How many types of Pickles do you like?

This always moves to me think.

I have a favorite quote

"The quality of your life is dependent upon the
quality of the questions you ask".
Tony Robbins.

So what was the best question you asked today?

I'd really love to hear a few.

A Small Businessman's Thought's...

The following was written by a contractor/small businessman that I know. He seems to make some good points for us all to think about. Enjoy.

Just a few thoughts.... hang in there with me for a minute or so....please read.... and yes this should be construed as political or maybe naive.

The number one reason that any size business fails is lack of capital. FACT

The number one reason that keeps new creative ideas & products from hitting the marketplace is lack of capital. FACT

The number one reason that businesses don’t expand and create more jobs is lack of capital. FACT

Wealth is invested in all spectrums of our society. This is invested in start-ups, Stocks & private investments, Venture capital, bonded investments for public works and capital improvements, Research and development, Donations and contributions for medical research. Banks use an equation involving average daily balances for business loans and other credit capacity of all kinds. Credit card companies have wealth that guarantee and complete spontaneous transactions all over the world instantaneously. Without large pools of money, these things would not exist. Life as we know it would not exist. People and groups that have wealth are our friend no our enemy. Jobs do not come from the bottom 1/2 of our social economic system, wealth creates jobs for them. And has the available lending for new ideas, new businesses, and ventures.

The very fabric of free enterprise is having the determination, initiative and drive, to be innovative, and to find access to capital to follow through on great ideas, developing viable solutions to needs, in the form of goods and services.

Capital invested in these ideas creates jobs.

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT MANUFACTURE OR CREATE WEALTH, IT TAKES IT IN THE FORM OF TAXES.

And yes some taxation and government services are needed and are sound uses of our tax dollars.

Working hard, saving and investing, and taking calculated risks, creates wealth..... Not hand outs.

If Wealth is a mass of money, it does not exist if you break "it" up in to small portions of money. In the act of cutting it up we completely redefine what "it" is, and "it" is no longer wealth, therefore redistributing wealth is impossible. If we take wealth and destroy it by blowing it up into smaller pieces and send it off in small pieces, or we make it go away, it can no longer be what it once was, wealth. And at this time we have not considered the cost of the government agencies and staff that would have to be in place to demolish and handle the distribution of this destroyed wealth in small enough pieces and to give it away and account for it. The act of the distribution in and of itself would be a diminishing event that would change the defined wealth even before the redistribution.

Just like if you had a commercial jet plane that cost $50mil and cut it up into 100,000 pieces and mailed them out to the unfortunate, they would not have a commercial jet, they'd have a little piece of aluminum. So it would be with wealth.

If you took a cow and chopped it up into 100,000 pieces and mailed it out they wouldn't have a cow, they'd have a little piece of meat. So it would be with wealth.

Let's for example "take and redistribute" & $500,000,000,000 to 200 mil people, each person that would say, receive an average check of 2,500 dollars, would that person have wealth? No. Now multiply this times ten for ten years later, would $25,000.00 be wealth? Nope , still not wealth. More than likely they would have a new TV, or dining room table, sofa or whatever, that amount would never be considered wealth.

In that scenario we would have successfully destroyed $ 5 trillion dollars worth of wealth , and potential capital investment pools, over ten years. That would have created countless, literally countless jobs for American families.

So how can anyone say with a straight face that we are redistributing the wealth? The very act is DESTRUCTION OF WEALTH not redistribution of wealth.

Is there a campaign that is very deliberately creating class warfare and wrongfully giving false hope to buy votes?

You can answer that question for yourself.

I personally don't know where I fit in both candidates’ tax plans, and my families economics are changing daily.

I don't have much in the way of formal education, however I think that I'm on to something here and would love to hear any one's rebuttal.

Thoughtfully

Gordy

Here's a little perspective

David Letterman, on President Bush. David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see.... 'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.' 'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alle ges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and yo ur family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the sam e president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They d idn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bir d cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

David Letterman

I've since learned that my source for this was mistaken and David Letterman didn't write this interesting comment, but I like it and so I'm going leave it up and credited to Dave - he could use the good karma.

Dear Dad...

It was 5 years ago yesterday that you left us. You are missed. I trust that you are doing much better than when we last talked. I thought I would bring you up to speed on how everyone is doing.


Sharon and I have moved to Shoreline. It's really proving to be a nice location. Sharon has a great job that's a whole 8 blocks from home. We struggle from time to time but we love more. We had Mom over for dinner a couple weeks ago. It was nice. Sharon is getting to spend more time with her daughters and TT. That little one has really grown up a lot. We're very proud of her. Heather is struggling with MS and a burgeoning teenager. That teenage thing is quite the chore. April and Jamie both have gotten married. Both men are good guys. All three girls are becoming wonderful women.


Mom is well, but a little wily. She has been traveling some. Two trips to the east coast with Brian, Mariner's spring break (can you believe that?), and a cruise to Alaska with Auntie Sis. She had a great time. I helped her shop for a new car a few years back. Probably not your favorite, it has 4 doors and is a Toyota. I had to do it. I wanted her to have a good and dependable car. I think she's enjoying it. She put a whole 19,000 on it in the last 3 years. Crazy women! Thanks for taking such great care of her. You would be very impressed with all that she's been able to do on her own.


Rhonda is doing well (still a punk). Randy is taking good care of her when he's not driving her a little nuts. Her family keeps growing up. Jen is married and living in Alaska (crazy cold). Her husband (Jake) is serving our country in Iraq today. All our prayers are with him for safety and victory. The world and the country have gone a little crazy of late. Ryan has been driving your Explorer and I heard last night that he was hit and it was totaled. Mom told me Ryan was really upset about your truck, but we both understand that you wouldn't be to panicked about a truck but glad to know he was okay. He is, other than he's still living at home (my opinion) doing quite well. He's grown up to be a very nice young man. You would be very proud of him. I wish you were her to talk some sense into my little sister about this Obama dude. I'm sure you would have quite a few things to say to her (it would be fun to watch).


Rebecca's married now. She married a Jake too. Crazy cousins. He's a good guy. He's following in some of your footsteps by working and going to school. He's attending Seattle University (where Rebecca's working) where he is working on a degree in engineering. Getting great grades like you did. You would be impressed, I know I am. Rebecca lost 107 pounds last year and has joined me in my new found love of running. She's a this father's joy, like Rose and Rhonda are for you.

Adam is becoming a master brewer. He makes all types of beer. Everyone tells me it taste great. I wouldn't know, to me the stuff stinks. He's been working at KDL Hardware for quite a while and kicking sales butt. His dad is very proud and I'm certain you'd be proud too. I play scrabble with both Rebecca and Adam all day long on the internet. Good fun. You would have really enjoyed playing with them.

Jeremy has settled in Kent and is working as a warehouseman moving tons and tons of sprinkler pipe all day long. He's got such a great work ethic. You would be thrilled with his desire to put in a honest days work. He inspires me. My kids fill me with great love, I hope I gave some of that to you before you left.

We lost Rose last year, but you already know that. Are you still kicking her but at cribbage? I'm sure you are. Have you gotten her to take up golf? Next time you chat with her tell her that I'm still a little angry with her, but that I love and miss her. Also let her know that even with her new heavenly body I can still kick her butt! No problem.

Brain and Summer seem to be doing well. Brian is in Portland, such a shame. Seattle's loss, but maybe someday he will find his way back to the straight and narrow. Summer makes me smile. She's working for Wells Fargo and still won't give bunches of money. How come??? She's taken over MY bedroom and I hope she's lovin' it!!! Mom fixed the garage door opener so she can park in your space. I think that's cool. Mom's really enjoying having her around the house. It's great that we can care for one another. I believe you would agree. I've realized that the older I get the more I understand how you thought. Thanks!

I took Rebecca, Adam, Mom, Rhonda, Adam's friend Joe, Dan and his son Joshua to family reunion this year. I saw everybody. It was a great time. It was a record attendance. 107 if my memory is working. We camped out with every one. Mom and Rhonda went for the day only. I suspect they will spend the night next year. Next year it will be the weekend after my 50th birthday (I'm having a wake) so we can do both and yes I'm still a nut job. We stayed up and had a monster (white man) fire. I stayed sober and keep track of it. It rocked even if it was a little reckless. Oh well.

It's about time for me to get to work. The economy has really changed in the last year, but God continues to provide for me and Sharon. I'm only doing about one new house per month instead of 2 or 3, buts lots of remodels and additions. Last month was huge (biggest in 32 years) but it seems to me that the hay days are a few years out.

We are carrying on without you, but greatly miss your insights, passion and humor. Please know that you are greatly missed.

Write back soon.

Love

Randy

Interview with Miss Katie

Me
Tell me Katie, what you think of this photo?

Katie
It clearly shows my great beauty and that Rule #2 is true.

Me
Katie, what is your take on the state of the world today?

Katie
Far to much noise from stupid people and not enough treats.

Me
If you were given the power to change anything in the world what would that be?

Katie
I would insist that Casear run around in circles more and more. He's such a fool.

Me
One last question before I leave you to return to your beauty rest. What pearl of wisdom would you like to leave all your adoring fans with?

Katie
Just Love me !!!

Katie's Rules

Katie enters the World Wide Web stage with three (3) simple rules:

1. Katie rules ALL

2. Caesar is My Bitch

3. Any confusion refer to Rules 1 and 2

Entering a Brave New World

When I was but a little boy I might have said "Hey Mom look at me" but today I must shout "Hey Kids look at your crazy old Dad!" So now begins a new journey...