Guard Dog

OK, I'm just going to say it. It irritates the living s--t out of me to hear people say there is no opportunity to advance themselves. Not saying that is what Gromnir is talking about but I'm hearing far too much about the poor wretches and the hopeless poverty of their lives. I grew up in what might be called poverty. We lived in used mobile home, with some land and a second hand car my parents shared. My father was a dump truck driver and they year I graduated high school he made about $25k. That was just above poverty in those days. I wanted to go to college but my grades weren't good enough for scholarships and my parents were just barely getting by and could not help. That is something I know upset them. So I joined the military and used the benefits they offered to get my degree. I wanted something and did what had to be done to get it. After getting out I started a business, it failed. I started another, it failed. I ran for political office, that failed. I got a job at AT&T, was laid off in downsizing. I moved to a different state and took another job. Then I started another business and it was an unqualified success. I started with nothing. I went dead broke several time along the way but you just have to get up and keep working. My entire professional life is a story about setbacks but dammit all you can do it work through them. No one owes you a living. You have to make that yourself. If there are no jobs where you are either make one for yourself or go where the jobs are. If education is holding you back then fix it. Adult education and vocational training is free in most states. For Gods sake all you have to do is enroll and show up regularly. If you want to go to college then go. Every city in America has a Community College and their degrees are every bit as accredited as Vanderbilt University. You might have to take a job you don't want to pay bills while you are doing that. Just DO it. You grind whatever grist the mill requires. If you are on public assistance then use it wisely and use the time you are on it to take advantage of that free education I just mentioned. If you can't cover your expenses don't spend money on vices. Don't buy crap you can't afford. And for gods sake stay away from drugs and crime. Because if you touch either of those you ARE going to end up involved with the police. That is EXACTLY what you are signing up for, so no bitching when it happens. There is plenty of opportunity to be had by everyone in this country. There are plenty of Federal, State, and local government programs to help beyond food stamps and welfare. But they require someone to WORK. Sometimes work hard and sacrifice. There are many who can't because of age or infirmities. That's fine, those are the people public assistance is for. But if you can do what is required to improve your life and choose not to, kindly STFU. You don't get to bitch.

Oh God, I vomited a little in the back of my mouth when you typed that word. The Z word. It was 1993, I was still in the Marines at Pendleton. there was this crappy dive bar off Mission Road east of the base called Sonny & Sher's. (yes it was spelled that way). They had a $20 all-you-can-drink Zima night. And I made sure they lost money on me that night. But that was the worst, WORST hangover in a long and gloried career of alcohol consumption. It took three days before I was right again. To This day I can't even look at a glass of Sprite or 7-Up with feeling a little ill remembering that.

In other news one of Hillary Clinton's pledged super-delegates has just been indicted for fraud. Her and some of her... associates... set up a non profit fund to raise money for scholarships for minority college students. Then she used her political influence to solicit donations to the charity in return for favors in and from Congress. They took in nearly $1M and.... here is the good part.... kept it all! That's right. The took that money and put it in their own bank accounts. Such an honorable lot these Democrats. But in case some of you are starting to worry, I wouldn't. She will never see the inside of a jail. Not while her political party is controlling the law-enforcement and justice apparatus of the Federal Government. The US Attorney will no doubt drag their feet until after the election when this whole thing will be quietly scuttled. And if Hillary loses then Obama will no doubt pardon her on the way out the door. The old Potomac Two Step. On and on it goes. Like I said, no matter how evil, corrupt, or venal the act is, democrats don't eat their own. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/us-rep-corrine-brown-indicted-on-fraud-charges/nrtmS/

Nothing against the hardworking folks at Coors and their products but I agree with you. That little rack of happiness in the background of the last picture is more appealing.

Dear Obsidian Entertainment HA HA. HAHAHAHAHAHA, HA HA. Go to hell. Love Bethesda

Dear Bethesda, Would you please let us buy the Fallout IP . We think we can make better Fallout games than you are making. Love Obsidian Entertainment

I'm still in agreement with Gromnir that a conviction would be a long odds outcome on this case. And prosecutors will make effort vs. reward judgements. However the more Comey says the more I'm beginning to believe that the recommendation of the FBI might have been preordained and it would have taken a hell of a lot for them to recommend seeking an indictment. Meaning Hillary was never in any danger.

The FBI confirmed she did destroy data that was the property of the US Government. Now they are operating on the supposition that is was not done deliberately.

Aaaaaaannnnnd Congressman Butterfield (democrat) gets on CNN and says this is all the Republicans fault. Real classy. Never let a crisis go to waste I guess.

Trey Gowdy is da man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z8pnk2rvYo

Now reading All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. Crime fiction isn't really my thing but I was assured this one is really good. So far... it is. Also reading Fred Bear: The Biography of an Outdoorsman by Charles Kroll. Fred Bear was a world renowned archer and bowhunter and founded Bear Archery.

I've seen the video from Baton Rouge & Alton. Those two guys were murdered.

I'm listening to the news while getting ready for work. They said 4 suspects have been identified. Three are in custody and one is dead.

The more Comey says on Capital Hill the less credibility his statement on Tuesday has.

I love the contrast of the first two pics. An RV from 2012 and an RV from 1872!

I don't give a damn who is President come January. As long as one or both houses of Congress is in the hands of the opposite party as the President I'll sleep soundly.

I'd agree with Bartimaeus on this one. Except for Gary Johnson, Bernie Sanders is the only candidate in this race who is running on principle. Whatever you might think of that or him you have to give him credit for that.

I suspect Hillary will do poorly at bringing in Sanders supporters. But she doesn't need them. Her path to victory IMO is the disaffected Republicans and right leaning independents who won't support Trump.

What more could he have gotten? They were not going to make him the running mate and there is no cabinet job anyone would want him in. He's probably on his last Senate term. Heck going down in ball of flames is the best thing he could hope for.

I wouldn't call Wade disloyal. After thirteen years and three NBA titles what more does he owe them? He's got bad knees and you have to figure he's only got one or two good seasons left in him. No one plays forever. It's a shame he missed out on that would have been a big deal with jersey retirement, etc if he'd stayed but it was his choice to make. If I were a Heat fan I'd just wish him good luck and say "thanks for the memories".

My but this conversation has taken a dark turn!

The Heat without Dwayne Wade? Say it ain't so: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--dwyane-wade-plans-to-join-bulls-014821600.html

That genuinely sucks. Sorry to hear that.

The market is a little depressed right now. If I can turn it over I'd consider it but I'm probably going to have to rent it. I've opted not to carry an escrow so the mortgage payment is only $600 and change. Comparable properties are renting between $900 & $1100 so i should be able to cover all the expenses.