Posts (page 2)
What in the hell is wrong with Nancy Pelosi and the rest of those twits up on Capitol Hill that they could even consider sending to the floor of the House of Representatives a resolution labeling the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Turkey in 1915 as Genocide. That this is true has been well documented, but damn, it happened in 1915. I'm not a mathematician, as is evidenced by the fact that my wife doesn't allow me to balance the checkbook, but I believe 1915 was 92 years ago. Do they realize that there cannot be more than a handful of the survivors of that Genocide still alive? Of course they do. Do they think the survivors will be grateful to them for condemning Turkey? If they think that, they are truly silly people in that I would imagine that anyone who was born as the Genocide was occurring is now about 92 years old, and while I don’t know, I will hazard a guess that these unfortunates are more concerned with staying alive than they are with a resolution condemning their murderers. I know that our Congressmen and Congresswomen, henceforth referred to as idiots, have a lot on their plate, but taking 92 years after the Genocide to condemn the Turkish people for the actions of their ancestors is meaningless; except as an attempt to end U. S. involvement in Iraq by cutting off the physical flow of supplies needed by our troops.
As you know, and if you didn’t know before you do now, about 70 percent of the supplies needed to sustain out force in Iraq, comes through Turkey. Here’s the kicker. Turkey has already warned the United States that any action to condemn them (Turks) for the Armenian Genocide that happened 92 years ago, may cause the Turkish Government to withdraw its permission to allow the U.S. military to flow supplies to Iraq. If they do, the flow of supplies to our men and women may be compromised to an extent that they must totally, or even partially, withdraw from Iraq. If the flow of supplies to Iraq is disrupted because of the proposed Congressional action, the members of Congress who vote to support such action are traitors.
Despite the scandal of his recent arrest, Sen. Larry Craig is being inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame. Should his legal troubles have any impact on the award?
Unless you're a resident of Idaho it's none of your concern. I don't live in Idaho. I live in Georgia where:
It is illegal to use profanity in front of a dead body which lies in a funeral home or in a coroners office.Signs are required to be written in English.
No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.
It is illegal to say "Oh, Boy" in Jonesboro.
It is illegal for a chicken to cross the road in Quitman
All Indians must return to their shore of the Chattohoochee River by nightfall.
No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.
4 Oct 07
This is Thomas R. Welch reporting to you direct from the homestead on the south side of Atlanta, Ga.
Yesterday this reporter advised that Sassy was quite ill. We took her to the Veterinarian and got some medicine, gave it to her, and today, the 4th of Oct 2007, she is feeling much better.
Lady is doing well. She sulks sometimes because she says we pay more attention to Sassy than her. We explain that Sassy is old and needs the attention and that the time will come when Lady has all the attention. She doesn't accept this of course. She told me "Ha! That old lady is going to live forever." We hope!
This morning we had a good downpour of rain on the homestead. Thus far this part of Georgia is at level 2 water conservation measures. Across the state however, many locales are at level 3, with some areas near or at level 4.
One of the homestead residents, Yun, left the homestead this morning on a mercy mission to procure dough nuts. While at Ingles she also picked up some cabbage to make Kimchi, and has already accomplished that mission.
Mike (Chun Ja's husband) got an infection where his feeding tube is connected to his stomach. It occurred because the nurse who has been attending him once daily at his home was not qualified to remove, clean, and reinsert the tube but did so anyway, and as you know it doesn't take many germ buggers to cause a serious infection. He was hospitalized again for almost a week before they whipped the infection. Anyway, he is home once again, and has been told to come to the hospital on a regular schedule to get the feeding tube and his wound disinfected.
From the homestead, we wish you good night, and good dreams.
More later (There's always more, later not so much)
3 October 2007
Last year we lost our friend Woodie. Then Saturday before last we lost Michelle and Steven’s friend Buzzle. Monday, noticed that Sassy had bloody urine. I know she started bleeding on Monday, because after she goes outside I pick her up when she comes in the back steps because she is older now and climbing steps is difficult for her. After picking her up I cradle her on my forearm so I know if she urinated because it gets on my arm. Before anyone goes off half cocked let me say I do the same thing when she poops. And yes, if she pooped it gets on my forearm also. It doesn’t bother me as I have soap and water. Since there are a whole bunch of reasons that causes bloody urine, we didn’t think much of it as it has happened before, and corrected itself. Plus what I read about it indicated if it was only a few drops it is fairly normal. Yesterday, she was still had bloody urine, the same amount, so we decided to take her to the Veterinarian if she still had bloody urine today. She till had bloody urine, and this time also had a bloody stool. And we thought it was more than a few drops even though a little blood looks like a lot of blood when it spreads. We went to the Veterinarian. The Veterinarian is doing all kinds of blood tests on Sassy, took x-rays, and scared the poop out of us by mentioning the potential of cancer. We are praying that what is wrong is anything except number 1 and 2, as they can be cured with medications. Number 1 and 2 can also be fixed, sometimes.
- Cancer;
- Eaten something really sharp which is cutting him/her internally;
- Internal parasites;
- Viral infection;
- Small intestine problem; or
- Anal sac infection.
Because x-rays were taken we also now know that Sassy's cough is caused by her enlarged heart pressing against her windpipe. Small breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers, are prone to enlarged hearts.
The veterinarian placed sassy on Vetmedin is used to treat canine congestive heart failure. She is on Orbax to treat many types of bacterial infections. We have an appointment next week to see the lab results. We will be praying she does not have cancer.
More later (There’s always more, later not so much.)
30 Sep 07
Yesterday Michelle and Steven lost their beloved Buzzle. Buzzle had cancer and was receiving treatment, but he gradually lost his strength, and when it became evident that he was suffering and getting worse his veterinarian recommended that he not suffer any longer. Yesterday, Michelle and Steven wrapped him in his blanket and took him to the Georgia Tech campus, where they often took him to walk, and let him lie down in the sunshine and breathe the fresh air for a long time. They stayed there with him a long time but finally, reluctantly took him to the veterinarian where he went on his long sleep.
After Buzzle had gone to sleep, he was brought home and Michelle and Steven spent five painfully long hours digging his final resting place down through the Georgia clay hardpan. Then, as Steven was finishing up Buzzle’s resting place, Michelle came inside to her bedroom. I watched from outside in the hall as she tenderly straightened Buzzle’s hair and wrapped him in a blanket. Michelle carried Buzzle outside, where she and Steven gently lay him down and said a silent prayer before they gently placed the earth over him.
Even though it was only last year that we held our Woodie in our arms as she took her last breath, we can’t say we know how Michelle and Steve feel because Woodie died of old age, wasn’t in pain, and a decision to let her go didn’t have to be made. But if how badly we felt about Woodie is any indication, they are devastated.
I know that our love for Buzzle was not nearly as deep as Michelle and Stevens love for him. Nonetheless, we loved him. We will remember him for, most of all, being a one family puppy. By that I mean if you were Michelle or Steven, you were family and family was worth paying attention to, but Yun and I weren’t them, so we were basically ignored unless we got to close, and there was absolutely nothing we could do that would change his mind. And I think that it was indicative of their goodness that he let them close.
I believe that God allows dogs in heaven alongside people, and so I know that we will see him again. We love you Buzzle and we will never forget you.
24 Sep 07
This is a short story about patience that Yun has had over the kitchen sink for many years. She says it helps her calm down. Maybe it will help you.
Don’t Eat the Fruit
Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God’s omnipotence did not extend to his kids. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing God said to them was: “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” Adam asked.
“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit.” said God.
“Forbidden fruit? Really? Where is it?” Adam and Eve asked, jumping up and down excitedly
“It’s over there,” said God, wondering why he hadn’t stopped after making the elephants.
A few minutes later God saw the kids having an apple break and he was very angry.
“Didn’t I tell you not to eat that fruit?” the First Parent asked.
“Uh huh,” Adam replied.
“Then why did you do it?” God asked exasperatedly.
“I dunno.” Adam answered.
God’s punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own.
Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed. But there is a reassurance in this story. If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give your children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be so hard on yourself. If God had trouble handling his children, what makes you think it should be a piece of cake for you?
Anonymous
More later (There's always more, later, not so much."
23 Sep 07
The other day, more or less, I wrote a post taking Globe Trekker’s “Destination Korea” starring and narrated by Ian Wright, and The Travel Channel’s “No Reservation” starring and narrated by Tony Bourdains’ for not showing anything Korean that might catch a potential tourist’s eye. Keep in mind that I lived in South Korea for seven years, growing to greatly appreciate the Korean people and their culture, so, I take umbrage of attempts (even unintentionally) and writings that portray them in an uncomplimentary light. Frankly, we all need to remind ourselves every day that our homeland is not a utopia either. Frankly, the shows did not impress me. You can read (or not – after all I can hardly force you to read it considering I am here and you are elsewhere) my review my of those shows by opening (control, right click) Visiting Korea (Globe Trekker and No Reservation).
Yesterday, Michelle turned me on to “The Daily Kimchi - Korea Blog” http://www.blogger.com/profile/11826740126220251125, written by a Canadian couple previously teaching English in Seoul, Korea. Opening it up I feared it would be more of the typical complaints of the difficulty of adjusting from a westernized to Asian economy and society; something along the lines of the two shows. I was surprised and pleased to find that this is not the case; this couple wrote as if they genuinely enjoyed their stay in Korea. My read of their posts was very enjoyable, and let me see just how westernized Korea has become since my wife and I left it, to many years ago. It makes me want to go back! However, it was their list of things to see (while in Korea) that I REALLY enjoyed. Ian Wright and Tony Bourdain would have been fortunate to have seen their list before traveling to Korea. The photographs included with each “Place to See” are very much appreciated.
Thanks Michelle for bringing this to Mom’s and my attention. And thanks to the Canadian couple, for a pleasant and educational read.
More later (There’s always more, later, not so much.)
22 Sep 07
The other day I was reading Michelle’s blog and noticed that she kicked butt in her Organic Chemistry II Fall exam at Georgia Tech. There was one student who had a higher score than her, but I suspect that he or she, or she or he, whichever you prefer is more than likely the professors pet. Probably brings an apple a day so as to apple polish the professor, heh, heh, get it “apple” polish? No? Well my family always says my humor amuses only myself. Anyway, the average score was 69.2%, and Michelle and the apple polisher got above 90%. In case I haven’t mentioned it in a previous post, Michelle has a BA in Engineering, an MA in Business Administration, and is now taking a couple of courses she needs on her resume to apply to medical school.
I believe that Yun has saved every paper Michelle ever brought home from school, and I’m going to frame this chart and put it on the wall beside the butterflies Michelle and Steven brought back from their trip to Peru. That way I can see it all the time along with the other awards he have displayed in different rooms.
Maybe I’m being too prideful of Michelle achievements, but I don’t think so. We are just rightfully proud of her.
More later (There’s always more, later not so much.)
22 Sep 07
Nothing funny in this story, it just gives you a glimpse of life inside the homestead.
Yun puts out seed everyday for the small creatures that live around us. Usually this is done around noon, but sometimes earlier and sometimes later. Sometimes I do, but who puts it out is not the topic tonight. Anyway, on occasion, we put the seed out so late that the creatures get restless. Usually though all that happens is they scold us making their “I’m not happy with the service I’m getting” sounds. I can’t mimic describe the sounds they make but it sounds sort of like a less raucous version of hens in the henhouse when a varmint has just got in. When, eventually (I admit we sometimes delay putting it out just to see them get upset when they come visiting and their food hasn’t been served), we put the seed out they quiet down.
One of the birds that visits us is a red Cardinal, meaning its male. Of course he brings his mate, who a somewhat drab brownish color, but who nevertheless I’m sure is the love of his life. (Should wildlife be referred to as “who”?) Anyway the seed wasn’t out and, although Yun hadn’t been looking outside specifically waiting for them, she stood there a while watching them. As she stood there she told me she could tell the male cardinal was agitated because there were only left over seed hulls on the bench they eat from. Maybe the male was agitated because he was hungry but was flying late for an appointment. Whatever, the reason the male cardinal lifted off and flew toward the porch. Yun figures she better put some seed out and heads to the back porch. When she got there she could see the cardinal come inside the dog door and fly and hop around searching for the seed. He found the seed but couldn’t get to it because, of course, it was enclosed in a plastic container. Now, Yun says, the cardinal is so agitated he forgets where he came in and fly’s all around the deck bumping into the windows trying to get out. Afraid the cardinal might hurt or even kill himself, Yun opened the sliding door leading onto the porch and walks over and opens the outside door, and the bird flies out and over to the bench where he alights and waits for his lunch. So, Yun took it outside.
The kicker is, the bird has done the same thing again.
Before I forget, Yun fixed some killer chicken and dumplings tonight. Delicious!
More later (There’s always more, later not so much.)
21 Sep 007
The other night Yun and I watched Million Dollar Baby. Yun and I don’t watch movies to critique a persons acting ability, of course if the acting is terrible we might be critical. However, in this case we think the acting is very good. The plot of the movie, we thought, was also very good. Simply put is was taking a 31-32 year old woman who can’t put a boxing glove on properly, and raising her to the height of a title match, was Rockyish, but nonetheless, excellent. The storyline is the usual rag to riches tale that most, if not all, Americans love, but with a nice twist. The twist being that the boxer dies in the end, so we won’t be saddled with watching sequel after sequel as we have done with “Rocky”. (As an aside, let me say that I think the only reason people kept going back to watch the sequels was the vague hope of seeing Rocky, as portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, a no talent actor, finally get his butt kicked so bad there couldn’t be any more sequels.)
Several things bother me about the movie however. One is that we have are given no glue as to what Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) could have done that was so bad his daughter would not read his letters. Another is that we have no idea what punishment the “Champion” received for blindsiding Maggie Fitzgerald (Hillary Swank). Third, it would have been terrific to see Maggie white trash family hurt in some way for the pain the caused Maggie in the movie (as portrayed, Maggie’s mother would have been next of kin which means she inherited all of Maggie’s assets). The excellent acting ability of the players who portrayed Maggie’s family made me want to reach inside the screen and kick some butt myself. It was an extremely accurate portrayal of how white trash people live. White trash people can live anywhere from trailers to mansions, it is not determined by what you have, but rather by a mindset that you are “entitled” to have free, what others work and pay for. That is to say, one can be poor and not be white trash. Conversely, one can be rich and still be trailer trash. How (some) big actors and/or musicians/singers live is an example. I don’t think I need to mention names.
All in all, an entertaining movie.
More later (There’s always more, later not so much.)
