Last night at about 1 a.m., I awoke to strange sounds coming from the general area of the dog on the first floor. I rubbed my eyes and went downstairs to discover that he had diarrhea all over the floor. I cleaned it up and then (because I couldn't enjoy it without him) woke Adrian up to tell him the events. The rest of the night I spent half awake listening for more doggie activities, as well as smelling the odor that pervaded the house.
Max woke up at 5 a.m. for a diaper change and nurse, and after carefully assessing my mood, decided he was ready to attack the day with lots of crying and tantrums. Papa Adrian was woken up to take the morning shift, but at that point I was fully awake too...so we all went downstairs to find...MORE dog poo, but this time with a pee-pee chaser. Yea! At least he was corralled in the laundry room hall since the 1 a.m. incident.
Adrian cleaned up that round wearing rubber gloves, using ample disinfectant and an entire roll of paper towels. The dog will be going to the vet today.
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The Boss
23 comments:
One thing we all know is that it rolls down hill. Hopefully D is ok.
Now, just because I've been absent doesn't mean I haven't had you in mind. I found a couple of more article for LA regarding Bio Fuels and Competitiveness in the UK. This is in addition to the Nose art and Mohammed Posts.
1. Banning Competitiveness in the UK. - Absolutely Sickening to me. Individualism is what makes this country great. There are winners and losers in life, looks like the loser are banning together.
---http://www.spectator.org/dsp_art
icle.asp?art_id=11562
2. Bio Fuel SCAM - Rather than LA's husband trying to make bio-fuels, he needs to get in on this scam!
---http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol
/news/uk/article1909827.ece
3. To the Global Warmiong Church Goers, a sermon from Clinton. Suggesting Sod Roofs to combat Global Warming:
---http://www.townhall.com/Columnis
ts/JohnMcCaslin/2007/06/12/an_incon
venient_truth_for_mr_clinton
Genius!
4. Chi-Coms dumping Ethanol fuels
---http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol
/news/world/asia/china/article19179
27.ece
JOE JOE!!!!!
Its great having you back doing your thing... Your A rating was in jeopardy.. but this type of performace will solidify your review.
Keep up the good work
-Daddy H
And my favorite for the Global Warming Folks.
Headline:
Prius pollutes more than the Hummer:
http://clubs.ccsu.edu/Recorder/edit
orial/print_item.asp?NewsID=188
I've already wanted to buy a hummer, I think they are awesome (Not an H2, or H3, but the original Big Daddy).
Now I am motiviated to do so even more. Maybe after I buy it, I'll put a Kerry Edwards sticker on it just for fun!
For now, I'll have to settle for the RX 350 Heather drives.
The vet wants me to bring in a feces sample. F-ing fantastic.
Re: American individualism...this is an oxy-moron. We say we are all for individualism, but then scorn and humiliate people who are different. Yes, to our credit we encourage and support small/independent business (as opposed to other countries that actually discourage such), but on the lifestyle/creative expression side of the house...not so much. Perhaps it is our Protestant/Pilgrim beginnings? The Europeans, despite having their panties in a bind most of the time, seem to be more forgiving on those fronts than we.
Though, Americans are nothing if not enthusiastic and passionate...we can be self-rightous and war with a gusto. Only ancient Rome was our equal (and we know how that whole thing turned out). Aahhh, good times.
Leah, I agree. Rome did not become a great empire by being politically corrent and offending people and talking to the enemy and allowing illegal aliens. They did it by Killing all that opposed them.
Now, don't mis-interperet. I am not literally proposing killing. My point is, we need to kill 90% of the PC culture take the gloves off and we could fix a lot of things.
Whether you agree why we went to iraq is irrelevant. We are there so long in part, because the rules of engagement prevent us clearing out the bad guys. Example 1:
When you see the footage of Iwo Jima, did you see our soldiers "clearing" caves. No, the grenade went in first, then a flame thrower did his thing. Then we sent the people in.
Example 2: If you get shot at from a house or mosque, bye bye house or mosque.
I can go on and on. Point being, we start with trying not to offend one person, then we expand it. Next thing you know, we have prayer area for muslims in airports (Minnesota) and muslims are allowed to refuse you if you have a dog, pork or alcohal on you, we can't say Merry Christmas (I still say it). Then suddenly being competitive or successful becomes offensive and political correctness is more important than saying what actually needs to be said or done.
Anyway, I was more questioning the global warming hypocrisy and PC than Iraq. Are you buying a hummer yet?
Leah - Your dog and my dog must have co-ordianted the poo fiasco!
Joe - When I've got nothing else to do in all my spare time I'll have a look round your references. Don't count on that in 2007. You really need your own blog!
LA,
I understand. I guess you can file those references away on your computer and get around to them when you have nothing better to do. May I suggest you name that file "An Inconvenient Truth"?
I understand why you wouldn't want to look at it, it might actually make sense and show you there are two sides to the story.
Sorry about your Ballet class incident, the doggy doo doo and glad the Mac & Cheese cheered you up.
I miss you too by the way.
Now this is a blog I can get behind... Good work JJ... Can always count on you...
Not sure about the ballet reference or the Mac and Cheese.. Cause I am sure you are not posting other people stuff on our blog are you... Strike 2 if it is..
-Other than that.. Keep up the good work...
-Daddy H.
Americans always boost this idea that America stands for individualism but yet our landscape says a whole other story. Joe, have you walk down an American street lately? McDonald's, Walmart, Starbucks...Every town, small or large looks the same, thanks to conforming, unindividualistic franchising American business. Businesses whose success depends on conformity. Heres a good read, Fast Food Nation.
Hey stephers...
Not sure if America really embraces individualism.. However Capatialism is what America really was built on. That is a good thing. At least with capitalism you know where everyone is coming from.. with individualism ur hitting a moving target. Now, dont get me wrong I want independent thoughts and people pushing the envelope in regards to capitalism.. But, America is one big box store...
-Daddy H
Thomas Jefferson is rolling over in his grave. Ben Franklin might approve though.
Deion has a bacterial infection in his intestines. Doc says it is carried by all dogs, but sometimes it over-multiplies during times of stress. I do not know what Deion has to be stressed over, but there you have it. He is on two meds...one of them for six weeks! He'll be fine though. He's holding up pretty well for being 11 with a 1-year-old kid chasing him around the house (oh, THAT's where the stress is coming from...duh.).
Now Adrian...
I know that the American government is based on capitalism. In my statement, I was debating Joe's comment, "Indidualism is what makes this country great." I don't think that is the case. I know I was taught this BS in elementary school, but by college learned that Americans embrace conformity as much as communists and socialist. And, I definately don't think this is what sets us apart or makes us great.
Hola Steph,
Very interesting thoughts. Sorry I didn't respond earlier, I went to the Tribe-Marlins Game last night (Indians Won). I give you credit, unlike Leah and LA, you made me think... :-).. Just kidding Ladies.
Yes, I have walked down American streets and streets in Latin American and Europe. I see starbucks, MC D's and all sorts of franchises. Assuming you have the same political views as Leah and LA, I am surprised you picked Wal-Mart. I thought all democrats hated Wal-Mart (But that’s a separate discussion).
Unlike Leah and LA, I will directly attempt to address your excellent point (and PT’s, because I believe he was half correct). I believe you are confusing mass market infrastructure, franchising and capitalism. American Society is based on capitalism, not just the government. You refer to it as if it were a bad thing. I don’t think conformity was the word you were looking for. What you call conformity, I call standardization. If you are attempting to relate our ability to standardize processes and franchise, which solely exist to reduce cost and maximize revenue and revenue brand image and brand recognition (capatialistic values – I do plenty of it for a living).
Individualism is not BS, I am glad you were taught it in school and sorry they beat it out of you in college (a very socialist atmosphere, was Ward Churchhill one of your prof’s?)
I will follow this with another post to clarify my beliefs in individualism.
First of all, Steph, thank you for making me think. You definitely challenged my ability to back up my statements. So I am getting a lot out of this. Here we go...
My original post, when I stated “Individualism is what made this country great” was in reference to the fact that there are blatent attempts to level the playing field and basically ban people from being competitive. Now most people’s first reaction is, I agree. Everything should be fair. But that rule applies to everyone but “you”. Whoever “You” is.
Let’s take Max for example, Leah and Adrian are going to do everything they can to give Max every advantage in life they possibly can. Educate him as much as possible, get him into the best school you possibly get him into (and hopefully avoid boulder High School), get him into the best college he can and love him and support him deeply. All along the way, there will be people that will try to marginalize him or will be simply going after the same things he is.
Fortunately for Max and for my son, the US’s Capitalistic economy and culture does not make jobs and life in general a zero sum game. In other words, if baby joe gets a good job, it doesn’t mean someone else won’t. If Max get’s a great raise, it doesn’t mean someone else get’s nothing. Everyone has the power to create their own happiness and its not at the expense of someone else’s (generally). If you got nothing, you probably deserved it. If you don’t like it, find a country that will provide better opportunities.
My point on individualism in America, is this. It is average, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The average, anonymous individuals among us (myself included) pursue the best lives for ourselves and our families as best we can. However we describe that “best life” and for whatever reason. We want to take care of our families and pursue excellence or Self Actualism (Mazlo reference).
Self interest, is far different than selfishness. Self interesti, simply provides the foundations for America’s greatness. Self Interest and Individualism vs. Common good. I don’t see these as opposing values. I am contributing to the common good of Society, by being the best I can be or being better than what I imagined possible.
“Rugged individualism” is what made the US great, and Rugged individualism does not imply or does not mean selfishness, it doesn’t mean not caring or being concerned for others or the common good of the country.
The more people who are not conditioned NOT to seek the best in themselves, who are not challenged to meet or exceed expectations, the more people who won’t push themselves to do what they are capable of doing, then this country won’t continue to be what it has been.
Individualism won WWII, there was no plan in Normandy or Iwo Jima, other than get on the beach. We improvised. Individualism, in this country, seems to produce the right person at the right time who will make a tough decision for the common good and not “comform” to the concensus or pressures. (“Concensus, is the absence of leadership”… Leah hates that quote). Individualism will produce people that will face the “hard cold facts” (Got that one from Good to Great, Jim Collins – Excellent Book) and to the best for everyone. But it takes individualism to get there.
As you can see Steph, we were on two different wave lengths. I was thinking about the common good and you were (atleast from my perspective) referring to franchising and bashing capitalism. Is the Camp Bow Wow a franchise by the way? I guess Leah and Adrian are simply conforming.
Personal Story…I think I inspired myself to expand my last post. But I want to say I am not shouting from the mountain tops (as Adrian puts it).
Because of my own life experiences, I know for a fact how much potential and capability individuals have that they don’t even know they’ve got. We need to figure out ways, as parents and members of society in general, to tap into NOT suppress it.
A few things very few people know about me. As a kid, I flunked eighth grade, and sold things in my early teens that were very illegal to sell, I owned a gun (illegally at the time, but legally now) and wanted to quit school. If someone would have told a 14 yr old Joe Barabas 20 years ago he’d have the life he has now, that poor little kid destined to end up dead or in jail would not have believed you.
One day I woke up and I simply said, “why not me?” Why can’t I do what “he” is doing.
I was inspired by watching successful people on TV, the Alex P. Keaton types. There was nothing very motivating on West 25th & Lorain Avenue in Cleveland, yet I wanted to seek heights I didn’t think I was capable of. I’ve lost along the way, but everyone loses. I don’t hate the winners, I wanted to be them. I don’t hate the rich I wanted to be them. Its builds character. That is why I kringe when I see little league teams tell everyone they won, or everyone has to play, or bring enough to share for the class or schools eliminating honor rolls.
My individual adversities and successes will hopefully allow me to influence the life of someone else. If I can help just one person, just one. I will have made a difference. Growing up, I also learned a lot about poverty and being poor. Its very simple. AVOID IT!
I think I'm done for today, I am getting choked up here. Thank you again Steph, you inspired me and pushed me to do this. Its a lot harder than debunking the global warming garbage.
Joe Joe,
Very good points all... Actually really good... Honestly, GREAT POINTS.... and it made me think.... about the individualism thread from Steph...
Coming from GE and in your line of work. Conformity is what you do and made a stellar career doing. More power to you...
So the concept of individualism maybe a stretch in thinking.. but I appreciate you looking at all sides. Your were given a playbook and you followed it perfectly and for that conformity you are living pretty good. Now dont get me wrong.. you are very very very good at what you do and I believe you are a solid model for Max to see all sides...
Now this is not a Joe bashing..
What I think Steph is saying is the "system" beats individualism out of americans and I am seeing that side... But here is the trick... Is with the conformity of people and a bit of moxie and who have some individualism left. One can really make a good livin in this predictable environment.
Which brings me back to capitalism.. Conform the entire country... I will take our individualism teach my son with the help of both sides of that discussion (leah/Steph/Joe) sprinkle in my moxie and Max will look back and say... "Thanks for all the conformity guys now I can make more money..."
-Daddy H
Great thread.. now this blog is stepping up...
All you men think about is money and how to make more of it. It is sad. How about how Max and Baby Joe can improve their souls? Love thy neighbor. Be kind to animals and those less fortunate. I guess that is what the mothers are for...teach the children how to love and be loved.
Joe - Get your own blog! You got something to say. We want to hear it! We want to argue, debate, discuss. But reading all this as blog comments is not very user friendly.
Amreican is not about capitalism. The government interferes way to much to say there is a free market.
America is about consumerism. Buy Buy Buy! Enslave populations in third world countries to work at the lowest price to make goods cheaper so Americans can buy more more more. And I'm not sure there is a gender divide here (sorry, Leah!) Men make more money than women but women way out spend men!
There is no reward for individualism in America. The eccentric and odd are scorned. Everyone must dress alike and do the same things their neighbours are doing. This is THE reason I live in the UK (if I have to pick just one).I love odd people mostly because I'm a bit odd and this is good. It is the spice of life! I don't want to keep up with the Jone's. I just want to be me. And I want everyone to be different from me.
My last long post...
Leah, a little surprised by your response. Maybe I wrote a little too much and I need my own blog. But I don't have the time to start one, nor do I want to. Moving forward, I will limit my comments (of course, it was LA complaining on Casa Herrera)
After all that, how can you think I am referring to money. Love thy neighbor, improve the soul, animal loving and generosity were all inherent in my comments. I believe I even said... "However we describe that “best life” and for whatever reason....
Max and Joe will be loved and know how to love, but they will need a little more than that to pay the bills and start families, etc.
LA,
There are societal norms and there is individualism within that. Sorry if I won't hire anyone with long hair and a ring in HER nose. If you don't understand the difference based on what I said below, I won't attempt to clarify again. As you read this, look up. because my point probably went over your head.
Here we go, women are victimized, the market place is unequal. Blah, blah blah. Try another country that's more fair and will allow individuals to succeed.. How about Saudi Arabia, or any arab/african country, perhaps eastern europe, canada or south america. The US is not perfect, but I guarantee you can't get a fairer shake anywhere else. There is reward for individualism, I just dress and act normal. You say people should be different until you have dope smoking, loud music playing neighbors. Then let’s see how tolerant you are. You live where you live, whether you accept it or not, because you want to be around certain people.
Finally, I got news for you. You are a consumer. Do you have a DVD or TV? Check the label on your jeans or shirt. I am guessing you helped enslave a third world country as well. Are we enslaving them with a job (then I guess I am a slave), or is that free market without government inteference? US government inteferes with consumer protection laws and other ones which prevent 5 years olds from having jobs.
Why is buy buy buy a bad thing? Finally, after looking at the pics of your family. You are not odd, you opinions may be, but you are wearing white polo’s and Jeans, suits, ties and gowns. Yet you say you are different? You, like me, are like everyone else in terms of general acceptability and appearance. Yet you claim to be “Odd”. I claim to be odd as well. You are different, but conform. Fine, don’t keep up with the Jones’. Then why go to Windsor Carnival? Microsoft (utility forum) probably enslaves more people than anyone (based on your definition). Are you keeping up with Jones or just trying to be the best you can be and maintain individual oddness?
Where did Steph go by the way?
Joe
Steph is a spotty blogger. She snared me into this blogging stuff, then took off.
Joe, I love your personal story. I wish more people had your fortitude and spirit. A true "boot straps" American story. HOWEVER, from the outside looking in, money, prestige and power could be misconstrued to be your fundamental motivators. Alex Keaton as teenage idol? Better than most, I guess.
I like living well and did so just fine on my own before Hubs came along, but I am not that motivated by money...I would still be happily driving my '97 Honda Civic (which got 40+ mpg) if Hubs hadn't ruined it after two months of dating, but that's another story.
My fundamental motivators are probably sense of duty, intellectual stimulation and the desire to be admired for excellence. I don't know what others see from the outside looking in. Hubs says his are love of family, new experiences and learning new things.
Sorry to bail...but we were out enjoying the wilderness for Father's Day. I am so glad we have some tree huggers out there, cuz I love TREES, FRESH AIR, RUSHING RIVERS, and the birds singing. (tolerate the bugs) AHHHHH! I am too good a mood to debate. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!
joe Joe,
Your last entry was perfect.... and I couldnt agree more... I think this is a venus/mars issue here... I am sure the UK has its great points.. but, I love the rules the USA has and I am sure we wouldnt want to be anywhere else..
-daddy H
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