Mike's Rantings

Carols Clouds and Mikes Trains - SkyandTrains.com

This is the page where I just say what I feel. I may not be "PC", But who gives a F***! It's my page and I'll write what the hell I want!

One thing I will do is write it in a way as to try not to offend. These are my feelings, but I do realize that I have close friends with different opinions. My friendship with them is based on a much higher level and we take each other for who we are.

Picture me as a combination of Fred Sanford, George Jefferson and my favorite, Archie Bunker! If I have something to say, I'll say it.

Still, if I offend you, I'm sorry. Mike

Ok, now I know that this page is called "Mikes Rantings", but this is going to be more of a statement of purpose than a ranting. One day one of Carol's friends said to her "you should see this web site I found. It looks like these people put their entire life up for everyone to see!" Well that was our old site that this one replaced, and she was right.... our life is up on display. Why not? We have a great life. Married 25 years with two grown son's that we are very proud of. Some people write, some paint, others take photos. This is our little spot in the world where we say to people, "Hey.... Here we are!". So if parts of this site make you fall asleep, then dream about us.... NOT THAT WAY PERVERT! Just look at what you like and skip everything else over. There will be new things every week so it won't get too stale, only we will. Mike

I just want to let everyone know that I created a toolbar to install on your browser that will allow the users to have a Message Board and Live Chat with each other. There is a Ticker that tells you when our weekly chats are but you can log on at any time with your friends and chat. I designed it without all the frills but it does include the Weather and a Radio so you can listen to tunes while you surf or chat. I hope you enjoy it. If you have any problems you can send me an email at SkyandTrains@hotmail.com. Mike.

Fly the Flag - But do it right!

Some Americans love this country and fly our beautiful flag every day to inspire the rest of us. Some Americans just dont know their ass from their elbow and end up discusting the rest of us who know. Could they just be future "Villiage Idiots"? Or is this a political statement that in their own stupid attempt to make, insults others (us)? Either way, The following is printed here to teach those who don't know the propper way to fly the flag. Get it wrong after this and your just a F***ING A**HOLE! This goes for stamps on envelopes. If you haven't been kidnapped or held against your will, you don't have the right to put your flag stamp on the envelope upside down. Flying the flag upside down in any mannor is a sign of distress. A call for help. An S.O.S.. Keep it as such. I think we all can forgive those who make the mistake for seniors over 80. But I feel that those are the Americans that won't make this mistake. They've seen more wars, many loosing a child, husband or father in war, and know the value of our flag. Well here it is, sit up straight and fly right!

How to Properly Display the American Flag

Fly It Proudly!

The U.S. flag should occupy a place of prominence when being displayed. No other flags displayed with it should be larger or hung higher than the U.S. flag. In addition, the U.S. flag should not be allowed to touch the ground, nor should it be dipped to any other flag, person or object.

1.	Make sure the flag is in respectable condition before you display it. A torn or tattered flag should not be displayed.
2.	Make sure the union (blue field with white stars) is at the top of the staff when the flag is displayed on a flagpole.
3.	Keep the U.S. flag at the top when more than one flag is flown from the same halyard.
4.	When hanging the flag at half-staff, first hoist it to the peak of the pole, then lower it to half-staff. When lowering the flag, hoist it to the peak of the pole again, then lower it. Any other flags flying alongside the U.S. flag should also be lowered to half-staff.
5.	Place the flag over a casket so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
6.	When displayed on a wall, the flag should be placed with the union in the upper left corner as the audience faces the flag and should be above and behind the speakers’ podium.
7.	Place the flag on the speakers’ right of the podium (the audience’s left) when displaying the U.S. flag in an auditorium or church.

Did You Know?

	It is proper to turn towards the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart whenever the flag passes in parade, or is raised or lowered during a ceremony. Those in uniform should give the military salute.
	When a flag is tattered or no longer in a condition that warrants display, remember to dispose of it in a "dignified" manner - being burned in private is considered a dignified end for a flag. Burning the American Flag in public at rallies is considered a sign of protest.

The flag should not be flown in inclement weather that might damage it.

The flag should be hung upside-down only in times of emergency to signal distress. Unfortunately, it is popular for protestors, foreigners, and people unfamiliar with the customs of our country to fly the American Flag upside down.

Source: United States Code, Legal Information Institute, Cornell University

Remember, I'm Watching You!!! Mike.

Here's a note I received from my good friend Erney reguarding our flag:

The Elk's Lodge's have a special Flag Day ceremony, and are authorized by law to perform flag disposal and a call to the Lodge in or near your area will get a response.

Listed under Elk's Lodge and usually a number, not the Elk's Club, although there are clubs attached. The Flag Ceremony and Disposal comes under the Lodge and will be done by the Officer's on request.

And although expensive, you can have a crematory burn them for you.

Thanks for putting Her in sight !!!!

Erney Alewine
Clermont, Florida USA

So now not only do you know how to proudly fly "Old Glory", but you know what to do when she just does not have the luster that we look to in our flag. Although, I'll take our's torn and tattered over any other! Mike

I got this in an Email today and thought it would fit right in here.

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. (This one is my pet peeve...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

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