Rubber Ducky

Some of you have noticed next to your comment their is a yellow duck. The icon is know as a Gravatar. The comment site I use has this option for people you leave comments. For those people that do not have one I have given you all one in its absence which looks like this:





If you decide to get yourself one, which this service is free, then it will replace the rubber ducky with yours.


Just something a little extra, a little flair if you will.

Rev Gals Friday Five: Mix and Stir

1) Do you have a food processor? Can you recommend it? Which is to say, do you actually use it?
Is this like my belly?

2) And if so, do you use the fancy things on it?
Always

3) Do you use a standing mixer? Or one of the hand-held varieties?
I did have one, twice, both times the ex-wives felt they needed it more than I. Funny since I cook almost every day.

4) How about a blender? Do you have one? Use it much?
I have a blender, I use it on occasion for drinks.

5) Finally, what old-fashioned, non-electric kitchen tool do you enjoy using the most?
My carving knives. Or maybe my boning knives.

Bonus: Is there a kitchen appliance or utensil you ONLY use at Thanksgiving or some other holiday? If so, what is it?
Sorry to say, no. Why have something that is used less than one percent of the time?

Life

As you may have seen recently, I haven't been around much. It isn't just because of my wrist, but more of life has been happening to me lately. It is far more worth my time than being here. Not saying I don't appreciate everything you have said in your comments and emails, but computers give no hugs.

I am hoping that the person I found will continue to discover me as I have been discovering her.

Possible New Ideas

I was thinking about doing a new thread like "Six for Saturday" or Two for Tuesday's", similar to the Friday Fives I do with the Rev Gals. I would like some topics from you all to help get me started. Nothing to me is taboo.

I was thinking of topics like these:
Childhood toys
Particular years
Favorite accidents
Sensual fruits

Well, you get the idea. Please feel free to give me your suggestions.

Happy 233rd!

ALMAR 042/

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY MESSAGE - 10 NOVEMBER 2008

1. DURING THE SUMMER OF 1982, IN THE WAKE OF A PRESIDENTIALDIRECTIVE, MARINES WENT ASHORE AT BEIRUT, LEBANON.FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER, ON 23 OCTOBER 1983, EXTREMISTS STRUCK THE FIRST MAJORBLOW AGAINST AMERICAN FORCES - STARTING THIS LONG WAR ON TERRORISM. ON THATSUNDAY MORNING, A SUICIDE BOMBER DROVE AN EXPLOSIVE-LADEN TRUCK INTO THEHEADQUARTERS OF BATTALION LANDING TEAM 1/8, DESTROYING THE BUILDING ANDKILLING 241 MARINES AND CORPSMEN.

2. EXTREMISTS HAVE ATTACKED OUR NATION, AT HOME AND ABROAD, NUMEROUS TIMESSINCE THAT FATEFUL DAY IN BEIRUT. THEIR AIM HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME - TOKILL AS MANY INNOCENT AMERICANS AS POSSIBLE. THE ATTACKS OF 11 SEPTEMBER2001 CHANGED OUR NATION FOREVER, AND OUR PRESIDENT HAS RESOLVED THAT THISNATION WILL NOT STAND IDLE WHILE MURDEROUS TERRORISTS PLOT THEIR NEXTSTRIKE.MARINES WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE ENEMY - HITTING THEM ON THEIROWN TURF, CRUSHING THEM WHEN THEY SHOW THEMSELVES, AND FINDING THEM WHERETHEY HIDE.

3. ONLY A FEW AMERICANS CHOOSE THE DANGEROUS, BUT NECESSARY, WORK OF FIGHTING OUR NATION'S ENEMIES. WHEN OUR CHAPTER OF HISTORY IS WRITTEN, IT WILL BE A SAGA OF A SELFLESS GENERATION OF MARINES WHO WERE WILLING TO STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR OUR NATION; TO DEFEND THOSE WHO COULD NOT DEFEND THEMSELVES; TO THRIVE ON THE HARDSHIP AND SACRIFICE EXPECTED OF AN ELITE WARRIOR CLASS; TO MARCH TO THE SOUND OF THE GUNS; AND TO ABLY SHOULDER THE LEGACY OF THOSE MARINES WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE.

4. ON OUR 233RD BIRTHDAY, FIRST REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND THOSE"ANGELS" WHO HAVE FALLEN - OUR REPUTATION WAS BUILT ON THEIR SACRIFICES.REMEMBER OUR FAMILIES; THEY ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES WHOSE SUPPORT AND DEDICATION ALLOW US TO ANSWER OUR NATION'S CALL.FINALLY, TO ALL MARINES AND SAILORS, KNOW THAT I AM PROUD OF YOU AND WHAT YOU DO. YOUR SUCCESSES ON THE BATTLEFIELD HAVE ONLY ADDED TO OUR ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY. GENERAL VICTOR H. "BRUTE" KRULAK SAID IT BEST WHEN HE WROTE, "... THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT NEED A MARINE CORPS ... THE UNITED STATES WANTS A MARINE CORPS." YOUR ACTIONS, IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, AND ACROSS THE GLOBE, ARE AT THE CORE OF WHY AMERICA LOVES HER MARINES.

5. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES AND SEMPER FIDELIS! JAMES T. CONWAY, GENERAL,U.S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS//

The One Armed Man, Part II

Problems have persisted since my surgery, mostly pain induced ones. I have been on Morphine for about two weeks now and it doesn't help the way the doctors tell me it is supposed to help. Most people can't tell the difference, meaning I seem the same to them. When the pain comes back real strong, I know it is the pins in my wrist that are part of enigma. Since getting the Pain Pump off, I have been able to take showers regularly and make most meals. I did slip out for birthday and went out to a comedy show, which I enjoyed.

The hardest things for me to do are(not limited to):
Tying shoes
Putting underarm deodorant on
Washing the right side of my body
Buttons
Dispensing detergent for laundry
Folding laundry
Falling asleep
Pouring liquid into a glass
Opening bottles
Opening anything with a plastic seal
Socks
Hugging
Reading a book(turning pages)
Putting jeans on
Tucking in a shirt
Convincing people I am not helpless

Rev Gals Friday Five: Location, Location, Location!

Tell us about the five favorite places you have lived in your lifetime. What did you like? What kind of place was it? Anything special happen there?

1) Millington, TN - The town itself wasn't exactly what I enjoyed but the area. Seasons without the extremes. Rural areas abound and are not far from a major city. I was there for about nine months for school and had a blast.

2) Futemna, Okinawa, Japan - I have written quite a bit about it before, so let's just say the good times far outweighed the bad.

3) Newport, NC - The first time I was here in the nineties, lived in nice area not too close to neighbors, so the streaking didn't bother them.

4) Milwaukee, WI - Never can you get enough of the culture (and beer.)

5) Yuma, AZ - While being stationed there wasn't what it was all cracked up to be, living there definitely had advantages.

SIDE NOTE: I wanted to type more but the day would be over with by the time I would have done so.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XX

I am braving the typing it will take to do this today with one hand. According to my doctor the surgery was a success. But not all things went the way I foresaw them.

The night of surgery, after the local anesthesia wore off, the drugs(pills) were not taking care of the pain. So with help from a friend (and for the next few days) I was admitted to the ER. Long story short, I ended up going back to the hospital three times before receiving a pain pump and a needle sticking out of chest.

With this new edition, bathing for myself stopped. I pretty much have taken field showers since the surgery. For those of you who don't know, this is basically cleaning just the important parts with a sanitary wipe. Not the ideal thing to do, but it gets me by for now.

Yesterday, I was fitted for a cast. Unfortunately on two fronts, one I still have the pain pump attached but with nothing pumping into my body. Kind of a trial period to make sure oral medication will take. And two, the cast was not fitted correctly. Last night I went back to the ER because my fingers were turning blue. At the ER, the cast was split and an ace wrap put around it.

Tomorrow, hopefully, the pain pump will be taken off with the needle sticking out of my chest. Also, I am hoping for a refit for the cast.

Mums the Word

I have no idea when it comes to plants. I could tell you a lot about mesquite trees though and its deadly sap and thorns. That is really about as far as my knowledge extends.

Today, I bought two pots of mums. I placed one on either side of my front door to my house. You could called a beautification project if you want. Each are about two adn half feet in diameter and I picked yellow flowers.

Since tomorrow is my surgery, do not be surprised to find even less of me on the web. I will try to update you all as soon as I can.

Politics for a Saturday

I sent out my absentee ballot today.

So I am am done, my vote has been cast.

(I will tell you this, I voted for two Republicans, one Democrat and one Green Party.)

Rev Gals Friday Five: Business Trip

1. Does your job ever call for travel? Is this a joy or a burden?
When the recruiter dropped his experience cards on the table, one was travel. I was to pick three, I didn't pick travel. Since being in the Corps I have stepped foot in six continents and have visited three countries that don't exist anymore by name. There have been joys but I would never call any of it a burden.

2. How about that of your spouse or partner?
Let me tell you a story, one of my deployments I knew of one hundred and fourteen married couples. After about six months of returning, of those couples, twelve were still married.

3. What was the best business trip you ever took?
Hard to say, I had more fun in Okinawa over a longer period of time, but if you at a single stop that highlights a fun and excitement it would have been Valencia, Malta.

4. ...and the worst, of course?
Zaire, Africa There wasn't any one particular city that sticks out. I saw and felt more destruction and pain in that 67 day period than any other.

5. What would make your next business trip perfect?
Use of both arms.

Politics for a Thursday

Here is the problem:
Currently we have majorities in the House and Senate of Democrats. Plus, it is highly possible that after the November election that the Senate with have the "sweet 60". This means there is no possible way to filibuster a bill going through. Layman's terms mean everything goes through no matter what.

Now if we, The People, elect a Democrat for President, then what is going to stop them from doing everything they want?

Nothing.

This is a serious issue. Everyone better be real happy with what Congress is proposing and what the Democrat President will most likely not challenge.

I foresee a possible civil war. A time when America goes into a socialism government and throws the democratic government to the wayside. I see a time when our enemies will take this time to do us the most harm.

I only hope that The People look at all points of every candidate and make a sound decision before voting in this year's election.

Under the Thumb

At work, we are having many new faces popping up. All of which are higher ranking than I am. Only one of the three will technically be my boss. I know her more from outside of work than in. I have already talked to her previous subordinates about how it was working with her and the synopsis is a a fifty-fifty split.

I suppose since I have my surgery scheduled for Tuesday, I really won't get to know her appropriately. It will be interesting to see if anyone from my work, will actually check up on me to see how I am recovering. I say this, since, last time no one did, not even a phone call.

There is only two people I work with that even know where I live and both are Corporals. Not from a lack of trying on my part to get the higher enlisted to come over. I have invited everyone on two separate occasions to come over for a light lunch or barbecue.

One might think that at least a drive-by might be in order.

Moving In, Upgrades Part III

I apologize in advance for the mess in my home in this video. I didn't know when I was going to have another opportunity to do this before I would be chocked up with drugs and would be rather loopy.

I have been looking at several color schemes as well for the living room, the master bedroom and another bedroom that will end up being my "I love me" space. When I get closer to a decision on what colors I am using I will post that as well.

Home Improvement Question

I really want a fireplace. I almost bought a home with one but the rest was crap. I really need a TV/audio stand. So I am contemplating buying something like this:


Or something like this:

Both are about the same for price range and to match the rest of my furniture it would have to a be a lighter wood color like the ones pictured.
So here is the question, should I pick one of the above or go with a straight TV stand? If one of the above which one do you prefer?

I like both.

Rev Gals Friday Five: St Francis of Assisi

(Side note: I was clueless of this saint before today. My heathen side may reign.)

1. Saint Francis experienced a life changing call, has anything in your journey so far challenged you to alter your lifestyle?
My injury to my wrist has been the most life changing experience that I can ever recall of having. Unless, of course, you include my career choice, that might be the big one.

2. Francis experienced mocking and persecution, quite often in the comfortable west this is far from our experience. If you have experienced something like this how do you deal with it, if not how does it challenge you to pray for those whose experience is daily persecution?
I know I am right and that is all that matters. When I find myself nervous for what ever reason, I engage in conversation and it soothes me soul.

3 .St Francis had female counterpart in St Clare, she was influenced by St Francis sermon and went on to found the Poor Clare's, like the Franciscans they depended on alms this was unheard of for women in that time, but she persisted and gained permission to found the order. How important are role models like St Clare to you? Do you have a particular female role model whose courage and dedication inspires you? If so share their story....
I was asked a about my role models many times and really, I don't think I ever had one. I did, always like Ronald Reagan though.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” -Ronald Reagan

4. Francis loved nature and animals, how important is an expressed love of the created world to the Christian message today?

I don't have a good answer, I am a warrior and the simple things in life is what I love.

5. On a lighter note; have you ever led a service of blessing for animals, or a pet service, was it a success, did you enjoy it, and would you do it again?

Never. My sermons entail the espirit of Manhood and Womanhood and to never let anything stop you on your journey.

Cusp of Criticism

According to the research I have found I was born into the Cusp of Criticism. Which may be the "duh" factor here.
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Some of my research dictates that "we" are definitely something special. We combine personal charm and attractiveness with intelligence and talent. Although we shine effortlessly, they are natural loners who draw strength from privacy. We want to make our mark on the world and may even feel that we are destined to do so.
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A preference for excesses is the key to understanding the health habits of people like me. We may equate a surfeit of food and drink with happiness, which could lead to the yo-yo dieting effect. Since these traits could be deep-rooted, we may benefit from professional advice. With our optimism and enthusiastic flair for life, those of us, don't put up barriers to what we can accomplish. If we want something, we go after it with tenacity. Even though we do not judge our level of success by how much money we make, we want to be recognized for our talent and ability.
Individuals born on the cusp of Libra (the seventh Sign of the Zodiac) and Scorpio (the eighth Sign of the Zodiac) are ruled by both Venus and Pluto. Here, the fair judgment of Libra adds intuition to the cool, precise skill of Scorpio. The end result is something quite remarkable...if care is taken in development. Coupled with the inherent Libra craving for excitement is the bold and pleasure-seeking Scorpio mind, which is strong in self-control and determination, standing ready to carry into action whatever seems worthwhile. However, the ability to turn ideas into accomplishments often produces a marked egotism among these cuspians, which is all the more reason why they should seek higher goals in culture, education and social life. Whatever is achieved by these individuals, they will cling to with much tenacity and they can easily drift into narrow-mindedness and unscrupulous behavior if not careful. These are souls who are easily flattered, particularly by popular acclaim, and flare into anger toward those who oppose their schemes. Yet, when intuition and judgment are developed to their fullest extent, these are not only dynamic persons, but ones who are endowed with the rare presence of mind customarily found in the fields of medicine and the military.

This cusp melds the airy (or mental) nature of Libra with the watery (or emotional) characteristics of Scorpio...not necessarily an easy task. Many times, the two aspects of this personality are at war with each other...the head guiding and the heart denying (or vice versa). Hence, these natives can find themselves in a deep dilemma when the intellectual and emotional clash. Periods of indecision associated with Libra may be broken by outbursts of aggression inherent in the Scorpio nature. Alternatively, the customary self-assured determination of Scorpio may be undermined by the Libra love of repose and tendency to procrastinate. Cultural awareness and a talkative nature will help these individuals to shine in any social situation and they are experts in communication and abstract reasoning. Yet, at times, the tensions and disappointments of life may prove to be overwhelming, so much so that those governed by this cusp may retreat into isolation. Therefore, Libra/Scorpio individuals benefit from physical exercise, fitness training, sound diets and all activities that promote healthy contact with the world at large, thereby lessening the unfortunate bent toward isolation. Mentally, these are perceptive and sharply insightful souls. However, they do possess a certain sense of personal infallibility coupled with a tendency to be overly critical. The disapproving or denigrating attitude of these cuspians can hurt those close to them, undermining the confidence of others in subtle ways.

Libra/Scorpio natives have a decidedly modern approach in many areas, but they also harbor an undeniable sense of tradition. This is particularly apparent in their devotion to parents and children, in whose lives they play a large role...sometimes a little too large. Still, that is not to say that these cuspians will readily accept the values of their parents. Indeed, it is usually quite the opposite. The attachment here is more emotional. After a normally stormy and rebellious adolescence, those born on this cusp often return to an extremely close relationship with their parents later in life. As responsible as the majority of those ruled by this cusp seem in most areas of everyday life, they possess a side which is undeniably wild and unpredictable. Dramatic and impulsive, they will fly in the face of society's moral codes without hesitation, asserting their personal values or expressing themselves both cogently and flamboyantly. Even the mildest of individuals ruled by the Libra/Scorpio cusp tend to be somewhat exhibitionistic...wanting and needing others to take notice of them. Here, the private life may well include a plethora of love affairs...a path strewn with the broken hears of those with whom they have had relationships. The particular brand of charisma, impulsiveness and mental powers associated with these natives makes them formidable individuals. When it comes to involvements, they may be even more than a little dangerous given their natural talent for being seductive, attractive, commanding and intense.

Highly motivated and usually loyal, those governed by this cusp are often misunderstood and may be perceived as dictatorial or sarcastic. If there is an ulterior motive, they can indeed be overbearing, but normally in a subtle, sly or manipulative manner. These are individuals who are both mystical and scientific...a combination that results in high awareness of what is truly happening around them. Since this cusp is associated with a passionate nature, care should be taken to avoid self-indulgence or compulsion. In addition, there is no doubt that this blend of Signs has a tendency toward a definite lazy streak. Still, this is generally barely perceptible given the enjoyment of difficult pursuits that challenge these persons to excel...and they refuse to be anything less than the best. There may also be an affinity here for activities that allow them to get out into nature. Capable of extraordinary originality, Libra/Scorpio natives are clever in business and quick to seize an opportunity.

The greatest strength of Libra/Scorpio cuspians is to be found in their drive for peace and harmony, coupled with a determination to see things through to the end. The natural skill for seeing all sides of a situation, coupled with enormous passion and great strength, makes this combination one of the most powerful characters of the Zodiac.

The most important lesson to be learned by Libra/Scorpio natives is to develop their natural ability to think and act promptly since there is a tendency here to delay things or mull them over for so long that it proves to be costly. As with all cusp individuals, these cuspians tend to be attracted to others born on the cusp...particularly those who fall within the Taurus/Gemini and Sagittarius/Capricorn combination.

-- Possess the theatrical traits inherent in Libra --
-- Possess the serious, deep-feeling and critical traits inherent in Scorpio --
-- Counted among the most critical individuals of the Zodiac --
-- Possess a facile mind and sharp tongue --
-- Sought out for honest opinions --
-- Tend to hold nothing back --
-- Once committed to a project, will refuse to stop until completion is attained --
-- Need to learn how to relax and have fun --
-- Need to concentrate on the future while still living for today --

Interesting to know this. Don't you all think? Then again it could all be hogwash.

Worst Case Scenario

With my on going medical visits and the soon to be had surgery, questions asked of me are about the worst case scenarios. If the surgery goes wrong or if recovery doesn't go as planned it is the "then what" questions. Basically, I would be looking at one of the four possibilities.

Separation with severance pay
This happens when separation with disability severance pay occurs if the member is found unfit, has less than 20 years of service, and has a disability rating of less than 30%.
This is highly unlikely so I haven't even considered it.

Permanent disability retirement
Permanent disability retirement occurs if the member is found unfit, the disability is determined permanent and stable and rated at a minimum of 30%.
This one is a possibility and retirees can receive retired pay based on the larger of two formulas: multiplying the retired pay base either by the percentage of the disability rating or by 2.5 percent of the number of years of service, up to a 75 percent ceiling.

Temporary disability retirement
Temporary disability retirement occurs if the member is found unfit and entitled to permanent disability retirement except that the disability is not stable for rating purposes. "Stable for rating purposes" refers to whether the condition will change within the next five years so as to warrant a different disability rating.
This is the other possibility that I must look at and the pay amount is the minimum payment is 50 percent of the last amount of basic pay before the member was taken off duty; the maximum is 75 percent.

Separation without benefits
Separation without benefits occurs if the unfitting disability existed prior to service, was not permanently aggravated by military service, and the member has less than 8 years of Active Service (active duty days); or the disability was incurred while the member was absent without leave or while engaging in an act of misconduct or willful negligence.
This is not the case so therefore doesn't apply.

I hope this answers everyone's questions. Oh, if you thinking how does one figure out the percentage then I suggest you can read for yourself. Go to this link: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html

If you can understand it, then you are the shinier apple.

Greenbacks

Since this is a topic of discussion where ever I go these days I thought I would write a bit about it. The value of my home in Yuma, for example, was purchased for 131000 dollars, today that same amount is worth 139,077.33 per the consumer price index. So really my money is worth about five percent more in just a few short years. That really isn't bad when you think about it. Of course, I am not taking into account of what the land value is but just the basic value of the money.

The big things on people's minds seem to be the strong versus the weak dollar. Well, do people really know what that means? I don't think so. So here is my interpretation and if you think I am way off you can look it up yourself.

Strong dollar
Means: American-made goods relatively expensive for foreigners. Consumers at home and abroad buy less costly goods from countries other than the U.S. Sales of U.S. companies erode, prompting them to lay off American workers and outsource jobs to countries with cheaper labor. Foreign imports are relatively inexpensive, interest rates remain low or moderate if inflation is controlled, and the standard of living is relatively high.

Weak dollar
Means: American-made goods and travel to the U.S. less expensive for foreigners, boosting the sales of U.S. manufacturers and prompting them to increase production and hire workers. The growth of U.S. exports helps trim the trade deficit. A weak dollar also attracts increased foreign investment in U.S. real estate and capital markets. A weak dollar makes foreign imports and overseas travel more expensive for Americans; the U.S. standard of living falls because the dollar buys less. If traders believe the dollar will continue to weaken, they may invest in stronger currencies of other countries.

So you can see there are pros and cons to either scenario. It seems that currently we are looking at a weak dollar. So financially I, myself, don't plan on buying anything from China or Germany for awhile if I can help it.

The dollar is currently used as the standard it was once the gold standard but now more than 90 percent of the world economy uses the dollar as the standard. This partly due to the open economy that we have in the United States. The big question rising now is if the dollar will be replaced by either the euro, and perhaps the Chinese yuan. I personally don't see this happening in my lifetime, but what could happen if Europe and China's economies continue to grow at their current rate a division may occur and trading will be separated into three parts.

What I have found, in my own research, is the downturn of the dollar started with the embargo of OPEC in the late seventies. That may be reason enough to start, and mean really start, using all of our resources and find alternative ways of replacing this resources. I am not saying go green necessarily but I do mean we should be using our greenbacks and not other countries.

Muse

As I wonder how I am going to cope with the next few weeks, I thought about laughter. And as I thought more about it, I really don't remember when was the last time I really laughed. A full out belly laugh. A time when laughter was the response to a time when fun was just the entertainment of the moment.

There were times while abroad where being silly was the norm. There were times when I looked forward to seeing friends when I knew the result was going to be a tearjerker of a roar. There was once a time when seeing someone would make me smile for no discernible reason.

Where did those times go? Has it been my own demise? Have I lost the touch of the humanity that drove into the next week?

Why is it that I ask such questions? I ask because, I think, I lost my muse.