I want these bumper stickers to stay around...

Posted on Bulletin, and I want them to stay where I can see them, so I'm putting them here.
1. Bush: End of an Error

2. That's OK, I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway

3. Let's Fix Democracy in this Country First

4. If You Want a Nation Ruled By Religion, Move to Iran

5. Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber.

6. If You Can Read This, You're Not Our President

7. Of Course It Hurts: You're Getting Screwed by an Elephant

8. Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet?

9. George Bush: Creating the Terrorists Our Kids Will Have to Fight

10. Impeachment: It's Not Just for Blow Jobs Anymore

11. America: One Nation, Under Surveillance

12. They Call Him "W" So He Can Spell It

13. Jail to the Chief

14. No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade Iraq ?

15. Bush: God's Way of Proving Intelligent Design is Full Of Crap

16. Bad President! No Banana.

17. We Need a President Who's Fluent In At Least One Language

18. We're Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them

19. Is It Vietnam Yet?

20. Bush Doesn't Care About White People, Either

21. Where Are We Going? And Why Are We In This Handbasket?

22. You elected him. You Deserve Him.

23. Dubya, Your Daddy Shoulda Pulled Out, Too

24. When Bush Took Office, Gas Was $1.46

25. The Republican Party: Our Bridge to the 11th Century

26. One Nation Under Clod

27. At Least Nixon Resigned

10:13 AM - 1 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

The Cemetery Wall, Finally!

So.  Finally, they are working on The Wall.  So far, they have moved utility poles to our side of the street, which is odd, but not too bad.  We're not fond of the bright yellow wire covers.  Hmmm.  I wonder if they'd let us spray paint them purple?  That's much more our color.  Maybe some night, when no one's looking... 

That process wasn't too invasive, pretty quiet, and just a temporary shut down of power.  Nothing big.  Now, though, as I go shut the window to block SOME of the noise, they're... but I get ahead of myself. 

Next, the jack hammers arrived, last week sometime, at 7:30 am, no less, to chip out mortar from between bits of rock in the part of The Wall that will just be re-mortared.  (They will replace the center part of The Wall, but are leaving the end bits)  They were small jacks, so only mildly disturbing, and they stopped after a few days.   In looking at the wall, I see pink spray paint at a point, It's across the street from about the middle of our neighbor's house (to the East), so I'm guessing the view from my office window will include all new wall, and I'll have to crane my neck to see the join.  Not a bad thing, not at all, if there must be a join.  I just sincerely hope the new facing isn't horrible.

Today's mission is more intensive, and it signals the start of serious work.  They're chopping down some beautiful trees, and currently shoving them through a chipper/shredder.  That's why I shut the window, they're disposing of the trees across the street from us as I type.  At least they are not taking the gorgeous huge trees at the top of the wall, in the cemetery, and they say any trees removed will be replaced - I think they said about 20-25 trees will be chopped, but 30, 2" trees will be planted later.  Yea!  Though we'll miss the tree across the street, it gave good parking shade in the summer.  The new one will take a few years to reach shade height, I'm guessing.

Oh, hey, JOY!  Guess what just arrived?  No, come on, guess!  I'll give you a hint.  Many people working in an area might require these, if they're not allowed to go knocking on the neighbors' doors, or using Nature, or taking REALLY long breaks...  Yep, Porta Johns!   Hmmm.  Where'd they go?  I saw a truck pulling a trailer with several on it, but it's gone.  I think I can see a flash of blue down the street, closer to downtown, mebbe we'll get lucky, and there won't be one near us!

The other thing they were/are doing today is moving the gravestone closest to the wall.  I wonder if they're planning on moving the bodies, too?  Or just getting the stones out of the way?  I'll keep you posted.

I was just looking out the window at the cemetery.  Without the tree by the street, I can see the trunk and lower branches of a huge Oak up there, It's pretty neat.
Once the pile of sand at the bottom of our utility pole flattens out, or things chill out out there, I might do some perennial planting in the front strip, to make it look better. hmmm, especially around the pole, I'm seeing rocks, tall flowers, greenery, we'll see.

Anyhoo, sounds like it's quieted down for now, I'll do another update later.  Send peaceful, happy thought our way, PLEASE?  That this'll go smoothly and well!
Nat

Hour later update, from when I started this post.  Remember that paragraph, just a few moments ago, about the great lower branches of the huge Oak?  Well, they are, or shortly are to be no more.  Any that got close to the wall have been chopped off, or are in the process of being chopped off.  I really hope they stop there, it's making me sick, seeing them fall to the ground.  Cliff says he's gonna take a picture when they're done, and then get shots of all the machinery that goes along there, and if there's not stuff that would have bumped into them... He mentioned going to a city council meeting, making a stink, etc.  I'm having to exercise great will-power to stop from going out there and screaming like a fish-wife at them. 

In the interests of making the best of a bad scene, I hope to at least take home several of the larger log pieces, to make into log seats for our back yard, then, at least the Oak pieces will have some local use.

It looks like they're doing some clean-up, maybe, hopefully, they're done.
BTW, what are the laws for family businesses, and minors working?  It looks like a family business, and I doubt either of the 2 kids I see helping are 16.  Of course, the younger one was just sweeping up debris, leaves, and small twigs, and the older was driving the small bull dozer, lifting the person up to cut the branches, etc.

Yep, they've moved on to another tree on top of the wall, this one right next to it, I don't doubt it will come all the way down.  I think that one's a honey locust.
The replacement trees are supposed to be a mix of Hedge Maple, Frontier Elm, Service Berry, American Hophornbeam, and Red Oak.  I'll have to look up the middle ones, I'm not sure exactly what they look like.

Really signing off, now,
Nat

12:10 AM - 2 Comments - 1 Kudos - Add Comment

Repost of irresponsible comercials rant b/c it got hi-jacked

First off, sorry Cyrille and Julie, your comments on this one had to be deleted b/c some 2#%$%&^@%*&$&^*%$^&*%*&(%*(^&^%&&^*$^^@%^ hi-jacked the page.  If you went to see the comments on this blog, ANYTHING you clicked on sent you to some advertising site.  GRRRRR!  So, I copied the blog, and deleted the old one.  Here it is, again.
Nat
OK, so time to rant, again.
There we were, peacefully watching the Redwings game (well, as peacefully as you can get while screaming in joy at a team that's FINALLY scoring lots) and this series of commercials keeps interrupting.  Now, occasionally one comes on that's just plain irritatin', and you hit 'mute' and look away.  This one, however, I had to watch.  Car crash syndrome, I guess. 
The message I came away with was: TV instead of Manners. 
Anyone guess what it was?  Actually, I can't remember who put it on, some car co., but it showed a (insert variable scene here) full of screaming children generally being unmannered hooligans, and then an adult pulling down a mini screen with a moving picture of some sort on it, which immediately silenced and stilled all ill-mannered brats within a wide vicinity.
SO, obviously, they are promoting allowence of bad manners, no, beyond bad manners to horrible, barbaric, I can't think of a bad enough name for them.  I have seen monkeys at the zoo that are more human.
Further, they are in favor of pandering to the brats instead of teaching them to be responsible human beings.   Someone failed basic psych.  If you reward someone for a behavior you do not find desirable, they will stop, right?
Personally, though I have already made the decision not to propagate, were I in said decision making mode, this would SURELY turn me off the whole idea.
If you are a parent, or in some position of authority, PLEASE don't let the boob tube babysit your kids, or misread absorption of attention for positive behavior.  Take the time to teach them how to properly interact with human beings.  Please.
Thank you so much in advance for your efforts,
Nat (a well-socialized human being)

5:10 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

WOW, and I thought I wrote fiction! Email sobstories...

I cannot believe the message I just received in hotmail today, talk about blatant!!! Let me post it here for you, with the forewarner that if ANY one is stupid enough to reply to it, you'll truly get what's coming to you!  Just to save some from themselves, I have deleted the links he so thoughtfully provided for us.
Enjoy the work of tragic fiction!
Nat

My Beloved in Humanity,
 
My name is Mr. Vladimir Frantuzanov, I was 
formerly the private financial consultant to Mr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky 
whom to me is still the richest man in Russia. He was the founder and 
part owner of the following companies: YUKOS OIL - former Chairman 
(Russia`s Largest Oil Company), Menatep SBP Bank - former Chairman (A 
very reputable financial institution with it's Branches all over the 
world).
(Deleted some link about the Yukos oil, possibly) 
Due to events in the recent history of Russia's politics, which my 
boss was actively involved in, he got arrested for his involvement in 
politics by financing the leading and opposing political parties (the 
Union of Right Forces, led by Boris Nemtsov, and Yabloko, a 
liberal/social democratic party Led by Grigory Yavlinsky) which posed a 
threat to President Vladimir Putin`s second tenure as Russia's 
president. Also, some of his close aids which includes me, have been 
attacked by whatever means also just to further secure the president`s 
grip on power. 
 
My case is a peculiar one, because I think I might 
have been poisoned by the government like the ex-spy, Alexander V. 
Litvinenko who was poisoned for his close relationship and shared views 
with Mr. Boris Berezovsky (another billionaire from Russia) on the 1st 
November 2006 and died on the 24th of November 2006, in England after 
some days in hospital. He was an acquaintance of mine also.
(deleted some questionable link supposedly about the poisoned spy)
 
I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer which I believe is a fall 
out the poisoning, although the doctors feel otherwise. My refusal to 
go public on this issue is because of advice in my best interest and 
that of my family, some of my friends and business associates also. It 
has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only 
about a month to live, according to medical experts. From all 
indications, my condition is serious and according to my doctor it is 
quite obvious that I may not survive the illness, I believe God and 
know that I will not die; I will live to declare the glory of God whom 
I have come to know intimately in recent times.
 
I have not 
particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone 
(not even myself) but business. Though I am very rich, I was never 
generous. I was always hostile to people because of my closeness to Mr. 
Mikhail Khodorkovsky and some psychophants.
But now I regret all this 
as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or 
make all the money in the world. Now that God has called me, I want God 
to be merciful to me and accept my soul, I have decided to give alms to 
charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds 
I do on earth.
 
I need help from a reliable and honest person, 
regardless of religion, I can trust in the name of God the merciful. 
Considering my present predicament and the political situation in 
Russia, I now seek your assistance to help me clear Forty Million, Two 
Hundred and Fifty Thousand US-Dollars (US$40,250,000.00) that I have 
with a recognized financial institution in Europe and I will want you 
to help me collect this deposited fund and dispatched it to charity 
organizations as I will instruct you to do. Now that my health has 
deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked 
members of my family to close some of my accounts and distribute the 
money to charity organizations in Moldova, Romania and Afghanistan; 
they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust 
them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left 
for them.
 
I don't think any telephone communication is ideal in this 
regards because of my health condition, the present phone tapping 
situation and some of my relatives around me. I don't want them to know 
about this new development and with God the merciful, all things are 
possible. I want you to always pray for me and I have set aside 25% for 
you for your time and patience. Please send me your CONFIDENTIAL 
TELEPHONE NUMBER and EMAIL ADDRESS with your FULL CONTACT INFORMATION 
for more private and confidential communication through my alternative 
email address: (deleted dumbass' email address here). Immediately I receive your 
response I will inform my legal adviser to contact you and discuss what 
you have to do.
 
I remain your Brother in Humanity.
 
Mr. Vladimir 
Frantuzanov.

8:50 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

People that Piss me off!

OK, setting the scene.  For those not in the know, Cliff and I live near houseman field.   For much of the year, it's not a problem, and often, even during the seasons of sports, it's ok.  Today, however, the first event of the year, involving folks from Hope College (I saw one of their buses come in).  So, Cliff parked on the street last night, and of course today there's lots o' folks looking for parking.  Some young women park behind him, leaving about half a car length between them, a bit excessive, but not too bad.
Fast forward about half an hour, to someone who's probably running late, and drives a minivan, gold and shiny.  Middle-aged, round mom-type. She sees a small spot that I in my dodge would hesitate to park in, in front of Cliff's car, and decides to park in it.  I notice it only as she exits the vehicle, and goes back to see that, yes, indeed, her bumper is resting on/touching Cliff's bumper.  Evidently satisfied with the state of being, she rushes off to her event.

????!!!!????!!!!????!!!!????!!!!??????????????????????????????
Cliff has pictures of her vehicle and is leaving her a note.  A friend I was on the phone with suggested we call the cops to see if she can be ticketed.  I might do that. 
Cliff's note was actually very civil - something along the lines of:
I would suggest you not damage my car as you leave.  I have pictures of your car and license plate.  Next time, PARK WITH REGARD TO OTHERS!!!

He's calling it no harm, no foul, but if she damages his car...
Anyhoo, Thanks to all of you intelligent, thoughtful drivers/parkers out there!!!

2:50 PM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Check Out My Music Space, Click On My Picture In Friends Below

Yes, I have set up a second site, but this one lets me download examples of the music I've recorded.  And I can have proper lists of gigs, etc.  So, if curious, check it out by clicking on the duplicate picture of myself in my friends section.  I will, sooner or later put up a new picture for this, or that site, I think.
Nat

8:35 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Video, thanks to Liam the Leprechan!

Check this out for a clip from Conklin Ceili Band (Mickless) at Quinn and Tuite's family day Sat March 10th. 
Mickless w/ dancer

11:30 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

PSA: Consumers Energy Feel Good Green Electric Program

Start PSA:
So, there's a program available from Consumer's Energy  that I've known about for a while, but hadn't looked into or signed up for in far too long!  I finally signed us up last month, and boy do I feel better about electric use around the house.
Check out:
http://www.consumersenergy.com/green
If you're at the home page for Cons Eng, go to "for home", and click "green generation".   
Sign up for it, you'll feel good about yourself, trust me.

The nuts and bolts:
We (Cliff and I) have an average electric usage of about 440 kWh per month.  (figure yours by looking over the last year's bills, adding together each month's kWh usage, and dividing by the total number of months added together, for those that forgot their math, or is that stats?)
ANYWAY
To have 100% replacement of the energy Cliff and I pull from the grid by electricity generated by Wind Turbine and Methane Gas Reclamation, it costs an average of about $7.50 more per month.  Yes, seven dollars and fifty cents every 28-31 days, on top of your regular bill. 
I don't know about you, but I can do without four lattes a month (if you're talking singles with no soy), or eat out less, or avoid consumer row a day or two, to do that much good for the environment!  Figuring 30 days for a month, that's a quarter, 25 cents, a day more.  That's less than 1.5 hrs of work for some of us, 3 minutes a day @ $7.00/hour.  So get there on time, work a few minutes later, and you've got it covered.
Sorry, I got carried away.  Where was I?  Oh yeah.

Basically, CE adds about $0.017 / kWh to your bill (that's rounded up, they have a string of numbers), and any electricity you use is replaced with electricity generated from renewable resources, namely 68% wind and 32% methane gas (think landfills).  You can poke around on the site, somewhere there is actually a map which shows where the power comes from, I think maybe it's in the FAQs? 

Once you sign up, you're committed for a year, but if you move, you can cancel, with no fees, and re-enroll for free; even renters can do this!  There are also different levels of commitment, so if you can't do the whole shebang, do 50%, or buy a few blocks. 

It's all there, waiting to happen.  Let's do it, show them we're ready for it NOW.

End PSA, thanks for reading.  Tag, you're it, feel free to copy and pass it on.

6:15 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Nat's St. Pat's Gigs and band info

Right, So, Here We Go!
Public gigs, w/ Conklin Ceili Band (and no, we have nothing to do with Conklin):
    ***For those that don't know - CCB is traditional acoustic Celtic music (that's 'Keltic', we're of the folks, not the team) - http://www.conklinceiliband.com/ to check us out, though the music on site is recorded pre-fiddle, so imagine that plus me.

Wednesday, March 14th - Noonish, Muskegon (community?) College for about 45 minutes, usually in the lower cafeteria/food place (I think it's the commuter one?)

Thursday, March 15th - 8pm or so til - ? midnight give or take a bit. (Irish time, you know) - Bobarino's 2nd floor of the BOB, downtown GR.

Friday, March 16th - Sorry, nothing public, wait... remembering something... oh yeah, the guy throwing the party has said any and all may show up, he wants to fill the place, so, yes you are invited - SE corner of Breton and Burton, GR -  long time ago was Southside Jimmy's, forgetting the current name, Heroes?  I think it starts about 8p to 11p or so.  I'll double check the name and post again.  Pretty sure it's Heroes.
 
Saturday, March 17th (the high holy day itself)-
7:00 am - TV 13 morning show (for those insane early risers) (at least it's not the 5am one of prior years!)
(1:30/2:ish pm - Following the Downtown GR St Pat's Parade - Music at at Quinn and Tuite's Irish Pub all afternoon, but we're not playing until: )
8:30/9:/:30ish pm - Quinn and Tuite's Ir Pub (Plainfield, a mile or so North of Leonard, on the West side of the street)   Crazy, wild, and buzy about sums it up here!  Get ready to be peopled.
website:http://www.quinnandtuites.com/  check 'em out.

We and I have several other gigs, too, unfortunately they be private, but hope to see you at one of these, and out the other side again!
Nat

5:30 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

My Space and other music to check out

OK, so I was looking for music to put on my page, and found several, but now I find it seems I can only have one on my page, so, I thought I'd mention a few to check out.  I should have all of these in my friends, sooner of later, or you can do a music search

David Bowie - on his page, his rendition of "Imagine".  Two of my favorites in one!
Liz Carroll - Fiddler extraordinaire has four good ones up on her site on My Space.  Also check out her home page:  http://www.lizcarroll.com/
Loreena McKennit - always a good listen, there are several pages with her music on them
Peter Murphy - Off his dust album, the two I found were called Subway and Things to Remember.
Eileen Ivers - Another great fiddler.  Not on My Space, but her website is:  http://www.eileenivers.com/

Enjoy!  More later as I find them.

6:30 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment