Posts

Showing posts from October, 2024

College or Not

Image
  Is college a waste? Read the article today. It was good and watched an interview about it.  College itself is a grand idea. What it has become is a waste. When a 24 year old tells you they are a business person and has all the answers. But, their only source of knowledgable business comes from college, then the system failed.  Linked in is proof.  Just from reading some of statements and posts, it is obivious why so many of our businessess are hurting. There is a complete lack of understanding the knowledge, plus a lack of knowing when and where it applies. There are those that have taken what they have learned and applied it, used it and found their niche. A large majority has created a complete lack of faith in their business and implementation processes.  So maybe before college, or during college, more people need to focus on useful education and work. How much business sense is there, in obtaining a $150K debt with no means to pay it back. That's a...

Dogs vs Friends

Image
 Seems that many argue the value of a dog. For some they are just a pet, more of a pain to have. For others they are more like a distance friend. Some believe keep them outside, out of mind till needed. For some they are family.  Friends come in about the same catergories as well. There is an old saying, "you have friends that will help move furniture, then you have friends that will help move a body."  The title of friend these days is used very loosely. It is pretty much up to a person to decide what level a friend is. Are they someone who calls? Checks in? Stops by? Are they the type that remembers when you helped them and are there when you need help?   For veterans, myself included, the defining line is loyalty.   This is where for those like myself chose many times a dog over people. We have seen the use and waste from disloyal friends. Friends that are there when they need, not when you need.   Loyalty is very fine quality, same as tru...

Just take the Bag.

Image

Dogs and Communication

Image
 Ever stop and wonder what is going on in a dogs mind. They communicate it so many different ways.   During training it is important to pay attention to a dogs gestures, looks and actions.   Sometimes they will reach out and just to get your attention.   Look for their natural ways of communicating and build your training on that.  Stop unwanted behavior early and build on what natural talents they already have. 

Why dont you do something

Image
 There's a real big trend for screaming that something needs to be done.   Everyday there are fake posts about someone doing something good. There are posts about what is wrong. People crying over what they think is wrong. Someone needs to do something.  Instead of screaming for someone else to do it. Try doing it yourself.   Go work with a homeless shelter. Go work at a veteran's hospital. Volunteer at school. Work a hotline. Any number of things that a single person could do.  Seems the trend is to bitch and scream for someone else to handle the situation. Followed with excuses after excuse. Well I'm busy. I have a family too(maybe involve your family). My time is valuable.   Truthfully many times the assistance isn't money, its labor. Time by others to help.   Dont wait for the government, the neighbor or anyone else. If it truely bothers you, Do something.   Run for office. Volunteer where needed. Setup a service. Star...

Respect

Image
 Ever notice how disrespectful people are today.  Respect is divided into two types. Given, which is the respect given to a position(father, mother, general, cop, elderly, president). Then there is Earned, that is the respect built for earning it by the same given positions. Being respectful doesnt mean kissing someone's ass. Just because you are respectful doesnt mean you agree with someone either. We were rasied to be respectful to others till there was a time or need to be disrespectful. Even if there was a fight, you were expected to give respect where it was deserved.  Mostly because growing up, we were told that not everyone wears their life on their sleeve. Treat people with respect because you dont know them, what they are capable of, where they have been or anything about them. So being disrepectful wasn't an option.  Sometimes a little respect goes along way to achieving your goal. Being disrepectful could cost a job, sale or any number of things.  Be ...

Bucking the System

Image
 When did life become so structured. Fear to break anything, timelines, schedules and so on. When did it become the need of so many to comply.   Are there things that we need in society to be structured, yes, not always and those things arent everything.  Seems like these days the older people are asking the question, "why are you putting up with that?" While the younger people are saying, "this is the rules"  What happened to going into court and challenging a speeding ticket. What happened to saying, "Nope, today I'm doing something I want". What happened to questioning the politicans, news reporters, workplace, neighbors. What happened to questioning things.  I say this, but it is a thin line sometimes. There is a need for food, money, and the neccessities in order to live.   Maybe it has become the norm to be so far in debt that it cant be challenged. Maybe this is why companies think they can create unrealistic deadlines and force people to w...

Wasted Self Importance Defined

Image
 The best example of wasted self importance is in the statements going around in politics.  If the candidate wins, I am leaving the country.  Really nice of you to think that you would be of so much importance that people would sacrific their beliefs for your living situation.  Sad part is, that regardless of politics, religion and so on. This is the new way of thinking by our actors and sports figures.  Of course this is what happens when people put other people on a podium above everything else. This happens when people start to almost worship a sports figure, actor or someone who at the end of day brings no real value to their lives.

Academy Scores Football

Image
 

Faulted for Different opinions

Image
 What has become truely amazing to me, is the fact that so many are finding fault with other peoples beliefs.   It is to the point, that if you have any difference of opinion or belief, you will be called sexist, racist, hater, war monger, loser, criminal and the list goes on.  In order to win almost any arguement these days, people will say or do anything to humilate or shame someone into changing their stance on a topic.   Funny part is, it goes against everything that is said, posted, preached, advertized, taught or suggested. It goes against all the little memes and so called studies that is posted on social media.   Truthfully when you read through some of it, the sources are the same in either direction.  Too bad. I do remember a time that facts were generally the deciding factor in most discussions.   Simply put, if you said someone was a thief, then they were caught and charged as a thief. Then they were a thief. To accuse s...

Drastically Changing

Image
The real question isn’t so much the change some times. It’s more of “How are you going to deal with?” One of the hardest things is finding acceptance for the change. Not from others but from yourself. Giving up so much of what one has known can be devastating. For myself, realizing what I have done is a blessing. Finding new adventures that fit the change isnt always easy but is doable. So the acceptance part, is the realization that going forward will be different. Realizing that some parts will not change.

US Coast Guard Football

Image
 Reminder that the USCG does have a academy Football Team. Check them out. Next Game Oct 26.

Its just Business comment

Image
 One of the most hypocritical statements in the workplace.  So many companies scream we want a family culture. Feel like you belong. We want workers to be deverse and involved. We want people to take ownership.  Yet, they will make decisions that go against the very beliefs they preach, then use "its just business" as a cover statement.  Its just business isnt always bad, the company has to make money. Sometimes decisions have to be made.  It is  a very thin line between its just business and doing immoral business.  

Whiskey

Image
 Whats your favorite Whiskey drink? 

for Tennessee American Legion

Image
 

Old Fashion

Image
Old fashion is one of those drinks that has more variations than a Lego set. Basically It is whiskey, a slice of fruit, bitters, bar sugar, and a teaspoon or two of water. personally I have them hold the water on mine and only use a small amount of sugar.

The American Dream

Image
 Simply it was about opportunity. The Dream was free place to believe, work, build and not be persecuted. A good dream to have. The founders and others that left their homes to be here had these dreams. They even put it to work.   Since the beginning, opportunity, dreams and what was to be America has come at a cost. It has not been perfect. There has been a hard road of set backs, growth, failures, and many different ideas that have tainted the process.  However, there has been quite a lot of good that came with all of it.   Somewhere along the way the idea of the American Dream became an I/Me dream and not a thought about us.  The dream of opportunity was for people to work together desipe their differences to achieve something.   Now every one that condemns America has almost always done as bad or worst than we have. Topics on slavery and expansion, is another whole history lesson.  If someone wants the America Dream to be what it sho...

Freedom of speech, beliefs, religion, politics

Image
 It's not about what you believe. it is about the freedom to believe without persecution.  Many claim that they are on side of freedom, but their actions state otherwise.  One of my favorite phrases is - I dont agree with what you are saying, but Ill die to defend your right to say it.  I am of a very simple opinion, dont like something dont use it. Dont like a business dont use it. Dont like a politician dont vote for them.  There is a lot of disagreement out there but very few actually doing anything. Run for office. Help the needy. Start a business. Go to county, city and state meetings. Help fight for your rights. Its easy to say something needs to be done, it's alot harder to actually do it.  By not doing it, people or giving up more and more of their freedoms from persecution, than they realize.  If you stop one religion, dont think for a minute yorus isnt next on the chopping block.

Army Vs. Navy 2024 - who's your pick?

Image
 We are getting ready for the Army/Navy game.   Who's your choice?

Mobility and/or lack of mobility - Veterans - Family

Image
 One of hardest issues for almost any veteran is becoming immobilzed.  The life style of a soldier is active, on the go and many times adventurous. For many reasons a veteran could, can, does and will become immobilized. It may be full or partial. Could be due to any number of reasons.  What many need to understand, that may be involved, the veteran has to make a very major change in quality and functionally of their lives.  In many cases these injuries will come with additional injuries and/or issues. Not only is support a must, but true understanding of what is happening and how to handle it is required. For the families there are many organizations for assistance. dont hesitate to ask for help. Family support needs as much help as the veteran many times. VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars AL - American Legion VA - Veterans Adminstration WWP - Wounded Warrior Program

Vietnam Vets and Honor

Image
 One of the most dishonored group of veterans by the public and society has been the Vietnam Veterans. They have had benefits withheld. They have been insulted. They have been hidden. The list of injustice to them could go on forever. Most werent given an option. They were drafted. Given a choice of go to jail or war.  Some joined to serve their country. Others joined to serve with their friends and family. The list of why is as long as any. Regardless of how or why, these men and women fought for a country, ours. They are veterans that need to be recognized.  Not just the United States, a reminder that others from many countries served along side the US veterans. They as well, met much disappointment after returning home. TO ALL VIETNAM VETERANS - THANK YOU.

Caregivers

Image

Veteran Families and Moves

Image

Caregivers Thank you

Image
 Many times in Videos and writing I use the veteran atttachment. People should realize that any subject could, would and should many times apply to other areas. Caregiver is one of these. For veterans many times the Caregiver is the spouse. They are overlooked. The spouse of a military member may or may not have been with them during their service. Either way, the caregivers/spouse are dealing witht he clean up so to speak. They are giving care, dealing with nigtmares, bandages, hospital appointments, bills, driving, pushing chairs, helping in and out of tubs, medications. They aren't even dealing with their own issues yet. Caregivers have to put much of their life on hold. It is hard for them to make time for themselves. Because they are generally the spouse of the veteran. Many find it hard to detach long enough and not worry about their husband/wife while they try to relax.  TO ALL THE CAREGIVERS OUT THERE - THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Spouses, wives, husband, children and families of veterans

Image
 Probably one of the most overlooked part of military service is the families of soldiers.  When the soldier is deployed they are left to deal with day to day life.  When they are on "normal duty days" families deal with a different set of standards and life on a post. When typical PCS requires a move to a new duty station, families have to change schools, jobs, make new friends, change licenses, plates and numerous other things.  To all the families that served along side of their sailors, soldiers, and airmen - Thank you.

Veterans Day

Image
 Reminder that Veterans Day is on the Way. It will be on a Monday this year. 11 Nov as always.  For those that served and their families it a day of many emotions and thoughts. I have an issue with Veterans Day, Birthdays and several other days. DONT WAIT TO CHECK IN OR SAY HELLO OR TELL SOMEONE THAT YOU APPREICATE THEM OR WHAT THEY DID.  TRUTHFULLY LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO ONLY DO SOMETHING ONE DAY A YEAR. THAT ONE DAY SHOULD PROBABLY BE JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN NORMAL.

VETERANS - USE YOUR VSO - DON'T PAY FOR WHAT, YOU DONT NEED TO

Image
Everyone has a story. Try to use your Veteran Service Officer, VFW, American Legion and all resources before involving money grubbers.  The VA is in a state of turmoil and the lawyers are capitaling on it for their gain, not yours. They are many resources that will save you money. Not saying dont involve the lawyers if needed, just saying try not to till its needed.

Hypocritcal Doctor Appointments

Image
 Ever get really ticked off when you go to an appointment, you are 10-20 mintues early. You doctor comes in 45 mintues later. Acts like its no big deal beecause apparently he is more important than you. With an expectation of you dealing with it. Yet the first time you are late, miss an appointment, they bill you for it, with the excuse our time is important to us. Should they be docked pay for being late? I have quit more doctors for this? At what point where you getting paid to see the doctor? When did your time become any less important? People in general, only get away with what they are allowed.

Army and Navy

Image
 Congrats to Army and Navy on their wins today.

Delta AIrlines Attnedant Sucks and so does anyone who stood by.

Image
  Delta Airlines should fire this attendant if not already and anyone in their system who did not stand up for what is right. This is what our country has become. Sad, sickening and goes to show all this you tread on my feelings has led to this kind of behavior. Reference any news link or the one below. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/bay-area-veteran-asked-to-deplane-delta-flight-due-to-threatening-shirt/3683328/

St. Crispins day speech

Image
  “What's he that wishes so? My cousin, Westmorland? No, my fair cousin; If we are mark'd to die, we are enough To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the greater share of honour. God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more. By Jove, I am not covetous for gold, Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; It yearns me not if men my garments wear; Such outward things dwell not in my desires. But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive. No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England. God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour As one man more methinks would share from me For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more! Rather proclaim it, Westmorland, through my host, That he which hath no stomach to this fight, Let him depart; his passport shall be made, And crowns for convoy put into his purse; We would not die in that man's company That fears his fellowship to die with us. This day is call'd the feast of Crispian. ...

Othello on soldiers sleep

Image
  ’Tis tFhe soldier’s life   Tis the soldiers life to have their balmy slumbers waked with strife. - Othello

History

Image
  A few days ago, a young woman stated that history wasnt to been to seen. It was to be taught in schools and books. This is in regards to different historical monuments, names of places and other things that she said is offensive.  Well thats about as stupid a comment as any. Basically that means going thru your home and throwing away naything and everything that someone fines offensive about your history. Already the world is repeating the same processes that led to many a war. If you dont want war, then dont do what leds to war. Remembering is the first step to prevention.

Medal of Honor

Image
  Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award a military member can recieve. There have been over 40 million people who served since 1776, only 3519 have received it. 60 are still alive. And only one woman ever received it. There are three versions, Army, Navy and Airforce. The award is consider to be such an honor that it is custom and expected that regardless of the persons rank who wears it, They are to be saluted. Most of the Presidents themselves have saluted these members.

Dog Training Tip

Image
  Use another dog to help with training. dogs will teach dogs. Try hooking a short leash between the two. When one moves the other moves. When you give one a command the other has to follow. We have tried it with a well trained dog and a newbie. Works great to get the new pup to start mimicing the actions and behaviors.  Check out  https://www.youtube.com/@howlingthetruth6790

Fly Fishing Flies

Image
  One of the easiest ways to fly fish if you are having casting issues is to float the fly.  Watch the dead flies in water and current. Find the fly that is closest. flip the fly as far out as you can into the floating dead debris and let the fly float in with current.   You can find many youtube videos on different techniques.   Start easy and work your way into it.   Fly Fishing is like anything if you dont start with a small win, then you will probably walk away.

Fish and Hook sketch

Image
 

Fly Fishing Gear

Image
 Just for the record, you dont need a lot of gear. Quality is a must though.  Solid rod and reel, good line, flies, net, a vest or easy to access pack, a few little tools, knot tying chart if you have short memory, waders(depending on time of year) and a few other little items.   It is recommended to have mobile equipment, easy to carry. 

Fly Fishing

Image
Fly fishing is a great past time and fun. I recommend for those who havent tried it to give it a shot. You as with any type of fishing can fish for anything you want to. Trout, Bass, Bream, Bluegill, Salt water, Fresh water, Poond, River, Catfish and so on.   The only advice i would give to someone first starting out is go easy, learn the cast, not as hard as it looks and dont freak out.  Fly fishing, using an open face reel, a bait caster, golf and several other fun things have a moment that makes or breaks people.   Try and step back when you can, take a breath.  We used to say on the job site, give it a few weeks before you quit.

Self Importance

Image
 There is a difference between accomendating and catering to others. Side walks are for walking not side talking. Should others go around, They can if they want to, but in reality it is not for others to cater to you. Simple manners and courtesy prevents stupidity sometimes.   Example, standing in the middle of a walk way causing people to step in a street because two turds want to have a conversation that is better suited for somewhere else is a little stupid to say the least.   There seems to be push these days to take away other peoples personal space and general living. Pushing the I'm important enough to not show some manners and courtesy.   It is seen in parking lots, stores, schools, businessess and many other places.   Yes it is a simple example but for those that practice this self importance techniques of being #$%^ it shows up at higher levels of interaction.   When they are challenged or questioned they blow a gasket and...

removing names and history

Image
 One of the stupid things going on today is the complete removal of names and history. Everyone screams racism and sexism and so on. If you change one thing because of one issue then you must change it all. One sided is one sided regardless of which side of tracks it comes from.

Sketch

Image
 

Manners, Rude and Stupid

Image
 Tonight ran into another one of those wanna be bike clubs. blocking side walks and being stupid. Sons of Anarchy brought out the worst POSs in the world. Cant get rid of them now.

The Vet Files

 Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/@Thevetfiles

Logans - Lebanon

 Tonights meal sucked and so did about half the people there. Manners and idoiticy runs amuck.