DON'T VICK ME

I just thought it a cool picture. But today it seems people are so sensitive. PC did that to us I believe.

And now some Native Americans (nee Indians) are complaining because Geronimo was used as a code word to hunt down Osama. The irony to me is the Navahos were famous for codes in WW II. The argument could be made that we couldn't have won without their assistance. But today's Native American gets in a huff over the use of Geronimo. I don't know, but with at least some Indian blood in my veins, I suppose if I ever jump out of an airplane, I won't yell out, "Geronimo". As per one suggestion, I guess I'll holler "Robert E. Lee," since he killed more Americans than Geronimo.

Of course, Michael Moore and France got into the act as well. Both saying we didn't give Osama a chance. Moore added that he should have been put on trial. I think Moore should have been put on trial for treasonous libel he spouted about President Bush, but now I suppose I'm getting petty.

While I'm at it, I have a surprise for Loyal Reader(s). I am against the bill(s) advocating making English the official language of our country. Why? Because it only makes sense. That's the language we speak. If immigrants want a different language, then maybe they should stay put. But if you come here, speak the language.

Finally, in our neighborhood, Fred was the wiener dog or dachshund. He was actually bigger than Chiquita, my chihuahua. German--Hispanic, they didn't care anymore than a couple of kids with Irish names playing with a couple of kids with German names.

But that was in the day when things made sense.

IT'S ONLY BECAUSE SHE HASN'T SEEN IT

That I don't have this sign. My wife is the she in the title.

I moan. About far too many things. I mean there are some things worth moaning about. But some of the ones I choose are really sad.

Who else has miniature tantrums over hangers? Clothes hangers. But why can't they simply make one good clothes hanger? Why are there so many varieties that get tangled when I remove a shirt? One hanger fits all: requirements--make it padded not to leave bumps on my shoulders; make it versatile enough to hang a pair of pants on if needed; finally, allow the hanger to be hung in one direction only--that is, no spinning around. That's all it takes. And if you, Mr. HangerMaker want to charge an arm and leg for it, go ahead. Since gas is expensive, I can see where you need to make a profit, too.

Stoplights is my other, among still others, angst-causers. My wife has to explain to me on a weekly basis that we live in a large city:thus, more traffic, thus more traffic lights. But what I don't get is why I sit at the head of the line so many times. How do I constantly miss going through the fading yellow?

Keep in mind, I've been retired a few years now. Why do I have to be someplace, any place at a given time. Even church. We have so many people at our church that show up late, why can't I? Simply, because I'm not built that way. I'm a punctual, time-honored dude who shows up early. And expects to leave on time. Anything else is upsetting.

So there you have it from a punctual moaner. But tomorrow, no today, I'm going to try to show a little grace to the not punctual, not complain bitterly about red lights and try to get over my hanger annoyance.

And I'll get back to you to report when I've made progress. You don't need to wait with baited breath or cancel any activity. I'm sure it will be a huge achievement for me. Eventually.

I'VE JUST ABOUT HAD IT

I am becoming illiterate. I don't like it.

The following is a list of things I can't do:

Tweet on/ or Twit

Use my wife's cell phone (I can barely use mine)

Text (not just while driving, I mean at all)

Clip and paste and move stuff all around (even while writing a manuscript on Word)

And all the other stuff--IPOD, IPAD, download YouTube (without paying a fee)

that I don't even know what I don't even know.

Also PIP on my tv (even though we've had that feature for a decade) and I'm not sure I could play a CD on the DVD without some assistance.

Who said confession is good for the soul? I just feel inept. In fact, come to think of it, most would agree: I am inept.

But if you want to come over tonight, I'll cook you a steak, some asparagus, and a sweet potato that will be mouth watering. My new grill is the best.

I might even offer you a drink. But it would have to be a water, diet coke, sparkling lemonade, ice tea, coffee, or a Blue Moon. I don't think I could even open a bottle of wine. And I sure don't know how to make a margarita or mixed drink.

"IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND, LOVE

what a tale my thoughts could tell," Gordon Lightfoot sang so many years ago.

"I Can't Get you Outta My Mind."

Little Anthony and the Imperials preceded that with "I Think I'm Going Out of My Head".

"Well, that's how elementary, it's gonna be/ C'mon, let's fall in love.."

I guess when a girl gets in a guy's head, it does crazy things to him. For girls, it was called boy crazy back in the day. I guess it was called girl crazy, too, for the guys. At least Elvis made a movie about that.

Countless books, essays, magazine articles, love letters, text messages, twitters, even blogs have been written about the attraction between the sexes. About the moments. About the times. About the one time. About the longevity of a loving relationship. About the brevity of a relationship cut short because of a circumstance. About what might have been. About what was never meant to be. At least it never happened. Except in the mind.

So, when the one takes over a huge chunk of our craniums, what are we supposed to do? A lot, I suppose, depends on our age. A lot on our focus. A lot on present and/or past. And a a lot on our future.

Now, just where was I going with this entry? Was it just an exercise based on a picture I liked? Was it to share an insight, a different look at a universal topic? Was it a self-exam to determine why I'm only "half there"?

I really can't say, but maybe I was successful in getting Faithful Reader(s) a point of take off or reminiscence.

SAY IT ISN'T SO

Did Sonny Liston take a dive in his championship title fight against Cassius Clay? Heck, I don't know. But I've watched the replay of the phantom punch that floored him and I couldn't see it. But then again maybe Clay, at the time, prior to his Ali name change, was that good. And quick with his bees.

I'm not saying that he wasn't The Champ. I'm not saying he wasn't the best heavy weight fighter of all time. But the one fight that threw him into the spotlight (definite pun on the verb) was highly suspicious.

Now we sports fans are hearing that the Cubs may have thrown the 1918 World Series. Was that their last until '45 when the lost? I'm too lazy/busy to look it up.

Yet there are those who think Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. Rose, the All-Time hits leader bet on baseball games that he was participating in as manager. He claimed he always bet on his team, but when he lost he would be very susceptible to make changes or decision affecting the outcome. There is simply no place for that in the game. Whether in the '90's when he managed the Reds or back in the heyday of the Cubs in the early 1900's.

Point shaving in games, gambling, taking a fall, paying off an official all reek. It's a great way to ruin some great sports.

So I say there should be more severe penalties than a Hall banishment. I say any player or team caught throwing a game, should be banned from winning a champioship for a century.

Oh yeah, I guess the Cubs agree and took the same action I suggested on their own.