It's All Fun and Games

It's all fun and games until the lawyers get involved.

It is sometimes nice to have a lawyer you can call 24/7. Or as he says, " Until you can get a good lawyer."

That's alright he asks me theological questions from time to time....and I quote " Dick the Butcher " from Shakespeare's Henry VI. " Let's kill all the lawyers."

All I can see from this situation and lawyers getting involved. Especially if someone becomes ill.

I am concerned because I like the folks involved.

I am concerned because invariability, more people in Buna are going to become ill, and the illness could have come from anyplace. But the lawyers will plead otherwise, and in this day and age, who knows what a jury will decide.

And the business may just settle to stop the bleeding. ( Lawyer advice.)

Stories like this will continue. And they'll get blown out of proportion.

What a damn mess.

Please, no comments. Too many already.

Buna ISD News?

In the last 12-24 hours I have heard from a couple of people concerning what's going on at Buna ISD.

Actually the info came from 2.5 sources. ( Did some "Common Core" math to get that figure.)

Get ready parents, school may not start again until May 1.

If then.

I repeat, If then. 

I am guessing the school year might be done. Two months is still a long time, and you never know. ( I wonder what kind of mess that last month might be? )

As I've said before, let the seniors go. They're marking time anyway.

Then I was told that the teachers were going to get an addendum to their contracts.

I am wondering " What the cornbread fuck " that chickenshit, horseshit, bullshit might be?

Are teachers going to have to show up in the summer? Are the kids? I think if I had my points in with teacher retirement, I'd call it a career and go home......Cuss a bunch of folks as you leave.

Doing this, you're going to endear yourself to a bunch of people on the three campuses, especially the high school, the damn faculty at BHS might mutiny.  

Two things I wish I would have done when I retired....

1. Cussed out bunch of folks. Made of list of people I need to cuss.. Make them escort me off campus.

2. Waved at the crowd as I snuck off the stage during graduation and went home.

Already teachers are having to make up shit to send home...I'm sorry, if I was still at Buna, I think at this point in time I'd send home a massive stack of paperwork to the seniors and the instructions on page one would say, "Don't do this economics work. I don't want to grade it, you don't want to do it. If you send work back completed, I will fail your ass."

Man, so glad to be out of the school " bidness."

Okay, I Know, I Know, You're Nuts

I know you're about to go crazy. I'm a homebody and I am about to get crazy myself.

Mexican food sounds good about right now. Fake Chinese sounds good.

I have thought about maybe emptying an AK47 into the railway embankment a couple of times at 3AM just to get all of Lemonville up, but I have not.

Let's go over a few things-

- I know a number of you are all upset over the government shutting down your liberty , freedom of movement, freedom of association, freedom of religion, etc during this time.

Like this is something new.

Look, this country has shut down the place in times of illness. Even arrested people and institutionalized people spreading illnesses. ( Typhoid Mary, the New York cook who spread the illness was put in a sanitarium until the day she died.)

Heck, during the Spanish Flu, people were banned from schools, churches, meeting places, people were kept off the streets.

We are already are limited in freedoms. We can't drive 100 mph wherever we go. We can't snort heroin to help us through the workday.

The government understands if this goes on too long the economy will be wrecked. 

I've been on a lock-down every damn tropical system in the last 15 years. Sheriff's office kept me out of Lemonville more than once and even just being here during the storm, well, they were not happy. 

This will end.  We've only been away from people for about well, a little over a week now.

- There are also a number of you all upset about the government giving people $1200 ($2400 couples) for this period of time. Many of you saying that you " Don't need it."

Part of this is to get the economy jumped started when we are back able to go places, do things.

If you don't want it, give it to me. I'll fly an American air carrier out of Houston or Dallas to Europe or buy that new U.S. made wheelgun I've been looking at. ( I'm serious here if you're that upset about the money. Endorse that check over to me..)

- Then some of you are all upset there will not be an election in November. We've had elections during World War 2, the Civil War, and even if they postponed it, it could not be more than 2 months because the 20th Amendment says a president's term ends on Jan. 20th. And then they'd need time for the electors to vote. To change the 20th, both 2/3rds of the congress and 2/3rds of the states would have to agree....That ain't going to happen.

Kwichurbitchin'......This too will pass. Call your family, check on them, especially older folks. Tell you kids you love them. Tell your S.O. you love them. Learn to play that guitar you got for Christmas, read that book(s) you bought 3 years ago, hell, I'm working on getting a podcast started, but I may need Reid to come in and get the computer/electronics set up for me....

Tiger King

I laughed, I cried, I kissed 8 hours good-bye.

I cannot believe I watched this mess. I cannot.

The lot needs to be in jail.

And the scary part, there are people in your neighborhood who are going, " Man, I wish I had a tiger."

Or, I wish I was screwing more than one woman/man at once than my S.O. 

The entire show makes rural America look like uneducated immoral crooked hillbillies. And there are a bunch of people like this. And that alone is disconcerting.

Is it worth a watch?

Yes.

4.9 out of 5 stars.

List of Open and Closures

Here is a list of everything open and everything closed under the county "Stay at Home" proclamation-

What is Open?

• Essential Government Functions
• Essential Businesses (see below)
• Restaurants that serve food by take out, delivery or drive-through
• Bars that serve food by take out, delivery or drive-through
• Micro-Breweries that serve food by take out, delivery or drive-through
• Micro-Distilleries that serve food by take out, delivery or drive-through
• Wineries that serve food by take out, delivery or drive-through
• Public Parks but not Playground Equipment
• Open Outdoor Recreation Areas
• Laundromats / Washaterias (while observing social distancing)
• Religious and Worship Services by Video, Teleconference, and Drive-In Type Services

What is closed, for now? (list is not exhaustive)

• Playground Equipment
• Gyms / Cross-Fit Facilities / Martial Arts Facilities
• Fitness Centers / Sports Training Facilities
• Public Swimming Pools and Splash Pads
• Sports and Recreation Training Facilities and Studios
• Hair and Nail Salons
• Spas
• Licensed Massage Businesses
• Tattoo Parlors
• Concert Halls
• Live Performance Theaters
• Arenas
• Stadiums
• Movie Theaters
• Game Rooms / Pool Halls
• Bowling Alleys
• Arcades
• Indoor and Outdoor Flea Markets and Swap Meets
• Indoor Malls, Unless the Individual Store has an Outside Entrance
• Bingo Halls
• Tanning Salons
• Buses and any Other Forms of Public Transportation, including Worksite Busing
• Picnics, Barbeques, Sand-Bar/Beach Parties or any Social Gatherings including more than 10 people
• Outdoor Burning of Debris or Waste

Essential Activities are:

• Performing tasks essential to health and safety, including: obtaining medication or visiting a healthcare professional
• Obtaining supplies or services or delivery of those to others, including: food, pet supplies, household products, work from home supplies
• Engaging in outdoor activity, while keeping social distancing
• Performing work providing essential products and services to an essential business
• Caring for a family member or pet in another household.

Essential Businesses include:

• Critical Infrastructure as identified by the US Department of Homeland Security National Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• Essential Government Functions including law enforcement, and other services for the health, safety and welfare of the public
• Essential Healthcare Operations including hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, mental health providers, blood banks, home and residential based care for seniors, adults and children, veterinary and animal welfare operations, transportation for healthcare patients
• Essential Retail including grocery stores, warehouse stores, gas stations, convenience stores, food producers and service providers
• Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations
• Essential Services Necessary to Maintain Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses including: trash and recycling collection, mail and shipping services, building maintenance and security, and funeral homes
• News Media including Newspaper delivery services
• Childcare and Adult Care Services
• Infrastructure, Development, Operation and Construction Services including public works construction, housing construction, commercial, manufacturing, oil refining, roads and highways, and telecommunications systems
• Transportation Businesses including car dealerships, parts distributors, maintenance and repair facilities, gas stations
• Labor Union Functions
• All Marine Ports
• Airports and related operations
• Professional services including legal, banking and financial institutions, accounting, insurance, and real estate services.
• Other businesses that are not listed but either are or support critical industries or services.

How Much Am I Going to Get?

So, the Senate has passed a $2.2 Trillion dollar "emergency" stimulus package.

Hell, I thought originally, it was only supposed to be around a trillion dollars. ( Like the late Senator Everett Dirksen once said, " A billion here, a billion there, it soon starts to add up to real money." )

I have been looking at the "slush fund" that businesses are going to receive and to be honest, in many cases, I can't figure out who is getting what, and how much. They're do it on purpose.

The bill also contains a grab bag of provisions that in some cases seem to range far afield from the coronavirus pandemic, including $13 million for Howard University, $25 million for Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and $75 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Senate aides said those allocations and others were justified to help the institutions prepare for and respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

You know, typical congressional bullshit.

So, how much am I going to get? Did I make too much money to "get a check?"

Here is the formula.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/coronavirus-stimulus-check-calculator/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_8


Unhappy you are getting a check? Let me know, I am sure I can find someone who'll take it.....Or hell endorse it over to your old Government teacher. I'm sure you owe him a favor from May of the year you graduated. ; )

This is a Pretty Serious Blog

This might be the most serious blog I have written in a while.

No, I do not have Covid-19. No, I am not dying, well, at least, I do not think I am. ( You never know)

I've have lost my wedding band.

I've torn the house down looking for it. I don't know where it might be.

So, I am not getting a divorce.

Ladies, ( and gentlemen) don't be winking at me and giving a key to a hotel room.  Don't be telling me you " have a package of Durex you need to trial test."

I am not "on the market."

And to be honest, it "feels funny" without it being on. I keep feeling for it on my finger. It has always been reassuring...

What has happened is this, I have lost a little weight( again) and (my secret you may ask?)

I have quit that demon Coke.

Corn Syrup in Coke, Dr Pepper, etc. is the devil, seriously.

If I was not on "voluntary lock-down" I'd go someplace to find a ring...

Let Grandma Die

I am wondering about this nation and the morals there within. I really do.

You know, we jump up and down about being all " Christian and Such" until it starts to cost us a dollar.

Jesus pointed this out with the rich young ruler. ( Mark 10: 17-27)

I often wonder how many of us, who call ourselves "Christian" will not make it in the hereafter because we care more about making and losing a dollar.

Last evening on cable TV, the Lt. Governor of this state was suggesting that grandma and grandpa are willing willing to sacrifice so the " American Way" could continue. https://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article241452461.html

This is the beginning of what, "day 3" of the real "shutdown"? People are acting like we've been shut down for 3 years and the whole world is rolling over on it's side. It's been DAYS people, let's try to get a grip here. If big business is so fragile that a few days of lower (or no, in some cases) customers is the end of times for them, well, I do have sympathy and think we should help small business.


 If you're a Boeing or American Airlines and a few months of low travel numbers and 3 days of shutdown is the end of your world, well, sad to say it, but maybe this should be the end of your world. The fact that billion dollar companies can weather this just tells me they are massively overextended and are spending rather than prepping for hard times.... But let's get at least somewhat realistic here, it's not like the world has been in bunkers for the last few years, people are still buying many things (just online instead of in person when possible) and it's only been a few days, let's get some perspective here.

And if we go back to work, what happens when people under the age of 60 start to get sick? 40% of the people in hospital with the illness are under age 40.

Other capitalist societies have shut down, South Korea for example and they stopped the illness and their economy is starting to start up once again.

Is the " American Way" so fragile this will " end America?"

Look, capitalism is resilient.

The question is this, which is more important? Lives or money?

How many people are actually Christian, and would drop their faith when it hurts more than helps the pocketbook? 

Lunacy At Night

So, this occurs when I go to sleep. At one time with my medication, I was able to control my dreams, but for some reason, I no longer can.

I was in my last period class, my second year at Buna, and I was look at my iPad in class at the GH Bass shoe site.

I'd been looking the day before and they had white "Buck" shoes on sale.

I showed that to the girls who sat by the window and Sommer Wells at once said, " You'd look like a Charleston Sissy in those shoes with your Prince of Wales suit."

And a kid in the back, had the kid, but I had 3500 kids in my teaching career, and I can't remember his name stood up and said....

" Yeah, Mr. Thomas would look like he's running women in New Orleans."

To which Tara Sullivan says, " I can't see Mr. Thomas saying." "  Do I need to choke a bitch?" ( Ala Chappell's Show)

Yeah, Tan Price of Wales check suit, white shoes, Optimo straw hat......It could make me lean towards the "Sissy" or "Running women in New Orleans."

And I could see me wearing just such an rig.

And wouldn't care what people thought-

Don't Know What Else to Write?

You sort of get to the point when you're a blogger.

You really do, I am sure I will come up with something, or something will occur and you'll be about to write a blog...

But you know, right now, I just want to appreciate folks checking on us here at the Compound.

I am thankful when people show concern about the old " Govteach."

You know, a historian put on her timeline that we might need to write a diary so we can share with our grandkids, great-great grandkids what this was really like going through the Cornoavirus "LOCKDOWN of 2020."

Also, take care of your mental health right now. Go outside in the sun. Drive around the neighborhood in your car. ( Don't get out of the vehicle unless you have to do so)

It's also a time to tell your folks that you "Love them."

Love ya folks. Take care. I am sure I have another blog coming today that's a little silly. Had another crazy dream concerning some of y'all.....

So Anyway..I Started Blocking People-

Let's see if I can write this and get my point across.

I don't want to just ramble too much.

I half expected for people to get upset because I made the post about "Socialism." But they did not.

They got upset because in two previous blogs I discussed sex and sex related to the Covid-19 situation.

It is like they don't know that people have sex. Even during the Covid-19 situation. And they were upset because I accept the fact that people have sex outside of marriage.

One even thought that even married people shouldn't have sex right now. Too dangerous.

Never mind as one person, a former student, I consider a good friend now said, "  We're breathing the same air, sleeping in the same bed, cleaning up after one another....How is sex worse concerning this situation? "

Then I had someone get upset because I mentioned the fact we might have to ration things in this nation. I was " sensationalizing" it.

Have you been to the store? We are all in the hoard mode. And stories about the meat industry not having enough workers is not helping.

This happened in England AFTER World War II when people would not stop hoarding food.

Then, one of the same people was upset because my recent catch-phrase is " People have lost their minds."

Well, you need to go to the store. People have been fighting over toilet paper.

Sociologists tell us we are 3 days at any time from certain segments of society rioting in the streets because they no longer have access to food.

Sorry, going to "call it" as I see it. May upset you, but it's my opinion.

I've been trying to tell you, we need to try and take care of one another. But some folks only care about themselves.....And you know this...

Questions????

At this point, I have more questions than I do answers. I really do?

So, how much education do they really expect the kids to "learn online" during this time period? I mean seriously.

Many don't have decent internet connections at home. And how much homework are we going to actually going to get turned in?

Oh, I know the administrators will go into some sort of "story" about the kids getting an education, but in reality, many of these main office administrators are just looking for their next position in the school "bidness." Got to "puff-up" that resume.

If it was left up to me, I could conjure up some sort of grades for seniors and get them on the road. (Hey, I performed miracles in the past concerning seniors needing to graduate. )

And then there is the the misinformation- In England a women is swallowing her boyfriend's semen to prevent the Covid-19 virus. 

In truth, it sounds like something the boyfriend invented then, convinced the girl to do, just to get her to "swallow."

But I have serious questions...

What is going to happen to prom?

What about graduations?

I know both Logan Vaughn who graduates from Louisiana State and myself have been sort of worried about it.

Myself, my son graduates from the Red McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in May, and his and the one over at LSU are both in doubt ( As is Buna's, Lamar's, etc....)

The family all had a big soriee planned in Austin, I even have that Calvin Klein, Prince of Wales check suit purchased just for that event. Heck, I even bought a "burnt orange" bow tie to wear.

So, I am sure many of you have questions and these are just SOME of mine-

Okay, This is More Serious Than You Becoming a Socialist

I know some of you just do not understand the economics of the present US situation, so we are going to change the subject for this blog-

I know many of you are stuck at home, working at home, have been sent home, whatever.....And several people have suggested you spend all the free time " having sex."

Trouble is, the country is running short of condoms.

I know some of you are "on the pill" some have IUDs, some other forms of birth control, but please, please, I read this from someone on ( of all the places) a men's clothing site.

They were serious, they were going to use the old " Pull & Pray"( Or as it was called when I was in college, "Pull & Spray") method. ( They called it withdrawal.)

I know more people who used that method who now have new names.

"Mom and Dad..."

I wonder how many kids we are going to have in December, January?

Well, The Ugly Mail Starts

You know, people just don't want to hear something different. They really do not.

I tell basic economics, and people lose their damn minds.

Yes, giving everyone a check during the Covid-19 situation is socialism. Be it Trump's or Congresses' idea or program.

Sorry, just is.

True capitalism well, you just are on your own. You lose your business due to the situation, well, too bad.

People quit flying and your airline has to go bankrupt or lay-off people because people are not flying, well, just in truth I blame the airlines. They didn't save some money when the times were good. Instead like American Airlines, they bought back stock. American had $15 billion dollars in savings they spent on stock purchases in an attempt to boost the price of their stock. ( It didn't work) Now the 3 major airlines( United, American , Delta) are asking for a bailout, and they'll probably get it.

Why should they? Give them the money and it is corporate welfare. A form of socialism. Never mind they didn't act responsible when times were good.

Likewise the casinos are asking for a bailout. In my opinion, let those bastards sink.

I wrote my "Socialism" post this morning on Facebook, partially in response to people saying " If he's not your president, don't take the check" posts. Never mind the checks will not be issued without Congresses' approval. And the thing won't pass without the Democrats.

Why all this hatred? Why all this do as I say, not as I do?

You know, this mess is probably going to get worse before it gets better.

You need to show some compassion for your fellow man.

BOTH damn sides.

And someone asked " Mr. Thomas, will you take the check? "

Hell yeah...And I don't care for anyone in Washington D.C. 

Okay, Okay....Now....Now Panic???

So, I was thinking maybe this is a bit much. We are in the panic mode in this country, so I figured it should be just about right for a " Lighten up" blog.

So the other evening I dreamed that there was a stage with full lights built in my classroom at Buna.

And all of the sudden Matt Witt hops up on the stage in full tuxedo, he grabs a microphone and starts to sing.

It sounds like a full 40 piece orchestra is playing for him. And for the life of me, I can't find the band.

And Mattison is singing, slop, just awful crap.

I start yell at him to sing some Sinatra, or Mel Torme, or Dean Martin, to which he starts to sing some sort of science fiction sounding Yoko Ono crap.

On my desk is a giant tub of cheese balls, I start to throw them at him.

And Sommer Wells ( Roy) turns around and tells me, " You hit his bow tie you get 5 pts, you throw one in his mouth, you get 10 pts."

Then someone ( Not sure who) tells me " If you get 10,000 pts, you'll be put up for Sainthood in the Anglican Church. You can be Patron Saint of XXXXXX." ( I am not sure of what, Government teachers? Poor students? Bad singers?)

But every time I hit him in the mouth, I'd throw another one and hit his shoes and lose points. His shoes turned from black to orange.

It was like the time I dreamed Ethan Clark was appointed Head of the Astro-Physics Department at Harvard.

Texas Schools

If you are wanting the State of Texas to close schools here is where you need to start.

The Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath.

It is time to close schools, and I am convinced they don't want to do it because of the STAAR Tests.( The STAAR needs to be canceled in 2020 too)

If you believe this needs to be done, write the commissioner at...

Commissioner@tea.texas.gov

It also would not hurt to write the Governor-

https://gov.texas.gov/contact

And your member of the Texas Legislature-

James White-  https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/email/?district=19&session=86

Dade Phelen - https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/email/?district=21&session=86

Why is THIS Still Happening?

So, I may no secret that I like this group of people and often I have to defend myself and their decision this past week enforces my thought pattern?

The Mormon Church was the first denomination in this nation to get on the point and cancel church services.

Heck, even Olsteen has gone to broadcast only church in Houston....

After that it is sporadic. 

I know there are Baptist Churches in this area that are having services today, and some are not. Including the church my wife attends not having services.

On last  report, mother's is...But I spoke no mom last night and asked if you was going to which I receive an emphatic "NO!"

Do they not understand that most of the people in the pews have grey hair?

Do they not understand that church is often a giant Petri dish?

I am wondering, do they think this virus is not " that serious."

Or do they have so much overhead they have to stay open to collect that offering? 

You Need to Do This-

I know many of you hate to be told to do much of anything, but this is actually important.

I received the U.S. Census today in the mail. It has an online option, which I chose.

It took LESS than 5 minutes for me to complete.

Look, this is important. We are living in a state that is becoming less and less rural. Most of the state is going to live in Houston or from San Antonio, up I-35 to Austin, on up I-35 again to Dallas-Ft Worth.

We need to count every person in our area so we can maintain some sort of representation in both Washington D.C. and Austin. Let's face it, compared the rest of the state, not many people live in Eastern Texas.

So make time and fill out the census. If you don't they'll have someone come by your house and it'll take longer than the 5 minutes online.

Okay, I'm Going to Be Ugly to Y'all This Morning-

I like a good joke as well as the next person. I really do. I often get on here and do jokes and often wonder, " Too soon?"

We are going to need to go to see my kids in the next few days.

One purpose. Carry them a little more " heavy duty" firearms.

Carry some form of a shotgun my daughter-in-law can handle.

The scapegoating is starting to get out of control from certain segments of society, and when veiled remarks concerning violence and the Coronavirus are made, particularly from one segment of society, well, enough is enough...They need to be proactive at this point.

Be careful when you start saying things about groups right now. At some point everyone is going to have trouble and I have a long memory.

 People are crazy right now. Just look at the toilet paper business.

Please folks, think before you post.

No comments.

What Was That?

What on earth was that? Seriously, what? I know some of you will say, good....But it wasn't very good reasoning.

If you are going to ban people and goods from coming in from Europe, you have to include ( England, Britain, UK I know I use them all sort of interchangeably and will use them as such in this blog.) Great Britain.

Do you understand how many thousands of people travel to and from England from Europe a day?

I've been to the UK 3 times in the last 5 years and it is so easy to travel between Europe and Britain, even with Brexit, the virus is in Britain, probably worse than here.

I know the USA has a special relationship with England, but the ban should have included England.

As of yesterday, the British were not even checking people getting off flights from Italy for the Coronavirus.


Trust me, as someone who has gone, the decision to leave out the UK makes no sense. 

You Want The Hell Scared Out of You Concerning Coronavirus? Watch This Joe Rogan Clip-.

It Was the Best of Times.

"It was the worst of times." Quoting Dickens at 2:30AM when I'm writing this, when in need, always quote Victorian authors.

First, I am a little disappointed someone didn't unfriend me yesterday on Facebook. I guess you're waiting for the next dumpster fire. I have had 4 requests for "friendship." One of which I might approve since yesterday...Maybe....

Second, that was the first real one I've pulled since Election Night 2016.  Had a bottle of 14 year old Scotch and well, another dead soldier.

Third, just a convergence of things yesterday. Not so much the economy, well, partially that, but I also have an 89 year old mother. Just several other things.

Fourth, I know some of you get upset about my cussin' and drinkin' and my clergy status. You know, that's minor compared to what some of you are doing, and guess what, we all know about it... ( I am told stuff about many of you,that sometimes makes your hair curl, and on me, that's hard to do.) "Pull the plank out of your own eye."

Fifth,  keep an eye on the markets. Should be an up day. Who knows how long that'll last?

Sixth,  Never put We Chat on your phone. ( We Chat is the Chinese version of everything, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, debit cards( seriously & we don't use this feature) GPS, heck get a DiDi( Chinese Uber/Lyft) on it, pretty sure I won't ever be let back into China because of it, but, I got people who use it, so, I do....It sucks your battery like no other app.

I have a 7,8,9, but I don't want to wind up with a Lutheresque 95 points. I'd have to nail them to the door of the First Baptist Church of Buna...Or Central? Or BHS....Anyway....

Oil Prices

Let's see if I can keep this simple and not talk about really complicated futures, countervailing factors, etc. this morning.

This weekend, the non American oil producers met to discuss the possible cut of oil output in light of the lessening of demand of oil due to the Coronavirus.

As I write this, oil is in the $31-32 dollar a barrel range. Last week, oil was in $40+ oil range.

Both OPEC and the Russian oil company agreed to nothing and walked away from the table in Austria.

The Saudi's decided to up the output of oil in an attempt to put the Russians and to a lesser extent, US oil producers out of business.

At the same time the Russian oil company announced they would increase oil production in March and again, increase oil production in April. Also, to put U.S. oil producers, mostly frackers out of business.

It generally costs US producers $40-50 dollars a barrel to continue drilling.

Here is the interesting point, the Russians in the end can't keep up with the Saudi's. The Saudi's still make a profit at single digits. Trouble is, the Saudi Arabian economy is set much higher a barrel  to keep going.

I know Goldman Sachs has suggested that oil could go to $20 a barrel.

If this continues, oil companies will start to lay off people. Expansion will be stopped( Makes me wonder about the Orange County proposed Chevron plant?)

I know some of you are wanting to buy, and I am looking hard at certain stocks, but I am still waiting.

And watching....And worry, this area is a "One Trick Pony" and oil is that pony.

It is a concern.

Not Again.....

Not again......I swear this has got to stop. I know some of you love it, and in truth, since I have retired, well, it really makes very little difference to me. But my wife has not retired yet, so I am on her schedule....

Spring forward tonight.

We lose an hour.

Set them clocks forward an hour.

Keep thinking I'll run for Texas House on one issue. Fix Daylight Savings. Put it before a vote for Texas citizens.

But then I'd have to run.

And worse, if elected, serve.

Those clocks that aren't automatic, and most are now, set forward before you go to bed tonight....

IT'S THE END OF TIME!!!!

So, stocks are down, gold and silver as of this writing are down...What are people buying, aparently afraid due to the Corona-virus?

Ammunition. Big sales increases in ammo.

"The calibers with the highest increase were 40 cal (S&W) ammo, with an increase of 410 percent, 223 ammo, with an increase of 194 percent, 7.62x39 ammo, with an increase of 114 percent and 9mm ammo with an increase of 101 percent.

The brand with the greatest increase in sales was MBI ammo, which increased by 179 percent. MBI was closely followed by Federal ammo, which increased by 176 percent.

Other brands that saw a rise in sales include Fiocchi ammo (an increase of 122 percent), Remington ammo (an increase of 116 percent), Winchester ammo (an increase of 107 percent) and PMC ammo (an increase of 101 percent), according to Ammo.com.

Ammo.com said that four states saw an increase in sales greater than 100 percent. At the top of the list was North Carolina, which saw an increase of 179 percent, followed by Georgia with an increase of 169 percent.

Pennsylvania and Texas followed in third and fourth places, with increases of 140 percent and 128 percent respectively.

Other states also saw increases, including Florida (76 percent), Illinois (67 percent), New York (48 percent) and Ohio (40 percent), according to Ammo.com."

And then Asian-Americans are stocking up on firearms in the fear of the Coronavirus backlash- 

Chinese Remember LA Riots, The Koreans took care of business....Amazing what an SKS rifle with a 20-30 round mag could do-

I guess to start yelling " Suppressive Fire!!!"  and empty an M-14, M4, Mas 49/56 into the woods regularly if it's going to get that bad.....

And a Pox on Your Family Too

You know, I try and keep from throwing total fits on here, I seriously do. But every once in a while, you "get on my last nerve."

I ran a purge yesterday and for the most part you were kept because you were cute( sexist I know, but I no longer care, I actually like you, I think you're cool and I want to associate with cool people so someone might think I am actually cool, or I don't trust you and well the old Sun Tzu saying, " Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer."

Had someone advocating the ending of public schools and going all private.  I purged them like a hot rock.

I can just about see the mess that would cause.

Right now the only school I would consider sending our son to in this area is a Catholic private school. Costs $10,000 a year. We probably could have come up with the $40,000 for 4 years. I would have even considered converting to Catholicism if the price would have gone down, I'm about halfway there with my Anglican theology anyway, ( Could I just take a test rather than the lessons Father XYZ? Bet I can pass it.) and we seriously considered it.

You do know that means about $120,000 for 12 years. Two kids? $240,000......Most of your houses don't cost $240,000.

And could you imagine all at once this happening?

Millions of people looking someplace to send their kids?

Supply and Demand, schools would pop up all over the place, teachers non certified. They themselves barely can read or write. Many schools being businesses. Some just going bankrupt in middle of school year. No set curriculum?

And prices? You don't even want to think about that. A massive amount of kids in the demand for a school?

( By the Way, my Daughter in Law is subbing at an elite school in Austin...Price? $38,000 a year. ) 

And you'd get what you pay for.

"Jesus" schools would pop up all over the place. Their math program?

1+1= Jesus

2x2= God

Only textbook, the Bible? Hell, even Medieval European schools had different "books" and writings to study.

And where in the hell you going to get teachers to work for $15,000-19,000 a year? You ain't. And those who do are, well I don't even want to think about it. 

And what you going to do with the 2/3rds of people who can't afford to put those 4-5-6 kids into school? Let them homeschool? Do you really want these people homeschooling? Talk about a "new" underclass. ( And by the way, many of you who plan to homeschool and I know, well, I think you can do it, otherwise, I'd say something)

Yeah, public school has its faults.   But it's the best thing we got.  And yes, not all schools are the same.

I wonder what the same person would say, if I said " We need to shut down the petrochemical industry and go all wind and solar?" Go all Climate Change on him?( I'm not, I like my gasoline engines. My propane stove. My A/C in Summer.) ( Natural Gas drives the local power plant)

I know you're bitching about your tax bill to the school, but trust me, do the math, you're getting off light.

In the end I look at it this way, I ( and others)think I did a pretty good job, and this is how you repay your education?

Fuck you.

Death Threats????

We've lost our damn minds in this nation...Lost our damn minds.

The longer we go, we are reverting back to the 1700-1800s in this nation in our actions and our thoughts...Perhaps, we've never really left?

It seems the people who are known with the Corona-virus, who are in hospitals, and their families are receiving "Death Threats." 

The man in the above video said he thought he had a mild cold, then it spiked to 103F fever. 

What are we coming to in this nation?

Then again, there are the people who stopped drinking Corona beer for fear they'd get the virus...these people vote, serve of juries. 

This shit is going to get worse before it gets better I'm afraid....I hope you don't get the virus...

I No Longer Understand What it Means

I no longer understand what it means to be a man anymore. I really do not.

I sort of say this in the light of Chris Matthews being "fired" or "forced to retire" from his job on a cable new network.

Now, I could not stand to listen to what he was saying most of the time, but I often would switch over to check out what he was wearing, and switch back to the local news. A grad of a East Coast university, he dressed in a traditional "prep/trad" way to some of us still try and maintain.

So, earlier this week, he was fired for saying what was termed " Sexual Harassment" and when I read what he had said, it is something I have heard guys my age and older ( Matthews is 74) say, in what they in their minds think it is flirting. ( I wouldn't have said what he said, but I've heard it.)

I don't anymore know what is right and what is wrong.

I really do not.

I never "flirted' with any of y'all. Just wasn't right.  As I have said for years, I have tried to avoid even being alone with you without an open door.

As I have said before, I have been harassed sexually at work. Had my butt, area near my crotch rubbed on numerous occasions. And was told, " You like it, you know you do." And in reality, I didn't, but somehow because I am a guy, it was somehow okay. I have to put up with it because I didn't want the person to get into trouble. Perhaps I should have sued Buna ISD? Perhaps I now should sue Buna ISD? (My brother is sitting around in private practice and has an associate doing civil.)

It is like the standard now if an older guy sleeps with a younger girl, he is a " creep, a pervert." But if an older woman does the same with a younger guy, that same crowd say" You go girl."

Likewise with some of the posts I see placed on Facebook. I saw one a female had posted of several celebrity males and the question was asked, " Which one would you smash?"( And several answered) Guys wouldn't dare do anything like that, at least I wouldn't. 

I often post how attractive someone is, always has been when they post a photo of themselves on Facebook, but you know, more and more I wonder if I should or not.

Is it going to get to the point when we say, do something to our spouses, our significant others, it is now " Sexual Harassment?"

This is why the older I get, the more of a hermit I become. I no longer understand the world. I no longer understand what is going on.

Your High School Experience?

I was watching a preview on new Netflix show yesterday in which the high school counselor spoke to the star of the show about having a " Normal high school experience."

What the hell is a normal high school experience?

I know for some high school is literal "Hell on Earth."

For others, well, they are still stuck in high school. It was the greatest 4 years of their lives.

Hell, I taught high school because even though when I was a student,  it was a combo of hell and enjoyment, somehow teaching high school, well, it was what I was supposed to do....

That said, my last 5 years of teaching, well, I hated it. I could not retire soon enough.

High school for most people is 4 years of your life. For some it makes you, for others, it breaks you, for others, well, little is done.

I know after Christmas of the 2010-2011 school year, I almost quit several times,( I was eligible to retire) including not coming back from Spring Break...and another time, I got mad during a TAKS test. I was given a menial job to do and felt slighted, and then was told several things by the person who assigned me the job. I was on my way to the office at one point from the "Senior" end when I was stopped and was side railed. Seniors were starting to "show up." I felt I needed to be there and make the year.

High school is often a strange place.  And I know some of you don't understand why people "liked" it, and others hated it.

I wonder if in 25-50-75-100 years, the whole high school experience will change so dramatically, we in 2020 won't recognize it? Perhaps, we really need it to change dramatically?

That said, in 100 years, none of us reading the blog will be around to know...Heck in 25 years, I doubt I'll be around.

Are Y'all Seeing This?

I made a quick trip to the dry cleaners, the grocery store this morning and there were people in the grocery with masks on, including clerks.

About 10-15%. ( This was Orange)

This morning, one of the morning news shows had a couple of doctors giving advice, just common sense.

"Wash you hands, use a tissue to press elevator buttons( if I ever use an elevator, than again we used one at Baylor Medical last week) use tissues to open doors, handrails, etc. Use sanitizer when you can't wash. "

But he was skeptical of masks because " People do not know how to use them correctly."

I know yesterday, the Baptist Church my wife attends had out N95 masks. The minister had just gotten lucky and found a batch at a store and passed them out to all members on Sunday. N95, heck most masks are not to be found.

Are you seeing people taking precaution?

Just Ain't That Funny

I guess I've gotten old. Maybe that is it. I guess I need to just " Move on."

I just don't find most of Saturday Night Live( SNL) "Funny" anymore.

Oh, the Scots-Irish girl who does all the impressions is pretty good, but the comedy, well, it just isn't that funny.

And every once in a while they come up with something " sort of funny."

But most of the time you say, " Well, that's 5 minutes of my life I can't get back." 

GQ had a major article in the style section on Pete Davidson wearing a suit in his Netflix's special.

So, I watched the special. Or as much as I could stand. And the suit he was wearing, well, I wouldn't wear it to change oil in my car in. It was awful.

I lasted 16 minutes in the special. 

I didn't get his comedy. And I don't get him on SNL. I would have "let him go" years ago. Dumb bastard just stands there laughing in the middle of sketches.

And I ask this question seriously, is he mildly retarded? Or has the pot just cooked his brain?

I don't know, back in the day, I did not find people like Bob Hope funny either. Perhaps it is just another of those generational things?