The lengths some people will go to come out on top

Sixteen my lily white Polish rear end!

It's one thing to corner the market with your substandard manufacturing of just about everything we consume, but to flat out lie about the age of your athletes? It just goes to show how far people will go at times to win.

A few hundred years ago your country used to be thick with honor and tradition and now it's looking more like it's made up of liars and cheats.

Enjoy your hollow victories my friends.

There's much more to life than racing?

If this is so, I can assure you that I didn't get the memo!

Honestly, I am beginning to see this more clearly though as my family and I embarked on our second annual trek up north for a week of camping, fishing, and overall relaxation. Every now and then it is nice to take the trailer out and know that I'm not going to have a ton of work expected of me in back. And thankless work I might add. My son, who is becoming more of a self proclaimed world champion everyday, usually brings the kart off the track and tells me he isn't fast enough. Suggesting that I figure out what's wrong, he'll then quickly retire up front for a nice meal, some air conditioning, and a color TV. Funny how the sound of Mel Brooks saying "It's good to be the King" echoes in my ears during these episodes. Anyway, we left the kart at home for a change and looked forward to some well deserved non-stressed family time.

OK I lied,

we did manage to fit an entire day in at Road America watching the pros do their thing. The ALMS boys were in town for the week and I just have to see them every time they come near. What, you actually thought I'd separate myself from the sights, sounds, and smells of a racetrack for a whole week? If you did, you obviously don't know me all that well. I figured it was only one day out of seven so I look at it like a baby step in the first tier of my long rehabilitation process.

So with a trailer loaded to the gills with food, bikes, bats, and balls, we left for the Plymouth Rock Campgrounds in lovely Elkhart Lake Wisconsin. Just over an hour later we pulled in and I have to say that for the first time in my life as a parent I never heard the words "Are we there yet?" muttered once. My kids must either be growing up or the small arsenal of electronic entertainment that they each had in tow must have been just enough to distract them. I sure do miss them both being little but I have to admit it's a welcomed change when you can go an entire trip without hearing that. It's hard enough piloting a fifteen thousand pound freight train in traffic as it is, let alone having your youngsters chime in every thirty seconds for an update on how much longer it's going to be until we get there.

The first day and a half was spent pretty much indoors due to rain. Not much was accomplished other than eating, drinking, and watching movies. Hey something I could have stayed home and done! After all there's far better accommodations there and I wouldn't have had to add to the OPEC retirement plan in the process. But we weren't about to let a minor setback like this ruin our time here. By Tuesday we would have absolutely fabulous weather that would stay with us clear through the week. Combine that with a vacation that wasn't planned with any one thing in mind and the only word I have for this is - Ahhhh.

Not having a schedule of things to do is the best way to do a vacation in my book. No matter how long you are gone or where you may go you owe it to yourself to do things in this low key less stressed way. I really enjoyed waking up each morning not knowing if I was going fishing, or for a bike ride or swim. We all really just did what we wanted to do at the moment. I guess if I had only a day or two in Rome I might have to prioritize things but other than that I think you should put the pencil down and take things as they come. It was really nice for a change to not have any structure and just do things on a whim.

I learned a few things that I didn't know prior to this outing as well. I now realize that my wife is so claustrophobic that she can't sleep in a ten by ten foot bedroom without the doors and windows being open. And no matter how large the room is, if you sleep in complete darkness (how I like it) she may as well be in a pine box! to keep a night light or even the television on is a must! I find this very strange but she's very serious about it. Taking a hard line on this wasn't going to solve anything so I opted to sleep on the couch for a few nights.

I also learned that my son is now noticing girls a bit more than I remember him ever doing. I heard him say "Hello Ladies" as we drove by a crowd gathered in a small town and I damn near pooped a masonry cube. It wasn't so much what he said but how he said it. There was a neck snap followed by more of a "Hellooooo Ladieeez". For a moment it sounded like I had Quagmire from the television series The Family Guy in my back seat. He used to be so shy and quiet about the opposite sex and now this! I guess I now know that my boy is becoming - well, a bigger boy. All I can say is that you let the cat out of the bag now pal! You very well could have been a wolf in sheep's clothing but you let your guard down and the old man is now onto you. After all I was in high school once before too sport.


Once the weekend arrived it was time for racing again. Only one day like I said but oh what a glorious day it was. When this series comes to town there's almost as much to enjoy off the track as well as the races going on itself. It's always neat to slip away for a moment and picture yourself behind the railing of one of these team's operations. We'd all love to be the driver who materializes from his million dollar motor coach just before the race but hey, I could handle being a crew member just as well. Have you ever seen the toys those guys have?

Everything about these teams is top notch, and top dollar. From the flooring that they bring for their pit spot, to the amount of spares on hand, and their elaborate pit carts that can offer two levels of seating to accommodate as many as eight crew personnel. A stark contrast to the team I worked with where two guys had a knee up on the pit wall with a handheld stopwatch! The Audi camp as always did not fail to impress. They, like many other teams, even bring a separate tractor trailer for their hospitality area alone. These lucky guys have chefs on hand cooking their food with other tables full of just fruit, fresh bread, and pastries. I'm walking by this at ten in the morning in 90 degree heat with a bowl of cereal in my gut? That ever widening gap between the haves and have nots is so apparent here.

So the race went on in typical fashion with Audi handing the rear ends to everyone on the track. A lot of people feel that this takes away from the sport by having such a dominant team in one series, and to some degree they may be right. But that all depends on which side of the fence you sit on. I'm not losing much sleep since I have been a fan of theirs for some time now.


And to cap off the week I once again entered the Tour De Road America bike ride for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This was my second time here and I was bound and determined to better last year's results. If you remember from my last report, I had told you that the track crews were so busy getting in our way to repave areas of the course that the promoters had to shorten the event. I only got 20 miles behind me and felt good enough for double of that. But this year was not to be either. As strong as I felt, I only managed one additional lap before they shut down the course again on us. This year the race was moved to 7pm and with sunlight already on the down stroke, mere mortals like myself had to settle for around 24 miles. There were the usual gods of cycling who came down from the heavens with their ten thousand dollar bikes and their factory apparel and proceeded to lap most of us almost twice. Aggravating when it happens to you but nonetheless very impressive to watch these people who are at the top of their game. Not to take anything away from their athletic ability but having the right equipment is everything. My friend Tom Bartz who I rode with last year (and stayed ahead of) had brought his all carbon bike out this year and quickly became bored with my pace. Within a lap he was almost clear out of my sight and I never could quite recover. Honey, can I get one of those please?

So there's a week in the life. And ALMOST without racing being involved. Nor was there Firefighting or EMS calls. There were no pagers or company tones going off, and even more important - no schedule. I'll say it again, this is the way to go. And a way I have to admit I can't think I've ever done before. With our lives being so structured and our calenders so full, this kind of a getaway was a welcomed addition to our hectic life. I just wished it wouldn't have ended so soon.

Bonus photos

The kids searching for the big one!

Our new friend: Buddy the fat cat


Perfecting my ability to walk on water

Now if only I could change this into 40 fish!

My daughter, playing with fire again

And again

"Life without video games really does hurt"

My friend Tom and I at the start, We're in yellow

I swore I'd never wear spandex!

My new found thing that I do best

Do you feel this way too?

Not much of a story needed here is there? Only that I'm dipping into my kid's college fund just to afford fuel to get to mid Wisconsin for the weekend.

Pathetic isn't it?

Young hearts and the inevitable curse of growing up

So here I am in a neighbor's backyard enjoying a family get together this past holiday when grown men and women begin to dance drunk on tables, stumble all over the place, and in most cases make complete fools of themselves. My inability to comprehend what is wrong with these people is quickly trumped by the even bigger question of just what the hell happened to me?

Not too long ago nor in a galaxy far far away this would have been par for the course in my life's handbook. I'd overindulge in every food, elixir, substance, and event that I could get my hands on. I'd go out three nights a week to play hockey, close a bar afterward, and make it to work by 7am. I'd be a bit worn around the edges but by noon I'd be planning the evening ahead. From Friday night through Sunday I would be either on the lakefront or in a club with my friends. And when I began racing, I was at the track every weekend and you guessed it, drinking with my buddies at the end of each race day. All that mattered back then was having a good time. And of course, I was much younger and had no family obligations or the responsibilities that I have now.

We all have to grow up. Or should I say it's inevitable that we must grow old but not everyone will necessarily mature in the process. I can honestly say I now believe this after witnessing first hand on that night how some people conduct themselves. I find it hard to believe that a parent can effectively teach their kids about the dangers of substance abuse when they're doing shots and keg stands themselves. I know a couple who swore off alcohol a while ago as their kids approached the tween years. When they told us about this it came as somewhat of a shock to me. The mother of these children was a close friend of mine when I was growing up. She was also one of the undisputed party legends of our time but it was now more important for her and her husband to set the proper example for their kids than carry on with this behavior. If at first I didn't quite understand it, I can now say its become crystal clear to me and I respect them for doing it. But this article was not meant to preach the dangers of alcoholism or the behavior it spawns so I digress.

It's hard to let go of the carefree and somewhat reckless person we all were in years past. Everything was new back then and even situations as mundane as staying out past the time the street lights came on brought excitement and wonder to all of us. I remember my middle school having dances every Friday night in the gym. Here I am a thirteen year old man of the world who is trusted by my folks to walk several miles to school with my friends for a dance. And the possibility that tonight would be the night when that one girl would finally say yes to a dance was always imminent. "No need to drop me off mom, I got this one" was all that was said as I raced out to meet them. I even earned enough trust from my parents to let me go to the corner burger joint for food afterwards. The coolest thing in the world for a kid that age is when they can be gathered in one place late at night with all of their friends. Free to make their own decisions on who to sit with and what to order. No parents in sight and no rules. They're one step closer to being that adult that they always wanted to be treated like. If somebody could just get through to them and tell them that these are the best days of their lives and they shouldn't rush growing up then... Oh wait hang on! we've all been told that. And none of us listened.

Annie Potts' character in the movie Pretty in Pink said it best when she asked why we couldn't all start off old and grow young. You always complained about not being treated like an adult when you were growing up, and now that you are one you can't help but wish for days past. In my life, I can't remember at what point things like being out late with friends became just that and nothing else. When holding hands and going for a walk didn't quite feel like it did back then. When all that was new and exciting became routine and colorless.

I'm not implying that my life as an adult has become boring so I want to make this clear before my friends and family take me off their speed dial lists. I'm very happy with where I am right now but you have to admit that you too may have found yourself wondering from time to time where this innocence and it's associated feelings went. Is it just because we've been through everything already so the newness factor doesn't apply anymore? Could the reason be that we are so preoccupied with all the responsibilities that we've inherited as heads of our families that we don't take time to stop and smell the roses? Or are we concentrating so hard on keeping up with the Joneses and indulging our every materialistic need that we don't see that the best things in life are free and usually right in front of us. The answer is yes. When you're young you don't have a care in the world with mom and dad handling all of your worldly needs. Then you hit your teen years and things get complicated. Having so-and-so not notice you today in class can only rival what brand of jeans to buy on your stress meter. Next thing you know you're off to college and expected to start acting like an adult. It's somewhere between this point of your life when the dust settles on your last all nighter, and the moment when the doctor says "congratulations daddy it's a boy" do you start to feel this change. And I feel that I'm part of the majority when I say that I didn't have to change at that moment, I wanted to. I think a large percentage of new parents feel this way no matter how wild or mild mannered they were until that moment in time changed who they were forever.

Now the balancing act that you're up against is in trying to be a responsible adult while hanging on to the last shred of the youngster you once were. A sense of humor is everything in my book, and one of the last things that you have in being able to stay in touch with that inner child. Once you lose it then it's fish sticks at four, Wheel of Fortune at six, and a sponge bath before bed. And the only thing marked on your calendar that you have to look forward to is the beginning of each month when the bills have to be paid. I'll agree it's a pretty dark outlook and an overly sensational view at best but take a look at either a yuppie who works 20 hour days or an old grump who gets apples thrown at his house and you'll see someone who fits this profile.

I hate to sound like Master Po from the TV series Kung Fu but you really do have to live within every moment. Take each day one small step at a time and your journey will be much more fruitful. And you need to provide plenty of time for reflection and to remember the time when nothing brought more joy than the sound of the ice cream truck in your neighborhood and the sight of dad putting up the Christmas tree in your living room. Practice the art of staying young. Go for a walk hand in hand through the park at night. Go to a drive-in movie no matter what your age. Or have a glass of wine and dance on the table with your wife. Just don't do it in front of the kids please.


They held each other tight as they drove on through the night they were so excited.
We got just one shot of life, lets take it while were still not afraid.
Because life is so brief and time is a thief when you're undecided.
And like a fistful of sand, it can slip right through your hands.

1981- Rod Stewart's Young Turks

The "NO" List

Lately I'm finding that I'm becoming less tolerant of ignorant people, exorbitant prices on everything I buy, the lack of talent in the music industry, and traffic. Oh there's plenty of other things that get to me but these few are probably the things that concern me most. Before I go any further I have to ask that you not mistake this thread as just another negatively charged whine fest. I realize that occasionally I'll let emotions run the game and I find that some times I spiral out of control. Therefore after every rant that I go on I will lend what I feel is a small solution to the problem. It may not eradicate the situation but if anyone who feels the same way decides to contribute even the smallest of efforts, I have to believe we can have an affect on things. And believe in this I must, otherwise I am doomed to become that grumpy old man that people told me I'd be. The one that kids would throw apples at his house.

So now it's with great pleasure that I bring you what I affectionately call The "NO" List. And depending on what side of 30 years old you find yourself on you're sure to associate with one or two of them. Whether I entertain or enlighten you I'll confide in knowing that I've accomplished what I set out to do. If I offend anyone in the process all I can extend is my sincerest apology. My intentions were never to set out and crucify anyone here but if you sound like the person, the entity, or a corporation that I could be referring to you may have to take a good long look in the mirror and ask yourself if the shoe fits.


No Tom Cruise

This guy is really beginning to bug me. Scientologists in general, but this guy is the poster boy for crazy. I have to wonder every time he says anything if he honestly believes the garbage that comes out of his own mouth. to reference the fact that Scientologists are the only beings that can stop and help someone as they drive by an accident scene is ridiculous. Hey Tom, I'm a Firefighter and an EMT and I can say with all confidence that I myself as well as my brothers and sisters out there can manage just fine. And I don't know of a single Scientologist in the bunch. And it's not just the professionals but good Samaritans who stop and help as well. Contrary to your warped beliefs these people do exist in our world. So what do you and LRH think of that?

To insinuate that Scientologists are so much more supreme than others in this world is an absolute joke. But I guess when your shelling out an obscene amount of money for what you believe is enlightenment one is bound to cling to false promises and brain-washing to feel their self worth. This whole cult must be some pretty powerful stuff because they apparently have quite the following and can boast other big name celebrities like John Travolta, Halle Berry, and Wil Smith. All of these people I respect and enjoy as entertainers but what I can't understand is why are they so soft spoken while Tom is a raging lunatic? Does he believe in his mind that he's a couple thousand bucks short of becoming the next ultimate ecclesiastical authority? And if so, does his holiness Mr. Miscavige know of this?

My solution to this is simple. I'm boycotting all that is Tom, and you should as well. Owning his merchandise and seeing his movies at the box office just puts more money in this twisted little mad man's pocket. Money that will no doubt end up in the hands of his beloved cult and before you know it your entire sub division is buzzing with the rhetoric of these weirdos. I don't know about you but my neighborhood is no place for spaceships, aliens, or anal probes and I'd like to keep it that way.


No Drifting

What is this craze about watching these so-called athletes spin a car around a track on the verge of being totally out of control. Some might argue this very thing is what separates all other drivers from them in the fact that they, the Drifters, are on the very edge of the car's abilities at all times. I have to disagree. It's one thing to be able to perform at the threshold of your car's ability. Meaning going as fast as the vehicle will allow while being just one fraction of an inch from being out of control. This is what I would classify all drivers past and present who pilot purpose built race cars. Drifters on the other hand are always a fraction of an inch over that threshold while never really seeing the full potential of the vehicle. It's more like a circus side show if you will. Nothing more than a moderate speed ballet with a lot of tire smoke. If I wanted to see something like this I'd watch the wannabes leave the local dance club's parking lot at closing time.

Unfortunately I have no real solution to this one. There's nothing I can really do but ignore it if I don't enjoy it and hope that maybe someday the obsession will dwindle. I doubt it will happen anytime soon. This younger generation feels very strongly for their sport compacts and everything else that my generation believes to be nonsense. I can't fathom a drag strip that has more entries under two liters than the ground pounders of my time but that day is surely coming. Face it, all of the gearheads who enjoyed the muscle car days are dying off just as fast as the cars themselves. But it really doesn't matter whether it's cars, fashion, or music. Every generation in time has scratched their heads as to what the younger generation is thinking and I am undoubtedly no different.


No more appetite for oil

Reason number one, Hugo Chavez. What more is there really to say? This totalitarian communist is believed to be the reason for the global destabilization in oil prices resulting in our outrageous amounts we have to pay at the pumps. Chavez, who controls the hemisphere's largest oil reserves, is no doubt a stern opponent of the US. If we continue to rattle this guy's cage as I'm sure we will do, this combination could equate to even tougher times for us financially as well as the possibility of a missile with our name on it courtesy of Iran or any one of his friends in low places.

Reason number two, War. At least for the past three decades most of our wars have been fought over oil. It may not have been the direct initiative that led to the conflict but we have been known to jump in bed with a country and their people in hopes of sharing the wealth. We may not have seen eye to eye on everything with these cultures but we sucked it up and fought right along side them in hopes of assuring our continuous supply of crude. This is not to say that I'm anti-war and that I don't appreciate all that our troops are doing today and have been doing in the past for us. I feel when human rights are violated and atrocities are committed we very well should be there delivering a swift boot in the ass of our opponents. What we don't need to do is send more young men and women home in boxes who's missions were to defend oil fields and their oil-rich countries.

Reason number three, Pollution and the Greenhouse effect. Even if you're not a devout tree hugger or someone tuned in to our declining environment and it's resources you have to know what fossil fuel is doing to our planet. There are so many other ways to power our homes, cars, and towns, but we never seem to move forward with them. If politicians could do what's right for once, and cut their billion dollar embillical cord with big business giants we might stand a chance to explore other options and move toward a cleaner and more economical way to live.

So my idea on this one is not so simple. Both sides of the plan are pretty hard to swallow for most but how high does the price of a gallon of gas have to go before you'll react? I'm thinking it's pretty high because I still see plenty of single occupants in very large vehicles going to work every day.

The first stage of the plan is for everyone to go out and buy a bicycle or a Vespa. If you're fortunate enough like me to have country roads separate you from the office then a pedal bike is the way to go. If your commute is a little longer than you can handle then the Vespa might be the route for you. Either way you're choking up the atmosphere far less than you would in your Escalade, and with the pedal bike you're getting one hell of a great workout in the process. We're a society obsessed with our weight so why not kill two birds with one stone? And there is an abundance of cold weather clothing available to all of the hearty souls who choose to travel this way year-round. If not, car pooling or a smaller vehicle could surely help. This is one facet of change that we have control over. Unlike my second suggestion, only you and you alone have the power to make this change.

Suggestion number two: Move toward more nuclear power. I know when individuals think of this, visions of sterility or three-armed children are usually conjured up. The thing is people, Three Mile Island happened a long time ago and our technology as well as our awareness of how to safely operate these facilities have grown tremendously. Sure we stand a threat of having these large targets out there for our enemies to focus on but here's a news flash, they're going to try and find ways to strike us again even if we don't have them. What we can benefit from is some of the most affordable,clean, and efficient means of power on our planet. And with all the money that's saved we can invest in better security and fail safe systems to ensure that we won't see another incident like they did in Pennsylvania back in '79. The best part would be a decline in our country's reliance on fossil fuels and a lot less broken bank accounts because of it.


No China

My god why can't we figure out ways to manufacture goods right here in the good ol' USA as cheaply as China does. Oh I know why! because we don't violate people's rights and force them to work nineteen hour days for 6 days each week. We don't stack them in dormitories right on the company grounds and resort to cheap threatening tactics to constantly dock their wages. And call me crazy but I'm sure it could be tough to find people here willing to pledge their loyalty to you when you not only treat them like this, but you pay them about six cents an hour.

It's not only sickening to hear what they do to their own people, I'm also tired of what that country is doing to our economy. I can't find lead or steel anymore because we're selling our scrap in boat loads to the highest bidder. And those boats usually dock somewhere in China. The quality and workmanship of most of their products is substandard to say the least yet more and more people are either buying them or having their products made there. And good luck if you have a bright new idea and your low bidder in Shenzhen gets the job. Give them 60 days and your new mousetrap is being marketed to the world by them as well. And usually at lower prices!

Solution: Another tough one seeing that almost everything, or parts of it, are manufactured in that region. If you can sleep at night knowing that women and children worked themselves literally to death to make half of that cart of Wal-Mart goods you bought yesterday then stop reading here. If aiding in the abuse of human beings for a good bargain doesn't sit well with you then check your labels and thoroughly investigate where your next major purchase is coming from. It's time to walk the walk and talk the talk. If you really care about this country, the workers who are employed here, and the companies on our home soil, then show it and buy American. Who knows, along with saving our economy you might save some one's life.


No Politicians who don't deliver

Yeah like this is ever going to happen. Denny Hatch had a great little line on his last web post saying something to the tune of people suffering from Electile Dysfunction —Ed Zuckerman, Proprietor of “Government Policy Newslinks” to Denny Hatch, e-mail, January 23, 2008. This is the inability to become aroused over any of the choices for president put forth by either party in the 2008 election year. It's become harder and harder to pledge your allegiance to any side any more. I used to think I was about as Right as they come but I'm having a hard time with the choices I have in this election. None of them are really appealing to me.

Almost every President that I can remember has left the country in shambles when the keys to the nation have been passed on. And it's all a part of the fact that none of these individuals are or have been accountable for their words and actions. The big topic in this most recent presidential campaign (from both camps) has been the stance on illegal aliens. I really hope someone follows through on this one. I as well as millions of others in this great country of ours has grown tired of increasing health care costs and legal fees because of these people bedding down on our dime. Forgive me if I sound heartless as I really do feel for the people that come here and the hardships they had to endure in their country but if you're going to come here, come here legally. Every candidate has been puffing out their chests and declaring 60, 90, or 120 day time periods for these individuals to comply or face deportation. Great idea! I have no clue as to how they are actually going to do this but we'll leave the details up to them. This is what we pay them the big money to do. All I ask is that they themselves and their administration follow through.

But like the majority of politicians in this world who have broken countless promises to us I'm not expecting this to happen soon if at all. Once they're in office they become puppets for big oil, tobacco, or any other group who can line their campaign's pockets and assure a nice long candidacy. It's no longer an issue about the people and their needs and concerns, it's more about what's in their agenda.

My suggestion in all of this is that we the taxpayers, legal citizens, and voters need to be more accountable ourselves. It's one thing to sit with a group of co-workers at the water fountain and complain about this or write stories on a blog. It's another when you write your congressman or local politician and let them know how you feel and what you want to see being done. We also need to pay less attention to being part of any one side and more attention on the issues that a candidate plans on tackling. Regardless of their being left or right. There used to be a time when you wore your political position like a badge of honor and you didn't deviate from it no matter what. I think we need to put an end to this once and for all. It makes no sense any more since we have so many politicians who are Conservative Democrats and vice versa. Pay attention to what matters and maybe we'll find someone who'll make a difference.

No ELF (Earth Liberation Front)

Apparently the nut doesn't fall far from the tree. It seems as though the activists of decades past have spawned ignorant cry babies who are as much a threat to us as any other terrorist group in the world. Paint it any color you like. As long as you're disrupting the peaceful lives of individuals and destroying their property and livelihood then in my book you've left activist status and are now nothing more than a terrorist. Plain and simple.

Now I love this planet just as much as the next guy and I'm hoping there's going to be something left of it for my great grandchildren to enjoy. I just think there are more productive and resourceful ways of ensuring this. Most of which do not include incendiary devices.

So who are these people? It's tough to say so forget racial profiling on this one. They're every color, religion, and they come from many different backgrounds. Students, music teachers, soccer coaches, you name it. Anyone who has strong feelings against something or someone, and very little grey space to understand right from wrong is a good candidate. Sounds like any other menace to society now doesn't it? The only difference is that these individuals are cloaked in a polished suburban image that blends in nicely with their surroundings.

Although sometimes a bit spacey, many activists have very noble causes and feel very strongly about their issues and I can respect that. As long as your demonstrations target the right individual or corporation and nothing is harmed in the process, I feel you have every right to assemble and voice your opinions. But how do these morons from ELF even begin to believe that it's a fair trade off to fire bomb universities and burn down million dollar homes to prove their point? They're not even close to being part of the solution, just more of a problem.

The funny thing about these clueless people are that they come from all walks of life and they still couldn't muster up the collective IQ to do their homework before a job in 2001. They planted a devastating fire bomb at the University of Washington that destroyed its Center for Urban Horticulture and do you know why? It was because they believed researchers there were genetically engineering trees. They were wrong. And the question arises as to what could be so wrong with genetically engineering a tree? Cloning or genetically engineering a human? maybe, but a tree! Even if the university was involved in these types of studies I'm failing to understand what the issue is here. We need more trees in this world to begin with so I would think there are bigger tragedies to conquer. Luckily no one was hurt in the blast but if they keep up with this type of behavior it's just a matter of time before someone does. It might not be the individuals targeted but an innocent civilian, cop, or firefighter.

So my solution to this one is for all of you to get a life! Half of the stuff you're bickering about is trivial to begin with so find a cause that's worthwhile and try really hard not to blow anything up in the process. And if you just can't find it in yourselves to do this then maybe you should consider living elsewhere. That's the great thing about America. The door is not only opened to accept new citizens who want to embrace our way of life and taste freedom, it's open to throw out jackasses like yourselves who don't know how good they got it.

So Long 2007

It's that time of the year again, and it comes quicker and quicker it seems.

As in years past this is the time when we reflect on all that we've accomplished, failed to do, or brushed under the rug until next time. It's a time for resolutions, and in most cases very high expectations of ourselves in the upcoming year. Whether it's to call a friend after losing touch or losing weight after gaining a few, most of these missions we embark on seem trivial to some while being monumental to others. When I think of the amount of things on my plate alone I can easily see why I can't find time to better take care of myself or tie up some of the loose ends from resolution's past. I'm about three years behind on mine but I'm hoping this year will be my lucky one.

Whatever your resolutions are I hope you attain them. May your burdens be scarce and your joys be plenty. May your houses be filled with the love of family and the laughter of friends. And may you outperform any expectations of yourself and outrage all who don't believe in you.

Happy New Year!

The Health Insurance farce. What did happen to patient care?

Everybody knows how frustrating it is today when you have to visit the doctor's office or an emergency room. It comes as no surprise to anyone when the staff would rather have you bleed all over the floor to make certain that all the insurance forms are filled out properly rather than get you immediate attention. And then regardless of the discomfort you're in, outside of full blown cardiac arrest, you're herded into a waiting room for what seems like days.

For the most part it's not the health care professionals that I feel cause this bottleneck. I find it inconceivable that a doctor or their staff would enjoy the reams of paperwork that needs to be filled out on their patients when they visit. I mean you go to med school for how many years to become a paper jockey? I went to school for a fraction of that time to become an EMT and the last thing on my mind that I choose to do is the run report. You want to practice what you were taught to do. That's what brought you to the field in the first place!

The reason for this inconvenience is two-fold. The first being a need to cover themselves from a malpractice lawsuit and the second is the almighty dollar. I fully understand the first issue. Unlike our European friends we here in the USA live in a litigation crazy world where the loss of your livelihood is only a court appearance away. As aggravating as that alone is, it's the second issue that chaps my rump and a million others like me. It's the fact that the insurance companies are more interested in their bottom line than the policy holder's well being. Gone are the days of a lollipop and a twenty-five dollar office visit. Enter the days of forty-five dollar acetaminophen, aspirin to you and I but it sounds more expensive that way, and about a grand a day for the room alone. And we can't forget the plethora of individuals lined up with their hands out for everything from ten minute consultations to obscenely priced lab time.

It is truly a wonder how far we've come from the days of house calls and real compassion for the patient. Clinics and hospitals have forced everyone working within them to be so aware of their bottom line that they miss the real reason why a lot of them got into the field in the first place. I personally don't feel like I have an identity any more. They just stack them up and run them out so fast that they hardly get to know you. And if you are lucky enough to have the same family doctor for a period of more than a year, chances are you'll pay more out of your pocket sooner than you think when the policy changes and the new list of individuals who share in the plan does not include them.

This is the part where I step aside and let someone take over who writes a bit more eloquently than I do. Someone who's articles I really enjoy reading and who I think puts this whole thing in perfect perspective. It's by Denny Hatch, and he wrote an article titled “Sicko” — Did Michael Moore Get It Right? A Comparison of Emergency Rooms on Two Continents. Even though I'd be the first person to say that anything involving the words of Michael Moore wouldn't warrant my attention, I think you'll find it most interesting.

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