My Stress Test

Take a look at the illustration at right. It seems really peaceful and relaxing. Like it's no big deal right? Believe me, they actually try to kill you! I had my first one 2 weeks ago. Now after many years of smoking, drinking, no sleep and various other things I won't mention, I'm not in the best of shape. But up until about a month ago I felt relatively healthy. Then one day my left arm started to feel funny. Kind of a pressure between my shoulder and hand. It came and went for a few days then one morning it got worse. Along with the arm came shortness of breath, hot flashes, etc., etc. I tried to blow it off but then I convinced myself I was having the "Big One". Long story short I was scheduled for the treadmill torture device. I think they used this in Medieval Times when the Iron Maiden was being serviced. After 15 minutes of going faster and higher I had to stop. Not because of any pain in my chest but the rest of my body wore out. It took 2 days for the swelling in my knee to go down. My back and shoulder still hurt and I am having recurring nightmares about the whole thing. After it was over the doctor showed me images of my heart before and after. He said there was no difference. I thought that was a good thing. Wrong! He said they couldn't get my heart rate up enough to get an accurate reading. Oh really? Sea Biscuit's heart rate was lower than mine when he beat War Admiral. So what's next you ask? The Medically Induced Stress Test last week. My suggestion is go with this one first and save yourself the pain. They inject you with some type of nuclear stuff then do the EKG thing. It kinda makes you feel like your heads gonna pop off for a minute or two but other than that it's a breeze. I have to go back this coming week for a few more tests but they're pretty sure I'll live until the bill is paid. I believe that's their ultimate goal. There are a few problems but I don't think (I hope) anything really serious. Anyway I would like to thank all my friends who somehow found out about all this and took the time to call or email me expressing their concern. That means a lot to me. So thanks Jeff, Joe, Joey, John, Phyllis, Johnny T., Boo Boo, Pam, John, Steve, Mary Jo, Melanie, Julia, Jody, Joey G., Sef, Leslie, Andrea, Timmy, Rick, Dad and Marg and many others.

The secret is finally out. I knew that there had to be more than ignorance and arrogance behind the decisions "G Dub" has made during his reign as King, err, I mean President. Looking back on it now all the signs were clearly evident. The dis-associated, far-away look, the garbled speeches, the irrational decisions, those frequent "vacations" to Camp David and his ranch in Texas. All those overseas flights on Air Force One where he conveniently doesn't have to go through Customs or be x-rayed by the TSA. So come on George, share a little. You only have a few months left in office. Get up off the stash. How about including an 8 Ball with the Stimulus Checks?

Dick Cheney-Repeat Douche Bag

I actually hate to give Dick (May I call you Dick?) more airtime. I have debated over posting this for a few days. But what the hell-I don't feel like delving into rising gas prices, runaway inflation, a useless "war" in Iraq or the hundred other things that the Republicans have graciously bestowed upon the good citizens of this country during the Bush administration. But I will. So let's take a look at Cheney's latest statement concerning his "joke" about West Virginia. If you don't know what I'm referring to because you just arrived on earth I excuse you. If you are a U.S. citizen and don't know what the statement was then you obviously are: A) A Republican B) Too stupid to vote or C) Both A and B above. Now as we all know making a derogatory remark, even in jest, about a certain race, religion, country, state, etc. is wrong and the person making such a comment should burn in hell. That's my public statement for the record. The truth is we all do it. Of course anyone with an I.Q. above 7 doesn't say it in front of several TV cameras and major news media. Some of us mean no harm while others actually intend to offend. It doesn't surprise me that Cheney said what he said because he is an arrogant, manipulative, pompous ass. Under normal circumstances he would have committed political suicide. But lets take a deeper look at his statement. He doesn't care. Neither does his boss. My only hope is that the Democrats that elected Bush #2 (either out of fear or ignorance) will finally realize that the promises of thieves and liars (hereafter known as the Republican party) have led us to the brink of destroying America. I'm exaggerating you say? Look around...I mean really LOOK! This country is less than 6 months away from total chaos. Think things are bad now? We have yet to feel the full effects of escalating gas prices. If something doesn't give-and soon-maybe next winter-you just might have to burn your grandma's china cabinet to stay warm for one day. The next day you get fired because you can't afford the gas to drive to work. Your kids are hungry but you can't buy groceries because you owe the IRS last years taxes. You take a number and get in line for public assistance but after doing the math you realize that you would have to live to be 176 years old before you reach the overwhelmed girl behind the counter. While walking home (you can't drive because you have no gas remember?) it finally sinks in that maybe, just maybe, the Republicans don't give a shit about you Mr. Middle Class. You've worked your whole life and paid your taxes (like you have a choice!). Maybe all you ever wanted was to provide for your family and go to Disney World one time. Kiss those extravagant dreams goodbye. So what does all this have to do with Cheney's jab at West Virginia? I think it can be summed up in one word. RESPECT. The Republican party doesn't respect you as a law abiding, tax paying, honorable citizen. They take everything they can from you and when there's nothing left you are of no use to them. And there's an old saying "Be careful what you wish for." Well West Virginia, 8 years ago you voted for Bush and Cheney. The first four years evidently didn't sink in so you did it again in 2004. God help us if McCain wins in November. But keep believing the lies. Spend your Supplement Check (which if you would think about it is your money anyway that they have stolen from you) at WalMart to buy your new shotgun. And make sure you buy shells because after another Republican administration you will want to blow your brains out.