LETS GET OUT OF 2008!

Lessons Learned!

Greetings from the dark side. I have not posted in quite a while due to a horrible two months healthwise. I won't bore you with all the detail, but as I turn 71 it makes me think about how we view our health and in particular my own. When we were young, it was a no-brainer. When you turn the last corner, it gets your attention.

I believe that in dealing with our health there is a spectrum of approachs ranging from denial to hypochondria. Being a stupid macho man, I am on the denial side, but have learned from experience to try to limit my denial. In 1982 I was definitely on the denial side. I was only forty-four, a little overweight, but a jogger. I did not have pain, but certainly felt that something was wrong that life changing afternoon. I remember sitting at my desk and thinking that I had never felt like this before. Must be the flu. I actually got on the company plane and went on a two day trip to introduce mozzarella sticks. I even took my running shoes. DENIAL! This doesn't happen to me. I am only forty-four and in good general health.

On the trip I kept thinking that if I could just eat something I would feel better, but I couldn't eat. In Atlanta the next morning I looked at my running shoes on the bed and thought maybe a run would make me feel better. Moving off my denial a little, I said to myself that that would be stupid. Thank God I took my own advice.

I did make a doctor's appointment from Philly. In my mind I knew something was not right. Must be the flu.

When I saw the doctor, he said it was probably the flu but wanted to do an EKG. He then said,"Sam, you have had a heart attack". Eight weeks of recovery led me to a angiogram and the discovery I had 95% blockage. They recommended coronary bypass and proceeded to a quintuple job.

It is interesting to note that my greatest career success came after all of this. I wasn't dead yet. In 1995 I got a sextuple bypass. That's a total of eleven grafts. I often refer to my heart as my McGyver heart. Juryrigged to make it work.

Of course in 2006 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That wasn't supposed to happen. I am a heart disease man. However, getting my regular PSA identified it early and radiation killed it along with Richard (Dick) Johnson.

I had radiation because it was discovered that I could not take the anesthesia because of a heart anomaly. This led to the diagnosis that my heart was in a state of cardiomypathy (heart failure). Now that's more like it. No stinking cancer for me. The diagnosis was of no surprise.

After too many tests, my cardioligist determined that my extraction factor (EF) was 35%, when normal is 65%. 35% is the low point in considering a defribrillator implant. I decided against it. That brings me to November 2008.

The new Echocardiogram showed that in seven months the EF factor went from an estimated 35% to 30%. The doc and I had the defrib discussion once again. Since I still felt well, I chose to delay again. After thinking about it and reading my clinical report I decided to "Get ur done"!

Here is a portion of that report.

Mr. Arnold suffers from ischemic cardiomyopathy. He is about 26 years out from an anterior MI. We

actually have not done an EKG on him for many years so we got

one. Compared to 1995, his EKG shows sinus rhythm with the old

anterior septal MI. He has not developed a left bundle branch

block. His most recent echocardiogram shows perhaps further

deterioration in LV function. The end systolic dimension is up a

little bit as is the end diastolic. The estimated ejection

fraction is 30%. We once again discussed the possibility of a

defibrillator. He would not require resynchronization therapy

with functional class II symptoms, but I certainly think it

should be considered. He has really been reluctant to take this

step. Would like to continue to monitor this situation. We did

discuss it at length.

Well-nourished, well-developed older gentleman in no acutedistress.

The "older gentleman" part pissed me off. DENIAL!

I needed to stop denying. I am old in body, but damnit I am young of mind

On December 9, I had the surgery. It was easy, local and a one night stay.

Now after the implant, I wondered why get one. Of course the reason is if I have cardiac arrest the defribrillator with get her going again. But what happens then. Wait for the next incidence and finally die anyway. Something to ponder.

One week later I started with a cough. I felt worse and worse each day and was running a fever. My cough was so hard I thought my heart would come out.

After trying unsuccessfully to get an appointment with my doctor (that's a whole different story) I went to Urgent Care.

I told the doctor that I thought it was my age old bronchial infection once again. She gave me an antibiotic and sent me on my way. It got worse. I finally spoke to my Doctor's nurse and described what was going on. My sputum was a rust color. That meant blood, primarily because my blood thickness, went out of whack. She advised me to go to the emergency room. I told her I would go the next day. She insisted that I go immediately. After finally seeing a doctor, they diagnosed pneumonia. I guess I already knew in my mind what was coming. I had had pneumonia before. DENIAL/REALITY!

I spent the next three days in the hospital and got out on Christmas Eve. Nice Christmas!

I am on the mend. With all my issues, I have still felt good up until two weeks ago. I have found that having pneumonia makes you feel lousy. The implant is not even on my radar.

I guess my lesson in life is control your denial. It can happen to you. Listen to your body, but try not to think every little thing is a medical problem. That will drive you crazy. People who are in total denial are those men who don't go to the doctor for a prostate check because of (well you know) and women who don't do regular mammograms.

What I do know that I am a very lucky man. God's plan has given me twenty-six years of relatively good health and more success than I ever could have hoped.

2009 will be a better year.

Sam

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THEY GET IT RIGHT! I THINK?????

Observation of the Day!

This was my Capricorn horoscope for today, December 14.

If you let others know you can change for them, they'll ask you to do so. Consider whether deep down you really want to do things differently. Maybe what you really want is someone to accept you as you are.

Have a nice day!

Sam

I HATE "OLD" JOKES

Observation of the Day!

I'm glad I'm not old yet.

'OLD' IS WHEN...
Your sweetie says, 'Let's go upstairs
and make love,' and you answer,
'Pick one; I can't do both!'

I wish I were so lucky!

'OLD' IS WHEN...
Your friends compliment you
on your new alligator shoes
and you're barefoot.

Saves a lot of money on Alligator shoes !


'OLD' IS WHEN...
A sexy babe catches your fancy
and your pacemaker opens the garage door,

Getting a pacemaker tomorrow. Maybe I should disconnect the garage door!

'OLD' I S WHEN...
Going braless
pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.

Cheap face lift!

'OLD' IS WHEN...
You don't care where your spouse goes,
just as long as you don't have to go along.

Amen Brother!

'OLD' IS WHEN...
You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor

instead of by the police

Don't worry about the cops, you are already driving below the speed limit in the fast lane

'OLD' IS WHEN...
'Getting a little action'
means you don't need to take any fiber today.

That will be the day!

'OLD' IS WHEN...
'Getting lucky' means you find your car
in the parking lot.

Happened to me today!

'OLD' IS WHEN...
An 'all-nighter' means not getting up
to use the bathroom.

The DEPENDS work really well and save time.

AND

'OLD' IS WHEN...
You are not sure these are jokes?

JOKES? These were jokes????

Have a nice day!

Sammycarl

SECRET SANTA!

Observation of the Season

Christmas is not about getting. It is about giving. The satisfaction of giving far exceeds what we might get.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For 26 years, a man known only as Secret Santa has roamed the streets every December quietly giving people money. He started with $5 and $10 bills. As his fortune grew, so did the gifts. In recent years, Secret Santa has been handing out $100 bills, sometimes two or three at a time, to people in thrift stores, diners and parking lots. So far, he's anonymously given out about $1.3 million. It's been a long-held holiday mystery: Who is Secret Santa?

But now, weak from chemotherapy and armed with a desire to pass on his belief in random kindness, Secret Santa has decided it's time to reveal his identity.

He is Larry Stewart, a 58-year-old businessman from the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., who made his millions in cable television and long-distance telephone service.

His holiday giving started in December 1979 when he was nursing his wounds at a drive-in restaurant after getting fired. It was the second year in a row he had been fired the week before Christmas.

"It was cold and this car hop didn't have on a very big jacket, and I thought to myself, `I think I got it bad. She's out there in this cold making nickels and dimes,'" he said.

He gave her $20 and told her to keep the change.

"And suddenly I saw her lips begin to tremble and tears begin to flow down her cheeks. She said, 'Sir, you have no idea what this means to me.'"

Stewart went to the bank that day and took out $200, then drove around looking for people who could use a lift. That was his "Christmas present to himself." He's hit the streets each December since.

While Stewart has also given money to other community causes in Kansas City and his hometown of Bruce, Miss., he offers the simple gifts of cash because it's something people don't have to "beg for, get in line for, or apply for."

That was a feeling he came to know in the early '70s when he was living out of his yellow Datsun 510. Hungry and tired, Stewart mustered the nerve to approach a woman at a church and ask for help.

The woman told him the person who could help was gone for the day, and Stewart would have to come back the next day.

"As I turned around, I knew I would never do that again," Stewart said.

Doctors told Stewart in April that he had cancer of the esophagus and it had spread to his liver. He has been lucky, he says, to get into a clinical trial at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. But the aggressive chemotherapy has stripped away his appetite and energy. He's lost about 100 pounds, but has held onto his white hair.

The treatment costs more than $16,000 a month, not including the cost of traveling to Houston every two weeks and staying there for five or six days. He now has two months off, but returns to treatment in February.

His insurance company won't cover the cost of the treatment, which has left him concerned about his finances and his family.

Now, his mission is bigger than handing out $100 bills. Stewart wants to speak to community groups about his devotion to kindness and to inspire others to donate their time and money.

"That's what we're here for," Stewart says, "to help other people out."

Think about it.

Sam

THIS JUST IN!

News you need to know, or not!

E.P.A. may charge fees for 'air-polluting' livestock
(MEATPOULTRY.com, December 05, 2008)
by Bryan Salvage

MONTGOMERY, ALA. – Belching and gaseous cattle and hogs may start costing livestock ranchers money if a federal proposal to charge fees for air-polluting animals becomes law, according to The Associated Press. Livestock ranchers are understandably against the notion, which is one of several put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases emitted by belching and flatulence amounts to air pollution.

"This is one of the most ridiculous things the federal government
has tried to do," said Ron Sparks, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner,
who is an outspoken opponent of the proposal.

The measure would require farms or ranches with more than 25 dairy
cows, 50 beef cattle or 200 hogs to pay an annual fee of about $175 for
each dairy cow, $87.50 per head of beef cattle and $20 for each hog.

Ken Hamilton, executive vice-president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau
Federation, estimates the fee would cost owners of a modest-sized
cattle ranch $30,000 to $40,000 a year. He said he has talked to many livestock owners about the proposals, and "all have said if the fee were carried out, it would bankrupt them."

Mr. Sparks is worried the fee could be extended to chickens and
other farm animals and cause more meat to be imported to the U.S.
"We'll let other countries put food on our tables like they are putting
gas in our cars," Mr. Sparks said. "Other countries don't have the
health standards we have."

A tax on cow farts?????

*****

PORT ST. LUCIE — A 20-year-old woman told police the wig she was wearing got snatched by an ex-boyfriend, who pedaled away on a bicycle, according to a report released Monday.
The victim said she left a party and was walking east on Southeast Voltair Terrace about 3 a.m. Friday when her ex-boyfriend came up on a bicycle. Nice transportation.

She said he started arguing and yanked off a black wig that was sewn to her natural blond hair. The ex-boyfriend reportedly slapped her after she began chasing him.

Investigators found the victim's hair in "disorder." She said she and the alleged wig-snatcher lived together for eight months. She knew his first name, but apparently recalled only the first letter of his last name.

The ex-boyfriend called the victim's cell phone while an officer was there. Speaking to an officer via the cell phone, he admitted pulling the wig off and leaving when the victim started crying and said she was calling authorities.

The ex-boyfriend hung up after police asked for his last name. Investigators continue to try to identify the alleged wig-puller.

They walk among us!

*****

The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.

"My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway," said Reid in his remarks. "In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true."

But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.

And that's not all. "We have many bathrooms here, as you can see," Reid continued. "Souvenirs are available."

$621 million well spent. The budget was overrun by a factor of three and years late and Harry thinks its funny!

The odor is not from the American citizens, but from the members themselves. What an arrogant ASS! And he is the Senate Democratic leader.

*****

BRAINERD, Minn. - A 20-year-old Brainerd man had been out of jail for just minutes when authorities say he walked across the street and stole a sheriff's department vehicle used for undercover operations.

The man was taken back to jail less than an hour after he was released Wednesday.

I think he was not ready to leave home. Probably didn't want to miss pizza day.

*****

The Iowa woman who was caught having random sex in a Metrodome bathroom before a cheering crowd of onlookers Saturday during the Iowa-Minnesota football game said she was so drunk on wine that she doesn't remember anything about the incident, the Des Moines Register reported this afternoon.

"It's ruined my life," Ya Think? Lois Feldman, 38, of Carroll, told the Register.
Feldman, a married mother of three, told the newspaper that she was fired today from an assisted living center, where she had been an administrator.

"I don't know what happened," Feldman told the Register. "But I don't deny that it did happen, because obviously there are police reports."

Feldman said she'd never met Walsh.

"I don't know who this man is," she told the Register. "I just found out his name in the paper."
A security guard discovered the two having sex in a handicapped stall, police said. Police were summoned, and they interrupted the two.

Walsh was released to his girlfriend and Feldman to her husband, police said. It was a long ride home to Iowa

Police say that Walsh had also been drinking. Ya Think?

At least the part of the crowd had something to cheer about. Iowa won 55-00

*****

FORT LUPTON — Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs" may begin with the line, "I've been alive forever,'" but for noise ordinance violators, listening to Manilow may feel like forever.
Fort Lupton Municipal Judge Paul Sacco says his novel punishment of forcing noise violators to listen to music they don't like for one hour has cut down on the number of repeat offenders in this northwestern Colorado prairie town.

Talk about cruel and unusual punishment!

*****

BEIJING (AP) - A college student in southern China was bitten by a panda after he broke into the bear's enclosure hoping to get a hug, state media and a park employee said Saturday.
The park in Guilin, a popular tourist town in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, houses a small zoo and a panda exhibit. It was virtually deserted when the student scaled the fence surrounding the panda, named Yang Yang, the employee said.

He said the student was bitten in the arms and legs. Two foreign visitors who saw the attack ran to get help from workers at a nearby refreshment stand, who notified park officials, the employee said.

The student was pale as he was taken away by medics but appeared clear-headed ????, he said.
"Yang Yang was so cute and I just wanted to cuddle him. I didn't expect he would attack," You f*****g idiot.

*****

Florida Boy Arrested For Gas Attack
12-year-old charged after deliberately "breaking wind" in class

NOVEMBER 21--A 12-year-old Florida student was arrested earlier this month after he "deliberately passed gas to disrupt the class," according to police. The child, who was also accused of shutting off the computers of classmates at Stuart's Spectrum Jr./Sr. High School, was busted November 4 for disruption of a school function. A Martin County Sheriff's Office report, a copy of which you'll find below, notes that the 4' 11" offender admitted that he "continually disrupted his classroom environment by breaking wind and shutting off several computers." The boy, whose name was redacted from the police report released today, was turned over to his mother following the arrest. The young perp turned 13 on November 15. (2 pages)

A story he will tell his grandchildren and his grandchildren will be proud!

*****

Tijuana funeral business booming, With all the drugers killing each other there is a lot of dead work to be done.

There is always a bright side.

And that's the news from here!

Have a nice day!

Sammy Carl

A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING!

Observation of the Day!

And so ends another Thanksgiving holiday, The Christmas season has officially begun. I think Thanksgiving is a wonderful week. It is more than the day of stuffing our stuffing. Everybody has something to be thankful for no matter how small. It is easy if you just put things aside for a moment to think.

This Thanksgiving week was most significant for your old Blogger. Little Eva Marie Reyna came into the world, eight pounds and one ounce.

Carolina had been in mild contractions for about two weeks. On Tuesday we went to the hospital because we thought the time had come. No, not quite ready. The doctor did some manipulation (hey, I'm a guy. What do I know?) I went to Carolina's house Wednesday and waited until she said go. And go we did. I got Maddie and Ricky ready and away we went to get a new sister.

It was a slow process, but things started to heat up. Carolina wanted me to take the kids home so they wouldn't see their mommy in pain. At 8:26 after about five hours intensive labor Eva Marie became a person. The pregnancy had been a difficult one, and the delivery was even tougher. She lost a lot of blood. The baby was born right on the due date. For what ever reason you don't see that very often. A full term with some weight seems to wipe out the prunish affect. She is gorgeous with lots of black hair under her beanie. Of course every parent and grandparent says that. Realistically, she just looks like a healthy baby. Babies are all beautiful. The only ugly one was on a Seinfeld episode.

The whole experience for Carolina has been hard. Of course the pregnancy itself was a surprise. She had vomited her birth control shortly after taking it. Boom! Boom! I was in California when I received her tearful call. She had actually considered for a brief period terminating the pregnancy, but her rational caring self ruled it out. I told her to look at her beautiful children. The baby deserves a chance. This whole situation from conception to birth has straightened my belief that all life begins at conception and a baby deserves a chance at life, no matter what the situation.

This was not the end of the difficulties. It seems that the placenta was in the wrong place at first. The situation eventually corrected itself, but the uncomfortable pregnancy continued. Next up was blood clot that could have become more serious if the doctor didn't diagnose the situation correctly. That was scary.

Carolina was always concerned about what was going to happen. When I went to San Diego in October, she confided in me that she had a vision that shook her. The vision intimated that we would never see each other again. At first my self-centered reaction was that she was concerned about my heart situation. I quickly realized she was talking about her own mortality. We made it back together at the end of October.

After Eva Marie was born, Carolina confided in me that she thought the baby would have a defect. She was scared. Eva Marie is not "defected". She is perfect.

Due to her blood loss and evening delivery, they kept her three nights. At 5:14 Saturday morning, I received a text message saying she had had a bad night and had cried much of the night. She then added, "Sam, I need you!". Wow! Those were the greatest words I could ever hear from a person I consider a daughter.

I went to the hospital to comfort her, When I approached the bed she hugged me and cried, It seems that a dark nightmare had scared her. I know that hormones probably played a role in this incident, but that doesn't make it easier.

After Maddie was born she did experience a period of scary postpartum depression, and I have always been concerned about that. After I told the nurse, she had the night resident stop by. He was an Indian with a pretty heavy Indian accent. However, ESL Carolina seemed to understand him better than she does me sometimes. There was some humor in his questioning though. He used very technical medical terms such as, "Did you pooh?" and "Did you pee?"

On Saturday afternoon Carolina. Raul. Luis, Ricky and Maddie took Eva Marie to her new home. Maddie now is the big sister rather than the supreme princess. We will see out that works out.

So you see why I have so much to be thankful for this 2008 Thanksgiving week.

I am thankful for all who have touched in my life.

Good Bless you all as we move forward into the season.

Sam

RANDOM THOUGHTS!

Observation of the Day!

1. I was taken by the auto industry CEOs presentation or lack of at their recent testimony before our astute lawmakers.

Many of my readers have been in industry and participated in the annual planning process. I doubt very much if these CEOs would allow their managers to come to a meeting so unprepared and without a plan.

2. How does a small bag of tools lost in space costs $100,000? So far nobody has ask.

3. How can NFL officiating be so bad even with instant replay?

4. Let's decide the Coleman/Franken election battle with a cage match.

5. Does Barney Frank remind you of Elmer Fudd?

Have a nice day!

Sam

EARTH, FLAME, MOON AND WATER!

The Space Shuttle Endeavor Space Shot!

A fantastic photograph!

Have a nice day!

Sam

IT HAS COME TO THIS!

Oservation of the Day!

I have talked about the Rock church in San Diego. Below is a email Pastor Miles McPherson sent to the Rock congregation. The church position was naturally Yes on Prop 8. Their position has always been one of hate the sin, love the sinner. If you have ever been to this church you would understand they live by this. Their religious beliefs stem from the Bible's teaching, and they believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Whether that is your belief is for or against is
irrelevant. I believe this church is tolerant. I know this is not true of all right-oriented churches.

Pastor Miles has always said that we are tolerant, and he wonders why the gay community can't be tolerant of his beliefs. What the Rock Church is most against is being forced against their core beliefs to marry people, under the threat of losing their tax status.

My own belief is that it should not be taught in schools at the lower grades. The California Teachers Union says that that is not part of the bill. They are right. I would have to ask, why did the Union give a million dollars for the NO side? The tactic of the left is always to get their foot in the door and than sue for expansion.

Even Elton John made the point that the Gay community should have pushed for a civil union solution.

The following is an email from Pastor Miles. It has come to this, Sad to say.

As you may be aware, there have been a number of No On 8 protests around the country since the election. As recent as today there was a protest in downtown San Diego. We anticipate that there may be protestors at some point tomorrow at the Rock.

People have the constitutional right to demonstrate as long as they are not blocking an entrance to the building (steps) or disturbing the service in any way. The police have been notified and will be ready to assist us. We do not anticipate that being necessary but they will be ready. Please be patient with our security as they will be more stringent than usual in their inspection of bags entering the building.

Also take note of the following in the event that you should encounter any demonstrators:

Don't engage in conversation if possible.
Don't make prolonged eye contact.
Avoid physical contact but of course you have the right protect or defend yourself and the church from injury or property damage. We expect peaceful demonstrators but you never know.
Disturbances in the service will be received with spontaneous worship by the congregation while the security team responds.
If you witness any acts of hate against a person or property, (personal, church or that of our neighbors at Liberty station) get a good description of the offender or take a picture and call the police immediately. Our address is 2277 Rosecrans St. Walk with a friend if you can. Rock Security will be readily available to help and will be wearing black RSM shirts.
Keep in mind that these protests are a form of religious persecution. This is to be expected against those who stand for biblical principles and Jesus gives us clear guidelines to our response.

Matthew 6:43-46 - "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?"

Sincerely,
Pastor Miles

It is a day that could be better, but enjoy it anyway!

Sam

THIS JUST IN!

All the News You Need to Know, or Not!

Lindsay Lohan referred to President-elect Barack Obama as the country's "first colored president" in an interview on Access Hollywood. Describing her experience on Election Day, Lohan said: "It was really exciting. It's an amazing feeling. It's our first colored president."

I haven't heard that expression since to 50s. She really knows her history

*****

A Jersey City councilman has reportedly been arrested for urinating on a crowd of concertgoers from the balcony of a Washington D.C. nightclub.

The New York Daily News reports in Sunday's editions that two-term Jersey City councilman Steve Lipski has been charged with simple assault.

That's after club staffers saw him relieve himself onto the crowd from a second floor balcony during a concert by a Grateful Dead tribute band.

Must have been a bad cover of the Dead. Was there alcohol involved?

*****

With no golf on his schedule, John Daly says he went to North Carolina to have fun with some friends.

What followed was a night in jail to sober up, a photo of Daly in orange coveralls with his eyes half-open, and the kind of publicity that seems to accompany the two-time major champion no matter where he goes.

"Nothing is going right in my life right now," Daly said in a telephone interview Sunday. "I'm going through a hell of a divorce. I haven't seen my son. It was an unfortunate incident, but it's a joke what people are saying. I take full responsibility for what happened, but it wasn't that big of a deal."

According to Winston-Salem police, Daly appeared "extremely intoxicated and uncooperative" when he was found outside a Hooters restaurant early Oct. 27. With no other means of transportation, he was taken to the Forsyth County jail for 24 hours to get sober.

Daly said it could have been avoided if his friends had realized he tends to sleep with his eyes open when he's tired, stressed and has been drinking. He said the driver of his private bus, parked near Hooters, panicked when he saw Daly and called the paramedics.

Sleeps with his eyes open???? How he do dat! Nothing good happens outside of Hooters after it closes.

*****

Here's the deal. Boxer Joe Frazier's last opponent, Floyd “Jumbo” Cummings, is suing ESPN Classic, claiming the broadcast of his fight has basically ruined his life. P.S. ... He's serving a life sentence for armed robbery.

It took him a long time to remember why his life was ruined.

*****

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says a Georgia nonprofit is offering $10,000 to an engaged couple that agrees to abstain from premarital sex. The deadline is Oct. 31.

So far, they haven't received any entries, even though the prize includes free flowers and other wedding-related freebies.

Faust's standard on premarital sex reportedly shifted during the interview, so now she's willing to entertain entries from couples that have had sex but now acknowledge that it was wrong to do so.

When it doesn't work out, change the rules.

A top aide to N.Y. Gov. David Paterson didn't pay his taxes for five years because of "non-filer syndrome," his lawyer says.

"These are very high-functioning people who otherwise can complete all of the ordinary tasks in their lives," Richard Kestenbaum, a lawyer who's representing Charles O'Byrne, tells the Daily News. "But there is something that they can't do, and many times that causes them not to be able to file their tax returns."

The New York Times says it couldn't find any sign of this condition in the diagnostic manual. Paterson, a Democrat, tells the News he doesn't believe "non-filer syndrome" exists.

Really? I wonder if it is covered by Medicare

*****

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Student volunteers from colleges around New York State braved freezing cold temperatures on their bikes Wednesday to send a message to state and federal political candidates: pay attention to climate change.

I wonder if they were wearing wool biker shorts.

*****

Enter the Lingerie Football League, a 10-team, full-contact, professional football league for ladies launching in fall 2009. San Diego's very own franchise, the Seduction, will hold tryouts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Kate Sessions Park.

"San Diego will be home to the LFL's San Diego Seduction, which will comprise of San Diego's most attractive and athletic women," the news release reads. "We will meet with many San Diego-based women during Saturday's mini-camp and test the ladies through a series of football drills."

Hey now we"re talkin'!

BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) — Miss Teen Louisiana is losing her crown 11 days early after being arrested on charges of leaving a restaurant without paying and carrying marijuana.

*****

A story in the paper described a recent crime that involved two transients, and since we don't wish to make light of it, we'll omit the details -- except for this one, which showed how life has changed since the previous Depression.

During a search, police found that the assailant had taken the victim's iPod and Nintendo DS.

What recession?

Until next time!

Sammy Carl

COINCIDENCE?????????

Observation of the Day!

On Monday, November 10, Carolina, Maddie and I were driving downtown for a doctor's appointment. She called her brother, a medical student in Mexico, about a medical symptom she had with her pregnancy. I never cease to be amazed by our modern technology. Driving in my car having a conversation to Mexico as an routine occurrence.

I mentioned to Carolina that it was in 1995, thirteen years ago today. that I had my last heart surgery. She commented that it was thirteen years ago on November 3, that she left her home in southern Mexico to make her way to the United States. It was on November 3, that I had the angiogram to set up the surgery. And here we were driving down the freeway as best friends in the USA. I am the grandfather to her kids. Being a grandparent doesn't have to have a biological link. It is a state of mind. Their family has given me more pleasure and meaning than I could ever give them.

We have often marveled at how two people with from such different worlds in so many ways found each other. Somehow paths cross and lifetime relationships begin that can change a life or life path. You all have these relationships.

I received an email today from a friend fighting cancer. He included a quote that inspired him. It inspired me in the same way, and perhaps helps explain the phenomenon of Sam and Carolina.

"COINCIDENCE IS GOD'S WAY OF REMAINING ANONYMOUS"

Have a nice day!

Sam

CELEBRATION OF LIFE!

Observation of the Day!

What happened to the sad funerals of our youth? My first experience with funerals was as a boy in my early teens, when my maternal grandparents died. It seemed there was a lot if crying and sadness. I had a heavy heavy heart. Today, it seems the non-Irish have adopted the tradition of the Irish wake with less drinking.

Funerals have become a Celebration of the Life of the deceased. This non-Irish wake is fun. That’s the wrong way to express it, but it truly is a celebration and celebrations are good times.

My first experience with a Celebration of Life, although it was not called that at the time, was when my paternal grandmother died. I was married and living in California when the call came. I made the trip back to Indiana. We gathered at the funeral home, and I saw family and friends I had not seen in years. Grandma lay in her casket, while her friends and family got together to remember. I remember that I felt a little strange when I found myself laughing during a ritual of death.

When my Dad died, we had the viewing, which is part of the Celebration of Life process. Over 250 people signed the guest register. He would have been amazed that he had touched those many people’s lives.

It was a rather large room. The casket was on one end and my mother, who had had a stroke and was showing signs of dementia sat at the other side of the room. Friends and family all greeted her. She was the queen with her subjects paying homage.

After it was over and we took her home, she sat in her chair, quite content and said, “I had such a good time tonight.” It was a sad time, but I knew what she meant.

Last week I went to another Celebration of Life. Al went quickly and his friends and family gathered at the church. The service itself was wonderful. The eulogies were meaningful and funny, as they recalled the life of a kindly curmudgeon, who read to schoolchildren. It is funny how a blunt, opinionated, often judgmental old man becomes a well remembered curmudgeon when he passed. Maybe there is hope for me after all.

His casket was covered with a blanket with the hand prints of his young reading audience. Al liked to sing. He sang barbershop and in the choir. Earlier he recorded How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. When he completed the recordings he gave them to his daughter saying, ”Here, I want you to play these at my funeral.” Al was old school. He did not call it a celebration.

So here we were listening to Al sing at his own funeral. It was moving. He sang without accompaniment. He had a very pure voice. It was definitely singing, but it had a little of the flavor of an actor who is not a great singer, but somehow sings in an almost conversational and personal manner. Bob Dylan sings a little like that, but Al was a better singer. It truly was the celebration of Al’s life. We had lunch and then Al was buried and life goes on.

His last goodbye was interesting. The staff at his assisted living home was having a meeting, when one of the monitors went off, the one Al wore in case of an emergeny. He got the last laugh tormenting his caregivers, as he left for home.

Have a nice day!

Sam

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY!

Observation of the Day!

In my search for a Rock Church in Minnesota, I attended a service at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. In the Bible passage the pastor used today, I found some meaning in how to live a transitional life.

Romans 9.-12

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with broherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

God Bless!

Have a nice day!

Samuel

NO POST ELECTION BLUES HERE!

Observation of the Day!

I guess I owe my loyal readers a view of the election. Mostly I am glad it is over. Politicians spent $5.3 B winning and losing. Imagine what we might have done for the good if we weren't subjected to the never ending negative ads. It is like watching sausage being made.

In an earlier post I told you I would by voting for McCain and most importantly why. I did not attack Obama and even said I thought Obama would win. However, I don't necessarily feel distraught about the Obama victory. He has a great American story. While I wonder about the experience level, it does not concern me because I think he will surround himself with strong advisers. However, he must move to the center more. America cannot possibly afford all of the things he proposed during the campaign.

The success of an Obama presidency depends on performance, but he has a clean slate in my book. There are tough times ahead. A strong part of a presidency will be his ability to communicate, something George Bush couldn't do on his best day. If he can work in a bi-partisan way, he can really solve many problems that the Congress brings upon us. At least the Democrats did not get a super majority. I urge the congressional constituencies keep up the pressure on the fact that America is tired of the way Congress does our business.

I think McCain, Bush and others were gracious in defeat. Perhaps Obama can bring us closer together as a nation.

This election brings to mind John F. Kennedy's election in 1960. He campaigned on a new dawning for America. He was the first Democrat in the post WWll era. One of the things he proposed was reducing taxes to get the economy moving again. JFK inspired. Today, Kennedy would more like a Republican. The Depression/WWll generation gave way to the Baby-boomer generation. Obama now becomes president of the post baby-boomer generation, born after 1960. Perhaps it is once again a new beginning. I hope so. The ball is in his court.

Perhaps my vote for McCain was my last hoo-rah for the relevancy of my generation. The future belongs to the younger. Remember they someday the youth of today will be in the same "old" boat.

God Bless America!

Samuel C. Arnold

Note: To learn more about generatioal transition and history, I recommend the book Generations: The History of America's Future by Wiliam Straus

KINDA PROUD OF THE KID!

ABA Hall of Fame Induction
October 16, 2008

WOW! Thank you so much. I knew this moment was coming for a while, but it is just now hitting me that it is really happening. I am so honored to be in the company of so many legendary names and also to be in the same company of many former co-workers and close friends. I especially want to recognize some of these co-workers and friends from over the years who are also Hall of Fame members. First, a person who was more than a boss. He is my first true Mentor, Jim Slone (2001). Jim planned to be here tonight but sustained an injury playing racquetball. He really did. He has forgotten he is in his 70’s.

I have been what I call “Times Two Lucky” in so many ways.

I am Times Two Lucky for having two different and separate careers during my two times in Tucson. One in radio as an air-personality and another one as a television station General Manager. I hope my career has started and ended at a station called K-O-L-D. I have been in this uniquely fun business for 43 years now. I can tell you this. The 43rd is the hardest.
My memories are stronger from radio. It was a more fun time with less responsibility. Just play records and try to be funny.

My stand-out memory is winning Billboard’s Grand International Station of the Year Award in 1976. Hall of Famer Bill Heywood announced K-C-U-B, Tucson as the winner! This memory will always top my list. That group from K-CUB enjoys a mutual bond like what I imagine championship sports teams enjoy. It is truly a lifetime memory and there is now a lifetime of lasting friendships, no matter where we are or how seldom we see each other.

I have been two times lucky in two marriages. Ruthye is with me tonight as both my first wife and my second wife. For 36 of the last 40 years we have hung in there together despite ourselves. I think we got it right this time. I love you! And, I thank you!

I am two times lucky by having two older brothers. My oldest brother Sam is here with me tonight. Sam, and my other brother Terry, are probably the world’s two most surprised people at my receiving this honor.

I am two times lucky in that Ruth and I have two children. I am honored that both of them here with me tonight. Our daughter Kristin is visiting from Roswell, NM where she and her husband, Craig, are raising four boys! Our newest grandson, Samuel, now ten months, is here with his mom. [Stand up]. She and Craig are also parents to Holden (13), Noah (10) and Joseph (6). I love you.

Our second piece of luck is our son Jeffrey. He wishes I wouldn’t
call him Jeffrey.

Jeff is my hero. And I truly mean my HERO. Off and on for 30 of his 32 years he has battled a brain tumor. Since 2001, he has lost most of his vision. It interrupted a promising career in the corporate offices of the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Stars hockey team. But that hasn’t stopped him. With the help of wonderful technology, he now works in group sales and development for the University of Arizona Department of Athletics.

During all his time battling the tumor- which just won’t go away- he has kept his faith, wonderful personality and positive attitude. But most of all he has kept his spirit. Those of us here who are blessed to know our Jeff know why he is my HERO. I am proud to be your father.
I tell you about my family and friends tonight because I am two times honored. I am most honored to a part of their lives.

Being inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame is the next most wonderful honor. I thank you all so much. I am truly very happy and very humbled.

Have a nice day!

Sam

GOIN' HOME!

Observation of the Day!

Today I depart Coronado for Eden Prairie and serving my two month winter sentence. The weather here has been spectacular, but what's new.

Here are a few observations about my October in Nirvana:

1. The weather has been spectacular all month. Even though it is routine in Coronado to have good weather, I am always amazed that is not taken for granted by the natives. When a day seems to be spectacular the still comment to everyone they meet, "What a great day." They must say this more than 250 times a year.

2. I suspect the economy will take its toll on the snowbirds. I told you the other day of a call from a realtor actually soliciting my business, and the town seems very quiet.

3. My friend Tom, a friend and regular wintertime visitor to Coronado had pretty much washed out this years trip for he and Konnie. However, I received an email from him saying that the weather in Minnesota was 20 degrees with 40 mph winds and that he was coming to Coronado. Economy be damned, he said he will worry about the financial rest of his life after they get back. Good for you Tom.

4. Thing are even slower at the golf course. The Coronado Golf Course does about 110,000 rounds a year. To make matters even worse yesterday, they were aerating the greens and most of the Men's Club either went someplace else to play or took the day off. The normal wait if you are walk-on at the course is anywhere from a half hour on a slow day to up to two hours on a busy day. Yesterday, I decided to just play nine as a farewell to my October visit. I went to the starter to put my name on the list. I was the only one on the list so I had to wait on the waiting list to add another player.

5. I find that my list of friends and acquaintances grows with every trip West. I probably have more friends here than I do in Minnesota. I have a regular golf foursome that I have so much fun playing with. Playing with them is what lousy golf is all about. Thanks to Paul, Hal and Bill for taking me in. Paul is our scorekeeper and rule maker of our rather complicated little golf gambling game. The three of us are grateful for Paul's service. If something unusual happens in a round he makes up a new rule. He also has secret rules that he brings out occasionally when it helps his cause. I have seen more that one player shake his head and asked what just happened, and finally give up and move to the next tee, still shaking their heads. Our game has renewed my interest in golf which was waning some last summer.

6. I went to the Rock Church three times. It is an evangelical church. I am not an evangelical, but I love the pastor and the young people of this church. His sermons are humorous and above all instructive and non-judgmental. It is a very young crowd. They have what I called a Christian rock concert before each service. My niece informed me it is not a "rock concert" but is called "Praise and Worship". They are not singing for the audience, they are singing for God, I was informed. I went to the Rock in company of two of my young female friends, Lindsay, Cece and daughter ,Chelsea. Lindsay had taken me the first time, and I took Cece and her daughter a week later because she was looking for a church that she hopes will help her daughter.

7. I made a new circle of friends through a friend from the Beach Club. I went to a Charger watching party and had a great time. A young crowd keeps me young.

8. I now must return to Minnesota. I am really looking forward to it, as strange as that may seem, but Carolina will be giving birth shortly to my fourth surrogate grandchild. The miracle of birth, as my friend Konnie's father passes away. Life goes on.

Have a great day, wherever you are.

Sammy C.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

The Vote !

I consider myself a right leaning centrist. I know because I took an internet test. On a ten point scale with 10 being extreme right and 1 being extreme left, I am a 6. I have looked closely at the election and am voting for those who fit my profile the best, whether popular or not. My biggest test is the test of bi-partisanship.

For President:

I am voting for John McCain. He has demonstrated bi-partisanship. He has reached across the aisle. McCain/Feingold, as an example. He has reached even as far across the aisle as Ted Kennedy. These were issues of campaign finance reform and immigration. Very tough issues. He didn't hide like the rest of Congress.

He has demonstrated character and mental toughness. He endured tortures most of us could not. He lived by the military code.

He believes life begins at conception. I do not think the abortion issue should be a litmus test. I believe it is not a political issue, it is a moral issue.

I believe Sarah Palin was a mistake and was made to please the extreme right. I think she has the potential to be a superstar, but not until she proves her chops on a more national level, she does not have the experience. Having said that I believe she can grow. I like her record in Alaska very much. I believe our greatest political strength is in most governorships.

McCain carries the burden of the Bush adminstration. George W. Bush is the worst President in my lifetime. Yes, I voted for him twice. I also voted for Jesse Ventura.

John McCain is old like me. I ain't dead yet.

For Minnesota Senate:

This has been a tough one for me. I have vacillated back and forth between Dean Barkley,the independent, and Norm Coleman, the Republican. I like Barkley, even though he was Jesse Ventura's campaign manager, but I believe Norm has acted more bi-partisan in recent times. He has shown leadership at times. He also has a history of being a political opportunist, but name me one politiian who isn't. I cannot believe the Star Tribune endorsed him. This is the first time the Star Trib has ever endorsed someone I support. If I were a man of total conviction, I would vote for Barkley however, I believe he would take more votes from Coleman giving the Democrats one more seat of a Super Majority.

For Congress:

This is an open seat, since Jim Ramstad is retiring. I looked very hard at the Democratic candidate. I liked his ads, but he didn't deliver in the debates. Also, it would move another seat closer to a super majority. I am voting for Eric Paulsen, but not with total conviction. Ramstad was a centrist and was just right for my congressional district in Minnesota.

Summary:

I believe Barack Obama will be elected. He has charisma, which some may believe superficial, but ability to communicate is a characteristic of good leaders. Compare john Kennedy to George Bush.

My greatest fear is not Barack Obama being president. I am willing to wait and see by performance. My greatest fear is a super Democratic majority in the Congress with Nancy Polosi and Harry Reed in charge. If Obama remains strongly to the left, we are on our way to European socialism. One of the key things to watch is what happens to the financial institutions with the government in ownership positions. When the crisis is over, will the banks remained nationalized. By the way, there is very little a president can do to affect the economy. Congress is the problem. Tax increases will kill the economy. Socialism has never worked, freedom and the free market place has.

So Let's all vote on November 4, for the candidate of choice. Itis still a free country.

God Bless America!

Samuel C. Arnold

Mayor of Einsteins Bagel Shop

TOUGH TIMES IN NIRVANA!

Observation of the Day!

Yesterday, I received a phone call from Shores Management Company soliciting my business for a winter rental. I rented the first five or so years through this company. This was the first I have ever received a sales call from a company that manages rentals at the Shores. I quit using this company because of a lack of follow through. I always had to call them and things sometimes didn't get done, including refunding my deposit in a timely manner. The basics of customer service in any business were slip shod at best.

What I believe is significant is that it is an indication of how bad things are in this economy. Coronado never seemed to have this problem in the nine years I have spent my winters in Coronado. You can also see it in the restaurants and convention business at the Hotel Del Coronado. It's quiet.

I know of at least two couples who have come ever winter to Coronado and are foregoing their trip to Nirvana. I feel for the retired people who had a nice nest egg that let them enjoy Coronado, but now must forgo this little luxury. They followed the rule book by which they were raised and still lost. They are still following the rules by forgoing their winter luxury.

All this because of the greed of Wall Street, instant gratification of the younger generation and the self serving empty suits in government.

God Bless us all!

Samuel C. Arnold

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!

Observation of the Day!

I have a friend who says she watches almost no television. There are days the TV is never turned on. She does not watch the news. She doesn't read the newspaper much. I don't know if that is 100% true, but in asking her certain questions of common everyday news, she doesn't seem know much about an issue; and she is not embarrassed to say so. In an age where you can now get instant celebrity news alerts on your Blackberry, she is a rare person.

When you sort out the news of the day, how much is excessive overstated BS from pundits and opinionated commentators. The important news can be gathered in a five minute newscasts on radio. It is really all you really need to know for the time, and it is just statements of fact.

When you look at the state of regular TV programming, it is easy to dismiss most everything as drival for the masses. A show where people try to jump through a hole in the wall??? PLEEEEZE!

The thing that I do notice about my friend is she is the happiest most positive stress free person I know. Maybe she's on to something.

Have a nice day!

Sam

THIS JUST IN!

News You Need to know or Not!

The NFL Network reports that Goodell, when he reinstated Jones during the summer, told the player specifically to avoid alcohol.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released a statement saying the team regrets and supports Goodell's decision, but left the door open to bring Pacman back after the suspension. "We move forward with a very clear knowledge as to what the process will be for a possible re-instatement," Jones said in a statement. "Adam is well aware of where he stands and what he has to do."

Jones told the AP he had spoken with Pacman and described the player as "devastated."

Sounds like Jerry still wants him back. He is a bad guy, but that doesn't matter in the NFL! Sorry you are devastated

*****

It's still a good time to be morally bankrupt.

The plunging Dow Jones and panicky investors are hardly a problem for the world's oldest profession, where business is still brisk.

"The market is down, business is down, but we feel it less," said Dylan, 24, a promotional model-turned-Manhattan prostitute. "We're still busy."

It sounds like a good investment.

*****

Madonna is speaking out at her Sticky & Sweet concerts about Sarah Palin. After saying at Saturday night's Meadowlands show that the VP candidate "can't come to my party," Madonna again attacked Palin at her Madison Square Garden show last night, reports Us Weekly.

During the song I Love New York, Madonna told the audience - including Diddy, Rosie O'Donnell and designer Michael Kors: "You know who can get off of my street? Sarah Palin! I'm gonna kick her ... if she don't get off of my street!" She then mocked the Alaska governor's accent, sarcastically telling the crowd, "I love her." What do you think?

Does anyone care?

*****

A gay chef murdered his lover, cut out part of his leg, seasoned it with herbs and fried it, a court has heard.

Anthony Morley, 35, chewed one of the pieces before throwing it into his kitchen bin.

Morley, a former holder of the Mr Gay UK title, then walked to a nearby takeaway restaurant and told horrified staff: 'I have killed someone, call the police'.

HE SERVED IT WITH FAVA BEANS AND A NICE CHIANTI!

*****

The plane was on the runway; the holidaymakers in good spirits.

And when the stewardess came down the aisle towards Jan Coupe and her husband, she thought the flight attendant was going to check their seatbelts.

Then came the moment Mrs Coupe wished the earth would open up and she could disappear.

Too heavy: Alan and Jan Coupe weighed too much for their plane to take off

For the stewardess had to tell the couple - who weighed 38st between them - that they were too heavy for the plane to take off.

As his wife cringed with embarrassment, 20st Alan Coupe moved to the front of the aircraft to help even out the weight.

While it was a scene they wouldn't have wished on their worst enemies, some good has come of it. They went on a diet.

You thought only Americans were obese. Lose it before you lose the seat on your next flight.

*****.

7-year-old breaks into zoo, feeds animals to crocodile

Squick alert from the AP: "A 7-year-old boy broke into a popular Outback zoo, fed a string of animals to the resident crocodile and bashed several lizards to death with a rock, the zoo's director said Friday." Here's the story.

The Sydney Morning Herald goes into more details: "A turtle, four western blue tongue lizards, two bearded dragons, two thorny devil lizards and a 1.8 metre adult female Spencer's goanna were fed or led into the jaws of a three-metre, 200kg saltwater crocodile named 'Terry'. "

The zoo's director is "now looking at suing the parents of the pint-sized terror," who cannot be charged even as a juvenile because he is younger than 10, the paper reports.

I am glad he doesn't live next door to me.

*****

Have a nice day!

Sammy Carl
Woman who erroneously received $2.6 million says she's no swindler

Walker gets nine months in the workhouse for cashing $2.6 million state check. Lawyer says the woman has managed to hang on to her home and has a job and will pay her debt.


For the first time since she erroneously received a $2.6 million check from the state and went on a spending spree that included cars and jewelry, Sabrina Walker told her story Thursday, tearfully saying she never imagined herself in court for a criminal sentencing.

"Indeed this was a mistake. I didn't create this," she said. "I didn't swindle the state. I didn't trick anyone. I have suffered greatly from the moment this has been done. My dreams have been shattered."
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Authorities say a Fort Myers man shot himself in the arm after his girlfriend refused to have sex with him.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office reports that 29-year-old Jonathon Guabello and his girlfriend returned home from a bar early Wednesday morning. The girlfriend told deputies that Guabello had wanted to get intimate, but she wanted to go to sleep.

When Guabello became irate, authorities say the girlfriend went to a spare bedroom, and several minutes later she heard two gunshots. She told deputies Guabello came into her room and threatened her. He then stumbled into the kitchen and knocked himself unconscious.

Guabello was charged with threatening violence and firing a weapon in an occupied dwelling. He was being held on $100,000 bail.

Whoa!

Have a nice day!

Sam

A PATRIOTIC PLACE!

Observation of the Day!

The Sun came over the mountains spreading across a tranquil bay and the day emerged with a high blue sky. Just another day in Nirvana. Across the bay from the Naval Amphibious base came the wake up sounds of reveille We were about the tee off on the 15th hole when we noticed the group in front of us were just standing there. Our Type A personalities immediately wondered what the hell they were waiting on. Then it dawned on us, they were standing still because the National Anthem was reverberating across the Bay. We promptly became silent.

Coronado is a very patriotic place. It is a Navy town, filled with those warriors both past and present.

God Bless America!

Have a nice day!

Sam

WOULDN'T IT BE LOVELY!

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

IT'S HARD TO DO IN POLITICS, BUT

Keep your sense of humor, even if it hurts!

There are always gaffs in politics. I like the funny ones. These are two of my favorites this election season.

Joe Biden:

Joe was at a rally. Someone told him a state representative was in the audience who was running for reelection. Ever the politician Joe shouted out, "I understand Representative John Jones is in the audience. Stand up John and let us see you." Unfortunately, John was in a wheel chair. Joe rallied and recovered, but it was like an SNL moment.

Sarah Palin:

After Palin was introduced by McCain, she got into her speech and commented on Hillary. She complimented her on her campaign and on the dissatisfaction of Hillary's woman supporters, who were left behind. "Hillary left behind 18 million cracks in the ceiling." I still get a chuckle out of that.

Have a nice dy!

Are we there yet?

Sam

KISS THE FRIGGIN' PIG!

Observation of the Day!

Even when we are looking at the most important piece of legislation of our times, Congress still plays the Washington Old MacDonald's farm game. Oink! Oink! here Oink! Oink! there. Here an Oink there and Oink everywhere an Oink! Oink! If it looks like a pig, it's still rotten pork.

This are some of the hog crap tucked into the Bill. The special provisions include tax breaks for:

* Manufacturers of kids' wooden arrows - $6 million.

* Puerto Rican and Virgin Is- lands rum producers - $192 million.

* Wool research.

* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.

* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.

* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.

Another measure inserted into the bill appears to be a bald-faced bid aimed at winning the support of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who voted against the original version when it went down in flames in the House on Monday.

That provision - a $223 million package of tax benefits for fishermen and others whose livelihoods suffered as a result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill 19 years ago? - has been the subject of fervent lobbying by Alaska's congressional delegation.

They can't even make this life changing bill without trashing it up for purely pork barrel projects. Is there any wonder why our government is not working very well? Reform is needed. but hardly likely to ever happen. Somehow we need to keep legislation clean, so we know what they are voting for.

BTW. Wells Fargo acquired Wachovia today without government help. It works for them, why not all. The market can decide, sink or swim. Having said that I believe government must do something, but it pisses me off.

Have a nice day, if you can!

Samuel C. Arnold

HERE I AM AGAIN!

Observation of the Day!

Well, I'm baaaack. I arrived in Coronado for the month of October last evening. There is really not too much more I can say about this wonderful place. You've heard it too many times. BORING!

I am looking forward to golf and hanging out at the golf course.

My flight was on time. I flew Sun Country, which just cut the salaries of their employees in half. Sun Country gives hamburgers on their flights. They are really small enough to be sliders. I was worried I would only get a half hamburger. I didn't. I got a small ham and cheese sandwich.

The flight crew was poorer, but very pleasant. I like Sun Country. I hope they survive. The boss of the holding company just had FBI, Postal inspectors and IRS raid his offices. Seems they are going to charge him with fraud. Some kind of Ponzi scheme. Mr. Petters has always given away large sums to non-profits and universities. It seems he also he also borrowed money from them as well. He promised them 24% interest for a ninety day note. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. These people have absolutely no financial understanding. It makes you wonder what happens to your charitable giving.

What the hell, the sky is blue, the sun is warm. What more do I need? Maybe a better market I guess, so I can afford Nirvana.

Have a nice day!

Sam

IT'S ALL BULLS**T!

Observation of the Day!

Anyone who has spent time in management has been subjected to or perhaps even initiated the latest business fad. The programs and seminars are usually the same basics of business, packaged differently with new buzzwords. Many of these programs are developed by academicians who actually haven't spent much time on the firing line of a business. They talk a good game i.e. BS.

I received a newsletter from the Eli Broad College of Business at my Alma Mater Michigan State. The following is a statement from John Miller, Executive MBA Program Director about the latest buzz i.e. Bulls**t.

"Organic growth is about harnessing the core competencies of the business - those competencies that are rare. difficult for competitors to duplicate and can be leveraged in multiple markets."

HUH???? Is that all there is too it!

Execute that!

The business of business is actually quite simple. It is only complicated by those in it, taught by those who aren't.

My man George Carlin still says it best, "It's all Bulls**t

Have a nice day!

Samuel C. Arnold