Code 128

So there we were.  Headed for home after a nice dinner. Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and a good Cabernet to wash it down with. My boss had the Chicken Pot Pie and ice tea. Comfort food on a cold January night.

Then the dreaded "Check Engine" light came on. The car was running fine, the temperature gauge was normal so I just took it on home. After I got there I double checked the gas tank's cap as a loose cap will generate an error. The cap seemed okay so I decided I'd look into come morning. Besides, 28 degrees is too cold for a seasoned citizen to mess around in.

The next morning I dropped off the Grandson at school and drove on over to the Firestone store that has been doing my minor....oil change...tires...etc work on both my wife's and my car. Since the oil only had 11% life left I decided I'd just go ahead and get an oil change, get them to tell me what the error code was and if it was serious, I'd take the car to the dealer who does my major repair work. If not I'd truck on down to Tunica for a couple days of poker playing.

The conversation went something like this:

Service guy, after getting my name:  "The Lucrene or the Regal?"

Me: Lucrene. Oil and whatever else.

Service Guy: Same oil we've been using?

Me: Yeah. And btw, there's a check engine light that came on last night. Tell me what the error code is.

Service Guy: So you want to purchase a diagnostic test?

Me: Purchase? No. Just tell me what the error code is and I'll decide who gets to fix it.

Service Guy: Sorry, Firestone policy won't let me do that.

Me: Huh? I mean, if I don't know what's wrong I can't decide if I want you guys to fix it or not.

Service Guy: Sorry, but that's Firestone Policy.

Me, remembering that after I had an error code reset on the wife's Regal and it never came back because it was just a glitch: Okay, just reset it. If it comes back on I'll see what's what.

Service Guy: Sorry, but that's against Firestone's Policy.

Me: Let me see. You've been servicing my two cars for quite a while and I've got this one here and all I want is for it to be serviced and the computer reset.

Service Guy: Sorry, Firestone's policy won't let me.

Me: Autozone will tell me what the code is for free.

Service Guy: Yeah. There's an Autozone right up the street. You can stop by there after we get the service work done.

Me: I got a better idea.

Service Guy: Sorry, but that's Firestone's policy.

Me: My idea is this. My policy is that I don't do business with companies that can't help me out a little.

Service Guy: Sorry, but that's Firestone's policy.

Me: Please don't take this personal 'cause I know you're just doing what you're told. But the next time you talk to your boss tell him a long term good customer is now an ex-customer and said that Firestone can kiss his foot.

So I drove out to the Chevy dealer who has been doing my major repair and had him change the oil. He checked the error code and announced it was telling me that the engine was running a little too cold. Good old code 128. Probable causes? Low coolant? Nope. Coolant fine. Thermostat not working correctly? Hmmm, temperature gauge looks exactly right. Temperature sending sensor?? Maybe.

I asked if driving it down to Tunica would hurt and he said no, but I shouldn't wait too long to replace the thermostat.... Only around $200 for that plus fresh coolant.

So I did. Nice trip. Only the "Check Engine" light stayed on. Came back to the dealer this PM and asked if they had reset the computer to see if the light would go out.

Well no, they hadn't.

Me. Let's do that.

They did.

The light went  out. We'll see if it stays out.

Moral of this story?? Double check anything a car's computer tells you.

"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine

I have a job

I work, they pay me.

I pay my taxes & the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.

In order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem).

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

So, here is my question:

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?

Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet.

I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their BUTT ----doing drugs while I work.

Can you imagine how much money each province would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

I guess we could call the program "URINE OR YOU'RE OUT"!

Hat tip to Claudia!

"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine

VOTE DEMOCRATIC

12 REASONS


When your family or friends cannot explain why they voted Democrat, give them this list. Then they can then pick a reason from this "TOP 12"..



1. I voted Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene, but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.



2. I voted Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.



3. I voted Democrat because Freedom of Speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.



4. I voted Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.



5. I voted Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.



6. I voted Democrat because I'm not concerned about millions of babies being aborted so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.



7. I voted Democrat because I think illegal aliens have a right to free health care, education, and Social Security benefits, and we should take away the social security from those who paid into it.



8. I voted Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as the Democrats see fit.



9. I voted Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.



10.. I voted Democrat because I think that it's better to pay billions to people who hate us for their oil, but not drill our own because it might upset some endangered beetle, gopher or fish.



11. I voted Democrat because while we live in the greatest, most wonderful country in the world, I was promised "HOPE AND CHANGE".



12. I voted Democrat because my head is so firmly planted up my ass, it's unlikely that I'll ever have another point of view.


Hat tip to Mike L!




"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine

The first in a semi-series on poker players.

I have been known to take a hand or two poker. During the time I have been doing that, I have met some people that I describe for your consideration.



The “Chip Burner” aka CB.



We’ve all met him. He is as loose as a goose and plays as stupid as the Three Stooges.



And after observing his play we have all wanted into the game he’s in just knowing that our skill and tactics will make us rich, if not famous.



But then, about the third time his 5 to 1 gut shoot straight beats our three of a kind or two pair, we start to realize that something is wrong. CB is stacking our chips while explaining that 10 – 7 off suite is his favorite rag hand because…. (I’ll let you insert your favorite. We’ve all heard all the varieties.)



Of course he doesn’t keep them. He loses the next half dozen hands and that big pot is redistributed around the table. Maybe even some of it to us. Then he cracks someone else, or even us again, and cackles as he stacks another big pot on his way to losing them again. And, at some point he’ll be broke and leave.



The question is, when he will leave and how much money you will have lost in the meantime. Of course we have all heard the wise old men mutter how good CB is for the game and that all we have to be is patient and he will give the money back. And he will. They’re right.



Now, that may work for a pro who grinds out 8-10 hours every day. But if you are a casual recreational player who doesn’t seek to make a living but wouldn’t mind making a buck or two then that doesn’t work. Let’s examine our options.



Don’t get in the game, or if you didn’t notice the presence of a CB before you got in, get out. Go to another game. And never get in a game with two CB’s.



But let’s say that there’s only one game, a not too rare situation at the higher limits in small casinos. And you want to play. What should your strategy be?



Pairs have lost a lot of their value. Even if you make three of a kind the added action that CB has brought has attracted additional callers in every hand so straights and flushes are much more common.



Never raise before the flop. Never raise at all unless you are 100% certain you have the nuts. No one is likely to get out and the added pot value will attract additional callers.



Play suited cards, especially suited connectors of any size.



Never bluff. CB will certainly call and the added players because of pot size will also call.



And most importantly……



Don’t forget to get lucky. You’ll need it with Chip Burner in the game.








"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine

The year in complaints and comments… personal and otherwise.

To the dumb shit at the local ER who was as helpful as a hickey on a pimple. If you don’t like your job, quit.

To the dumb shits on any four lane highway who hangs behind you in the 8 o’clock position. Aka as the “blind spot.” If you want to cause an accident why don’t you just run into the other car instead of waiting for it to pull into you.

To all the commercial makers who show the grungy guy with the neat as a pin broad. Get a life. Real guys don’t look like that.

To all the Lefties who can’t debate without playing the personal insult card. Stupid is as stupid does.

To Steve Jobs. I read Walter’s book. You were one smart dude. But that doesn’t excuse your nastiness. But I do admire your telling the truth to Obama, even if he did ignore you. BTW - You'd have made a great President but there's no way you could have ever won an election. R.I.P. You changed the world.

To Coach Dooley. Produce or resign.

To anyone who wants to become an expert on small engine repair. Buy a Poulan product.

To all the TV sportscasters. Please shut up and let us enjoy watching the game.

To all the Repub candidates. Be careful what you ask for. You might get it.

To the King and Queen. November cometh!

Hat tip to Jimmy M for the picture.

"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine

Alzheimer's Self Test...from WEB-MD

If you are over 45 yrs old, you MUST take this Alzheimer's Test

How fast can you guess these words and fill-in the blanks?

1. _ _NDOM

2. F_ _K

3. P_N_S

4. PU_S_

5. S_X

6. BOO_S

Answers:



1. RANDOM

2. FORK

3. PANTS

4. PULSE

5. SIX

6. BOOKS



You got all 6 wrong....didn't you?


You do NOT have Alzheimer's


You are a Pervert!!


Hat tip to Bill T!







"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine

Is it really 2012???

If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself!

Snow birds



We have just a slight skift of this so far. And I'm hoping we get no more! I love global warming!

I thought to pass on this observation about Congress. Maybe 2012 will be politically better . . . who

am I kidding?

The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians includes this advice: "When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount."


However, in government more advanced strategies are often employed, such as:


1. Buying a stronger whip.


2. Changing riders.


3. Appointing a committee to study the horse.


4. Arranging to visit other countries to see how other cultures ride dead horses.


5. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.


6. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired.


7. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse.


8. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase speed.


9. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase the dead horse's performance.


10. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance.


11. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly,  carries lower overhead and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses.


12. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses.


And, of course...


13. Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position.


-- Author unknown


Hat tip to Claudia!

Also works well in large corporations......


"Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them." - Karl Popper

“It’s the presumption that Obama knows how all these industries ought to be operating better than people who have spent their lives in those industries, and a general cockiness going back to before he was president, and the fact that he has no experience whatever in managing anything. Only someone who has never had the responsibility for managing anything could believe he could manage just about everything.” - Thomas Sowell in Reason Magazine