Bullet Fingerprinting

Legislation is being pushed to Governor Schwarzenegger that will require gun manufacturers to provide a system which creates a microstamp on the shell casings of the bullets fired. The microstamp will supposedly provide a link between the shells and the weapon.

I am not familiar with the arguments surrounding this, but what is stopping a criminal from collecting the spent shells? Or, what about defeating the component which creates the microstamp?

I would prefer that legislation be passed for harsher punishment for criminals, instead of the catch-and-release program where they enjoy a brief stay at the "country club".

Blue Moon

Tonight was the second full moon in the month of May and is referred to as a "blue moon". Did ya see it?

Blue moons aren't as scarce as the saying "once in a blue moon" would indicate. It happens every two to three years or, on average, about every 32 months. The last blue moon was July 31, 2004.

(Click here for more...)

Hope everyone had a howling good time!

Sheehan, Sheesh

Here is the quote from anti-war demonstrator Cindy Sheehan:

"Good-bye America ... you are not the country that I love and I finally realized no matter how much I sacrifice, I can't make you be that country unless you want it.

"It's up to you now."

The AP article also pointed out that her audience has dwindled, and that she was held in disfavor by many Democrats. Unpopular actions such as meeting with left-wing Venezuela president Hugo Chavez also added a death knell to her popularity (and rings of Hanoi Jane in another episode in American history). The writing's on the wall and her 15 minutes expired years ago.

So Sheehan kisses off America, the country that she does not love, and returns to what's left of her family to resume a "normal" life in...

...California.

Forever Stars & Stripes

To Mrs. Sheehan: Yo! Cindy! If you are so disillusioned and so disappointed that this (the USA) is not the country that you expected it to be, please take a hike. And don't let the door hit you on your way out.

Sodium Benzoate

Oh great... sounds like the latest medical discovery is that the sodium benzoate found in most carbonated sodas could lead to liver psorosis. I am overdue for another physical (my second), and I guess I have another thing to have checked out.

Gas Prices

Guess what? I just read the other day that our gas prices are running about normal. Calculating for inflation, the year 1981 pegged prevailing gas prices as a few pennies higher than what we are experiencing today with current dollars. Comparing the rising cost of fuel to the rising cost of everything else puts it into perspective: gasoline is on par. Sure, it may not sit well with most people, but think about something else you've been spending your money on consistently... and see if that hasn't been impacted.

By the way, brussel sprouts at around $3.25/lb. is shocking when I recall spending only 89¢ per pound in recent memory. Judging from how many people I've heard express distaste for this veggie surprises me that prices haven't gone down for lack of demand.

DeCluttering

Ask a chronic packratter how difficult it is to cast off a collection of "junk" that took years upon years to compile. I swore that I would attempt to make a dent in simplifying this aspect of my life, but it is easier said than done. I believe I am making progress, albeit at a pace a prisoner digging a tunnel with a spoon could appreciate. As with a good diet plan, all that output does not preclude the need for some intake; you burn off calories, but unless you compensate by eating, you die of starvation and other complications. The plan is to take in less than you put out.

So it goes with clutter. I stayed close to home this Memorial Day weekend, fearing what drunken idiot may be roaming our highways and be cause for another 2-wheeled statistic. It was a perfect opportunity taking the pickup truck out to run errands and hauling stuff home. Mostly home & garden stuff.

Like I really needed another computer desk that I wasn't even planning to buy. I was window shopping at Office Depot and saw the desk, reasonably priced and just the right size. I put it together the same night and am typing away at it right now. Prior to this, my computer equipment was on my coffee table (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse and all).

The desk is located in the dining nook where the weight bench and barbells were (nevermind that I haven't used it lately, along with the dumbbells). That had to be moved out into the mudroom. I had to shuffle things around the mudroom first, which meant some stuff went bye-bye or outside (like a few succulents).

I set up a wire-shelf that had been sitting along the back fence. I bought a couple of brackets and secured the shelf against my west-side fence and put the potted succulents there along with a couple of ceramic cats.

The coffee table is clean(er) now. The mudroom too. I'd feel more satisfied if it weren't for the nagging guilt: this weekend's intake was still more than its output.

Looks like I better get back to it.

Humpbacks

Unless you've been off on some remote desert island devoid of any modern, technological devices, you are probably aware of the two wayward humpback whales that made their way upriver to the Sacramento deep-water channel. The mother and daughter pair, Delta and Dawn, have been directed back toward the Pacific Ocean with assistance from a flotilla of boats using various herding methods. They are currently near Rio Vista where everyone is taking a break before resuming operation on Friday morning. Concern is high regarding an apparent decline in the whales' health... they need to get back to the salty ocean waters.

I am curious as to why the whales were allowed to swim so far inland before any action was taken. Money? Didn't want to be perceived as reactionary? Entertainment value? I dunno, but I hope that efforts will be successful in getting these two back on course soon, and that their health will quickly improve.

Read a local KCRA news article here.

Paula Abdul

I heard that she had fallen and gotten all bruised up, but otherwise doing fine. The cause of this mishap? Ms. Abdul tried to avoid stepping on her pet chihuahua who evidently got in her way (yeah, my boys happen to have done this on occasion), and in doing so, got herself in this mess.

Ever notice how much a chihuahua looks like a football?

Punt.

Hotel Security

Local KCRA Investigative News has uncovered a breach in hotel security in the Sacramento area. Three hotels were targeted and all had failed the security test when the reporter was able to gain access to a room without providing proper identification. The management at the Downtown Holiday Inn and Radisson Hotel cooperated with the news team, explaining that this was an unfortunate oversight and they will be addressing the issue of tightening up their hotel security.

The Double Tree Inn manager asked that the cameras be turned off, and that the reporters vacate the premises immediately.

Cooperation or not, I doubt if the lax security is restricted to our local hotels. National security could be at stake, since many of these hotels house commercial airline personnel where their IDs can be stolen. Something to think about the next time you travel and happen to check into a hotel room. Or if you happen to fly.

Senator's Driving Criticized

A Bay Area Senator was recently involved in a traffic accident where cellphone usage may have been the major contributing factor. Ironically, she had voted for the law to require hands-free cellphone devices, which goes into effect in July 2008. It is inexcusable to be so preoccupied with a phone conversation to disregard safety to self and others on public roads, but to top things off, she declared her social status (as a senator) to bystanders.

Several witnesses stopped to help, Romo said, including one man who opened Migden's door and offered to give her a hand out.

"She shrugged and pulled away from the guy," Romo said. "Maybe she thought he was a little forceful."

Migden announced to the bystanders that she was a state senator, Romo said.

"What that was going to do for her, I don't know," he said.

Just what did Senator Migden hope that being a senator will do for her? Read the full SacBee article here.

Look! Up in the Sky!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Or maybe it's... a frog?

Not bird nor plane nor even frog, and you'd guess wrong if you thought Underdog. We have a celestial event that won't be repeated until sometime after the year 2040. The planets Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are lined up in the night sky, along with the occasional moon. Is this some sort of ominous sign?

Nah, I just think it's cool. I should try looking for Saturn with a small spotting telescope I have that's been gathering dust. Check out the news here.

Scotty's Ashes

We had a discussion at work today about the news of James Doohan's cremated ashes being marooned on a mountaintop in New Mexico. Evidently there were many websites that picked up on this news, along with a number of creative comments that it generated. James Doohan played the role of Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott (endearingly nicknamed "Scotty") in the original Star Trek television series from the '60s. The twist? Doohan's ashes were aboard a rocket headed for space, later intended to return to earth where his family will keep (wherever it is families keep their loved ones' ashes). However, some sort of snafu sent the rocket crashing before it escaped the earth's atmosphere.

This would likely not have happened if Scotty had been around to assist in the rocket's engineering. I wonder how far from Roswell he landed?

Mark Twain (1835-1910)

This is Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. I'm posting this because Wednesday begins the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee in Angel's Camp, CA which will run through the weekend. I posted this event about a month ago and now that it is finally here, you can find out more by clicking here.

I rode through town last Saturday just to get a preview and possibly an idea of what to expect (I am hoping to ride out to Angel's Camp again this Saturday... unless the traffic there deters me).

What TV? House

"DR. GREGORY HOUSE (Hugh Laurie) is devoid of anything resembling bedside manner and wouldn’t even talk to his patients if he could get away with it. Dealing with his own constant physical pain, he uses a cane that seems to punctuate his acerbic, brutally honest demeanor. While his behavior can border on antisocial, House is a brilliant diagnostician whose unconventional thinking and flawless instincts afford him widespread respect."

(Click to read more...)

I've only seen maybe a half dozen episodes, and I'm hooked. I can't explain it so you'll have to catch some episodes to see what you think, but it also helps that this crotchety ol' doc also rides a Repsol Honda motorcycle. And that Dr. Allison Cameron (played by Jennifer Morrison) is a looker of a brunette who is interested in House at twice her age. Catch it on the Fox TV Network.

Double Standards

Here is an excerpt from an interesting Op-Ed from Pulitzer Prize winning author Leonard Pitts Jr., describing the antics of one Paris Hilton (and a subtle reference to Don Imus):

"At one point on the clip, she describes some unnamed unfortunate as "a f——— hoodlum, broke, poor public school bitch from, like, Compton." Compton is a working-class city south of Los Angeles. At another point, Hilton describes herself and a friend as "like two niggers." At yet another point, she calls someone a "faggot." Don Imus got fired for less."

Read the full article here.

My guess is that Rev. Jesse Jackson can't afford to get involved with this one, risking scandal of yet another report of adultery. I mean, how often can you receive forgiveness for that? Perhaps Rev. Al Sharpton can accept that Paris did not describe herself and a friend as "like two nappy-headed ho's" and decline comment. And Rosie will hold out in hopes that she is really a homosexual homophobe, unlike that Ripa gal.

Yeah. Right. Uh-huh.

Griffith Park Fire

Over 800 acres on fire in the 4,000 acre park is close to full containment, which was allegedly started by a homeless man who fell asleep with a burning cigarette. This cause of major fires has been making the news too often. The homeless. Or if you prefer, cigarettes. The other two leading causes I can think of are lightning strikes and arson... not much we can do about lightning, and I say hang those scumbag arsonists by their balls.

And ban the homeless and cigarettes.

Hey Guv!

So I hear there's a petition to keep Paris out of jail. Maybe a governor's pardon to exempt her from serving any time in jail at all for violating her probation terms. Been caught driving twice on a suspended license... suspended due to her first DUI conviction. Terms of the probation to enter into alcohol rehab, which she never did (four months overdue). Even her latest court appearance had her arriving 10 minutes late. Paris displays this defiant attitude because she, like many celebrities, feels that she is untouchable; the law just does not apply to celebrities.

So Arnold, are you going to pardon Paris, sparing her from the 45-day jail term? There's Joe Citizen out there who got into a bit of hot water. His license was suspended after a DUI conviction. Got busted a week later driving on said license and faces jail time. C'mon Arnold, are you going to pardon him too? Will you treat both violators equally, or what's your justification for any concessions?

For all of you who continue to put these people on pedestals, it may come as a surprise to you: their excrement are about as aromatic as yours and mine.

Boobs

I'm watching tonight's episode of "House" (on the Fox Network; I just recently got hooked on this show starring Hugh Laurie), and a male patient exposed his man-boobs. A few nights ago was a news piece regarding childhood obesity and depicted footage of boy-boobs. Boobs are boobs (aren't they?), so why not be indiscriminate between the sexes and expose some chick-boobs?

One of the women at the gym just got herself a new pair (since she was slighted by Ma Nature), but nevermind that the rest of the package was doing just fine. One of her teammates mentioned to me that it has something to do with low esteem, not that he was complaining. I'm not quite sure if I'm complaining though. Whether I had or hadn't any respect before, I somehow feel that I have less toward her now. Sure, if there was some sort of surgery which would make me 1/2 a foot taller, wouldn't I go for it? Um, I dunno. Women dig taller men (actually, all of society do), but then again maybe I would not be able to see beyond this shallowness and appreciate the many things the way they are.

I just wish I could swing a leg over those bikes with >36" seat height!

Lost Touch

I suppose it happens over the course of a lifetime; I have had "friends" with whom I have recently lost touch. I am going to chalk it up to the physical distance that separates us. Honestly, in my opinion that is not a very good reason at all, a better excuse being my brand of deodorant or mouthwash. That being said...

The last time I touched bases with my childhood buddy (from junior high thru high school in Arizona) was maybe four years ago. A couple (Scottsdale, AZ) I knew since college had a nasty breakup about 5 or 6 years ago and I decided to stay out of the middle, hence dropping off communications. Another couple from college (living in Georgia) had a not-too-surprising divorce almost two years ago, and I haven't heard from them much lately. This summer will mark three years since hearing from my ex-Montanan friend (right after she moved to San Luis Obispo, CA). Even closer to home is Reno, NV (about two hours from here), where a crusty old friend of mine lived for the past 3 or 4 years. I haven't heard from him in a year and is possibly due to fallout from putting him off on a few things... his sour grapes attitude toward life leaves much (!) to be desired. I keep in touch with friends in Washington, Illinois and Colorado, but the effort appears to mainly be mine.

They're all my friends nevertheless.

Vicia Faba

The fava bean is back in season and is a sign of spring in Italy. I picked up some beans over the weekend at the local grocer for under a couple of bucks per pound. I first tried the fava about a year ago, being somewhat curious about the giant sized pods compared to others in the pea family. Don't know about you, but I like it. This Blogger article does not make any references about how well the fava bean goes with a glass of chianti.

Guess you'll have to Google Hannibal for that.

Paris? Puh-leez!

I am not going to bother providing any links; there's already too much wasted media time available on this spoiled tramp. I caught this on a local TV news station.

After being previously busted for DUI and receiving probation, a suspended license and a court order to enter an alcohol education program, Paris Hilton is in the spotlight yet again. She's been caught driving (her 6-figured Mercedes?) on that suspended license and has been sentenced to a month (?) of jail time. Word has it also that she never enrolled in any alcohol education program (who the hell was supposed to ensure that this prior sentence was being carried out?!). Her defense attorney was in disbelief that the verdict included jail time and will appeal, chiding the justice system as one that has gone haywire.

What? Young, rich and famous heiresses (and generally all celebrities) are exempt from the laws and punishment that govern the rest of us? Why sure... as long as the adoring public continues to contribute to this boatload of sh*t. Just my 2¢.

NAACP's Piss-Poor Credibility

A local teacher was accused of wrongdoing by a 14-yr old (black) student and everyone came to the boy's defense. That is, until further investigation and interviews with students and witnesses proved otherwise.

The accusation? The boy claimed to have needed badly to go potty and the teacher refused to excuse him, tossing him a Gatorade bottle and ridiculing him in front of the entire middle school class. Mom and NAACP wasted no time with their highly vocal complaints until the truth finally came out, which rendered them unavailable for comment.

Check out the story here.