It's Been A Long Time

Wow, it's been over a year since I've posted any content here. It would be a miracle if there's anyone still around to read this, having neglected it for so long. I've dropped out of ever social network I was on since then, and it has made for quite a peaceful time. Lots of noise on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, et. al. But I've been thinking maybe it's time to get back to sharing my thoughts and rants here. After all, a person needs some form of release.

So if you're ready -- if you're even still here -- the ride is about to start. Strap yourself in and hold on tight.

-- Joe

Political Gala Hoopla

Last week was the Republican National Convention, and the Democrats kick off their gala of excess tonight. While it's probably no surprise to regular readers which way I'll vote in November, I'll reserve my comments on both conventions until the Democrats festivities have concluded.

I'll be watching the Dems from a hotel room in Detroit while I travel on business. Should be an interesting week.

Change At The Pump

How convenient for big oil companies that Hurricane Isaac chose the week before Labor Day to strike, causing them to shut down refineries in the affected area, driving gas prices up for one of the biggest travel weekends of the year! And all the Obama administration can do about gas prices is pass increasingly restrictive emissions policies for new vehicles.

The only change Obama has given me is change for a dollar, and somehow it just doesn't add up.

Ames Debate Thoughts

I found the debate tonight very interesting. First and foremost: Ron Paul is a crackpot. With that said, I can easily rule out five of the candidates on the stage in Iowa. I'll refrain from naming those eliminations this early in the campaign, because many of them are likely to flop their flip before primary day.

What I will say is, I now wish more than ever that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was running; I can't wait for Rick Perry to get into the thick of it; I'm still hopeful that Rudy Giuliani will enter the race.

Who won tonight? I think most will remember this as the day that Rick Perry threw his hat into the ring.

Any thoughts to add?

I Said, NO Soliciting!

Twice today, people have come to my door peddling something that I would go out and get on my own if I really wanted it. Both times, when I told the unwanted solicitors trespassing on my property (it is posted PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO SOLICITING, NO TRESPASSING at the entrance to our subdivision) that I wasn't interested, they acted surprised, as if I must not understand what wonderful things they had to offer. One had the gall to ask me why, and the second suggested I stop taking drugs when I informed him that it was posted NO SOLICITING in the neighborhood.

This is more annoying than the phone call from the RNC that I mentioned in my earlier post, because these people clearly know where we live and could transact any sort of trouble if they had the desire to get revenge for being rejected. Not to mention that they interrupt dinner and other family activities and get our dogs excited and barking when they ring the doorbell.

Why must these people refuse to take no for an answer? Why must they become rude and insulting when told that they are trespassing on private property and are unwelcome?

Is it just me? Or do others find these people to be a nuisance? Or is this just one more product of the decline of society?

Political Hang Up

Just what makes people -- even my own political party -- think it's okay to call me in the middle of the work day and start rattling their spiel with no regard for what I might be busy doing? Not even a, "Do you have a moment?" to make sure they aren't catching me in the middle of something. Maybe that's why they've been calling me twice a day every day with their number marked RESTRICTED. They must have known that eventually I would get tired of rejecting the RESTRICTED call and wondering who it was that I would actually answer it.

Wonder if they knew I would hang up on them, too.

I understand the importance of Cut, Cap & Balance. I realize that Congress and the Obama Administration have failed us financially (for one). You would have to live under a rock not to know (in fact, I think even Patrick Star understands). Please don't call me and insult my intelligence with your scripted jargon. And if you, dear GOP, need to call someone, shouldn't you be calling the Democrats or Independents who are still disillusioned with Washington? Make your phone calls count and stop preaching to the choir!

Vacation Day 7: Magic Kingdom & More

Our last full day at Disney World was split between Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and relaxing in our resort room. We started with a character breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Pooh, where our kids were treated as guests of honor and escorted to our table by Mary Poppins. Mad Hatter was a hoot! At Magic Kingdom we rode our first roller coaster as a family. It was awesome! Then after a peaceful afternoon in the room, we did some shopping at Downtown Disney. It was a good day.

Vacation Day 6: Epcot

After having breakfast with the Princesses we spent the day at Epcot, one of my favorite parks. Fast rides with my little girl and drinking Mezzo Mix at the Coke Club Cool made for an awesome day!

Some pictures from our day at Epcot:

Vacation Day 5: Birthday Princess

My daughter's 5th birthday was spent at Magic Kingdom. We even had dinner with the Princesses at Cinderella Castle. At one shop we went into, the shopkeepers got everyone in the store -- customers included -- to sing Happy Birthday to her. It was a magical birthday! My little girl rode Splash Mountain with me and her first real roller coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -- front seat on both!

Some pictures of my Tink's birthday at the Magic Kingdom:

Vacation Day 4: Animal Kingdom

We had a great family day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The "cast members" were back to their normal form. The parks have been very crowded this time around, and Downtown Disney was so crowded last night it was almost impossible to move. We had a wonderful meal at Chef Mickey's, and even my son got into meeting with the characters. It's been a great trip so far!

Some pictures from our day at Animal Kingdom: