Argh! Found Frau’s machine automagically rebooted to apply “fixes”. And, lost some of what was onscreen at the time.
Imagine if GE could turn off your refridge any time it wanted to apply “fixes”. Argh!
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RANT: Hate Microsoft’s automtic fix and reboot
Friday, April 17, 2009
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Ranting | Tagged: Not Installable | 
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Posted by reinkefj
WRITING: It Was So Cold (A complete one paragraph story)
Friday, April 17, 2009It was cold. So cold. He’d never been so cold. The heat in the house was set to 40. People had to fend for themselves, but the pipes had to be kept from freezing. How many decades had they struggled? He mused as his body tried to warm the bed and blankets. More than two. The “carbon tax” to prevent “global warming” was the event that had started them down a road to “hell frozen over”. But, other things had set the stage. Even the children and grandchildren were impoverished. They all lived with him. He wept. More than a decade ago, his proud son was beaten by “the economy” and came home to live. The son brought his wife and three children. Couldn’t earn enough to feed everyone; never mind shelter, clothe, or anything else. There was no work. Debt crushed that once proud son and bankruptcy left them nothing. For awhile, it was OK. There was enough work from time to time to pay the bills. But “the economy” was in a death spiral. On their little plot of land, they resurrected a “victory garden”. Some victory. Not much of a garden. He and his wife moved to the first smallest bedroom so that the five refugees could have the largest room. At the time, he groused at his sainted wife that “it was temporary” and “we could take the second larger room”. Her response was: “I see worse times ahead.” That scared him. He began to take some modest steps for “worse times”. Cut the cable. Watch expenses like a hawk. Sell stuff. Hide other stuff. The polictics of “soak the rich” sounded too much like class warfare of the Nazis and Communists. He knew from a survivor of the Shoah and another from Cambodia where that led. He hid some stuff. Above the refrigerator coils. In clocks and appliances. Curtain rods. Nothing paper. He acquired some unpapered assets. Anything with a paper trail would be lost. An abandoned prized car in the backyard covered a multitude of metal detectable “sins”. As “the economy” worsened, his daughter and once proud son-in-law arrived with their three kids to take the middle small but larger bedroom. Again for a while it was OK. The taxes were oppressive. But when you have no income, there were no income taxes. Corporations were heavily taxed to make it up and they raised their prices. So people, who had nothing, paid the taxes hidden in products or went without. There was a a lot of going without. “Global warming” need to be fought more. Despite the ever colder winters and quick cool summers. No one told the king he had no clothes. The rich left for Europe and other destinations. Taking their wealth with them. They had no allegiance to a Titanic that was going down. Despite their particular part in the political lunacy that led to the sinking. They were cheerleaders in the hysteria! Hollywood “celebrities” left if they could, but there was nobody with any money for “art”. Their Sodom and Gomorrah wound down to drugs and prostitution. Just like the whores and grifters, we always knew they were, but were too blind to see. “Sports celebrities” fared even worse. Without any attendance, teams folded. Millionaire third baseman, quarterbacks, and dribblers were flushed into the toilet bowl with ordinary people. In some ways, he was “lucky”. During one of the many crisises, he bought a low emission vehicle, so they had a car. It was a modest profit center. They could get to the store, the doctor, or to work if there was any. Six adults and one neighborhood sharing one car made scheduling a nightmare. But survivors cooperated. It was a life raft. There were plenty of cars around. Just none that were “road worthy” according to the government. “Global warming” had ruled all the non low emission models off the roads. For the children, of course. That and the price of gas was in the three digits. Yes, OPEC had finally made an oil based currency and the American dollar was a stone around their neck. American “national debt” ensured the dive to civilization’s history book as a footnote about the American experiment with “liberty”. In every tragedy, some do well. The politicians were always “saving us”. Funny how they seemed to always have government transportation, food, and lodging. So too, the bureaucrats that served them, with their paychecks and gold plated pensions, did well. And, the toadies and hangers on, who lunched at the ever declining public trough. This was all not without some unpleasantness. The various “disturbances”, that the servile media did have to report, were always crushed. One could see nearby cities on fire. The prisons were overcrowded with all sorts of economic, drug, and other non-violent crime. “Hoarding” became a capital crime. As was non-payment of taxes. Unless you were politically connected. For public safety, all the guns were collected. Not us “public”; the “public servants” weren’t very safe! The howling of the NRA, GOA, and honest men were to no avail. Of course, if you can’t keep guns and drugs out of prisons, then the collection wasn’t very complete. It amused him. The thugs came a searched the house and seized his registered guns, a few gold coins, and what they called “extra food”. But as with most things done by government, they did NOT find the unregistered guns, the various stashes of gold and silver, and the caches of food. One neighbor was pointing out stuff for the thugs. A week later, he took care of that Quisling. And, his family. That was the end of snitching. A twenty two to the back of heads was a necessary ‘rodent elimination” project. He was not alone in the clean up effort. Anyone in the neighborhood who worked for the Government often met a similar fate when the employer was identified. Live too high on the hog and it was obvious where your bacon was coming from. And, of course, wretches, who had even less, came to prey on them as wealthy. He’d had learned a lesson from Western farmers. The men of the neighborhood watched out for their own. On any given day, half the folk slept for their night watch. In a way, it was, in a way, a modest profit making activity. These modern day looters were often packing heat and carrying treasure from an earlier heist. They no longer had need for it as they went to their eternal repose in the fields, cisterns, or abandoned cars. Shoot, shovel, and shut up was the “standing order”. Yes, it was hard times. And, hard men had starving families. He worried for his family as he aged. The wife passed. And he aged. His pensions, modest social security, welfare, and his “hidings” were the sustenance that kept them alive. The churches and poverty pantries had long since given their last. Welfare was a joke. They were wealthy, because they had a place to live. Civil unrest was even decimating the police and bureaucrats. He limited what he ate because there really wasn’t enough to go around. And, he’d heard that low calorie diets made you live longer. They needed him as a “cash cow” to live forever. Each day, with each child, he walk once around the block. Exercise was good for a long life. He listened to the child and then would tell them of the “good old days”. Gas, food, and fun was abundant through out the land. But there was a cancer in men’s minds that blinded them to the threat that their fellow man presented. It was a long walk. And getting longer. Or was he going slower. And, the children getting bigger. Homeschooling in addition to government schooling. There was not much to do on the cold dark nights. Electric was too valuable to waste on anything as frivolous as TV. The end of daylight signaled bedtime. At least a bed full of bodies was warm. He, of course, was alone, in that smallest of bedrooms. What would become of his family when the “cow” died? It was so cold. He fell asleep crying: “Noooo”!
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2 Comments | Writing | Tagged: Revolt | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
RANT: “Plastic pitchforks”? DOn’t think so.
Thursday, April 16, 2009http://channel-surfing.blogspot.com/2009/04/astroturf-part-2.html
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Astroturf, Part 2
Hank Kalet
*** begin quote ***
Thomas Frank knows about Republicans and populism.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123975925509119297.html
*** end quote ***
MY RESPONSE:
“Plastic pitchforks”?
I don’t think so. Admittedly I don’t know. It too could be another gigantic conspiracy.
But, I think not. For the first time in American history, the current generation in power is seeing — a lower standard of living for the next one, a dumbing down of “graduates”, and a net loss in their savings and earning power.
It makes me mad. It makes them mad. And, it scares the dickens out of everyone.
The political class, instead of providing leadership, has run around like chicken little spending money we don’t have to feather their own nests, reward their friends, and punish their enemies. Once again, the rich and powerful had their losses made good from the public treasury. Little people lost their 401ks and became the butt of late night comedian jokes about 201ks. At least, they noticed.
And don’t forget employment. We’ve gone from the 50’s America where it was possible for a high school student to earn a living wage on one salary to now, where to wage earners is barely enough to pay the taxes and stay solvent. Never mind live comfortably.
Astroturf?
I don’t think so.
And, it flows back into huge gooferments that suck up money like a vacuum cleaner. With bureaucrats that whine about 5 and 10% annual raises, lifetime health care, and artificially fattened pensions for their “lifetime” of “service”.
I think the “tea parties” are the undercurrent of political unrest that will make VietNam look like a walk in the park.
imho, but then I’m just one of those extremist vet that Nepaolitano and our version of the SS — Homeland Security — is watching out for. Got news for them, they could see a problem until it bites US in the A double Q!
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Leave a Comment » | Ranting | Tagged: economic freedom, Economics, Gooferment, GRIP, Income Tax, Revolt, Tax Revolt | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
TECHNOLOGY: WGA is one of the reasons I’ve left MSFT
Thursday, April 16, 2009http://windowssecrets.com/comp/090416/
Windows Genuine Advantage is still genuinely bad
Ryan Russell By Ryan Russell
*** begin quote ***
Microsoft’s system for validating Windows before users can download most updates continues to be a problem for legitimate customers and for Internet security as a whole.
*** end quote ***
And, what exactly are you buying when you give Microsoft your hard earned money — either directly or indirectly?
Nothing. Potentially nothing.
For any reason at all they can “turn you off”.
Sorry.
Not for me any more.
I’m moving.
Glacially it seems at times, but moving.
To Linux.
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Leave a Comment » | Technology | Tagged: cloud, cloud computing, computing, Control | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
INTERESTING: Carla Howell delivered this speech on April 15, 2009 at the TEA Party Event in Boston
Thursday, April 16, 2009The Forgotten Truth About the Original Boston Tea Party –
and Why We Desperately Need It Today
Written by Carla Howell and Michael Cloud
Carla Howell delivered this speech on April 15, 2009 at the TEA Party Event in Boston:
*** begin quote ***
“I did NOT come here to Protest.
“I did NOT come here to try to change the minds of Democratic or Republican officeholders in Washington – or on Beacon Hill.
“I came here to change politics in America – just like the American Patriots who gave us the first Boston Tea Party.
“The Original Boston Tea Party was NOT a Protest.
“Let me say that again: the Original Boston Tea Party was NOT a Protest.
“The Patriots did NOT just hold up signs, give speeches, and complain.
“The Patriots stopped British ships from unloading Monopoly British Tea – their version of AIG.
“The American Patriots blocked the collection of taxes.
“That is why the Boston Tea Party mattered – and why we remember it today.
“Because it was direct political action, not just protest.
“And it was action that made government smaller.
“Those great American Patriots realized that what they said and what they wrote – changed nothing.
“But action changes everything.
“Not just any action. Action that shrinks Big Government.
“They were right!
“Deeds, NOT just words.
“Direct political action, NOT just protest.
“Action that moves us forward, that moves us closer to small government – NOT the no-win strategy of holding the line, or just opposing more Big Government.
“This is the lesson of the first Boston Tea Party.
“Now it is our turn to live the lesson.
“Let me ask you a few questions.
“Do you believe that the Wall Street bailout is insane?
“Do you believe that the massive federal government borrowing is hurting your business and your family?
“Do you believe that government is too big?
“Do you believe government debt is too high?
“Do you believe government spending is too high?
“Do you believe taxes are too high?
“Now let me ask you the questions inspired by the Original Boston Tea Party:
“Are YOU willing to take political action?
“Are YOU willing to END the Big Government Insanity – and start voting to make government smaller than it is today?
“Are YOU willing to vote against every Big Government candidate – in every election?
“Now here’s the really hard question: Are you willing to vote against them even when you hate the other Big Government candidate more?
“Are you willing to vote FOR small government candidates and FOR small government ballot initiatives?
“Most political candidates who tell you they’re against Big Government, who tell you they are for ‘smaller government’ talk your way — and vote the opposite. They vote for tax increases, debt increases, spending increases, and more Big Government programs. They vote for each year’s higher government spending. Their votes raise your taxes.
“The only way we can protect ourselves against these phonies and fakers is to ASSUME THAT EVERY ELECTED OFFICIAL IN AMERICA IS GUILTY OF VOTING BIG GOVERNMENT – UNTIL OR UNLESS HE PROVES HIMSELF INNOCENT by showing you his voting record. By proving to you that he voted small government while in office.
“Are you willing to vote against every officeholder who refuses to show you their voting record?
“To reclaim the American Dream, we must vote out every Big Government officeholder in our federal, state, and local governments. Every one. Democrat AND Republican.
“But we must NOT stop there.
“We must vote FOR candidates who campaign for, promise, and vote to reduce and remove today’s Big Government social and economic programs – and GIVE BACK EVERY DOLLAR SAVED TO THE TAXPAYERS.
“We must vote for candidates who campaign for, promise, and vote to reduce and END government borrowing, reduce and remove government overspending and waste. Starting now. Small government candidates who will give back every dollar saved to the taxpayers.
“We must vote for small government candidates.
“We must vote FOR ballot initiatives that shrink Big Government.
“Candidates and ballot initiatives that cut orend taxes.
“Candidates and ballot initiatives that drive down today’s Big Government spending.
“Just protesting Big Government will nevergive us what we want. Voting against Big Government will. Voting FOR Small Government will.
“Every Election. Every time. No exceptions. No excuses.
“This is the ONLY way we can fulfill the promise of the Original Boston Tea Party.
“I’m Carla Howell. I head the Center For Small Government. We’re on your side. Please join us.
“Because ‘small government is possible’.”
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I’m proud to be of some modest assistance to a modern america freedom fighter. And, I’ve taken the Small Government Pledge.
http://www.centerforsmallgovernment.com/sgpledge.htm
Have you?
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Leave a Comment » | INTERESTING | Tagged: economic freedom, Revolt, Tax Revolt | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
INTERESTNG: a UNIQUE moment in internet history!
Thursday, April 16, 2009<b>Susan Boyle – Britains Got Talent 2009 Episode 1 – Saturday 11th April</b>
Don’t miss this. As the “ugly duckly” changes into a swan before your very eyes. A unique internet moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk
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http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4949467n
A follow up.
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Leave a Comment » | INTERESTING | Tagged: Heroes | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
GUNS: Pelosi doesn’t like “guns”
Thursday, April 16, 2009Pelosi Calls For Gun Registration, Opposes D.C. Gun Reform Legislation
In February, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) rightly rejected Attorney General Eric Holder’s call for renewing the so-called “assault weapons” ban, which expired in 2004 after Congress refused to renew it.
However, on Tuesday, on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Pelosi said, “we [members of Congress] have to find some level of compromise” on guns. She noted that the Supreme Court, in District of Columbia v. Heller, ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to guns. But, she said, “We want them registered.”
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Guess that the 3rd in line for the Presidency doesn’t understand the difference between a RIGHT and a privilege!
After “gun control” comes genocide.
… from my cold dead hands!
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Leave a Comment » | GUNS | Tagged: DISARMAMENT, genocide, Gooferment, VICTIM DISARMAMENT | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
RANT: Too many drones; not enough workers
Wednesday, April 15, 2009http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/04/representation_without_taxatio.html
April 10, 2009
Representation without Taxation
By Alan Aronoff
*** begin quote ***
When beneficiaries of government policy do not sufficiently overlap the payers of those benefits, we have a governing system of representation without taxation. This type of system is not sustainable long term, but history suggests it may persist for some time under the pretext of ‘economic justice’ unless soundly rejected by the American people.
*** end quote ***
That’s the result of “progressive” taxation aka “soak the rich”.
The only fair tax is to make it voluntary. If the gooferment provides a service, then it should “tin cup” for donations.
At the very least, if EVERYONE had to pay a 1% tariff on imported goods. That would be “fair”.
As I proposed in page 616 of my book “CHURCH 10●19●62” (http://www.itstartedinchurch.com), a simple modest tariff collection mechanism would require little enforcement:
“Because the Government didn’t want to have a lot of checkers, the value is declared at the border. The tariff is two MILs per 10 ounces of value. The importer declares the value and pays the tariff. To ensure honesty, under estimation triggers a 100% penalty. So because the rate is so low and the penalty so high, importers typically add a zero to the end of the value number. For example, a truck valued of one thousand ounces would be assessed a tax of two ounces. So an importer, to be sure of compliance, would call it ten thousand ounces and pay a tax of twenty ounces. Not very fair, but very easy to administrate.”
We have reached the point where the “takers” outnumber the “producers”. We’ll we now see the diminished incentives lead to decreased productivity. Eventually it winds up that we look like a Communist country where the underground economy and “just getting by” becomes the national ethic.
Where are the pitchfork and torches?
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Leave a Comment » | Ranting | Tagged: Economics, Tax, Tax Rates, Tax Revolt | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
RANT: Begala says paying taxes is patriotic
Wednesday, April 15, 2009http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/15/begala.taxes/index.html
Commentary: April 15 is patriots’ day
* Paul Begala: April 15 is one day most Americans sacrifice for government
* Begala says paying taxes to support worthy government services is patriotic
* “Tea parties” are being pushed by GOP supporters who lost election, Begala says
* He says President Obama and Congress have cut taxes for most
By Paul Begala
CNN Contributor
*** begin quote ***
(CNN) — Happy Patriots’ Day. April 15 is the one day a year when our country asks something of us — or at least the vast majority of us.
*** and ***
This country has showered me with the blessings of liberty. So what do I owe my country in return? Paying my fair share of taxes, it seems, is the least I can do. Thanks to President Obama and the Democratic Congress, 95 percent of Americans will get a tax cut this year. No one — not even the wealthiest 1 percent — will have to pay higher income taxes until 2011.
*** end quote ***
Please don’t make me laugh. Or, insult my intelligence!
As a vet, a voter, and a taxpayer, why don’t I feel “represented”. My congress critters and bureaucrats no more represent my thinking than the pirates in Somalia. Congress is bought and paid for by the special interests.
I am oppressed more than any serf in the middle ages. At least the feudal lord left them half.
It’s impossible to day to figure out how much of a serf I am. It feels close to 100%!
And, perhaps, Komrade Begala can explain to me how this obligation was created.
The State has no specific duty to protect me; yet, I have an obligation to pay taxes for protection I don’t receive. So, how does what some dead old white guys agreed to in a room more than 200 years ago bind me? Sorry, but I didn’t, don’t, and won’t agree with tyranny.
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Leave a Comment » | Ranting | Tagged: Gooferment, MEDIA BIAS, Tax Revolt | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
RANT: A good summary of why taxes are absurd
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
http://libertarianchristians.com/
10 Things I Hate About Taxes
#10:
#9: Taxation is Theft
#8: Living in Fear
#7: Caesar’s Benevolence
#6: Withholding Taxes
#5: Your Tax Dollars at Work
#4: Privacy and Personal Income
#3: The Truth About Government Spending
#2: Newspeak
#1: Lost Productivity
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Leave a Comment » | Ranting | Tagged: Tax Revolt | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
Reinke Faces Life 
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