Banker's Dozen

This week I thought I would post about a group that plays a major role in our society...Bankers.

A banker is a person that you give your money to for safekeeping who in turn uses that money to make investments and generate a profit for the bank.

Here's a German banker in Iowa. Not sure what he was doing there, but he seems innocent enough. He probably kept most of the money from his bank in the vault for safekeeping.

A vault is a place where bankers keep money for safekeeping.

Here's one. The door is thick so that thieves can't come in. Unless you find a mathematical formula where the exact amount of vibration causes the vault to become unstable at an elemental level in order for thieves to walk through. Have I ever asked you if you watch Fox's new hit series Fringe?

When I think of bankers from the old days, I imagine them with armbands on their shirt sleeves.

Like this:

This is a store clerk. He's not real. Or a banker, but this is the best my research team could come up with. Great job guys.

This guy goes for a little more protection:

He's Zorro's Banker.

Nowadays, bankers wear their armbands in a little different place:

Doesn't that stretch them out?

Sometimes bankers meet the president:

Here's some with President Coolidge in 1923.

Here's one with President Bush:

I think this guy's in charge of something important. But, I'm not supposed to trouble myself with understanding such things...

Sometimes bankers have bad days:

There, there...

In the Great Depression, some had very bad days:

Don't try this!

I guess when the bottom falls out of this economy, our bankers might do it like this:

Don't do it Banker!!!!

I almost think of pulling the trigger after hearing this guy talk:

Who doesn't?

Well... and maybe this guy:

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Hi. Jim here. Thanks for checking out my blog. Feel free to leave your comments. My niece just started blogging again after a couple of months and my other niece said that reader comments can really inspire...I agree with that by the way...

Also, check out the new poll. Also if you decide to vote for a homeless Santa or two, go ahead. They might not have Internet access. So rock it for them!

Not a Dork!

Just for the record...

Amber posted abou how much of a dork she is today. I couldn't agree more with some of her points.

I just want to make sure everyone that reads my blog knows that I am NOT a dork. No way. NO FREAKIN' WAY!

Nobody that knows as much about Fried Chicken, Carnies, Canadians and Nijas could possibly be a dork. And don't forget, the ULINE Catalog is not a catalog for dorks, it's a catalog for men. Really cool men....

Oh, and I just signed up for Facebook and I LOVE it!

That's not dorky right?

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I'm actually glad Amber posted on this. I didn't have a very good feeling about what I was going to post on so this gives me a mulligan I guess.

I have put a new poll up so I you could glance up to the right and select the answer best meets your thoughts on the poll, that would be great. Rocking the vote will never feel better.

I'm not quite sure about my next topic, so if you have suggestions, let me know.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In thinking about Thanksgiving I decided to break with the typical format of this blog for some interesting quotes about Thanksgiving.

We all know the story about the pilgrams and indians. But while driving home today I heard an interesting quote from George Washington which sparked this post.

On October 3, 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day:

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness....

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best."

Thanksgiving was not necessarily a yearly holiday at that time, though many of Washington's successors declared days of thanksgiving. It was not until 1863, after the following quote by Abraham Lincoln, that Thanksgiving Day was held annually.

On October 3, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War Abraham Lincoln made the following statement:

"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union."

Reading these quotes emphasizes the greatness of these men and many of our leaders. I have some favorite parts of both quotes, but rather than getting political, which I have vowed not to do after my one political post back in the early days of this blog, I will let you consider these powerful statement for yourselves.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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P.S. No need to worry. Even though this and my last post were very serious, I will back with lighter fare soon enough.

Ninjapedia!

I told you a few weeks back that I know more about Ninjas than I can and still be safe in society. Now, I know this can be dangerous. Trust me, I do. But, I also know the interest level is high. And who am I to keep these truths from my faithful followers. Before going on, I will tell you this: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

And now, some little known facts about Ninjas...

Fact 1: Ninjas are human.

While they look super cool in those black Ninja suits and you can never see their eyes, Ninjas are humans. They do have eyes. In fact, their eyes are so powerful, that they can see fear oozing out of their victims. I've been told it looks like pink marshmallow fluff. Some are so advanced that they eat it on peanut butter sandwiches after slaying their victims.

They also have hearts that pump the ice-water that flows in their veins. The more experienced Ninjas have nitroglycerin in their veins. They've earned it. Do they bleed you ask? The answer is No. That's because they are never injured. They are so strong, fast and cunning that they never suffer carnage of their own. They only leave it in their wake.

Fact 2: Those aren't really Ninja suits.

One of the first things that differentiate Ninjas from other humans is that at age 5 their outer layer of skin mutates into a silky super cool protective outer shell. That's one of the reasons they are never injured in a fight. While not noticeable to the natural human eye if a Ninja ever suffers a blow from an enemy, the silky super cool protective outer shell becomes as hard as diamonds. Actually harder. You could CUT diamonds with it it's so hard. And because the "Ninja suit" is part of their bodies it never hinders their ability to annihilate their opposition.

Fact 3: Ninjas never sleep.

They use their down time to strategize, hone their skills and catch up on their favorite books. Because the number of Ninjas is limited to a select few, it is vital that they excel in all areas. If it were possible for them to be in our presence without killing us, they would enlighten us with their advanced learning and appreciation of the arts.

The lack of sleep allows them to rely more fully on their senses. As with their eyes, their ears are also more developed that the typical human. They can extend their hearing range to decipher enemy signals, chatter and out of market radio stations that help them maintain their advantage over their foes.

Fact 4: Ninjas especially hate Pirates.

While this fact is more widely known, it's important to consider. Pirates are the anti Ninja. They are lazy, dirty, foul smelling uneducated boobs. They also wear really stupid outfits. Who thinks a hook for a hand it cool anyway? And that eye patch? That's appealing. Fact is, Ninjas could kill all the pirates in the world in a matter of seconds. Their slothful manner is no match for a simple and precise Ninja attack. Why don't they kill them then? If there were no pirates in the world, it might lessen the respect and admiration that Ninjas enjoy because of the comparison. Plus they really like to think of new ways to rip on them. That's something else they do in their down time.

Fact 5: Ninjas are AWESOME!

There's no denying this fact. While we are lucky to be alive with the Ninja activity in the world, they truly are an essential element here on Earth. We are lucky to have their contributions to society. While they are often misunderstood because of their propensity to kill and the sheer efficiency that they use to dominate their enemies, they do have feelings. Even if those feelings are generally fury, rage and blood lust, they still appreciate it when we consider them.

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Well, I hope this was an education for you. You now know significantly more about Ninjas than most of the unsuspecting world around you. I will tell you one thing however. For your own safety, you must never speak of the things on this post. FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY! If this turns out to be my last post because of the information divulged, it was worth it. You may have noticed that I made it a point not to divulge any sources and made it sound like I made most of this stuff up. I did that for my own protection.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for a new poll. Every vote counts even if it's manufactured so Rock It!

Don't be afraid to comment on this post. One of the only things Ninjas aren't great at is navigating the Internet.

Oh.... Canada.

I grew up in southern New Jersey. The bay was at the end of my street . A few blocks away there was a dock where I would fish, crab and try to give Alka Seltzer to seagulls. A ten minute drive and you were at the beach. South Jersey is a tourist destination for those in Philadelphia and the rest of the inland Mid-Atlantic region. Tourists were called "shoebies". This derived from the former practice of tourists bringing their lunches with them in shoe boxes at the turn of the century.

These are some modern shoebies on the Ocean City Boardwalk-If you look closely you can see someone actually eating out of a Puma box. I actually used to work at a Baskin Robbins that used to be underneath that theater on the left.

Unlike most of my friends, we took summer vacations. Oftentimes, those vacations took us to Ontario, Canada. On more that one occasion, we went to the same lake. I think it was Stoney Lake, it had something to do with rocks I know. There, we would fish and boat and boat and fish. My memory is vague regarding the Canadians I met on those trips, but I have had my research team find some interesting Canadian data for you.

First of all, though we think of Canadians as our happy-go-lucky friends to the north, they are competitive.

This guy's ready to rock!

This is the Canadian Table Soccer Team:

They look ready to me.

Unfortunately, they didn't win. Even with the headband.

Don't take it so hard Canadians! It's only Foosball.

Second, Canadians are diverse.

These geese try to spend most of their time in the U.S. It's cold in Canada!

I'm not sure how effictive this guy's going to be though...

I thought affirmative action was bad in this country.

Third, Canadians are conscientious...

They may not be too bright either if this sign is any indication.

And they take all of their citizens into account...

Too bad dogs can't read. I bet this would make them feel really special...

Finally, I guess some people don't like Canadians...

Hosers

It might be because of this guy....

He's got to be proud of the moobs though.

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Hi. Jim here. Thanks for checking out the blog. This would be nothing without you.

News: I've decided to change the poll. You'll notice there's a new question. Go ahead and rock the vote. I plan on figuring out what to do with it in time. IN. TIME. If you want to vote for some of your dead neighbors to make sure your answer wins, DO IT.

Finally... Schroll down to the bottom to see our new addition!

Quit Mouthin' Off!

rant
n 1: a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
[syn: harangue, ranting]
2: pompous or pretentious talk or writing [syn: bombast, fustian,
claptrap, blah]
v : talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner [syn: mouth
off, jabber, spout, rabbit on, rave]

I don't think I rant-not according to this definition. I'm reluctant to even write on the topic. It seems to be a very common subject on blogs and I'm not sure I even want to participate. Why some people get off on demeaning or criticizing others is beyond me. I mean, aren't we all unique in our own ways. But no, there are those out there that always have to be the loud mouth idiot. They rant about politics, movies, cartoons, people with kids, people without kids, the list goes on and on.

Not me man. I am not going to rail on somebody just because they do something I don't like or do like for that matter. Can you believe that people make a living on rants? Lewis Black, Dennis Miller, Joe Biden. Idiots. There are blogs devoted to it. There are websites devoted to it. But not this one. No way. NO FLIPPIN' WAY!

Alright. I'm okay. Don't worry.

Puppies always help me feel better. The one on the right is sooo cute....

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Check out the new poll. I apparently phoned in the last one-unanimous vote and all. Don't forget to vote. If you need to take the day off to do it, don't feel bad, it's important.

I also added a new gadget. So if you don't want to comment and fully participate, you can just click on three choices to rate the post. Or you could do both....

That's an X word!

The xanthippe had had it. It had been days since she had seen them. Looking daily for a xebec or something larger. Would they ever come and take her from the xenocratic hell that she suffered through? Her daily ascension of the xanthocaprous limbs in search of the weekly xenium had made her xenophobic at best. The others embraced them, fast engulfing her in their xenophilia. She was chosen because of her xenagogueery. She had pleased them in the beginning with her xenial nature.

Now, her only solace was her xylography and speaking with Chalo a xeme that accompanied her while she worked. Chalo was a rich gray, but her xanthopsia told another story. If only there were a xylotherapy she could try to bring some relief. Her xenopmenia always grew worse in times like these. But that was not her primary concern now.

She would stand daily looking, dodging xiphosurans hoping to see her saviors, hoping at the very least to meet a xiphias to end it all.

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I'm just going to say one thing: You asked for it.

On another note, check out the new poll! There will not be any more word options for the foreseeable future. Thanks for the increased turnout for the last one, it shows you that every vote counts. Rock it Baby!

Also, please leave your comments. I want to know what you are thinking. I will answer any questions in an upcoming post. Just think of me as your source for detailed analysis and expert commentary.

Also, check back later for upcoming posts on some topics you've requested. If you think of a suitable topic, suggest it. There's no bad ideas when your brainstormin'-that's from my favorite show on the Disney Channel.


Finally, the Definitions:

xanthippe--ill-tempered woman
xanthocarpous--having yellow fruit
xebec--small three-masted pirate ship
xeme--fork-tailed gull
xenium--gift made to a guest or ambassador; any compulsory gift
xenocracy--government by a body of foreigners
xenophilia--love of foreigners
xenophobia--fear of foreigners
xylography--art of engraving on wood
xenagogue--guide; someone who conducts strangers
xenial--of or concerning hospitality towards guests
xanthopsia--a visual condition where things appear yellow
xylotherapy--use of certain sorts of wood in treating disease
xenomenia--menstruation from abnormal orifices
xiphosuran--horseshoe crab
xiphias--swordfish

Don't we all feel smarter?

Carnies on 'Shrooms

So thanks to a tie in the poll voting this week, we have today's topic.

While both Acrobatic Gymnastics and Hallucinogens are deserving of their own treatment, because of the tie, I have chosen to select a derivative topic incorporating elements of both.

Life as a circus worker during the depression and prohibition was bad. Apparently, the workers and performers during that time would take, drink and do just about anything for a high. But as long as they worked, they performed their gay antics for thousands of roaring spectators. But, were they all just a little off?


Take these clowns for instance:

They don't look particularly cheery do they? The guy on the top left is really putting his all into it though.

One of these acrobats is not like the others!

Who could blame them? Living in stock cars on meager wages, working long hours, placating the hoards? I'm not sure what hallucinogens might have been most popular. Unfortunately, my research team came up short on that one. But out of my own conjecture, I propose Peyote as popular among those from the southwest. LSD was discovered in the late 1930's but not popular among the masses until the 1960s so that's probably out.

Apparently, based on my research for this post, hallucinogens play a larger part in the viewing of circus events than they did in the past. What better way to enjoy high flying acts, but while flying high!

Does that guy in the middle look a little off?

P.S. Just as an aside for some of you out there: I probably know more about Ninjas than I can and still be safe in society. Look for an upcoming post on this. Don't worry, you'll still be safe after reading it. But, not that safe.

P.P.S. I have put a new poll up so again if you could please... ROCK THE VOTE!

P.P.S.S. I put a followers gadget up so you can see your very own picture on my blog and know when you need to rush over and see my new posts.

P.P.P.S.S Don't forget to scroll to the bottom to check out the Bunny Rabbit Picture of the Day! So Cute!

P.P.P.S.S.S I'm not a particularly huge fan of bunny rabbits, but they're just so squooshy.

P.P.P.P.S.S.S. Don't you have anything better to do than to keep reading?

P.P.P.P.S.S.S.S. Do I?

ULINE Day!

Were you looking for some bubble wrap? Some packaging labels? Shrink film bags? Inventory labels? Steel Strapping Tools? Drainage Mats? Marble Mats? Dust Mops? Sweeping Compounds? Tilt Trucks? How about Basket Trucks? A Scooter Cart? Lockers? An Oil Waste Can? Biodegradable Packaging Peanuts? Cool Shield Bubble? Cable Ties? Twist Ties? Chinese Takeout Boxes? Shopping Baskets?

Now, don't get too excited... But, I am going to tell you about a place where you can get all of these items and thousands more!

It's the ULINE Catalog!

A few years ago, we got our first ULINE Catalog and it was a great day. It holds the keys to successful enterprises everywhere. It's chock full of items that are designed to improve lives. That's right. Improve OUR lives.

Now... If you're like me and can't wait to one day open your own warehouse where you can fully utilize the ULINE Catalog, then ULINE Day, as we call the day at our house when the Catalog arrives, rates up there with Columbus Day, Washington's Birthday and Christmas as "mark you calendar days".

But until that day when my ULINE dreams come true, I look at the Catalog...

As a matter of fact, oftentimes, in my dreams I am coasting along through MY Warehouse on my very own Scooter Cart!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy ULINE Day!

P.S. Don't forget to vote for other great Post Topics!

Chicken or Fried Chicken?

I have written quite a few songs about chicken and fried chicken. Here's the lyrics to one (I don't know how to link audio file)--sorry:

I've got that fried chicken comin' down.

Fried chicken and it's comin' down on me.

It's comin down on me,

comin down around.

Comin'all over,

comin' up around the town, oh...

I've got it, comin' out my ears,

I've got it, cryin' a make me tears, oh..

I've got fried chicken comin' down on me.

Oh, I've got fried chicken comin' down on me

Fried chicken comin' down on me.

-Fin-

I am sure that translates well. If you want to hear it, tell me how to host or link an .mp3 on the computer. Okay?!

Finally, heres a little known way to fry chicken that I saw last night. Oven fried. I don't mean baked, I mean putting a pan of canola oil in an oven and adding the chicken. I am not sure what benefit that adds, but a lady in Tulsa says her momma taught her to do it that way.

If my momma told me to do it that way, I'm sure I would cook it that way too.

P.S. I will be having another poll to vote on topics for an up-coming post. Rock the Vote Baby!

Recomended Reading

Okay. So Amber and I have been trying to get our kids to be better about keeping their rooms clean. I just came across a Blog by Deloris a room inspector that comes and inspects your kids rooms and sends email reports for the kids.

Check it out at http://inspectordeloris.blogspot.com

Fun with Chuck E.

Fall is the busiest time of the year for us. Take today for example. With four kids who interact with other kids, there is at least one to twenty birthday parties a month (I might have exaggerated the high there). This morning the party was a Chuck E Cheese's. Chuck seems to be a nice enough guy, but the place is a mad house on a Saturday at lunchtime. Then add keeping track of four kids who are let loose to play the video games/rides, collect tickets for prizes, and fend off potential undesireables (this Blog is PG so I won't elaborate on this). The most frustrating part for me is the non stop multimedia "entertainment". Theres a anamatronic Chuck E that sings and dances, a "live" Chuck E, and the Chuck E that appears in short videos on multiple screens. By the end of it, all I want to do is run from that place.

My niece Emily wrote about running over a racoon on her Blog tonight. All I can hope for after Chuck E. Cheese is to see that mouse walking in the parking lot. You can't fault somone for running over a racoon that jumps out in the road, what could they say about a bloated mouse?

Why I Blog

Well to start, I don't blog much as one can see by my whopping 4 posts. However, many do. My niece Emily says bloggers make better friends. Maybe that's why I do it. Or to see my thoughts published on the web in searchable content. Or to show off my kids (which is really the purpose of my wife's Blog-see above-the kids really are cute). Or to have an outlet for thoughts on pressing issues-I did post on politics once. Or to participate in what is becoming an overwhelming force in popular culture as well as news media. Or to think that anyone will actually read my posts. Or to hope, for hopes sake, that someone, anyone, will comment on my thoughts.

People used to get along just fine without Blogs. Now I can't surf the Internet without my playlist playing in the background.

My wife says that the only reason that I started a Blog was to create a playlist and booklist from Goodreads. After much thought on the topic-see above-I have realized that is the overwhelming reason for my blog.

It really is a kickin' playlist.

Politics?

My dad has several websites and is an active article writer and commentator on just about everything. I don't view him as someone who is overly interested in politics or a die hard supporter for either party. You can see the link to his blog above. I guess that is where I get it.

I don't particularly like republicans or democrats. I am not affiliated with either party and probably won't ever be. But I do usually side with the conservative arguments.

This is what I think Obama is for: Socialism, the elimination of judeo-christian values in favor of government dictated ethics, expanding government control, etc. After all, according to he wife, he is not going to let us remain unengaged:

"And Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism, that you put down your division, that you come out of your isolation, that you move out of your comfort zones, that you push yourselves to be better, and that you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual - uninvolved, uninformed..." (Speech in February, 2008)

"Barack knows that we are going to have to make sacrifices, that we are going to have to change our conversation, we're gonna have to change our traditions, our history, we're gonna have to move into a different place as a nation." (Campaign speech in Puerto Rico)

I'm not sure I want to change my history or traditions. And he's not talking about having ham instead of turkey at Thanksgiving. Oh, yeah and we can'tkeep the house at 72 degrees, eat whatever we want etc. It's bad for the country... (Those are things Obama has said)

He might be a nice enough guy, I don't know him, but I don't want higher taxes, more government spending for entitlements, weakened national security etc.

That said, McCain is not the complete opposite of that, but I do think that he will reduce spending, retain lower taxes, support the military etc.

As for any arguments about his running mate, I think the Obama campaign realized they shouldn't criticize Ms. Palin's experience when their No. 1 has even less executive experience. Well, he did chair a left wing education reform group with Bill Ayers for a little while. Does that make him qualified for the presidency? Oh, and he went to an Ivy League school and wrote for the law review. We can't forget that.

Anyway, that's what I think.

Kids' Reaction to Dad

I'm not sure I deserve this reaction.

Still not sure what this will turn out to be

I made a playlist, added a book list. I don't know what this will become, but I am putting all the gadgets on it.

I'm going to see what else is out there to add.

Hello?

I just decided to start this on a whim. Blogs seem so fun, I thought I would give it a try. Not sure what I will do with it. We'll see.