Riding Naked -- and I Like It!

Yes, dear friends, I've decided to go "naked."

For non-riders, that means riding my motorcycle without the windscreen.

I really like the looks of a motorcycle without a windscreen. I didn't know how I would feel about riding without one. I expected to feel a lot of push against my body but wasn't expecting as much against my head. Missouri is a helmet law state and I have a full face helmet. Turning to the side to check for traffic was a little bit of a surprise. There is no aerodynamic design from the side of the helmet!

Chances are good that I'll stay with a full face helmet or at least one that offers some facial protection from the wind and bugs as summer approaches. I also like the full face for cold weather riding. I've been looking at some modular helmets and expect that is where I'll end up.

But back to riding naked...

I can see where a long ride might take some getting used to. I remember reading one biker's comments that his forearms got tired for his first couple of long rides each season. I don't think that will be a problem, but can see how it might. I can also see a bit of a challenge to basic core muscles as you do catch a lot of wind. I don't know how tiring that will be and only know of one way to find out.

The good news is that as long as I leave the mounting bracket on, it only takes a few minutes (four bolts) to add or remove the windscreen, so I can always put it back on before a long trip if I decide that I want to and then take it off easily when I return.

For now, it is all an experiment and so far -- I Am Lovin' It!

Even though it will take some getting used to, I imagine that I'll ride without it most of the time. I'll start with shorter rides and build up and see how I feel after a few hundred miles. I plan on riding it to the Pulaski Baptist Association Evangelism Conference next week (about 100 miles) and will have it handy for some afternoon riding. Chris is planning on coming to the Saturday night music worship and can bring my magic for that night in her car. We'll have to drive separately because she won't be staying for the conference.
I think I can handle most of my stuff in the saddlebags and strapped to the sissy bar.
I am looking forward to it.

The weather is supposed to be decent. I'll have to check again as the weekend approaches.

Yeah, I know...
It's a pretty rough life I live!

John <><

Easter Re-run: cookie recipe

Here's an Easter re-run in time for you to make a grocery run if you need any of the ingredients.
Enjoy!

http://outofmyhat.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-cookies.html

John <><

Throwback Thursday: winter returns

Today's Throwback Thursday is brought to you by a brief return to winter in the Ozarks!
Wow! 75f (24c) yesterday and 28 (-2c) tonight!

It was a good morning to sleep late. The windows in our bedroom were opened a bit so the upper 30s outdoor temps made the room cool and provided a deterrent to crawling out from underneath the warm blankets. I took a page from Chris' book and just rolled over and grabbed my phone and did some of my morning surfing from bed rather than getting up.

The major downside to that -- no coffee!

I decided that I'd go out for coffee this morning so I am blogging from Starbucks and eavesdropping on the conversations at the tables around me. On another morning, I may just go to the little coffee shop in Ozark and blog from there but today I felt like taking a brisk ride on the cycle. And the free refills at Starbucks was also a factor in that decision.

Ozarkers tend to be a little stubborn when it comes to reverting to wearing coats and winter wear. Many of today's patrons are refusing to even wear a light jacket and are only going as far as wearing long sleeved shirts and jeans.

This Starbucks appears to be a gathering place for moms with young kids. Next to me is a couple of women (one with a baby) talking about life. The one with the baby is doing most of the talking and I sense that she needs an adult to talk to. Her friend is actively listening and asking questions that keep the mom eagerly engaged.

Another couple of ladies look to be engaged in an interview or meeting of some type. The mom with the toddler appeared to be a little late (although it could be that the other woman was early). Mom is feeding her young daughter and taking notes and appears to be the one directing the meeting.

There are also a couple of college student that are studying and a mother with her son that look like they are taking their home school class to the coffee shop today.
A businessman on his phone, an older man having coffee and a breakfast sandwich, and many that are just in and out with their drink of choice make up the patrons of Starbucks on this late March day.

Oh yeah, and the old guy people watching and blogging in the corner!

Spring temps will be back soon and I'm sure that they will bring thunderstorms and showers as they usually do ... they seasonal cycles continue as we journey around the sun.

I think I'll grab lunch in Springfield before heading home. I'll people watch from another location!

John <><

Small Town

I grew up in a small town.

It was a little town along the Illinois River in the heart of the state. We rode bikes, played ball, played tag, hide and seek, kick the can and enjoyed the outdoors. We splashed through puddles when it rained and built forts and had snowball fights when it snowed. The ages of the kids varied greatly with young kids playing with and being watched out for by the older kids.

It was a good childhood.

Now I live in a different small town.

This one is in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri.  As we were driving out of our neighborhood a few nights ago, we slowed to allow the kids to get out of the street. The younger ones were playing and the older ones were watching out for them. There were balls, skateboard and bicycles in the yards. The kids ranged from pre-school age to high schoolers.
Chris commented about how it felt good to see kids playing outside rather than being inside playing video games; how it seemed more natural.

Yeah, it did feel good.

Last week I was out riding on the motorcycle and approaching town from the east on a two lane state hwy. Less than a mile from Ozark the westbound traffic pulled over and parked on the shoulder to allow an eastbound funeral procession to pass. It's still what we do in the rural areas of the Midwest.

Sometimes we might complain that our restaurant choices are limited or that there isn't much to do in Ozark, but we are only a few miles from the hundreds (literally) of restaurants in Springfield, from the attractions of Branson or from the lakes of the Ozarks.
There are rivers to be paddled, lakes to be fished, trails to be hiked and plenty of things to do for big kids in the great outdoors.

Living in the rural areas of the Midwest can be an easy, relaxing way of life. We are just a few miles from the state's third largest city and only a few hours from St. Louis or Kansas City. I know that these are small cities by comparison to most, but they offer much to the many small communities in the Midwest.

I feel blessed to have lived in small towns.



John <><

Up in the morning...

It is going to be another beautiful day in the Ozarks!

I am up early and enjoying a cup of my own variation of bulletproof coffee. It may seem odd that I am up before sunrise since I am living the retired life and have no real need to be up this early, but as I am now fond of saying, "I get up when I'm finished sleeping."

It is not unusual for me to be up early on days when Chris works (like today). I generally wake up while she is getting ready and get out of bed shortly after she leaves at just past 6. I enjoy my coffee, read my favorite blogs, catch up on social media and occasionally (not often) watch a morning news show.

I had a wonderful time this past weekend. Aaron and Jenny came down for some pre-wedding activities for Hannah and Daniel. We had a very nice family and wedding party shower for the soon to be married couple and then they had afternoon and evening activities including very early (two+ months) bachelor and bachelorette parties. It is always a great time when I get to see my kids!

**********

With the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere comes Easter.
This is Holy Week -- the week leading up to the glorious resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Sunday was Palm Sunday which marked the Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem.

I have to admit, I never really got that name - Triumphal Entry.
Oh, I know that Jesus fulfilled the prophesies and accomplished His earthly mission and all, but really? From a human perspective the coming week was far from anything triumphant.

He entered the city as a humble servant on a small donkey.
He was falsely accused.
He stood in a false trial, in front of false witnesses.
He was abandoned by his friends.
He was mocked, beaten, scourged and crucified with criminals.
He was left to suffer and die -- alone.
And He was buried in a borrowed tomb.

I know that the triumph comes days later. But you have to admit, this week that we call Holy Week was really a dark time in the life of Jesus -- and in humanity.
It was a week that was filled with greed and lust for power.
It was a week filled with hate and a time when people used religion as a club to beat others into submission for a perceived greater good.
It was a week when those appointed as leaders abused their leadership and painted a good man as evil while evil men looked to be good.
If you look only at that week, it appears that it is evil that triumphs over all, but...

(I wish that I could say that humanity has changed, but looking at our world today can sometimes bring a person down. It doesn't look much different. The news seems to be filled with stories of good people being oppressed and taken advantage of by those more powerful than they. Greed and lust for power are still the rage in our culture. Religion is still being used as a tool to manipulate people rather than as a means to seek out a relationship with God. Somehow, hate has become normal behavior. Many people -- both in politics and religion -- would have us believe that evil is still winning.)

...but
Sunday is coming!

With the resurrection of Jesus, victory over sin and death was attained.
The Triumph over the eternal condemnation for living under The Law has been achieved and eternal life is possible for those that believe that Jesus is the Son of God and offered himself to die in our place. He bore our sin and our punishment and offers us eternal life.

This little blog is far from able to explain the theology behind the substitutionary atonement of the death of Jesus. Nor can it adequately address the great love and power behind the resurrection.
But perhaps I can convince you to examine for yourself the evidence and history of that terrible week and the triumphal conclusion.

If you are a non-believer or a skeptic and are up to a challenge, I have some books that you may enjoy reading. Drop me a note in the comments. If you don't want your comment posted, just say so.

Enjoy.
Endure.
Sunday is coming!

John <><

It's Spring! (Watch for my motorcycling friends)

The long awaited day has finally arrived!
The sun has crossed the equator on its journey back to the northern hemisphere!

I have to admit that I am a little under-whelmed by its appearance today. The morning is cold and gloomy in the Ozarks with early temperatures below the freezing mark and light flurries in the forecast...
BUT...the calendar says it's spring and that's enough reason for a celebration for me!

To be fair to Mother Nature, the sun will be out and it will warm up a little today and it will be in the 70s (low 20s to the rest of the world) by Tuesday! There's a gourmet hotdog (I guess there is such a thing) place in Joplin that I plan on riding my motorcycle to for lunch on Tuesday.

Chris says that's a long way to go for a hotdog! (180 miles or 290 km round trip)
But it is more about the ride than it is about the hot dog!

I have to say that I'm still pretty much like a little kid with a new toy. I am hoping that the newness doesn't wear off -- ever! I told Chris that this is probably the best thing that I've ever bought for myself. I wish I would have done it earlier.

Of course there is a downside --
I haven't been walking this month. When it's been nice enough, I go for a ride!
There's a garden to plant.
A faucet to be replaced.
Taxes to do.
House to be cleaned.
Dinner to be prepared.
Soon there will be a lawn to be mowed.

I'd say there is life to be lived, but I am now convinced that it is best lived in the saddle of my Vulcan and on the highway!

I've been looking at the Cardinals' schedule for day games this spring.
Three and a half hour ride to St. Louis.
Three hour ballgame.
Three and a half hour ride home.
Oh! That sounds like a beautiful day!
Throw in a ballpark hotdog (or two) and a stop at Ted Drewe's and it'll be a tough day to beat! Even a Cardinal loss (perish the thought) couldn't ruin a day like that!
Heck! I might even make it home in time to catch a Springfield Cardinals' night game!

Yes, my reading friends, I am excited for the coming seasons of spring and summer!
So long, winter! I will not miss you at all in the coming nine months. Nor will I look forward to your return (unless I work out that wintering on a Mexican beach thing)!

I wish you beautiful sunny days, fair winds, gentle rains (preferably at night) and easy roads for great rides!

Happy spring!

John <><

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)

I have mentioned before that acts of kindness are seldom random for those that perform them. We look on and see them as random because they happen far too infrequently. But for those kind people, kindness is often a way of life.

I am thinking of a coffee shop somewhere in Vermont that my brother frequents. He often posts pictures or items from a chalk board that is in the shop and it offers weekly thoughts or challenges from local eighth grade class. This week's was the question "What have you done to make somebody smile this week?"

There is space for people to write their answers and chalk to write with.

I generally have few interactions with people throughout the week. I've had a few more this week -- we had dinner with friends on two occasions, I spoke with some neighbors at the polling place Tuesday, Hannah and Daniel came over for dinner last night and there was the flat tire on the motorcycle incident that netted me several encounters with very helpful people. The problem with all of that is that I think the people I encountered did more to make me smile than I did for them.

It has been a pretty good week, but I still know that I need to do more to interact with people.
On Monday evenings, I have been knocking on doors to introduce our church to the people that live close to the church. It's a thing I do with a couple of other guys from Hopedale. Tuesday a nurse stopped by for a brief insurance physical and Wednesday Chris and I dropped of a soda and sandwich for a friend that was at the hospital with her daughter.

Dang!
Maybe I don't need to interact with more people. That's about a whole month's worth in just a few days!

I also received a call from an old friend and had a nice chat on the phone.

I know that there are little things that make me smile.
I don't know if little things I might do make others smile.

     - holding the door for a stranger
     - leaving an extra tip ('cause I sat for a long time just drinking coffee)
     - a random text or phone call, or maybe a note in the mail
     - meeting friends for dinner
     - giving a small gift
     - just being patient

I don't think we have to go out of our way to be kind to people.
But I also think that it is difficult to know if we've done something to make somebody else smile -- unless we get to see the smile!

We should be nice to people without the expectation of reward other than the feeling we get just from being kind.

Be kind.
Live well.

John <><

Happy Primary Day!

Yes, it is primary election day in Missouri!

I am currently sitting in Springfield's Cracker Barrel restaurant while waiting on my motorcycle tire to be repaired. It's nice to have a bottomless cup of coffee less than a half mile from the shop. I'll have a light lunch and some coffee and spend time on the Chromebook while I'm waiting.

This afternoon I'll cast my vote in the MO 2016 Primary.
Missouri is one of those states that you can pick which party you want to vote in regardless of how you are registered. Republicans that don't like their candidates (or are hoping to spoil an opponents chances) can vote for Clinton or Sanders and Democrats can cross party lines to vote for Trump or one of the other GOP candidates.

It's too bad that the presidency is such a crappy job. As it is, we seldom seem to have the best qualified people wanting to take on such a challenge. We are often left with power seeking narcissists that see the presidency as an office to be attained rather than a position of great service to our country.

Most of the time, candidates have varying viewpoints on how our country should be governed. They all love our country and have very different ideas on how our country should serve its citizens and how its citizens should provide for our country. I don't know that I feel real comfortable standing by that statement this time around. I really think that there are candidates for the office that are solely seeking the rush of power that the presidency seems to offer.

Fortunately, our founding fathers saw to it that each branch of government's power is limited. Though the office does wield great influence, the President's powers are pretty limited. Even the privilege of Executive Order is limited in scope and only lasts until the next President counters with his/her own Executive Order. It is a little ironic that some of the candidates have voiced their opposition to the use of Executive Order to the point of saying that they will use an Executive Order to undo all of President Obama's Executive Orders!

My prediction is that Clinton and Cruz will take Missouri. I really don't know how the other primaries will go. I know that many are hoping for Kasich to win Ohio and to better position the GOP for a brokered convention in July. I'm pretty sure that the Dems are counting on a Clinton nomination but I expect that Sen. Sanders will have enough support to have great influence over the Democratic platform. I have my doubts that he'll get the nomination. He may not be a part of the party's establishment and may claim to be an outsider, but after serving in Washington DC for decades it is difficult to think of him as anything other than a career politician. He certainly doesn't command the anti-establishment vote the way Trump does! I'm pretty sure that Trump (if he gets the nomination) is going to take the votes of some anti-government Democrats, as well.

While I have said that Trump scares me because I don't really know what he stands for, there are other candidates that scare me more because I do know what they stand for. I think the weeks between the GOP Convention and the November election will be interesting for the Republicans. If The Donald gets the nomination, will he be able to pull the party together or will he continue to be the loudmouthed, charismatic guy that just draws people because he is not a career politician. Will disillusioned Democrats follow him the way disillusioned Republicans have? They may.

For many that I have spoken with, they find themselves in the position of trying to determine the least of the evils. They don't like any of their choices but are forced to pick one anyway. November may find many more Americans in the same place.

Be well!

John <><

Spring is in the air!

This afternoon I am sitting in the sun, fighting the glare on my Chromebook (I'm currently winning) and enjoying another beautiful day in the Ozarks. I suppose I could move into the shade but that would defeat the purpose of being shoeless and shirtless and soaking up the sun. It is 71 (that's 22 for the rest of the world) and BEE-YOU-T-FULL!

It is a very welcomed day after a week of overcast skies and on and off rain.

I should be out riding my motorcycle -- except
(sigh) I got a flat tire while out riding yesterday and they couldn't get it in until tomorrow for repair!
Sacrebleu!

A weeks worth of rain has my garden area a little too muddy to work in, but the sun should dry it out nicely for work later in the week. I'm pretty much an amateur when it comes to growing things so this will be more of an experiment than an actual garden. With any luck we'll have a few edible items to enjoy in the coming months. I'm going to start small and see what happens.

And while I'm at it, I think I'll do a few flowers. It should prove to be interesting ... or perhaps humorous! The experience will either provide us with food to eat or a story to tell -- maybe both!

If Monday is any indicator, this is going to be a grand week!

Be well, my friends!

John <><

Solitude

I've not been writing much. There have been times in the past few weeks when I've sat down to blog but then the thing that comes to mind to write about is some nonsense from our political scene and I decide against it.

Most of those thoughts aren't worth writing about because they either rally like thinkers around you or cause hateful comments from opponents and in the end, nobody changes their mind and a bunch of people are ticked off.

Chris went to a rally for Bernie Sanders last night. I opted out. Even though I would have liked to have seen him, I really wasn't up for waiting in line and sitting for a couple of hours to finally get to hear a few minutes of him speaking. Too many people!
I didn't see anything about violent protests or hear about people being escorted out and booed and beaten on the way. I guess that only happens for another candidate.

I stayed home and watched the Blues in another overtime win.

I did manage to get out a little bit this past week. One of the guys from our church has been wanting to visit some of the homes around our church and just introduce ourselves and our church. These aren't hardcore evangelical kinds of visits; just knock on the door-we're from Hopedale kinds of visits. We've done them for the last two Monday nights and will be out again tomorrow.

I also had lunch with a couple of our high school boys last week -- it was during their spring break. It's been a few years since I taught their Bible study class and it was nice to be able to visit with them outside of a church setting. It's also nice that they still enjoy talking with me.

Even though the weather was generally overcast and often raining, I did manage some time for a little throttle therapy -- about 500 miles worth. Most of that came in short rides but I did manage a 200 mile ride on Friday. It was cool and overcast but the rain wasn't forecast until late in the day. I decided to go for a ride and just kept riding. I noticed a few drops of rain on the window just a few minutes after I got home!
I was hoping to find out if I'd be up for a few hours in the saddle or not. I think that the seat could be a little more comfortable, but it is easily doable for a long road trip. The ride I took was about 1/3 on two lane state hwys, 1/2 on interstate or four lane state hwys and the rest on rural country roads. It was very enjoyable. I figured that I will manage a bit over 200 miles on a tank of gas. I filled up at 180 miles and used 4 gallons for a 45 mpg average.
When it gets a little warmer, I'll take the windscreen off and see how it rides without it. I really like the looks of a bike without one and feelings about riding without one are pretty mixed. Even though with or without seem to be about 50-50, those that are for riding with seem to have much stronger feelings about it than those that prefer to go naked (so to speak). Since it doesn't appear to be a big deal to remove it, I may fall into the camp of riding without it around town and for shorter trips and with it for road trips. Most likely if I decide to use it for the highway I'll just leave it on. We'll see.

Today looks to be free of rain and just right temps for a ride.
Watch for me and other motorcycles on the road!

Be well,
John <><

Grounded -- so to speak!

It looks like it is going to be a rainy week in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri.
I guess that means that the new-to-me Kawasaki will be parked in the garage for the next few days. Bummer!

I really enjoy taking it out, even if it is only for a 30-40 minute ride while waiting on dinner to be ready. There are some great roads around here to ride. Here is a view from my ride yesterday afternoon.

Riding through the country is a great way to relax and enjoy life. The rolling hills and easy curves aren't near as stressful as driving in the city or on busy highways. The horses and cows raise their heads from grazing as you ride past the fields and I think the horses are a little jealous that they are confined by the fences and I get to ride free.

Out on the bike nobody cares what the latest Trump shenanigans are or which candidate can beat Hillary in the general election. I am free to appreciate and enjoy the nature of my God's creation and to be thankful for the freedom to do so. The farthest future I have to think about is what is over the next hill or around the next curve. In a lot of ways, it is like riding a horse -- except it's a little bit faster and I'd be a little crazy to talk to my motorcycle.

So even as the saddles and tack sit unused in the garage (I need to sell those things!) I have taken on a new ride -- a steel horse. If I ever add sound to my bike, I'll have to download this song and fire it up every time I take to the road.

Unfortunately, it looks like taking to the road won't happen until next week!



Ride easy, friends!
John <><

Monday, Monday -- Can't Trust That Day

It is an overcast Monday in the Ozarks and it looks like we are headed towards a week of rain!
Sacrebleu!
For those of you that are praying for rain, please remember to pray for it to rain at night! That way we can still enjoy sunny days while keeping the fields and streams well watered.

I finished getting my motorcycle serviced this morning and am now waiting for Chris to finish with a chiropractic appointment.

I am at a relatively new place in Springfield -- Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Cafe.
This morning I enjoyed a blueberry scone (very good!) and a cup of coffee. They serve Blueprint coffee and also have Mountain Bird coffee and their own blend that I don't know if they roast themselves or not. The Blueprint coffee is good.

Chris and I were here last week for a late lunch and I enjoyed their version of a New Orleans' muffaletta. It was decent -- much better than a Schlotzsky's Original but not as good as the muffaletta from Jason's Deli.

Obviously, the sandwich breads are all freshly baked and they have a good variety of both breads and sandwiches. The bakery side is full of delicious looking treats that I need to stay away from.
I'm pretty certain we'll be back for an occasional light lunch or I may just stop by for a cup of coffee and use of the free wi-fi from time to time. The place is neat and clean and is a place your order at the counter and they bring it to your table kind of place, Drinks are self serve.

I do hope that you will all enjoy your week.
Be a blessing to someone and a pain in the butt to no one.
Read something.
Learn something.
Teach something.

Be well,
John <><

Lookout for Motorcycles!

It's the first weekend of March!

It looks to be another beautiful weekend in the Ozarks. The overnight temps and early morning temps are still pretty cool, but the day time temps are around 65F (18C for the rest of the world). Looks like a motorcycle ride will be a part of the weekend.

I feel a bit like a kid when it comes to my new (or new to me) motorcycle. In the first week of having it, I've put on about 300 miles -- not going anywhere in particular, just getting on it and riding. Sometimes I only go a few miles down the highway and back. I'm just getting used it and am really looking forward to seeing how I like it on a long ride.

On Monday I'm taking it in to be serviced. Since I really don't know when the last time it was serviced, I figured to have it done and have the bike checked out by somebody that knows a bit about motorcycles. Apparently it's a busy time of year and others are getting their bikes ready for spring because I took it in last Monday and they told me they couldn't get to it until this week.

I bought a summer weight jacket yesterday and am in the market for a new summer helmet. I'll also need a trunk bag before making a long road trip this summer. Did I mention that I'm a bit like a kid?

And while I was out shopping motorcycle accessories -- THREE different times somebody pulled out in front of me! One time the guy was looking right at me!
I know that cycles are less visible than cars, but this guy had nothing obscuring his vision -- I could see his face! Maybe he just wasn't looking for a motorcycle because it's early March and there aren't too many bikers out yet -- BUT PLEASE be on the lookout for motorcyclists.

This was the first time that something like this has happened to me.
When I first started riding, someone told me to treat every other vehicle on the road like they're trying to kill you. I think that's a little extreme but the point is to be aware of all the other cars and trucks -- and realize that they may not be aware of you! As I'm riding in traffic, I'm always asking myself, "Does that guy see you? Does he know you're here?" I hate riding beside someone in traffic because I'm always thinking they may change lanes without looking.

But the open road? I love it!
There are many great roads to ride through the Ozarks. The scenery is beautiful and you can often ride the county highways and only encounter a few other vehicles -- especially when you can ride during the weekdays when most people are at work!
Yep. Life is good!

Look for me on the road.
Watch for motorcycles.

John <><

WARNING! Political Rant

I have been debating on whether or not I should even write this post. Without jumping into the politics of the Presidential primary season, I have to say that it is a terrible thing to be played out on the international stage. It would be bad enough if we Americans were the only ones to have to witness and apparently tolerate the mockery of the process, but to play it out so that the entire world can see the types of buffoons that are running for President is an embarrassment.

I know that in our justice system one is considered innocent until proven guilty, but to have a leading candidate under criminal investigation and another one that has filed multiple bankruptcy cases is terrible. Others candidates are hated in their own political party or have decided that showing up for work at an elected position isn't that important. It seems that lying is perfectly acceptable in politics and business today and we will overlook major character flaws in order to elect the lesser of the many evils based on our personal prejudices.
It's as if we have no personal character qualifications for the people we elect to public office.

I'll be honest here -- the thing that scares me the most about Trump is his unwillingness to offer any methods for his proposed solutions. And I think that is also what worries the GOP party leaders. It looks like he will have enough delegates for the Republican nomination BEFORE he offers one solid plan for the economy, national security, immigration or any other issue. Right now, he either can't or won't even name any potential presidential advisers.

All of the other candidates have their strengths and weaknesses, but I don't understand how so many can support a guy that is bullying his way to the nomination without giving any information other than a promise to make America great again.

Some of you know that I am a UFC fight fan. This week has been leading up to a Saturday night fight between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor at UFC 196. If you've watched the press conferences and interviews leading up to the fight, then you know that these are two loudmouthed, vulgar language, trash talking fighters that sound just like our political debates. I think it looks bad for the UFC when I listen to these jokers cuss and mock one another. I never thought that it would happen in presidential politics!

Really guys?
You're going to stand on national television and make references to the size of your penis? Or worse -- you're going to volunteer that you have some knowledge of the size of your opponents penis! How does that happen?

Really! We don't care!
We do care about how un-Presidential you are!

If you strip away all of the political BS and set issues aside, the only two candidates that carry even a small shred of a Presidential image (the kind you'd set before all of the peoples of the world) are Sanders and Kasich (imho).

Geez, this is as frustrating as it is embarrassing.
While I imagine that both the Clinton and Sanders campaigns are enjoying the mudslinging show on the right, they also need to be worried about the great number of followers they are amassing. If primary voter turnouts are any indication of a general election voter turnout, the Dems had better be gearing up to get their own people to the polls.

Maybe the GOP could just have a WWE last man standing kind of fight! I know it wouldn't be a whole lot more entertaining than the current debates, but if they made it a PPV event they could raise money for the general election campaign!

Just a thought.

I know this kind of rant invites a host of comments and opinions.
Be nice.

John <><