2 horses scratched this morning. Wimbledon and St. Averil. Weather calls for scattered showers at Churchill tomorrow. If the track is slop anything goes.

May 1st is the much awaited Kentucky Derby. The first leg of the quest for the elusive Triple Crown. There are 20 horses starting in the derby (unless they scratch before post time). All of these horses are good horses, fast horses. There are two early favorites to win. Smarty Jones and The Cliff's Edge. There is an old Derby superstition regarding the favorite, in this case Smarty Jones. They usually don't win. I won't go over the rules of handicapping this race because when all is said and done you can throw all the predictions out the window.

The trend of web based email:
This is my rambling topic. Web based email such as hotmail, or the very new Gmail from Google (only on a trial basis right now). I can't slam the service because this blog is hosted for free by Google, so for that I say thanks. Here is the topic of my concern, and it doesn't just apply to just google. Personal privacy and legal protection. Currently there is no law protecting the privacy of a person's web based email. If the police or any other law enforcement wants to read all of your mail, all they have to do is ask. No warrant, just ask the company that holds your account. Now i'm not suggesting the police run around digging through everbody's email for fun and games. I'm sure if they did do so they would have a probable cause, but legally they don't need one. This is a very touchy grey area for me. I have nothing to hide, but some emails I have sent over the course of my lifetime have been personal and private. If these were on paper in my mailbox in an envelope I believe the FBI would need a warrant to bust it open and read them, and certainly if they were opened by me in my home they would have to have a warrant to look at them. I'm the type of person that has nothing to hide, so go ahead and read my mail. I'll carbon copy it to them if they want, but that isn't the point. The point is email is an open book like a web page. This is just how it is. So the next time you write an email keep that thought in the back of your mind. Somewhere, in all fairness I would like to see a middle ground. Where some type of protection existed for the average person that isn't abusing email, but enough of the red tape cut away so the real criminals can be pursued. Internet law is about the most impossible thing to regulate. There is always a loophole for the criminal. If something is illegal in one country, the illegal website pops up in another country, etc. So I ask you, World Wide Web or Big Brother Watching? So George Orwell was 20 years off.

This day in history:
Apr 25, 1846, The Mexican-American War ignited as a result of disputes over claims to Texas boundaries. The outcome of the war fixed Texas' southern boundary at the Rio Grande River. (from excite.com)

Dave's rambling about history:
I would have rather won the war of 1812 and got a bunch of land in Canada instead. Better fishing there. Hockey. People that say "eh" after everything. Have I made my point? I don't really have a point, I just like Canada and that was the last chance we had to take it over. So now I have to cross a river and show them 2 pieces of ID because of something that happened 200 years ago. It is a safe haven for Cuban cigars however. I don't smoke cigars though. I think if Fiedel Castro ever dies it will be easier to get Cuban cigars here. And you thought history was boring !!!

Lately I have not had much of a desire to write. So I have decided to force myself to write. I don't know who reads this stuff, but I hope they like it. Today's entry (well tonight's entry) will contain no links. This entry must be all my own rambling; to stay true to the title of my blog.

I just read a new headline about a former NFL football player that quit football to serve in Afghanistan and was killed in action. His name is Pat Tillman. He played for the Arizona Cardinals as a safety. He walked away from a very high paying salary to join up with the elite Army Rangers. He was 27 years old. He is a hero that has made the ultimate sacrifice.

On this occasion I won't talk politics, I will simply commend and honor this man that defined the words bravery and hero.

I think a hero such as this reminds me of things I only wish I had the courage to do in my life. It is no easy task to become an Army Ranger. Only the strongest and smartest make it that far. They are out there as unsung heroes on missions far away from home protecting us.

Always take the time to give thanks for men and women like Pat Tillman. Without them we'd have nothing. They deserve our recognition and admiration 365 days a year. Not just on Veterans Day or Memorial Day (yes those are very important), Everyday.

I offer this simple prayer: God, protect our men and women in the armed services. Bring them home safely and quickly so they can be with their families. Where there is war let a road to peace emerge. Amen.

I am still disturbed by this whole titmouse thing and I feel it necessary to continue rambling. Many thoughts have dawned on me, maybe they have crossed your mind as well. What if the band Flock of Seagulls originally named themselves Flock of Titmice? Or the movie The Maltese Titmouse? Have you ever heard anybody say, "A titmouse just pooped on my windshield."? See how unsettling it can be? Hey, there is a titmouse in the birdfeeder......that makes me want to call Orkin or something. Why has nobody come up with the expression "You have titmice in your bellfry!" Bats in the bellfry is ok but no titmice? Is a bat better or worse than a titmouse? I want to know.

So here are some things I want to change: The Swallows of San Juan Capistrano will now become the titmice of San Juan Capistrano.

Swan lake will now be titmouse lake.

Ugly duckling now ugly titmouse.

Most importantly in place of jokingly calling somebody "Turkey" we now have changed it to "Titmouse". That will get a reaction at first, but soon everyone will be on the same page.

Wow, the titmouse is really a bird. I am so sad. I always thought it was a mouse. Wouldn't we all like to meet the person that first named that bird and shake his/her hand? Ask them why they decided upon the name titmouse. Is a titmouse as quiet as a church mouse? I suspect not, being a bird and all. Just when you thought the world was safe, along comes a titmouse causing trouble. I can't handle the increase in titmice, (is that correct) or would it be titmouses? It all is so overwhelming. Have a look for yourself.

Tufted Titmouse

The first Saturday of May rapidly approaches. This can mean only one thing. The Kentucky Derby is on the way. Looking for a tip on a good horse, or just want to see what is going on in the world of horse racing?

ESPN is a good place to begin

STATE DEPLOYS DECOMMISSIONED SUBWAY CARS IN ARTIFICIAL REEFS

A good use for old subways cars don't you think? Studies have shown it actually brings fish and turtles to barren areas begining within 90 days. Divers can go look at some of these artificial reefs, must be weird to see a subway car underwater. What will they think of next?

FDA Approves Human Brain Implant Devices
cool article from excite news

What to ramble about today????? I'm not into the 911 hearings. Sports: the Red Wings need to play better or face elimination. Apr 14, 1543, Bartoleme Ferrelo returned to Spain after discovering a large bay in the New World. It was San Francisco Bay.

Have a great day.

From CNN.com
Citing a conviction "deep in my soul," President Bush vowed Tuesday night to stay the course in Iraq and the war on terror, and predicted American voters will stick with him come November. "I don't plan on losing my job," Bush said during his first prime time news conference of the year.
***************************************

Ok, I was working during his speech, but I wouldn't have watched it anyway. It was highly predictable. He can't get out of this war in Iraq even if he wanted to. Politically he is catering to those he made the promises to. The conservative Republican base. Just so it is known, the Iraqis want to form their democracy now, it is the Bush administration (backed by the UN this time) that is delaying it. So I won't say whether this is right or wrong, but somebody should be keeping track of human casualties during this time (in actual numbers). Not estimates, or secrecy, or 4 died today, or 10 missing, but an actual total when all is said and done. This number should be broken down into, US service persons, US contractors, coalition service persons, coalition contractors, and Iraqi civilians (non-combatant). Just the facts please, and let us make our own decisions after that. Not hype about terrorism and WMDs or Osama Bin Laden.

Let's take a cold, hard look at this situation. The original reasons for going to war in Iraq were: WMDs (none found yet?), oust Saddam (done), allow Iraq to create democracy (we impede that currently). Here is the real deal, we won't leave Iraq until we install a government that secures our interests mainly revolving around oil. We need a home base in the middle east that is larger than Kuwait. We can't rely on the Saudis as allies. So where are we gonna go, Iran? Jordan? Let our carriers sit out in the Persian Gulf and get attacked? I hate to break it to you if you haven't figured it out, we aren't leaving Iraq any time soon. Even if we do leave in the distant future, the problems that exist in that region will continue along with the Anti-American sentiment that we are helping to fuel.

I understand being a global power comes with a price. It also comes with a responsibility to develop diplomacy that doesn't backfire on us because we do the same thing we accuse our enemies of. No, we aren't terrorists (I'm not suggesting that). I'm suggesting we take a look at our past policies that have created our current situation.

Let's take a second look at how power and diplomacy must be balanced. This is our problem in the region. Let's admit it and fix it.

Man bets all on roulette and wins

Who can see the perfection in the cracks of the sidewalk? Not the smooth ones where the pieces of concrete meet, but the the ones that resemble a fracture that shoots out in a random direction. These cracks over time, if left alone will deteriorate the concrete. The wind and rain, or the dry heat from the sun will work away at them until the fissure becomes unbearable. Sometimes the cracks can be filled. If not the concrete must be shattered into pieces and replaced.

How easily we can see the perfection in a beautiful flower. Such as an orchid. It appears in an artistic form as if God sculpted it gently with his hand and painted it with his most wonderful colors.

The crack in the sidewalk has lived a hard life. It has been trampled by feet that do not care. People have spit upon it. They have looked and pointed while mumbling about what an eyesore it is. The crack, weathered by time and pain, longed to be like the orchid. To have the fortune and blessing of being perfect without question. To emit a sense of beauty, tranquility, and peace.

This was not to be. It was never intended for anyone to see perfection in something that by nature is a flaw. It must have a function. Even worms and slugs have functions in nature. In their functions they achieve perfection, even if the function is limited and unglamorous.

Until this very moment I did not understand how this story would end, or even make sense. Now it is clear to me. The crack in the sidewalk is home to the worms and slugs. It provides a place for them to reproduce, which in turn provides food for the birds that pollinate the flowers, not to mention the worms can till the soil to make it fertile, which in turn allows the flowers to exist.

These cracks and flaws are there for a reason. They don't even know their own secrets. They are sacred scars that run deeper than any wound of the flesh. Purity, wisdom, and decency are within these cracks. Only vanity lies within the orchid.

This is what happens when people are bored and have access to chemicals, electrodes, and snack cakes.

twinkiesproject

Quote of the day:
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein 1875-1955

Apr 08, 1513, Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain.

Where is the fountain of youth? I looked for it in Tampa and Sarasota, but no luck, I did find the Gulf of Mexico, but to my dismay it had already been discovered. The water was warm though, and I'd like to live there.

The green of the grass, the crack of the bat, "get your red hots". Yes baseball season has started and it is time for my early season World Series Prediction. If you have ever listened to me ramble about baseball before you'll realize this is the same prediction (wish) I have each year. A World Series of the Cubs vs. Tigers. In such a series I would be rooting for both teams, and could not be upset with the outcome, thus it would make the perfect World Series. Oh yeah, it should go 7 games and be decided in the bottom of the 11th inning of the 7th game (maybe by a home run from Sosa at Wrigley Field????).

I know the game revolves around money these days, and is nothing like it used to be in the good ole days, but I still love the game. The players that were my heroes as a kid are now all managers of teams. Makes me feel a little old, but oh well. There are certain things that never change about baseball. Greed cannot drive away the true nature of our American Pastime. The ballpark, with its green grass and manicured infield is like sacred ground to some of us. For those that don't love sports you cannot understand this. This is why people freak out when ballparks get torn down. It is like tearing down a church, or it is like they tore away the place of your fondest memories. I still think the Dodgers should have never left Brooklyn, and I wasn't even born yet.

In closing, go Cubbies, sock it to em' Tigers. Now when was the last time you remember the Tigers starting out 2-0........it could be a good year for them.

Seems like forever since I've posted here. I will keep it short but here is a good link for Michiganders to check out.

Michigan Public Service Commission

Great tips for dealing with telephone, heating, and electric companies. Outlines the process of complaints and problems. Also tips on getting rid of annoying telemarketers.

Well it is April fool's day. I plan on not making any practical jokes on anyone. The world is a much safer place now. You know what is ridiculous to me. The fact that April fool's day is actually listed on the calendar. What a waste of ink on paper. Like we need to be reminded of this day every year and prepare for it? As if somebody will be flipping through the calendar and will say, "Oh my, April 1st is almost here, thank goodness the April fool's day reminder was on my calendar, I would have forgotten to play juvinille pranks on people.". Now give me a day off work then I will not gripe that it is on the calendar; or if it has some remote purpose like Columbus day, where kids can learn about Columbus and government employees can get a day off, you'll get no gripe out of me. This day however is purely bizarre. I know the history behind the day, how April 1st used to actually be New Years day, and blah blah blah.

Now don't get me wrong, I used to love playing practical jokes on people. The problem was I think I crossed the line somehow each time. To me it was hilarious, to them it was horrible. Afterwards I usually felt bad because they didn't see the humor in it. I figure if you are going to pull off a practical joke you have to make it a good one, and I usually did. I once left a message on an answering machine of a girlfriend saying I was the IRS (disguising my voice) and I said there was a problem with her taxes (she was nervous about being audited that year) and I left a phony 1-800 number to call. Well she freaked out. The number was disconnected but she tried several times to call it. To me this was funny, a bit cruel, but funny. I really thought she'd recognize my voice. Oh well that was a very long time ago. Oh and by the way it wasn't on April fool's day, did I mention that?