JustaCarGal

GE and Waukesha, Response

2012-01-31T07:11:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to post this email response from Jeffery DeMarrais (GE Healthcare)

I believe in the truth, the whole truth, so we should be well informed consumers.

Thank you so much Mr. DeMarrais for taking the time to confirm GE's position.

Despite the relatively short length of GE/x-ray posting that was sent to you it is filled with errors and has been circulated around the internet for nearly 8 months.

First, I’m happy to say that GE is not moving its x-ray business to China as many blogs initially reported; but I can understand your concern.

In July, GE announced that four x-ray executives and the titular headquarters were being transitioned to Beijing in order to fortify our competitive position in China. The GE X-Ray team in Wisconsin, around 150 employees strong, is not leaving Wisconsin and is not being closed down. There was no U.S. job loss directly associated with the move of these four individuals. Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and other news outlets covered this story in detail, with a link to the Bloomberg story here, and the original GE press release here. (In fact the move of the 4 executives happened a year ago and there still has been no job loss in our x-ray business)

There are a few reasons why this move is important to future growth and helps secure American jobs. Please consider the role of the four managers that we announced would be based in China. Putting these resources in place – specifically an x-ray product leader, marketing, human resources and finance – we are building a commercial “front end.” These are the people that identify and secure opportunities to sell our products into the $26 billion Chinese health market and compete against the 120 domestic Chinese x-ray manufacturers.

GE is America’s second largest exporter of products. Without these “hunters” understanding what products Chinese hospitals will purchase and seeking sales opportunities, we would be abandoning the foreign exports market to competitors. In addition to the 120 Chinese x-ray manufacturers GE also competes against German conglomerate Siemens, Japan’s Toshiba, Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands and many others who maintain a significant commercial presence in China. Samsung of Korea has recently announced its intention to acquire an x-ray manufacturing company to compete with GE; and that they will spend $1.1 billion in the next nine years to build up a medical device division that employed fewer than 10 people in 2009. A recent Wall Street Journal had a two-page story about a new Indian x-ray competitor looking to expand globally.

China is an important export market for our American-manufactured devices; and when our customers require much more basic products GE people figure out what they need and then build it. Even during local product development, our ability to sell x-ray technology creates and supports U.S. jobs for GE and in our suppliers. X-ray devices sold in China include critical components like x-ray tubes manufactured inWisconsin, software designed and programmed in New York, x-ray tube targets built in Ohio and other components that are made in America; and they also contain components that come from our other existing facilities around the globe.

Second, I’d like to address the investment discussion. When major U.S.-based, multinational companies like GE expand into new markets and sell to more customers—whether in China or any other large, growing international market—it means more jobs in the U.S., now and in the future. GE is no exception. In fact, on the same day as our x-ray announcement, GE announced that it is building a $56 million manufacturing plant in Mississippi that will create 250 American jobs. You can read more about GE’s commitment to jobs at home while investing abroad here.

GE remains committed to U.S. manufacturing. Over the last 18 months alone, GE has announced plans to create over 8,000 jobs in the U.S… and it will grow to 10,000 jobs created soon. More information here. GE has, in fact, invested $50 billion in US manufacturing plants and equipment over the past decade (so $5 billion per year) and will invest $20 billion in new technologies. More details are here. We’ve also announced a $6 billion health commitment for products that lower costs, increase access and improve the quality of healthcare; and committed $1 billion for new healthcare products to fight cancer. A great resource for all the U.S. investment and job announcements ishttp://www.gereports.com/tag/jobs/.

Separately, GE did announce last November our intention to invest about $2B through 2012 to boost R&D in China and to fund new local joint ventures with Chinese companies in areas such as aviation, wind power, high-speed rail and financial services. As I mentioned earlier, this creates growth opportunities for US-based companies, protecting and growing U.S. jobs. GE’s overall business in China—across all divisions—will support nearly 4,500 American jobs, including those along GE’s U.S. supply chain.

Finally, regarding taxes: GE is one of the largest taxpayers in the U.S. Our rate last year was low because we lost $32 billion in our financial services business during the financial crisis. Our rate will be higher this year as those businesses recover. We had a 41 percent tax rate in the first two quarters of this year. The Washington Post, Forbes and other news outlets pointed out that the original New York Times article that made the ‘no taxes’ claim was wrong. You can read more here.

My sincere apologies for the long note but this is a complex set of issues. I hope I was able to clarify any concerns you might have had. Please feel free to share this information with others who have similar concerns.

Thank you again and my very best regards,

Jeff

Jeff DeMarrais

GE Healthcare

jeffrey.demarrais@ge.com

General Electric Company

American Oil

2012-01-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

Since I am granddaughter of an oil family, I can assure you all this is accurate.

Cruz Construction started a division in North Dakota just 6 months ago.

They sent every Kenworth (9 trucks) they had in Alaska to North Dakota and Several drivers.

They just bought two new Kenworth's to add to that fleet; one being a Tri Drive tractor and a new 65 ton

lowboy to go with it.

They also bought two new cranes (one crawler & one rubber tired) for that Invasion.

Dave Cruz said they have moved more rigs in the last 6 months in ND than Cruz Construction moved in

Alaska in the last 6 years.

Williston is like a gold rush town; they moved one of our 40 man camps down there since there are no

rooms available.

Unemployment in ND is the lowest in the nation at 3.4 percent last I Checked.

See anything in the national news about how the oil industry is fueling North Dakota's economy?

Here's an astonishing read. Important and verifiable information:

About 6 months ago, the writer was watching a news program on oil and one of The Forbes Bros.

Was the guest.

The host said to Forbes, "I am going to ask you a direct question and I

Would like a direct answer; how much oil does the U.S. Have in the ground?"

Forbes did not miss a beat, he said, "More than all the Middle East put Together."

The U.S. Geological Service issued a report in April 2008 that only

Scientists and oil men knew was coming, but man was it big.

It was a revised report (hadn't been updated since 1995) on how much oil was

In this area of the western 2/3 of North Dakota, western South Dakota, and

Extreme eastern Montana

Check THIS out:

The Bakken is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska's Prudhoe Bay,

And has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information

Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable (5

Billion barrels), at $107 a barrel,

We're looking at a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion.

"When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their Jaws hit the floor.

They had no idea.." says Terry Johnson, the Montana Legislature's financial analyzer.

"This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in The past 56 years," reports

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

It's a formation known as the Williston Basin, but is more commonly referred To as the 'Bakken.'

It stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada .

For years, U.S. Oil exploration has been considered a dead end.

Even the 'Big Oil' companies gave up searching for major oil wells decades Ago.

However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken's Massive reserves,

And we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels. And because this is Light, sweet oil,

Those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 PER BARREL!!!!!!

That's enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 2041 years Straight..

And if THAT didn't throw you on the floor, then this next one should - Because it's from 2006 !!!!!!

U.S. Oil Discovery - Largest Reserve in the World

Stansberry Report Online - 4/20/2006

Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the

Largest untapped oil reserve in the world.

It is more than 2 TRILLION barrels. On August 8, 2005 President Bush Mandated its extraction.

In three and a half years of high oil prices none has been extracted.

With this mother lode of oil why are we still fighting over off-shore Drilling?

They reported this stunning news:

We have more oil inside our borders, than all the other proven reserves on Earth.

Here are the official estimates:

8 times as much oil as Saudi Arabia

18 times as much oil as Iraq

21 times as much oil as Kuwait

22 times as much oil as Iran

500 times as much oil as Yemen

And it's all right here in the Western United States !!!!!!

HOW can this BE? HOW can we NOT BE extracting this? Because the

Environmentalists and others have blocked all efforts to help America become

Independent of foreign oil! Again, we are letting a small group of people

Dictate our lives and our economy. WHY?

James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we've got more oil in this

Very compact area than the entire Middle East, more than 2 TRILLION barrels

Untapped. That's more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the

World today, reports The Denver Post.

Don't think 'OPEC' will drop its price even with this find? Think again!

It's all about the competitive marketplace, it has to.

Think OPEC just might be funding the environmentalists?

Got your attention yet? Now, while you're thinking about it, do this:

Pass this along. If you don't take a little time to do this, then you should

stifle yourself the next time you complain about gas prices, by doing

NOTHING, you forfeit your right to complain.

Now I just wonder what would happen in this country if every one of you sent

this to everyone in your address book.

By the way, this can be verified. Check it out at the link below !!!!!!

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911< http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911>

GE and Waukesha

2012-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Keep your eye on Waukesha,Wisconsin......

Their biggest employer just moved out.

Thanks Jeff, you're a "real" American....give Barack our Best !!

General Electric is planning to move its 115-year-old X-ray division from Waukesha, Wis., to Beijing, China. In addition to moving the headquarters, the company will

invest $2 billion in China and train more than 65 engineers and create six research centers. This is the same GE that made $5.1 billion in the United States last year but paid no taxes-the same company that employs more people overseas than it does in

the United States. So let's get this straight.

Obama appointed GE Chairman Jeff Immelt to head his commission

on job creation (job czar).Immelt is supposed to help create jobs. I guess Obama forgot to tell him in which country he was supposed to be creating those jobs.

If this doesn't show you the total lack of leadership of this President, I don't know what does.

Please pass this on to others and think twice before buying a GE product!!

snopes.com: General Electric China MoveSo who will you vote for in 2012 ???

Great Lanes Photos

2012-01-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sent to me in email, my apologies to the source and/or photographers

Hump Day Humor, Animals

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

Help! Dial 911, I'm being mauled by a troll!

I swear a big Doberman broke in and tore the place apart....

When it's time to make your kids sleep in their own beds...

Ahhh...the fresh, relaxing aroma of feet????

Harlem Globetrotters look out....

Partay, partay, partay!!!

Uh, cat? What cat?

There's just no explaining love...

Can you hear me now?

Peace, brother.

Hello, will you be my friends?

Mad skills!

If you need assistance smiling, there's always help!

Hump Day Humor, Animal Humor

2012-01-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

From a friend, it's the captions that make these great... enjoy!

I am not cute! I'm vicious...RAWRRR..RAAWWRRR! Alright, fine, I'm cute...

Honey, I think you may have a fever.

Just one more hug before I go to school, okay Mom? K bye Mom

No dog bed? No problem....

Baby is drowsing, cozy and fair. Mother sits near, in her rocking chair.

We are captionless...

My mother wants me to get braces, but I just wanna wear a hat.

A warm and friendly family

You go right ahead on your vacation, I'll watch your fish for you.

He's right behind me, isn't he?

Just a little more to the left....

Yoga kitty says the key to inner health is inner peace...

Knock, knock, we're cute, give us candy....

It can't be 8 a.m. yet....just 5 more minutes pleeeeez.....

Mommy, I tiewwwd, cawwy meee...

Now keep your eyes closed, the surprise is almost here....I promise.....

Until one has loved an animal ---

Part of their soul remains unawakened ---

Hump Day Humor, I'm Hot

2012-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

A humorous twist to Coke commercial

Hump Day Humor, Economy Car

2012-01-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

Forget where I saw this, probably Jalopnik

Even Batman had to cut overhead....at least it's a ragtop!

Hump Day Humor, A Puzzle

2012-01-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

Another email of thought from the mature side of life...

Checking out at the supermarket recently, the young cashier suggested I should bring my own bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. I apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my earlier days“.

The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations“.

She was right about one thing–our generation didn’t have the green thing in “Our” day. So what did we have back then? After some reflection and soul-searching on “Our” day, here’s what I remembered we did have….

Back then, we returned milk bottles, pop bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles repeatedly. So they really were recycled. But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 240 volts — wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV (IF WE WERE LUCKY), or radio, in the house — not a TV in every room. And the TV (IF WE HAD ONE) had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of Texas. In the kitchen, we blended & stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gas just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she’s right. We didn’t have the green thing back then.

We drank from a water fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their mums into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

Back then we didn't have the 3 water conservation toilets in every house that need 3 flushes to work. If we were lucky, we had 1 toilet that flushed the first time. If we were unlucky, we had an out house that required no flushing. When we were cold we put on a sweater, and when we were warm we opened a window, because we didn't have a temperature controlled house.

So isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then?

Hump Day Humor, A Point

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

Got this in email and while it isn't really HaHa funny, it still made me smile...hope you do too.

FOUND ON A SEABEE MESSAGE BOARD:

Piss on a Crucifix, and they'll call you an "Artist"
Piss on The American Flag, and they'll call you a Freedom of Speech "Constitutionalists"
Piss on a Police Car, and they'll call you an Occupy Wall Street "Freedom Lovin' 99 percenter"
Piss on a Taliban piece of shit that just tried to kill you and your fellow Marines, and they'll call you a "Villain"

Sure is a ****ed-up administration we have running this great country!!!!!
Be sure to vote them ALL GONE in November!!!!!

God Bless Our Troops

Hump Day Humor, Ship

2012-01-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012 Main Event

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012 Championship

and Grave Digger's 30th Anniversary

The demolition car designated by Boys and Girls Club painted with words that hurt

and the proud new Champ on the Big Screen

Monster Jam 2012 Freestyle Time Flys and Terminator

2012-01-24T06:59:00.002-08:00

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Thunder and Ice Cream Man

2012-01-24T06:59:00.001-08:00

A good start, then mechanical failure....rats

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Obsessed

2012-01-24T06:59:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Captain USA and Shocker

2012-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Tasmanian Devil

2012-01-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

One of the few female drivers of this caliber puts on a great show..

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Razin Kane and Felon

2012-01-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012 Freestyle, Patriot and Metal Mulisha

2012-01-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Lucas Oil Crusader

2012-01-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

A great guy and driver who never disappoints...

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Son of a Digger

2012-01-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle El Toro Loco

2012-01-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, gotta admit that Mark McDonald is one really amazing guy from the Heartland of America (you didn't think these drivers had "regular" jobs? To be honest, I only found out last year.

All I can say about Mark is that he is "all in" when it comes to competing in this sport and these photos should help confirm that. After an axle breaking main event in the race, he roared back into the stadium at the last moment to perform a crowd screaming freestyle run.

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Grave Digger

2012-01-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

Freestyle was amazing this year, every competitor giving their all and more.

Even a lost tire couldn't slow this Digger!

Monster Jam 2012, Freestyle Bikes

2012-01-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam 2012, Media Day

2012-01-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

A taste of the things to come....add water (rain), come prepared!
As a tribute/treat, Sarah Wacker (friend and professional) confided in me that they had
taken a "demolition" destined vehicle to a local Boys and Girl's Club. The kids were instructed to write all the negative/hate words they could think of all over the car. When completed, this vehicle will be destroyed at this evening's event, demonstrating that these obstacles can be overcome, they will win.

Fastest Car on the Road?

2012-01-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

The SSC Ultimate Aero is an American-built mid-engine supercar by Shelby SuperCars. The higher-performance limited production version previously held the Guinness Book of World Records record for being the fastest production car in the world (succeeded by the 2010 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport),^[1] with a recorded speed of 412.29 km/h (256.19 mph).^[2] This speed was achieved during tests on September 13, 2007 West Richland, Washington, United States and verified by Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007.^[3] This speed however does not reflect the SSC Ultimate Aero TT's full potential. SSC estimates that the newer, more powerful and lighter weight 2009 Ultimate Aero TT is capable of a top speed of over 270 mph (430 km/h).^[4] The SSC Ultimate Aero does not have electronic aids such as ABS brakes or traction control, as according to Jerod Shelby; "Early design philosophy on the car was to make it a drivers car. I wanted a car that you not only throttled with your right foot but at times you could steer with your right foot."

Who couldn't love a Bugatti?

On the other hand....hmmmmm
and from the viewpoint of a woman who loves cars....it's not always the package that's exciting

Canadian Gangs

2012-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

STREET GANGS IN CALGARY , ALBERTA

It's gangs like these that the people of Calgary have to put up with..

A bit different from the problems in other cities...

It proves that every City has their own "unique" gang problems.

They roam the streets and yards night and day.

They hang out in even the best neighborhoods!

..and you CANNOT (legally) stop them.

Law of the Wild, Hunt Only When Hungry

2012-01-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

Photographer Michel Denis-Huot, who captured these amazing pictures on safari in Kenya's Masai Mara in October last year, said he was astounded by what he saw:

"These three brothers (cheetahs) have been living together since they left their

mother at about 18 months old,' he said.

'On the morning we saw them, they seemed not to be hungry, walking

quickly but stopping sometimes to play together.
'At one point, they met a group of impala who ran away.

But one youngster was not quick enough and the brothers caught it "easily'."

These extraordinary scenes followed.

And that is one lucky antelope!

Please Join Me at the Salad Bar, Meat Glue

2012-01-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

Care for a slab of Frankenstein steak? Just glue meat scraps together with transglutaminase and serve ‘em up, hot. Side of blood clots, optional.

The white powder sold by the kilo, above, is the meat industry’s dirty little secret. It’s “meat glue.” It makes pieces of beef, lamb, chicken or fish that would normally be thrown out stick together so closely that it looks like a solid piece of meat.

Restaurants and butchers can now sell their scraps as premium meat. Good way to use them up – and charge premium prices for them too. Best of all, you don’t have to tell the customer. Once the glued meat is cooked, even professional butchers can’t tell the difference.

What is transglutaminase?

“Meat glue” is transglutaminase, an enzyme in powder form, derived from beef and pork blood plasma.See the Wikipedia description of it here. Chefs most commonly use the Activa RM brand, which is transglutaminase mixed with maltodextrine and sodium caseinate, a milk protein. Using enzymes in food isn’t a new technique. Papaya seed is the main ingredient in meat tenderizers, for example. Rennet and yeasts produce enzymes that make cheese and alcohol, too. Natural enzymes. Meat glue is a darker product altogether.

Yet according to Cooking Issues, the French Culinary Institute’s blog (USA), meat glue is safe. That is, the major study carried out to gain acceptance by the FDA says so. And why shouldn’t we believe? It was funded by Ajinomoto, the product’s manufacturer, after all.

A scientist we interviewed about meat glue could only speak *on anonymity* about the hazards.

This video from Australia’s TodayTonight TV show demonstrates how easily you can create Frankenstein meat. Just sprinkle a teaspoon of powdered transglutaminase on various meat scraps, knead them together and roll them up in plastic wrap. Put in the fridge and 6 hours later, you have an easily-sliced piece of meat that looks like real fillet.

Only make sure to wear your face mask while performing the simple operation: you don’t want to be inhaling powder that makes your blood clot abnormally.

Do you want to be eating it either?

Banned by the European Parliament in May 2010, meat glue is freely available through sources like Amazon.com. The information from the French Culinary Institute states that 1 kg. will hold over 100 kg. of meat parts together. This is the product description of meat glue exactly as it appears on Amazon.com:

Food Enzyme used to provide ways to improve texture, yield, sliceability.
Used to “glue” protiens (sic) together; mix Swordfish with Salmon to create a Seafood Filet
Used to “glue” protiens together; mix Elk, Llama and Yak to create a Exotic Mixed Grill Filet
Product of France
18 month Shelf Life, Keep in Freezer to ensure product strength

In the TodayTonight video, microbiologist Glenn Pener voices concern over meat glue and food poisoning.

“The amount of bacteria on a steak that’s been put together with meat glue is hundreds of time higher,” he says.

The bacterial count in patched-up meat is extremely high because scraps that were outside pieces but are now glued together inside are hard to cook thoroughly.

Another reason to eat less meat, buy organic or from a trusted source, and take nothing for granted in terms of food safety. Makes you think twice about what’s really in popular food-chain hamburgers, too. Even kosher and halal meat must be questioned – there is a kosher version of meat glue, Activa TIU.

Europeans – hopefully – aren’t eating Frankenstein meat now. There are no regulations against meat glue outside of Europe, however. The main objection to it is that it’s misleading; diners pay for quality meat that’s really scraps glued together. But I ask: what are the health consequences? Is it known what long-term consumption of transglutaminase – a blood-clotting substance – has on human beings? Especially if you like your meat rare.

Just gimme my meat with the bone in, please. Hold the side of thrombosis.

Silver Back Gorilla Encounter, Uganda

2012-01-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

A dear friend sent this to me, I was awestruck...amazing, not sure I could have been as calm.

Hump Day Humor, Gunslinger

2012-01-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is a little late, yesterday was "crazy"

An old prospector shuffled into the town of El Indio , Texas leading a tired old mule. The old man headed straight for the only saloon in town, to clear his parched throat.

He walked up to the saloon and tied his old mule to the hitch rail.

As he stood there, brushing some of the dust from his face and clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whisky in the other.

The young gunslinger looked at the old man and laughed, saying, "Hey old man, can you dance?"

The old man looked up at the gunslinger and said, "No son, I don't dance... never really wanted to"

A crowd had gathered as the gunslinger grinned and said, "Well, you old fool, you're gonna dance now!" and started shooting at the old man's feet.

The old prospector, not wanting to get a toe blown off, started hopping around like a flea on a hot skillet.

Everybody standing around was laughing.

When his last bullet had been fired, the young gunslinger, still laughing, holstered his guns and turned around to go back into the saloon.

The old man turned to his pack mule, pulled out a double-barreled 12 gauge shotgun and cocked both hammers.

The loud clicks carried clearly through the desert air. The crowd stopped laughing immediately.

The young gunslinger heard the sounds too, and he turned around very slowly.

The silence was deafening. The crowd watched as the young gunman stared at the old timer and the large gaping holes of those twin 12 gauge barrels.

The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in the old man's hands, as he quietly said;

"Son, have you ever kissed a mule's ass?"

The gunslinger swallowed hard and said, "No sir . . ... but . . , I've always wanted to!"

There are a few lessons for all of us here: -

* Don't be arrogant.
* Don't waste ammunition.
* Whisky makes you think you're smarter than you are.
* Always make sure you know who is in control...
* And finally, don't screw around with old folks; they didn't
get old by being stupid...

I just love a story with a happy ending, don't you?

Hump Day Humor, K. Madigan and J. Robertson

2012-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to be a comedienne and have collected ideas and "bits".

Kathleen Madigan and Jeanne Robertson have made me believe it was possible.

Love these women and hope to meet them someday.....enjoy.

Hump Day Humor, OMG, I forgot!

2012-01-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

I am soo sorry, work was busier than usual and I didn't pre-load anything.

Tere's Picks of 2011, Misc.

2012-01-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

Nuclear Cowboys

Reflections

And the rest

Bugatti from the lake (Mullins Museum)

Tere's Picks of 2011, DeLorean

2012-01-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

Tere's Picks of 2011, Old Glory

2012-01-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Freedom

Tere's Picks of 2011, Ornaments

2012-01-16T18:10:00.000-08:00

These are the photos I like best from 2011, by category.

Torpedo vs Destroyer

2012-01-12T09:15:00.001-08:00

A particularly interesting video showing exactly what happens when a submarine hits

their target with a MK48 Torpedo, Made in the USA....

You may have never seen footage where a single torpedo does damage like this.
It's a US made (non-nuclear) torpedo that is in use today by our submarines.
Very precise, very accurate, and very powerful.
This is the Australian Submarine Navy doing a live torpedo practice shot on one of their decommissioned ships. They used a Mk 48 Torpedo developed in the USA .
It is non-nuclear and not a contact weapon.

It is designed to go off directly underneath the ship at about 50 feet under the keel.
The effect is devastating as you can see from the video.
This lethal weapon can break the back of ships much larger than the one shown in this video.

Hump Day Humor, Logic and Science

2012-01-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

You can argue almost any subject with the facts and a "global" approach

Existence of God

An atheist professor of Philosophy was speaking to his class on the problem Science has with GOD. He asked one of his new Christian
Students to stand and . . .

Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son ?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?

Student : Absolutely, sir.

Professor : Is GOD good ?

Student : Sure.

professor: Is GOD all powerful ?

Student : Yes.

Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD
didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent.)

Professor: You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, young fella. Is GOD good?

Student : Yes.

Professor: Is satan good ?

Student : No.

Professor: Where does satan come from ?

Student : From . . . GOD . . .

Professor: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student : Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it ? And GOD did make everything.
Correct?

Student : Yes.

Professor: So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer.)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them ?

(Student had no answer.)

Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?

Student : No, sir.

Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?

Student : No , sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?

Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student : Yes.

Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.

Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Professor: Yes.

Student : And is there such a thing as cold?

Professor: Yes.

Student : No, sir. There isn't.

(The lecture theatre became very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have
anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing
as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of
heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)

Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?

Student : You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light,
flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it
is, were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man ?

Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed ? Can you explain how?

Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You
are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can't even explain a thought. It uses
electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be
ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.

Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a
monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)

Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor.
Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?

(The class was in uproar.)

Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's
brain?

(The class broke out into laughter. )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With
all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Professor: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.

Student : That is it sir . . . Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.
(Faith based on a ton of empirical data!)

By the way, that student was Einstein.!

Hump Day Humor, MIT

2012-01-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

I checked Snopes and didn't find anything on this, so could be real (via email)

MIT's Admissions Department
(By John T. Mongan)

MIT certainly has a reputation to be proud of, but its admissions department went a little over-board, I think. I actually received this letter, and actually mailed the following (original) response. -John

April 18, 1994

Mr. John T. Mongan
123 Main Street
Smalltown, California 94123-4567

Dear John:

You've got the grades. You've certainly got the PSAT scores. And now you've got a letter from MIT. Maybe you're surprised. Most students would be.

But you're not most students. And that's exactly why I urge you to consider carefully one of the most selective universities in America.

The level of potential reflected in your performance is a powerful indicator that you might well be an excellent candidate for MIT. It certainly got my attention!

Engineering's not for you? No problem. It may surprise you to learn we offer more than 40 major fields of study, from architecture to brain and cognitive sciences, from economics (perhaps the best program in the country) to writing.

What? Of course, you don't want to be bored. Who does? Life here is tough and demanding, but it's also fun. MIT students are imaginative and creative - inside and outside the classroom.

You're interested in athletics? Great! MIT has more varsity teams--39--than almost any other university, and a tremendous intramural program so everybody can participate.

You think we're too expensive? Don't be too sure. We've got surprises for you there, too.

Why not send the enclosed Information Request to find out more about this unique institution? Why not do it right now?

Sincerely, Michael C. Benhke
Director of Admissions

P.S. If you'd like a copy of a fun-filled, fact-filled brochure, "Insight," just check the appropriate box on the form.

May 5, 1994

Michael C. Behnke
MIT Director of Admissions
Office of Admissions, Room 3-108
Cambridge MA 02139-4307

Dear Michael:

You've got the reputation. You've certainly got the pomposity. And now you've got a letter from John Mongan. Maybe you're surprised. Most universities would be.

But you're not most universities. And that's exactly why I urge you to carefully consider one of the most selective students in America, so selective that he will choose only one of the thousands of accredited universities in the country.

The level of pomposity and lack of tact reflected in your letter is a powerful indicator that your august institution might well be a possibility for John Mongan's future education. It certainly got my attention!

Don't want Bio-Chem students? No problem. It may surprise you to learn that my interests cover over 400 fields of study, from semantics to limnology, from object-oriented programming (perhaps one of the youngest professionals in the country) to classical piano.

What? Of course you don't want egotistical jerks. Who does? I am self indulgent and over confident, but I'm also amusing. John Mongan is funny and amusing - whether you're laughing with him or at him.

You're interested in athletes? Great! John Mongan has played more sports--47--than almost any other student, including oddball favorites such as Orienteering.

You think I can pay for your school? Don't be too sure. I've got surprises for you there, too.

Why not send a guaranteed admission and full scholarship to increase your chance of being selected by John Mongan? Why not do it right now?

Sincerely,

John Mongan

P.S. If you'd like a copy of a fun-filled, fact-filled brochure, "John Mongan: What a Guy!" just ask.

----
Follow-up: John Mongan went to Stanford instead. He says "I never went to MIT, although I would have considered it if they had sent me that full scholarship and guaranteed admission."

The Victorian Model Workshop

2012-01-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Established in 1990, The Victorian Model Workshop is one of only a handful in the country

which opens its' doors to the public.

For a truly unique talking point we design and build one-off mechanical figures,

automatons and animated displays for private collectors and commercial customers.

Hump Day Humor, Perks of Age

2012-01-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

Sent to me in email and just had to share...

Someone had to remind me,

so I'm reminding you, too.

Don't laugh.... It is all true!

Perks of reaching 50

or being over 60

And heading towards

70 or beyond!

01.
Kidnappers are not very
interested in you.

02.
In a hostage situation,
you are likely to be released first.

03.
No one expects you to run --
anywhere.

04.
People call at 9 PM (or 9 A M) and ask,

'Did I wake you?

05.
People no longer view you

as a hypochondriac.

06.
There is nothing left
to learn the hard way.

07.
Things you buy now
won't wear out.

08.
You can eat
supper at 4 PM.

09...
You can live without sex
but not your glasses.

10.
You get into heated arguments
about pension plans.

11.
You no longer think of

speed limits as a challenge.

12.
You quit trying to hold
your stomach in no matter

who walks into the room.

13.
You sing along
with elevator music.

14.
Your eyes won't get
much worse.

15.
Your investment in health insurance

is finally beginning to pay off.

16.
Your joints are more accurate

meteorologists than the

national weather service.

17.
Your secrets are safe with your

friends because they can't

remember them either.

18.
Your supply of brain cells is finally

down to a manageable size.

19.
You can't remember
who sent you this list.

And you notice these

are all in big print for

your convenience.

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING:
Never, NEVER, NEVER,
under any circumstances,
take a sleeping pill, and

a laxative on the same night!

Hump Day Humor, Tug Toner

2012-01-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

This borders on "racy" so be forewarned...

Hump Day Humor, Seniors

2012-01-11T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hump Day Humor, Cowboy

2012-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Real cowboys have no fear....

Or it might Chuck Norris (in his childhood)