Still Running Kubuntu

Yep, still running it after all these years (20.10 now).  Well, I went over to Fedora for a while, ran straight up Debian for a bit, then back to Fedora, and now back to Kubuntu.  Mainly it depends on which one will run on my laptop.  I Think I've run just about every version they've put out since those early days.

I'm running Brave for a browser, BlueMail and Thunderbird as email clients, because that crappy kmail and associated apps are just too freaking buggy.  I had more trouble just trying to read email, or keep email with that thing than it was worth.

I use KeepassXC for my password DB, and I really like it.  Of course I still use BibleTime and BlueLetterBible for Bible Study along with the books I have online and in print.

I have switched a lot of things off Google, such as email.  Moving that to mailbox.org (which also means I moved my cloud disk storage to there).  I'll probably save off everything from this blogspot location, and move it somewhere else as well.

I've been studying up on Python to do some things at work, and its OK.  I find it deficient in at least one major area, no "switch - case" or "case" (as it's known in Korn shell) ability.  you have to pretty much write it all from scratch yourself.  I'm sure someone has written a module to do this somewhere, but I haven't found it.

I wrote an Errlog manager script for AIX that will check the 2nd line for the date field, and if it's older than 10 minutes (as I have it setup now) it'll build an email to the sys admin group of the last 10 entries, and then on a particular day of the month it'll clear off any entries older than 40 days.

Another one was a Zabbix LLD (Low Level Discovery) script which reports Logical Volume info (such as VG and LV names) which the default discovery rule is deficient in.  Not sure why they don't have that included by default.   This can be important if you name vgs and lvs differently based on their purpose, etc. and want to filter out specific names or just include specific names.  Of course I had to return that info in JSON format..   It's working rather well.

Well, 'nuff of that.  The next post will be about why I left the Southern Baptist Convention once and for all . . . . 

In Christ I stand, apart I fall

Many people live miserable Christian lives simply because they do not stand in Christ.  Jesus said, "Abide in me." and "apart from me ye can do nothing".  I found both to be true.  I was reading Tony Evan's book, "Kingdom Men" (I think it's called), and in it he describes the fact that we were meant to be great.  I remember attending a Bill Gothard seminar a long time back, and he talked about being a diamond.  How that every time we walked contrary to God and grieved the Spirit some part of that diamond got chipped off.  It was just a way to describe how we hinder God's work in us, and how we become less than we should be because of sin.
I wanted my kids to be great.  I didn't want to raise drones.  I want them to be CEOs not "nobody knows".  I know a good many people who have worked in factories, and assembly lines.  I have grown to love them all.  My son became a Power Sports technician, I guess it's in the genes to be a mechanic/carpenter/builder.  Many of them do so because God has called them to do something else and like me, they need to earn a living.  They are being great at something that pays nothing, and earning a living the best way they can.  But, you and I both know people who create the "Drone Worker" persona.  They have little to no initiative, are not self starters, and if they are not specifically told to do it, and don't think they have to, they won't.
The difference between CEO's and the stereotypical Drone worker is this:  CEOs look for opportunities, the others wait for instructions.  CEOs knock and look for open doors, the others have to be told where they are.  CEOs make life happen, the others wait for it to happen to them.
How does this relate to Scripture?  Jesus wanted His people to all be CEOs.  If you read the instructions in the Sermon on the mount you will find hidden gems for leadership, and life.  For example, The instructions to "go the extra mile".  What does it mean?  Don't do just the required minimum.  In other words, just because the Bible doesn't explicitly say that you have to, doesn't give you an excuse not to.

Christmas come Christmas go

Well, what did you find under the tree?  My kids got enough money from all the different folks who gave them money to buy a WII.  If I'd known these things were so much fun I would have had one a long time back.  Right now we just have the basic sports game that comes with it.  But I've found I'm pretty good at Boxing, but I stink at bowling.  Not surprising, 'cause I'm not that good at bowling.  My only complaint is that it seems the game doesn't quite keep up with the remote, and the golf game seems off a little.  But, it's just a game.


I decided to buy a window mount for my DROID, which I'll probably put on tomorrow afternoon.

Jingle Bells, to you too buddy!

Hehehehe.  I couldn't help it.  I'm not exactly a Jingle Bells kinda guy.

Well, Christmas time has rolled around on us once again.  You know, I'm not nearly as big a fan of Christmas since I've had to start paying for it.  However, I have been the Beneficiary of a wonderful surprise.

Seeking and Getting Help

Ok, I've talked about the Keys to Prayer, the Foundations to prayer and all that kind of thing.  Well, this isn't exactly in that line or series of thoughts, but kind of related.  I've had to both provide and seek help while building / remodeling houses, Concrete forming, plumbing, Dry walling, Working on Cars, and Working on Computers (both hardware and Software).  I'm not good at the dry wall part at all, I think it's the one area I'm pretty safe from ever having to provide too much help.  :-D  The process for figuring out a problem on Computers, Cars, and Construction is pretty much the same.  You start at the beginning and keep asking questions, checking the process and getting answers until you find the part not right.  Sometimes in this process, especially with Computers, you have to seek help elsewhere. 

Spiritual Endeavors Part 2b - Foundations of prayer

We've covered the keys to prayer, so now we're going to cover the foundations of prayer, and yea even later the attitudes of prayer. (You know like thankfulness, etc.) Foundations are that upon which all the other things are built. I used to be in construction, building and remodeling homes, and even spent some time, concrete forming. They all start the same, first you dig down to rock, preferably bedrock, then, you form up "footers". Footers are either pillars of concrete, or the base layer of cinder blocks filled with concrete. Either way, its the main part of the foundation upon which you build the whole house. These truths from God's Word are the principles upon which all of praying hangs. Now, the keys we covered first because the person who cares about getting it right will cover these practically without even thinking!  When your heart wants to be with God, you'll get these right.

Google - Chrome - Chromium OS or whatever its gonna be called

Well, Google has decided to get into the OS market.  I like Google well enough, I use their products, email, blogger, contacts, even Android now.  I don't use all their products, mainly because they're not nearly as "Open Source Friendly" as this OS might make them appear.  Granted most of what they're doing may be due to market, and their desire to penitrate and get visibility.

Anyway.  I have read the reviews, seen the screen shots, and I think I have a pretty good understanding of what their doing, I just don't think it's worth it.  What, you say?

Spiritual Endeavors Part 2a - Keys to Prayer

We've covered the need for Spiritual Disciplines, even though it was somewhat brief.
This entry will cover prayer.
This is the most basic, and generally is the first discipline practiced by a new believer. Prayer is the enigma of the ages for new believers because its represented in Scripture so many ways. It can be simple, such as the publican's "Lord be merciful to me a sinner" prayer, or it can be long and involved like one of Solomon's prayer. You can stand looking toward Heaven, or lie completely flat (prostrate) upon the ground. There are examples of those on their knees, sitting, laying prostrate, and standing. There are examples of short and long, simple and complicated, and nearly everything in between. I cover this because there are some who worry about their posture more than they worry about their attitude, or spiritual condition in prayer. Some, just starting out, are concerned because they "want to get it right," which is commendable. There are some keys to praying, and none of them have to do with how your body is situated, or which way you are looking. I believe those things will come in time, but for the new believer, or for the person who is trying to renew their walk with Christ there are issues that are far more important, and I hope to cover those briefly.

Upward Flag Football

Michael, my son, has now played two seasons of flag football.  I really like the layout, and mission of the way they do things.  Of course, it's flag football, so, there's no tackling.  This is what the wife likes best.  Michael has already broken his collar bone twice, so needless to say, she's a little concerned.  However, with Upward every player is guaranteed to play, and to play every spot.  Officially they don't keep score, which works well with the idea that its not about winning or losing but how you play the game.  Eventually he will move on to what he calls, "real football", but these first two years gave him a clue anyway.

The games are fun to watch, and get occasionally competitive.   The boys keep score, even though they're really not supposed to.  funny.  I have helped out a few times this year carrying the down marker.  My problem with that is I'm too busy rooting for my son, or watching the game to keep up with it.  As always there are questionable calls but the refs overall do a good job, considering they're not pros by any means. 

Hats off to First Baptist Church in Fairview, TN, for hosting this opportunity.  Now, we have to gear up for the real deal.  I'm just not sure how well Michael will take to being hit.

Oh, well, enough for now,
See ya'

DROID phone and Other New Tech

Wow it has been a long time since I've done this. Got distracted by a few things. Trying to get back on to new and exciting technology.

First up is the new DRIOD phones, well to be more accurate "Android" based phones. I like 'em so much I ordered myself the Verizon version. They have at least 2, the DROID, and the DROID eris. They have some really cool, and fun apps, like the screen fogger. You start the app and it makes the screen look like it's fogged over. Then you draw on the screen with your finger, you know, like you used to do the storm door or the car windows in the winter when you were a kid. To make the screen "re-fog" you blow in the microphone. Yea, I know stupid, but it's kinda funny. There's a "shotgun" app that simulates using a pump action Shotgun. Then there's a barcode reader app. This thing will read the barcode of a product and then search for prices! COOL! no more wondering if this or that store has the best price when you run up on something in a mall! Those who like to shop will like that one. Google maps, and various other apps I never got to play with. My only bone to pick with Verizon is that they undercut their brick and mortar stores with the instant online rebate if you go to Verizon.com. I think they should let the stores do that as well, 'cause if they did I'd already have mine. I've had bad experiences filling out rebate forms and mailing them in, so I don't do that crap any more. Anyway, more on that when it comes.

Bike Almost a year old

It's been a long time between posts. I don't think anyone is reading this thing anyway.
Well, I'm nearly 2 months shy of the Bandit's 1 year Anniversary, but I've got 8669 miles on her already. I'm really enjoying ridding it. I've taken some much better Pictures because I helped my daughter buy a digital camera, a real one that is. hehehe.

Here 'tis after a good washing, and chain lubing. I was thinking today, "Man, I should have gotten a shaft drive bike". But, I like my Bandit. I'm not sure I blogged about the wife and I going to the Patriot Guard Rider's Tennessee Gathering of the Guard. That was fun. got to go on about 3 missions during that get together. Anyway, the bike holds its own fully loaded with me, the wife, and enough clothes and accessories for 2 days.
You'll note the Pilot Road 2's on the bike, they are fine tires. From what I remember I have about 4500+ miles on them and they're only about half done.

Tires on the Bike

Well, I ordered, received, and have had the Michelin's mounted. I got that last part done today. If the Michelin's last 8K that would be 289 (what they actually cost me) plus 133 (to get them mounted and balanced, includes the greedy uncle's part - tax) = 422 dollars. 422/8000= .05 cents per mile. Not bad. If they only last 6K that comes up to .07 cents per. So, what I have to do is save up 7 cents for every mile I drive so that when these tires wear out I have the money for the next set. 7 cents. Man that's very high, don't you think. Good grief for 422 dollars I can get a cheap set of tires for my truck and go at least 50,ooo miles. Ughhh. That's 8 cents for every 10 miles!! I think Bikers are getting ripped off.

Ok so if tires cost twice as much as car tires we should be able to get them and installed for 211 dollars, right? I mean we only have to buy half as many tires! Well the problem is that the tires are much more advanced than car tires. Because what you really have is two or three tires in one, depending on what kind you buy. The Michelins that I bought have dual compound tread. What this means is that the center is harder, for riding straight up, wich is more than 75% of your riding. The sides, that part of the tire you ride on when you lean in a curve, are softer for more grip, but will not last as long. So, you have two tires in one.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that Bike tires are much harder to install. You have a chain, or belt, or shaft that must be removed, and on some bikes this is a rather lengthy process. On both front and back the tires have to be aligned, chain tightened to specs, etc. etc. So, I can understand the cost there. Not to mention the person who does the mounting is liable for something if it all goes bad.

Well, I'll keep convincing my self that paying over 422 dollars for only 8,000 miles worth of riding is worth it. But honestly I think the tire companies could do better.

Tires, Laptops, and Surgery

Well, I've put over 4200 Miles on the Bandit since putting her on the road. The problem is that she now has balding tires. They may have a run or two to work left in them, but they didn't do so well on the last one, so I've garaged her for now. I've been debating on whether to buy Michelin's Pilot Road 2s or Shinko's 009 Ravens. I can get the Ravens for 185.48 (front and rear), but the Michelin's will cost about 290.00. Thats over a 100 dollars more for the Michelins. Now, reports from BanditAlley.net, and other places have given the Ravens good marks, people getting 8 to 9 thousand miles from them. The Pilot Road 2s are showing up at around 10K.

MC Clubs and Things

I'm a member of quite a few forums these days. I frequent Bandit Alley, RiderForums, and browse around some on ADVRider, but not much. I was informed that the defunct Suzuki Owners Club of the USA was pretty much dumped in favor of Suzuki Owners Club of North America (Link Here). I remember early on finding the European version which seems to have thousands of members, and thought it would be cool if there is one in the US. The Site I originally found was defunct, and not one of the contact email addresses I found were valid at all.

I'm still contemplating the value of 18 dollars a year as a full membership fee. I keep thinking that it would be helpful to be a member of a large organization since riders aren't that much in the majority.

I'm not really into the AMA because they want to repeal helmet laws, but I don't believe it should be an option. I think we should be on a par with autos, and since Seat belts are not even wise, helmets should be our equivalent. I know many riders disagree, saying it should be our choice, but that's the same argument that folks used for seat belt laws, and it didn't help stop that law. I've been in car wrecks and I'm firmly convinced that Seat belts were the difference between me being a relatively healthy man, and being handicapped at best, dead at worse! Not only that but the whole "choice" argument is getting over worked. It is the lame godless argument used for Abortion, Drug use, etc. etc. I believe people in this country need to learn responsibility first, just like children. I constantly teach two things to my kids:

1. A little bit of pay attention goes a long way.
2. If you don't do what you are supposed to, you can't do what you want to.

Its that simple folks. When it comes to helmet laws, if the riders who give Motorcycles a bad name would show more reponsibility in how they ride (do what you are supposed to) then we would never have had to worry about a helmet law in the first place (do what you want to). So, to protect society from having to pay for the upkeep of another vegatable head injury, the government decided to make us protect our heads.

The other kind of group I thought of joining was a Christian Motorcycle club. The problem is I can't find one close to home that has a statement of faith I can live with. There is one, but they are pretty much (as it appears anyway) trying to create a church of their own. The CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) looks like a great group, but they don't have a chapter that's anywhere close to Dickson, TN.

So, I'm stuck. Another problem is that finding very many riders, with the time and commitment to do that kind of thing is hard to do. I joined up with Patriot Guard Riders, but haven't been free for a ride yet, and there have been opportunities. The problem is that life just seems to find a way to get in the way. Well, I can do what I can.

What I'd really like to see is for the gas prices to come down to the point that I could ride my bike recreationally. As it stands right now, its my mine ride to work. 45 MPG is 11 MPG better than TWICE what I average in my truck. And, even buying premium I spend less than 30 dollars a week on Gas, versus the 80+ I spent on the truck.

New Fun in Riding and Cardo Rider Teamset

Well, I've decided to just ride the bike until the wheels fell off. Since I've been unsuccessful in my attempt to keep the thing looking brand new (thanks to fall overs) I might as well just forget about the looks and just ride it. Well, I've discovered there's freedom in them there hills. Last night I rode the kids to and from Church just for the fun of it, and they LOVED it. The back roads between our house and the Church are quite twisty, so it was fun. Of course I rode a little different just to put a little sizzle into it, but it was fun.

Sometime back I bought a set of Bluetooth Helmet devices for my phone that included an intercom feature. That's one of the reasons the kids love riding now, even more than before. The Bluetooth phone connection works great, but the intercom could use some help. I can understand dropping the connection when no one is talking to save batteries, but this stupid thing will drop the connection WITH us talking at times. Occasionallyit will come right back on, but sometimes either myself and/or the passenger will have to yell to get the connection opened back up. The good thing is that they are voice activated and I don't have to reach up and push a button every time that happens. Other than that I think for what you pay for them (around 200+ bucks depending on where you buy it, got mine from Revzilla).

Back on subject, the ride in this morning was invigorating, and enjoyable. The weather was nice, although I would have liked it a little cooler. It's supposed to rain tonight around 7 PM, which means it may be raining in Dickson around 5, which is when I get in. So, I've been threatening to try out my riding pants without any jeans under them, that may be a good excuse to do just that.

I have to say, I'm really liking this motorcycle riding. I guess you can tell that from the posts. Another interesting thing I've discovered is that you better have decent self discipline if you ride. There are a lot of idiots both on four and on two wheels jerking in and out of traffic. I can understand why bikers ride the way they do, now. On that bike you can fit, physically, into smaller spaces, you can accelerate much faster than the cars around you, and you can maneuver with greater agility than they can. By the time they decide to do something you've already done it, and gone off and left them! However, its also possible to reach great speeds without even realizing it. I was upwards of 100 MPH, a couple of times in the past very quickly. My bike isn't even a "Crotch Rocket". So, if you get a bike, remember, just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. Be careful, and try not to irritate the cagers any more than necessary. And for those in cars (cagers), remember, there are vehicles on the road of all types that are larger and smaller than yours. Look for the small ones, which would include bicycles, and the large ones, semis, and be careful.

God is Good

I have been a little down lately, since I resigned the Church. So, God has graciously worked out some things to show me just how bad things can get if I don't get my head and heart back in the right place. My bike has fallen over twice, once in each direction, so as to break both levers (clutch and brake) and both front turn signals and scratch the really pretty hard case side color matching inserts. (lots-0-money to fix). The slide rails in the refrigerator for the bottom two pans broke on the left side, and busted the top of the two pans. (80 bucks). The wife's brakes had to be done AGAIN, (75 bucks). Yesterday the Gas Water Heater decided to go on vacation.
Why do I think that is God? Well, I believe that no one is punished from God without knowing that's why the bad things are happening. If you look back over the Old Testament you'll find that God worked real hard to make sure the Israelites as a nation knew full well why they were being destroyed, God also worked hard to make sure individuals whom He disciplined knew why he was doing so. Well, I've known for quite some time exactly what I should be doing, I am a preacher, but I haven't done it. God says, "you want a reason to mope, I'll give you reasons to mope, and they'll get more expensive the longer this goes on." So, that's exactly what He's been doing.
So, why did I start this by saying God is good?!? Because He is. If God didn't love me, He wouldn't chastise me to get me right again. (Hebrews 12). God is good because He could have just wiped me off the earth a long time ago, but in His patience, Amazing Grace, and infinite Love, He works with me, forgives my sin, and enables me to make things right. Any employer you know of would have fired me a long time ago, as well as they would have you. Your relatives would have long ceased to speak with you, if you treated them like you treat God! But, He's so Good, Gracious, Merciful, Patient, Just, and Compassionate that He would start small, and work His way up!
What ever you do, don't take God for Granted. Don't treat Him like a spare tire, bottled Genie, or worse, slave. God loves you, but He will not tolerate sin. He will deal with it, first in Grace, but if Grace be turned away, then in Judgment. Avoid that, would you?
Remember, God is Good!

Google's garbage had to go

Well, I finally upgraded to Firefox 3. I have been holding out waiting for Google to get off its duff and update the Firefox extensions. If you remember I ranted about this in an earlier post. Well, I finally said forget it. I found out one of my biggest problems with Firefox on Linux was Google's fault!! The toolbar was the problem all along. The problem? I could not open more than 2 Firefox windows without the whole app freezing up on me. I would have to completely shutdown, and restart Firefox to get anywhere else. So, I've rid myself of Google's extensions altogether.
I replaced my Book mark sync with Foxmark, and all my other extensions, except my Favorite theme, work fine with FF3. So, good riddance Google. And yes, if they want to shut me out of mail and blogging I'll go somewhere else with that too. I think its completely bogus that they can come out with a hundred and one new apps every year, and can't be bothered to keep the apps they've won people over to up to date!
On a positive note, I'm finding FF3 to be very fast compared to FF2, and not *that* much different on the appearance and features list. Meaning, if you think you're going to get lost in the new interface don't worry, this isn't MickeySoft and Office2007.

Oh, I haven't blogged in a while because I've done quite well at embarrassing myself with how I handle my bike. I have let it fall over twice now. The first time I'm still not sure it was anything I did, I think there were other factors involved. The second time was just my stupidity, I think. The problem there was by the time I tried to catch the bike (not too far over) my leg said "forget this" and just gave out on me. It has happened twice now, but the first time I wasn't really tilted enough to cause it to fall all the way over. This morning it hurt my leg. I'm not sure the bike got that far off, or whether it was too far I just couldn't believe how my leg reacted. You have to understand my legs have always been my strong point when it came to that sort of thing. I guess being 41, they just aren't going to take it anymore.

Data Center Power Downs and DR

IF you have been in IT for very long you have experienced a Data Center power down. Of course, the smaller the shop the less of a headache it should be. I've been around about 4 of them, 1 was when the transformer blew up down town and took the then "inflow" data center with it. The company I worked at then just had to wait because the Fire Marshall was not smart enough to understand the complete disconnect between that transformer and the internal systems so they couldn't power up. So far, every time one happens its like a "Chinese fire drill" for the IT staff. Network Guys, Systems Guys, Apps Guys (and Gals of course) all running around trying to get things up in an orderly fashion. I've recently had the "opportunity" to go through another one.
One of the most impressive things I've heard came from our CIO, who emphatically said, "email is NOT a mission critical application." CHEERS!!
However, I think its time every IT shop get off its seat cushions, put a stop to every other project and get one thing crystal clear: What do I bring up first, and How do I do that? You'd think this would be easy, but its not. Every app support person thinks, and wants everyone around them to think, that their app is the most important one. Well, frankly, its not. Every user wants the apps he or she uses to be the ones to come up first. Sorry, but it can't be. The problem is that there are few CIO's with the intestinal fortitude to do what our CIO did recently. Most will cave to the Executives who demand their services back up first. What a CIO should do is demand the realistically most important systems up first. There is a natural, in a sense, order of things. First, infrastructure. Network switches, phone switches, WAN connections, SAN storage, etc. You know, the kinds of things your app HAS to have to function at all. Second, Apps and Services that really are mission critical. Third, everything else as you get time.
The problem comes in at about step 2. What is "mission critical" and what does that mean? Well, here's how I see it. In Health Care that question is answered by asking 1 question: What do I need online to protect the health and well being of existing patients. What systems directly involve patient care, and no email is NOT one of them. We have surgery systems, patient data systems, etc. And, refreshingly that is what our CIO insisted come up first. Once the process was being followed for getting those online all other hands could be involved in getting other services online. The biggest problem I see, even in this last one, is that no one has that laid out in printed form any where. Every system should be tagged with a priority level for DR purposes. I mean, if two systems are down at the same time and you've only got one guy who can work on them, which does he tackle first? I was actually pulled off a clinical system by a certain Director once (at the request of the CIO) because email wasn't working. DOH!
DR really is a major pain in everyone's behind, not because in principle, its hard, but because in practice its hard. In principle its easy to lay out DR. Define the priority of your systems, and Document how to recover those systems. Simple? Right. Simple quickly goes out the window when you start talking about a hot DR data center, Storage Replication, Backups and Recovery, Network Topology and Architecture, etc. etc. Basic DR is simple, real DR is a complicated web decisions and documentation. Basic DR is when the lights go out at your DC. Real DR is when they're not coming back on because the building is destroyed. The question is how much is your business worth, and is it worth putting the time, money and effort into preserving it.
I hate doing documentation, and some companies are in the excessive category when it comes to overburdening their staff with it, but done right, it can save your bacon.

Suzuki's Stupidity and Dealer's Impressiveness

I have to brag on the Dealer in Mt. Juliet, while at the same time seriously warning anyone who buys the Hard Case and Top Case Saddle bags from Suzuki! Since I bought the bike we have waited for the Top Case mount, well, it came in last week finally. The problem was that Suzuki kept telling the Dealer (Precision Motorsports) that it was on its way when in fact it wasn't. Not only that, but on Suzuki's Web site on the "Accessories for 1250s" page for the Top Case (click here), and in the Dealer's information they both say the Color matching Panels are Optional. They DO NOT SAY, as of today, that the panel is required and that the color is optional. Take a gander at the actual screen shot:
The Problem? The "Optional" panel is NOT optional on the Top Case. Now, you technically "could" get away without them on the side cases, but you CAN NOT on the Top Case. There is a rather large sticker that says "DO NOT OPERATE" without said panel in place. The problem is that Suzuki doesn't provide a panel for any of the cases that just looks mat black to match the rest of the case in the event that you don't buy the "optional" color inserts!! Now, if Suzuki were to have said, "You have to buy an insert of some color, but the color is optional" I would have not gotten so upset about the deal. However, now we were looking at another 179.00 Plus Sales Tax purchase for something that was "Optional" and I really didn't care to have! Now, I'm not saying that the Bags are bad, nor that you shouldn't buy them, but beware, you MUST buy at least the color matching insert for the Top Case.

Now, here's where the bragging on Precision comes in. I called my wife to explain the situation, and why she'd see yet another Motorcycle related purchase on the Card. Well, needless to say she wasn't happy. While I was getting an earful of that rather loud unhappiness, Big Daddy, (Who I'm assuming is either the owner or the top Manager) overheard the unhappiness, and could see the pain my ear was enduring evidently. Not to mention that I wasn't happy either. What they decided to do was get the inserts and put them on without charging me, and attempt to recover their loss from Suzuki. I at no time, mind you, blamed the Dealer for this issue, they couldn't help the the morons at Suzuki couldn't get their information straight. However, they could tell this was or could have become a serious image issue, and that at least my wife would have been a very unhappy customer. People who know me know I'm would tight anyway, but when Angela gets loud something is seriously not right.

Anyway, I would highly encourage you to visit Precision. Some of their prices are a little high to me, but they do negotiate on some things, and they are good folk. I'd rather pay a little more and get a dealer that will do something like this than pay less now and wind up paying more later because of it.

Old Timer's Day Dickson Tennessee

This weekend was Old Timer's Day in Dickson, TN. My daughter is a part of American Heritage Girls (AHG), (an alternative to Girl Scouts. As the GS allow gays to lead troops, and AHG has a strong Christian focus). So, she was on a float, and then at 4 was in a fashion show (My Mom sews and does embroidery). Who ever was responsible for the activities needs a serious education. Here's my laundry list of absolute imbecility that was exposed :
1. No handicap parking on paved areas. Yep, all the handicapped parking was IN THE MUD at the fair grounds. I don't know if you have ever tried to push a wheel chair through the mud, but its not fun. The "people", using that term loosely, responsible for setting that up should be jailed for violating Federal laws regarding that matter. My Dad has no legs, can you imagine trying to get him out of a car while parked in STANDING WATER!?!
2. They stopped the parade to let traffic through at various times, so much so that the parade had very large gaps in it, and at times cars just trying to get to the fairgrounds were in the parade! I can't fathom why they could not have spent a little time figuring out how to route traffic around the event. My wife and I spend about 2 minutes coming up with about three different ways around the whole thing! Those who were walking, or marching (interestingly enough there were no marching bands!) would have suffered.
3. There was a Golden Flake Truck in the parade as an official entry. No, it wasn't decorated, nor did it have any signage whatsoever reflecting the purpose of the event, it was just a truck. What? They need to force people to NOT do that kind of crap. If you put an entry in the parade for Old Timer's Day it should primarily be about Old Timer's Day. Golden Flake could have found an old truck, from 50 or shorter years ago and put that in the parade.
4. Absolutely no organization of other events. The Quilting show in the Rec Building had no sign to tell you that was what was in there (until Saturday at some time). The building where the fashion show was held, had no sign or indication of any event! We had to track down the guy with the keys just to get in!! The only folks who showed up for the show were those who were in the show! Why? Because there was no advertisement, and no sign! Nothing. What the Heck?
5. Pay for Parking? In the MUD?!?!?! You have got to be kidding! After all these years the parking at the fairgrounds is still on grass. Yes, ladies and gents you have to pay 2 dollars to park, and then some odd something to get into the fair, or buy tickets to ride, but you park in the grass. (well it was grass until a day or two of rain fell on it, and large vans and trucks got stuck in it.) I saw one very nice Chevy full size Van trying to free itself from the mud. The good thing for me is that they had an area for Motorcycles to park, on pavement no less. We can't park handicap people on pavement, but we can bikes. I think they realized in their small minds that if a bike fell over they'd be liable so they covered that.

It was a good day despite all that. My brother-in-law came down and looked my bike over, of course he was looking for an excuse to ride his down from Clarksville, because he's finally got it out of the shop. Michael and I rode back and forth, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave my daughter a ride Friday. Michael woke up with a fever yesterday, took some Motrin and would NOT hear of staying home. It did appear that the fever had gone, and we were going to drive my truck to the parade, because we thought it might rain. (didn't want the son ridding in the rain). However, it cleared off and we rode back to the parade. Some nice folks across the street from where I parked gave me a board so I could park off the side walk, and my kickstand not sink in the ground.

My Niece and her daughter were in the fashion show, my Mom and my Sister had a booth at the Quilting show. I think this is as much as we have ever been directly involved in the festivities. I marched in the High School Band back in the day, but that was about it. The kids rode some rides, and they enjoyed the Ferris wheel, but not the second one that would allow them to go upside down, and went fast. They were screaming, and begging the guy to stop the ride. :-D

When turning left off of Walnut street onto Hwy 46 going south, with Michael on the back, I think I either leaned too far, or hit some gravel, 'cause the back end slid around. Far from deterring the young lad from ridding again, he hollered, "Wheeee!" What's up with that? The Back wheel just jumped over, but I can't find any scrapes on anything on the bike, and it felt like when you hit a part of the bike that doesn't give. Oh, well, I stuck with it, and we came through just fine. The bike has a lot of get up and go, I can tell you that.