GR Local Rock N Roll playlist by Andolph

GR Local Rock N Roll playlist by Andolph

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I hate public restrooms

If or when I ever decide to own a business I will accommodate my customers with a warm, clean, inviting restroom. Who one earth came up with the idea that people should have to wipe their ass with freakin sandpaper if they use a public restroom? Probably the same A-hole who decided these restrooms should be cleaned once a week.

People who clean restrooms should get paid top dollar. I am going to say..... just throwing it out there..... $50,000/year to clean restrooms.

The freakin things should be cleaned every hour on the hour. People should pay a freakin deposit to use the freakin toilet and the cleaning guy should check behind them for cleanliness before returning the freakin deposit.

Dirty people shouldn't even be allowed into the establishment to begin with. No dirty people allowed my business will say. What kind of lowlife scumbag people walk around dirty and disgusting peeing all over public toilets anyway?

That's my rant, I've offered a few different solutions here. Somebody please let Walmart, Kmart, Target, and Meijers know how I feel.

As Mrs. Lennon taught me in 7th grade if you are looking for consistency in your toilets while traveling you will learn to love McToilets.

Good day.

The Biggest Loser

This fricken show used to really kind of disgust me. I actually called the show "Fat People Running". Slowly but surely from behind my laptop screen the stupid show began to grow on me. Week after week I sat in my chair kind of annoyed that Tennille was watching that stupid show again. It's really hard not to pay attention when a show is on in the background.

My new opinion: This show is really great. It is drastic, and on the edge. The show is changing peoples lives. I will sit in my chair on my fat rear end and get fatter while watching other people get skinnier on The Biggest Loser!

I will!

Andrew

Doug

I have known my friend Doug for many, many years. Doug is one of those good guys who is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer some good advice. Doug is always good for a laugh. As a matter of fact you can always hear Doug laughing across the room.

10 years ago I was a young and ignorant man with little knowledge, and no respect for myself or others. Most adults didn't like me, and I don't blame them. Doug was always different, he saw potential in me. Doug never looked down on me or treated me with any less respect than he would anybody else. Doug was well aware that the clothes don't make the man, etc...

Over the years of knowing Doug he taught me many things. Doug taught me by example how to be kind to others, how to stand up for what you believe in, how to have a passion for your work, and most importantly how to treat less fortunate people with respect and kindness. I have never in my life heard of anybody who has met Doug and not liked him. He is truly a wonderful and generous man.

Of the many things that Doug taught me over the years the most valuable lesson I learned was how to treat others. I am sure that Doug has no idea how much he has influenced my life. I am truly grateful to have a friend like Doug. I will always appreciate everything he has done for me over the years.

Andrew

Doing the right thing

I have been doing the right thing for a few years now, however recently I have begun looking in other directions. I find it irresponsible to support anything without at least hearing what the opposition has to say. I have found that the right isn't always right. However the left is almost always wrong.

So to summarize; I feel like I have to choose one or the other so as not to waste a vote, etc... I will continue to choose the lesser of two evils.

I love my country, I love my freedom of choice, I love my freedom of religion, I love my job, I love my family, etc.....

I don't have much to complain about today. As I watch the economy crash all around me. As I hear story after story about people loosing their jobs and I see the direct effects on people that I know. I have to wonder if spending Trillions of dollars on war is worth it. I have to wonder if mortgaging my future-great-grand-children's future is worth it; we still don't have Bin-Laden's head. We are a country that aborts 1.7 Million Babies per year on average over the last 30 years. How can we spend unlimited resources that we do not even have chasing our tales around the Middle East? Are we over there because 2,752 people were killed in the World Trade Center attack? So far 4,274 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq. O.K. they volunteered. Worse than that is we have spent 661 Trillion Dollars on this war. This is money we do not have. Where does it come from?

I hope somebody in our whacked out new administration does something to stop the financial bleeding. Maybe when Hussien O'Bamo gets done apologizing to the rest of the world they will send a little $$ our way.

Mexican Border -- Written June 2006

This is a win win win situation. Solves three problems.Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border, use the dirt to raise the levies in New Orleans and put the Florida alligators into the moat. Any other problems you would like me to solve?

Yet another employer laying off hundreds..... -- Written June 2006

This time it is Johnson Controls downsizing and outsourcing, good job Mrs. Granholm. I realize you didn't create these problems, but please, please start fixing them. Engler didn't fix them, you aren't fixing them, so who's going to fix them??? I'll tell you who, Dick Devos, that's who. Go back to Canada with your socialist programs.

Hybrid Cars -- Written June 2006

Say a nice used Hybrid sells for around $8000. I paid just over $2000 for my nice used Escort. I could get around 65 MPG in the Hybrid, I currently get around 30. So potentially I could save almost $1400 per year in gas. It would take me over four years to make up the difference in initial cost. Then there is potential for high maintenance cost (replacing batteries).

The other option would be to buy a $500 motorcycle which would also get 65 MPG.......

What to do?


Andrew

Helmet law's in Michigan -- written June 2006

Here we go. In Michigan it has been law to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle for I think just over 30 years now. This week bikers finally got that law overturned. There were enough votes to pass the bill and the bill sits on Granholm's desk waiting for signature. Personally I would wear a helmet if I rode a bike. However, it should be my choice. Helmet laws, and seat belt laws are a violation of my personal freedom. Who gives a eff what I do in my car or on my bike??? Really, I wear a seat belt too, but that's not the point. Granholm may sign the bill, or more likely she'll Veto the bill because she doesn't agree with it. I'm sorry people, but we put Representatives in office to represent us. And if our bird looking Governor doesn't agree with our choices she can go back to Canada. Hell, she can wear a helmet and ride a motorcycle back home for all I care. I don't like Welfare, but most people do, so should I stop paying my taxes because I don't agree with welfare??

I must admit I haven't read the bill, and there may be some twisted wording or something in there causing Granholm's hesitation to sign..... I would be surprised it that was the case.


Andrew

Two income family's -- written June 2006

I am the problem. It seems to me that greed in America, myself included has caused the need for many family's to become two income family's. Now kids sit home alone with no supervision, or go to daycare and learn how to be "bad kids" from other "bad kids". In today's society it is no big surprise to learn about children killing people, or molesting other children, or just plain acting badly. Of course when these things happen we would all have to jump up and sue the video game company, or the movie producer, right??? Why not. It couldn't have to do with your parenting skills that the children you pass off day after day to satisfy your own greed are acting badly. What a concept, raise your children how you want them to behave.

Let's go back say 40 years to the 1960's. Almost no women worked. Men worked, Women stayed home. Children were have for the most part or they got beat by dad when he got home from work. If they got beat, the neighbors wouldn't call the cops. The children wouldn't divorce their own parents in some liberal courtroom. And you wouldn't see it on the news because most houses wouldn't have a television that they bought on a credit card at Best Buy.

I'm not saying Women shouldn't work. I'd love to see more stay at home Dad's. I don't think that is realistic for me personally because I'm not a good housekeeper, or baby watcher, or grocery shopper. But for many people a stay at home dad would be a wonderful situation. I work, my wife works, and we are fortunate to have two sister/sister-in-laws willing to watch our son. However it still isn't the way God intended, I'm sure of that.

We live in a gotta have it now, fast food fat, charge it today pay for it over the next ten years, society. We teach our kids that they don't have to wait for the things they want, they can have it now, now, now, at any cost. And we wonder why they misbehave. I'll tell you why, behavior is learned from reality T.V., Bart Simpson, Family Guy, South Park...... And the list goes on. I'm guilty, I like all of those shows. I find myself watching them with my one year old son, when I should be reading him a book. What the hell is wrong here? Luckily for me I have a loving wife willing to set me straight when necessary.

My advice for all of you. Next time your kid acts up, don't calmly ask them to behave, give them the back of your hand, that will surprise them. Rip the T.V.'s from your homes and throw them in the garbage. Invest in a library card, they're free!!!

I'm not going to do any of those things. But if you want to be the first to change this ass backwards society, be my guest.


Andrew

Free Golf -- written June 2006

I have been given a membership for free golf. It includes cart and I can bring anybody I want to. What more could you ask for? Suddenly I'm going from golfing once or twice per year to once or twice per week!!!


Andrew

Granholm Veto's the Helmet Bill -- written June 2006

Granholm Veto's the Helmet Bill Current mood: content Category: News and Politics
Just as I said she would in my previous blog Granholm did veto the Helmet Law Bill yesterday. Her stated reason, "insurance cost's would likely rise". Give me a break lady.

Seat belt laws generate cash -- written June 2006

I've heard this said and I tend to agree. Lawmakers aren't concerned for our safety. They make seat belt laws, and probably helmet laws too, simply to be able to ticket people and generate cash for the state. Why do hundreds of school buses cruise around full of children and no seat belts? That's why, there is no money in ticketing children....... Think about it.

Split speed laws are the same way. It has been proven over and over again that it is much safer to have cars and big trucks travel the same speed on highways. However if you limit the speed of big trucks to 55 the state generates tons of cash in speeding tickets. So Michigan being a bad state lets accidents happen, and people die, simply to generate income.

Think about it.


Andrew

Work or Play -- written March 2007

You have to do a good job at work and at home. Where is the balance? I can't seem to figure it out. I want to go to work and do a good job. I also want to be at home with my family. It is definately not easy to try and do both. Time at work is an investment now into my and my family's future. It's not all for nothing, it is going to pay off someday.

Military Personel -- Written July 2007

This blog goes to thank all Military Personnel. I am absolutely amazed by the number of Men and Women who are willing to go and serve. Certainly there will always be the disgusting few who come back trying to sue the Government for unhealthy or unsafe conditions. It happens, there are some ferry's and Nancy's out in this world. These are the people who's folks told them everything will be OK all the time. These are the people who's folks taught them to blame everything on somebody else. Anyway enough with that rant.
Aside from the poor, and the losers who are dumb enough to actually think they are going to get free college someday when they return, there are actually many, many more people who are just going willingly to serve their country. These men and women are Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, Sisters, Co-Workers, Friends, and family. People are giving up careers, leaving behind family and friends. This is absolutely amazing to me. I can't 100% say I think the war is a great idea. I can say I'm damn sure it is better to fight the stinky towel-heads in Iraq than over here.
Most of the people who are fighting for our freedoms over there are doing it simply because they feel the need to fulfill their call to service, just as their fathers, and likely grand fathers did. Don't make the mistake of thinking we already have our freedoms and they are over there fighting for Mr. Bush's oil fields. We do not keep our freedom without fighting for it! The stinky towel heads want to take it away! They hate our freedom! They hate our beautiful women and the fact that we proudly display them, like prizes! The hate our church, and our Jesus! The do not hate God, only Jesus! Hence all the warnings in the bible "Only through my son can you get to me." "They will persecute you." It is all spelled out in plain English (or Hebrew if you're highly educated) if you bother read it you will find most of this predicted in Prophecies.

With all of this said next time you see a soldier in uniform please take a moment and thank them for their service. They have given up everything to fight for our freedoms. If the stinky towel heads had their way they would take it all away. And they will continue to try until the rapture.

Our soldiers are doing God's work. They are honorable human beings willing to die for your freedom. Don't forget that, and please don't disrespect or disregard these people when you meet up with them on the street or in the grocery store!!

Grantland

I have a 3 year old son named Grantland. He is the most perfect little boy ever. Grantland is ridiculously smart for his age in certain areas. Grantland has some difficulty speaking clearly and expressing his thoughts. I really hate when I can't see him everyday. It really makes me wonder how some parents do not see there kids.

Grant and I play "marbles" almost everyday when I get home from work. It is a homemade version of the game Trouble. You roll a dice and move one of your four marbles around the board until you get all of your pieces back home. Grant beats me most of the time.

Grant also is a wizard on a laptop. He plays a few different games and he really likes www.youtube.com. He plays Zuma and Bejeweled. He is really good at both. He also likes www.uptoten.com. If you have kids you must check out this website.

Grant is a very emotional little guy. If he sees somebody sad or crying he crys with them. It is really cool, even if a stranger is upset Grant gets upset too. He genuinly cares for other people's feelings. Grant even gets upset if we are reading a book and somebody is crying or sad in the book.

Grant loves books too. When he finds a favorite book he gets stuck on it for a long time. Currently it is a book called The Boy Who Wouldn't Share. Grant calls it the Edward book because the boy in the book is named Edward. Grant likes to go over every page in full detail. We look at every detail of every picture on every page. This happens at least twice a day.

Things I look forward to doing with Grant as he grows older:

1. Cabin -- I can't wait to get a cabin possibly with some quads and a fishing boat.
2. Fishing -- I can't wait to get a fishing boat for our future cabin.
3. RC Cars -- At our cabin I plan to build a huge track for RC cars.
4. Mountain Bikes -- Also at the cabin.
5. Church -- I can't wait until Grant has a real full understanding of Jesus Christ and how he died to save all of us.

That's all for now on Grantland. This short blog is as much for me to read in the future as it was to share my son with the rest of you.

Later,

Andrew

Indoor walking

This is hilarious watching Tennille and Libby doing some stupid indoor walking DVD, there fricken dancing all over the place, kicking, etc.... This is really funny drinking a beer and watching these two goof balls.

Tearing the Rabbit's head off

WTF

I had no idea that people actually ripped rabbits heads off. I thought these guys were kidding, but they were not. There was a small group of guys who caught a wild rabbit. The told me their plan to pull it's head from it's body, skin it, cook it, and then eat it. I thought OK these guys are kidding right. They were not. One really big guy grabbed the rabbit with a pair of gloves on in case of bites. He was ready to pull the head off but he wussed out. Another guy grabbed the rabbit with no gloves, he twisted the body around and round by holding the neck and swirling his arm around. Then he simply popped the head from the body. It was sickening and amazingly interesting at the same time.

The guy proceeded to skin the rabbit with his bare hands, pull the beating heart from it's body, at one point he almost ate the heart due to a dare along with a cash offer. Then they cleaned it up and took the meat home to cook and eat.

Weird but cool.

Nature I guess.

Later,

Obama

It scares me that people are more excited about Obama then Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour who died on a cross for all of our sins.

I have heard some scary things but this is really getting out of control.

See some news excerpts below:

Fainting has become common at Obama rallies And when Mr Obama eventually takes the platform to rhythmic chants of his mantra-like slogan, “Yes we can, yes we can!” fans swoon with euphoria.

Obama quote:

Favourites include the call: “We are the hope of the future. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Oprah:

When Oprah Winfrey endorsed Mr Obama in Iowa last month she proclaimed: “I believe he is The One.”

There is a very good chance that Obama is a good man. He may even be a great leader.

I just don't think America should be putting their trust in Obama.

The end.

Middle America

I can't figure it out. In Middle America you can work your butt off. You can make some money. You can have some nice things. Still it is not very easy to get ahead. Every time we start making some head way something else comes up. For us specifically it seems to be medical bills. I'm certain that most of America has better health insurance than I do. I'm certain that most family's on welfare and food stamps eat better than I do. I'm certain that if I chose not to work, chose to put my family in some crap slum apartment, chose to accept welfare rather than work, I would probably be further ahead in regards to health care and medical bills.

I can't blame America for my problems. However I can complain about my tax dollars going to help the lazy in America.

Please don't kill me with complaint's about my commentary. I have nothing against people deserving of welfare. I don't however think everybody on Welfare is deserving of it. I also don't think the government does enough to motivate people to get off Welfare.

The fact of the matter is many hard working Americans are struggling to make it. They don't have good insurance. They get buried in medical bills. They get sucked into credit card debt (this is their own fault). This is not to mention car payments, ever rising utility bills, the rising cost of food prices, and the never ending roller coaster of gas prices.

This is my message to all of you stuck in the middle like me. The rich must get richer. And the poor must get poorer in order for this to happen. A divided nation will fall. It says this right in the Bible. Our nation will fall sooner or later. God will take away our riches if we do not use them responsibly. Take time to consider somebody less fortunate than you are this week. If you are stuck in the middle you must go up or down. There is no middle. Take time to consider what the bible has to say about work ethic. See below:

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Proverbs 6:9-11

He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame. Proverbs 10:4-5

My point in all of this is you better get off your rear ends and learn to kill something and drag it home. Then you better take some of what you have earned and use it to help others. You better stop whining about how bad you have it and pay attention to the rest of the world. It is time for America to wake up. The lazy will not survive the fall. Those who have now, but have never considered the less fortunate will not survive the fall. Those who have worked hard and have helped others along the way will be redeemed.

I am not kidding about this stuff.

Good day!

Uncle Joe

I have an Uncle Joe. Uncle Joe has figured it out. Uncle Joe doesn't get stressed out about things, or maybe he does but it sure doesn't seem like it. Uncle Joe is always helping others. Uncle Joe truly enjoys a wonderful family. Uncle Joe can fish, hunt, build things, fix things, etc.... He can do all this with or without beers. Uncle Joe used to smoke, but now he doesn't. Uncle Joe trusts in Jesus.

I have always liked Uncle Joe. When I was a child and didn't get along with my parent's so well Uncle Joe was one of very few who understood me. He even took me up to the cabin for a weekend to get away. That was great. He also welcomed me into his home and up to Lincoln Lake to stay with his family for whole summers at a time. I didn't understand it then but I'm sure now this was an inconvenience for all of them.

If you ever run into my Uncle Joe all you need to say is "Beer Me" and you'll have a cold one in your hand quickly. If you ever want somebody to give you solid advice or just have a buddy to join you on the hunt or fishing trip, he's your guy.

Uncle Joe gives everything he has for his family. He is the least selfish most dedicated father and husband I have ever met.

So next time you are having a cold one, please raise your glass to my Uncle Joe.

Cheers Uncle Joe!

Houston, TX

Recently I have visited Houston, TX. What a different world from Grand Rapids, MI. Houston is absolutely enormous. It is like a whole bunch of smaller cities surrounding one huge city. I decided to stay right downtown nearby Main Street. I was there for training and to visit vendors so Downtown Houston was nicely centrally located.

Where to begin.... The weather was great. It was mid 70's and sunny with a warm breeze. The people were warm and welcoming also. The majority of the people were helpful and friendly.

The Flying Saucer: On Wednesday night I stopped into a bar/restaurant called The Flying Saucer. Immediately I knew I would like the place for two reasons. 1. There was a handwritten sign at the entrance stating "Sit any damn place you want". 2. The waitresses were required to wear tiny school girl skirts. I sat down at a long bar in the balcony overlooking the entire scene of people enjoying food and spirits. One thing I found very interesting and like able was the seating included tables, numerous bars, couches, and easy chairs. There was room for anybody and everybody to be comfortable. Next when I attempted to order a Shocktop beer my waitress kindly suggested I grow up and drink a "good" beer. She suggested a German import called Spaten Franziskaner Hefe. So I tried it and it was the best beer I've ever had. I actually love this beer now. I liked the place so much I decided to stay for supper. I ordered some Chicken Wings to get started and they were Excellent! Next I ordered some smoked Gouda and Black Pepper Salami, this came with some good crackers and peppered sauerkraut. Again this food was Excellent! I would strongly recommend anybody traveling to a city with a Flying Saucer give it a try. http://www.beerknurd.com/

Angelo's: On Thursday night on my walk back to the hotel from another evening at the Flying Saucer I met a fellow having a drink outside of Angelo's. Angelo's is an Italian Pizzeria with 85 beers on tap. They have live blues on the weekends. The people in Angelo's are real. You can sit with the Operations manager and have a drink along with a good conversation. I don't know how it happened exactly but several shots and two beers later it was after 2:00 AM. I had an early Friday AM appointment so I stumbled back to my hotel.

Club Quarters: Speaking of the hotel, this place was awful. I hated it there. It was designed as a private club with snooty waiters and Valet parking. I'm not sure why it was so cheap on Travelocity.com. The first day I was there I discovered a used bloody bandage stuck to the floor in my bathroom. I kindly asked the desk clerk to have it cleaned up before I returned, this gave him approximately 8 hours to complete the task. I returned and it was not cleaned up. My room had been cleaned but the bandage was still there. Disgusting. I had to go back to the front desk and more persistently ask that this be taken care of or that they move me to a different room. Also the wireless Internet was ridiculously slow. I couldn't work efficiently because there was about a 10 second delay. I had to actually crawl under a desk to plug my computer into a hardwired connection. I asked the waiter at the in-hotel restaurant how long it would take to get one egg over easy with some white toast. He looked at me and said in a bitchy tone " I don't know, I guess as long as it takes to cook it". Eff you waiter. Eff you Club Quarters with your bloody bandages and slow Internet. Eff you $18 valet parking.

The Taste of Texas: On Friday evening I met with a vendor at a local steak house called The Taste of Texas. Absolutely amazing! This was the steakhouse of my dreams. We had Quail for an appetizer, it was marinated and stuffed with Jalapenos. This also was served with a side of Jalapeno Poppers, but not like the kind frozen in your local grocery store. The poppers were also amazing. I ordered a hand-picked New York Strip. By hand picked I mean you actually get to pick it from the butcher. Before getting to the steak we hit the salad bar, yes with a $40.00 steak you get a trip to the salad bar. Amazing, they had every lettuce and topping you could imagine. They also had about 8 kinds of dressing -- I chose something cactus, it was good. Next the cheese, on the salad bar they had these huge blocks of cheese. They had pie servers to cut a hunk of cheese off. Then the bread, many different kinds of warm homemade bread -- I chose Jalapeno Cheese Bread. We ate our salads and the wonderful bread. Our server intentionally had our steaks prepared just in time to serve them as we completed our salads. The steaks were served sizzling on a hot plate covered with sizzling butter. Unbelievable, the whole place was an absolutely perfect experience.

Homeless People: I "helped" or "enabled" depending on how you view the homeless community several of these people while staying downtown Houston. One fellow claimed to work at Exxon Mobile, he was wearing an Exxon uniform and he had an ID badge. He claimed he was short for the bus ride home. True or not I decided wasn't my problem. I handed him enough cash for many bus rides and off he went. One day while walking back to the hotel with leftover chicken wings I noticed a homeless man sitting out of the way trying to watch TV through a tavern window. He wasn't begging, he wasn't belligerent, he just looked lost. I asked him if he needed some chicken wings. He quickly stopped muttering to himself and agreed that would be a fine idea. I explained that I had not touched the wings only moved them from a plate to the container with a clean fork. Off I went. Something about this guy seemed very real and very sad. He just seemed broken and lonely. After visiting The Taste of Texas on Friday I walked around downtown for a long time before finding the same homeless guy. I gave him 3/4 of a New York Strip. It was probably the best steak I had ever eaten, but I really wanted this guy to enjoy life even if only for a few minutes. When you hear about homeless people you think of them as rude, dirty, stinky, etc... I can tell you this guy did not rip open the box and start eating like a wild animal. This guy wanted to know where I was from. He wanted to talk about U of M football, etc... The guy was just lonely, hungry, and tired. I wished him well and off I went. I will keep this guy in my prayers.

Airport: The airport was huge, giant, enormous, huge. It was an adventure in itself eating a burger at Chile's and watching people bustle to and fro.

Summary: If you haven't been to Houston you should go. The weather was great, the food was great, and the people were nice.

Later,