Miles Brothers Corp

BLOGGER stands for

2012-01-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

As an acronym, have you ever wondered what BLOGGER stands for? Here is one possibility:
Be Yourself
Looking Good
Oxymoronical
Good Times
Global Network
Extra Ordinary
Road Scholars
What do you think BLOGGER means?

Back Seat Driver

2012-01-24T04:54:00.000-08:00

In the grocery store parking lot the other day, I noticed a family of dogs out shopping. They must have been low on dog food.

Google Shutting Down Picnik

2012-01-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

Early on this Sunday morn, I sit down to my computer only to learn that Google is shutting down Picnik.com on April 19, 2012. Thanks for the heads-up warning but it is still devastating news. Reading some online comments, I think a google of users wish that Google would kindly reconsider shutting down this great website. Picnik is such a wonderful stand-alone website for working with pictures. I hope April 19, 2012 never comes. Google have mercy.

Our Internet Cafe

2012-01-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

We have our internet access in the dining room where a second new computer was recently added to our older one. Now it feels like our very own little Internet Cafe. Above the dining room table hangs this fixture (shown above). It's always nice to have a dimmer switch to control your lights. I wonder if dimmer switches will work with those new compact fluorescent lights (mandated by our government)?

Snowflake Of The Week

2012-01-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

Yard Art

2012-01-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! We finally got some snow in Fargo. I shovelled our whole driveway and put it all in one spot. It was that nice sticky snow. There were already a few snowmen in the area. So, I made a nice little pile and put a rock on top. We thought it kind of looked like a DQ ice cream sunday. Now we call it a Donkervoort, especially since I added a string of cream-colored rope lights going around the whole thing. We hope to have more Donkervoorts if we get more good snow.

Caption Contest

2011-12-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

It is time once again for a caption contest! Leave a comment with your caption idea(s). Everyone is a winner! The deadline for this caption contest: The End of Time.

Santa Sighting

2011-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

While driving in Minnesota to our Christmas Eve destination, we not only saw Santa, but followed him, and took a picture of the elusive gifter. He was driving a car with Minnesota plates, which looked to be fully loaded. He was not speeding, swerving, or distracted. That's all from here. Back to you, Dick!

Snowflake Of The Week

2011-12-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Count Indian

2011-12-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

How to speak 1-10 in Dakota Sioux:
1. Wanzi
2. Nonpa
3. Yamni
4. Topa
5. Zaptan
6. Sakpe
7. Sakowin
8. Sahdogan
9. Napcinwanka
10. Wikcemna

Snowflake Of The Week

2011-12-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

OrnaMental

2011-12-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

A rare self-portrait of Uncle Johnnny in this ornamental Christmas ornament. These types of pictures always remind me of MCEscher holding a mirror ball.

Believe In Ghosts

2011-12-23T08:19:00.001-08:00

The $1.5M Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Or you could buy 75 Hondas.

Snowflake Of The Week

2011-12-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

The perfect Christmas tree?
All Christmas trees are perfect!
~Charles N. Barnard

Unfortunately, this quote was only talking about "real" Christmas trees. Artificial trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is one of the most environmentally unfriendly forms of non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic. Several known carcinogens are generated during the production of PVC. "Fake" trees contain lead and other additives designed to make the otherwise rigid PVC more pliable. Many of these additives have been linked to liver, kidney, neurological and reproductive system damage in lab animal studies. Fake trees shed lead-laced dust, which covers branches or showers gifts and the floor below the tree. In toxic fake tree homes, avoid inhaling any dust from these lead-laced PVC death factories, which must then be stored in the toxic home yearound. Merry Christmas.

Island of Presents

2011-12-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

Snowflake Of The Week

2011-12-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

Explosive Design

2011-12-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is a Dutch architect's design for a possible pair of buildings in South Korea. How could anyone find anything controversial about this look? It certainly is a conversation starter. However, most conversations would probably end up thumbs down on this one. Sorry. Back to the drawing board. How about a building shaped like a mushroom cloud?

Andy Rooney

2011-11-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

Andy Rooney recently died at the age of 92. This self-admitted liberal biased news reporter commented about a wide variety of issues at the end of the CBS 60 Minutes show. He tackled everything from the Washington Redskins name to Kurt Cobain's suicide.

Here are a few quotes from Andy Rooney:

I don't like food that's too carefully arranged; it makes me think that the chef is spending too much time arranging and not enough time cooking. If I wanted a picture I'd buy a painting.

If dogs could talk it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

Nothing in fine print is ever good news.

The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

We're all proud of making little mistakes. It gives us the feeling we don't make any big ones.

Survival Tip Of The Week

2011-11-15T04:46:00.000-08:00

This week, our survival tip is: How to Snare a Rabbit. This is probably something we all learned in Survival Skool, but it never hurts to review. The notched trigger in the lower left is shown close up in the lower right circle. Once you catch a rabbit, you'll need to know how to cook it (our next survival tip). If cooked properly, rabbit tastes like chicken.

Pink Unicorn

2011-10-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

If you need a fresh new idea of what to dress as for Halloween, consider going as a dog that is dressed as a pink unicorn. This look is fashionably smart and irresistibly adorable. Don't be surprised if you receive doggie treats while trick or treating.

Best Band Ever

2011-10-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

The Miles Brothers Corp just came out with its Best Band Ever list. The only band on this list is: The Beatles. Thank goodness they came along when they did, or the music of the world would have taken a much different (and less interesting) path. What these four men did for the world in terms of music (and much more) is tantamount to what Einstein did for the world in physics (and much more). Congratulations to The Beatles for being named the Miles Brothers Corp Best Band Ever. That's all from here. Back to you, Dick!

Town Of The Week

2011-10-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

The Miles Brothers Corp Town-of-the-Week is: Nimrod, Minnesota. Neatly nestled into the trees and lakes of north-central Minnesota is the town of: Nimrod. All other towns in the area measure themselves in terms of how many miles they are from: Nimrod. If you are looking to escape the mundane, consider: Nimrod. If electic is your style: Nimrod. Remember, all roads lead to: Nimrod. Once you're there, you won't want to leave.

Moss Covered Roof

2011-10-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

While staying in the Nisswa, Minnesota area, we noticed some moss build-up on the roof of our condo. On a 1-10 moss scale, this roof was about a 9. There were even small oak trees growing out of the roof moss (which can't be too good for the shingles). The overall look reminded us of a Hobbit house in Lord Of The Rings.

Waterfall

2011-09-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Autumn Haiku
Night and day same length
Summer sun has lost some strength
Good time to sand deck.

Obama Economy Doing Great

2011-09-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Flying in the face of conventional wisdom, the Obama Administration has shown that a country can actually tax itself back into prosperity. Through a sustained effort to add layers and layers of new regulations and taxes, unfettered government spending can create jobs and lead back to a robust economy. By not resting until the problem was fixed, President Obama has single-handedly demonstrated that you can "push a rope". Since this tax-and-spend approach has worked so well, hopefully congressional members will support his plan to do more of the same (and as quickly as possible).

Route Out

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

You know it's going to be a bad day when you wake up and turn on the television only to see all the emergency evacuation routes out of your city.

Prince Charles Speaks Out

2011-09-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Prince Charles speaks out to save the human race.

Best Car Ever

2011-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Miles Brothers Corp just came out with its Best Car Ever list. The only car on the list is the: 1989 Honda Civic Hatchback. At 22 years old, it just easily completed a 900-mile trip with 42 miles per gallon. It also survived baseball sized hail without much more than 4 small dents. Honda should have stopped with this model. It is hard to improve upon perfection.

What Would Ralph Say?

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

After traveling to INDIANapolis of all places to meet with NCAA Political Correctness officials, The Fighting Sioux nickname and logo have apparently finally met their match. Being deemed too "hostile and abusive" by the NCAA, the University of North Dakota could supposedly cause serious harm to itself by retaining The Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. What would Ralph say about this? What would Ralph do about this? Couldn't it be argued that UND would be causing serious harm to itself if it caves to this political correctness? It seems the NCAA is the organization being hostile and abusive. Perhaps UND should change its name to the Hostile Abusives. If that's too soft, how about the Middle Fingers? Didn't Ralph say that if the NCAA ever banned the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, The Ralph Engelstad Hockey Arena should be taken down brick by brick?

Look-A-Likes

2011-07-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have long thought that Timothy Geithner and Martin Short looked a lot alike.

Presidential Advice

2011-07-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Would you rather have a big slice of a small apple, or a small slice of a big apple? If government truly wants to increase its revenue, it should go with lower tax rates in a robust economy. Lowering tax rates increases revenue. Unfortunately, President Obama does not understand this. He is either misinformed, misguided, or mistaken.

"President Obama on Friday (July 15) kept up the pressure on Republicans to agree to revenue increases in a deal to raise the debt ceiling, claiming 80 percent of the public supports Democrats' demand for tax increases. Throughout the press conference, Obama blasted Republicans for ignoring what he said is the will of the American people by rejecting tax increases that would balance out spending cuts in a debt package." Link

It is too bad President Obama doesn't look to President Reagan or President Kennedy for prudent advice on this matter.

In a speech to the Economic Club of New York delivered on December 14, 1962, President Kennedy wisely advised:

"In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now. The experience of a number of European countries and Japan have borne this out. This country's own experience with tax reduction in 1954 has borne this out. And the reason is that only full employment can balance the budget, and tax reduction can pave the way to that employment. The purpose of cutting taxes now is not to incur a budget deficit, but to achieve the more prosperous, expanding economy which can bring a budget surplus.

I repeat: our practical choice is not between a tax-cut deficit and a budgetary surplus. It is between two kinds of deficits: a chronic deficit of inertia, as the unwanted result of inadequate revenues and a restricted economy, or a temporary deficit of transition, resulting from a tax cut designed to boost the economy, increase tax revenues, and achieve, I believe — and I believe this can be done — a budget surplus. The first type of deficit is a sign of waste and weakness; the second reflects an investment in the future."

Cheater Of The Year

2011-07-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

Dr. Beverly L. Hall was named Superintendent of the Year back in 2009. She had dramatically improved standardized test scores in her Georgia school district. Maybe it was too good to be true. Maybe this superintendent wasn't so super after all. Apparently there's been a lot of cheating going on in Georgia. Teachers and principals worked hard in a large group effort to correct wrong answers on student tests. It's too bad they put so much effort into cheating rather than teaching. The best advice for Dr. Beverly L. Hall would be to: confess while crying, ask for forgiveness, and then play the race card.

Link: Cheating

Blue Angels in Fargo

2011-07-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Blue Angels are coming back to Fargo, North Dakota in August 2011. The dates are Saturday August 13th and Sunday the 14th. Of course, they will be flying around town during the pre-show days. Link: fargoairsho.com

Most Inane

2011-07-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Word of the Week is: inane, meaning very stupid. Our Phrase of the Week is: most inane, meaning extremely stupid. All of the letters in "Most Inane" can be rearranged to spell "Minnesota". For the entire state of Minnesota to close all of its state parks just before the 4th of July weekend is: most inane. For all the wayside rests in Minnesota to be closed on such a heavily travelled weekend: most inane.
MINNESOTA
MOST INANE

Live Wire

2011-06-28T19:12:00.001-07:00

I make a motion that Mountain Dew Live Wire is the unofficial official soda pop refreshment drink beverage of the Miles Brothers Corp. Do we have a second?

Consumer Warnings

2011-06-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Obama Food and Drug Administration recently introduced new graphic cigarette warning labels. These new warnings, which seek to depict the negative health impact of cigarettes, will be required to cover at least 50 percent of every pack of cigarettes sold in the United States by mid-2013. Why not take that idea one step further and require all Happy Meals at McDonalds to clearly display pictures of extremely fat children, to depict the negative health impact of obesity?

Along the same vein, why not have pictures of soup lines at voting booths to depict the negative impact of voting for Democrats?

Bonfire Maintenance

2011-06-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

What is the best way to stoke a fire? If you want to keep a fire going or even build it up, would you throw gasoline on it, sprinkle it with water, or stack a few big logs at its base? Gasoline is a quick fix and does not last long. Water dampens the fire and threatens its existence. A few well-placed dry logs will keep a fire going for future good times. Why then, does the Obama Administration keep trying to stoke the economy by dampening it with more and more taxes and regulations?

Wall Flower

2011-06-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Summer Haiku:
Longest days of year
Summer solstice happening
Starting to shorten

Quake Wave

2011-06-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning became a bad day
How bad, nobody could say
Massive problems needing massive solutions
Still require global contributions

Love Children

2011-05-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

How many love children does Arnold have? How often in the past few decades has the Sperminator sown his wild oats? If we can gradually get a handle on the numbers involved with Arnoldgate, we might then be able to estimate how many little Arnolds and Arnoldas we can expect to see in the future. The Kindergarten Cop might have to keep his whistle (and checkbook) handy, for things of this nature, and so on and so forth.

Politically Correct

2011-05-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

It is no longer politically correct to say MASTER Bedroom. This vestige from our past drudges up ownershipage of one, by another. Tis also now no longer politically correct to refer to a pet, as a PET. Pets find this term subserviently demeaning. Master Bedroom is now: Main Bedroom, or Bedroom #1. Pets are now called: Non-Human Beings, Animal Companions (or just Companimals).

Las Vegas 1895

2011-05-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

What a difference 116 years can make. This is a photo of Las Vegas in 1895. We don't know the name of the gentleman, but quite sure the dog's name is Blackjack.

May Snow

2011-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

On this first day of May we woke up to snow. Our shovels had already drifted up into the attic. Our push-mower was almost ready to be pushed. The robins were doing their thing. Asparagus was sending up second-year spear clusters. Some late-fall spinach was almost ready for a spring harvest. But this morning, old man winter returned for a cold and windy encore performance. I am not applauding, nor do I plan on getting down any shovels for the obligatory clearing. Fortunately, we covered our plants with pails and top-rocks after hearing the bleak forecast. Luckily, our snow is measured in inches rather than feet (as the western part of our state was dealing with blizzard conditions).

Tell A Vision

2011-04-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Motorola, leader in television, shows how TV can mean better behavior at home and better marks in school.

Top Right caption: Gets homework done - promptly! The simple rule "Homework first - television second" has solved the problem in thousands of homes . . . has made children more interested in school work. "Television" says the New York Times "can be enjoyed in healthy moderation in the same way as sports or movie-going, but only the mother and father can make certain this will be the case.

Bottom Right caption: Will television strengthen family ties? Educators, religious and social workers all agree it can be one of the strongest forces in America for bringing the family together to enjoy good, clean entertainment right in the home. Parents can select their children's "TV diet" from a wide variety of wholesome programs.

Bottom Left caption: Home, sweet TV home! Peace! Quiet! No more "rainy day riots" . . . with television keeping small fry out of mischief . . . and out of mother's hair. And that's just one of many TV blessings. "Taking away television from children who 'act up' is a punishment that really works" writes an authority on child psychology. "The very thought of missing some pet program turns little lions into lambs. And, incidentally, those favorite programs in the late afternoon are the world's finest magnet for getting tardy youngsters home on time."

Taxation With Representation

2011-04-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

If Thomas Jefferson thought taxation without representation was bad, he should see how it is with representation. --Rush Limbaugh

Our forefathers made one mistake. What they should have fought for was representation without taxation. --Fletcher Knebel

Here is an updated current listing of any and all countries that have ever taxed themselves into prosperity:

Face Book

2011-04-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently President Obama is such a fast reader that he can read a book as it passes by his head. This book must have been a funny one by looking at his face book expression. One wonders what it must be like to be his brain when our Commander-In-Chief walks through the Library Of Congress. If only he could teach us all how to absorb knowledge as quickly as he can.

Zen Proverbs

2011-04-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Zen Proverbs

10: If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

9: So little time, so little to do.

8: Possessing much knowledge is like having a thousand foot fishing line with a hook, but the fish is always an inch beyond the hook.

7: The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

6: If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.

5: When you get to the top of the mountain, keep climbing.

4: Zen is not some kind of excitement, but merely concentration on our usual everyday routine.

3: To set up what you like against what you do not like - this is the disease of the mind.

2: Nothing is exactly as it seems, nor is it otherwise.

1: Even a good thing is not as good as nothing.

Gypsy Proverbs

2011-04-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Gypsy Proverbs

10: There are such things as false truths and honest lies.

9: One mad man makes many madmen; many madmen make madness.

8: In the hour of your greatest success are sown the seeds of your own destruction.

7: The winter will ask what we did all summer.

6: Burn your enemies caravan and you burn your future.

5: The dog that digs deepest finds the bones.

4: You can count the apples on a tree but you can't count the trees from one apple.

3: It is better to be the head of a mouse, than the tail of a lion.

2: Stay where there are songs.

1: It is easier to milk a cow that stands still.

Norwegian Proverbs

2011-03-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Norwegian Proverbs:

10: Do not sell the hide until you have shot the bear.

9: A small grass tuft can topple a big cart load.

8: Carve your good words in stone, the bad in snow.

7: Behind the clouds, the sky is always blue.

6: No one can help someone who will not help themselves.

5: There is hope as long as your fishing line is in the water.

4: Do not report the weather while standing in a garage.

3: An empty head gets the easiest sleep.

2: No such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

1: More cooks make a bigger mess.

Saving Daylight Time

2011-03-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you walked into church an hour late this morning, it's probably because you forgot to change your clocks to Daylight Saving Time. This much used and often debated practice moves one sunlit hour from mornings to evenings. It supposedly does not affect plants and the non-human members of the animal kingdom. Curiously, it also does not affect Hawaii and Arizona. Apparently the country of Iceland liked it so much, they switched to Daylight Saving Time for the entire year. Whatever the original intent was, the main thing Daylight Saving Time creates is: Confusion. If one hour is good, why not "spring forward" two hours? Why even have clocks anymore? Hasn't time become obsolete? Maybe our governments should also round the value of Pi down to 3.000 so it's easier to work with. While they're at it, government should set a lower speed limit for the speed of light.

Unique Flake

2011-03-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

We all know that no two snowflakes are identical. It is almost certain that no two presidents are the same. One could easily argue that no two blog posts are twins. So, when all three of these parameters come together into one creation (see snowflake above), it is truly a unique experience.

Hidden Badgers

2011-02-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

Those ever-clever Wisconsin badger state senators off hiding in Chicago. If they don't like the way the game is being played, all 14 democrat state senators sneak off into a series of secret tunnels in Illinois. Badgers do, in fact, burrow underground, living in clans of 2-15. They are known for being very fierce and they will protect themselves and their cubs at all costs. Their jaws are designed to maintain their hold with the utmost tenacity. Unfortunately, being elected to the Wisconsin legislative body means you need to show up for work at the capitol in Madison, Wisconsin and do your job by being present. What if fire fighters couldn't stand the heat and decided to leave their post and head to Illinois?

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said it best: "Out of respect for the institution of the Legislature and the democratic process, I am calling on Senate Democrats to show up to work today, debate legislation and cast their vote. Their actions by leaving the state and hiding from voting are disrespectful to the hundreds of thousands of public employees who showed up to work today and the millions of taxpayers they represent."

The 14 democrat badger senators hiding in a hole:
CARPENTER, TIM - Sen.Carpenter@legis.wisconsin.gov
COGGS, SPENCER - Sen.Coggs@legis.wisconsin.gov
CULLEN, TIMOTHY - Sen.Cullen@legis.wisconsin.gov
ERPENBACH, JON - Sen.Erpenbach@legis.wisconsin.gov
HANSEN, DAVE - Sen.Hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov
HOLPERIN, JIM - Sen.Holperin@legis.wisconsin.gov
JAUCH, ROBERT - Sen.Jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov
LARSON, CHRIS - Sen.Larson@legis.wisconsin.gov
LASSA, JULIE - Sen.Lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov
MILLER, MARK - Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov
RISSER, FRED - Sen.Risser@legis.wisconsin.gov
TAYLOR, LENA - Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov
VINEHOUT, KATHLEEN - Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov
WIRCH, ROBERT - Sen.Wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov

President Reagan

2011-02-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

President Ronald Reagan
Date of Birth: February 6, 1911
Happy Birthday, Mr. President.

Some quotations from President Ronald Reagan:

Before I refuse to take your questions, I have an opening statement. * Thomas Jefferson once said, 'We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.' And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying. * How can a president not be an actor? * Politics is just like show business. You have a hell of an opening, coast for a while, and then have a hell of a close. * Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book. * I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting. * I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon.

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' * I don't believe in a government that protects us from ourselves. * The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. * The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much. * We should measure welfare's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added. * Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence. * Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them. * Today, if you invent a better mousetrap, the government comes along with a better mouse. * Governments tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them. * No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. * Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! * Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty. * How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin. * Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong. * Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. * When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat. * To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last--but eat you he will. * Don't be afraid to see what you see. * Trust, but verify. * Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer. * I have wondered at times what the 10 Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress. * I've never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a 'fat cat' and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a 'public-spirited philanthropist'. * Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15. * We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. * Going to college offered me the chance to play football for four more years. * Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.

President Ronald Reagan
Date of Death: June 5, 2004

On The Lamb

2011-01-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone.
Y2010 gave birth to Y2011.
Hopefully the new year will be gentle as a lamb.
Hopefully it won't be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
In either case, the new year is upon us.

Shock And Awesome

2011-01-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

President Obama recently signed a law repealing the ban on gay men and women openly serving in the military. He told a crowd: "This is a good day. This is a very good day." Military officials and gay rights groups warn gay troops not to "come out" yet since the law won't be effective until 60 days after its certification. An excited Barney Frank is ostensibly in charge of deciding upon their new uniforms. The word is they're leaning toward a stylish and attractive look best described as "Shock & Awesome". There's also talk of a possible new "Barney Frank" award, to be given to the most fashionably dressed troops, which would be awarded at the Shock & Awesome Gala Event. Regarding further details about these new developments, don't ask, and don't tell.

Pair Of Blizzards

2010-12-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Just for the record: On this day in Fargo (North Dakota), we got hit by a Blizzard #1. Fargo made the national news for the 100-car (and truck) pile-up, on east-bound I-94, just west of West Fargo. The most oft-heard phrase on the radio call-ins: White Out. Tomorrow is to bring (stronger) Blizzard #2 blowing in, in the wake of (nasty) Blizzard #1. What a way to end Y-2010. Maybe we'all should pray for some Global Warming.

Decemberry

2010-12-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

Joseph & Mary Christmas

Super Hero Convention

2010-12-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Super Hero Convention will be held in (where else) Cape Town (again). Cape Town, South Africa will once again play host to the Super Hero International Team. Super Heros will be flying in from all over the world. SuperMan and WonderWoman will host the event, while The BatMan and Robin will be general event co-coordinators. Formal attire is being requested by The Hulk. Don't forget to put this on your calendar! The date is: 2011. The place is: Cape Town!

Person Of The Week

2010-12-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Miles Brothers Corp person-of-the-week:
Judge Henry E. Hudson
First judge to rule against the healthcare law passed during the Obamadministration.
Washington Post
Wikipedia

Lame Duck Congress

2010-12-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

LAME DUCK
LED AMUCK
MUCK DEAL
Fiscal Year 2011 Omnibus Pork Bill

Collapsible Roof

2010-12-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

The much anticipated showdown between the Minnesoda Vikings and NYGiants which was originally scheduled for Sunday noon, then Monday night, is most likely: "On Hold". Metrodome officials confirm the roof collapsed in the wake of a "major" winter storm to hit the region. Some locals describe the Home of the Vikings as looking like "a large bowl of sugar". (Maybe the Sugar Bowl can be played here?) Because of the blizzard, the NYGiants ended up "visiting" the Kansas City Chiefs for the evening. Perhaps the Vikings' new stadium should not opt for a "collapsible roof". If roof workers can simply remove the damaged roof, the Vikings/Giants match-up could be played as an old-fashioned outdoor game. Just remember to bring a "flask of hot cocoa".

American Hero

2010-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Miles Brothers Corp person-of-the-week:
Luke Scott

Monkey Wisdom

2010-12-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

It seems The Government is trying to incorporate some famous monkey maxims into its ruling guidelines.

See No Evil has been modified into: Don't Look, Don't Read (regarding the WikiLeaks documents).

Hear No Evil has become: Don't Ask, Don't Tell (dealing with military homosexuality).

Speak No Evil has been reverse-morphed into: If You See Something, Say Something (coming soon to a Wal-Mart near you).

Show Of Strength

2010-12-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

One of the oldest strength competitions in the world is the Tug-Of-War. It is often used these daze as a metaphor phor a battle between two opposing groups of people. As a serious sporting event, it has probably been around since the invention of rope. This 1888 Harvard Tug-O-War team is shown practicing their art, which was actually an Olympic event back in the early 1900's. Most male tug-o-warriors do admit that the main reason for engaging in this archaic activity is to woo women.

Read It Yourself

2010-11-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

President Obama is quite good at reading his speeches off of his teleprompters. The way he smoothly looks back and forth from teleprompter to teleprompter can be quite mesmerizing. Idea: Why not free him up to do more important things (like play basketball) and let us read the speeches directly? Simply turn the cameras to the teleprompter and let it roll. If you would like to practice, go to cueprompter.com. Here you can copy and paste any script that you want to read off of a real teleprompter, and then simply press START PROMPTER! You will have the option of white text with black background or black text with white background. There are variable speed settings from 1-9. You can also control the size of the text, and have normal text or reverse image. Now you can read presidential speeches off of a teleprompter just like a real president!

Discovery Problems Discovered

2010-11-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

The NASA space shuttle Discovery sits upon its launch pad waiting for countdown to begin. Unfortunately, Discovery is currently powered down due to problems discovered involving the external fuel tanks. Discovery is suffering from external tank bracket crackage. The earliest possible date for blast-off is December 17, but more engineering evaluations, tests, and repairs are needed. Some casual observers are also commenting that the shuttle seems to be leaning a bit to the left (possibly to reflect the inclinations of the Obama administration).

Time Clock

2010-11-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

The clock thought now what rhymes with time,
At the top of the hour it began to chime,
Time was pondering what rhymes with clock,
As seconds went by tick tock tick tock.

Caption Contest

2010-11-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

It is time once again for another Caption Contest! Take a minute to comment a caption for this picture. Deadline for captions: 1 hour before the end of the world.

Contrary Contrail

2010-11-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

This was the sunset scene in southern California this last Monday. Does this look like the vapor trail of an airplane to you, or perhaps does it more resemble a high-altitude rocket launch?

It gives me no comfort to hear that the Department of Defense either doesn't know what it was, or is playing it off as the vapor contrail of an aircraft taking off. If "they" supposedly don't know what it was, then how do they know that "there was no threat to the U.S. homeland"? The possible explanations given by "Defense Experts" are quite amusing. After saying that it is clearly an airplane contrail, they explain that it is just an optical illusion, that only appears like it is going "up". Whereas in reality, the airplane vapor trail is actually level, and traveling toward the camera. How stupid do "they" think "we" are? Everyone (in reality) that saw it said that it looked like a rocket launch. What do you think?

Coffee Break

2010-11-05T04:19:00.000-07:00

From Amsterdam to Zimbabwe, this ubiquitous drink has delivered the power of caffeine to the world since it was legalized. The business community has been fueled by coffee breaks, going back to the 1950s. Most would agree that the benefits of drinking coffee outweigh any negative side effects. On the positive side: more energy, decreased hunger, less tired, flushing of the skin (see picture). Possible negatives: anxiety, confusion, irritability, insomnia. One cup of coffee provides about 100 mg of caffeine, which allow me to create early morning blog posts such as this one.

Halloween Persona

2010-10-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Considering my Halloween costume options for this year, I first thought to be: Spider Man. But then started to go more with simply a: Spider. Let us shorten that further to just be a: Spy. Why not get down to basics and go as an: S. Perhaps drop the S and just be: Invisible Man. But since there are so many of those, I decided to go as who I really am: Spider Man.

Safety Is Priceless

2010-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

President Obama and his wife will be visiting Mumbai, India for two days after the mid-term elections. Mumbai (Bombay) is the second most populous city in the world, after Shanghai. To ensure a safe visit, all 570 rooms at the Taj Mahal Hotel have been reserved, along with all the banquet rooms and restaurants. Additionally, 125 rooms at the Taj President, and 80-90 rooms at each of the Grand Hyatt and The Oberoi have been reserved. Air Force One will be accompanied by two jumbo jets and a flock of security jets. There will be 45 cars in the Presidential Convoy. US naval ships will be patrolling at sea. His personal Presidential Chefs will be brought along to prepare their food. All this for a two day visit to India. What's the price tag going to be for this visit? Wouldn't it be a lot easier just to make a phone call?

Get It Done

2010-10-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it. --Gandhi

Moments In History

2010-10-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Featured in this "Moments In History" is Barney Frank (D-MA). Mr. Frank is one of the smartest and most powerful members of the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives. Recently asked about his support for Obamacare, he adroitly responded to the woman's question by cleverly answering a question with a question: "On what planet do you spend most of your time?" His ability to non-answer questions has served him well, while he's served the people of Massachusetts since 1981. In 1987, he made a surprise announcement that he was left-handed. In spite of this, he has been re-elected by wide margins ever since that personal disclosure. In this particular photograph, he is shown using his right hand, while calling Freddie Mac for a date.

Sky High

2010-09-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Space isn't remote at all.
It's only an hour's drive away
if your car could go straight upwards.
--Fred Hoyle

Coach Vikings

2010-09-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

After the Vikings lost to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 14-9 during their season opener, the Miles Brothers Corp had a chance to ask Coach Childress a few questions:

MBC: What was your strategery going into the game?

Coach: Our plan was taken from one of my favorite American thinkers, Stephen Wright: The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.

MBC: What did you tell the team at half time?

Coach: "I thought we hung in there in the first half and told the guys at halftime it was just about if you had to draw it up you would hold the ball for 17-minutes in the first half."**

MBC: Were there any major problems during the game that you're going to work on?

Coach: I was having some trouble with my headphones, trying to get them to fit my head properly, which really caused some problems during the game.

MBC: Do you think you will be going to the Super Bowl this year?

Coach: My wife is trying to get us tickets, but if we don't get any, we'll probably just watch the game in our basement.

** After the game, all of the Vikings players admitted that none of them understood anything that Coach Brad Childress was saying to them during half time. {read actual interview}

Best of the Worst

2010-09-05T05:59:00.001-07:00

Why is President Obama's general approval of 42% lower than the 45% who strongly disapprove? It's probably a combination of numerous reasons, all of which are getting stronger. It seems the more the economy struggles, the more Barry goes on vacation to golf. Perhaps people are getting tired of being ridiculed for simply questioning why all his personal records have been locked down. If you don't have anything to hide, why all the secrecy about your life's path to the Whitehouse? Perhaps a generally conservative nation is tired of a liberal administration trying to ram through an ultra-liberal agenda, and it always must be done as quickly as possible. Perhaps it comes down to a simple matter of trust and respect.

Never Too Late

2010-08-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

It is never too late to become what you might have been.
--George Eliot

Accident Prevention

2010-07-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

One of the Miles Brothers Corp special abilities is to see accidents before they happen. This comes from years of practice, practical experience, seminars, discussion groups, and intuition. If you can see an accident waiting to happen, you have the power to prevent it. Nip it in the bud before it blooms into an actual "situation". In this picture of Idaho's Balancing Rock, can you see an accident waiting to happen?

Cool Pool

2010-07-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

This was the scene on a hot day at a pool in southern China. How would you like to be the lifeguard on duty for this swimming pool? I would implement the Buddy System and use it often.

Solemnly Sworn

2010-06-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Twin Powers

2010-06-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

We may never completely understand lightning except to be able to define it as massive high-voltage electrical discharges similar to the low-voltage electrical activity that occurs in our brains when trying to think about these sudden thunderous bolts which recently (and) simultaneously struck Chicago's Trump and Willis (Sears) Towers.

Tar Ball

2010-05-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Obamadministration recently said we can no longer use the term "jihadists" when referring to the war on terror because it has religious connotations. We also cannot use the terms "terrorists" or "war on terrorism" because these imply a certain tactic of war rather than a group of people. On a different front, we can now no longer use the term "tar ball" because it is a derogatory term which only serves to remind people of the ongoing BP oil leak mega-disaster situation in the Gulf of Mexico. The best way to control the debate is by controlling the language. Just added to the list: We can no longer say "Gulf of Mexico".

Voting For Change

2010-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

When Obama ran on Hope & Change, few knew he actually meant changing around the furniture. Not only could he organize whole communities as an ACORN community organizer, but he would end up personally rearranging the Oval Office. He seems to be moving everything to the far left. Regarding his policies, if you voted for him and have any voter remorse, just imagine how folks that didn't vote for him feel.

Ashland

2010-05-18T04:50:00.000-07:00

Scientists are warning that the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull on Iceland could be the beginning of a surge in volcanic activity that will affect Europe for decades.

Studying eruption patterns over the last thousand years shows an activity cycle lasting around 140 years. Unfortunately, we are coming to the end of a quiet phase that dominated the last fifty years. We could now be approaching a prolonged period of increased volcanic activity.

Besides the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, there are three or four other larger Icelandic volcanoes building towards an eruption. These bigger siblings could be triggered by their newly active smaller neighbor.

How long could the current eruptions continue? Previous eruptions back in the 1800s lasted fifteen months. But with subterranean earth crust movement creating stress and allowing magma to rise, we could be looking at decades of ash clouds being released over Europe.

Air travel to and from Europe could be disrupted for months, years, decades, not to mention melting ice on Iceland causing massive flooding. We might have to change the name of Iceland to Ashland.

At one point, a radar image showed the ominous face of Eyjafjallajokull's crater.

Every crisis also provides an opportunity for hope and change. President Obama can now name a new Ash Czar, a Volcano Czar, and an Icelandic Crisis Czar. Since he has so many czars, there should also be a Czar Czar to oversee all other czars. This position could be filled by everyone's favorite Star Wars character: Czar Czar Binks.

Mystery Art #2

2010-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is the second addition to our Mystery Art Gallery.
If you have a guess as to what it might be, please do.

Mike Kagan

2010-05-11T04:20:00.000-07:00

Is it possible Elena Kagan

is really Mike Myers in disguise?

You be the judge.

Rat Race

2010-05-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

I don't mind the rat race but I could do with a little more cheese please.

Time Management

2010-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

The sooner you fall behind

the more time you'll have

to catch up.

Slick Operation

2010-05-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

BP Oil rig trouble explodes in the gulf.

President immediately calls a meeting with coffee.

Leaking oil becomes bigger problem by the minute.

Call in Johnnny Quest with his trained dolphins.

Johnnny quickly learns how to fix the problem.

Operation successful. Disaster averted.

Time to celebrate. All's well that ends well.

Eye Love It

2010-04-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing. --Bill Cosby
If the eye does not want to see, neither light nor glasses will help. --German Proverb
You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. --Mark Twain

Fighting Sioux

2010-04-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux are being forced to change their school team name and logo by a small, politically-correct minority. I think they should keep the Fighting Sioux name and logo. However, if a name and logo change is forthcoming, here are a few possibilities:
The Blizzard (Logo is 6-Sided Snowflake)
The Champions (Logo is a Trophy)
The Fighting Tsunamis (Logo is a Big Wave)
The Flurry (Logo is a Snowflake)
The Former Fighting Sioux (Logo is the current logo)
The Grand Forkers (Logo is a Big Fork)
The Lucky Casinos (Logo is a Slot Machine)

Since there is a bit more space left in this post, here is a bonus list of ideas (some of these might have a bit more of a sarcastic edge to them):

The Fighting Zoo (Logo is caged monkeys)
The Gambling Casinos (Logo is a blackjack hand)
The Generics (Logo is a barcode)
The Grudge (Logo is a fist)
The Heinys (Logo is a Heineken bottlecap)
The Holding Grudges (Logo is a fist holding the current logo)
The Mosquitos (Logo is a large mosquito with a full load)
The Nightmares (Logo is "The Scream" by Edvard Munch)
The No Name Sports Team (Logo is a empty square)
The North Dakota Redskins (Logo is the Washington Redskins logo)
The North Dakota School Sports Team (Logo is the outline of ND)
The Nuclear Warheads (Logo is a nuclear missile)
The Politically Corrects (Logo is the current logo with a red line thru it)
The Ralph Engelstads (Logo is a picture of Ralph Engelstad)

If you have any other good brainstorms, please feel free to share via the comment section below.

Mrs. Miles Brothers Corp Day!

2010-03-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Miles Brothers Corp opened its imaginary doors for bidness in 1988. Six years later, in 1994, the MB© expanded its visionary operation with the Mrs. Miles Brothers Corp division (and the Original Mrs. Miles Brothers Corp). A half century before that, in 1944, Mylah Sands had become Mrs. Miles.

Mylah is the Honorary Original Mrs. Miles Brothers Corp, and she is the symbol of our priceless MMB© branch.

Mylah was born on 31 March 1922, and with the power vested in me by the MB© and the EIB Network, I hereby proclaim today -- and every 31st of March -- as Mrs. Miles Brothers Corp Day!

If you see a Mrs. MB©, please give her a lovey-up (hug) on behalf of the entire MB©. Happy Mrs. Miles Brothers Corp Day!

Love, SMiles :)

Yes Keith Can

2010-03-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

On 16 Dec 2009 someone spoke passionately about the Senate health bill. That person was Keith Olbermann.

Today, in a big stage signing ceremony, President Obama signed the Senate health bill into law.

Here are some of Keith's quotes about the Senate health bill (the new law of the land):

"We must now not make the defeat worse by passing a hollow shell of a bill just for the sake of a big stage signing ceremony."

"The mandate in this bill under which we are required to buy insurance must be stripped out. Make enough money to take care of yourself and your family and you must buy insurance, on the insurer's terms, or face a fine. This provision must go."

"You (President Obama) must now announce that you will veto any bill...containing a mandate."

"The Senate bill with the mandate must be defeated."

"We must not buy federally-mandated insurance..."

"I will not buy this insurance. Brand me a law-breaker if you choose. Fine me if you will. Jail me if you must."

Now that the Senate health bill -- with the federal mandate -- is the law, I'm sure Keith will remain consistent in his thoughts.

Thank you,
SMiles :)

You can watch Keith's full commentage here (Part 1):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36K27uB3VKs&NR=1
And here (Part 2):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDvlW7wxWDk&NR=1

Common Sense

2010-03-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

President Ronald Reagan said government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. Can we all agree that healthcare is (or should be) something between a patient and a doctor or nurse? Can we also agree that anytime government gets involved, there are often numerous negative unintended consequences? So how have we gotten so close to a Big Government takeover of the American healthcare system? Sadly, this attempted giant expansion of Big Government (and the IRS) has a stack of intended negative consequences. Hopefully, it is never too late for a dose of common sense. Having the Democratics "fix" our healthcare system is like having arsonists help fight a fire. How about healthcare reform that lessens government involvement between the doctor/patient relationship?

20,000!

2010-03-13T00:21:00.000-08:00

Special Miles Brothers Corp haikuage:
Johnnny MB©!
Happy 20,000 Days!
Congratulations!
I Love You, SMiles Brothers Corp :)

Full Meal Deal

2010-03-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago in Miles Brothers Corp history, Chef Scott prepared the following meal at our MBC Maui Branch. The main components of the meal were chicken breasts with green beans served over rice.

Ironically, on the very same evening, Chef Kit was serving something very similar looking at our MBC West Fargo Branch. Chef Kit had prepared pork chops with green peas served over noodles. Even though these two branches of the Miles Brothers Corp are separated by 3,700 miles, similar looking meals are on the menu without any coordinated effort.

Feel free to click on these pictures for close-up viewing.

Hocus Focus

2010-03-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

There are many optical illusions out there but this one caught my eye. Then my eyes tried to get properly focused on that weird middle circle. Anyone who easily gets dizzy probably won't appreciate this post. I'd say the issue isn't all black or white. The gray areas usually cause the most debate.

Pacific Tsunami

2010-02-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE ALONG COASTLINES OF ALL ISLANDS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII.

{More info}
URGENT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY. A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES. EACH INDIVIDUAL WAVE CREST CAN LAST 5 TO 15 MINUTES OR MORE AND EXTENSIVELY FLOOD COASTAL AREAS. THE DANGER CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE AS SUBSEQUENT WAVES ARRIVE. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE LARGEST. TSUNAMI WAVES EFFICIENTLY WRAP AROUND ISLANDS. ALL SHORES ARE AT RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE. THE TROUGH OF A TSUNAMI WAVE MAY TEMPORARILY EXPOSE THE SEAFLOOR BUT THE AREA WILL QUICKLY FLOOD AGAIN. EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEARSHORE CURRENTS CAN ACCOMPANY A TSUNAMI. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED BY A TSUNAMI AMPLIFIES ITS DESTRUCTIVE POWER. SIMULTANEOUS HIGH TIDES OR HIGH SURF CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TSUNAMI HAZARD. THE ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME IN HAWAII OF THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS : 1119 AM HST SAT 27 FEB 2010.