Personal

Trump for… ???

Posted by Jim on August 25, 2015
Posted in: Personal, Politics. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Let me preface this by saying, I don’t think Donald Trump is presidential material. But, I don’t believe any of the other declared participants in the current campaigns are, either.

Of all the “candidates,” I suspect Donald Trump actually believes what he is saying. He will try to build the “hugest, most excellent, wall at the Mexican border,” he will try to get Carl Ichan to be the point person to deal with China and Japan. He will push for extreme immigration reform.

While Trump believes what he is saying, I suspect the others know that they are lying to our face. And that’s what angers me. I’m tired of being lied to, blatantly and constantly. From BOTH sides of the aisle!

politcs statue

I’m also sick of cronyism. Such as how Caroline Kennedy “earned” her appointment to the position of U.S. Ambassador to Japan..

Caroline Kennedy: Well, I was in Washington talking to people in the White House about how I might be able to serve the president. And so, they said, “Well, what about ambassador to Japan?” And so I was like “Japan?” So anyway, I said, “Well, I would love to do that.”  [1]Source: CBS News

So what are we to do?

I think there is a real chance for a very serious and much needed change in American politics. He has already shaken things up, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This could provide the stark relief we need to reset our perspective.

Even though running as a Republican candidate, he doesn’t follow party lines. I like that. As I find “group think” to be dangerous and unproductive.

But, look at what’s happening. Neither party knows how to respond to him. There is a panic in the air as a “non-career politician” is stealing the spotlight. The parties are trying to make him appear inappropriate for going after Megyn Kelly, as an example.

Continue Reading

Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1 Source: CBS News

Unsolicited Endorsement #562

Posted by Jim on May 18, 2015
Posted in: Misc, Personal.

Somewhere along the way, I developed an affinity for shaving gear. I ran the gamut of cartridges and disposables, shave creams, gels and lotions. After many years of experimentation, and hundreds of dollars, I’ve finally found my kit.

I’ll begin with the gel. I’ve found Somerset’s Shaving Gel to be about the best I’ve ever used. I’ve tried the foaming shave creams and gels from various manufacturers, but this takes the cake. It’s a blue gel that, when applied, does not lather. It’s best used after softening the whiskers with hot water.

Somerset's Gel

Somerset’s Shaving Gel

 

Applied sparingly, Somerset’s will lubricate the skin and allow for a very close shave without nicks and cuts. It’s relatively fragrance free (which I greatly appreciate), and doesn’t dry out my skin. After shaving, a cold water rinse, and you’re good to go.

The other part of this equation is the razor. About the time I went to college, I discovered Wilkinson Sword (Schick in the USA). I found their blades to be about the best I’ve ever used, sharp and durable. I eventually settled on a cartridge system that they no longer make. That forced my hand, and I started doing some research. Lo and behold, I found the Wilkinson Sword Classic.

 

wilkinson classic

Wilkinson Sword Classic

I’ve been using the double edge blades in the Wilkinson Sword Classic handle, modeled after the “safety razors” of our fathers and grandfathers. AND LOVING IT!

It does take some practice to get the proper angle when using a safety razor, but the shave is really worth it. Also, blades are roughly $1.50 for a 5 pack. Can’t beat that.

I do want to give honorable mention to C.O. Bigelow Shave Cream. I really like this, and use it from time to time. The eucalyptus soothes the skin, although the fragrance can be a bit strong.

bigelow

C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream

 

Jim Says:”It ain’t skydiving, but it’s important.”

I’m no doctor..

Posted by Jim on August 5, 2014
Posted in: Book, Personal, Politics. Tagged: , , .

Let me preface this by saying, I’m no doctor. I’ve had only basic first aid training, never attended medical school, but have seen most episodes of “House M.D.”.

I do happen to know a little bit about Ebola (particularly the difference between Ebola Zaire and Ebola Reston) from reading “The Hot Zone” by Richard Preston.

hotzone

I can tell you this. It scares the shit out of me. This is nothing to be trifled with. In the medical field, it’s know as a “slate wiper”. When “Ebola Zaire” struck in September of 1976, it killed 90% of the people it infected. [1]Source: World Health Organization

I am completely against bringing Ebola patients, regardless of their nationality, to the United States for treatment. There is no good reason to risk the arrival of this virus on the North American continent. None. Period. I do feel for the victims of this horrible disease and am aware of the fate that awaits them. However, in the face of this disease, Quarantining victims is the best hope to prevent spread. Quarantine protocols have to be strictly followed, or they are useless. Ebola has proved this over and over, and it is the case currently in Sierra Leone. [2]Source: “Lax Quarantine Undercuts Ebola Fight in Africa” Adam Nossiter – New York Times, Aug. 4, 2014 

We need to take this very seriously. This isn’t Coke vs. Pepsi. This isn’t “Carbon Credits” or the housing bubble. This isn’t Al-Queda, or Israel/Palestine. This is a real threat. This could actually kill us.

Jim Says:”Seriously. Bad idea!”

Footnotes

Got ’em!!

Posted by Jim on June 14, 2014
Posted in: Entertainment, Music, Personal. Tagged: , , .

After 10 years, I finally have a drum kit again. I just picked up a Yamaha DTX450k courtesy of Stan and the guys over at Drum World. I’ll be setting it up in the next couple of days and hopefully posting some fun stuff with it. (Or not. I mean, how much did you pay to get in here, anyway?)

dtx450

Yamaha DTX450k

 

I sold my beloved Pearl Export kit when I was in Vegas (replete with some gorgeous Zildjians), and my Simmons SDS 1000 went with it. I’ve been without drums since I moved there in 2004. I’m starting to feel complete again.

Jim Says:”Where do you blow into these things?”