Political Garbage

An eight year old boy died of an illness, so the national news reports the event. The national news doesn't report on the death of other children that died from an illness, but this one is different: The boy was from Guatemala, and is one of the illegals trying to become U.S. citizens. Regardless of how the death has nothing to do with politics, the media thinks it's important, since they think it glorifies their political garbage.

The article doesn't report what the child died from. Was it a dangerous communicable disease? Was it a simple cold, but the child was not in good health? An allergic reaction? We'll probably never know, since most people worry tremendously about their own children, and would not be very gracious towards those bringing unknown illnesses into the the country. The boy might have died from an illness not common in the United States, and the exposure to the population could lead to severe health problems.

Linus Christmas Speech

Christmas Forecast

According to the local weather wizards, Christmas shall have a 30% chance of showers, with a high temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Since they're usually pretty close with their forecast, this Christmas won't bring weather like I experienced before.

A few decades ago, we had a Christmas with temperatures that never crept above freezing. The result was broken water pipes, a windfall for plumbers, and abridged Christmas dinners. It was a mess, and I spent some time under my house with a propane torch, cold feet, and some choice words.

A few Christmases back, we had snow (very rare on any winter day) and it was a beautiful sight to behold. It added a cheerful accent to a cheerful day; although it sure led to some fender benders for those trying to drive in something they're not prepared to drive in.

So, this Christmas will be balmy, and I wouldn't be surprised it starts out with heavy fog. Short sleeves will be worn, and the mosquitoes will have a chance to pass on some pathogens.

If I don't write again before Christmas, I wish for all my visitors to have the best Christmas they ever had, and all afterwards even better.

Silly Crap

Brake calipers are simple devices. The cylinder has a piston, rubber o-ring and a boot. The only moving part is the piston. Motion is caused by either hydraulic pressure, or the o-ring, which deforms when the piston is pushed in by the brake fluid. After the pressure is released, the o-ring returns into the original position and pulls the cylinder from pushing on the brake pads. When the brake pad wears enough, the piston will push further through the o-ring, and automatically adjusts the brake. The boot only keeps dust and water from the internal assembly.

The only problem that can occur with this system is contamination. Either corrosion, or particles can jam the piston, due to the tight tolerances. At that time, the caliper can be repaired, or replaced...or that's what used to be the solution.

You can't buy rebuild kits for calipers at parts houses, so you have to buy a rebuilt caliper, pay more, and spend more time returning the old calipers as a core. It's a win-win for parts houses, rebuilders, and attorneys. To me, it's silly crap, and it irritates me something so simple is corrupted by greed and stupidity. .

We'll See What Happens

Acting U.S. Attorney Whitaker is cleared to oversee the Muellor investigation and not required to recuse himself from this oversight.  This may get interesting, since there are considerable legal, and ethical, considerations. His immediate demands for an update of the investigation, documents acquired, individual interviews of each member of the Muellor team, and consultation with judges may open up a can of worms many in D.C. don't want opened.

Time will tell.