So I don't always like to weigh in on politics. They can be pretty divisive amongst many. They also provide people a great deal of stress when in fact their stress is associated with something they cannot change or fix at the moment.
I'm just not like that. I'd rather get worked up about something, add in a little stress and then find solutions to implement and fix the problem.
Being from a conservative family has definitely led an absolute leaning towards conservative politicians. However unlike some that I know I don't think that democrats, or President Obama is pure evil. Just individuals with some ideas different from my own. I regularly hear Rush Limbaugh or Glen Beck vilify many democratic leaders. This is a pretty poor approach in my opinion. Quite frankly although these commentators do have their moments of truth, they do little to help positively change our country other than to provide more distrust in both sides of the aisle.
I'm not discrediting liberal talk show hosts, they're just as bad, and it seems many news commentators are also liberal leaning with the ability to spin things in their own direction. I am not a tea party'er, although I would support some of the candidates that are affiliated.
I am not a believer in the multitude of entitlement programs that the nation has. I would differ from either party that believes in creating more or not properly fixing those that are currently offered.
I've said for over two years that they should make people more accountable for medicaid and medicare. Put them in charge of a set amount of funds and don't allow them to go over that threshold so willy-nilly. For example, Samantha and I have an HSA account through our school district. If my doctor bills are more than what is present in my HSA account I will need to draw from my checking account to cover the difference. Their must be some individual accountability. I'm finally hearing some candidates discuss that in the last debate. I'm not ok with blank check legislation.
On the flip side I also feel for those with mounting medical costs. Their is several whammy's here. #1 Cost of insurance and #2 Cost of medical care. Both of these need to be addressed in a major way. Insurance is high because if you go to the doctor these days for a routine visit your going to get hammered for about a $100 bill.
This was an extreme shock for us in moving to Gillette. Our well-baby checks that we did in North Dakota ran about $55 in North Dakota. In Gillette, you double that, and add about $15. Then still pay additional if they need to poke your child. On another note, the difference in medical care was actually better in our opinion in North Dakota.
I don't blame insurance companies for raising their costs as medical conglomerates have so steeply raised their own. Prices always go up, not down. Unless your dealing in a commodity like corn or wheat.
Don't even get me started on medication. We give the stuff away for free to about 90 some countries while I had to pay about $350 for some allergy medication. It worked, don't get me wrong, but I'll suffer next time over paying that kind of money.
To tie this briefly into education, a student can enter college and decide nursing or eduction. If they decide to go into education they're likely to enter the job market at between $30-$40,000. They'll have the privilege of educating tomorrow's future. In twenty years they get a bump in their pay, speaking in round numbers of $1000 per year (I know this only happens in places like Wyoming, but humor me.)
Year/Pay
#1- $35000
#2- $36,000
#3- $37,000
#4- $38,000
#5- $39,000
#6- $40,000... Now they just completed their master's program that they borrowed $15,000 for. Being prudent and not pay a pile of interest on they're going to attempt to pay it off in 3 years.
#7- $44,000 minus $5,000 = $39,000 (they got a pay bump for having the degree as well)
#8- $45,000 minus $5,000 = $40,000
#9- $46,000 minus $5,000 = $41,000 (PAID OFF! Not including interest, but I don't have the desire to fill all that in)
#10- $47,000
#11- $48,000 minus $1000 = $47,000 (oh yeah, state continuing ed, that comes out of your pocket.)
#12- $49,000
#13- $50,000
#14- $51,000
#15- $52,000
#16- $53,000 minus $1000 = $52,000 (same ol' continuing ed)
#17- $54,000
#18- $55,000
#19- $56,000
#20- $57,000
Twenty Year Total= $915,000
That's a chunk of change. Granted that's twenty years worth of sweat and blood. Now shifting back to the medical field and that nurse. The average nurse makes $71,692. Check out this link
So if that's the average lets say the average 22 year old nurse makes about $50,000. Granted that should be a four year RN. In twenty years, with overtime (it's not that I believe nurses don't work hard. I know they do, and it's easy to get what many of them have) they can make upwards of $90,000. I am not sure how there can be a $40,000 shift. In twenty years that's an average pay increase of $2,000 per year.
Year/Pay
#1- $50,000
#2- $52,000
#3- $54,000
#4- $56,000
#5- $58,000
#6- $60,000 - $3,000 = $57,000 (I assume they've had to get some type of education, lets say they've spent $3,000 to improve their craft)
#7- $62,000
#8- $64,000
#9- $66,000
#10- $68,000
#11- $70,000 - $3000 = $67,000
#12- $72,000
#13- $74,000
#14- $76,000
#15- $78,000
#16- $80,000
#17- $82,000
#18- $84,000
#19- $86,000
#20- $88,000
Ok my math stinks. That's not $90 but your getting the picture.
The total is= $1,374,000.00 over a twenty year period.
A difference of $459,000. Between the two careers.
Yet their is such a large protest over the amount that teachers make! I find the disparities to be quite dishonest. My point is that schools are locally overseen by citizens of the community. When the budget is handled the citizens look at the collective cost and take a collective gasp as to the cost of educating the children in their community. I get it, staffing a school full of teachers will take a good chunk of that school's money. But that's what that school is their for. To make matter's worse state government dictates the amount of money that schools receive. Could you imagine if that was done in a hospital? Where peers oversee the amount that nurses doctors and all employees will receive? I bet it would be a little different in the compensation department.
Don't view this as me whining. I could have decided upon a different career path. I just get a little upset when education is constantly on the defensive when other careers are actually costing the average joe more $ than teachers are receiving to educate our nations children.
Ok, this blog was supposed to be about the republican debate from the other night. First I was impressed by many of the candidates. I was mostly disappointed with Bachmann, Pawlenty, Santorum and Huntsman. I consider none of these to be real candidates with real ideas or ability to accomplish a whole lot should they enter the white house.
I know Bachmann is a media darling, but I was unimpressed with her. She seemed really to just spit out stuff that would get people fired up but had little content. Pawlenty was the biggest dissapointment. He needed to stay away from attacking Bachmann and discuss what he believed in. I think he should run for senate and get to Washington to see what he can accomplish in that regard.
Of the four remaining candidates my favorite on the night was Ron Paul. Paul is an absolute brain with real answers to help our country. I love it when a guy is able to say something that is unpopular but says it because he knows that it's the right thing for the country. Their was a question regarding the constitution, right away the commentator conceded that Paul is one of the foremost experts of the constitution. Wouldn't that be someone we want? His answers felt as though he was an old school professor up at the front of the classroom with nothing but a tweed jacket and a piece of chalk ready to educate the world. He doesn't look like a politician or talk like a politician. He just tells us what he believes and what the laws of the country allow. I love his get out of Iraq/Afghanistan mentality. He's right. It costs WAY to much money to be their for people that can't help themselves.
Herman Cain was second in my opinion. I love honesty and he's emulates it with every word he speaks. I would love to see him on the ticket in some fashion. He's a businessman not a politician. I believe that he will be a major factor in doing things to help the economy. He was also very well spoken, ten times better than our current president.
Mitt Romney wasn't aggressive in his approach. Samantha was just saying yesterday that he does little to attack his opponents, other than Obama, and spends a lot of time talking about what he believes in. I can respect that. He looks like a US President and he is a very distinguished individual. He is a little more of a politician. But I believe has the right political/work background.
In fourth for me was Newt Gingerich. Although I like him the least I was surprised with how intelligent the man is. Like Paul I felt that when he spoke it was with knowledge and experience. He understands the way government operates, and I believe he has the ability to know where government needs to cut back. He won't be a popular president, but I bet he'd make a good one. Heck I'd be terrified if I was 2 minutes late for a meeting with him. He give the appearance of being very demanding and prompt. I can respect that.
I'm interested in Perry and whether or not Palin jumps in especially since Pawlenty jumped out. Anyways, just my take on things!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Maid Marion
Last night Samantha had a dream.
It's not often my wife dreams, due to the the needs of all three of our children, and perhaps a little bit due to the needs of her husband.
Usually when she dreams its about the needs of her three children and perhaps the needs of her husband.
Last night was a special night for my dear Samantha, she was able to "dream a dream" that offer's her hope for the future, a dream that put her spirits at perhaps the highest point she has been in weeks.
I put it all thanks to one movie, Robin Hood! No not Russel Crowe's version, or even Kevin Costner's portrayal (although it's a toss up as to which of these cinematic masterpieces is the best). Samantha instead grew her inspiration from Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Yes, tights. It's a spoof on Costner's portrayal with a variety of other movies mixed in, some I recognize some I do not.
If you've not seen this piece of work, don't run out to the local red box, you will not find it. In fact my hope is that slowly all copies of this movie are slowly and systematically being destroyed. Unfortunately Starzz Network has not yet lost it's copy.
Samantha stumbled upon the channel that was carrying the movie. Unfortunately. I can remember when the movie came out on video and seeing it at "Bob's Market House" in Hudson, Michigan. Fortunately my mother had the good sense of not renting it. Samantha's good sense departed about six years ago.
Anyways, back to the story. She had a dream, apparently she was the Maid Marion and Matthew McConaughey played Robin Hood. I don't want anymore details.
It's not often my wife dreams, due to the the needs of all three of our children, and perhaps a little bit due to the needs of her husband.
Usually when she dreams its about the needs of her three children and perhaps the needs of her husband.
Last night was a special night for my dear Samantha, she was able to "dream a dream" that offer's her hope for the future, a dream that put her spirits at perhaps the highest point she has been in weeks.
I put it all thanks to one movie, Robin Hood! No not Russel Crowe's version, or even Kevin Costner's portrayal (although it's a toss up as to which of these cinematic masterpieces is the best). Samantha instead grew her inspiration from Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Yes, tights. It's a spoof on Costner's portrayal with a variety of other movies mixed in, some I recognize some I do not.
If you've not seen this piece of work, don't run out to the local red box, you will not find it. In fact my hope is that slowly all copies of this movie are slowly and systematically being destroyed. Unfortunately Starzz Network has not yet lost it's copy.
Samantha stumbled upon the channel that was carrying the movie. Unfortunately. I can remember when the movie came out on video and seeing it at "Bob's Market House" in Hudson, Michigan. Fortunately my mother had the good sense of not renting it. Samantha's good sense departed about six years ago.
Anyways, back to the story. She had a dream, apparently she was the Maid Marion and Matthew McConaughey played Robin Hood. I don't want anymore details.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Running out of gas.
For whatever reason I wish that the title to this blog meant that I was physically tired and my body was running out of energy. Like a marathon runner approaching the end of a long race. Or a pitcher that just threw 27 outs and earned a perfect game.
It doesn't.
Instead I"m personally fully loaded. I just took a five week vacation. Upon returning the most challenging thing I've done was change a poop filled diaper of Koren's, and yes I've only done that once since we've returned from our trip. Anymore times and I might truly be questioning our decision to make three kids (well not the making part, just the conceiving part).
I wish today would have been a rare day, a day that we could look back upon and giggle because it was the one speck of dirt on an otherwise perfect window. Unfortunately my window looks like it belongs on a four wheel drive truck that just made it through a day of mud-bogging, then for good measure something threw-up on the inside just to make sure both sides were well coated with something.
What am I getting at?... After 3 years, 2 months, and 17 days I ran out of gas, again. Yes, this has happened on many occasions. Today's was particularly embarrassing. In the past I blamed it on a faulty fuel gauge (it probably wasn't faulty but Samantha didn't know any difference!) now the only thing at fault is the dummy who doesn't read the gauge, see the big orange warning light, or hear the LOUD dinging that I am low on fuel. Yes, I am that dummy.
So we went to a garage sale today. It was a bad sale, mostly junk (as if garage sales in Gillette, Wyoming are ever anything more than just junk). I left the van running to keep my precious little Samantha cool in the sweltering 82 degree heat. Apparently at some point while I was inspecting what I thought might be a Ford wrench to add to the tractor's tool box, the van started to chug. Samantha is familiar with this sound. In seven years of dating/marriage she understands that difference between this particular sound and engine malfunction. She immediately shut off the van. I should also point out that we were parked lopsided on the street, in that the van leaned more towards the east. Which is an obvious sight that the fuel is sitting in the tank the farthest away from the fuel pump. (This sounds good, but I really couldn't tell you if I'm telling the truth! But it is important that you believe me on this fact, Samantha does, or at least I think she does.)
When I returned to the van, disappointed because the wrench was did not bear the ford emblem, I tried to restart the vehicle. It didn't start. To make a long story short, in town I walked 1 mile to the nearest gas station, spent $13 on a gas can that costs $2.50 at Wal-Mart, in which I deposited 1.5 gallons of gas.
I quickly hiked back the mile, deposited the gas in the tank, and returned to the drivers seat and fired up the mini-van like a conquering hero. I personally felt that it was a good lesson for Tristan, who along with his little brother Koren, Aundrea and mommy had to wait about 20 minutes in the blistering van for my return, without A/C no less. My lesson for my son was... I am man, I can forget everything, and fix very little, by I am very good at walking to the gas station all by myself.
Samantha has worn a frown all day since the moment the van's first "chug". Needless to say she hasn't had a lot of things she wants to talk about today!
I should also add that I have run out of gas at least 4 other times with Samantha...
Once while dating, once the weekend we got engaged (2 AM on a very non-busy road in North Dakota... it was also March, guy made me ride in the back of his truck for 20 miles... the truck didn't have a top), once on our honeymoon (In Madison, Wisconsin, I had the aweful pleasure of hitchhiking to a gas station with a lady that offered me marijuana, that could have been interesting for my new bride), once on our way back to Michigan for Christmas with mom and dad, (easiest time ever, highway guy stopped and put gas in my car for me and wouldn't accept a dime, I am still convinced he was Jesus dressed up as a 350 pound Indiana toll worker).
I am so superbly gifted at running out of gas. Samantha's grandpa got me a gas can for our wedding, he was 90 years old at the time, and apparently thought my biggest character flaw was that I ran out of gas with his grand daughter in the car.
Guess that's not so bad.
It doesn't.
Instead I"m personally fully loaded. I just took a five week vacation. Upon returning the most challenging thing I've done was change a poop filled diaper of Koren's, and yes I've only done that once since we've returned from our trip. Anymore times and I might truly be questioning our decision to make three kids (well not the making part, just the conceiving part).
I wish today would have been a rare day, a day that we could look back upon and giggle because it was the one speck of dirt on an otherwise perfect window. Unfortunately my window looks like it belongs on a four wheel drive truck that just made it through a day of mud-bogging, then for good measure something threw-up on the inside just to make sure both sides were well coated with something.
What am I getting at?... After 3 years, 2 months, and 17 days I ran out of gas, again. Yes, this has happened on many occasions. Today's was particularly embarrassing. In the past I blamed it on a faulty fuel gauge (it probably wasn't faulty but Samantha didn't know any difference!) now the only thing at fault is the dummy who doesn't read the gauge, see the big orange warning light, or hear the LOUD dinging that I am low on fuel. Yes, I am that dummy.
So we went to a garage sale today. It was a bad sale, mostly junk (as if garage sales in Gillette, Wyoming are ever anything more than just junk). I left the van running to keep my precious little Samantha cool in the sweltering 82 degree heat. Apparently at some point while I was inspecting what I thought might be a Ford wrench to add to the tractor's tool box, the van started to chug. Samantha is familiar with this sound. In seven years of dating/marriage she understands that difference between this particular sound and engine malfunction. She immediately shut off the van. I should also point out that we were parked lopsided on the street, in that the van leaned more towards the east. Which is an obvious sight that the fuel is sitting in the tank the farthest away from the fuel pump. (This sounds good, but I really couldn't tell you if I'm telling the truth! But it is important that you believe me on this fact, Samantha does, or at least I think she does.)
When I returned to the van, disappointed because the wrench was did not bear the ford emblem, I tried to restart the vehicle. It didn't start. To make a long story short, in town I walked 1 mile to the nearest gas station, spent $13 on a gas can that costs $2.50 at Wal-Mart, in which I deposited 1.5 gallons of gas.
I quickly hiked back the mile, deposited the gas in the tank, and returned to the drivers seat and fired up the mini-van like a conquering hero. I personally felt that it was a good lesson for Tristan, who along with his little brother Koren, Aundrea and mommy had to wait about 20 minutes in the blistering van for my return, without A/C no less. My lesson for my son was... I am man, I can forget everything, and fix very little, by I am very good at walking to the gas station all by myself.
Samantha has worn a frown all day since the moment the van's first "chug". Needless to say she hasn't had a lot of things she wants to talk about today!
I should also add that I have run out of gas at least 4 other times with Samantha...
Once while dating, once the weekend we got engaged (2 AM on a very non-busy road in North Dakota... it was also March, guy made me ride in the back of his truck for 20 miles... the truck didn't have a top), once on our honeymoon (In Madison, Wisconsin, I had the aweful pleasure of hitchhiking to a gas station with a lady that offered me marijuana, that could have been interesting for my new bride), once on our way back to Michigan for Christmas with mom and dad, (easiest time ever, highway guy stopped and put gas in my car for me and wouldn't accept a dime, I am still convinced he was Jesus dressed up as a 350 pound Indiana toll worker).
I am so superbly gifted at running out of gas. Samantha's grandpa got me a gas can for our wedding, he was 90 years old at the time, and apparently thought my biggest character flaw was that I ran out of gas with his grand daughter in the car.
Guess that's not so bad.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The loooong trip!
On May 31th my summer was changed dramatically. After a rough start to the season, and a 1-14 record and a 9 game losing streak, I was fired from my coaching position with Riders baseball. Ouch. Not the way I was hoping to start the summer. It's life, I am working my way past some of the anger and disappointment. I've learned that nothing helps to get over something than to separate yourself from the situation entirely. So... Samantha and I roughed out a quick plan to head East, just how far East we weren't entirely sure, we just knew getting out of Gillette was a priority.
My last official day of teaching was June 3rd, in order to not have to return to work for a few hours Monday I stayed on till 8 pm and actually accomplished a few important items needing my attention before summer officially started.
Saturday we manned a garage sale in Sleepy Hollow subdivision that holds a community sale. Overall the sales usually draw a crowd of 3-5 thousand. Samantha and I parted ways with a considerable amount of "stuff" that we didn't need. I am pleased with the way the sale went.
That evening Samantha basically packed us for the trip. Packing is one area that Samantha is truly beginning to excel. I have always been a believer in packing lite, and leave a lot behind... sometimes a forgotten toothbrush doesn't help though! Having not traveled much growing up has made packing quite a learning process for Samantha! This trip all three kids were packed in one large suitcase, all of the adult stuff was packed in one small suitcase. The van is relatively empty, and I'm relatively happy!
We departed Gillette Sunday June 4 right around 5:30 AM with intentions of making it to Samantha's parents by 6ish that evening. I've never minded the drive back to trees and water. I have always enjoyed the scenery of Samantha's home state, the farm and catching up with Samantha's family.
During our time in Minnesota Samantha and I headed North to the town of Baudette, Minnesota for an interview for a teaching position. Although I didn't get the position I was impressed with the area and the community. It's rural and very beautiful! It was very similar to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
While in Minnesota Samantha and Aundrea went out for coffee with Jan and Melanie. Coffee time is one of Aundrea's favorite new activity, although she drinks the hot chocolate and stays away from the coffee! From the sounds of it grandma was very humored by my oldest child's coffee shop mentality!
I did a few things of my own, like sweat! The temp hit 95 degrees on Monday, I've never been able to take the heat and humidity very well, and going from the 50 degree temps we've had for a while in Gillette didn't help. I've also struggled with a sinus infection and strep throat, I didn't breathe very well! I also convinced my father in-law that I had some mechanical ability (although it is limited at best) and managed to tear the starter off from his Farmall 300. Once the starter was off I tore it apart, diagnosed the issues, located a parts supplier and rebuilt the piece. Although it was not the most complicated project I've had
My last official day of teaching was June 3rd, in order to not have to return to work for a few hours Monday I stayed on till 8 pm and actually accomplished a few important items needing my attention before summer officially started.
Saturday we manned a garage sale in Sleepy Hollow subdivision that holds a community sale. Overall the sales usually draw a crowd of 3-5 thousand. Samantha and I parted ways with a considerable amount of "stuff" that we didn't need. I am pleased with the way the sale went.
That evening Samantha basically packed us for the trip. Packing is one area that Samantha is truly beginning to excel. I have always been a believer in packing lite, and leave a lot behind... sometimes a forgotten toothbrush doesn't help though! Having not traveled much growing up has made packing quite a learning process for Samantha! This trip all three kids were packed in one large suitcase, all of the adult stuff was packed in one small suitcase. The van is relatively empty, and I'm relatively happy!
We departed Gillette Sunday June 4 right around 5:30 AM with intentions of making it to Samantha's parents by 6ish that evening. I've never minded the drive back to trees and water. I have always enjoyed the scenery of Samantha's home state, the farm and catching up with Samantha's family.
During our time in Minnesota Samantha and I headed North to the town of Baudette, Minnesota for an interview for a teaching position. Although I didn't get the position I was impressed with the area and the community. It's rural and very beautiful! It was very similar to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
While in Minnesota Samantha and Aundrea went out for coffee with Jan and Melanie. Coffee time is one of Aundrea's favorite new activity, although she drinks the hot chocolate and stays away from the coffee! From the sounds of it grandma was very humored by my oldest child's coffee shop mentality!
I did a few things of my own, like sweat! The temp hit 95 degrees on Monday, I've never been able to take the heat and humidity very well, and going from the 50 degree temps we've had for a while in Gillette didn't help. I've also struggled with a sinus infection and strep throat, I didn't breathe very well! I also convinced my father in-law that I had some mechanical ability (although it is limited at best) and managed to tear the starter off from his Farmall 300. Once the starter was off I tore it apart, diagnosed the issues, located a parts supplier and rebuilt the piece. Although it was not the most complicated project I've had
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Ford.
I've always wanted the experience of restoring an old tractor. I love walking through fairs and seeing old tractors painted, restored and gleaming. It's now a reality.
Samantha has known my desire to buy and rebuild an old Ford for quite some time. I believed that I would make an offer on my grandfathers and finish the job my dad started thirty years ago. Although we're still a little confused as to whether grandpa's is a 9N, 2N or possibly an 8N, there is no doubt that the one I purchased a couple weeks ago is an 8N. The serial numbers place the tractor as being produced in 1948.
She's definitely going to take some work, but, good things take time! This will take lots of time!
The tractor does run, although with some issues. We know it's been abused somewhat, but there are a few replacements that have been made. There are also a few items missing on the tractor. I knew in advance that there are a lot of sites selling these parts as replacements. I'll be taking advantage of these sites.
We are currently storing the tractor where dad works. The plan for now is to do little, unfortunately. I have a few items that I want to settle before really attacking some of the big ticket items... like the motor.
We did change the last weekend. Discovered it's been a while, a long while. The filter canister was half full of gunk. It was removed and cleaned out completely. A new filter was installed and the canister was reinstalled on the left side of the engine block.
After the oil was drained from the engine, the drain cap was reinstalled with a new gasket. At that pointed we noticed the officially the leaking fuel. The shut off was indeed off, the fuel was dripping from the carburetor.
We decided the next step would be to remove the carb and rebuild it. The shut-off is not original. It to will be removed and replace by a replica instead of rebuilding the existing shut-off. There is also a steel fuel line that runs from the shot off to the carburetor it doesn't exist and is instead transporting fuel through a black hose.
We tore apart the carb during a few minutes the last few nights. It's currently soaking in a cleaning solution and hopefully will look great by the weekend. The complete rebuild kit, steel rod and new shut off were ordered from Just8ns.com, I was pleased with the price for these items.
Sometime next weekend the carburetor will be rebuilt and we'll install all items. Next we're going to do a compression test on all four cylinders. We're expecting a few issues here, after all its 63 years old.
There are a few issues with the governor, that will be next on my list of priorities. It's making a pretty good whining noise, I imagine the bearings are shot. The rebuild kit runs about $55. Pretty simple fix. Looking forward to the process!
Samantha has known my desire to buy and rebuild an old Ford for quite some time. I believed that I would make an offer on my grandfathers and finish the job my dad started thirty years ago. Although we're still a little confused as to whether grandpa's is a 9N, 2N or possibly an 8N, there is no doubt that the one I purchased a couple weeks ago is an 8N. The serial numbers place the tractor as being produced in 1948.
She's definitely going to take some work, but, good things take time! This will take lots of time!The tractor does run, although with some issues. We know it's been abused somewhat, but there are a few replacements that have been made. There are also a few items missing on the tractor. I knew in advance that there are a lot of sites selling these parts as replacements. I'll be taking advantage of these sites.
We are currently storing the tractor where dad works. The plan for now is to do little, unfortunately. I have a few items that I want to settle before really attacking some of the big ticket items... like the motor.
We did change the last weekend. Discovered it's been a while, a long while. The filter canister was half full of gunk. It was removed and cleaned out completely. A new filter was installed and the canister was reinstalled on the left side of the engine block.
After the oil was drained from the engine, the drain cap was reinstalled with a new gasket. At that pointed we noticed the officially the leaking fuel. The shut off was indeed off, the fuel was dripping from the carburetor.
We decided the next step would be to remove the carb and rebuild it. The shut-off is not original. It to will be removed and replace by a replica instead of rebuilding the existing shut-off. There is also a steel fuel line that runs from the shot off to the carburetor it doesn't exist and is instead transporting fuel through a black hose.
We tore apart the carb during a few minutes the last few nights. It's currently soaking in a cleaning solution and hopefully will look great by the weekend. The complete rebuild kit, steel rod and new shut off were ordered from Just8ns.com, I was pleased with the price for these items.
Sometime next weekend the carburetor will be rebuilt and we'll install all items. Next we're going to do a compression test on all four cylinders. We're expecting a few issues here, after all its 63 years old.
There are a few issues with the governor, that will be next on my list of priorities. It's making a pretty good whining noise, I imagine the bearings are shot. The rebuild kit runs about $55. Pretty simple fix. Looking forward to the process!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Some thoughts at 1 AM
It has been way to long since my last entry. I dislike not expressing through writing for such a long period of time.
It is not that I haven't been typing vigorously over the past few weeks, just not typing on my own terms. Most of "that" is behind me now, and although I wish I could say that I'll be keeping up with this, in all likely hood it could be several more weeks before my next entry.
A few minutes and its 1 am. I was in bed a little before 10. Being sick for almost three weeks (flu... flu... pink eye... x2... bronchitis... sinus infection) has kinda knocked me around a little more than I care to admit. It's been a healthy year up till late February.
I am also messed up with the time change. That is a terrible excuse, but unfortunately the truth.
I had some thoughts on Japan... and the US situation. You may wonder what the US situation is... I'm referring to our debt. Japan's earth quake and correlating tsunami are both pretty big news at this point.
Let me start by saying that I feel quite badly for the many displaced and lives lost in Japan. I am not a racists for the comments that could offend the tender of heart. I am disgusted all the same. What happened in Japan is not a spiritual thing (a nut was saying this), it wasn't a lack of preparation thing (many news sources), it wasn't even a careless thing (same sources). It was just simply life. Hopefully the issues in Japan will be resolved without any more casualties.
What I am disturbed about is the idea that many organizations, actors, musicians, and public figures are doing the "American" tradition of beating the drum to raise funds for those in need. Now I understand being neighborly and I'm all for extending a hand to help. But I'm not quite sure how Japan can't take care of Japan.
My point is simple... last I checked Japan's economy is doing pretty good. In many cases better than our own. Have you checked out the difference in quality between a Japanese (or Chinese) automobile and an American Automobile? Have you looked at technology hardware? American's have the edge in software but hardware is rooted in Asia. Precious metals are currently mainly mined in Asia... it's not a surprise that micro-chips and hardware is made their more effectively, and usually better.
Another issue, we import millions everyday in Asian products while we export a fraction of that amount. That's by design, their design.
Yet now due to a catastrophic emergency we have Lady Gaga stepping up to "lead the charge". Let's be honest about a few things, first Lady Giggly has no business representing our country or citizens, quite frankly, I might listen up a bit more if George Strait jumped on the band wagon, but even then I might be a little bitter.
The truth is, American dollars need to just stay here. We have enough of our own issues right here that need to be addressed before we ship BILLIONS (yes I guarantee that one year from TODAY we will have given them BILLIONS of dollars). We are so adept at fixing everybody else (Iraq and Afghanistan) that we fail to fix our own.
Again it's not that I do not think Japan is worthy of support. I would be the first in line at the airport for a trip over to help clean up. I'm just not sure if I want see any of my green head over there without me.
I would be happy if Japan decided that they need zero help. I mean we just rebuilt that Country a shade over 50 years ago. They should be able to manage it by themselves this time.
It is not that I haven't been typing vigorously over the past few weeks, just not typing on my own terms. Most of "that" is behind me now, and although I wish I could say that I'll be keeping up with this, in all likely hood it could be several more weeks before my next entry.
A few minutes and its 1 am. I was in bed a little before 10. Being sick for almost three weeks (flu... flu... pink eye... x2... bronchitis... sinus infection) has kinda knocked me around a little more than I care to admit. It's been a healthy year up till late February.
I am also messed up with the time change. That is a terrible excuse, but unfortunately the truth.
I had some thoughts on Japan... and the US situation. You may wonder what the US situation is... I'm referring to our debt. Japan's earth quake and correlating tsunami are both pretty big news at this point.
Let me start by saying that I feel quite badly for the many displaced and lives lost in Japan. I am not a racists for the comments that could offend the tender of heart. I am disgusted all the same. What happened in Japan is not a spiritual thing (a nut was saying this), it wasn't a lack of preparation thing (many news sources), it wasn't even a careless thing (same sources). It was just simply life. Hopefully the issues in Japan will be resolved without any more casualties.
What I am disturbed about is the idea that many organizations, actors, musicians, and public figures are doing the "American" tradition of beating the drum to raise funds for those in need. Now I understand being neighborly and I'm all for extending a hand to help. But I'm not quite sure how Japan can't take care of Japan.
My point is simple... last I checked Japan's economy is doing pretty good. In many cases better than our own. Have you checked out the difference in quality between a Japanese (or Chinese) automobile and an American Automobile? Have you looked at technology hardware? American's have the edge in software but hardware is rooted in Asia. Precious metals are currently mainly mined in Asia... it's not a surprise that micro-chips and hardware is made their more effectively, and usually better.
Another issue, we import millions everyday in Asian products while we export a fraction of that amount. That's by design, their design.
Yet now due to a catastrophic emergency we have Lady Gaga stepping up to "lead the charge". Let's be honest about a few things, first Lady Giggly has no business representing our country or citizens, quite frankly, I might listen up a bit more if George Strait jumped on the band wagon, but even then I might be a little bitter.
The truth is, American dollars need to just stay here. We have enough of our own issues right here that need to be addressed before we ship BILLIONS (yes I guarantee that one year from TODAY we will have given them BILLIONS of dollars). We are so adept at fixing everybody else (Iraq and Afghanistan) that we fail to fix our own.
Again it's not that I do not think Japan is worthy of support. I would be the first in line at the airport for a trip over to help clean up. I'm just not sure if I want see any of my green head over there without me.
I would be happy if Japan decided that they need zero help. I mean we just rebuilt that Country a shade over 50 years ago. They should be able to manage it by themselves this time.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
It's that time of year again!
Ah...
The smell of the fresh cut grass... the palm trees blowing in the wind... the... what?
Baseball my friend is just a mere 41 hours away. Pitcher's and catchers are for the most part already in Lakeland. The gear has been packed and arrived last week. Now we just wait and imagine the first ball pop in the a catchers mit.
Tiger's baseball really has a lot more questions this year than in years past. Many feel that this is their strongest club in the past few years due to off season acquisitions.
I'm not a huge believe that acquisitions are the key to winning the World Series... note the New York Yankees of the past 20 years (granted they've won it five times in that time frame).
I myself enjoy the players that make decisions for enjoyment, family and whatever else that doesn't put them in a New York uniform. Cliff Lee is a good example.
The Tiger's have two major concern's in my eyes. #1 Rotation and #2 2B. I think the rotation could be the strongest in the majors but we won't know till September. Scherzer was questionable the first few months of last year and Porcello had a nasty Sophomore slump. If they both repeat them and Verlander has his third bad April in a row the Tiger's will be in third having to find a way to get back in a race. You can't enter August 15 within 2 games of the Twins, odds are your going to be sitting at home in October.
Phil Coke is interesting. I have VERY mixed feelings. On one hand I say he shocks baseball for a 16 win season as he mixes energy with craftyness (remember Kenny Rogers?) on the other hand I can see him in the bullpen May 8 with us all knowing that was a disaster. That could mean the promotion of Jacob Turner who will more than likely be successful as a big leaguer but I'm not sure we want to find out while chasing down a pennant. Brad Penny's addition really wasn't a surprise. An upgrade of Gallaraga but we'll probably have to see Turner at some point because Penny's age has a chance of catching up to him.
My other concern is the clubhouse. Chemistry is one of the most important parts of baseball. I hope the signing of Victor Martinez does more than add 20 home runs next year. Rumor's say he's a great clubhouse guy. We need this. Body language over the past couple years tells me theirs a bit of division in the clubhouse. Hope we can shore that up.
Overall, I'd like to see some blow out wins in April... I mean some 12-3, 14-2 games. We haven't seen much of that early on lately.
The smell of the fresh cut grass... the palm trees blowing in the wind... the... what?
Baseball my friend is just a mere 41 hours away. Pitcher's and catchers are for the most part already in Lakeland. The gear has been packed and arrived last week. Now we just wait and imagine the first ball pop in the a catchers mit.
Tiger's baseball really has a lot more questions this year than in years past. Many feel that this is their strongest club in the past few years due to off season acquisitions.
I'm not a huge believe that acquisitions are the key to winning the World Series... note the New York Yankees of the past 20 years (granted they've won it five times in that time frame).
I myself enjoy the players that make decisions for enjoyment, family and whatever else that doesn't put them in a New York uniform. Cliff Lee is a good example.
The Tiger's have two major concern's in my eyes. #1 Rotation and #2 2B. I think the rotation could be the strongest in the majors but we won't know till September. Scherzer was questionable the first few months of last year and Porcello had a nasty Sophomore slump. If they both repeat them and Verlander has his third bad April in a row the Tiger's will be in third having to find a way to get back in a race. You can't enter August 15 within 2 games of the Twins, odds are your going to be sitting at home in October.
Phil Coke is interesting. I have VERY mixed feelings. On one hand I say he shocks baseball for a 16 win season as he mixes energy with craftyness (remember Kenny Rogers?) on the other hand I can see him in the bullpen May 8 with us all knowing that was a disaster. That could mean the promotion of Jacob Turner who will more than likely be successful as a big leaguer but I'm not sure we want to find out while chasing down a pennant. Brad Penny's addition really wasn't a surprise. An upgrade of Gallaraga but we'll probably have to see Turner at some point because Penny's age has a chance of catching up to him.
My other concern is the clubhouse. Chemistry is one of the most important parts of baseball. I hope the signing of Victor Martinez does more than add 20 home runs next year. Rumor's say he's a great clubhouse guy. We need this. Body language over the past couple years tells me theirs a bit of division in the clubhouse. Hope we can shore that up.
Overall, I'd like to see some blow out wins in April... I mean some 12-3, 14-2 games. We haven't seen much of that early on lately.
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