toward the drill floor and still found nobody to be seen. I wondered if they decided on something else to do, or the tool pusher caught them with their game. It didn’t matter. We were soon out of range and off to another location.

Over the next few weeks, the rig was on that location. Eventually, it left without success, but I did manage to watch the crane operator dunk a few of the hands on crew change day. He carefully let them down toward the boat, then swung them over the water, dunked them twice and carefully placed the man-basket on the crew boat. I found it funny and hoped at least one of the dunkees was the man that threw the banana. In a perfect world, he was and the other rig hands who participated were included. 

Political Climate

The Democratic and Republican parties have been the most powerful for a long time. While they both proclaim they best represent the interests of the U.S. citizen, neither do. Both have entrenched political members that will do anything they feel necessary to control their power. Neither is inspiring and neither now appears as representative by anyone with an I.Q. above a carrot. The congressional approval polls prove my point.

Both parties have lost the trust of working citizens. Most working people don't have private limousines take them to work, special security, almost unlimited access to anywhere and the opportunity of lucrative financial deals offered daily. Most people don't have large staffs to take care of their personal business, guaranteed retirement income after a few years work and complete immunity from the bureaucracies of the EPA, IRS or  OSHA. While this is not indicative of every member of Congress, there's enough to perpetuate the perception and when you add the fact basically poor Congressional members amass huge wealth while in Congress, most regular folks don't feel they're getting a fair shake...and they aren't.

So, when the likes of Rand Paul buck the system, demand answers for the people that pay his salary and continuously push for Constitutional laws, people have the hope there's someone that may stop the madness we call Washington, D.C. and allow greater opportunities without the constant reminder of government intrusion.

I hope many in Washington are starting to sweat. Their playground needs a hero that won't allow the bullying, demands they behave and kicks those that are unwilling to follow the rules to the curb. We need the Rand Pauls to shrink the government, stop out of control spending, return the power of our currency and demand our government is there for us; not them .

Details

Some people don't pay attention to details. I won't elaborate, but they are important and influence decisions people make for their work.

Some Days

Some days are destined to be very busy. I have a feeling today is one of those days.

I Know I Haven't Been Writing Much

I do. I sit down to write, and find my mind blank, or an unwillingness to rehash the constant aggravations during the day. I don't know the solution, but I'm leaning toward more fiction and recollections of life experiences.

We shall see.

Low Information Voting

The perils of low information voting may lead to a voter voting "yes" for the elimination of the processing, distribution and consumption of a dangerous substance, such as dihydrogen monoxide. While they sipped their bottled water, they'd never realize what terrible thing they'd been instrumental in creating.