Just about the time we think Obama has reached his lowest point, he surprises us. The lies, the scandals, the deception, now he has outdone himself. No doubt he has gotten carried away with his use of executive order. He has been in office for 250+ days now and has produced no less than 1.03 executive orders per day at a cost of compliance to American business and taxpayers of just under one trillion dollars. Now he has written one that while it doesn't have a dollar value of destruction, it does have an immense, intrinsic cost to us all.
Last Friday BH Obama wrote into law the banishment of the Pledge of Allegiance. It is not allowed in any federal institution or any of our public schools. He defended his actions by saying that the language in the pledge was divisive and that it did not reflect the true values of Americans. He did this unilaterally, without counsel of his cabinet, either house of Congress or anyone else. All he needed was his pen and a mighty sense of solipsism. Now we can all rest better knowing that our nation is once again fair to everyone. Even those who do not revere our republic and those who do not believe in God. And thank the Lord, all you terrorists in sleeper cells resident here in the U.S. your precious children will no longer be required to recite that vile diatribe.
You can be an American and be atheist. You can be an American and not possess a strong sense of nationalism. You can be an American and not be a Christian. But you cannot be an American and not have some respect the founding principles of the country. This great country was founded on Christian principles, the same principles that serve as a foundation of western civilization. No one can change that. It's our heritage and the vast majority of us are proud of it. The only one who appears to have a problem with it is BH Obama, and ISIS. Or perhaps I should say the only ones who are making an attempt to change the Christian based principles of our system of government are the aforementioned. One party is using deception and a pen, the other is using terrorism and murder.
You are soon to be gone from the privileged position of power that you were accorded, Mr. Obama. At that time you will possess no power to erode our sense of governing and justice. You may have influence but you will not have power. Thanks to the brilliance of our founding fathers you will be but a chapter of disgrace in our history and no more. We can only hope, and pray that our next leader will guide our ONE NATION, UNDER GOD better than you did.
It's all about them...
As you go about your business in the course of a normal day, if you're like me you stop at least a couple of times to check on what's going on in the world. And of course, at the present, it's hard not to hear something about the upcoming election. I mean U.S. politics is the topic right now and it will be until November 8th. So you hear about the candidates, their scandals, gaffes, improprieties, ideas, strategies, polls, and the insults they hurl at one another. Front and center of what is being rammed down our throats is Hillary and Don. On and on. Incessantly. Then you'll get something about Ted Cruz or some other senator running to keep his seat since he couldn't hang with the Donald and has nothing better to do. Politicians. On and on and on... Oh, Donald Trump isn't a politician you say? Well he is now.
That's all we hear, all about the politicians, their trials and tribulations and their lives. We hear about Anthony Weiner and the sick, perverted things he does. And cant seem to stop doing. It's all about them. Why? Because the media wants it to be about them. The U.S. media has a liberal slant and they also have a sordid perversion of publicizing politicians character flaws (the ones they don't like i.e. conservatives). When I say character flaws I mean the all-inclusive version. The media hangs out all their dirty laundry daily and lets it fly in our faces. And we consume it voraciously. Oh yeah, we the people have our own character flaws but we'll go into that another time.
How much discussion is there of what these people are doing on the floor in the House and Senate. And how what they are doing will affect us. There's a fair amount of talk about how the things Obama is doing will affect us and future generations but that's mostly because it's so profoundly negative. How about some talk concerning topics of real substance? Some, dare I say most of us, don't want to hear about these peoples contemptible behavior. We have perfectly good tabloids that lay out the dirt on celebrities for that. These people, politicians, are supposed to be working for us. For our country. Their job is supposed to be bigger than they are. Trump has always had a tough time with that. So has Hillary for that matter. We elect them to do very important jobs. It's the JOB that matters. WE don't give a crap about them. It's not about them. Try telling them that...
That's all we hear, all about the politicians, their trials and tribulations and their lives. We hear about Anthony Weiner and the sick, perverted things he does. And cant seem to stop doing. It's all about them. Why? Because the media wants it to be about them. The U.S. media has a liberal slant and they also have a sordid perversion of publicizing politicians character flaws (the ones they don't like i.e. conservatives). When I say character flaws I mean the all-inclusive version. The media hangs out all their dirty laundry daily and lets it fly in our faces. And we consume it voraciously. Oh yeah, we the people have our own character flaws but we'll go into that another time.
How much discussion is there of what these people are doing on the floor in the House and Senate. And how what they are doing will affect us. There's a fair amount of talk about how the things Obama is doing will affect us and future generations but that's mostly because it's so profoundly negative. How about some talk concerning topics of real substance? Some, dare I say most of us, don't want to hear about these peoples contemptible behavior. We have perfectly good tabloids that lay out the dirt on celebrities for that. These people, politicians, are supposed to be working for us. For our country. Their job is supposed to be bigger than they are. Trump has always had a tough time with that. So has Hillary for that matter. We elect them to do very important jobs. It's the JOB that matters. WE don't give a crap about them. It's not about them. Try telling them that...
Lies, lies and more lies...
"In times of universal deceit telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." George Orwell
Kind of sounds like he really was accurately prescient, doesn't it? Was he thinking about 2016 when he said that? Was he thinking about Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump? Lord knows the two of them have done enough lying to last us all for a few generations. No need to recite the instances each has lied, I don't type posts that long and besides if you don't know of most of them then you just aren't paying attention. I will say this though, there have been numerous, yes numerous people that have 'showed up dead' in direct relation to Clinton's habit of lying. Thank goodness most of us aren't close to her but if you are and she starts lying I'd run like hell. How do you know for sure when she's lying, if her mouth is open and her lips are flapping, then she's lying. (I know, you saw that one coming...)
Seriously, if your habit of lying is costing people's lives, you might want to stop lying. That is, if you care. Obviously Clinton doesn't care. Trump lies too, though his lies so far haven't proved to be lethal to anyone. At least not yet... What is the difference between lying and embellishment? That's nitpicking. Like back in 1997 when Bill Clinton was asked if he was having a relationship with Monica Lewinsky and responded "that depends on the definition of 'is'". And he dished out this barge full of bullshit to a congressional subcommittee. The boy either has large cajones, he's dumber than shit or he thinks everybody else is dumber than shit.
It really matters not what party you may associate yourself with. Forget about political parties for a moment. Just think about behavior, what a person actually did or said. Be it Bill, Hillary or The Donald. Was Bill telling the truth when asked about his relationship with Monica? No. Was Hillary telling the truth when asked about the reason the Embassy compound was attacked on 9-11? No. Was Donald telling the truth when he said the FBI just found 15,000 MORE emails of Hillary's this week? No. Were they aware that they were lying at the time? Yes, but that doesn't matter. Pleading ignorant wont get you off the hook with your mother or a traffic ticket. So it sure as fuck doesn't count when you are in or close to the office of the presidency.
Sounds like it's high time for a revolution, huh George?....
Kind of sounds like he really was accurately prescient, doesn't it? Was he thinking about 2016 when he said that? Was he thinking about Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump? Lord knows the two of them have done enough lying to last us all for a few generations. No need to recite the instances each has lied, I don't type posts that long and besides if you don't know of most of them then you just aren't paying attention. I will say this though, there have been numerous, yes numerous people that have 'showed up dead' in direct relation to Clinton's habit of lying. Thank goodness most of us aren't close to her but if you are and she starts lying I'd run like hell. How do you know for sure when she's lying, if her mouth is open and her lips are flapping, then she's lying. (I know, you saw that one coming...)
Seriously, if your habit of lying is costing people's lives, you might want to stop lying. That is, if you care. Obviously Clinton doesn't care. Trump lies too, though his lies so far haven't proved to be lethal to anyone. At least not yet... What is the difference between lying and embellishment? That's nitpicking. Like back in 1997 when Bill Clinton was asked if he was having a relationship with Monica Lewinsky and responded "that depends on the definition of 'is'". And he dished out this barge full of bullshit to a congressional subcommittee. The boy either has large cajones, he's dumber than shit or he thinks everybody else is dumber than shit.
It really matters not what party you may associate yourself with. Forget about political parties for a moment. Just think about behavior, what a person actually did or said. Be it Bill, Hillary or The Donald. Was Bill telling the truth when asked about his relationship with Monica? No. Was Hillary telling the truth when asked about the reason the Embassy compound was attacked on 9-11? No. Was Donald telling the truth when he said the FBI just found 15,000 MORE emails of Hillary's this week? No. Were they aware that they were lying at the time? Yes, but that doesn't matter. Pleading ignorant wont get you off the hook with your mother or a traffic ticket. So it sure as fuck doesn't count when you are in or close to the office of the presidency.
Sounds like it's high time for a revolution, huh George?....
I know you've heard it before, but...
I know you're heard it before but, what in the name of hell is the world coming to? Politics, yeah, well, we'll leave that one alone for now. U.S. politics is currently on a trip to hell in a handbasket. One of my favorite pastimes is people-watching. Well, maybe not people watching as much as people observing. How they behave, react, and the things they do. I heard on the news this morning that a group of people are suing the makers of the game Pokémon Go. They say it is ruining their life. Yep, That's what I said... Pokémon Go is ruining their lives so they sued the makers of the game. Property owners are suing as well saying it directs people onto their property. Private property. Now that one I can go along with. In fact, more power to them. I'd love to be the judge presiding over the case of the people suing because the stupid game is ruining their life.
"And just how is this game ruining your lives?"
"Well, your honor, it' just so addicting we just cant stop. Like a dangerous drug."
"Really you don't say? Do you take dangerous drugs?"
"Yessir. I mean no sir. And it leads us into freeways and roadways where there are cars and stuff."
"What, the dangerous drugs?"
"No sir, Pokemon."
"Oh. Go ahead."
"And it keeps us outdoors causing us to suffer sunburns and aggravating our allergies."
"Uhm, uhm, uhh. That's terrible. have you tried stopping that behavior? You know, like turning your phone off or something like that?"
"Oh no your honor, it's too addicting for that. Remember, it's like a drug addiction. You cant just stop cold turkey."
"Hmm. I see. Is there a rehab program for such an addiction?"
"We don't know, your honor. But we're here because it's the fault of Nintendo for developing and producing an app that inherently puts it's users (us) in harm's way. They gave us something intended for recreation that leads us to danger. And they gave it to us for free. Very deceptive and misleading."
"Hmm. I see. Are you aware that Nintendo didn't produce this game at all. Nor were they in a position to profit from it?"
"What, you cant be serious?"
"Excuse me, but you shall refer to me as Your Honor."
"Sorry your Honor. Nintendo didn't produce this game, sir? Really? Who did?"
"I am the presiding judge in this case, not your attorney. Nor will I do your case research for you. This case is dismissed with prejudice. Now get the hell outta here."
Yes indeed. What is the world coming to...
"And just how is this game ruining your lives?"
"Well, your honor, it' just so addicting we just cant stop. Like a dangerous drug."
"Really you don't say? Do you take dangerous drugs?"
"Yessir. I mean no sir. And it leads us into freeways and roadways where there are cars and stuff."
"What, the dangerous drugs?"
"No sir, Pokemon."
"Oh. Go ahead."
"And it keeps us outdoors causing us to suffer sunburns and aggravating our allergies."
"Uhm, uhm, uhh. That's terrible. have you tried stopping that behavior? You know, like turning your phone off or something like that?"
"Oh no your honor, it's too addicting for that. Remember, it's like a drug addiction. You cant just stop cold turkey."
"Hmm. I see. Is there a rehab program for such an addiction?"
"We don't know, your honor. But we're here because it's the fault of Nintendo for developing and producing an app that inherently puts it's users (us) in harm's way. They gave us something intended for recreation that leads us to danger. And they gave it to us for free. Very deceptive and misleading."
"Hmm. I see. Are you aware that Nintendo didn't produce this game at all. Nor were they in a position to profit from it?"
"What, you cant be serious?"
"Excuse me, but you shall refer to me as Your Honor."
"Sorry your Honor. Nintendo didn't produce this game, sir? Really? Who did?"
"I am the presiding judge in this case, not your attorney. Nor will I do your case research for you. This case is dismissed with prejudice. Now get the hell outta here."
Yes indeed. What is the world coming to...
And they keep getting crazier...
After a few discussions about politics I have learned something. It's OK, in fact it's good to learn about what's going on in the world of politics. Learn about the people that want to lead our country. Be informed. Know what the issues are and how the candidates plan to address them. Get involved, even if it's by just being an informed voter. By doing this you'll be able to make up your own mind about what is right for the country, including who should be elected to lead it. Everything we learn and witness throughout our lives effects our political leanings. It forms the basis of our worldview and our political beliefs. Discussions about politics are fine IF you are discussing it with someone who has a mind that is open to at least listen to another's point of view. But that type of person is becoming about as rare as an honest politician. What I have learned is this; don't enter into a discussion about politics with the slightest intention of convincing a person with different political beliefs that yours are right, or even better in some way. I say that because it's never going to happen. Ever.
Granted, there are those that switch over to the other side but they too are quite rare.
I have a good friend, a person I have known most of my life and who is a good man. Mild-mannered, intelligent and kind-hearted. But he has become 'agitated' when it comes to politics. When he hears someone of a conservative bent speak out he lashes out usually with a derogatory and condescending remark. In his world conservatives are ignorant and thoughtless. I think most of the time it's best to keep our political beliefs to ourselves. It's not like by expressing your views you're going to change someone else's. Even if you did, it's not going to change anything in the bigger picture. Your views in fact aren't even going to help elect a president. Because our views and votes don't directly elect presidents. Delegates to the electoral college do. Which is not a bad thing. If you look into the reason the electoral college was created I think you'll agree. It evens the playing field amongst the states, and hence the people. The advantage of the big states goes away. We are all wanting fairness, well with the electoral college we got some. But if it doesn't help their choice of candidate get elected most people don't like it. I mean, if the people aren't directly electing the president, then that's just wrong, right? Why should some elitist group of electorates be choosing our presidents? Let me say this, the wisdom and prescience of our forefathers should never be understated. They obviously understood something that few people of today understand. To put it simply, states with more people should not have more power in electing the president. Besides, based on recent history we're not very good at electing quality leaders anyway.
Granted, there are those that switch over to the other side but they too are quite rare.
I have a good friend, a person I have known most of my life and who is a good man. Mild-mannered, intelligent and kind-hearted. But he has become 'agitated' when it comes to politics. When he hears someone of a conservative bent speak out he lashes out usually with a derogatory and condescending remark. In his world conservatives are ignorant and thoughtless. I think most of the time it's best to keep our political beliefs to ourselves. It's not like by expressing your views you're going to change someone else's. Even if you did, it's not going to change anything in the bigger picture. Your views in fact aren't even going to help elect a president. Because our views and votes don't directly elect presidents. Delegates to the electoral college do. Which is not a bad thing. If you look into the reason the electoral college was created I think you'll agree. It evens the playing field amongst the states, and hence the people. The advantage of the big states goes away. We are all wanting fairness, well with the electoral college we got some. But if it doesn't help their choice of candidate get elected most people don't like it. I mean, if the people aren't directly electing the president, then that's just wrong, right? Why should some elitist group of electorates be choosing our presidents? Let me say this, the wisdom and prescience of our forefathers should never be understated. They obviously understood something that few people of today understand. To put it simply, states with more people should not have more power in electing the president. Besides, based on recent history we're not very good at electing quality leaders anyway.
These are crazy times...
Yes, these are crazy times. In many ways. This year has not been a good one by any measure. Terrorist attacks for one. The crazed Tunisian who drove a truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France. The multiple incidents involving the murder of police officers in the U.S. The exit of Great Britain from the European Union. Police shootings. Hillary being nominated by the Democratic Party. Trump being nominated by the Republican Party. What in the hell has gotten into people. Seriously, nominating these two to lead our country? Come on, people. Hillary is dishonest and unscrupulous. Trump is brash, impulsive and stupid. Yes, stupid. No one does some of the shit he's pulling off unless they are stupid. There are plenty of brilliant, capable people who can tell him to shut the fuck up and go away and make him do just that. Where are you? Step up, please...
Like many of you I am not looking forward to four years of leadership from either of these two buffoons.
And just what are we to do about terrorism? How do we stop this insanity? These insane monkeys are wandering about the world killing innocent people as they are going about their lives. Doing it in the name of Allah because we don't adhere to their ignorant, inane beliefs. This is serious folks. These people want and fully intend to kill you. They are not playing around. And they don't mind killing themselves to do it. It's very serious. And you think that Hillary or Donald can come up with something to stop it? Hillary, no. Fuggitaboutit. Donald, well he's just stupid enough he might come up with something. You fight fire with fire, why not fight crazy with crazy...
Like many of you I am not looking forward to four years of leadership from either of these two buffoons.
And just what are we to do about terrorism? How do we stop this insanity? These insane monkeys are wandering about the world killing innocent people as they are going about their lives. Doing it in the name of Allah because we don't adhere to their ignorant, inane beliefs. This is serious folks. These people want and fully intend to kill you. They are not playing around. And they don't mind killing themselves to do it. It's very serious. And you think that Hillary or Donald can come up with something to stop it? Hillary, no. Fuggitaboutit. Donald, well he's just stupid enough he might come up with something. You fight fire with fire, why not fight crazy with crazy...
Have you ever noticed that nothing ever stays the same?...
I opened the news this morning and read an article about Facebook. Seems they have been conducting some sort of experiment on people, psychological experiment no less, without their knowledge. Something about if your friends post a happy message then it'll make you happy. I know, pretty deep shit, right? PhD's go around doing that kinda stuff all the time. And they often get government money for doing it. Once word got out about what they were doing there was an uproar. People were mad as hell. Experimenting on us without our knowledge, how could you? That's as bad as the time y'all hid the aliens from us in New Mexico. The nerve. Now, let me get on FB and see how BobbySue's getting along.
Social Media. Can you believe that there are 1.3 billion people using Facebook? And even when Facebook pisses them off they bitch a little then keep coming back. Hundreds of millions are on it every day. For what? To find out what someone you havent seen or talked to in thirty years is up to? Who cares. And the endless stream of all these philosophical aphorisms. Shit, enough already.
But it seems that's how the masses spend their time these days. In fact there are lots of things people spend their time doing that could be better spent on something more productive. But for some reason I don't think being productive is something anyone who gets on Facebook has in mind...
Social Media. Can you believe that there are 1.3 billion people using Facebook? And even when Facebook pisses them off they bitch a little then keep coming back. Hundreds of millions are on it every day. For what? To find out what someone you havent seen or talked to in thirty years is up to? Who cares. And the endless stream of all these philosophical aphorisms. Shit, enough already.
But it seems that's how the masses spend their time these days. In fact there are lots of things people spend their time doing that could be better spent on something more productive. But for some reason I don't think being productive is something anyone who gets on Facebook has in mind...
Who's on first...
Donald Trump won the Indiana primary last night claiming all 67 delegates, soundly defeating Ted Cruz. Cruz also announced he was ‘suspending’ his campaign. I don’t understand what is going on with the Republican party or the voters in this country. The Republican party has been split, polarized, in disagreement, fractioned, conflicting, lacking unity, and generally a mess for some time now. We have moderate conservatives, Tea Party conservatives, the hard right and they all have stood apart from the others all too often unable to agree on anything. Then, along comes Donald Trump and hijacks their mess and puts his name on the ticket and runs away with the nomination. This is even more bizarre than when Barry Obama came along in 2008 and hijacked the Democratic primaries and the American voters. And the American voters bought his line of shit just like they are buying Trump’s now.
We keep hearing the term ‘low-information voter’ and many wonder if that’s just a sarcastic euphemism. It’s not. There’s plenty of information out there for voters to be informed, all anyone could need to be informed is out there. But unfortunately, and sadly most either ignore it or just aren’t capable of absorbing it and processing it into an intelligent choice. They vote based on ridiculous premises such as appearance, charisma, charm, and promises made during campaign speeches. I did say ridiculous, didn’t I? For those of us who do wade through the crap, filter it, process it and think about what’s left (one need not be exceptionally gifted to do this…) it’s frustrating to know that the majority, which rules here (I’m not sure anymore if that's fortunate or unfortunate) does not wade through it. They listen to a reality TV host who happens to be arrogant and self-absorbed say he’s going to build a wall on our southern border and make Mexico pay for it. And they believe him. The chances of this happening? Zero, zip, zilch, nada. American politics and government has become a sham and a monumental embarrassment. We have politicians who can appeal to the middle class but we have none who can appeal to them and who are also a competent, qualified leader.
And so it appears we are in for at least another four years, maybe more of having an idiot for a president. Idiot in terms of being able to do the job he was chosen to do. AND IT’S OUR OWN FAULT. That is, if we group ourselves together and take responsibility for what we have done as one people of this great nation. And not behave like the Republican party has…
We keep hearing the term ‘low-information voter’ and many wonder if that’s just a sarcastic euphemism. It’s not. There’s plenty of information out there for voters to be informed, all anyone could need to be informed is out there. But unfortunately, and sadly most either ignore it or just aren’t capable of absorbing it and processing it into an intelligent choice. They vote based on ridiculous premises such as appearance, charisma, charm, and promises made during campaign speeches. I did say ridiculous, didn’t I? For those of us who do wade through the crap, filter it, process it and think about what’s left (one need not be exceptionally gifted to do this…) it’s frustrating to know that the majority, which rules here (I’m not sure anymore if that's fortunate or unfortunate) does not wade through it. They listen to a reality TV host who happens to be arrogant and self-absorbed say he’s going to build a wall on our southern border and make Mexico pay for it. And they believe him. The chances of this happening? Zero, zip, zilch, nada. American politics and government has become a sham and a monumental embarrassment. We have politicians who can appeal to the middle class but we have none who can appeal to them and who are also a competent, qualified leader.
And so it appears we are in for at least another four years, maybe more of having an idiot for a president. Idiot in terms of being able to do the job he was chosen to do. AND IT’S OUR OWN FAULT. That is, if we group ourselves together and take responsibility for what we have done as one people of this great nation. And not behave like the Republican party has…
Major New Development...
I've had a major development in the progress of my current book project. Groundbreaking even. I have been working on this project for over three years now and feel like I am nearing the end. But just haven't been able to push myself over the finish line. I even have some good ideas about what I want the story to be. OK, enough whining and excuses. One of the central character(s) in the denouement is going to be the Texas Rangers. As I was thinking about this I recalled that one of my classmates from A&M is a retired Texas Ranger. I thought, you know, I should call him up and see if he would collaborate with me on this book. Not only would that be interesting and fun in itself, it would give my novel a sense of realism, adventure and excitement not otherwise possible. The lore of the Texas Rangers is something everyone likes to read about. These guys are real life excitement and adventure. They are the real deal.
So I email him and tell him a little about what I'm doing and ask if he would be interested in helping. He sends his cell number and says to give him a call. A couple of weeks pass and I finally get around to calling him. He says, I'm in Houston right now, why don't you stop by my hotel after work and we'll talk about it.
We haven't seen each other since we graduated from A&M thirty-nine years ago. Yes, we're old men now. We had a good visit, caught up a little without going into much detail then talked about the book project. I gave him a rundown on the project, what I'm doing and what I am planning to do and how me could help me. He's a very nice gentleman and was agreeable to helping with the project and collaborating with me. I believe his ideas and experiences with the Rangers will bring a dimension of realism and adventure to the story that otherwise would never be possible. I think this will be the nudge that pushes this book over the edge from being a good story to being a great story. I am excited.
During our conversation he noticed my boots. Nothing special, just a pair of plain, black Justin Ropers. He said, if you're interested, there's another pair of boots you might want. He pulled out his cellphone and fingered through a few screens then showed me a photo. They were custom made boots by Justin, full quill ostrich with the Texas Ranger badge on the shaft. He said Justin offers them to the Rangers, one pair a year at about half what the same boots would cost in the stores. He said if I wanted I could have his allotment for this year. It took a while for this to sink in. Custom made Justin boots made specially for Texas Rangers. And I could get a pair. I am getting a pair. Oh yes, I'm definitely getting a pair.
I'm thinking this will provide the motivation I need to get this effort going again. I haven't made much progress in several months, frankly because I couldn't generate the ideas I needed. Kind of an extended writer's block I guess. But I think the spell is about to be broken. Now I can just put on my Texas Rangers boots and let the ideas flow.
So I email him and tell him a little about what I'm doing and ask if he would be interested in helping. He sends his cell number and says to give him a call. A couple of weeks pass and I finally get around to calling him. He says, I'm in Houston right now, why don't you stop by my hotel after work and we'll talk about it.
We haven't seen each other since we graduated from A&M thirty-nine years ago. Yes, we're old men now. We had a good visit, caught up a little without going into much detail then talked about the book project. I gave him a rundown on the project, what I'm doing and what I am planning to do and how me could help me. He's a very nice gentleman and was agreeable to helping with the project and collaborating with me. I believe his ideas and experiences with the Rangers will bring a dimension of realism and adventure to the story that otherwise would never be possible. I think this will be the nudge that pushes this book over the edge from being a good story to being a great story. I am excited.
During our conversation he noticed my boots. Nothing special, just a pair of plain, black Justin Ropers. He said, if you're interested, there's another pair of boots you might want. He pulled out his cellphone and fingered through a few screens then showed me a photo. They were custom made boots by Justin, full quill ostrich with the Texas Ranger badge on the shaft. He said Justin offers them to the Rangers, one pair a year at about half what the same boots would cost in the stores. He said if I wanted I could have his allotment for this year. It took a while for this to sink in. Custom made Justin boots made specially for Texas Rangers. And I could get a pair. I am getting a pair. Oh yes, I'm definitely getting a pair.
I'm thinking this will provide the motivation I need to get this effort going again. I haven't made much progress in several months, frankly because I couldn't generate the ideas I needed. Kind of an extended writer's block I guess. But I think the spell is about to be broken. Now I can just put on my Texas Rangers boots and let the ideas flow.
A good read, a very good read...
As a writer, I read a lot. It's kind of like practicing. Professional athletes practice a lot. That's one of the things that makes them so good. That, and a boatload of talent. If we could practice six to eight hours a day we'd all be able to play whatever our sport is much better. We wouldn't be pros but we'd be much better at it than we are. To hone our skills and expand our knowledge we read. It's sort of like 'practice' for us. And we all have our favorites, as in genres, writing styles and authors. Mine, I like action thrillers (of course...). Some of my favorite authors are Joshua Graham, John Irving, Robert Dugoni, David Baldacci, Jay Giles, Scott Turow, Dean Koontz, Harlan Coben, John Grisham, Jeffrey Small, Sandra Brown, James Patterson, Vince Flynn, John Sanford, Robert Goolrick, Sean Chercover, Jeffrey Archer, John Rector, Michael Connelly. Sorry, got carried away.
I just finished one by a new author though, one I haven't read before. Paula Hawkins, it's titled The Girl on the Train. It's a sub-genre called psychological thriller. I love books that are so well written that they keep your interest so well that you literally don't want to put it down. And this one does that. Her character development is so good you have no problem creating these people in your mind as you read. I've spent a pretty fair amount of time on the tube in London and I can 'see' Rachel sitting across from me and the expressions on her face. When the action really gets cranked and the denouement is unwinding, your pulse will quicken. You may have been reading just before you were about to fall asleep but that will have to wait. You just have to know what's next.
I'm sure this young lady will be drawing a lot of attention in the near future. She's signed a deal with a major publisher and will be on an eight city tour in the US soon. She's a Brit in case you were wondering. The English have found some really good writers in recent years. TL James with her sordid tales of sex and debauchery. Not my style but lots of people like the porn novel. JK Rowling is the master with the kids novels. Read her debut with her first adult novel, she needs to keep her day job writing kids books. And now Paula Hawkins with the thriller. This girl has found her niche. If this is your genre, pick up The Girl on the Train. You will have trouble putting it down. I guarantee it.
I just finished one by a new author though, one I haven't read before. Paula Hawkins, it's titled The Girl on the Train. It's a sub-genre called psychological thriller. I love books that are so well written that they keep your interest so well that you literally don't want to put it down. And this one does that. Her character development is so good you have no problem creating these people in your mind as you read. I've spent a pretty fair amount of time on the tube in London and I can 'see' Rachel sitting across from me and the expressions on her face. When the action really gets cranked and the denouement is unwinding, your pulse will quicken. You may have been reading just before you were about to fall asleep but that will have to wait. You just have to know what's next.
I'm sure this young lady will be drawing a lot of attention in the near future. She's signed a deal with a major publisher and will be on an eight city tour in the US soon. She's a Brit in case you were wondering. The English have found some really good writers in recent years. TL James with her sordid tales of sex and debauchery. Not my style but lots of people like the porn novel. JK Rowling is the master with the kids novels. Read her debut with her first adult novel, she needs to keep her day job writing kids books. And now Paula Hawkins with the thriller. This girl has found her niche. If this is your genre, pick up The Girl on the Train. You will have trouble putting it down. I guarantee it.
The Audacity of hope...
I think that was the title of Obama's book, wasn't it? I think it was an appropriate title for my blog post today. You'll see why after you have read it.
About 18 months to go in the Obama presidency. About 18 months before a new president is elected. I think that's pretty exciting, getting a new president. Not that I'm confident that the new prez will be a great one. Hell, he may not be great. But after what we've been through the past 8 years, how much worse could it be? I suppose it is actually possible, but any reasonable person knows it isn't likely. I know, there are some that don't agree with me, they'll defend the prez and engage (or attempt to...) you with a lop-sided conversation of what he has accomplished. Let me engage you in such a conversation for a moment. Our national debt has increased more under his watch than all presidents who preceded him COMBINED. We have national healthcare now. I know, call it whatever you like, but a spade is a spade. More people have insurance than ever before you say, millions lost their insurance they had before and had to pay higher premiums to get more. And lest we forget, this is the first and only piece of major legislation in the history of our country that was passed 100% unilaterally. Not one, single Republican vote. If that's not shoving down our fucking throats then tell me what is... And while it was being debated (calling it a debate is the joke of the century..) the Speaker of the House said, "We've got to pass this bill so we can see what's in it..." Now that's crossing the zenith of stupidity. Scandals one after another. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups and individuals, the Benghazi attack, Bowe Bergdahl, the contraceptive mandate in ACA (thanks Sandra Fluke), military intervention, or lack of, against ISIS, the New Black Panther voter intimidation case, Operation Choke Point, Presidential Policy Directive 20 (Edward Snowden), Solyndra, the VA scandal of 2014. And the list goes on. And on. At present the POTUS is attempting to get a bill passed that would allow the TPA to be approved. Only he has run into opposition from his own party because they see it for what it is. It gives him the power to negotiate the deal without the approval or involvement of Congress. Isn't that how our constitution works, the system of checks and balances you know?... Does this behavior come more from arrogance or stupidity? I wonder.
Defend him all you want, but don't expect me to listen. Most of the people in this country are ready for a new leader. One who has the interest of the country and Americans as his priority. And who will defend and uphold the constitution. One who will work to improve race relations. One would think having a black president would be a major step forward in improving race relations. Unfortunately, quite the opposite has happened. They are worse now than at any time since the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. We are sorry Rosa Parks and Dr. King, we are truly sorry.
Yes, we are ready for a new leader. Call that audacity, call it arrogance, call it whatever you like. But we hope for a change that will bring prosperity and growth for the country and for ourselves. We hope for a leader who will help us to leave a respectable legacy for our children. We hope for a better future.
About 18 months to go in the Obama presidency. About 18 months before a new president is elected. I think that's pretty exciting, getting a new president. Not that I'm confident that the new prez will be a great one. Hell, he may not be great. But after what we've been through the past 8 years, how much worse could it be? I suppose it is actually possible, but any reasonable person knows it isn't likely. I know, there are some that don't agree with me, they'll defend the prez and engage (or attempt to...) you with a lop-sided conversation of what he has accomplished. Let me engage you in such a conversation for a moment. Our national debt has increased more under his watch than all presidents who preceded him COMBINED. We have national healthcare now. I know, call it whatever you like, but a spade is a spade. More people have insurance than ever before you say, millions lost their insurance they had before and had to pay higher premiums to get more. And lest we forget, this is the first and only piece of major legislation in the history of our country that was passed 100% unilaterally. Not one, single Republican vote. If that's not shoving down our fucking throats then tell me what is... And while it was being debated (calling it a debate is the joke of the century..) the Speaker of the House said, "We've got to pass this bill so we can see what's in it..." Now that's crossing the zenith of stupidity. Scandals one after another. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups and individuals, the Benghazi attack, Bowe Bergdahl, the contraceptive mandate in ACA (thanks Sandra Fluke), military intervention, or lack of, against ISIS, the New Black Panther voter intimidation case, Operation Choke Point, Presidential Policy Directive 20 (Edward Snowden), Solyndra, the VA scandal of 2014. And the list goes on. And on. At present the POTUS is attempting to get a bill passed that would allow the TPA to be approved. Only he has run into opposition from his own party because they see it for what it is. It gives him the power to negotiate the deal without the approval or involvement of Congress. Isn't that how our constitution works, the system of checks and balances you know?... Does this behavior come more from arrogance or stupidity? I wonder.
Defend him all you want, but don't expect me to listen. Most of the people in this country are ready for a new leader. One who has the interest of the country and Americans as his priority. And who will defend and uphold the constitution. One who will work to improve race relations. One would think having a black president would be a major step forward in improving race relations. Unfortunately, quite the opposite has happened. They are worse now than at any time since the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. We are sorry Rosa Parks and Dr. King, we are truly sorry.
Yes, we are ready for a new leader. Call that audacity, call it arrogance, call it whatever you like. But we hope for a change that will bring prosperity and growth for the country and for ourselves. We hope for a leader who will help us to leave a respectable legacy for our children. We hope for a better future.
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