packsaddle

Sounds like a lot of water under the bridge here. I wish him luck too...he let himself down and the adults allowed it. In this unit, the SM tasked me with responsibility for monitoring and mentoring boys once they attain Life rank. From that time forward, after I give them all of the written requirements and forms, I merely ask them every time I see them, "Do we need to talk?". The procrastinators dread that moment. But they all know that ultimately a birthday hangs like a blade over their neck. So far so good. And once in a while, they actually want to talk. And that's just great.

beardad, I'll offer a slightly different take on it. You described the pack as large and very organized (I read successful here). The CO and pack leadership evidently are doing something right and they do have the freedom to deny an application for any reason, or no reason. It's their decision. The apparent contradiction between turning away a volunteer on one hand and then making a plea for volunteers on the other is also their decision. The guy who was turned away can either view this negatively as a personal rejection or he can view this positively as validation of more personal free time that he can devote to selfish endeavors. In any case, it's not your responsibility or your problem. Don't waste time or emotions trying to second-guess the decision. Just enjoy doing things with your son. He'll grow up very quickly and you will want to have as many good memories as possible.

I'm not sure what part of Alabama you're interested in but here are some suggestions from my experience: Alabama has great state parks. I think all of them have camping areas. Check out their website: http://www.alapark.com/ The Little River Canyon is worth a trip: http://www.nps.gov/liri/ Also the Russel Cave National Monument has a primitive area that a group can camp in. The rangers are really friendly and supportive and their demonstration of native skill is fantastic - great for wilderness survival MB. Good luck.

When I was at NC State, one of the candidates for student body president was a guy named Eric Plow. I thought that name was really convenient for THAT cow college. But more than that he ran on the platform of wanting the university to create 'cow-ed' dorms, yuk, yuk. He almost got elected.

As I remember it, years ago the auto industry lobbied its way around proposed higher fuel mileage standards (CAFE) by threatening the Reagan administration with layoffs, etc. Sound familiar? There was similar resistance to safety standards, etc. over the years. They could have been leaders in that technology. They declined that status. Last December the federal government made $25 billion available for loan to the auto industry so it could do the R&D to meet CAFE 2020. That loan is still available. In chapter 11, they might even use it to slim down and retool as a real competitor. I predict stiff resistance to that idea by the auto industry. GM had a prototype electric vehicle that was in production and in use (the EV-1) back in 1996 and then they discontinued the production in 1999. They switched from this direction to the pursuit of profit from gas guzzlers (among other things, they acquired Hummer). They then retrieved nearly all of the EV-1 cars and destroyed the last of them in 2003. The symbolism is unavoidable. Their apocalyptically stupid planning was quickly matched by Toyota and Honda which introduced the first, very successful, hybrids. The rest is the current sad history. This is not 'rocket science'. It is taking a quick buck at risk of market punishment. The market is, in fact, doing what it is supposed to do: selecting against those who are not competitive and that IS a Darwinian consequence. The market doesn't care what mechanisms, political or otherwise, lead to innovations and clever strategies. The market merely rewards successful competition and selects against unsuccessful competitors. Our auto makers gambled on the quick buck approach and lost. They are paying for their arrogance and stupidity. I'll venture a guess that somewhere in all that corporate morass is a nucleus of imagination and innovation that could re-form a new, competitive, smart auto industry. THAT might be worth some government encouragement. In another thread I stated what my conditions would be for a bailout. It amounted to completion of the socialist contract. The industry would be owned (and to some extent run) by the American people through our elected government. I don't like that idea but it is the way I see the least damage from the folly of a bailout. I am sorry that you and a lot of other people are going to pay for bad decisions by some very-highly-paid, but arrogant and stupid corporate leaders. But that is (or at least used to be) the American economic system. The one irony I add to my collection of delicious ironies is that the political party that portrays itself as so-called 'conservative' has embraced socialism with such gusto, in the process rejecting true conservativism.

I think the cost of energy will shift a lot of things back to local economies. But I am adamant about my response when a person, or an industry tries to blackmail me into something I don't like. In this case the only argument for the government handout is that too many jobs are at stake. In essence, the auto industry is saying, "if you don't keep us alive, we'll kill these jobs." In the face of that kind of argument, I'd pull the plug immediately if I could. That kind of thoughtless greed needs to be punished and punished hard. I have owned, let's see, three big American vans and four big American SUV's. I was happy with all of them. I'd be happy to keep them. But if the only argument a non-competitive company can make is that they'll hurt the country if they don't get what they want, then I conclude that it will likely hurt the country if we 'cave in' to their demands. That kind of argument is bad enough but when the public buys into it, it really tells me that we're in for well-deserved hard time.

Hey man, I was just enjoying the thought that you were basking in the glory of starting it first. I'm thankful for family, friends, and good health for all of them. I'm thankful for the memories of a lifetime of discovery, service, and love. Happy Thanksgiving to all you guys!

I don't encounter this problem much. Once in a while a boy will have trouble getting started but I basically follow Bob White's advice. Then, once the flow of ideas has overwhelmed his ability to choose, I help him by asking him which ones provide the greatest service, offer the best opportunity for him to demonstrate leadership, and are doable. We are surrounded by all sorts of parks with limited funding for improvements, etc. and schools, and we are in the Bible belt so...pick your church. Our problem is usually which project idea to pick...and how to keep Dad from trying to take it over (had this problem back in cubs with pinewood derby too).

Most of us are going to work until we die. The trick will be to do something we enjoy. I guess, instinctively I've always known that would be my fate. I also like the 401 keg line. I'll mention that to the students...see if it's like totally retro/sketchy. I mean like duuuuuuh...what-ev-er!

mmhardy, I suspect there are similar sentiments from people who are (were) with Lehman Bros. I have watched first hand as people formerly with the textile industry went through the same thing. A lot of them are still devastated. The country survived nicely. I agree with the comment about hypocrisy. However, that can be applied liberally (no pun intended) to almost every player in the current fiasco. For example, I see hypocrisy where people whose votes say they want free-market economics nevertheless sidle up to the public trough, ready to put the whole country in greater debt. The reality I see is very harsh and I see no way to say it in gentle terms. If the auto industry is the pivot around which the entire country revolves, then we have made some very large mistakes in strategic planning. However, if we have made such a mistake, and it is possible that we have, then the market is going to correct that mistake eventually, no matter what. If this country put all its eggs into THAT basket, we deserve harsh treatment because of our stupidity if nothing else. I lived through an era in which people went directly into textile mills as teens, often without a high-school diploma, and planned to live a comfortable lifetime doffing bobbins or something similar. The mill owners invested in new equipment and appreciative labor in the early years. As the labor aged and became more expensive, the equipment aged and the owners pocketed profit instead of thinking strategically. The mill labor, in the meantime, voted for ideologies that supported free trade, open markets and competition. The disconnect between their reality and their ideology eventually separated them from their livelihoods. I've watched scores of mills close and eventually burn or be demolished. The workforce, untrained for anything else for the most part, didn't fare very well. The states needed industrial capacity to replace these jobs and they successfully competed with other states by giving tax incentives. Mercedes, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW...all have played the market skillfully and kept a strategic view. And not just auto manufacturers. The president of Toyota only makes about $1 million. All the compassion in the world for US auto workers will not change the fact that both upper management and unions have been greedy and have not thought about the long term. When Mercedes dumped their interest in Chrysler while maintaining their plant in AL, THAT decision was the hint for smart people to either find another way of life or prepare for really, really bad times. No one blinked when the textile industry moved to China. Few blinked when microchips and other electronics manufacturing moved overseas. We voted for it with our dollars every time we shopped for the cheapest price. And I note that if Ford-Europe could divorce itself from the US part, it would be doing just great. Just an example. The market is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is exacting Darwinian consequences on everything and everyone involved in it. It doesn't care about you, your neighbors, the children, or even the future. If you are unable to compete or if you are part of an uncompetitive group, it will grind you into oblivion. From a market perspective, it is the outcome you have earned. Even if the USA bankrupts itself doling out bailouts, the market is going to have its pound of flesh eventually anyway. One lesson I learned from watching the textile industry auger in was that prolonging the agony doesn't change the outcome. It just makes it more agonizing. It is time to man up and face the harsh reality. Fact is, the market doesn't care. It will only reward someone if they are competitive. If there is any life left in the US auto industry, it is time for it to cut off the dead tissue and try to survive. In the long run a government handout isn't going to help. As OGE suggested obliquely, I'd rather see the handout go directly to unemployed workers as welfare checks than to support a management structure and business strategy that is as dead as its leaders' minds.

Overheard conversation between engineers: New engineer just hired, "Yeah, I got my degree at Texas A&M" Older engineer (Razorback) retorts, "Aggie, huh? So when are you going to get an education?" I really enjoy working with engineers.

Bush did preside over the spending spree. He had the ability to veto. How many years into his administration did he wait to use it? To be fair this trend of deficit spending began during Vietnam with Johnson and with the change Nixon implemented that allowed us to 'print money' to pay for things. Then I well-remember the criticism Carter took from Reagan for his $67 billion deficit. I also remember Reagan's promise to balance the budget in five years. Then he promised a huge tax cut and at the same time a huge spending increase (sound familiar?). After all it worked for JFK whose tax cut was the largest ever. He was merely more responsible with the budget. The math is simple. I don't blame Reagan, Carter, or Nixon. They merely did what the public wanted...the same thing that many of us have been doing with credit card debt. But NONE of them did it with the skill and intensity of G.W. Bush. I guess, to be fair, I can't blame him alone either. We elected him. And a majority of Americans supported his policies and actions so we all can share that blame. As Beavah says, the debt is staggering and it is staggering this nation. And like I have said many times before, I am not optimistic. I do have a solution. Not many will like it. First step: Abolish Social Security. Immediately. Let people keep all the income that no longer goes to the tax. Abolish Medicare and Medicaid. Immediately. Same deal. Abolish all other entitlements except those for veterans. Let everyone, regardless of age or health, experience the unseen hand and the magic of the free market. Darwinian forces will provide the needed correction. The baby boom is just beginning to retire. I'm supposedly on the bleeding edge. The best thing we can do for our children if we get really ill or can't support ourselves...is die - quickly. Next step. Tax all inheritances and estates fully as if they are regular income. Our children will have the benefit of off-loading the retirees from their shoulders and greater freedom to do for themselves. They will still have the remainder, after taxes, of their inheritance. If I were them, I'd take the deal. Finally: Not one penny of the saved and increased revenue can go to anything other than debt service...until all the debt is paid. The remainder of the federal budget will fend for itself. Coupled with this, institute the Fair Tax and never allow another budget deficit. Ever.

"Those are real WOSM scouts, just like the BSA, eh?" Interesting. Thanks for the correction. I was thinking the age range was too old but I guess they get to decide...local option.

I was walking down the hall in Jr. High school when the announcement went out. I was in front of the library on my way to industrial arts class. The teacher was Mr. Phillips. The announcement was made by the Principal, Mr. Haywood. His voice was trembling. We had already previously had a series of drills in which the entire school crowded into a basement room, standing room only...in case of nuclear attack. Students around me laughed and cheered. I was confused. Doyle Shaw laughed as he said, "Whaddaya know, someone finally bumped off ol' Kennedy". Only a few were concerned. Johnny Kinley (student body president) was on the edge of tears. Marion Pruett just laughed. He later became a serial killer. Teachers came out into the halls to get some order to the chaos. Miss Cline, the librarian, (they all were Misses, regardless of marital status) was crying. She was short, dark hair, brown eyes, cute dimples, engaged to someone at another school. Miss Whaley (math teacher) was yelling at the boys who were laughing. She had red hair, freckles, and a fiery temper (decades later she resurfaced as a faith healer). Ray Miller came over to me and we sat down together, quietly, and waited for something to happen. Mr. Brown, social studies, who for some unknown reason liked me, sat down with us, tears in his eyes. His hair was short and he had a dark tan. He was wearing a white shirt and the sleeves were rolled up. Ray looked at him and started to cry. I had almost finished Eagle but not quite. That came during Johnson. Life started to move as in a blur.

You could have slept a lot later before you started this thread, donchaknow. If Sarah can make some money off of selling a book, more power to her. There's no skin off anyone's back for it so I wish her success. She's just taking advantage of an opportunity and the market, as you note, will probably be kind. I say 'go for it'.

Maybe someone was afraid to ask about the lady with the aluminum foil hat and plastic bags on her legs (I still want to know what that's all about)....the sign out front encouraged everyone to vote for: Ron Paul

Hah, Hah, you do know don't you that 'Planet of the Apes' was fiction?(This message has been edited by packsaddle)

...or the 'sound barrier' or the age of the earth. Of course, after the rapture of 1996 we all know that prediction was true.

Sheldonsmom, Since no one else responded, I doubt that BSA is in any danger, at least with regard to their charter. Likewise, home schooling is unlikely to be abolished. In fact, I predict it will increase, mostly due to increases of adults staying at home, out of work. As for the gimmicks you mention (taxing toilets, etc.), these kinds of things are fun to talk about casually but they are mostly a diversion from issues that are often more relevant to society. Speaking of which, Talk radio is probably not going to suffer - too much profit in it. In fact, it could be that the Obama administration will stimulate even more of it for your listening pleasure. As for recycling, my survey of other countries supports the idea that mandated recycling works and works well...if it's implemented appropriately for each society and their needs. But if it's your point that the public must provide popular support, I agree. The cost of energy and materials eventually will make recycling even more desirable than it is today. With regard to conservation measures, I note that government-mandated standards are very effective in some cases, such as building codes (which often include conservation measures - and assuming they are not violated). I hope you are not advocating abolition of regulations such as these. I own two of those cavernous vehicles and I really enjoy the power and space when I transport furniture or lots of people. They burn very little fuel when I don't use them and like GWD says, they're paid for and I'll keep running them as long as I need to. However for commutes, I have other more-efficient options, including public transport. And if GM had not helped kill the electric car many years ago, all of us (including GM) would likely have better options today, even including the guzzlers. If your concern is that life is not going to be the same, then brace yourself...you're correct.

I just read this article, seemed relevant. I hope the link works..I think it opens to a preview of the issue but I was able to read it. http://www.zinio.com/express3?issue=313023118&o=int&prev=sub Commentary by Jamie Kitman, page 26 of December issue of Automobile. A teaser, "Many talk of the general cheapening of our culture, but surely it doesn't get more debased than when rock-ribbed Republicans and hard-core free-marketeers sidle up to the public trough." I quite agree. It's a surprising statement for this magazine.

GW, my pessimism is founded on what I've seen in the past. Just for example, if you think injecting CO2 into the ground is going to 1) work, or 2) be cost-effective, you need to rethink thermodynamics and perhaps take a look at what happened at Lake Nyos, Cameroon. Drill, baby, drill and similar nonsense is merely a way to maintain the lifestyle that put us where we are right now for just a little while longer. Don't get me wrong, the problems CAN be solved but not without changing our lifestyle. Oh, it's going to happen eventually! I'm just pessimistic that we'll do it voluntarily, under some semblance of a realistic plan.

No 'loan' should be made that can't be recovered through sale of the assets. At the time of the loan, stock options, priced on that same day, equivalent to the amount of the loan should become the property of the federal government and held until the 'loans' are repaid. Then the stocks may be sold over some period of time at whatever profit the government chooses to collect. Management levels below VP should not be paid a greater salary than the Senior Executive Service. If they don't like that, put the SES in charge, they can't do worse. How many vice-presidents are seated at each car company? How many vice-presidents does the USA have? What is wrong with this picture? Each president or CEO should not be paid more than the President of the USA. Same rule for the remaining VP. If after a year, the 'big three' have not learned a better business model from the Chinese, Koreans, or Japanesse, sell the stocks and liquidate the assets to recover the 'loans'. I've had my complaints with the USPS but then I've had them with UPS and FedEx for that matter. I agree with Lisa, considering what they do, they do a pretty good job. For that matter, back when I worked for the Feds, I was constantly pleased with the efficiency and careful jobs done by the people I worked with. They really cared. I know for a fact (because I was the contract monitor) that some of the work I saw by contractors could have been done better and cheaper by federal employees, had they been allowed to do it. The contractors met the minimum requirements and then cut and ran. No further responsibility nor oversight. I tried to get the contracts people to tighten the terms and they argued that their hands were tied. Then the public saw poor quality and blamed the feds rather than the people who actually did it. I worked for the Army so this might be different for other agencies but I enjoyed the work and I had utmost respect for the people with whom I worked. On the other hand, I have been watching state governments squander funding as if they intended to. It seems that the more government servicesare influenced by politics rather than the interests of the people, the more wasteful and damaging are the actions.

I am going to defend Brent here. I think it is just and right to be very skeptical about political policies regarding energy. Neither party has proposed a realistic approach to the coming energy crunch. Forget global climate change. It's going to happen or it's not going to happen. We're deceiving ourselves with arrogance to think we can turn off a few lights or get a few greater mpg and that's going to make a difference one way or the other. It's politics. Now regarding the aluminum foil hat...I just have to ask about that. I have a neighbor who lives about a dozen houses down the street. She's late middle age and rarely comes out. When she does she wears on her head what appears to be a large aluminum pot covered with aluminum foil. After living the South my entire life, I just take things like this in stride. However, today I saw her again and noticed that she also had plastic bags wrapped around each leg, all up and down her legs. Does anyone have any idea what THAT's supposed to do? I confess, I literally AM afraid to ask her. BTW, Her house had a political sign out front during the campaign. Wanna know whose name was on it?

FYI, they're not really Scouts but it's an interesting article. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/world/middleeast/21lebanon.html?_r=1&hp

I have two Red Clouds (one much newer) and I think it is a great backpack. Very comfortable and plenty of room. But pricier than what you just described for the Alps. No experience with Alps.