3 yrs later

Here is a picture we took last week of me and the boys. Here is also a picture of me and the boys taken almost 3 yrs to the date.

Syd

Catch up time

I was reminded this morning at MADMEN that I needed to catch-up on my blogging. I replied that I had too much to write about and once I started it would not stop for a while. But here goes.
Observations from the campaign trail.
I had a chance to go and work a day in NC with the Obama campaign. I had worked in the phone bank and canvassed here in Greenville back during the primary but had not traveled. I spent a day in Hendersonville going house to house knocking on doors and reminding everyone to vote early. The neighborhoods we canvassed in were mostly low-income homes and some government housing. A very Obama friendly area. I was paired with a lady from Chattanooga who along with husband had driven their motorhome over in Auust and had been working with the campaign since. She was originally a Hillary supporter but was committed to electing Senator Obama. The most interesting thing I noticed throughout the campaign was the number of young people involved. The head of the Hendersonville office was a 19 yo young man from St.Louis who is a sophomore at Georgetown. Also working in the office were 2 students from the University of Iowa. These kids had taken a semister off to travel and work on something they believed in. Something else I found interesting was the response everyone had for anyone who showed interest in the campaign. They did not simply ask someone to vote, they ask them to make phone calls or canvass and if they couldn't do any of these things to simply bring food by the campaign headquarters. They were asking them to take ownership in the campaign.
Historians will write many books about this campaign. Mostly about the election of the 1st African-American president. What shouldn't be lost in this and should be a model for all campaigns in the future is how they were able to get so many people involved for the 1st time in their lives. We are going to need the same enthusisiam because it's going to take every single american to get us out of the mess we are in.

Syd

Did you notice?

Did anyone notice that John McCain did not have an american flag pin on his jacket lapel again last night and Barack Obama did? That's 2 debates in a row that McCain did not wear one and Obama did. Is something wrong with our country John? Let me guess, you have stopped placing your hand over your heart during the national anthem now. Also, who's to say that during his time in the Hanoi Hilton his mind was washed and he is the real "Manchurian Candidate"? Sounds silly when you say this crap about McCain, but people have no problem saying it about Obama.
You remember Vietnam right? The country where 58,196 american soldiers died. Now our 3rd largest trade partner. Remember we went there to fight communism. Communism? Oh yea, the other major communists country in the world, China, is our largest trade partner. Look, at our economy, nothing is built here, and our banks are owned by the government. How did the battle with communism work out? I think they won.
And you still don't think we need to change the way we do things?

Syd

And still the train rolls forward over history's rugged trail
Straightin' by the journey and the land beneath her rail
And you and I roll along and stroke the freedom fire
For we stand to all Americans hold old honor can't be hired
Merle Haggard, "Here comes freedom"

Opportunity Lost

Now it's GMC's turn. Their stock dropped below $5.00 per share for the first time since 1951. They are finding out its tough selling 30K vehicles without financing. So do we go ahead and stroke them a check to? I'm sure we will do something to bail them out. Boy, did we miss a great opportunity to turn things around in this country 7 years ago.
President Bush had it all. Right after 9/11 he had the congress, the people, and most of the free world behind him. With the right direction alot of these problems could have been avoided. If you remember President Bush in his speech told everyone to go out and spend money. WRONG!! He said that Iraq was responsible for the attack. WRONG!! He said we needed to attack them on their soil and take the fight to them. Partially WRONG!! What he failed to say was this. The people who attacked us were Saudi's, Egyptians, and Syrians all funded by us. Yep, everytime we import oil from the middle east we are funding their campaign. Instead of telling us to spend he should have told us to cut back. During WWII this country was asked to make sacrifices. What sacrifices were we asked to make after 9/11? During WWII the automakers converted over to building tanks and planes. Why weren't the automakers told to convert over to building vehicles that would get a minimum of 30mpg? Do you think he would have faced as much opposition to drilling and to nuclear power if he had explained it was for fighting our enemy? Of course not. And finally he should have made it clear we were coming for Al-Quida in Afghanistan and there would be no prisoners, no negotiations, no questions. The Taliban could turn them over or they all could die together.
No what happened was we invaded a country that had nothing to do with 9/11. We spent 100's of billions of dollars while giving tax breaks. We were encouraged to buy houses we couldn't afford. Detroit continued building oversized vehicles and we continued financing them up to 84 months. Now the chickens have come home to roost and unfortunately they are producing no eggs.

Syd

"In trouble where will we turn
And when you're losing the fight
Who's your white knight gonna be
Our worlds out of order and all I
see is missed opportunity" Hall & Oates "Missed Opportunity"

What have we become?

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus". Galatians 3:28.
This morning I read an account of a black journalist being told to "Sit Down Boy" at a rally for Sarah Palin yesterday in Clearwater Florida. At this same rally as she spewed her venom at Barack Obama someone shouted out "Kill Him". At a rally the day before, when John McCain asked "Who is Barack Obama?" Someone shouted Terrorists.
Is this where we are in our country? Is this who we have become? It's 2008. People are seeing their retirement dry up and go away. 150k people became unemployed in September alone. We are fighting 2 wars that we can't afford and the banks are hanging on by a shoelace and we are worrying about the color of a candidates skin? Of the number of people at the Palin rally, I wonder how many called themselves Christian? Has this election brought us to this? The good news is that this tactic is not working and the polls are showing it. People really don't want to talk about things that happened 40 yrs ago, they are worried about the next 40 days. They are worried about keeping a 40 hour work week. They are worried about it costing 40+ dollars to fill up their tanks.

I understand more than most how this election has separated people. Most people are fearful of the unknown of change,and what it could and couldn't bring. While others see it as a chance to correct the mistakes of the past and forge a new direction. But, I do believe most people can agree on one thing, Something has to give.

Syd

It's the singer not the song
The same old places and the same old songs
We've been going there for much too long
There's something wrong and it gives me that feeling
Inside that I know I must be right
It's the singer not the song" The Rolling Stones (1965)

More Pics (Clemson Basketball)

Last week it was Terrence Oglesby, this week it is Raymond Sykes and David Potter. The picture was taken as we were going into the game. Coach Purnell is doing a great job of recruiting really good kids. Both were really nice guys and seemed to enjoy having their picture made with Eddie and Logan.

Clemson Football Round 2

This week it was Logan's turn for Clemson Football. At first I didn't think I was going to the game but the wedding we had on Saturday night wasn't until 7:30 so that allowed us time to go. I can't remember the last time I left at 11:15am for a 1:00pm start. Actually it wasn't that bad, we were still in our spot by 12:15. The game went as expected but the highlight was the South Carolina State Marching Bank (The 101). Clemson's halftime concessions sells had to take a huge hit. No One left their seats and they were not disappointed. I had seen them several years ago at a Furman game and knew what to expect. The weather was perfect, Logan had a great time, Half-time show was great, and the football game was good. All in all a very nice afternoon.

Syd

More Pics

Tiger in Waiting - Jonah

Bryson with Clemson Basketball player Terrence Oglesby. What a nice kid and boy can he shoot the 3.

Week-End In Clemson

Anna and I spent Friday Night in the motorhome with Noah and Bryson. Then breakfast Saturday Morning, then on to the game. Why Clemson continues to schedule noon starts for early September home games is beyond reason. It was soo hot and they didn't have any COLD water. You would think they would take some of the tv money and invest in an ice machine that could keep up. The "Nitro Rev" with his able body assistant "Beach Babe" came by to visit us Saturday Morn. Together they are fighting Sin in the Midlands and through out the greater Isle of Palms region. You asked for pictures (Peggy) you got-em.

Syd

Square 1 on the field

Anyone at the game this past Saturday got a chance to see Square 1 at work. Our pop-out signs lined the backline in the west endzone. Someone told me they thought there would not be 65k at the game. I think the final total was 75k. Not bad for Citadel. What really sucks this year is they are requiring motorhomes to be in their spot 3 hours before the game or they will start filling your spot with cars. This makes no sense. It seems to me that if you have paid for this spot it should be yours no matter what time you show up.

Syd

Which Georgia?

We are giving $1billion to Georgia? Where is this money coming from? This country is lead by example. We wonder why so many people are drowning in cc debt. Why so many are losing their homes because they bought so far out of their price range and financed it a 125% of value. Its because they are only following the example of the WhiteHouse and now the McCain/Palin. This is why I can no longer vote for the irresponsible idiots. Everyone is panning over Sarah Palin, saying she is one of us. Their right. She probably is like them. Spending money and going into debt without any thought on how to pay for it. Ask the citizens of her town. Before she was mayor- ZERO DEBT, when she left - 22 million dollars in debt. Now this is for a town of @8000. In othe words she handed each citizen a bill for $2750.00. GWB has spent this country into bankruptcy and now they want to give Georgia $1billion dollars?
Hey, I'm an Atlanta Braves fan. Give the money to our Georgia. We can build up the Braves and the Falcons and buy everyone a hotdog from the Varsity. Makes as much sense.
"When you're hot, you're hot
And when you're not, you're not
Put all the money in and let's roll 'em again
When you're hot, you're hot" Late Great Jerry Reed. RIP

Syd

Ok, how does this stupid thing work

I've done it. I have broke down and purchased a blackberry. So far it's just a fancy phone with a keyboard. I don't know why I have such a hard time with these things. Heck, I know the difference between a 268 and 280 pantone color. I am very knowledgeable with photoshop and many other graphic programs, or why I can operate a 72" printer and I can't figure out how to sit this stupid e-mail up. I can't even change out the ringtone. The bottom line is I'm going to have to have someone walk me through this thing. Probably my kids.
Oh well, I probably can't think straight because my head is still spinning from McCain's pick as VP. I'm trying to understand the reasoning behind this. If it is because she is a woman I can think of at lot of republican women 100 times more qualified. Kaye Bailey Hutchinson, Christie Todd-Whitman or Elizabeth Doyle to name a few. I think this choice scares me more than anything. That someone who has basically governed the city of Pickens and Richland County is a heartbeat away from the presidency. I also feel sorry for her children especially the teenager who is pregnant. They are leaving the security and no media scrutiny of Alaska to have their lives plastered everywhere. And who is going to take care of the downs child? My sister can tell you that this is no easy task. I'm just confused with this pick. What was she or McCain thinking?
"If you feel like leaving, you know you can go. Why don't you stay until tomorrow?
If you want to be freeeeee, all you have to do is say so." Hall & Oates "Sarah Smile"

Syd

A Four Letter Word- IRAQ

Many people have asked me why I'm supporting Barack Obama for president. There are many reasons. Ranging from a total dislike for the Clintons to a total dislike of what the Republican Party is at this moment in time. But, I think the main reason is a simple 4-letter word, IRAQ. From day one I have beeen against the invasion of Iraq. Didn't understand why we were going in. There were NO Iraqi's on any of the planes on 9/11. Anyone who would taken time to read and research would have known that under no circumstance would Sadam Hussian assist Osama Bin Laden. One was sunni and one is shite. I will agree Sadam Hussian was a madman and should have been overthrown, but when did we become the police force for the Iraqi people? There are plenty of evil men in this world. Why didn't we go into Uganda, The Sudan or Cambodia? Simple reason was oil and money. War is to profitable. Dwight Eisenhower in his last speech as president warned of the "Military Industrial Complex". Here was a real military hero. One who had orchestrated D-Day. He warned that when wars became profitable we would fight wars for the wrong reason. He had just seen it happen in Korea.

I love when people mention now that the surge is working and that Obama was against the surge. Let me give you an analogy. I come by and set your house on fire and we only call one fire dept because it would be too expensive to call 2. Well the house continues to burn so I say lets go ahead and call 3 and get this fire put out. Yes, the fire is put out and the firemen go home but the house is still burned down for no reason. The bottom line is we never should have been there to begin with.

Instead of going into Iraq, we should have turned all of our resources into chasing down Bin Laden. I mean that old testament type justice, the type the Israelis used after Munich. Watch the movie Munich. Not only did they go after the terrorists, they went after their families, their friends and anyone who was associated with them. When Obama said he would go into Pakistan if he knew he could get Bin Laden, he was raked over the coals. We either want him or not. I realy don't think this adminstration does.

Oh well, blame this rant on too little sleep from watching the convention and the olympics. The whole world should be required to operate off of Eastern Standard Time.

"I've been used, abused and so confused, and I had no where to run,

But I stood and looked, and my eyes got hooked, on that beautiful morning sun".

Van Morrison .... Brand New Day

Syd

A gift of 4 years & 4 months

My dad passed away 3 years ago today, August 22, 2005. On one hand it seems like yesterday on the other it seems like many years ago. During these 3 years we have added 2 and substracted 1. We have added Jonah and Ellie & substracted Stephanie, with one addition on deck. We have seen what New Orleans looks like underwater, and nominated an african-american for president. But unfortunately we are still fighting a senseless war in Iraq. All in 3 short years.

He died at the young age of 91. Born September 17, 1914. He lived through the depression, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He also traveled a good deal, working in Detroit and Baltimore and down in Florida, basically anywhere he could find work after the war. The funny thing was that it wasn't until after a surgery in 2001 that we heard many of the stories of that time. He had a brain tumor removed from between his eyes on May 25th of 2001. At 86 years young, he was in surgery for almost 7 hours. I personally did not think he would ever come out of surgery. That morning as they took him back I said my good-byes with the belief that at his age he probably wouldn't come back. But he did. He came out of surgery, hungry, and even though he had lost 75% of his vision was able to recognize me when I came into recovery. Now don't get me wrong, the recovery was anything but easy. My mother, sisters and brother-in-law can testify to that, and I can give you a first hand description from his time in the hospital.

But he did survive and lived over 4 years. He was able to dance at my daughter's wedding, see 4 of his great-grandchildren born (Bryson (finally a red head), JJ, Noah & Logan).

He had time to catch us up on stories we had never heard, say his good-byes and to die at home and not in a hospital. It was truely a gift of 4 years & 4 months..

"We walked troubles brooding wind swept hills And we loved and we laughed the pain away

At the end of the journey, when our last song is sung Will you meet me in Heaven someday"

Johnny Cash "Meet me in Heaven someday"

Syd

It's just not fair

Where's Doc. Brown and the De Lorean when I need him? You remember Doc. Brown from Back to the Future? He had the De Lorean with the flux copasitor that when you hit 88 mph you could travel to your pre-set time, backwards or forward. Doc Brown take me back to when Bryson was only 1 and lets just stay there awhile. Bryson started kindergarten today at Reidville Elementary and I feel OLD. The good part of this is that I am not old alone. Yep, Stephen Taylor you were there with me when we found out the news and you were there to baptize him, so you are old too. My sister who is already 6 yrs older than me, you were there with us at the hospital, you too are old. My son and all of his friends, who have been a part of his life from the start, yep you're getting old. And my wife nothing more needs to be said as well as all you folks in Quail Ridge and you know those of you of whom I speak who are getting old.
There, now I feel better, since I have included most of you in my misery. Getting older is not so bad as long as you have friends to enjoy it with you. It's just not fair.

First time you feel it, it might make you sad nexttime you feel it it might make you mad
But you'l be glad baby when youve found hats the power makes the world go round"
Huey Lewis & News "Power of Love" of course.

Syd

august 16th, 1977

Saturday we celebrated the 31st anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. It was our annual luau with all of the good fixin's. All of you who missed it, missed a very laid back evening with music from Radio Margaritaville and food from Nard's Backyard BBQ. Pictures will be coming later.

Thiry one years later. I remember it well, I had just picked up my school bus (driver) and was coming home when I stopped at Pat's Cash & Carry and was told the news. The media went crazy, people rushed out bought up all the newspaper, Enquirers, you name it. As much of a media feeding frenzy as it was then, can you imagine with all the cable networks we have now what it would be like. It would never stop. I found out a couple of things recently. At the time of his death, Elvis had $100.00 in savings and $1,000,000 in his checking account. Also, Elvis's net worth was @5 million dollars. Today Graceland is valued at over $100 million alone. This does not count what the Elvis name, music or image is worth. Elvis would have been a wiser investment than General Motors.

This brings up a couple of interesting questions; Do we have to die to find out what we are truely worth? and should our worth be judged in dollars and cents?

"I can't remember if I cried, when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside, the day, the music died". Don McLean "American Pie"

Syd

A Month of Sundays

Alright already, I get it, people actually read my ramblin's. It's not that I didn't have anything to say, it's finding time to sit down and type it out. This is not a complaint, but right now we are so busy and under the gun to get things turned around and out the door that there are not enough hours in the day. College students are moving in this coming week-end and we have a couple of schools who are wanting things finished by then. Western Carolina University decided to change their logo and school colors this year but decided to wait until 8/13 to publicly announce it. So it was a hurryup and wait to show their new look. Speaking of kids moving in, I want to be the first to congratulate Ian Barlow on moving in to Clemson. The next step is to get Julie and Grant, and especially Floyd out to a ball game and all of them dressed in Orange.
It is hard to believe that the kids are heading back to school. That I will be fighting that Buena Vista traffic on Tuesday mornings, that we will be hit soon to order wrapping paper or a coupon book and before I know it, that awful day will arrive and it will be time to close the pool. Oh well, life goes on. I have alot of things to write about coming up in the next week or so. Anniversaries, parties, hopefully divorce finals, etc. so check back in. Thanks.

"I love the Tigers but I hate the Mets ,I ride my Hog but I race my Vette
I gotta job, but hell I'm still in debt . I love America" Alice Cooper "I love America".

Syd

Less than 45 days

It's hard to believe we are less than 45 days until football season. I have mixed feelings about this. I love football season, the games & the tailgating. There is something about getting up early, hustling around packing things up, then getting over to Louie's and waiting 30 minutes. But it's all good and makes for a fun day. But, football also means the end of summer. It seems that as soon as football starts, the week-ends are shot and before you know it, it's October and time to close the pool, then its Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then we're back to the god-awful months of Jan.& February. Anyway, it will be here sooner than we think.

My friend Russell Smith with the Make-A-Wish foundation called yesterday. We have a M.A.W. kid (actually 17) who's wish was for season tickets to Clemson Football and a parking pass. Well, we have secured the tickets and pass but he wants to do a little more. He is trying to put together a tailgating package for her and her family. A tent, a table, possible picnic basket, car flags, etc. basically anything Clemson or Tiger Paws. I am donating a tablecloth. So to all you tailgaters if you have anything left over you want to donate, please let me know and I will forward the information over to Russell. Also, the other good news, if her health allows, she will be enrolling at Clemson next year.

"Another day goes by And still the children cry Put a little love in your heart"
If you want the world to know We won't let hatred grow Put a little love in your heart"
"Put a little love in your heart" artists Many

Syd

Minus 2 trees, plus 3+inches of rain

Its been a fun week to say the least. This has been one of those times when you definitely take the good with the bad. The storm may have taken my trees but in return we have had over 3" of rain. The rain has been a blessing so I'll take the rain and replace the trees.


I have been asked to put up more pictures of the grand kids. So here is one for everyone and I will try to add more as we go. Well, it's going to be a very busy week-end, the amwayians are in town and I will be parking cars at the Bi-Lo Center.

"C'est la vie", say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell " Aaron Neville "You never can tell"

Syd

Where's FEMA?

Ok, Ok, Ok,...you were right. To all those who are saying I told you so, you were right. The trees did finally come down. Yep, a storm blew through Quail Ridge yesterday and took down my 2 bradford pears in my front yard. They had survived ice-storms, numerous storms, and this drought. 13 years out of a bradford pear is not bad. I bought them for $10.00 ea. at the K-Mart in Greer in 95, so I think I got my money's worth. Leo(neighbor across the street) said it was the worst storm he had seen in his 20 yrs in the neighborhood. We received 1.75" of rain in just over 30 minutes.
Now comes the decision on what to replace them with. Any suggestions out there? My wife won't let me put in a Pindo Palm, so it will probably be either a cherry or maple tree. The other big question of the day came from David Snider when he asked, "what are you going to decorate this Christmas". A very good question, a very good question.

"you've just given,
given it all to the wind" Ozark Mtn. Daredevils.

Syd

What's in your wallet?

Ok, it's time to get back in the blogging business. My dog (our youngest daughter) Cookie received a credit card application in the mail yesterday. You heard me right, Capital One invited Cookie to open an account with them.

Now lets see what do you think would be the first thing Cookie would buy with this card? 1,000 tennis balls and a machine to shoot them out for her. I can also see her buying a cat disposal unit, or maybe a swimming pool of her own. For a dog who has everything already, I'm not sure she really needs to start building her credit just yet. Who knows, she may even qualify for a home loan from Country Wide.

Folks, this is one of the major problems in this country. Anyone who has had kids in college knows how many credit card applications are sent to them. They know that the sooner they can create an addiction the sooner they can start collecting outrageous interest rates. I am not pointing fingers at anyone, we have all been there, but if this application to Cookie is not icing on the cake nothing is. This cycle needs to come to an end. I don't know how and when or of it ever will, but the sooner this generation gets it, the better.

"God money I'll do anything for you.
God money just tell me what you want me to.
God money nail me up against the wall.
God money don't want everything he wants it all." Nine Inch Nails "Head Like a Hole"
(one of my favorite songs of all time)

Syd

Independence Day Memories

It's been almost 3 years since my dad passed away. The 4th of July was by far his favorite holiday. Hillbilly Day in Mt. Rest, SC was the place he had to be. Getting there early (@10:00am) was a must, he wanted time to walk around and talk to his old friends and to make sure he found a good seat near the stage. You see bluegrass music and square dancing was his love. I think he enjoyed watching the dancers as much as listening to the musicians. All the regular musicians new him well. One of the bands actually played at his funeral. The proudest moment came the last year he was able to attend. They recoginized him from the stage as the only person to have actually attended every Hillbilly Day from the start ,41 straight years. True dedication. I also believe his love of the 4th came from his love of country. He served during WWII and was always active in the local American Legion. The 4th was a chance every year to show this love.

Over the years the 4th of July has grown into my favorite holiday of the year as well. I view Christmas as more of a Season. The 4th brings back great memories from my Dad but it also has allowed me to create new memories for my kids and grandkids. When my son's friends call to make sure we are still doing something at our house reconfirms how important it is to create your own memories and traditions.

No we want have a blue grass band, or a grease pig to chase, but hopefully one day my kids will look back at their own great memories of the 4th. Thanks Dad for the inspiration.

"Well you may not like my appearance An' you may not like my song
Well you may not like the way I talk But you like the way I'm gone"

Bill Monroe "Free Born Man"

Happy 4th of July

Syd

And the papers reported "A Fun Time Was Had By All"

Well I survived 3 straight days of playing golf in Myrtle Beach this week-end. We had an unbelievable time, the hospitality and the golf courses were un-real. We played at Grande Dunes resort and members courses over 3 days. The event in its 7th year is held by the resort and the Mariott as a fund raiser for the Make-A-Wish foundation of South Carolina. I invited my brother-in-law and his wife as well as a client and his fiancee from the College of Charleston. It's going to take a while for Charlie to repay this week-end. Here is a picture of myself and Josh Bryson from the College of Charleston and Perry Tuttle of Clemson/SI Cover Fame. We actually played Sunday with Adrien Morrell, an ex-NYJet running back. The food was great also. The other big news was that I actually won the closest to the pin on Sunday. Not a bad week-end at all.

Syd

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road,
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs where to go,
So make the best of the test and don't ask why.
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time,
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life"......Green Day "Time of your life"

Early Bird Special

Yes I know, it's Thursday and not Friday. But, I'm heading to Myrtle Beach in the morning so here it is. Going down to play in a Celebrity/Pro-Am Golf Tourney at the Grande Dunes Golf Course. You heard right, I am playing in a Celebrity/Pro-Am Golf Tourney. The tournament is for the Make-A-Wish foundation of SC. Big to-do, with yours truly crashing the party. My only concern is whether or not this old out of shape body can handle 18 holes of golf 3 days in a row. As most of you know, I can hold my own with anyone drinking 3 days in a row but actually playing golf in the Myrtle Beach heat for 3 days in row could get interesting. But, I am willing to take the challenge for a worthy cause. All indications are we will have a very good times. Invited my brother-in-law and wife to go also as well as a customer at the College of Charleston. Boy is my brother-in-law going to owe me for this one, I don't see me paying for a round of golf at Greer in the foreseeable future. Well enough of me rubbing this in the face of Nitro Rev, and any other golfers out there. See ya Monday.

Syd
"Where 'd all the good people go Ive been changin channels I dont see them on the tv shows, Where 'd all the good people go We got heaps and heaps of what we sow."
Jack Johnson "Good People Go"

Peaches, Palms, and cucumber vines.

Stopped by Fishers Orchard on my way back from Gardner Webb today. After last years losses it was great to see the shed open and the business brisk. The trees are still full and people were out picking their own peaches. (Man, I would hate to have my entire life wrapped around not having a late season frost). 95 today and no a/c in the honda, but I still love summer.
My palms trees are hitting stride right now. The washingtonian that dies out in the winter has come back bigger than ever this year and the younger windmills are starting to grow upwards instead of only outwards. Did I mention I love summer.
I wonder what the record is for the most cucumbers off of one vine? We have one vine that is threatening to take over not only the palm tree but my hibiscus and the tomatoes. (You would have to see how I plant things to understand). But, as long as it continues to produce fruit, hell, it can run up the driveway, I'll park in the street. No a/c and a wandering cucumber plant, these are problems I will take over scrapping ice off of my windshield any day. I love summer.

"We made it through winter We made it through fall
We made it through the spring timeTough times and all
It's good to seeI love the summerI'm riding with the top down
Let the wind blowChillin' with my lovePartying fo' sho
'It feels good to seeI love the summer Everybody if you with me sing......"
Snoop Dogg "Another Summer"

Who's left to make us think?

I'm going to miss George Carlin. Everyone of my age who remembers the early George Carlin will know what I am saying. The Hippy-Dippy weatherman, the sportscaster, "William 7 Mary 0", 7 words you can never say on the radio, etc. But what I will miss the most is his take on politics and religion. Now don't take this the wrong way, I disagree with his lack of belief in god, but his takes on the hypocrisy of organized religion were dead on. Also, his views on politics were absolutely hillarous. He not only had the ability to make us laugh, but more importantly he made us think.
Tim Russert didn't make us laugh, but he did make us think. By giving us an unbias interview, doing the homework for us, and not being afraid to ask the tough question, he gave us the information to help us form our own opinion.
One of the problems we have today is that people don't want to hear opinions that differ from their own. Is it a fear that they could be wrong? Not being strong in their beliefs? Or just living in a very intolerable society? I have always loved to talk to people who are different. Different cultures, different beliefs, different points of view, etc...
"When everyone thinks alike, no one is thinking".

Syd
"You can't judge an apple by looking at the tree, You can't judge honey by looking at the bee".
"You can't judge a daughter by looking at the mother, and you can't judge a book by looking at the cover".. (Late Great) Bo Didley, "You Can't Judge a book by the cover"

Freedom for who

Been a busy morning, already been to Clemson and back. I hate to cheat at this but I'm going to do some copying and pasting this morning. George Wills Op-Ed piece this week in the Washington Post is worth the read. For those that missed it and don't want to go through the effort to subscribe to the Post, I am posting it in my blog. For those of you who don't know, George Will is a conservative writer and news celebrity. He hits the nail on the head with this though. Enjoy the read.

"And I've just got to wonder what my Daddy would've done
If he'd seen the way they turned his dream around
I've got to go by what he told me, try to tell the truth And stand your ground
DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN"
Kris Kristofferson..."Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down"

Syd (Have a Great Week-end)


Contempt Of Courts
McCain's Posturing On Guantanamo

By George F. WillTuesday, June 17, 2008; Page

The day after the Supreme Court ruled that detainees imprisoned at Guantanamo are entitled to seek habeas corpus hearings, John McCain called it "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country." Well.
Does it rank with Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857), which concocted a constitutional right, unmentioned in the document, to own slaves and held that black people have no rights that white people are bound to respect? With Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which affirmed the constitutionality of legally enforced racial segregation? With Korematsu v. United States (1944), which affirmed the wartime right to sweep American citizens of Japanese ancestry into concentration camps?

Did McCain's extravagant condemnation of the court's habeas ruling result from his reading the 126 pages of opinions and dissents? More likely, some clever ignoramus convinced him that this decision could make the Supreme Court -- meaning, which candidate would select the best judicial nominees -- a campaign issue.

The decision, however, was 5 to 4. The nine justices are of varying quality, but there are not five fools or knaves. The question of the detainees' -- and the government's -- rights is a matter about which intelligent people of good will can differ.

The purpose of a writ of habeas corpus is to cause a government to release a prisoner or show through due process why the prisoner should be held. Of Guantanamo's approximately 270 detainees, many certainly are dangerous "enemy combatants." Some probably are not. None will be released by the court's decision, which does not even guarantee a right to a hearing. Rather, it guarantees only a right to request a hearing. Courts retain considerable discretion regarding such requests.
As such, the Supreme Court's ruling only begins marking a boundary against government's otherwise boundless power to detain people indefinitely, treating Guantanamo as (in Barack Obama's characterization) "a legal black hole." And public habeas hearings might benefit the Bush administration by reminding Americans how bad its worst enemies are.

Critics, including Chief Justice John Roberts in dissent, are correct that the court's decision clouds more things than it clarifies. Is the "complete and total" U.S. control of Guantanamo a solid-enough criterion to prevent the habeas right from being extended to other U.S. facilities around the world where enemy combatants are or might be held? Are habeas rights the only constitutional protections that prevail at Guantanamo? If there are others, how many? All of them? If so, can there be trials by military commissions, which permit hearsay evidence and evidence produced by coercion?

Roberts's impatience is understandable: "The majority merely replaces a review system designed by the people's representatives with a set of shapeless procedures to be defined by federal courts at some future date." Ideally, however, the defining will be by Congress, which will be graded by courts.

McCain, co-author of the McCain-Feingold law that abridges the right of free political speech, has referred disparagingly to, as he puts it, "quote 'First Amendment rights.' " Now he dismissively speaks of "so-called, quote 'habeas corpus suits.' " He who wants to reassure constitutionalist conservatives that he understands the importance of limited government should be reminded why the habeas right has long been known as "the great writ of liberty."

No state power is more fearsome than the power to imprison. Hence the habeas right has been at the heart of the centuries-long struggle to constrain governments, a struggle in which the greatest event was the writing of America's Constitution, which limits Congress's power to revoke habeas corpus to periods of rebellion or invasion. Is it, as McCain suggests, indefensible to conclude that Congress exceeded its authority when, with the Military Commissions Act (2006), it withdrew any federal court jurisdiction over the detainees' habeas claims?
As the conservative and libertarian Cato Institute argued in its amicus brief in support of the petitioning detainees, habeas, in the context of U.S. constitutional law, "is a separation of powers principle" involving the judicial and executive branches. The latter cannot be the only judge of its own judgment.
In Marbury v. Madison (1803), which launched and validated judicial supervision of America's democratic government, Chief Justice John Marshall asked: "To what purpose are powers limited, and to what purpose is that limitation committed to writing, if these limits may, at any time, be passed by those intended to be restrained?" Those are pertinent questions for McCain, who aspires to take the presidential oath to defend the Constitution.

Oil flavored Kool-Aid

"Please ignore the man behind the curtain". Finally, the line in the sand is being drawn. Actually the line is being drawn at the bottom of the ocean, off of our coasts. So President Bush and John McCain have decided its time to open up the drilling rights off of our coasts. Great Idea!! Lets see, our refineries are operating at the max and we haven't built any new ones in years. With this new drilling and all this new oil, it would be 5-10 years before it would go online.

As I have stated in the past, the price of gas was too low. Recently the Saudis have said they want to increase production and bring down the price of a barrell of oil. Of course they do. It's like the drug dealer who knows that a cheap crack cocaine is better than the higher price version. With cheap drugs, the user has no reason to fight the addiction. The Saudis know that with high gas prices, we will begin to fight our addiction with alternative fuels and more effecient vehicles. We are already seeing this happen. The ones who profit the most from oil are the ones who will be pushing for openning up ANWER, and drilling off of our coasts. "Follow the Money"!! As a country I know we can do better. We have the technology to break this addiction, we just havn't found it yet.

"belief is a beautiful armor but makes for the heaviest sword
like punching underwater you never can hit who you're trying for"...John Mayer, Belief

Syd

From the road, the pew and the office

Nitro-Rev, I really don't see how you do it. It's not that I don't have anything to say every other day. It's finding the time to sit down and write it.
I hit the road to Dallas last week. Attended the National Assoc. of College Athletic Directors meeting. 3 days of working a booth. Actually on the floor for only 4 hours a day, but all indictations are that it was worth the time and expenses. I had been to Dallas on a couple of occasions but had never had the time to go downtown and walk over the spot where JFK was assasinated. It was very surreal. The most amazing part was how close everything is. The grassy knoll, the book depository and the street are all within a couple hundred feet. Call me a nut, but I have always thought there was NO WAY Oswald could have done it alone. Too many people benefitted from his death. Standing there on the spot I could not help but wonder what would this country be like had he lived.

Watching Luke Russert on the Today Show this morning reminded me the role that our children play in our lives. Like or not they are a direct reflections of us. Their strengths and shortfalls at times are tied to our own. Luke's ability to come in front of the Nation, and conduct an interview less than 72 hours after his dads death was a fitting tribute to Tim. Darren's sermon for fathers day was "Who's your Daddy?" I do believe that we all answer that question everyday. Like it or not we are all reflections of our fathers. Good or Bad the reflection you give is your choice. In our christian walk no one should every have to ask that question.

Well, I'm back in my office, ready for the July 1 (new budget year for schools) wave and ready to ride.
"Now a life of leisure and a pirate's treasure Don't make much for tragedy But it's a sad man my friend who's livin' in his own skin And can't stand the company" Bruce Springsteen, "Better Days".

Syd

30 years and going

It was my 30 year class reunion this past Friday night. I can proudly say we had over a third of our class in attendance. That's not very hard when we only had 32 graduates. It was alot of fun looking back at those times. The era we were in, the cloths, the fewer aches and pains, the smaller bodies, the "Glory Days" as Springsteen would say. What saddened me the most was the beauty queen who longed for those days. To think that your days in high school are the highlight of your life is sad. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my days in high school but by no means was this the highlight of my life.

It's like getting older. Alot of people hate thinking about it, go out of there way to avoid it, won't admit it, and won't accept it. I on the other hand wear it like a badge of honor. Getting older always beats the alternative in every case. With my dad living to 91, I'm hoping I'm just getting started.

"Don't mind the grey in your hair. Just think of the fun you had puttin' it there and as for that old book of time Boy, you never skipped a page So, don't be ashamed of your age Brother, don't be ashamed of your age"... Willie Nelson "Don't be ashamed of your age"

Syd

More Pics

Here are some more pics

"A Week In the Life"

"Woke up, got out of bed, ran a comb across my head"... It's been a week since I have been able to post. But quite a week in deed. Last Thursday (May 22) at 4:00pm, Jonah Lucas Simmons arrived into this world at 9lbs, 10oz. Ashley did well, she has found something she is really good at, making beautiful baby boys. They went home on Saturday after we waited for 6 hours for the pediatrician to discharge Jonah. (This takes us through Saturday).

We took our annual trip to Hilton Head for the Southern Conference Spring Meeting this past Monday. Always a great trip and the Conference does a good job with all the accomodations. Last year we took Bryson with us, this year Noah was introduced to the ocean for the first time. A little apprehensive at first but by Wednesday he would at least get his feet wet. Bryson on the other hand is his Grandfathers boy. Born with an absolute love of the ocean, the waves, and the creatures we found on the beach. The papers reported a "Fun Time Was Had By All"

"Where it all ends I can't fathom, my friends.If I knew, I might toss out my anchor.So I'll cruise along always searchin' for songs, Not a lawyer, a thief or a banker". J. Buffett, Son of a Son of a Sailor..

Jonah will be here Thursday

Looks like Thursday is the induced "Labor Day". Ashley's going to be induced this Thursday so Jonah Simmons should be arriving sometime that day. I'm not sure what it is about the 22nd of the month, but this will be her 2nd son with a birthday on the 22nd. Prayers requested that everything will go as well as the first 2 did. Rumor has it, this is going to be another 9lb+ baby.

Syd

It's Broke!!!

Our health system is broke. Actually I wouldn't call it a health system, it's a medical conglomerate run by the insurance companies. I found out on the 1st of May my health insurance with my wife's work was going up to $450.00 per month. I immediately contacted a local agent and applied for a different policy. Now both policies would have been through Blue Cross, with the newer policy having a higher deductable and no prescribtion card. Blue Cross drug their feet (ordering medical records) which they should already have. Knowing I only had 2 weeks to secure a new policy, this basically insured I would be forced to keep the higher priced policy.

Along the way I learned a very interesting fact. Did you know that everytime you have a prescription filled and use your prescription card that your insurance company sells that information to a drug company or marketing specialist for somewhere between $15.00 - $50.00 per transaction? Per Transaction!! This is a way for say Merck to know how many people are using lipitor in the 29662 zip code. This helps direct their sales rep on who to buy off each month. This additional income along with the negotiated price they have with the pharmacist, represents another lucrative revenue stream.

If you ever hope for change, Forget About It!! Take time and do a quick check on the most popular occupations of our state senators and representatives. Lawyers and Insurance Agents. They have the most to gain by staying in power.
"People get ready, there's a train a coming, you don't need no ticket you just hop on board" Curtis Mayfield

Have a Great Week-End

Syd

The Educated?

I am greatly confused. For the last couple of weeks the media and the Clinton campaign have continued to harp on the fact that Billary is winning the white uneducated voters. The working class, the uneducated, the less informed. Is this something to brag about? Does this mean the less you know the more likely you will vote for Hillary? With only 56% of African-American teens graduating from High School, why aren't more voting for Hillary. In a state such as South Carolina, never known for its high education marks, why did 40% of the white males vote for Obama? Are we more educated than advertised?

I think the Clinton's and the media are avoiding saying the obvious. These states are voting along racial lines. In Indiana the birth place of the KKK, West Virginia with Senator Byrd as a past Grand Wizard, and the devisive campaigning in OHIO and PA. this was all to be expected. The campaigns should open and out front with this charade. It's all in black and white.

Syd

Just another place to vent...

Ok, here we go!! I am retiring from writing letters to the editors and now moving into the world of the bloggers. My plans now are to write my thoughts on issues, impressions of this elections, updated happenings at 116 Northridge Rd.(Quailridge Beachclub & Pool Society), and generally anything I think someone may be interested in reading. I doubt I will be able to write a daily blog like my friend the NitroRev. I'm not sure whether he has more to say, or just more time to say it. I'm thinking it's more to say. But, I do think I can find something to report on at least 3 days a week. So, here we go, check in on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Syd