Bogieblog

A Good Question

Wichi Dude asked if we I am going to replace Katie, our recently departed cockatiel. That is a good question, and although the answer is a simple "yes", With what and when I will replace her is still up in the air.

We're Back!

We are back from vacation and feeling good about being back home. Not that we didn't enjoy ourselves and the company where we went, it's just always good to be back in familiar surroundings and back to our animals!

Stories

Wichi Dude has the 6th segment of his Bright Lights story up for your enjoyment. He's done a great job so far, so if you haven't read it yet, do so!

On Vacation

Tomorrow, the Wonderful Spouse and I are starting our 1 week vacation. Today, we will be packing and getting last minute stuff done in preperation for our adventure. Where we are going, there will be very little access to a computer - of which access I will use to get email (if I even bother looking for a place to do so from). So, that means there won't be any witty writings from me until next weekend or later.

We wish everyone a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Stay Safe - we'll see you on the flip side!

Congrats

Congratulation are in order because Sam has passed her GED! Go give her a standing ovation.

A Question For the Town

I'm not sure how our town got a second new police vehicle this year. This spring, at the town meeting, we approved the purchase of a new police car. That was obtained in May. Suddenly a new Ford Expedition has shown up in town. The voters did not approve expenditures on this, and no special meetings have been held, so how did we come by it?

I went to the online Selectmen meeting minutes and found where the Chief had requested another vehicle to replace the Jeep. I found another meeting where they discussed a "donation" - expressly stating that they needed to hold a special town meeting to accept the donation (I assume cash) to spend on a cruiser and painting the town hall (9/3/03 minutes). The meeting minutes of 9/17/03 states that the purchase order was approved for the Expedition. No mention of a town meeting, or even a special Selectmen's meeting (there was a public hearing on 10/16/03, but no mention of the donation or new cruiser was made - which would have been a little late at that point anyway).

The Jeep (as reported in the meeting minutes) has been retired a year earlier than planned. That means that we have 2 brand new vehicles that will need to be replaced, some time in the future, probably at the same time.

I don't begrudge the police department (all 2 people) the new vehicle, if it didn't cost the taxpayers anything, but I don't like the way it came about (since it was noted in the meetings that they "need to have a public hearing before the next Selectmens meeting to accept the donation" - which didn't happen) [emphasis mine] . I also don't like the possible implication 4 years down the road when it comes to tax time.

Geek Trivia

I subscribe to Techrepublic's Geek Trivia. This service (the geek trivia part) is being shut down next week. So in honor of the geekmeister, Jay Garmon, I am posting one of the last questions:

What disk drive technology pioneer gained additional fame in 1996 when he promoted his dog as a write-in candidate for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Answer Below:

State of Health

New Hampshire is tied with Minnesota for the title of healthiest state (scroll down to the 3rd story).

In addition, New Hampshire ranks in the top 10 states for a low rate of motor vehicle deaths, low violent crime rate . . .

Imagine, we have a low rate of deaths from car accidents, despite not having big brother mandating that we wear seatbelts (except for children). Additionally, we have low incidents of violent crime, despite the fact that we have very few gun laws.

Hmm, maybe we're onto something here.

Software

I installed the new MS Office 2003 Upgrade yesterday and am glad to say I survived the experience. I know what some people are saying, "Are you crazy, it just came out - at least wait until the second edition is out!"

The Carnival is Up

The Carnival of the Vanities is up over at Peak Talk, who wonders if we have all gone mad (so my entry definitely fits in!). Go check it out, there is always something for everyone at the Carnival