The curtamous page
May 2007 Archived Notes
May 28, 2007 - Jak se maj!!! Happy Tuesday along with a Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone had a good long weekend! Me, I spent 16 hours putting in a new kitchen floor... You know those muscles you never use? I used 'em... Pretty sore this morning, but I'll admit, it looks nice...
I
did get to spend a little time this weekend with the traditional Memorial Day
NCAA Lacrosse Championship. Good game, and Duke got beat. Gotta love
it... Its a good game, you should check it out sometime...
What else is up? Well, the Sturgeon General had his graduation party Saturday, so that took up pretty much the whole day, but we had a great time. The FDA Chair outdid himself with his booyah and sloppy joes...
In fact, he'll be eating sloppy joes until Christmas...
The President was there, and he was looking for his tiller. Seems he lost it... Funny though, the FM is involved, so you just don't know what might have happened there. It
wasn't where either one of them thought it was... So, we'll keep you posted on the great "Tiller" caper...
Did I mention I was sore today? It hurts to type...
T-Bone Racing was back on the track and our local hero took 4th. Considering he only had 3 3/4 tires, that wasn't too bad... Keep it up!
With the short week, we'll do a little something different... He's something I saw on the net "supposedly" from Jay Leno. Whether it is or not is irrelevant because its pretty good. The next time you're complaining about how tough you have it, how bad the President is (the other President), how expensive food is, how high taxes are, etc, pull this out, read it, and then shut up...
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our
car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch
equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you
couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country.
There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno
How true... We tend to listen to the
media tell us how bad everything is instead of opening our own eyes and realize how great we have it. Sure, there are a lot of things out there that aren't as good as they could be, but overall, we have it made...
Well, that's it, I gotta go... I'm on call this week, so that's gonna suck, and next week I'm in Chicago all week for training, so no update... So, we'll see you in two weeks. Before I go, a few words of
wisdom for our junior membership...
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." - Unknown
Hard to do, but a damn good way to live your life...
As Red would say, "Keep your stick on the ice!"
curtamous
May
21, 2007 - Jak se maj!!! How's everyone doing? I had a great weekend! Well, at least what I
remember of it... Golf, parties, and weddings, all with lots of celebrating, if you know
what I mean. I think I need to get back to work to rest up a bit...
Last week started off with the annual trip out to Way-Mor park to do a little fishing. The SEC-HSS and I headed out there Monday night and due to the wind, we were greeted by a bunch of
algae and scum on our side of the river. Didn't look good at all... Third cast; SCORE! I reeled in a nice 24" northern that had seen its better days. It was all scuffed up and was missing an eye. Kinda weird... We let him go and got back at it. I setup "Newman" in the same spot and I went to a different stretch, and within 10 minutes I had another one nailing my lure. I got the boy setup in my new location and soon he had the water wolf on his line. But not for long... Not being too experienced in catching a fish that size, he soon snapped the line. I quickly got his setup again and he had the devil back on again! This time too much slack was left in the line and again he got away. That ended our excitement for the evening... What a great time! I'm sure Mr. Rick was smiling down...
Other than some email banter with the FM, the rest of the week was pretty normal. Until Friday... I headed south for the day to hang out with BO and attend some "vendor meetings"... We teed off at 9:45... After a great round of golf (104, not bad for me) we headed to the clubhouse... Got some food and a "few" drinks, and by 5, I was told BO could no longer be served... GREAT! So I had to follow him home too, not like I was in great shape... But, I did get to meet his wife and beautiful twin daughters, so that was good...
To greatly improve matters, I then had to drive to Milwaukee for the Sturgeon General's graduation. I played the part the FDA Chair assigned me "to a tee"!!! The sturgeon General has a great house and a very nice
fiancé, who just happened to turn 21 that day. Luckily, I did not tag along with them to go celebrate that event, and thanks to my sisters for driving me home... I would have drove better, but being
chauffeured around once in a while is nice... Congrats to Tony and Happy Birthday to Tracy! More graduation celebrations to come this weekend at the FDA Chair's! Can't wait...
So all the celebrating Friday wasn't enough... After suffering most of Saturday morning, I did my yard work (slowly) and then we headed out to the Woods for a wedding celebration. A lady I work with was wed, and luckily I had forgotten to send in my RSVP, so we didn't attend dinner. I say luckily, because when we arrived for the dance, most of my co-workers were trashed and I'm sure I would have been in the same shape. So what did I do? I caught up... Great time, even though we were home relatively early...
So obviously, the them is "Party"!!! So lets check out this week's schedule...
21 National Waitstaff Day. Dig deep for the drink slingers.
A shot of Gran Ma in the walk in.
22 American astronauts walk on Mars (1962). According to that kook in the film Slackers.
Fuzzy Astronaut
1/2 tsp Tang, powdered
1 oz vodka
1 oz shot peach schnapps.
Shake and shoot.
23 Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i). Bab was the heralder of the Beer Bellied One (Buddha). Full calorie beer.
24 International Jazz Day. Booze it up with the be-bop. Wine-spidodi.
25 National Wine Day. The only day of the year men can drink wine in a bar without feeling all sissified.
House wine.
26 John Wayne’s birthday (1907). “He drank enough whiskey to float a PT boat.”—Ronald Reagan.
Shot of redeye in a dirty glass.
27 Throw the Bastards Out Day. Don’t bring this up at last call.
Arrogant Bastard Ale.
Hmmm... Kind of a weird week... I'm going to switch to all rum and coke, my new favorite drink...
Just so everyone knows, despite reports to the contrary, this is "NOT ME" this past weekend...
Here's hoping for another great week... Not much planned, but it is a holiday weekend. We kick it off with the Sturgeon General's party and hope it just gets better from there... We'll see...
Well, that's it, I gotta go... But before I go, a few words of wisdom for our junior membership...
"Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses." ~Author Unknown
I could see the issue there...
As Red would say, "Keep your stick on the ice!"
curtamous
May
14, 2007 - Jak se maj!!! Happy Monday!!! Its been over two weeks and I sure have a lot to catch up on, and to be honest, after this last weekend, I doubt I'll remember everything, so forgive me if I forgot something good...
Last week's update was interrupted by the 2nd greatest time of the year, Fish
Camp! As is our new custom, we headed north to the beautiful destination of
Nelligan Lake. Little did we know what was waiting for us. Three of us ventured up Thursday evening and even took the time to get to know the locals a
bit more. The rest of the weekend had arrivals and departures until the camp was closed on Monday. We had a GREAT time!!!
The fishing? Well, the fishing wasn't great. Despite the large number of bass seen, I counted only 9 caught, and one of those never made it to the boat. I think the bass were in heavy spawning and weren't too keen on eating. But, the weather was good, not great, so we had little to complain about. Do we ever?
The local wildlife certainly kept us entertained when fishing wasn't. There were the usual deer, turkey, loons, eagles, etc. But the large snake that greeted me Sunday afternoon in the woodshed certainly got my attention, and in a BIG way. Just one of those situations where it really just scared the crap out of me. I'm sure it was harmless, and probably one of the "hog" snakes Aunt Lee later described, but it was big enough, and the rustling of the leaves certainly "sounded" like rattling at the time. After crawling of the Sausage Stuffer's lap, I calmed down...
But that wasn't the end of the surprises. The 4 of us that remained thru Monday had a quiet evening Sunday night after another feast, but the SEC-State needed to take a potty break early Monday morning, say 5am. As he opened the back porch door, there stood Mr. Bear snacking on our garbage. Mr. Bear exited stage right, and our SEC-State slammed the door and made record speed back to bed. After realizing he had not
accomplished what he set out to do, he pulled a "Darwin" off the front steps... Sleep did not return to easily after that...
His eyes were still the size of dinner plates when I woke hours later...
Note to self: Put garbage away next year...
The food... As always, the food was incredible! Fried Feast, some of the best steaks ever, and beer can chicken were just the
highlights. Even the pizza Thursday night was good. We had a great time! The BBC members that were lucky enough to be able to participate this year would like to send our sincere thanks to the Nelsen's for allowing us to use their little slice of heaven. We can't wait until next year!!!
After such a great weekend, how could we top that? How about a WEDDING!!!
This past weekend Zumbo's (and my blonde sister's, his beautiful bride) eldest daughter was joined in wedded bliss on a beautiful afternoon. After a very nice, if somewhat long, ceremony, we celebrated in true "Nelson"
fashion. Heck, with The President there, what were our options? A nice reception got things rolling followed by a surprisingly nice meal. The dance topped off the evening in true fashion, and after a few beers in the parent's room, the day was
over... Well, by then the next day was started, but you get the picture...
After all the work planning the event, I think everyone was very happy with how wonderfully thing went. Now the happy couple can be just like the rest of us "hitched" folks... Al, welcome to the family, and to the happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Al and Laura Bus(c)h,
Congratulations!!!
After such a great time celebrating that event, I received news from the Sturgeon General yesterday that he too intends to wed. A ring was given, the question asked, and somewhat
surprisingly, at least to me, the answer was "yes". Being male, I asked no details, as I'm sure they will be forthcoming, but we now have another wedding in the queue. So, despite the investment of "3 or 4 acres of hunting
land now on Tracy's finger", here's congrats to Tony and Tracy!!!
Wow, before we get any further, I better get this week's drinking schedule in. I should really dry out a bit, but why stop now?
14 Anniversary of Geronimo’s Corn Liquor Rebellion (1885). Apaches rose up against a ban on reservation moonshine.
Firewater.
15 Las Vegas founded (1905). Took the mob to make it fun. Ten High Whiskey.
16 Animal Day. “He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a
man.”—Dr. Johnson. Road Dog Ale.
17 Anniversary of the first Kentucky Derby (1875). “It’s a fantastic scene—thousands of people fainting, crying, copulating, trampling each other and fighting with broken whiskey bottles.”—Hunter S. Thompson.
Mint Julep.
18 Largest Margarita ever made (7000 gallons) was assembled in Orlando (2001). Stand back, boys, I’m going in.
Huge Margarita. Huge.
19 Orphan Day (Spain). Provide a nice, warm home for any abandoned drink you come across.
Potluck.
20 Last episode of “Cheers” airs (1993). Who shall remember our names? Draft beer.
Another great week!!!
Well, May is a great month no doubt... We have May Day and Fish Camp, and for me, its birthday month!
No, not MY birthday, but some of the best people I know were born in May... Last week my favorite god-daughter turned another page; Happy Birthday Amber!!! Saturday, the Chief Inspector turned 17; Happy Birthday Jake! Thursday,
my favorite god-son, the Sturgeon General, also celebrates his big day; Happy birthday Tony! Rumor also has it that the Sturgeon General's
fiancé turns legal this week as well, so we'll send best wishes and a Happy Birthday to Tracy as well!!!
Or, as the Mayor puts it, Get Well Soon! What a month, huh?
Last, but certainly not least, the Sturgeon General, who seems to be starring in this weeks' diatribe, will be graduating from Med School. We'll be heading south for that celebration on Friday, so we hope to see you there... Actually, I will be in Chicago Friday, so I'll be heading north, but you get the picture...
Well, that's it... Hope I didn't miss anything big... As always, before I go, a few words of
wisdom for our junior membership...
"Love may be blind but marriage is a real eye-opener!" ~Author Unknown
Whoa!!! Now THAT is a truism!!!
As Red would say, "Keep your stick on the ice!"
curtamous
Last Updated: Friday, January 30, 2009
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