Major Mike's Musings

Recent Thoughts

Mike — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:41:08 +0000

I’ve been trying to decide what to make of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech a week ago Thursday before the Democratic National Convention.

First let me say that I thought the speech was dynamite. Obama is a first class orator and he was superb in his delivery. And even though he was criticized by some for lack of detail in his plans, I thought he had plenty of detail for an acceptance speech.

Like others, my first view of Obama was during his keynote address to the DNC in 2004. His message of “were all Americans” was inspiring. I thought, “This guy is destined for great things in politics.” I admired his bent to statesmanship instead of the same old party politics that punctuates most political activities. Good idea. Let’s cooperate and accomplish the stuff that America needs. Let’s all do it together.

Four years later and some of the idealism and statesmanship have been traded for the politics of getting elected. I understand the need for this, yet I long for the old Obama. And I don’t hold this against him. I hope, that if he is elected, he can return to his place as one who calls for us to rise above ourselves for the good of America.

Knee Update

Mike — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:37:26 +0000

I’m declaring Mrs. Major completely healed. She spent an hour and a half yesterday at the new JoAnne Fabrics store nearby. Though she still has some annoying swelling in her knees, which the Dr. said will subside in a few months, she set a 10 year record for being on her feet.

Happiness and Goodness

Mike — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:13:14 +0000

“What God means by happiness and goodness is a far higher thing than we can conceive.” — Elisabeth Elliot

Golf Signage

Mike — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:59:12 +0000

Here is an actual sign posted at a golf club in Scottsdale:

BACK STRAIGHT, KNEES BENT, FEET SHOULDER WIDTH APART.
FORM A LOOSE GRIP.
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN!
AVOID A QUICK BACK SWING.
STAY OUT OF THE WATER.
TRY NOT TO HIT ANYONE.
IF YOU ARE TAKING TOO LONG, LET OTHERS GO AHEAD OF YOU.
DON’T STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OTHERS.
QUIET PLEASE…WHILE OTHERS ARE PREPARING.
DON’T TAKE EXTRA STROKES.

WELL DONE. NOW, FLUSH THE URINAL, GO OUTSIDE, & TEE OFF.

Bill Hits the Home Run

Mike — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:46:24 +0000

What Hillary lacked in support for Barack, Bill Clinton supplied. Bill actually endorsed Barack for President. Hillary’s speech was an, “It’s all about me,” speech. Bill’s was, “Obama’s ready to be President,” speech–in spite of all the things he’s slammed Obama during the primaries. Clinton is a pro and he showed it tonight.

Give it to the Dems

Mike — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:40:14 +0000

An historic moment. The Democrats have nominated the first black candidate for the President of the United States of America. Congratulations to the Democrats! I’m proud of you.

Two Things I’ve Observed

Mike — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:59:01 +0000

I’ve observed two things from the Democratic National Convention: First, they’ve done a good job of teaching the dignitaries to clap in front of their own faces in case they get a close up during ovations. And Second, Bill Clinton is great at mugging for the cameras. When he sees the cameras on him, he breaks into a big smile, gets wet eyed, and when Hillary is speaking, mouths, “I love you,” and shakes his head just so proudly.

OK, I Wanna Know

Mike — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:34:14 +0000

How many calories did all the athletes burn during the olympics?

Perhaps We’re Done

Mike — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:41:05 +0000

Five O'clock Radar

Looks like we’re in the clear. Here’s the radar at around five o’clock. You can hardly see it but we’re right where the little plus with the circle around it is. Click on the image and you can see a larger version.

I drove around earlier (had to get a bulb for my left brake light which had burned out and mail a couple of packages) and observed the results of Fay. There are bushels (probably tons) of Spanish moss on the ground having been blown down from the Live Oak trees. Also all of the Villages ponds are overflowing.

The ponds are used to hold irrigation water. We have two water systems: Potable and irrigation. The potable, of course, is treated, but the irrigation is rainwater and irrigation runoff. We use the irrigation water to irrigate (dah) our yards and The Villages irrigates the golf courses and landscaping.

The golf course and landscaping sprinklers are running in many places to lower the water in the overflowing ponds. We’ve been on water restrictions for over a year, maybe we’ve finally made up the deficits caused by the recent drought.

Maybe Fay will be kind enough to turn left into Georgia. They could sure use the rain.

What’s Up With The Olympics Coverage

Mike — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:59:19 +0000

Why is it that we get every single vault, twist, pirouette, jump, pose from gymnastics about five times each and we only get 10 seconds of the women’s shot put, discus, and pole vault? Could it be the Chinese don’t stand a chance in field events?