~ Archie's Bunker ~

The day I'd bin dreading has come ‘n gone. The eviction notices were sent out first of July for all ‘a the tenants along the stretch ‘a Trafalgar St I’d lived on for the past twenty years. With the federal gooberment pumping a wad a cash London’s way ta spice up they’s employment incentive resume, the overpass project on the corner is scheduled to start come April of 2010. Da’ Bunker is to be da’ molished along with all ‘a the rest of the homes along that stretch. 120 days notice having us all out by the end of October. As for they few folk who still own properties along that stretch…  

 

 

“Expropriation”

is the

Word of the Day!!!

 

 

Thinkin ta buy, t’was gettin a bit depressing lookin fer new digs in the London area as all I had looked at what I could afford were major renovation nightmares. Prompted by necessity, I started lookin a little further afield. Welcome to West Lorne. 50km (30m) west of London. A danged sight cheaper leaving me with a little capital ta get done what needs ta be done. Sam was ready ta make a move as well, and has taken up residence with me, has bin, and continues to be a good lot ‘a help. Bless her bunches.

 

Is definitely in need ‘a some tender lovin care with every wall in the place needin stripped, skim coated, ‘n painted. As well, the roof in desperate need ‘a repairs, and a few, *kack …* well, ok, a bunch ‘a other things what’ll come as time ‘n cash permit. In the end, it is the new Bunker. A fenced yard fer Jackie, ‘n a nice quiet friendly atmosphere for piece ‘a mind. Holy Hades man! Main St. in West Lorne makes Trafalgar St. look like a freakin freeway type thoroughfare.

Once a little more ‘a the cosmetic work is bin done, I’ll be posting a few more pics to show the results. Steel roof is on, although still needing some trim work done, and the kitchen is bin puttied, primed, ‘n painted. The living room, and upstairs were a nightmare to strip as there was two, and in some places three layers ‘a wallpaper plus paint on, and in between the paper. Not ta mention the adhesive what was used back in the day, ‘n what a pain it was ta clean that off. All is good, puttied, primed, ‘n ready for paint.

The crawlspace is another story. No shortage of things ta be done down there. All ‘a the old steel plumbing to be removed, and insulation ta be put about the foundation. The floors are currently somewhat a rollercoaster ride, so needing to dig out for, pour pads, ‘n place support beams ta try ‘n level the old place up a bit. As well, the property is low laying, thus water is a bit of a problem. Whoever installed the sump pump must ‘a had ‘is shovel break on ‘im half way through the dig, so needing to get it down deeper so’s it can actually do what it was intended to do.

 As For The Kitchen Drain!! After using the sinks for a month ‘n half, I gets down in the crawlspace one day (a new discovery every time), ‘n notice this pipe comin through the floor lookin ta be right about where the kitchen sinks should be draining out of. I calls up ta Sam fer ta run a bit ‘a water, ‘n sure enough, there it is, draining right into the crawlspace where I spose it’s spose ta make way to the sump which simply pukes out into the back yard. The beauty of this is the smorgasbord ‘a food bits left behind fer whatever little fur bearin vermin might happen along. Hence for now, a couple ‘a Rubbermaid buckets giving new meaning to the term “the runs”, til I gets that looked after.

So, that’s the good, ‘n the hell of it kiddies. Plenty enough ta keep a fella busy for a good time ta come. Here’s hoping all is well enough with everyone, ‘n will catch ya’s later.

       

 

      Have I fallen off ‘a the edge ‘a the world?? Come on Now!! Everyone knows what the world is round. Have I bin involved in an fiery wreck of a helicopter crash, recovering in the intensive care hittin up on all ‘a the nurses?? Hmmmm … As interesting a thought, not at all the case.  Certainly, not much is bin up with I, ‘n the world ‘a Spaces. I’m thinkin that’s pretty much a given. I have been enjoying myself, ‘n keepin busy with a couple ‘a new ladies in me life. 

      Firstly, there’s Sam. I plumb run out ‘a words ta describe ‘er. A beautiful gal of an peacefully charming, understanding, and accepting disposition. Smart as a whip, witty with a great sense of humour, almost always with a smile on her face. When not, you can rest assured that she is either sleeping, or that there is one near, and soon to follow. She’s a very outdoorsy kind ‘a gal, most comfortable canoeing, ‘n portaging through the wilderness. Great sport ta collaborate with in the kitchen, ‘n can ruffle the sheets as well as the next to ‘er. Man Oh Man!! That was some kind ‘a nastiness eking out ‘a her butt ta other night, I’ll tell you what!!! *sheepish grins … *

      And then of course, there is this little fur baring, dum as a box ‘a rocks, flee infested vermin. Jackie’s her name, jackal's her game. Picked her up in November at eleven months of age, ‘n dang near had her gived away twards mid of January. Just like a Dutch dog I tells ya. Wooden shoes, wooden head, ‘n wooden listen!!! Some serious second, third, forth, ‘n fifth thoughts, the decision was made ta give her a second chance. Dang glad I did, cause she’s finally figured out that ”yes, this is home, these is me peeps, ‘n I spose I'm not the top dog after all.” Conveniently with the better weather upon us, she can now be trusted to stay in the yard with the gate open, and doors to da’ Bunker agape. … While under close supervision, of course. Shepherd/Husky cross, so she is …

       Some drives through the countryside, hikes in local park areas ‘n nearby conversation areas, plenty enough baths for the canine fer all ‘a the mud she finds way through. Some quiet moments ta home with movies, spring cleanups on the properties, ‘n ‘a course all the day ta day busies what need also ta be done. Of time I do spend on the computer, is mostly editing photos, a few Photoshop projects I've worked on, and these last couple ‘a days, this video I’ve put tagether with ‘Windows Movie Maker’. Turned out not too shabb considerin it started out as nothin more than a wasted bit ‘a time ta check out the program, so figured ta upload ‘n share it with whomever cares ta hit the play button. In review, I spose I could say it’s four ‘a my gals just ‘being’. Enjoy if’n ya wish. … 

 

      That’d be what I would call the ‘RDCV’ of what good ole Grumps is bin up to.  Still haven’t found it in me ta set ‘n type out any ‘a the standard fare, but hey … Never say never. Here’s hopin yer havin a grand time …

      Ciao Fer Now …

 

            

Alrighty then ... Through my gallivanting, I've noticed a common complaint, or wee snag as it were, such as folk are having problems inserting photos into they's blobs. So says I ... Hey!! What the dillio man?? There's no way they's goin ta take away ones ability ta be creative, is they??

So Ok ... I'll give a whirl at doin up a little esperimental blob. In my usual manner, I'll bring up the ole "Windows Live Writer", 'n have at it, see what happens. When it comes ta writin blobs, I gots ta tell ya kiddies, I'm lovin this program, 'n would be quite miffed if'n they's new changes turn out ta be incompatible with the ease, 'n convenience I've come to enjoy through use of this writer.

So, now I asks ya ... do ya's see 'em?? Do ya's see the images up to the top 'a the blob??

Do ya, do ya, do ya, Huh????

I'll tell ya what kiddies. When Windows Live first come out with this writer, it was my impression right out 'a the gate that they had a plan. My thinkin is that they wants ta pretty much do away with the blob editing page within the spaces domain altogether. Well, unless 'a course ya just wants ta do a plain text blob, in which case, the spaces editing page is the next best thing to a good wholesome fart. *bows head chucklin ... *

Write one downloadable program what anyone can install so's to simplify, and reduce activity within the domain itself. With the writer, there's no longer need to be saving blobs as drafts within the domain as you can now save your drafts locally. When ya figures the amount 'a space bein used up by folk storing gawd only knows how many drafts on-line, it's a no-brainer the load this would take off 'a the network. Not ta mention all 'a the formatting options, 'n all 'a the rest 'a that good shizz.

Here we goes Kiddies ... Time ta hit the "Publish" button, 'n see what happens.

    

Minutes later Update using, you guessed it, "Windows Live Writer":

                      ... Eureka!!!

There ya goes my friends. Step up to the plate, 'n have at it.

                  "Windows Live Writer"

Is the way of it now 'a days. Plain 'n simple. Any kestions?? Leave a comment, send an e-mail, I'll answer what I can.

Have a great one, 'n will catch ya's later.

Ciao Fer Now ... 

Short of nuclear war itself, population growth is the gravest issue the world faces. If we do not act, the problem will be solved by famine, riots, insurrection and war.

Robert McNamara, Former World Bank President

 

        Well, I did say there was more ta come. Alrighty then!!! Lets see how it goes here. I spose a little recap would be in order, eh?? Let’s see what we gots thus far. …

Part one: An introduction to what I believe to be the root causes ‘a war, violence, and dissension amongst the troops. The troops bein people in general on a global basis. Religion, political structure, our economic tables in they’s myriad ‘a tiers, and perhaps above all, a continual pattern ‘a over population.

Part two: A quick overview ‘a the myriad of economic tables from the lowliest of one's own pocketbook, to corporate, ‘n governmental economic tables on a global basis. Complete with a comparison ‘a blue collar income between third world countries, specifically Indonesia, and the blue caller workers of economically sound countries, specifically Canada, ‘n the USA.

Part Three: Our individual legacy towards humanity?? Global, societal accepted atrocities towards blue collar workers of third world countries exampling a young woman in Bangladesh. An ever so brief introduction to Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus’s book, “Banker to the Poor”, and his conception ‘a the Grameen Micro-credit banking in an effort to help such folks to break the cycle of, and reach beyond the daily sufferance of indigence.

        Sounds like quite the party, don’t it?? I spose in keeping with the theme ‘a what’s causing all ‘a the dissension, violence, ‘n war, … a quick look at religion, ‘n population ’d be in order.

Or, would that be 'Overpopulation'??? ...

        Islam are the infidels??? Christians are the infidels??? Who the Hell is the infidels??? Mayhap it’s the Jews what’s the infidels. Hey!!! And how bout them Buddhists?? Now there’s a bunch ‘a infidels if’n I ever did see a bunch of ‘em. Battles of a religious nature ‘a bin goin on since the beginning ‘a time. Some small, some not so small. The First Crusade was launched in 1095 by Pope Urban II inciting the phrase, “Deus vult!!” (God wills it!!) The telephone hadn’t even bin invented yet, ‘n this war mongering Pope dude has an entire nation convinced that he alone is privy to what exactly it is that the “Lord Wills”???

        Colour me agnostic, but ta my way ‘a thinking, if’n the Lord cares ta be willing anything in specific here upon our little rock island in the sky, my guess is he’s gonna forego the pleasantries with all of our varied, ‘n however many narrow minded religious leaders, ‘n bring it on down of his, her, they’s own volition, and by own hand. It’ll not be announced, negotiated, nor discussed with anyone so presumptuous as to believe, pretend to believe, or who merely convince others (for they’s own profit) that they alone should be the ones with whom God confers. … Please do, give me a phuggin break!!

        Mankind has always bin, is now, and will most likely always be a manipulative monster. The most manipulative of man being the ones wielding the most power in whatever manner, or field of they’s choosing or opportune. Political leaders, corporate leaders, religious leaders, all drinkin from the same chilling fridge, ‘n rallying to the same banner in the name ‘a they's, or they’s King’s own gold. If’n they’s survival means goin to war, so be it!! God wills it!! Religion has no fewer vested interests in war than any other governing body. As well, they are just as, or more so responsible for the dissension of man as any other governing body.

        The proof is in the puddin. If religion were all about peace, tranquillity, the union of all mankind … they religious leaders of man would be finding a way to making it happen over hot cocoa with floated marshmallows. Mayhap they’d all be takin they’s turn hangin off ‘a the end of a big ole 'peace-pipe'. *puff puff ... pass * Mayhap we’d be seeing a positive step in our social evolution on global basis. Mayhap mankind could show this 'supposed' one ‘n only God just, ‘n due cause to take pride in his, hers, they’s creation.

        That the many, ’n varied religious leaders around our globe are unable to come to some commonality uniting the people of this planet as one, tells me one thing, ‘n one thing only. It tells me that the greatest ‘a these religious leaders are as greedy, selfish, ignorant, and arrogant as any murderous thief. A smidgeon harsh you say?? Here till I pray for your son’s safe return from war the day afore he dies of a roadside bomb.

 

        Now of course, even if we were able to pull together as a peaceful global society, there is still one other obstacle to overcome. Population!!! Although quite frail, ‘n somewhat clumsy by nature, mankind through the invent of technology is pretty near to being a specie without predator. We control the population of every other specie of creature, ‘n plant-life alike. Some to the point of extinction, or damned near to it while our own population covers this great rock with the stench of our own greed, selfishness, ignorance, ‘n arrogance.

        Just as the fire marshal puts a limit of how many folk may attend a specific venue, this ole nugget on which we reside can only provide for a certain maximum number of people as well. In addition, with technology being a consistent one step behind (necessity bein the mother of invention), there has always bin, and will most certainly always be those who have, ‘n those who have not. Third world countries with no marketable resource being the hardest hit of course, as well as bein the least noticed, considered, and cared about. It’s pretty tough ta think about a nation wanting, starving, while we of 'want for nothing' sit about a table with friends ‘n family to a feast fit for Riley.

        If we are without war, we are also without one of the most versatile, and effectual methods of population control available on the open market. Not that there’s no options mind you. It just does so seem, from what I can see anyway's, that war is the societal preferred method. Well Hey!!! Just look at the number of jobs, ‘n careers war generates, ‘n tell me if’n that ain’t a good thang. Who in they’s right mind would want to see an end to war causing the cessation of how many millions of jobs from the development, to deployment of A-bombs, spud missiles, nerve gasses, torpedoes, bullets, tanks, aircraft, ships of war, artillery, you name it, they mother phuckers is got it. Right down to the bullet proof vest, cause hey!! Who gives a rat's azz if these boys gets they’s legs, ‘n testicles blowed off. I’m sure they’ll be grateful that at very least, they’re alive, and on an disability pension what comes just shy ‘a paying the heating bill in ta winter time.

        Bottom line … If’n we’s to make effort to bring about world peace, there’s only seating for so many. That means we’d need to take affirmative action towards birth control. It means we’d have to give up some rites. It means we’d no longer be able ta crank out as many kids as we bloody well please. It also means, for a good percentage of religious folk, turning a deaf ear to doctrine thus faulting them in the eyes of they’s community, and whichever church. This because religion seems ever so unwilling, ‘n incapable to maintain doctrine to 'n with the times. We ask of God, 'lead us not into temptation', while religious leaders through loosely translated archaic notion lead us straight to the gates ‘a Hell. How would ya feel if ya'd just bought a brand spankin new 2009 Shelby GT500, and yer local Ford representative was ta hand ya the owners manual for a 1908 Model-'T' ta go with it. It’s called changing, accommodating to, and with the times.

        Global birth control would be a cold hard line to draw, an equally tough one to enforce. The concept of controlling population through calculated birth rate does seem like a simple enough venture, yet in spite of everything, here we are. Still with people starving to death, and as well, going to war over territory, beliefs (religious or otherwise), ‘n natural resource. A vicious cycle, seemingly without end.

        Wow!!! ... I spose I'm layin some kind 'a shaggin ta these religions. Ain't I?? *grins ... * Hey!! Not like I'm all together without faith, a few beliefs, thoughts 'a me own 'n such. I just plain 'n simple have no belief, nor faith in religion is all. Who here had a choice 'a which religion you wanted to be associated with?? ... Show of hands?? Anybody?? Was ya just dunked, 'er snipped, 'er whatever without yer consent?? Did anyone offer for ya ta make an informed decision??? ... Was yer Inalienable rights taken into consideration?? Have ya passed this legacy unto yer very own children?? Yeah!!! When I look about at the state of "society 'a man" on a global basis, I just can't help but think these religious leaders is done let us down. A damned good lot of 'em anyway's. Let us all down!!! Just as our political leaders is done!!

        After all ‘a the blowhard bullshyte, it all comes down ta one simple little flaw inherent to the human g-nome. … GREED!!! Building fences round what is ours, and always wanting for more than what we have. It could be greed for power be it the schoolyard bully hawking spit balls round the classroom for entertainment, to some tyrant ruling an empire with iron fist, and constant threat ‘n promise of torture for they who step out ‘a line. It is simple greed what has us stealing from our neighbours, stepping over one ‘n other void of any due care ‘n concern in an endless quest to reach that next exhilarating step on the social ladder. It’s greed what makes an elite group rich, while others barely eke out an existence living in a state of constant sorrow, ‘n destitution. It is greed, the root cause of every revolution. Just as it was in the USA bringing on a little skirmish known to us now as the civil war. What is it sees one man to buy or sell another man’s heart ‘n hide as a piece of common property??

        The future is not hours, nor do we own it. Albert Einstein once said, “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” What nature of catastrophic event will it take afore we wee peons pull our heads out ‘a our collective azzes, ‘n figure it out?? If ever …

        Here til I leaves ya with a grin ...

 Ciao Fer Now Kiddies ...

Will catch ya's later.

 

           

      

 

“Real golfers, no matter what the provocation, never strike a caddie with the driver. The sand wedge is far more effective." ... Huxtable Pippey

    A couple ‘a friends was over this morn, listenin to the morning show, playin a little “Hot Shots” golf on the PS2, ‘n just generally laughin our collective azzes off at societies woes as reported on the news ‘n such. It’s therapeutic … beats Hades out ‘a whining bout it. You know … like the price ‘a gas is goin up $5.oo a barrel on account the storm hasn’t even hit ground yet, ‘n somewhere’s in Arabia, some poor camel is sufferin a swollen left testicle what no-one gives a rat's azz about. That sort ‘a thang.

    The good folk who run the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association), as an dictatorship apparently, in they’s ultimate wisdom have decided that within two years, any player wishing to make the PGA tour must speak, or learn to speak English!!! Period!! No exceptions. All ta do with interviews, promotions, that kind ‘a thing. Let’s face it. Golfing at the PGA level is an English language game, damnit!!! *gigglin … *

Although it does bunch me onions a wee bit that language should be such an issue in something as simple as a gentleman’s game ‘a golf ... Point ‘a fact, 'n nothin ta do with all 'a this PGA crap, I’d be all in favour ‘a there bein one single international language on a global basis. On all fronts!!! Pick a language, any language, start teachin it in every school on the globe. At least in the future, there’d not be some dickhead pushin the all-tagether wrong button on account ‘a artistic licence of interpretation.  Fortunately for me, although it really wouldn’t make a molehill ‘a difference in any case, it’d most likely be English bein as the aeronautical industry has already established for pilots and air traffic controllers. A plane load ‘a 300 folk comin in ta land, the controller calls out ...

“Flight 'IA one zero one', maintain two thousand feet at heading one fifteen, your clear for approach on runway two six niner, left”.

And if'n that ain't enough ta crash 'em right then 'n there, what the air traffic controller DON'T want ta be hearing at this point, is …

"आप कहते हैं कि आप चाहते हैं कि मुझे अपने कान में चिपका न हो ? ?"

…*yikes man!!! … gg*

   The radidio hosts is havin a blast citing safety reasons for the PGA's decision. For example: ya gets some German dude screamin “Vorsegelll!!!!”. Yer standin there scratchin yer head  wonderin what in Hades this “Vorsegel” thingy-ma-gigger is all about when … *BLAM!!* … One dimpled golfing ball, Right between the peepers. Me ‘n Johnny, we’s off on our own little shizz ‘n giggles fest, when Johnny pipes up with the question, “What about yer deaf ‘n dumb golfers??”. Some poor deaf dumb bloke out there with ‘is interpreter flippin the bird every other word, ‘n now within the next two years, the poor son of a putter has ta learn ta speak a language he can’t even hear!!! … What??? No dumb deaf folk allowed in the PGA???

    We then gets ta wonderin about sign language. … Fer some dumb-azz reason I’ve no notion of, other than unrequited hope, I had it in me head that the signing community was a shining example of a minority global community all speakin the same international language, so’s to speak, or sign as it were. *grins … * Couldn’t an apple, be an apple, be an apple, be an apple wherever they go??? NO!!! ... I looked it up in *Wikipedia*. “Hundreds of sign languages are in use around the world, and are at the cores of local deaf cultures. Some sign languages have obtained some form of legal recognition, while others have no status at all.”... I’m saddened!!! *gigglin … * But Hey!!! What right have the deaf to get along with the rest of the world any better than the rest of us?? Am I right??? …

    Screw ‘em!!! That’s what the PGA folk ’ll be sayin. Will they regress any further do ya spose?? … “What??? He can’t speak English??? Someone tell that deaf dumb black Chinese Jew gay guy, he can’t play lest he switches team, converts, tees up straight to the ball, dyes his skin white,  and learns ta speak ENGLISH, Damnit!!! …

"FORE!!!!!”

    Another beauty day in the neighbourhood kiddies. Like my good friend Brenna would cite … Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get tagether, try to love one another right now …

    Ciao fer Now, ‘n will catch ya’s later.

(all translations done through *Google Translate* ... Hmmmm ...)