tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42003315921761435062024-03-05T22:31:46.668-06:00Middle TalkDiscussions from a middle class, middle American, middle aged white guy....BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-67951926949042244092024-01-24T13:48:00.003-06:002024-01-24T13:48:32.743-06:00A recession is coming<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I predict that despite positive economic indicators, a recession
is coming. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 words… Tech Layoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Tech” has always been the canary in the coalmine when it
comes to the economy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most technical
workers are not producers, meaning they don’t directly sell or generate
revenue. Tech workers support, develop, test and build solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes them corporate overheard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tech workers are the last to be hired in good
times and the first to get cut when C-suites smell bad times on the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And companies are cutting IT workers by the
thousands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Google, Facebook, Riot Games,
TikTok, Amazon, Spotify, all slashed IT workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A business advisory from DBO’s CFO Outlook
survey (<a href="https://insights.bdo.com/2024-BDO-Technology-CFO-Outlook-Survey.html">https://insights.bdo.com/2024-BDO-Technology-CFO-Outlook-Survey.html</a>)
found that many CFO plan on continuing to downsize through 2024.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since the tech downsizing actually started Q4 of2023,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I predict a recession end of 2024 to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mid 2025. </p><p class="MsoNormal">To those of you who thought "tech" was a safe, stable place to work.. .hardy. Every industry has ups and downs and goes in cycles. The last big tech collapse was the "dot com bomb". When the internet first became popular in the 1990's, companies flush with VC cash scrambled to build web presence with the belief "if you build it, they (customers) will come". Well, that didn't happen and we some some of the most spectacular flameouts in industry history. Once it became clear that investment wasn't going to pan out, VC's stop throwing cash at web companies with burn rates and most of the tech industry went unemployed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot-com_bubble </p><p class="MsoNormal">Just saying, only things that people need which requires your hands on is a stable, recession proof business. Think plumbing, HVAC, electrical auto-repair...yep, trades. Not glorious gigs, but if you got the skillz. you always, always have a job. There is no shame in a good days work. </p><p class="MsoNormal">That's BTs tip for the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As always, keep you’re minds open, and your
wallets closed.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-15331074269399743142024-01-16T11:26:00.003-06:002024-01-16T11:34:37.831-06:00The problem with Disqualifying Trump<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">So it's been a few years since my last post - like 9?!?! holy shat. Over the past almost decade there's been enough things I've predicted that have come true. It's time I document them so others can't claim credit. enjoy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The effort to push Trump off the ballot making him ineligible
for office could result in seriously disastrous repercussions for Democrats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Biden is at record low approval numbers,
and for all his personal and legal baggage, Trump is polling ahead of the pack.
The problem with polls is, well <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they are
polls.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elections for the past 30 years or so have been decided by independents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard core democrats will vote for who’s ever
on the democratic ticket, and hard-core republicans will vote for who’s ever on
the republican ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Independents vote
for who they hate the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Independents
don’t bother themselves much with polls and they are a fickle bunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tend to have byers remorse. which is why
we usually see midterm elections not favor the previous winners. As much as
independents dislike Biden, midterm independents did not favor the GOP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Point to Trumpism, anti-women’s rights agendas
by the GOP, or just an all-around growth of right-wing fascism, independents
did not line up behind Republicans in the 2022 midterms. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Trump taking the Iowa primary (btw, Iowa does not have a
stellar prediction record), the 2024 matchup looks like Trump VS Biden part
deux.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When push comes to shove, independents,
despite polling numbers and their own best interests will get in the voting
both and push the Biden button. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
election comes down to Trump VS Biden, the Republicans will be slaughtered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happened before, it will happen again. This
time, It will be the end of Trumpism. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let’s shake things up a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s say that SCOTUS rules individual States can keep Trump off the
ballot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This opens an opportunity for
some other non-Trump player to enter the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a Biden vs non-Trump matchup, the Dems are in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Independents will likely vote “other”,
meaning not Biden, and the Democrats will get slaughtered in the elections. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You read it here first – keep your minds open and wallets
closed.<o:p></o:p></p>BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-2104038306494810982015-12-21T12:27:00.003-06:002015-12-21T12:27:46.046-06:00Star wars Vii – A new let down.<div class="MsoNormal">
This weekend I saw the JJ Abrahams tory line of the new Star
Wars reboot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to say, it was better than the silly storyline Lucas
took it. As someone who saw the original
1977 move named “Star Wars” in theaters, opening weekend, I call that movie “Star
Wars”, not “a new hope”, just Star Wars. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But my disappointment in the new film as that it is exact
same movie I saw when I was 14.
Really. Same plot with the
characters shuffled a bit. Even the new Death
World – the rebooted version of the Death Star – has X-Wing fighters going
through all sorts of maneuvers to shot a vulnerable spot on a planet sized
weapon. I literally found myself looking
around at the audience saying to myself – “I’ve seen this”… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess if you’ve never seen the original movie, it’s
good. If you have seen the original and
want to avoid a haggard Princess Leia, catch it in a few years on Netflix. Carrie Fisher is 59, Harrison is 73 – He looks
younger than her…All those years of drug use and semi-sanity have taken their
toll Carrie. It’s kind of sad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, nowhere the hype the internet is exploding
about. I walked away feeling let down. As usual, keep your minds open and your
wallets closed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-73797325082646724552014-05-13T18:31:00.004-05:002014-05-13T18:31:51.470-05:00FoxNews is Killing America<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s an old saying, United We Stand, Divided we fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foxnews is the ultimate divisor. Every single front page top line story is
dedicated to smearing Democrats. Now,
weather the story is true or exaggerated the purpose is whipping up the
loyalist base in frenzy for some half brained attempt to sway public opinion
against Democrats. Perusing the commentary
is like listening to a kindergarteners arguments closing debates with the
bastardized term ‘LIBS!’. No real substance, just expletives. Now I’ve read somewhere that using FoxNews as
your only source of information makes you stupid…though I would argue the
stupidity is within those who seek FoxNews as their sole information regime. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the purpose of FoxNews is to divide, and divided we
fall, the simple purpose of Foxnews is the downfall of America. Spread distrust, don’t work together, spread
FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt), create enemies within the American people and
win political offices at any cost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No wonder the US has slipped to 33 for infant mortality, 26
in education, 46<sup>th</sup> in freedom of the press.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations fox, well done..<o:p></o:p></div>
BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-81379802599260861682014-02-06T17:42:00.000-06:002014-02-06T17:42:18.656-06:00Tim Armstrong – AOL’s mega rich corporate greedmeister.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">AOL decided to
stop matching 401K contributions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tim claimed 2 women had babies that cost
$1million each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said the cost of
Obama care is $7.1 million and he needs to pass the pain onto the company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It needs to be
noted that Tim's 'compensation' went from $3.2M in 2011 to $12.07M in 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
raise $9million dollar raise exceed the so called Obamacare increase by
$2million dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Anybody wanna try and blame the babies now? Or should I ask, who's the baby?</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This douche bag is just another example of corporate greed
run amok. The rich 1% continue to pull right from the mouths of workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing more, nothing less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keep your minds open and your wallets closed</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/2011/04/108885662_a_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/2011/04/108885662_a_p.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-82233882302358883922014-02-02T11:53:00.003-06:002014-02-02T11:53:31.186-06:00Linux failed the desktop
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The looming end of life for Windows XP on April 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
has me re-evaluating my computing OS situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have an HP tc440 note book – it has the flipping / rotating screen
with a full keyboard and touchscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
find it the perfect footprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does unfortunately
run Xp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a techie by trade. I’ve run/installed/supported a Linux
farm at the office for almost a decade (debian). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At home I ran Ubuntu desktop on ‘the kids’
computer because I got tired of the monthly format and reload required to clear
non-stop virus infestations on Windows machines. End point security didn’t really seem to
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several pre-teen’s / teens using
a computer ensured regular infections. Using Linux stopped infections.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve run Unity for several years – on the kids pc – and I
have to say, I hate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refuse to use
it for my personal PC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my desire to
continue using my beloved HP, I tried Linux Mint. Since my HP doesn’t have a
built in CD / DVD drive, I created a bootable flash drive with Mint and
installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty much everything worked,
wireless, touchscreen… everything! I chose Mint because according to my
research, Mint has the largest user community after Ubuntu…. And I won’t
support the Unity abomination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However – there’s 3 annoying
issues<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 – There’s a message on the screen before the GUI starts
about invalid user.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the research,
this is a debian bug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as I can
tell, it doesn’t affect anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
ignore it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 – There’s no support for Netflix?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This surprised me, as it would be similar
problem with any version of Linux. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to posts on the internet, this is
because Netflix requires Microsoft Silverlight, which is not available on
Linux.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really, really have to say I
don’t believe this at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
Netflix on both my android phone and my iPad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both have a Linux connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s no excuse not to run Netflix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3- This is the killer -.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the initial install of Linux Mint, I performed an update…. The
update killed the OS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No boot, just a
brick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I re-installed Mint and it
worked, however I didn’t perform the update.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Issue number 2 makes the device unusable for the majority of
my entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Issue number 3 makes
the device just plain untrustworthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I’m 50 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I said I’m a techie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
a programmer by trade - longer than I want to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do network support, server support and
mange a team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have kids, a wife, home interests..
I don’t have the time or patience to futz with computer problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was younger, I enjoyed the hack to
make it work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was 20years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it annoys me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want it to work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 20 years of Linux development there needs to be some
level of maturity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It needs to just work
without having to hack it for the casual user to accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> unfortunately, Linux doesn't pass that bar.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">’m done with
Linux at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nothing more than a
toy for hackers who want to tweak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
people who just want their stuff to work, stick with Microsoft of Apple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-85067307744560093972014-01-24T17:03:00.002-06:002014-01-25T10:59:33.060-06:00More FOX Lies - FUD!FoxNoNews continues it's bottom dwelling truth bending with another inaccurate story.<br />
See the picture - This was taken from the FRONT page of their propaganda website.<br />
Notice the last few words 'going against the hospital'.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBrpGsG293T54GHUzKfIvcr1bojVeN3zfVC_B1edtPST0YxeTU1Ga5T_vFM_uvj6NbaIbRHkcQwlbQZXtZS26xk2fUCzRYuzWQv1QdHkKkRGob87FlmxzHpea2LZ8Alg9bwuDA_p9YEbM/s1600/foxfud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBrpGsG293T54GHUzKfIvcr1bojVeN3zfVC_B1edtPST0YxeTU1Ga5T_vFM_uvj6NbaIbRHkcQwlbQZXtZS26xk2fUCzRYuzWQv1QdHkKkRGob87FlmxzHpea2LZ8Alg9bwuDA_p9YEbM/s1600/foxfud.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
This is COMPLETELY FALSE. The doctors completely agree the fetus is NOT VIABLE. However, due to knuckle dragging, back woods, ignorant, bible thumping legal process in Texas, removing life support to a brain dead pregnant woman is illegal. That's right, Texas, the State that refuses abortions, then refuses to support unwanted children with any social programs removes choice from adults.<br />
<br />
Kudos bone heads, kudos.<br />
<br />
Maybe blatantly ignorant behavior like this may shine some light up the backwater rectum of the US - Texas.<br />
<br />
Till then, keep your minds open, and your wallets closed.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-11599481088792099392014-01-14T18:35:00.003-06:002014-01-14T18:36:27.735-06:00Net Neutrality- The GOP legacy<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Federal Judge today overturned the FCC’s Net Neutrality
rule. Looking over the FoxNew posts, comments are just exploding - calling
everyone Liberals, screaming about excessive Government, and generally blaming
Obama for, well, everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s talk a minute to think about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First all, Net Neutrality is a Government
rule dictating how companies can use their infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It decrees that they have no control over data
that happens to flow over their networks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
It's just flowing data and the company must remain 'neutral'.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s say Google buys and ISP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With net neutrality stripped away, Google is
free to block traffic to or from Microsoft Bing, Yahoo or any other search
engine that doesn’t provide revenue for the company or is in the company’s best
interest or profitability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Google is now
free to decide how to use the infrastructure it has purchased to best benefit
Google shareholders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that includes
blocking cheaper prices from a competitive search engine, so be it – all the
better for google. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clearly, removing Net Neutrality is a pro-business, anti-government
ruling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also the death of the free internet
and the beginning of huge price spikes, it is the ultimate representation of
corporate and market freedoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So GOP’ers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what you’re actually advocating when you
say It’s the fault of those ‘Libs’, when in reality is the Corporations that
own you – and you handed yourselves to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep your minds open and your wallets closed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-31412918193607743752012-11-26T14:38:00.001-06:002012-11-26T14:41:45.763-06:00Grover Norquist - The douche bag idealog <br />
It’s unfortunate these idiots would rather sink the country on principal than negotiate and find middle ground. It’s a similar tune to the Paul Ryan plan that luckily didn’t win and the majority of Americans whole-heartedly rejected on November 2nd of this year. One nice consequence of losing the election is the tea bags have come to realize they are a minority and indeed if the GOP doesn’t change direction it faces irrelevance. BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-43920094503021106372012-10-27T18:47:00.003-05:002012-10-27T18:49:38.301-05:00The Summer Project: Greenhouse and HydroponicsIt's been quite a while since I've posted anything – I'm way over due. I realize we're just a couple of weeks away from the American election – meaning there's plenty of fodder, and most of the PlanetRomney crap torques me off.
<br />
<br />
I think for a change I'll stay mellow and keep it about life... This has been a really busy summer.. .growing (gardening), my initial for-ea into hydroponics, Yellowsone... I'll go chronologically.
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<br />
My wife is a big gardener. In addition to having a bumper tomato crop from the garden, she told me she wanted to grow till November, and start in March. Ok, greenhouse time! We have 12x8 shed in the back yard. I used that as a back frame and extended an 8 foot wide by 12 feet deep addition outlined with 8x8 rail road ties. Most of the plastic walling material is 48 inches wide, so I kept the frame 24 inches (½) to mount the walling to and give it support in the middle. For framing I used green treated 2x4's.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIvzEsW1XU-Z0XJe08CtZW_fBzykM3CfxLhjrW273rxyVAD7STWIuxzseFr9CrF1FzetVdN6UyVXurVmiqhX6eQ6KeJ9Gl0MOt9uHofxed8cTsKRzupF9tkHuGuyFoZr9Kj2DlJ68FEPh/s1600/greenhouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIvzEsW1XU-Z0XJe08CtZW_fBzykM3CfxLhjrW273rxyVAD7STWIuxzseFr9CrF1FzetVdN6UyVXurVmiqhX6eQ6KeJ9Gl0MOt9uHofxed8cTsKRzupF9tkHuGuyFoZr9Kj2DlJ68FEPh/s320/greenhouse1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It only took a couple of industrious weekends.. and about $400, and tada... completed
greenhouse! One of the better innovations was summer temperature control. I used a 12 inch attic ventilation fan, the bonus is that it comes standard with a built in thermostat! I set it for 90, so when ever the temp hit 90, the fan kicks on.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFNbvdc9paCw-XxrnrY_DpwcvKL1JYHdAoexrFh6fkhXdcpQjogypgvzuB1MMSve7YYvE-pcc2Jgz3H-iE2I9hhRP9JNMZakAWDgpeQKOSViQw7Ipsy_bhnoJhkBE7-6uhLwMIQBpbqkf/s1600/greenhouse1-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFNbvdc9paCw-XxrnrY_DpwcvKL1JYHdAoexrFh6fkhXdcpQjogypgvzuB1MMSve7YYvE-pcc2Jgz3H-iE2I9hhRP9JNMZakAWDgpeQKOSViQw7Ipsy_bhnoJhkBE7-6uhLwMIQBpbqkf/s320/greenhouse1-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's been great for starting plants. Now that it's almost November, the outside temperature is in the 30's most of the time. Our outside garden has been gone 5 weeks or so. In the greenhouse it's still 60-70 degrees using an oil electric heater. Our tomato plants are just going great in there! I'm going to switch to a kerosene heater here shortly as the temperature continues to drop and the small electric heater is having more and more difficulty keeping up.. I found one on Craiglist for $20. Haven't used it yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21yJppq8Flk8U_Sh-exYSqUqBntxqr0AIBr5PH0wxfzk8uibLkr76ZvS5ok5VcyISGgIt9aYfQErfbyJ1xr7moHOx0ld686n2QDH_pPAqecqGTzMrbwm76Op-3E71kRpzU0foHSfJxQut/s1600/greenhouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21yJppq8Flk8U_Sh-exYSqUqBntxqr0AIBr5PH0wxfzk8uibLkr76ZvS5ok5VcyISGgIt9aYfQErfbyJ1xr7moHOx0ld686n2QDH_pPAqecqGTzMrbwm76Op-3E71kRpzU0foHSfJxQut/s320/greenhouse2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Notice the white tubimg on the far wall. That's a hydroponic growing system. We're gowing some lettice in a water solution. They're doing really great so far and it will be interesting to see how they continue.</div>
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That's all for now. Keep your minds open and your wallets closed! -BT Richards</div>
BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-77607830144751930242011-12-09T10:49:00.003-06:002011-12-09T10:55:06.264-06:00Proof Fox News causes Brain DamageThis is great. A College surveyed people in New Jersey about the news habits. The conclusion is that those who get their information from Fox News are MORE CLUELESS than those who watch no news at all.<br /><br />Like this surprises anyone? Palin - Cain - Perry - Really? <br /><br />It's amazing. Cain did not know China had Nukes (they did since '64), but yet doesn't die in the polls when he's accused of an affair and sexual misconduct - by multiple people. Shouldn't awareness of what the fuck is going on in the world trump someones sex life? Well, the Repubs did trash Clinton, what do you expect.<br /><br />Anyway.. read, enjoys, learn: <a href="http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2011/knowless/">http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2011/knowless/</a><br />Keep your minds open, and your wallets closed<br />-BTBT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-76221157383738292472011-08-17T23:14:00.001-05:002012-10-27T18:54:53.281-05:00India is the Enemy of the United States.
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The Country of India has joined with Russia to develop a fighter plane that can challenge the F-22. The prototype, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_PAK_FA"> Sukhoi T-50 ,</a>
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This plane is planned for mass production by 2014. It is in joint development with Russia and India, with India supplying 35% of the cost of R&D.
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We know Russia supplies armaments to Iran and Hamas. Both of these are sworn enemies of the United States, and the entire Western world for that matter. We also know since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the primary source of income for Russia is arms sales… to whomever has cash in hand.
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Do the math… it’s only a matter of time before an American gets killed by technology developed by India. That is a simple fact.
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Corporate America has handed India millions of US jobs. Even former VP Al Gore promised not to ebb the flow of Jobs out of the US while still in office. As we now see, 8 million jobs shorter than we were just a few years ago, a crushing deficit, an impotent Congress, and our “friend and ally” India – who got rich off us – is aiding our most hardened enemies.
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It is clear India cares not and has zero allegiance to the United States or the wealth we’ve sent them. They’re traitors and parasites.. It’s time for us to bring home the jobs we’ve sent, tax those companies to fire fine Americans only to hire some towel head or dot spot at one tenth the price. We now see the calamity of those choices, and they need to be reversed.
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Call your Senator and Congressmen, demand any aid to India be stopped immediately. It’s time we take this Country back from greed and return it to US!
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As always, keep your minds open and wallets closed.
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-BT
BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-57519429647247859732011-07-26T14:27:00.004-05:002011-07-26T14:32:47.603-05:00Obama needs to go.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONrlOBFh3CoClxDKEGeKfiO0i0TTMy6KrS-xes4P819pk-a4XqABab1P2cjdriBw7VC6NXdiY_C3NhaCHWSOb2lOchzmyyuhNtR6Q3K8WogX_-Z9GxPX4IWbklXvkqXq_Ocg9p2zYdO24/s1600/obama3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONrlOBFh3CoClxDKEGeKfiO0i0TTMy6KrS-xes4P819pk-a4XqABab1P2cjdriBw7VC6NXdiY_C3NhaCHWSOb2lOchzmyyuhNtR6Q3K8WogX_-Z9GxPX4IWbklXvkqXq_Ocg9p2zYdO24/s200/obama3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633745381516867794" /></a><br />For those of you’ve who’ve read my posts, you know I’m not a fan of the current republican trends, nor their propaganda machine. But, I have to say - I’ve absolutely had it. I’m done. Obama simply lacks the internal fortitude to be commander in chief.<br /><br />Let’s look at what he’s done:<br />• He campaigned on closing Guantanamo, it remains open.<br />• He promised to end the Bush tax cuts… he personally approved them.<br />• He did no personal work on the Heath Care act and instead handed the entire deal over to one of the most controversial politicians, Nancy Pelosi. <br />• He as completely crumpled in negotiations over debt ceiling with the republicans. He has lost every single one of his standing points.<br /><br />The Republicans smell blood and they're not going to settle for anything less than completely embarrassing the President... and he'll probably crumple there too...<br /><br />I’m not trying to make a case about the validity of any of his stances. All I’m saying is he lacks the ability to lead, to negotiate and to make a moral stand. Absence of those qualities eliminate him from the pool of presidential material. <br />Someone said it, and I who heartedly agree – “We voted for change and we’re all disappointed”. It’s time for this nightmare to end. Someone who’s not a nutjob and with some guts- STAND UP PLEASE!!!<br /><br />Keep your minds open, and your wallets closed. <br />-BTBT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-76735539290988488962011-04-14T16:42:00.000-05:002011-04-14T16:43:34.325-05:00More Republican Lies!The Republicans and their Tea Party toadies are screaming to cut the deficit. Now, I’ve grown away from my initial fondness for Obama, for reasons I’ll address later, but the message the Republicans have been pushing lately, is that the only way the United States won’t fail is to radically cut spending, and now!<br /><br />Paul Ryan’s budget clearly demonstrates the two faced nature of today’s Republican leaders, or lack-leaders. <br /><br />Mr. Ryan’s budget “saves” 4.4 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. Ok, savings, mostly by killing of social programs and handing the money currently spent on Medicaid to private insurance companies; but we’ll agree it’s a savings. Here’s the liars part – he’s wants to drop the tax bracket on the richest 2% of Americans from 37% to 25%. That’s giving back to the Rich 4 Trillion dollars over that same time period. Cut spending by 4.4 trillion, reduce revenue by 4 trillion… where’s the savings? There isn’t one, it’s a lie. <br />Mr. Ryan claims that giving the rich back their money will result in growth that will grow us out of the financial debt problems. Where have we heard that before? The deficit clock was actually going backward, we were paying OFF the National Debt when Bill Clinton left office. The first order of business for “W” was to give a huge tax break back to the rich… The 8 years of the “W” administration experienced the greatest loss of American jobs, middle class wealth and prosperity since World War II… Isn’t that clue enough that ReaganOmics simply does not work..<br /><br />The other argument is “ you’re taking the money from them in the first place in the form of taxes, it should go back to them”. Remember what the goal here is. If the goal is to cut spending to reduce the deficit, cutting both revenue AND taxes, do not work. The highest tax rate during the Carter administration was 75%! Regan, by decreasing the highest rates began the ever increasing deficit problem. Cutting taxes and cutting spending are 2 separate things. <br /><br />To counter this, Ryan say’s “we’ll get out through growth”. We’ve cut the high tax rates, we’ve given it back to the rich, and we’ve seen negative job growth – that just fact. The Heritage Foundation study that he based this logic less conclusion on has been debunked as bunk. It doesn’t work and we’re living through that reality.<br /> Keep your minds open and your wallets closed.<br />_BTBT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-70740143990365222402011-04-07T12:38:00.003-05:002011-04-07T12:46:43.489-05:00The iPad is Overpriced HypeIt may be the latest buzz that’s making Apple stock holders rich, but the reality of the situation if the iPad is no more than an overpriced hardly useful trinket with zero place in Corporate America.<br /><br><br> From now on, I'm calling it the iToad: <br><br /><a href="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/14900000/iToad-ipod-14961111-100-69.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 69px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/14900000/iToad-ipod-14961111-100-69.jpg" /></a><br /><br><br />As far as a “desktop killer”, get your head out of “the cloud” and get real. The biggest problem with the iPad is that everything is crippled to support longer batter life. Apple has gone through huge pains to disable any possible use of external – non apple – storage. USB thumb drives, forget them. That’s painful enough, but here’s the real killer: The OS times out all backgroup apps but streaming video after 10 minutes.<br /><br /><br><br> We experimented with an iPad to see if it will connect to the office remotely using a remote desktop and a software tunnel. We’ll it connected and ran just fine…for 10 minutes. At the 10 minute mark, the software tunnel application timed out, died and killed the link.<br /><br /><br><br> If that’s not enough, there is NO trial period for the apps store apps. When you use an Android device, at least you have a grace period to try the application before you’re actually charged for it. No such luck in the Apple world. Your newly purchased app is a toad falling well short of expectations, too bad so sad - you’re stuck with crap. Here’s the reality… For ½ price of an iPad, you can easily purchase a nice Netbook that does everything the pad does, and much, much more. <br /><br /><br><br>Time to stop the i-hype and have a reality check. Keep your minds open and your wallets closed. <br>-BTBT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-21903633985653991752011-03-01T22:24:00.001-06:002011-03-01T22:30:01.410-06:00Poor Poor Pitiful them… and other GoviesI want to say a few words about the current events in Wisconsin. There’s a whole lotta whoopla about a few Govies and teachers loosing a few benefits and having to pay a few percent more toward their retirement. <br /><br />Here’s the facts…<br /> I am a white color manager with a college degree.<br /> 6 of the last 12 years of working I received ZERO raise.<br /> Every single year, my health care premiums have increased 10%-20%... While deductibles increase, and covered procedures decrease.<br /> I have no pension. <br /> Only 6 of the last 12 years of work have I received any retirement contribution from my employer.<br /> As a technology worker, millions of my peers have been fired and those jobs have been sent to China, India or the Philippians. <br /><br />I chose not to be a Govie…. As a private sector worker, I pay for Govies. My taxes pay your salaries, your retirement, your medicine.<br /><br />Now I see people who will receive life long annuities - paid for by ME – throwing an absolute tantrum because they have to pay a few more percent toward that forever gravy train. <br /><br />Where is the outrage from my shrinking buying power?<br />Where is the outrage as pensions were eviscerated from private companies?<br />Where do I get to protest to get stop my life from eroding?<br /><br />No where. I can work, or I can quit and my children will go hungry. Nice choices.<br /><br />There are many more of me than there are of you. <br /><br />Government works, Teachers, Public workers… Hear Me… I am tired of you. It’s time to equal field, and I’ve already lost everything I have to lose - but my job. It’s your turn to pay, I’m broke and you’re part of the reason. <br /><br />stop crying go back to work and pay your fair share.<br />nuff said.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-23369567536745234002011-01-07T16:21:00.001-06:002011-01-07T16:25:44.285-06:00Google Maps for Blackberry Kills your BatteryAbout 3 weeks ago, I downloaded and installed Google Maps for my blackberry. I thought it was pretty cool when driving. A day or so later I noticed that my battery life dropped from 3 days to 1 day!! I didn’t use the phone any more than normal, but I had a significant decrease in battery life. Having to charge my phone every day was just plain bothersome. <br><br> <br />I've have my phone a year now; maybe the battery was just getting old and not holding a charge anymore. I happened to have an unused battery from a warranty replacement that was less than 3 months old, so I decided to try the unused battery. I put the battery in and let it charge up. After a couple days use on the new battery, it still suffered the same issue, just 1 day battery life.<br><br> I lived with the problem for several weeks wondering what could have changed. I was texting just a couple days ago and noticed that the arrows in the upper right corner of the screen were indicating almost continual back and forth data access and I wasn’t actually do anything?!?! That’s when I remembered I installed google maps a couple weeks early. I went to my downloads and deleted Google maps. Deleting the application required a hard device reset. After removing the application I found it interesting that battery life was back up to 3 days again!! <br><br> <br />A quick search on google using the following terms “google maps blackberry battery issues” listed a plethora of hits … must be a common problem. <br><br> <br />The moral of the story is – Beware Google Maps Users – Google is tracking where you go and what you do! That is the only possible conclusion! My fiancé has an Android and Google Maps is a permanent install, meaning she can’t remove the application. Everyone I know who has a Droid complains of battery life… could this be the problem – mystery solved.<br /><br><br> Keep your minds open and your wallets closed.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-22473123617608302992010-12-31T18:52:00.002-06:002010-12-31T19:08:08.856-06:00The Failure of Conservatism<p>Ya, ya... two in one day. I'm home, there's a nasty ass blizzard outside and I'm bored..... So now you get to put up with two pearls of wisdom in a single day... Lucky you!</p><p>.....<br /><br />I was in High School in the late seventies. Believe me, there was virtually nothing “Conservative” about the 70’s. Society has undoubtedly swung wildly to the right over the past 30 years. For those of you who doubt that fact, let’s consider some of the everyday experiences during my youth:<br /><br /> Nobody wore a bicycle helmet, hell, we didn’t even owned a helmet.<br /> My High School had a Smokers Pit. A big area outside where both teachers AND students would go smoke between classes. The “dirt bags” as we called them, toked out there….. that’s smoked pot if you didn’t understand that.<br /> Nobody got arrested for drinking and driving. The cops would take your booze and send you home… even if you were under age.<br /> Everyone took guns to schools… we all went hunting after class.<br /> PG Movies showed frontal nudity. Doubt me? Rent the movie Hooper (1978-Burt Reynolds). There’s a birthday scene where a gal jumps out of a birthday cake - big titties flopping around.. it’s PG movie..<br /> Kids NEVER talked back to adults, and when they, they got hit… even if they were not your kids.<br /><br />Musically:<br /> Charlie Daniels still called the Devil a “son of a bitch”,<br /> There was still “Bullshit” in Pink Floyd’s money.<br /> Pete Townshend still asked “who the fuck are you?”.<br /><br />As horrible and foreign as that may seem:<br /> We could play outside and never worry<br /> Houses, cars and bikes, never got locked.<br /> We said hello and good day to all the neighbors<br /> Everyone had a retirement<br /> Virtually nobody paid for healthcare, it was ALL covered by insurance.<br /><br />Now that we’ve made everything unacceptable, including disciplining our own children, it begs the question… Are we better off? Is society better? I'm not feeling the love.....<br /><br />As more and more “words” have become unacceptable, as our neighborhood shrinks because we fear strangers. It’s pretty clear that this mass swing towards conservatism has done little but make everyone uncomfortable with everything. When you tell people it’s ok to feel bad because someone says a “bad word”, you’ve just opened up Victim Mentality. Every body now deserves to be happy without having to work for it. Why, because it’s someone else’s fault.<br /><br />The more you make an issue of anything, the more it becomes a social problem. There is no drinking minimum age in Europe, nor is there a problem with alcoholism. Is there a relationship between the two... you bet your bippy...</p><p><br />It’s the same with words…. Ignorance ‘hides” words, keeps them from the public eye. It’s just another form of censorship. Only by listening, understanding and learning do we remove the power of harm from words.<br /><br />Lenny Bruce had a good point. Here’s Dustin Hoffman doing a Lenny Bruce routine from the 1974 Movie “Lenny”<br /><br />Incase the video below does not work, here's a link.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOnkv76rNL4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOnkv76rNL4</a><br />It's great... it's also from a man who said this in the '60's. In so many ways we have socially devolved.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SOnkv76rNL4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SOnkv76rNL4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />It seems to me that “conservatism” has given us little more than provide<br /> mental justification to move jobs overseas by the millions.<br /> social acceptable for 2% to own 90%. Never in the history of this country has such a huge pile of wealth shifted from middle class to the rich than in the past 2 decades.<br /><br />We have unquestionably swung wildly to the right with insidious consequences. It’s good for the rich, the uptight and those without coping skills – but leaves a devastated society in it’s wake.<br /><br />Keeps your minds open, and your wallets closed.<br />=BT<br /><br /></p>BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-62000493121570536572010-12-31T09:56:00.002-06:002010-12-31T10:00:10.908-06:00I CALLED IT!This is interesting…. My little rant about Obama being a single termer – Except if Palin is on the Elephant ticket - must have been picked up by someone.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.primariesforpalin.com/?page_id=2">http://www.primariesforpalin.com/?page_id=2</a><br /><br />Democrats have started a grass roots campaign to get Palin on the Republican ticket. Evidently even Dem’s recognizes their fearless leader has failed both American and his chances for re-election.<br /><br />Here’s my problem with this action.. Say they actually get Palin on the ticket, she of course would agree due to her ever expanding ego and narcissism. But the bottom line is this action isn’t being done because it’s best for the Country, its being done to protect a loser. Obama no more deserves to be President any more than Palin.<br /><br />Obama hasn’t delivered and needs to go. That’s the natural evolution. He doesn’t have a brother in a swing state who’s banging the chair of the republican party to stop a re-count, so he’s just screwed in the none fun way.<br /><br />This whole “Bush” debacle should demonstrate to America what happens when political greed and corruption run amuck, go against the will of the people and put the wrong person in office. We can’t afford a repeat.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-23332511361995879062010-12-07T16:30:00.000-06:002010-12-07T16:31:41.044-06:00Obama... another Single Term PresidentBarack Obama just gave his second term to the Republicans. He was swept into the White House touting 3 conditions:<br />1. “I’m going to close ‘Gitmo’<br />2. I’m going to reverse the Bush tax cuts for millionaires<br />3. I’m going to get us out of Afghanistan.<br /><br />Those were his main promises.. that was it and he won.<br />Here we are, ½ way through his first term….my how 2 years can change someone…<br />1. We’ve not heard BOO about Guantanamo Bay – it’s still operational.<br />2. He just cut a deal with the Republicans on taxes which includes all the breaks for Millionaires<br />3. He TRIPPLED the forces in Afghanistan.<br /><br />Well Barack, you just crapped on your base. There’s nobody left to support you next time. If the Economy turns North, the Republicans will get all the credit since they talked you into the tax cut.<br />No mister Obama, you’re done. If backpedaling on all your campaign promises isn’t enough for your base to run for cover, tossing Health Care to Nancy Pelosi did. Moderates elected you, now there ZERO chance of them voting for you again.<br /> <br />UNLESS…<br /><br />There’s one chance you have to get elected for a second term. The only way that will happen is if the Republicans are stupid enough to put Sarah Palin on the ticket. That’s it. Either isn't a win for America.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-29659257547156427212010-10-16T13:32:00.000-05:002010-10-16T13:33:20.763-05:00It’s NOT about the Freedom --- It’s about LIFE!Today I received a flyer in the mail urging South Dakotans to Vote NO on Referred Law 12, an expanded smoking ban. The argument is that Smoking is Freedom. The flyer made the ridiculous accusation that voting against smoking is voting for a State Income tax. Trying to claim some relationship between smoking bans and state income tax – ridiculous. - total FUD…(Fear Uncertainty Doubt)… fear mongering. That’s what it’s reduced too.<br /><br />It is undisputed fact that smoking kills people through both direct and indirect exposure. Period. End of argument. <br />If you disbelieve this fact, you lack the mental facility to comprehend the world around you and my essay is not indented for you. <br /><br />Let me address the first point.. “It’s about FREEDOM”…<br />Really?? <br />Are you “FREE” to drive 100 miles per hour through a down town street?<br />Are paint companies “FREE” to use lead in their products?<br />Are builders “FREE” to cover ductwork with asbestos?<br />Are beauty supply companies “FREE” to use mercury in their products?<br />Are building codes “FREE” from the burden of requiring expensive fire escapes on high rises?<br /><br />Those are rhetorical questions to which the obvious answer is no. You are NOT free to conduct any behavior harmful to others. That’s freedom – freedom from oppression. Others are NOT free to oppress non-smokers with their toxic habits. <br /><br />Now, the second point – Smoking bans lead to income tax. Come on now, what happened to common sense? There is zero relationship between the two. There is a proven relationship however between cigarette smoke and cancer!<br /><br />Laws are to protect citizens. Cigarette smoke harms and kills. It’s time for laws to reflect this reality and protect citizens.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-68896801871466719702010-05-31T11:31:00.006-05:002010-05-31T12:17:54.854-05:00People I'm glad their 15 minutes are up (and some who should be)I was watching TV the other day and heard an advertisement for the New "Kate Plus 8"... I found myself really tired of hearing about that disaster and wanting her to go away. Then my mind wandered to those true has-beens, and my great fullness for their Exodus from the spotlight.<br /><br /><br />Number 1: <b>Sandra Bernhard</b><br />Despite her playboy pictorial, I never found anything attractive about this obnoxious, mean, ugly lesbian. Not that I have any thing against lesbians, but Sandra brought crude to a new level. <br /><br /><a href="http://celebritymound.smugmug.com/photos/172374761-M.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 225px;" src="http://celebritymound.smugmug.com/photos/172374761-M.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Maybe people just bought the issue out of morbid curiosity to verify her possession of a vagina. Hell, I don't know. <br />Really though, hanging with "buds" like Rosanne Bar, can you really expect anything from bottom dwellers like her.<br /><br />Number 2: <b>Kate Gosslin</b><br />This is one of those "wish it was over" members.<br /><br />What can you say... She's a complete bitch nut job publicity hound. If a good parent is someone who can hire others to care for their litters, she's a goddess. I really think America just liked watching her hen peck the weasel she married, but then, they married each other. Millions watched in fascination as that wrong relationship imploded. <br />Now sadly, TLC renews it's contract with Kate, demonstrating to masses the ideals of child neglect and the art of self mutilation in pursuit of vanity and fame. Shame on you TLC.<br /><a href="http://doanie.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/kate-gosselin-b2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 354px; height: 376px;" src="http://doanie.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/kate-gosselin-b2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Number 3: <b>Nadya Suleman</b><br />Other wise known as the OctoMom.. or Octo-Whack as I prefer. Humans are just not meant to spawn litters. I'm not sure which I dislike more, the Octowhack, or the lunatic Doctor who created this abomination. Medical People, take note... Just because you can, does not mean you should. A car <b><i>can</i></b> drive 90 miles and hour... you should not do so on a crowded street.<br /><br />In a country where so many loving, <i> employed </i>childless couples are wanting children with all their hearts... Some Dr. Frankenstein has to give a litter to a mentally unstable welfare mom. This is just fucked on soo many fronts...<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/images/528473/0_61_suleman8_320.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.foxnews.com/images/528473/0_61_suleman8_320.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /> OK, I've got to get some work done. I've ranted enough for this day.. Keep your minds open and your wallets closed.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-19112660225171156932010-05-23T15:02:00.002-05:002010-05-23T15:27:00.377-05:00What the hell happened to Sandra Bullock?The May 31st "US Weekly" came out with Sandra Bullock on the cover... I have to say, <b>what the hell happend to Sandra Bullock</b>?!?!<br><br><br />In just a few short years she's gone from "America's Sweetheart", to Michael Jackson freak show wanna-bee.<br><br />For Christ Sake.... she went from:<br /><a href="http://www.thedailyinquirer.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sandra_bullock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 700px;" src="http://www.thedailyinquirer.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sandra_bullock.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br>To A ghastly:<br><br /><a href="http://skew.dailyskew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oscar_sandra-bullock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 485px; height: 351px;" src="http://skew.dailyskew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oscar_sandra-bullock.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br />What's attractive about that ghost paisty white skin and awful face. I had a huge crush on this woman after <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102343/">"Love Potion Number 9"</a> - it's funny as hell, and Sandra was just pain cute. <br><br />Now she just a frightning epitaph to what's wrong with Hollywood like Whacko-Jacko. Hollywood people, please stop this surgical insanity. It makes you look like aliens: <a href="http://s2.hubimg.com/u/452321_f520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 520px; height: 411px;" src="http://s2.hubimg.com/u/452321_f520.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br />Back to Sandra.. I really can't have any sympathy for her in the recent demize of her marriage. Nor can I blame her husband. The chick marries a biker bad ass and expects a Leave it to Beaver life style. Women, take note, people are who they are. I realize the badass image is an aphrodisiac and every chick want's the alpha dog. Remember however, the alpha dog, wants every chick. In the end, we all have to be true to ourselves. And in the real world, the alpha buck fucks the heard, that's just the way it works. Be it Jessie or Tiger, bimbo's in countless droves stand in line, crotch out, for the alpha buck. nuf said.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-79308241870613884722009-12-20T20:12:00.004-06:002009-12-26T10:25:32.503-06:00Death of Icon… The Failure of Corporate America<a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/99eforsale.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/99eforsale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />GM will most likely announce tomorrow that it will just close down Saab.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/dec2009/db20091218_971897.htm">Read the article</a><br /><br />Corporate greed pulled a small successful company with extreme brand loyalty and global recognition into the folds a soulless behemoth. Focus on profit, ignoring core values and style that initially grew the brand, the result was predictable. A “standardized design”, shrinking sales and the ultimate doom a once classic was the inevitable outcome.<br />What a travesty.<br /><br />I am an American. Unfortunately the new mantra of Corporate Capitalism is “dispensability”. Benefits, brands, vendors, employees, and now Countries, we are all “dispensable” in the blind march towards profit in a Global economy. As more and more jobs evaporate, or offshore, it seems all we have left to export is corporate greed – and the world is a fast study.<br /><br />Many are my friends or relatives whose jobs have been off-shored to India or China. Some have suffered the humiliation of actually going to those foreign countries and training their replacements how to do their jobs.<br /><br />At some point we’re going to realize there’s nobody left to purchase those things we once produced. Capitalism, who’s very essence we’ve perfected has grown beyond us. In a world where the only commodity is brain power, and the object of that brain power can be sent to any location in the world with the click of a mouse, we should not be surprised when we are left in the cold. We gleefully shop at wall mart knowing full well the goods on its shelves are produced by toils child labor. We don’t care. We vote our approval because we save a dollar… with no thought to the previous small business that provided a good wage and benefits to one of our neighbors – a victim of new “SuperStore”.<br /><br />I am ashamed of what we’ve become and where we’re going. I fear for my children’s future.BT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200331592176143506.post-82584237517454627592009-12-19T17:10:00.002-06:002009-12-19T17:13:23.912-06:00Lies, damn lies, and Lame Republicans...I am really tired of Republicans blaming Barack Obama for any part of the budget deficit. <br /><br />Here’s the reality… Fiscal 2009 began October 1st 2008 and ended September 31 2009. Fiscal year ending September 31 2009 ended with a 1.4 Trillion dollar deficit. That deficit was put together and passed by the Bush administration 4 moths before Obama took office. The stimulus package, was passed in December of 2008, once again Obama was NOT in yet in office. The entire deficit we have up to October 1 2009 is due to George W Bush and the "Consertave Republicans". That’s a fact. <br /><br />The CBO (Central Budget Office) initially predicted a 1.2 trillion dollar deficit for FY 2009 when GWB pushed it through. Really, they were damn close. They predict a 1.2 trillion for Fiscal Year 2010, which is the first Obama budget. The true numbers tell that Barack Obama is no worse than the Republicans when it comes to finances. Assertions of socialism are unfounded rhetoric, once again fodder of Fox News, and not supported by FactsBT Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06444720325847059512noreply@blogger.com0