You Could Never Guess.
Yesterday it was a Policeman that was right on the spot when I needed him. Helped a possible bad situation from happening. I am not lying, today at my boys house as we were working a neighbor came knocking on the door and said the hill was on fire. Sure enough was.!! Two houses away but beginning to spread and pick up steam. Running up the dune and along the sides and even slowly beginning to creep down the hill. The neighbor had called 911 so I went to see what I could do. The neighbors hose was in the yard and could stretch to where I could reach some of it but not all so I started to do what I could. I stopped half of it.
To paraphrase an old saying, stopping half of it only works in horse shoes, well you get the drift. Within another hour or less the whole hill would have been on fire and at least 3 houses would have been next. Up that nearly inaccessible road came the big fire truck.. Those guys can wheel those trucks around pretty good. Then it was all business. Within 5 minutes there was a fireman who had climbed the hill dragging a hose behind him and a man on the ground turning on the water. They had to bring their own. Another 5-10 minutes later and the hill was swarming with firemen. I couldn’t figure out where they all came from. Another fire truck pulled up behind the first. I think another group came from behind the hill. That fire had no 0 nada chance. The place was soaked.
In the meantime the little covered outdoor grill that we assumed started the ruckus was merrily slow cooking a ton of chicken pieces. It continued on undisturbed by the commotion it had started. Outside of giving all the neighbors something to look at happily diverting us from our chores, we were not disturbed. The disturbed ones were the firemen, who had to rush ,in a controlled panic way, from the minute the warning sounded to the time the situation was under control. Then go about packing up their gear as they let the adrenalin wear off, and head on back home until the next call comes, as unexpected as this one had. Never knowing if it was a simple brush fire that only required haste, or whether they would have to seriously put their life on the line. Perhaps save someone’s life I made sure I thanked them as they left.
Some one else came into my life for a few minutes and quietly left. No names were given just some guys from the fire department. I still after yesterday forgot to get their name, I just took them for granted till they showed up. Perhaps that is as it should be. I’m just glad they were here.
Maybe tomorrow will be a regular day. Lol
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
THIS ONE WAS THERE WHEN I NEEDED HIM
This One Was Here When I Needed Him.
I had a busy confusing and complicated day. First I went in the morning to see my boy fresh from Boston at his house he bought here in Muskegon last year and I had been helping him fix it up. We took some measurements bought some lumber set up the saws then I had to leave as my very closet friend was being prepped for a triple bypass surgery which turned out to be a quadruple.
I went home first to clean up and change clothes. While there my guy who was painting my house finally had shown up, it was noon of course he said he’d be there at 8. Well this had gone on for 4 or 5 days and he didn’t show one of those days. Well last night he had asked to borrow a ladder from me. The new one I had out back that I never used because it was too big and heavy. Luckily after I said yes I had second thoughts, and followed him to see where he took it. It seemed reasonable so I figured that was ok. I went home and slept on it.
Today when he finally showed up, I had some time before I had to be at the hospital so I swung by the place I had seen him take the ladder to. Something just didn’t seem right, later I was glad I did. I recognized the guy who my painter had brought with him last night to help him with the ladder. That fella was working at another house. I stopped and asked about the ladder, he asked if I had gotten the money, I asked what money and he told me that he had bought the ladder from my painter for $70.00. Well I finally had enough of my painter. I was worried though about the confrontation, you know the he said, I said kind of thing that can escalate pretty fast, I had previously worked in bars as a bouncer and I didn’t want to go to jail if I had to defend myself. Luckily as I was debating how to fire him a cop was driving by and on the spur of the minute I flagged him down. I quickly explained my problem. I told him I wasn’t going to press charges but I wanted him (the policeman) to know what was going on and to be parked close by just in case.
This Policeman listened to my story and probably thought I was a little short of a full load. He did however do as I asked him to do. He did say jokingly to fire him quick as he was on the way to check in at the end of the day. Well it all worked out fine. My painter left without a fight and the policeman left to quit for the day. I was really glad that the policeman did what he did. He didn’t have to and he could of made a complicated mess of the whole thing but he didn’t. The problem was solved. I do love people that resort to common sense. Lol. Granted the crook made $70 off of the deal and doesn’t have to finish the job. Maybe not justice but I’ll sleep well tonight, I doubt he will. I gave him a chance and he knew it because he saw the black and white after I fired him and he thought he had to go talk to him. He couldn’t quite believe that I was letting him go. He asked me twice if he didn’t really have to talk to the policeman. I told him he didn’t that he was free to go and that I had given him a chance which he should use. I felt like the priest in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Lol I then still had enough time to go back to find the guy that bought my ladder. I did and we talked during which time I found out that my painter had previously sold my metal brake which was still in my yard chained to my trailer to that same guy for $200.00 It had cost me $1200.00 The guy had paid him, he showed me the card that he had kept track of his payment to my painter. Well I had second thoughts whether I should of pressed charges. But I think I’ll let it go at that. I’m hoping there was a reason for it happening the way it did. There’s a sucker born every minute they say, well my painter must of thought he’d run into twins. Lol.
From there I hurried to the hospital. After a 6 hour operation things were ok. She was pumping her own blood again. With the help of friends and family she will be back working as hard and non stop probably sooner than we think is prudent. But after today, what do I know?? I’ll be doing what the doctor says. That woman means a lot to me, she watched my back when others left me. She’s that way. I’m happy to have the chance to watch hers, when she can’t tell me not to.
I do want to take the opportunity to thank the Policeman who helped me out without throwing his weight around. When I think of all the grief they get from the public, I probably wouldn’t of been so nice if I was in his position. I made sure to thank him as he rode off. I gave him my precinct delegate/ blogger card, I hope he reads this blog. The most telling point of this whole episode is that I just realized I didn’t get his name. This tells me that I take the Police so much for granted and I buy into the negative pr they get that I take them completely for granted. He was there when I needed him to be and very cooperative, when he was in a hurry and didn’t have to be. He humored me, he believed me enough, and after all the abuse he probably receives from the public went with my idea. Thank you sir again for the help. I cannot even pull up a good picture of his face. The uniform and car and position have left him faceless to me. I truly regret I can’t thank him personally, by name, as one person does to another human being.
Well I’m happy today is over and all in my life is secure. Too bad I have to paint the rest of my house now. I won’t be able to hire anyone else. Oh well a small price to pay for getting my friend back, making a faceless Police force human, and even giving a wayward person a second chance. Most of all I’ll sleep well tonight. I hope all do. Today I saw the forest through the trees. Saw what helps keep all this neighborhood working. The authority needed to help us when we wander. We may abuse them because we don't like seeing in ourselves what causes the need for them. But needed they are, as I learned to day if for nothing else but to watch my back. Again thank you and feel free to contact me with your name so I can properly say thanks.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
I had a busy confusing and complicated day. First I went in the morning to see my boy fresh from Boston at his house he bought here in Muskegon last year and I had been helping him fix it up. We took some measurements bought some lumber set up the saws then I had to leave as my very closet friend was being prepped for a triple bypass surgery which turned out to be a quadruple.
I went home first to clean up and change clothes. While there my guy who was painting my house finally had shown up, it was noon of course he said he’d be there at 8. Well this had gone on for 4 or 5 days and he didn’t show one of those days. Well last night he had asked to borrow a ladder from me. The new one I had out back that I never used because it was too big and heavy. Luckily after I said yes I had second thoughts, and followed him to see where he took it. It seemed reasonable so I figured that was ok. I went home and slept on it.
Today when he finally showed up, I had some time before I had to be at the hospital so I swung by the place I had seen him take the ladder to. Something just didn’t seem right, later I was glad I did. I recognized the guy who my painter had brought with him last night to help him with the ladder. That fella was working at another house. I stopped and asked about the ladder, he asked if I had gotten the money, I asked what money and he told me that he had bought the ladder from my painter for $70.00. Well I finally had enough of my painter. I was worried though about the confrontation, you know the he said, I said kind of thing that can escalate pretty fast, I had previously worked in bars as a bouncer and I didn’t want to go to jail if I had to defend myself. Luckily as I was debating how to fire him a cop was driving by and on the spur of the minute I flagged him down. I quickly explained my problem. I told him I wasn’t going to press charges but I wanted him (the policeman) to know what was going on and to be parked close by just in case.
This Policeman listened to my story and probably thought I was a little short of a full load. He did however do as I asked him to do. He did say jokingly to fire him quick as he was on the way to check in at the end of the day. Well it all worked out fine. My painter left without a fight and the policeman left to quit for the day. I was really glad that the policeman did what he did. He didn’t have to and he could of made a complicated mess of the whole thing but he didn’t. The problem was solved. I do love people that resort to common sense. Lol. Granted the crook made $70 off of the deal and doesn’t have to finish the job. Maybe not justice but I’ll sleep well tonight, I doubt he will. I gave him a chance and he knew it because he saw the black and white after I fired him and he thought he had to go talk to him. He couldn’t quite believe that I was letting him go. He asked me twice if he didn’t really have to talk to the policeman. I told him he didn’t that he was free to go and that I had given him a chance which he should use. I felt like the priest in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Lol I then still had enough time to go back to find the guy that bought my ladder. I did and we talked during which time I found out that my painter had previously sold my metal brake which was still in my yard chained to my trailer to that same guy for $200.00 It had cost me $1200.00 The guy had paid him, he showed me the card that he had kept track of his payment to my painter. Well I had second thoughts whether I should of pressed charges. But I think I’ll let it go at that. I’m hoping there was a reason for it happening the way it did. There’s a sucker born every minute they say, well my painter must of thought he’d run into twins. Lol.
From there I hurried to the hospital. After a 6 hour operation things were ok. She was pumping her own blood again. With the help of friends and family she will be back working as hard and non stop probably sooner than we think is prudent. But after today, what do I know?? I’ll be doing what the doctor says. That woman means a lot to me, she watched my back when others left me. She’s that way. I’m happy to have the chance to watch hers, when she can’t tell me not to.
I do want to take the opportunity to thank the Policeman who helped me out without throwing his weight around. When I think of all the grief they get from the public, I probably wouldn’t of been so nice if I was in his position. I made sure to thank him as he rode off. I gave him my precinct delegate/ blogger card, I hope he reads this blog. The most telling point of this whole episode is that I just realized I didn’t get his name. This tells me that I take the Police so much for granted and I buy into the negative pr they get that I take them completely for granted. He was there when I needed him to be and very cooperative, when he was in a hurry and didn’t have to be. He humored me, he believed me enough, and after all the abuse he probably receives from the public went with my idea. Thank you sir again for the help. I cannot even pull up a good picture of his face. The uniform and car and position have left him faceless to me. I truly regret I can’t thank him personally, by name, as one person does to another human being.
Well I’m happy today is over and all in my life is secure. Too bad I have to paint the rest of my house now. I won’t be able to hire anyone else. Oh well a small price to pay for getting my friend back, making a faceless Police force human, and even giving a wayward person a second chance. Most of all I’ll sleep well tonight. I hope all do. Today I saw the forest through the trees. Saw what helps keep all this neighborhood working. The authority needed to help us when we wander. We may abuse them because we don't like seeing in ourselves what causes the need for them. But needed they are, as I learned to day if for nothing else but to watch my back. Again thank you and feel free to contact me with your name so I can properly say thanks.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
Don't Ignore The Democrat Voter.
An alternative to ignoring the Democratic voter.
Common strategy for both parties come election time is to get out the vote of their own party faithful. I agree that this is the most efficient use of the limited resources the party has. I would like to however speak about an alternative. In the big picture John McCain is obviously going after the independent voter hoping that if he makes a good enough case, he can get their vote. He is leaving the get out the vote apparatus to do what they do. This is as it should be. He is setting the policy at the top. The direction he wants the party to go in order to win the election.
How does this transfer to the local level? To my level? To my party? The county Republicans also are putting their efforts into first getting out the Republican faithful, mainly with the aid of voter ID lists ect. Targeting where efforts should be made. Where the volunteers can go to do the most good. To actually get a voter who will vote Republican to the booth. That is what actually matters in an election after all. This is crucial for the party to do. That step is however of a mechanical nature, and based solely on the current election. We let them know who the candidates are, create a little “buz” repeat the message as the election day draws near do what you can to physically get them to the polls. Next comes targeting the independent voter which is harder to do. More labor intensive. Less “Mechanical”, but still focused on the current election. The message has to be more direct and personal. But just as necessary to win an election. Getting the faithful to the polls is only the first step. We need to swing the majority of the independents our way. As I’ve said that part is not mechanical. That voter wants to know what answers we have to the issues that he or she themselves have with the “broken government. If I am to sway them I better be able to really listen to what they say and be able to answer in a short concise way, or shut up and listen more and go home and think harder and come back with an answer. To try a democrat to vote different is harder yet. Splitting their vote perhaps. Has a lot to do with the individual candidate and the issues. This part is a long term continuous struggle. We in my opinion have to put effort into that constantly, always seeking inroads on a personal level. At my level I need to try to do things anything to start, trial and error stuff. Keep the winners. Use my inalienable right and ability to fail as a plus. Lol.
The Web, I obviously believe is one possible way to get out the message to the independent, and perhaps plant some seeds in the democrat faithful. At the national level they recognize this but are not yet adept or comfortable with the concept. They are trying to set up an alternative to Move On.Org. The Muskegon County Repubs are setting up their own web site, and I’m hoping for good things. I believe the Muskegon Pundit will be involved, to what degree I’m not sure. {Please see my side bar for his link under CLOSE BY BLOG SITES TRYING TO HELP
The Dean Of Area Conservative Bloggers
Hopefully he will be able to guide it along a user friendly and inter active path. I have high hopes.}
All of this however does not negate the need to have a personal presence on the ground.
By doing all the above and doing it better than we have done in the past we can win the Presidency.
But----What about my precinct? What do I need to do? I find it hard to ignore the Democrats in my Precinct, nor do I think it wise. If the general population is reflected in voter preferences, I have to bump into 6 neighbors to find 1 republican. Should I ignore that Republican. No I should weep tears of joy to find him or her, form a relationship and network if possible. That is what this blog is all about. “Bottom Up Politics” is an attempt to find other Republican or people interested in the Republican message or at least my version of it. Lol.
Man I’m going round and round the idea of not ignoring the democrat voter. I guess the harder the job the easier it is to ignore. In other words, who am I to criticize the leadership of the party. If I seem to at times it is out of frustration. At this level there is only me. I have to understand that and figure out a way to do my job. How do I get the message to people that don’t want to hear it? The only way I’ve found is through example. My hardest thing has always been meeting new people. What meager attempts I’ve made so far however have been enlightening. People in general are receptive and willing to talk if approached in a friendly way. I can do that. What do I do after they answer the knock on the door. Nobody wants to listen to a sales pitch. But what am I doing there if not to sell the Republican idea? I have to go back to the reason I’m doing this in the first place and it is personal, and it is simple. I believe in conservative ideas of common sense government. I need to come up with real life examples of how the government is broke and real examples of how Republicans (ME) hope to fix it. To do that is not just saying the big boy political slogans like “Tippy canoe and not taxes for you” or some such. I know what part of government is broke that affects me, have to assume I don’t know what part needs fixing to help that individual. That involves listening and fitting my core beliefs to solve that problem. As precinct delegate or at least a wannabe it is my job to pass that complaint up the ladder and then come back down with a solution or at least a reason. This is way over my experience level, but I’m trying. This will not happen quickly. I guess the only way to do it is to Just Do It. Knock on doors, ask questions then LISTEN. With the advent of caller ID, our elected reps will learn to dread seeing my # lol.
The thing I want to do is start building for the future. The Republican message I believe in. The people I believe in. For people to trust my version of the message, I have to believe in myself. Sorry for the pep talk to myself.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative.
Common strategy for both parties come election time is to get out the vote of their own party faithful. I agree that this is the most efficient use of the limited resources the party has. I would like to however speak about an alternative. In the big picture John McCain is obviously going after the independent voter hoping that if he makes a good enough case, he can get their vote. He is leaving the get out the vote apparatus to do what they do. This is as it should be. He is setting the policy at the top. The direction he wants the party to go in order to win the election.
How does this transfer to the local level? To my level? To my party? The county Republicans also are putting their efforts into first getting out the Republican faithful, mainly with the aid of voter ID lists ect. Targeting where efforts should be made. Where the volunteers can go to do the most good. To actually get a voter who will vote Republican to the booth. That is what actually matters in an election after all. This is crucial for the party to do. That step is however of a mechanical nature, and based solely on the current election. We let them know who the candidates are, create a little “buz” repeat the message as the election day draws near do what you can to physically get them to the polls. Next comes targeting the independent voter which is harder to do. More labor intensive. Less “Mechanical”, but still focused on the current election. The message has to be more direct and personal. But just as necessary to win an election. Getting the faithful to the polls is only the first step. We need to swing the majority of the independents our way. As I’ve said that part is not mechanical. That voter wants to know what answers we have to the issues that he or she themselves have with the “broken government. If I am to sway them I better be able to really listen to what they say and be able to answer in a short concise way, or shut up and listen more and go home and think harder and come back with an answer. To try a democrat to vote different is harder yet. Splitting their vote perhaps. Has a lot to do with the individual candidate and the issues. This part is a long term continuous struggle. We in my opinion have to put effort into that constantly, always seeking inroads on a personal level. At my level I need to try to do things anything to start, trial and error stuff. Keep the winners. Use my inalienable right and ability to fail as a plus. Lol.
The Web, I obviously believe is one possible way to get out the message to the independent, and perhaps plant some seeds in the democrat faithful. At the national level they recognize this but are not yet adept or comfortable with the concept. They are trying to set up an alternative to Move On.Org. The Muskegon County Repubs are setting up their own web site, and I’m hoping for good things. I believe the Muskegon Pundit will be involved, to what degree I’m not sure. {Please see my side bar for his link under CLOSE BY BLOG SITES TRYING TO HELP
The Dean Of Area Conservative Bloggers
Hopefully he will be able to guide it along a user friendly and inter active path. I have high hopes.}
All of this however does not negate the need to have a personal presence on the ground.
By doing all the above and doing it better than we have done in the past we can win the Presidency.
But----What about my precinct? What do I need to do? I find it hard to ignore the Democrats in my Precinct, nor do I think it wise. If the general population is reflected in voter preferences, I have to bump into 6 neighbors to find 1 republican. Should I ignore that Republican. No I should weep tears of joy to find him or her, form a relationship and network if possible. That is what this blog is all about. “Bottom Up Politics” is an attempt to find other Republican or people interested in the Republican message or at least my version of it. Lol.
Man I’m going round and round the idea of not ignoring the democrat voter. I guess the harder the job the easier it is to ignore. In other words, who am I to criticize the leadership of the party. If I seem to at times it is out of frustration. At this level there is only me. I have to understand that and figure out a way to do my job. How do I get the message to people that don’t want to hear it? The only way I’ve found is through example. My hardest thing has always been meeting new people. What meager attempts I’ve made so far however have been enlightening. People in general are receptive and willing to talk if approached in a friendly way. I can do that. What do I do after they answer the knock on the door. Nobody wants to listen to a sales pitch. But what am I doing there if not to sell the Republican idea? I have to go back to the reason I’m doing this in the first place and it is personal, and it is simple. I believe in conservative ideas of common sense government. I need to come up with real life examples of how the government is broke and real examples of how Republicans (ME) hope to fix it. To do that is not just saying the big boy political slogans like “Tippy canoe and not taxes for you” or some such. I know what part of government is broke that affects me, have to assume I don’t know what part needs fixing to help that individual. That involves listening and fitting my core beliefs to solve that problem. As precinct delegate or at least a wannabe it is my job to pass that complaint up the ladder and then come back down with a solution or at least a reason. This is way over my experience level, but I’m trying. This will not happen quickly. I guess the only way to do it is to Just Do It. Knock on doors, ask questions then LISTEN. With the advent of caller ID, our elected reps will learn to dread seeing my # lol.
The thing I want to do is start building for the future. The Republican message I believe in. The people I believe in. For people to trust my version of the message, I have to believe in myself. Sorry for the pep talk to myself.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative.
Monday, May 26, 2008
FRUITPORT PARADE
My first Memorial Day Parade as a participant went great. All except the blisters. I was with Holly Hughes, the largest contingent by far of all the other candidates. I alone gave out 4 buckets of those little Tootsi Rolls. With twenty some volunteers for Holly the kids along the way were happy Holly was running. Karen Bui and her contingent was there with her family and friends and volunteers along with Sen. Van Woerkom and with his crew. We were all pretty close in the staging area before the parade started, alot of politicking was going on and just plain meeting old and new friends. I met a guy with a Van Woerkom t shirt and he turned out to be the staff member I talked with while I was tracking down the progress of Senate Resolution L which I had ended up blogging about. It’s always nice to put a face with a name.
As always it was a big parade. There were horses and motorcycles and bands. The Scotville Marching Clown band made their traditional appearance. The antique cars made my mouth water. They were from my era. The cars I dreamed of when I wwas a teenager. That little red T Bird was awesome. They were so nice I didn’t mind being reminded of my age. I’ll be listing the other parades as I get them on my calendar at my side bar. I hope to be in others, I assume there will be Independence Day parades. As Always if you want to join in let me know. The weather was perfect and the crowds were relaxed and happy. A Good thing all around.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
As always it was a big parade. There were horses and motorcycles and bands. The Scotville Marching Clown band made their traditional appearance. The antique cars made my mouth water. They were from my era. The cars I dreamed of when I wwas a teenager. That little red T Bird was awesome. They were so nice I didn’t mind being reminded of my age. I’ll be listing the other parades as I get them on my calendar at my side bar. I hope to be in others, I assume there will be Independence Day parades. As Always if you want to join in let me know. The weather was perfect and the crowds were relaxed and happy. A Good thing all around.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday Conservative Coffee. First Ever
Well I convened the first weekly “Sunday Conservative Coffee for Ward 2 Muskegon” this glorious Sunday morning. The sky was clear the sun was shinning, I bought a coffee, put my secret red “Red Wings” cap on the table and waited for people to flock to me. Well nobody did. There was an old guy, older than me anyway sitting in a booth kitty corner to me and he pointed to the wall next to me which was covered by a huge Picture from the 1930’s of downtown Muskegon.
This man asked me if I remembered that. I said I remembered the same stores but from the 1950’’s and he said “oh” like I couldn’t understand some secret knowledge he possessed . During the course of our conversation he let me know he was a retired educator, that he was of an age where he grew up with prejudice but always tried not to be so himself. He told me what he thought on a variety of things.
He told me how his mother told him how cute a little black girl was and how she couldn’t help it that she was that color. He told me how even at his young age how he thought that was unfair, and how he didn‘t think like that. He also told me about his views of the Spotlight incident, and that the owner was a black from out of town, and had a party for underage black kids and even though there was no alcohol he thought it was wrong to give black kids a place to hang out especially in a bar. How he was afraid of black youth in the street. I kept butting in and it would take awhile for him to recognize I was trying to say something then off he would go again, this time about how the civil rights rallies were staged by the media in the 60’s. The guy just keep on talking, I kept trying to change channels but my remote wasn’t working properly. Lol I guess part of the reason I didn’t like it was because it was a little to close to me, made me start to look at my actions with others. Do people think I am doing the same thing.? God I hope not. Part of this blog is to help me help myself. Socially I’ve been like a piece of wallpaper, I’m trying to get off the wall. I tend to “philosophize” instead of getting into what others are thinking. It’s just easier. Like it’s easier talking about something than actually doing something, anything constructive.
I’m trying to not be like that guy. I hope I can listen and learn from others. If you think “young and stupid” isn’t a truism, I hope to show that “old and brain dead” isn’t either. I hope that part of my brain that welcomes change hasn’t totally atrophied. I finally told that gentleman that I had to finish reading my book. He said ok and then as he was leaving he told me that he was there every Sunday morning. Man oh Man what was the name of that Disney movie with Bruce Willis about seeing yourself in the future. Scary stuff, not the movie which was uplifting, but the thoughts I was having. Well like him I’m still going to be there next week and like I say till you know what freezes over. I’ll deal with him and own thoughts about it as I will. Before this I had thought about moving to maybe Mia and Grace when they open. Maybe rotate among the local eateries. We’ll see. I see also another diner on Jefferson and Clay calling itself Carment’s is coming soon. I peaked through the window and it looks like the old Walgreens downtown in the 50’s. Ooops there I go again.
I think at least I have to keep the idea that meaningful conversation is a two way street firmly in my brain will help. Talking and listening. For me to keep from getting like that and keep my mind open to change and be able to adapt to reality I need to be able to truly listen to others. Without that, my version of Bruce Willis’s movie will not be an uplifting one.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
PS. Still time to get in the Memorial Day Parade Fruitport, walk and pass out candy. See my side bar titled Calendar. I’d be happy to hook you up with directions or give you a ride whatever, you can pick between walking with Karen Buie or Holly Hughes. Let’s pray the rain holds off. Lol. Email me -- glhotdogs@verizon.net. Or go to their web sites on my side bar and let them know. They’ll be happy you called.
PSS. Found the Bruce Willis Disney movie. “The Kid“, I loved it, Bruce shows he can act and not just as a rock em sock em type. I’m a fan of his and the rock em sock em stuff. I admit it. Guess it’s a guy thing. I’ll bet he’s a secret Conservative. lol
This man asked me if I remembered that. I said I remembered the same stores but from the 1950’’s and he said “oh” like I couldn’t understand some secret knowledge he possessed . During the course of our conversation he let me know he was a retired educator, that he was of an age where he grew up with prejudice but always tried not to be so himself. He told me what he thought on a variety of things.
He told me how his mother told him how cute a little black girl was and how she couldn’t help it that she was that color. He told me how even at his young age how he thought that was unfair, and how he didn‘t think like that. He also told me about his views of the Spotlight incident, and that the owner was a black from out of town, and had a party for underage black kids and even though there was no alcohol he thought it was wrong to give black kids a place to hang out especially in a bar. How he was afraid of black youth in the street. I kept butting in and it would take awhile for him to recognize I was trying to say something then off he would go again, this time about how the civil rights rallies were staged by the media in the 60’s. The guy just keep on talking, I kept trying to change channels but my remote wasn’t working properly. Lol I guess part of the reason I didn’t like it was because it was a little to close to me, made me start to look at my actions with others. Do people think I am doing the same thing.? God I hope not. Part of this blog is to help me help myself. Socially I’ve been like a piece of wallpaper, I’m trying to get off the wall. I tend to “philosophize” instead of getting into what others are thinking. It’s just easier. Like it’s easier talking about something than actually doing something, anything constructive.
I’m trying to not be like that guy. I hope I can listen and learn from others. If you think “young and stupid” isn’t a truism, I hope to show that “old and brain dead” isn’t either. I hope that part of my brain that welcomes change hasn’t totally atrophied. I finally told that gentleman that I had to finish reading my book. He said ok and then as he was leaving he told me that he was there every Sunday morning. Man oh Man what was the name of that Disney movie with Bruce Willis about seeing yourself in the future. Scary stuff, not the movie which was uplifting, but the thoughts I was having. Well like him I’m still going to be there next week and like I say till you know what freezes over. I’ll deal with him and own thoughts about it as I will. Before this I had thought about moving to maybe Mia and Grace when they open. Maybe rotate among the local eateries. We’ll see. I see also another diner on Jefferson and Clay calling itself Carment’s is coming soon. I peaked through the window and it looks like the old Walgreens downtown in the 50’s. Ooops there I go again.
I think at least I have to keep the idea that meaningful conversation is a two way street firmly in my brain will help. Talking and listening. For me to keep from getting like that and keep my mind open to change and be able to adapt to reality I need to be able to truly listen to others. Without that, my version of Bruce Willis’s movie will not be an uplifting one.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
PS. Still time to get in the Memorial Day Parade Fruitport, walk and pass out candy. See my side bar titled Calendar. I’d be happy to hook you up with directions or give you a ride whatever, you can pick between walking with Karen Buie or Holly Hughes. Let’s pray the rain holds off. Lol. Email me -- glhotdogs@verizon.net. Or go to their web sites on my side bar and let them know. They’ll be happy you called.
PSS. Found the Bruce Willis Disney movie. “The Kid“, I loved it, Bruce shows he can act and not just as a rock em sock em type. I’m a fan of his and the rock em sock em stuff. I admit it. Guess it’s a guy thing. I’ll bet he’s a secret Conservative. lol
Saturday, May 24, 2008
US 31 BARBEQUE
Cruel and unusual punishment. That’s the way I used to feel as I walked past US 31 barbeque when I was quite a bit younger, broke, with a drinking problem, no work, barely surviving through no fault of anyone else. The cruel part was behind the building in that glass front rotisserie, really quite a beautifully constructed thing. Slowly going round and round were those huge juicy beef and pork roasts slowly cooking to perfection. Oh it was heart stopping, and all those juices sizzling --- and the smell, well now you know what I mean by cruel and unusually potential tasty punishment.
I’m still not well off but George Buris’ US 31 Barbeque is one of the few places I go to treat myself and or a friend. I used to go there with my kids when I could. The handmade shakes were just out of this world and the kids loved the fries.
Again as with Bolt Hardware, US 31 to me is, was and always will be there. A fixture I take for granted. I decided to stop in and introduce myself and find out the story behind the business. They weren’t open when I went but I knocked on the back door, and George Buris came out and after introductions I said I’d like to interview him but I wasn’t the chronicle or anything and my viewer ship was 10-20 on a good day. We started talking and the history began to flow. People like to talk about what they love and know. His Dad Paul Buris started the business in 1939 on Ottawa St. He ran it till 1953 when his son, the man I was talking with, and current owner took over. He told me that the Chronicle said that the US 31 Barbeque was the oldest family owned restaurant still in operation in Muskegon County. He proudly said that they have done that with the same 3 sandwiches. He left it up to me to draw the obvious conclusion. Those sandwiches are deeeeelicious.
Also coming up in October is the 70th anniversary of the Restaurant.
{{{ Just my idea, we the people got active by getting involved by eating there. We helped make it a success. If government would offer such a satisfying fare as Mr. Buris does what an enjoyable thing government could be}}}
We talked of things we found we shared in common, like the love for the old downtown. The old Michigan and Regent theatres, as a kid George said that he was especially fond of the pool hall. Come to find out he knew my Dad. Well I’m digressing, back to business.
If you’re familiar with US 31 Barbeque you’ll know that they strive to produce quality. Their entire selection of entrees just includes 3 sandwiches. A beef or a pork or a combination of each barbeque. The recipe is secret and most people me included have tried to copy it. Speaking for myself my attempts while edible were a distant second. They do offer French fries, and of course those “to die for” shakes. If you want fancy, well you can leave it home because there is only room for good at the US 31 Barbeque. My opinion is that fancy is usually just a way to disguise or dress up a not so good thing. No need of that here. And if you want fast clean and efficient service you will get it. More time to enjoy the meal in the booth. Also if you need some for the office call it in and before you get there your order will waiting.
A word of caution about seating. It is limited and a line usually forms right at the peak times so plan accordingly. Anyway take it from me it is worth the wait. If I blog too much about restaurants at times forgive me. If you’ve been hungry food seems to always be lurking in your brain. Lol. Well I’m hungry now got to go.
Here are the hours, location and phone.
Monday - Thursday 11:00 - 7:00
Friday + Saturday 11:00 - 8:00
Closed Sunday.
Location 151 W. Muskegon Ave
Phone 231-722-3948
Also on my side bar scroll down to the “Stores I Really Like” area for their info any time you’re on my site. Say if you want to order lunch ahead lol.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
I’m still not well off but George Buris’ US 31 Barbeque is one of the few places I go to treat myself and or a friend. I used to go there with my kids when I could. The handmade shakes were just out of this world and the kids loved the fries.
Again as with Bolt Hardware, US 31 to me is, was and always will be there. A fixture I take for granted. I decided to stop in and introduce myself and find out the story behind the business. They weren’t open when I went but I knocked on the back door, and George Buris came out and after introductions I said I’d like to interview him but I wasn’t the chronicle or anything and my viewer ship was 10-20 on a good day. We started talking and the history began to flow. People like to talk about what they love and know. His Dad Paul Buris started the business in 1939 on Ottawa St. He ran it till 1953 when his son, the man I was talking with, and current owner took over. He told me that the Chronicle said that the US 31 Barbeque was the oldest family owned restaurant still in operation in Muskegon County. He proudly said that they have done that with the same 3 sandwiches. He left it up to me to draw the obvious conclusion. Those sandwiches are deeeeelicious.
Also coming up in October is the 70th anniversary of the Restaurant.
{{{ Just my idea, we the people got active by getting involved by eating there. We helped make it a success. If government would offer such a satisfying fare as Mr. Buris does what an enjoyable thing government could be}}}
We talked of things we found we shared in common, like the love for the old downtown. The old Michigan and Regent theatres, as a kid George said that he was especially fond of the pool hall. Come to find out he knew my Dad. Well I’m digressing, back to business.
If you’re familiar with US 31 Barbeque you’ll know that they strive to produce quality. Their entire selection of entrees just includes 3 sandwiches. A beef or a pork or a combination of each barbeque. The recipe is secret and most people me included have tried to copy it. Speaking for myself my attempts while edible were a distant second. They do offer French fries, and of course those “to die for” shakes. If you want fancy, well you can leave it home because there is only room for good at the US 31 Barbeque. My opinion is that fancy is usually just a way to disguise or dress up a not so good thing. No need of that here. And if you want fast clean and efficient service you will get it. More time to enjoy the meal in the booth. Also if you need some for the office call it in and before you get there your order will waiting.
A word of caution about seating. It is limited and a line usually forms right at the peak times so plan accordingly. Anyway take it from me it is worth the wait. If I blog too much about restaurants at times forgive me. If you’ve been hungry food seems to always be lurking in your brain. Lol. Well I’m hungry now got to go.
Here are the hours, location and phone.
Monday - Thursday 11:00 - 7:00
Friday + Saturday 11:00 - 8:00
Closed Sunday.
Location 151 W. Muskegon Ave
Phone 231-722-3948
Also on my side bar scroll down to the “Stores I Really Like” area for their info any time you’re on my site. Say if you want to order lunch ahead lol.
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative
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